Industry Voices, School Spirit And Other Tuesday Tidbits

Judging by the response, many GNN readers are listening to the audio clips that we’ve introduced to the website in recent weeks.

If you haven’t had the opportunity, you can listen to Jeff Boismier, the new general manager at Nobleton Lakes in Nobleton, Ont., on the GNN home page.

You’ll also be able to listen to hear Ben Cowan-Dewar, who is preparing for the much-anticipated opening of Cabot Links in Inverness, N.S., at the end of June. Read more

PING Enjoying Its Banner Season On Tour

A nice gesture might have been a good omen of things to come for PING chairman and CEO John Solheim, who was thinking about company staff players Bubba Watson and Louis Oosthuizen, who were celebrating new arrivals to their respective families.

Those two, of course, wound up being combatants in a playoff at the Masters, highlighted by a remarkable shot by Watson out of the trees to secure the green jacket.

“I bought his new son (Caleb) one of the Masters teddy bears, They’ve always made 100 regular-sized teddy bears at the Masters and I get a couple every year,” said Solheim.

“This year, they went to 150, so for a change, there were some in the pro shop. Early in the week, I saw that and bought one for Bubba and I sent him a text that I bought him a teddy bear for your son,” he recalled.

“Then, I put the note, `Now, it’s up to you to make it really special,’” said Solheim. Read more

Contemplating A Memorable Masters

The Canadian golf season is in full swing, in my mind anyway, as is the case after every Masters, but this year’s kicked it off in style, with a two-hole playoff not deciding a winner between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, but Bubba Watson and Louis Oosthuizen.

The way this one turned out, the Masters wasn’t lacking in excitement despite the absence of golf’s marquee players. Here’s what I wrote for Sun Media after Sunday’s final round.

Some other thoughts from a memorable week at Augusta National: Read more

Think Pink As Part Of Bubba And PING Initiative

The pink G20 PING driver used by Bubba Watson to win the Masters last weekend will be available as part of a limited edition around the beginning of June, with five per cent of sales from the 5,000 drivers going to the “Bubba Long in Pink, Driven by PING” fundraising campaign.

That campaign is part of the “Bubba & Friends Drive to a Million,” initiative launched by Watson in January in order to raise $1-million for charities this year.

As part of PING’s campaign, the company made a $10,000 upfront donation and gives $300 for every drive Watson hits 300 yards or farther (up to 300 drives). To date, $61,600 has been generated.

“Bubba is already approaching the target of 300 drives of 300 yards or longer, and we wanted a way to provide ongoing support for his generous cause,” said PING chairman and CEO John A. Solheim. “

Even prior to his win at The Masters, golfers were requesting pink G20s.Through word of mouth, social media and phone calls, the interest was extremely high. We want to satisfy that demand while bringing even more visibility to Bubba’s goal of raising $1-million, he added.

“Golfers who own a pink G20 will be excited to have this prized possession. They’ll not only enjoy the improved performance of the G20, they’ll be participating in a wonderful cause,” said Solheim.

The drivers will have a bright pink shaft and clubhead featuring the same technology as the G20. Lofts available include 9.5, 10.5 and 12 degree lofts for right-handed players and 10.5 degrees for left-handers.

There is also a version geared for women with 12 degrees of loft and a Ladies flex shaft. All come with a matching pink headcover and a high-balance-point TFC 169D shaft labeled, “Bubba Long in Pink. Driven by PING. Limited Edition 2012.” It is available in R, S, and L flexes.

PING Introduces Adjustable Putter Shaft

PING has introduced a USGA-approved, adjustable-length belly putter shaft that allows the player to self-adjust the length within a nine-inch range for better performance.

The adjustable shaft is offered exclusively with the Nome 405 putter.

“At PING, custom fitting is our priority and with the popularity of belly putters, we saw a unique fitting opportunity because shaft length is so critical to performance,” said PING chairman and CEO John A. Solheim.

“Adjustability is key because the standard 42-inch belly putter fits a narrow range of people. When the shaft is too long or too short, it alters your distance from the ball, your eye position, and the path of your stroke,” he added.

“Adjustability lets you experiment until your posture is comfortable and your eyes are over the ball, which helps you make a consistent stroke and solid impact. We’re pleased to have USGA approval of this easy-to-use, innovative technology,” said Solheim.

“Golfers are going to find it will help improve their putting,” he said.

The length can be adjusted from 37.5 to 46.5 inches, with the player adjusting the length using a PING adjustment tool that threads into a locking ring on the shaft.

Turning the tool loosens the ring, allowing the shaft to slide telescopically. The player then adjusts the shaft to the desired length.

Turning the adjustment tool in the opposite direction and removing it locks the ring and secures the shaft, so it’s ready for play.

As one more fitting step, the shaft is available in three different bends to match straight, slight arc and strong arc stroke types. This coincides with PING’s Fit for Stroke putter-fitting concept.

The Nome was recently used by Hunter Mahan, who used a Nome 355 putter before its official launch to win the WGC-Accenture Match Play in February. Players are being introduced to the adjustable shaft Nome 405 at the Shell Houston Open.

The lower portion of the shaft is steel, with the upper portion beneath the grip being graphite. The locking ring is made from 17-4 stainless steel.

The Nome head is made precision-milled from high-grade aluminum and finished with a durable nano nickel coating. A lightweight aluminum frame and tungsten sole weighting are in place to optimize centre of gravity and moment of inertia.

The mallet-style head features a black alignment bar and white contrasting sightline. A Winn AVS 21-inch belly grip is standard and the lie is adjustable plus two degrees from standard.

PING Canada Names Fitters Of The Year

Ron Laugher and his staff at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club have been named the 2011 PING Canada National Fitter of the Year.

First given in 1998, the award recognizes the authorized PING Fitter who has demonstrated the highest commitment to custom fitting and the promotion of its benefits to golfers of all abilities.

“Ron Laugher and his staff at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club continually demonstrate their belief in custom fitting PING golf clubs,” said PING chairman and CEO John Solheim,”

“Their dedication to properly fitting golf clubs has continued for many years and 2011 was another example of their commitment to fitting equipment that will allow their members to play better golf,” said Solheim.

Ron Laugher has been selected eight times as Regional Club Fitter of the Year and once before as the National Club Fitter of the Year in 2006.

“Club fitting with today’s technology has made the game of golf more enjoyable than ever before for the recreational golfer. I am proud to represent Ping Canada, which continues to lead the golf industry through their innovation.” he said.

Priddis Greens relies on PING’s Advanced Fitting System (AFS) Interchangeable Fitting Cart. The nFlight Custom-Fitting Software and iPING are also in the plans. The iPING putter app identifies stoke type to fit customers with the PING putter model that matches his or her stroke.

Over 300 authorized PING Club Fitters were eligible for the award. Among the criteria considered by the selection committee are length of time in the program, commitment to ongoing training, sustained sales growth and support of the entire PING product line.

Nominating Ron Laugher was Ryan Bathgate, PING field representative for Southern Alberta.

Numerous Regional Club Fitters of the Year were also recognized for an outstanding effort in 2011, including several first-time winners, as well as those that have been recognized on previous occasions.

“PING is very proud of all of our club fitting accounts across Canada, but especially proud to recognized the exceptional efforts of this group in 2011” said Solheim.

Regional Winners 2011

• Michel Blier – Club de golf du Bic
• Adam Chamberlain – Gowan Brae Golf and Country Club
• Adam Cherry – Credit Valley Golf & Country Club
• Kevin Haime – Kevin Haime Golf Centre
• Norm Jackson – Cowichan Golf & Country Club
• Matt Johnson – Windermere Golf and Country Club
• Cory Kartusch – St. Charles Country Club
• Kerry Ward – Rivershore Golf Links
• Jason Wyatt – Sunningdale Golf & Country Club

New PING i20 Fairways Designed For All Turf Conditions

The new, stainless steel i20 fairway woods from PING are designed for versatility to help launch the ball with ease from all turf conditions and off the tee.

When the ball is sitting down, the i20’s compact shape helps the head glide through heavy grass and launch the ball high and straight. Its neutral head rotation promotes square impact.

The traditional head design makes aiming easier and a matte-black, non-glare finish provides a distinct head profile.

Golfers have a choice of stock shafts, including the the PING TFC (Tip, Flex, Control) 707F for a low-spin, boring trajectory, or the lighter Project X Black by True Temper, offering mid-spin and a higher trajectory.

PING Nome Leaves Good First Impression

After Hunter Mahan used it to the the Accenture Match Play Championship, PING has introduced the Nome putter.

“It felt great immediately and it gave me a lot of confidence, so I could just trust my aim and stroke the ball freely,” said Mahan, who added the putter to his bag after an alignment-testing session with PING’s Senior Player Development Manager Matt Rollins.

“Long putts, big-breaking putts — I felt like I could make just about any putt I looked at,” said Mahan.

The Nome is precision-milled from high-grade aluminum and features tungsten weighting in the sole. It will arrive in golf shops around the world in early April and is available in standard and belly-length versions.

“Hunter’s win was thrilling, and we were proud to see him play with such confidence in his game and his PING equipment, the Nome in particular,” said PING chairman and CEO John Solheim.

“To go undefeated in six matches against an elite field of 64 is a testament to how hard he has worked on strengthening every aspect of his game,and he really worked magic with the Nome. It was fun to watch,” added Solheim.

The Nome’s ability features a black alignment bar and contrasting white sightline to improve aim. A lightweight, high-grade aluminum frame featuring tungsten sole weighting is designed to optimize centre of gravity position and elevates moment of inertia for accuracy.

Three different shaft bends are available to fit straight, slight arc or strong arc putting strokes. Golfers can determine their stroke type using the iPING Fit feature on the company’s new iPING putter app, a free download through the App Store.

It’s Unclear If Solheim’s Ball Proposal Will Fly

When United States Golf Association executive director Mike Davis made like the Three Musketeers with his recent “one for all” statement, it seemed to have implications on a proposal by PING chairman and CEO John Solheim to employ a three-ball system in golf, although Solheim wasn’t mentioned specifically.

You can read James Achenbach’s story in Golfweek about Davis’ comments here.

Solheim’s proposal falls into the growing trend towards bifurcation, or different rules and equipment that would help golfers draw more enjoyment from a game that is failing to draw newcomers. The best in the world would play under one set of equipment rules, while everyone else would play by different equipment standards. Read more

Links: One For All, Resistance To Golf As Business Expense

It would appear that one for all is the theme of the United States Golf Association, which stated recently that it stands solidly in favour of one set of equipment rules for all golfers.

A growing support of bifurcation, meaning elite players would compete under one set of equipment rules while recreational players would use another set of equipment rules, was dealt with by executive director Mike Davis at the recent United States Golf Association annual meeting. Davis endorsed one set of rules for all.

PING chairman and chief executive officer  John Solheim  proposed in December the use of three different categories of golf balls, one identical to the golf balls used today, one that would go shorter and one that would go longer.

Tournaments would have the choice of what type of ball would be played, while recreational players could adjust their handicaps based on what type of ball they used during each round. However, Davis’ recent statement is an apparent roadblock to Solheim’s proposal, even though Davis didn’t specify it.

James Achenbach of Golfweek has been all over this story from the beginning, including here and here, leading up to Davis’ most recent statement here.

In other news, it would appear that efforts to make golf a legitimate tax deduction may run into some resistance. You can read that Vancouver Sun story here.

What’s Going Down In O-Town?

ORLANDO — Heading into the PGA Merchandise Show, which begins Thursday at the Orange Country Convention Center, companies are looking to ride already-established momentum in, make a splash in Orlando, then carry that momentum throughout the year.

Great Timing For PING

PING couldn’t have asked for better timing than Mark Wilson’s win last weekend at the Humana Challenge, using the new i20 driver and irons just before the show began.

“What a great start in just his second week out with them on the PGA Tour. That was quite an accomplishment,” said PING director of engineering Brad Schweigert.

“A lot of it is brand building than actually stimulating individual club sales, but when you have a new product launch like this and you have early success with it, I think it can only help,” he added.

“We don’t put a load of pressure on our tour players to get into the new products. We obviously make it available and work with them, so when they do choose and they have success, it’s a great feeling for us,” said Schweigert.

“When he first hit them, he just thought they went through the ground really nice. They really suit his eye. They had some forgiveness where he wanted it in the long irons. The trajectories were really good. It was a good fit right from the beginning.”

Nike Dares You

Nike Golf president Cindy Davis joined LPGA Tour star Suzann Pettersen and some big bruisers in the form of Ken Griffey Jr. and Sterling Sharpe at a company event Tuesday evening at the Peabody Hotel.

Griffey and Sharpe took part in a Speed Trial, something that will become a part of demo days and at retail outlets in the months to come as part of the launch of Nike’s VR_S woods, hybrids and drivers.

Golfers will get the chance to compare their own clubs against the VR_S products.

“Getting people to change is not always easy,” said Davis.

“Change isn’t easy in anything and golfers who have been playing this sport for a long time often default to whatever brand they’ve been playing and don’t do due diligence to really understand what’s available in the marketplace,” she added.

Nike, a relative newcomer in the club business compared to other major manufacturers, is providing the incentive to do that through Speed Trials, according to Davis.

“Is it too difficult to go hit a few drives, a few fairway woods, a few hybrids to really see the technology? We don’t think it is,” she said.

“If we didn’t find a way to have trial with a purpose, we’re not sure we’d get the engagement level we think we’re going to get with this program,” said Davis.

“If someone says, `I dare you,’ a lot of people say, `Okay, I’ll take you up on that.’ This program, in many ways, the Speed Trials, says `I dare you.’”

Callaway Has Lots To Show At The Show

Callaway is not only introducing its fully-adjustable RAZR Fit driver, but also its RAZR X Black family of woods, hybrids and irons, but it won’t end there.

The new HEX Black Tour and HEX Chrome golf balls will be introduced, as will the new Metal-X line of putters from Odyssey. In irons, the RAZR X Black, the RAZR XF and the RAZR X HL iron will complement the company’s 2011 offerings—the RAZR X, RAZR X Forged and RAZR X Tour.

Watch GNN for more on the technology of these products.

What Happened In Vegas Won’t Stay In Vegas

Expect to see Callaway’s new “Epic Demo” advertising campaign, shot on location at and above the Las Vegas Strip in December, on network television in the next few weeks.

At the helm of the shoot was music video and commercial director, Joseph Kahn. The television and online executions will put the spotlight on the company’s 2012 products and staff professionals, reportedly in a way most golfers aren’t used to seeing.

PING nFlight Going Mobile

You won’t actually see it in Canada until later this year, but PING is giving accounts a peek at its new, mobile nFlight fitting system, which works with several launch monitors off an iPad-type device, which delivers a wealth of swing information.

You heard it here first, but don’t tell anybody that.

Fourteen Goes Forged

Fourteen Golf, distributed in Canada by Jancor Agencies, is introducing its TC-530FG forged irons at the show. Watch GNN soon for the complete tech story.

Nike Deja Vu

You likely heard a lot about Nike’s 20XI ball in 2011 through stories such as this and this, but there’s more to come because the company is looking at this year as the launch.

Last year’s launch of the 20XI only took place in North America and this year it goes global. Advertising campaigns and player seeding will be among the means used to promote the ball in North America and around the world.

“We not only created a new core technology. We created a whole new manufacturing process. It was a start-up,” said Nike Golf president Cindy Davis.

“Making a urethane ball, a premier ball, is not an easy thing. Creating a whole new way from an injection molding standpoint was a whole new thing,” she added.

“We wanted to bring it to (the North American) market because it was out in the marketplace from a knowledge standpoint, so we made a strategic decision to begin the process in North America,” said Davis.

“We actually look at this year as the real launch of the 20XI golf ball because it goes global next month. Now the trial begins. If you look at our portfolio from an advertising standpoint, it will get the largest amount of advertising dollars percentage-wise of our media spend,” she said.

“I think we learned something,” said Davis. “Because of the energy that we created in North America launching this, all the launch quantities in other parts of the world have nearly doubled than what was originally planned.

“The other parts of the world have said, `I’ve heard about this, when is it coming?’ so we created some real anticipation and pent-up demand for this product,” she said.

Off To Orlando

Depending on when you read this, I could be 30,000 feet over North Carolina or Georgia on my way to the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

It’s been a tradition for years and while the show has changed dramatically since I first started going, one thing that doesn’t change is a crazy schedule. Read more

New PING i20 Hybrids Employ Compact Head, Low-Deep CG

For launching the ball high and landing it softly on the green, the i20s hybrids from PING employ a compact head and low-deep centre of gravity.

Forgiveness across the clubface allows golfers to swing confidently from heavy rough or tight lies as more surface area low on the clubface ensures forgiveness to optimize launch conditions.

The straight leading edge and slim, contoured head are in place to make aiming easier, while a non-glare, matte-black finish eliminates distractions to help with aim and focus.

Players can choose from two stock shafts, the PING TFC (Tip, Flex, Control) 707H for a low-spin, boring trajectory, or the lighter Project X Black by True Temper, offering mid-spin and a higher trajectory.

Stock graphite shafts include the TFC 707H and Project X Black, both in three flexes.
Hybrids available include 17, 20 and 23 degrees.

PING i20 Driver Designed To Reduce Drag

The crown in the new i20 driver from PING is designed to be highly aerodynamic to reduce drag for maximum clubhead speed and ball velocity, resulting in greater distance.

The 460cc head features dense tungsten sole weights that increase the moment of inertia and position the centre of gravity for low-spin, penetrating trajectories.

The head is made from Ti 8-1-1, a lighter, lower-density titanium alloy that allows for a weight allocation for more forgiveness.

A distinctive matte-black finish is used to eliminate glare and distractions. Golfers can choose from two stock shafts – the PING TFC (Tip, Flex, Control) 707D for a low-spin, boring trajectory, or the lighter Project X Black by True Temper, offering mid-spin and a higher trajectory.

The i20 driver is available in 8.5, 9.5 & 10.5-degree lofts Stock graphite shafts include the TFC 707D and Project X Black, both in three flexes.

PING i20 Irons Are Multi-Metal

The new i20 irons from PING feature multi-metal technology in a progressive set design.

The long irons are slightly larger, high launching, and more forgiving. The smaller short irons feature less offset for greater control.

Stabilizing bars and a thicker face are in place to ensure distance control and a solid feel. Tungsten toe weights in the 17-4 stainless steel heads are used to elevate forgiveness.

A low-glare satin chrome finish and ferrule offer a clean, high-performance look.

Combined with PING’s new CFS (Control, Feel, Stability) steel shaft, the i20 optimizes feel and trajectories. The stock graphite shaft is the TFC 169i, which also comes in four flexes.

PING Introduces i20 Series

PING has kicked off 2012 with the introduction of its i20 fairway woods, hybrids and irons.

“In the i20 series, we’ve combined workability, distance and forgiveness with the goal to make any golfer a more versatile and complete player,” said John A. Solheim, PING chairman and chief executive officer.

“We’ve engineered the i20s with a solid feel and generous forgiveness, but also a degree of workability for the player who wants full command of the clubface for controlling trajectory and shot shape,” he added.

“Anyone who is passionate about their game is going to be very confident and capable with this game-improvement technology,” said Solheim.

Solheim said that the matte-black finish of the driver, fairway woods, and hybrids is more than eye-catching, adding that it has a real performance benefit.

“The non-glare finish absorbs light, allowing the player to focus without distraction,” he said. “Our tour pros are very enthusiastic about the finish, but even more so about the i20s’ performance. Players are able to execute any shot they want with confidence.”

The 460 c.c. driver head is designed to reduce drag, which generates clubhead speed and ball velocity for more distance.

“The i20 driver is incredibly long, but also highly accurate,” Solheim said. “We gave the fairway woods and hybrids the same matte finish and their designs offer the high-launching forgiveness that makes them reliable from all turf conditions and from the tee.”

In the multi-metal irons, a progressive set design features long irons that are slightly larger, high-launching and more forgiving. The smaller short irons feature less offset with better control.

Distance control, a key to consistent iron play, was a priority in the irons’ design, according to Solheim.

“The stabilizing bars and the thicker face offer great feel and ensure that golfers can hit to precise yardages. Distance control is an absolute must for better players, but precision is going to help anyone lower their scores,” he said.

To emphasize the importance of a proper fit with any i20 product, PING offers two stock shaft options. In the driver, fairways, and hybrids, golfers can choose PING’s TFC 707 series, or the Project X Black from True Temper.

“Both shafts deliver a solid, stable feel and consistent performance,” said Solheim. “Our TFC series is slightly heavier, stiffer and generates lower launch and less spin than Project X Black.”

In the irons, PING’s CFS (Control, Feel and Stability) shaft and the TFC 169i are available.

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