The Golf Wish Blog

Archive for June, 2009

July is Family Golf Month

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

The month of July is dedicated as Family Golf Month by Play Golf America. During the month, golf courses throughout the country are offering special promotions and events to encourage families to play the game of golf. Golfing is a great way to gather the family, enjoy some quality time, exercise, great conversation, and nature at its finest.

Many of The Golf Wish partner courses are sponsoring family specials throughout the month. For example, Crane’s Landing has a great discount for kids and parents, “Your child under the age of 15 plays for free with a full paying parent or adult, every day of the week after 3 p.m.” Pine Meadow is offering these great deals: “Family Golf – after 4pm any day of the week, with paid parent, child is free” and “Special Family Golf Days every Saturday and Sunday night at 5:30 for $10.00 green fees with one person under the age of 12.”

The week of July 6 – 12 is “take your daughter to the course week.” During this week, you can enjoy a round of golf with your daughter through great specials such as Pine Meadow’s “any day after 4 p.m., your daughter plays free” offer or Cog Hill’s “Take Your Daughter Group Clinic” on July 12 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

So folks, gather the family and hit the course for some great fun!

Posted by Marilyn Harris

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Posted in Family Golf | 1 Comment »

Greening our Golf Courses

Monday, June 29th, 2009

With the help of new technology, approximately 100 golf courses have initiated the trend to invest in a greener America. Subterranean wireless sensor monitoring systems are being installed to aid the course grounds crews in monitoring moisture, temperature and salinity in the soil. These systems provide data to establish an efficient operation for water conservation measures at a cost of approximately $12,000. According to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, golf courses consume .5% of the United States water supply on an annual basis. With the use of a monitoring system, The Desert Mountain Golf Club in Arizona has generated a savings of more than 100 million gallons of water per year as a result of their sensor system.

The Card Sound Golf Club in Florida uses recycled water from reverse osmosis to irrigate their course. Because of the high salt content in the water, the course is required to “flush the greens” with fresh water every two weeks. Earlier this year, the course installed a subterranean wireless sensor system that has saved half of the water previously used to irrigate the course.

Will more and more courses follow the lead of these progressive courses and employ innovative technology water conservations measures to help preserve our natural resources? Should golf courses be required to take measures to proactively conserve water?

Posted by Marilyn Harris

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Posted in Greening America | No Comments »

Kenny Perry Rises to the Top

Sunday, June 28th, 2009

Looks like Kenny Perry has lifted that dark cloud looming over him since his bogey-bogey finish as this year’s Masters. Perry won the Traveler’s Championship today with a final round of 63 and tournament score of 22 under setting a tournament record of 258. Kenny shot a 61 in the first round setting a course record (the previous record was set in 1962 by Tim Norris with a 259). He went into the final round 1 under to playing partner Paul Goydos. Perry’s steadfast determination and aggressive play paid off in the final round. He learned his lessons well from his 2009 Master’s experience.

Perry’s win today was dedicated to the family that he and his family have stayed with for the past 10 plus years that he has played in the Traveler’s Championship. He readily congratulated “his team” of host family members as he walked off of the 18th green. He now has provided each of his host families in various areas of the country with a tournament win of their “host tournament”…way to go, Kenny!

Kenny has won 5 tournaments in the past year. That’s more than any other tour player. He now leads the FedEx Cup surpassing Zach Johnson by 212 points. We congratulate Kenny with an awesome win and await more great golf from this grand player! Let the sun shine through!

Posted by Marilyn Harris

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Posted in PGA | No Comments »

June is Women’s Golf Month

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009

In 2005 American Express introduced the Women’s Golf Week program which has since evolved into Women’s Golf Month, debuting in 2008. The goal is to grow the popularity of the game among females and so far it seems to be paying off. According to AMEX figures, in 2008 there was a 9.2% increase in participation in the program. Good news for golf courses and stores, which saw a revenue increase of $2.7M, but great news for female golfers. Long considered a male dominated sport, it’s good to hear that companies are recognizing the importance of females to the golf industry.

Even more inspiring, in my opinion, are the programs geared toward getting young women and girls involved in the game. I think it’s great to see more and more young females excelling at the game. And this morning, when my three year old daughter left for the driving range with her Grandpa and brother, pink clubs over her shoulder, I didn’t necessarily see the next Michelle Wie or Alexis Thompson but I did see a young girl with excitement in her eyes to be doing something active and outdoors.

In the midst of Women’s Golf Month came one of the more exciting annoucements I’ve heard in a while: Pinehurst will hold the first ever golf “doubleheader” when the US Open and US Women’s Open are played in consecutive weeks in 2014. Although it’s several years away I can’t think of a better way to generate buzz for women’s golf. It’s a brilliant move.

So to all the female golfers out there….enjoy Women’s Golf Month. And if you know of any women or girls who have never golfed maybe this is the perfect time to introduce them to the game.

Posted by Michele Minten

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Posted in Women's Golf | 1 Comment »

An unknown becomes a champion – Glover takes the US Open

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

Of all the stories unfolding at the 2009 US Open, Lucas Glover didn’t even factor in. First there was the story of Tiger’s dominance (will he or won’t he); Phil’s family concerns and the potential Hollywood moment of a trophy for his wife’s hospital room; the rain and weather; the “comeback” of David Duval. And where did Glover fit into this? Nowhere, really. He just played golf. And he played good, if unexciting, golf. Cool hand Lucas remained calm, cool and in control….and it worked for him.
Did it add to the excitement of the Open? In my opinion, not really. It’s great to see an underdog win but I admit that I would have liked some drama at the end. Nothing big; maybe a fist pump or a clicking of the heels.

At the end, though, it was the mild mannered guy from South Carolina who was able to take a fairly non-descript swing, stay on the right side of the weather, and set himself up at the top of the leaderboard. And, at least for the next several years, nobody will be asking “Lucas who?”

Posted by Michele Minten

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Posted in PGA | 1 Comment »

Rain, rain go away…

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

While much of the country is experiencing record rainfalls and cities are inundated with deluges that would make Seattle natives cringe, golf fans are wondering……how much rain does it take to take down the top golfers in the world?

Bethpage Black isn’t easy under any circumstances but add in the pressure of the US Open along with record rainfall and even the top golfers are trying to figure out how to play on wet and difficult course conditions.

We saw Tiger lose his way as his hands slipped off his club and his first drive went wildly away from its intended mark. It didn’t get better for him as the day wore on and what golf could be played was played poorly by the man considered one of the best in golf.

But for some lesser known golfers the rain has been a blessing. Lucas Glover, Ricky Barnes, Peter Hanson, and Mike Wier, the current top four on the leaderboard are taking advantage of the chaos of the day and staying on the right side of the rain….for now. But there’s more golf to come. So who do you think will come out on top?

Posted by Michele Minten

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Posted in PGA, Tiger Woods | 2 Comments »

World of Golf Hall of Fame offering free admission for all!

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

If you are going to be in Florida over Father’s Day then perhaps a trip to the World of Golf Hall of Fame might be in your future. On June 21st from 10 AM to 6 PM the Hall of Fame will open it’s doors free of charge to anyone who wants to visit. This annual Community Day is beings sponsored by AT&T and Last Minute Golfer.

One of the highilights of the free admission is all dads will receive a complimentary 18 hole round of golf and half priced admission to one of the attached IMAX theater’s films. Every guest can go see the Hall’s featured exhibit, “Bob Hope, shanks for the memories.” Sounds like there are also going to be tons of contests and activities including longest putt, closest to the pin etc.

Has anyone out there been to the Hall? What did you think? I’ve never been to the Hall of Fame but have heard it’s fantastic. It certainly sounds like a fun place to visit for any golf fan or sports history buff.

Posted by Michele Minten

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Posted in World of Golf | No Comments »