Golf News

Fly in Style with Dustin Johnson, Magellan Jets

Ted Odorico July 30, 2024

Magellan Jets -- 4Aces Golf Club -- Photo No. 2

Golf News

So, you’re obsessed with playing famous, bucket-list courses requiring short- and long-hauls.

Here’s a tip for you:

With a life-is-short attitude, more and more golfers are flying privately nowadays. Might as well go for luxe with your buddies, clients, brothers, sisters and whomever to hit St. Andrews, Valderrama, Bandon Dunes, Pinehurst and Whistling Straits.

They’re doing what Dustin Johnson is doing … in style.

Say what? Read on:

Magellan Jets and DJ’s 4Aces GC on the LIV Golf League have formed a partnership designating the company to be the “official private aviation provider” of the Johnson-captained team.

Johnson selected Magellan Jets to exclusively manage his private air travel globally, and teammate Patrick Reed has also flown with the company; therefore, it was a natural fit to expand the relationship to 4Aces GC.

Along with Johnson and Reed, the 4Aces GC’s Pat Perez and Harold Varner III will appear in promotion of the company’s private aviation solutions and host unique experiences for Magellan Jets’ customers.

“Between golf, business and family, my time is at a premium,” says Johnson. “I committed to being a Magellan Jets cardholder because I trust its personalized service and range of aircraft. My team at Magellan always goes the extra mile to ensure the comfort and safety of my family and the 4Aces on every trip. This partnership is a perfect fit, and we are excited to onboard Magellan as part of the 4Aces family.”

“Dustin Johnson is highly recognized as one of the best golfers in the world and one of the most knowledgeable and seasoned private fliers in all of sports,” says Joshua Marc Hebert, Founder and CEO of Magellan Jets. “As with many tour players and professional athletes, we appreciate Dustin’s loyalty to Magellan Jets.”

4Aces and LIV Golf fans will see the team members display the Magellan Jets logo on their golf shirts in all LIV Golf and other professional golf events.

The partnership with 4Aces GC marks the company’s continued growth in professional golf and sports. Magellan Jets recently became the Official Private Aviation Provider of the Boston RedSox and hired long time industry veteran Todd Goldstein as Vice President of Sports and Entertainment to further expand reach within the category.

Recently named by Modern Luxury as “Best Private Jet Charter 2024,” Magellan Jets offers jet card ownership, membership, on-demand charter, and aircraft sales and management services.

Through its curated network of private aviation operators, the company’s asset-light model provides the most flexible and comprehensive range of private jet solutions, financial stability and an industry leading safety management system. Each private client is paired with a dedicated Magellan Jets advisor who manages all aspects of the end-to-end travel journey.

There’s no reason to risk missing your tee time due to frequent delays when flying commercially.

Pinehurst and Tagmarshal – Post Tournament prep

Ted Odorico June 4, 2024

PINEHURST-masthead-35685293-1-inehurstresort1

Golf News

While the USGA knows how to test the best players in the world for one week, Pinehurst Resort—with 10 regulation courses and tens of thousands of golfing guests—has to know its customers, correlating their desires with their abilities the other 51 weeks as well as next year and the years after.

When the world’s top golfers descend upon storied Pinehurst No. 2 to compete in the U.S. Open Championship, June 13-16, they will take on a golf course that has been set up to exacting specifications especially for them.

When the complex returns to resort play, among the questions for Pinehurst’s golf staff: What is the optimal pace for a resort round? How fast should the greens be to create that pace while providing an exciting experience? Which holes can help pick up the pace, and which ones add to the delay? How do select hole positions affect the pace of play?

All those answers, and many more, are provided by Tagmarshal, the world leader in optimizing on-course operations and pace-of-play management through data-driven software. For the past 7 seven years, Pinehurst Resort has used Tagmarshal to track every round on courses No. 2 and No. 4, amassing millions of data points that show how changes in conditions affect the player experience.

“We consider ourselves a living laboratory,” explains Matt Barksdale’s, Pinehurst Resort’s Director of Golf, “and we’re continually trying to improve. As a result, Tagmarshal is a great catalyst for us to understand what we’re putting in place, providing quantitative analysis of what is working and why it’s working.”

With the U.S. Open coming to No. 2, most of the attention has been to getting the course ready for the best golfers in the world, a process that the USGA began some 18 months ago. But for Barksdale and his staff, it’s just as important that the Donald Ross-designed gem be in perfect condition for resort golfers as soon as possible. And this year, there’s an added twist.

Just one week after the Open finishes, the resort will host both the men’s and women’s North & South Championships, among the most prestigious amateur tournaments in the country. The two events, which will be held simultaneously, will be held on two courses, including No. 2: Contestants who play practice and tournament rounds on No. 2 will face the same conditions that the U.S. Open players faced, including green speeds of 13.

As soon as these big events are through, the process of bringing No. 2 back begins. (Also, immediately after the North & South, golfers looking for a real challenge can experience near-major-championship conditions on No. 2 for a few weeks.) After all the tents and grandstands are removed, the areas and grass and sod that were trampled on for weeks must be reestablished. At the same time, the greens will start growing back, eventually reaching speeds of 10.5 to 11, which will bring the average round time down to 4:40.

That standard—what Barksdale calls “championship level for resort guests”—was derived by Tagmarshal crunching years of data on rounds over No. 2.

“For us to have that information both previous to and post-U.S. Opens gives us concrete evidence that we are back to normal playing conditions from a flow and pace-of-play standpoint,” Barksdale explains. “Tagmarshal gives us a barometer to get to the appropriate outcome.”

RMHC Northwest Ohio hosts raffle

Ted Odorico April 22, 2024

Golf News

The Golf Trip of a Lifetime: Kevin’s Journey with Lexus Champions for Charity. In a world where good fortune often feels elusive, Kevin Bush found himself in a moment of disbelief and exhilaration. It all began with an innocuous email that could have easily been dismissed as spam. As the owner of Nothing Bundt Cakes, a regular supporter of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), his wife’s intuition nudged him to reconsider. “You bought raffle tickets, it might be legit!” she exclaimed.

Kevin’s instincts initially urged him to delete the email claiming he was the winner of the Lexus Champions for Charity raffle. But with his wife’s encouragement, he reached out to RMHC. The confirmation he received left him stunned yet elated. “It was disbelief. Enthusiasm. Insane feeling to win,” he recalls.

For Kevin, a seasoned golfer of 35 years and a member of Highland Meadows Golf Club, the prospect of playing world-renowned courses like Pebble Beach Golf Links, The Links at Spanish Bay, and Spyglass Hill Golf Course was a dream come true. What made it even more special was the chance to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with his 23-year-old son, Connor, who shares his passion for golf.

From the moment they stepped off the plane, Kevin and Connor were enveloped in first-class VIP treatment. Awaiting them was a Lexus VIP shuttle, ready to whisk them away to The Inn at Spanish Bay, a luxurious 5-star resort. The welcome reception, complete with delectable food, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres, set the tone for the extraordinary days ahead.

The room boasted breathtaking views of the ocean and the meticulously manicured courses they were about to conquer. Each day was a new adventure, filled with camaraderie and unforgettable moments. At Pebble Beach, they marveled at the beauty of the course and played exceptionally well. Spyglass Hill presented its own challenges with its narrow fairways and deep rough, but the experience was nothing short of exhilarating. Spanish Bay provided the perfect finale, highlighted by Connor’s remarkable eagle on the 17th hole.

Reflecting on his journey, Kevin’s advice to potential ticket buyers is resounding. “If you are a golfer, it is better than a powerball. You have incredible odds,” he asserts. “This is the kind of experience that money can’t buy. It is special. It makes you feel good. It warms your heart. And it’s the trip of a lifetime.”

What truly stood out for Kevin was the partnership between Lexus and RMHC. Beyond the extraordinary golfing experience, he gained a newfound appreciation for Lexus’s commitment to supporting the community. “Sometimes you have an interaction with an organization, and it really changes your perception of their culture and values. This trip did that for us,” he reflects. As Kevin and Connor reminisce about their unforgettable journey, their story serves as a testament to the transformative power of dreams fulfilled and the profound impact of organizations coming together to make a difference.

Tickets for this year’s Lexus Champions for Charity raffle are on sale now. The cost of purchasing a ticket is $125, and there are only 300 tickets available. If you are interested in buying a raffle ticket to play in the Lexus Champions for Charity tournament, please visit https://bit.ly/RMHCLexusC4C, rmhctoledo.org, or contact info@rmhctoledo.org.

Revelyst Announces Acquisition of PinSeeker

Ted Odorico March 25, 2024

Golf News

PinSeeker enables players to compete globally in real-time, virtual, closest-to-the-pin tournaments

The brand will be integrated into Foresight Sports, the leading maker of golf launch monitors and simulators, in Revelyst’s Precision Sports Technology platform

The acquisition allows Foresight Sports to capitalize on strong market demand for skill-based gaming and will fast-track the evolution of Foresight’s digital game and content platform

ANOKA, Minn. – Monday, March 25, 2024 — Revelyst, a collective of world-class maker brands that design and manufacture performance gear and precision technologies and a segment of Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO), today announced it has acquired PinSeeker, a Wasserman portfolio company and the leading simulator off-course golf and connectivity app that hosts real-time, virtual, closest-to-the-pin tournaments.

The PinSeeker app enables golfers to compete in contests and challenges with their friends, families and fellow golfers, wherever they are located. The app hosts virtual tournaments, closest-to-the-pin challenges and other contests where participants can play for free or compete for real money, experiencing the thrill of competitive golf with anyone, anywhere. The acquisition allows Foresight Sports to capitalize on strong market demand for competitive tournaments and experiences in off-course golf and will fast-track the evolution of Foresight’s digital game and content platform.

PinSeeker will be integrated into Foresight Sports, the leading maker of golf launch monitors and simulators, in Revelyst’s Precision Sports Technology platform. PinSeeker employees will relocate to San Diego where Revelyst’s Precision Sports Technology platform is based.

“Adding PinSeeker’s one-of-a-kind app to Foresight Sports’ category-leading launch monitors and simulators will help us deliver an unmatched user experience for off-course golfers,” said Eric Nyman, CEO of Revelyst. “Our two Precision Sports Technology platform brands — Foresight Sports and Bushnell Golf — are best-in-class golf brands. The addition of PinSeeker and its team builds our standing in the industry, expands our software offering and provides the resources and know-how to extend our reach in this rapidly growing skill-based gaming category. It reflects Revelyst’s goal of engaging with consumers in more modern and tech-forward ways, both outdoors and virtually.”

Unlike traditional on-course golf, PinSeeker hosts tournaments on golf simulators, giving players instant access to thousands of events and allowing them to compete against golfers worldwide. The app allows players to compete in real-time, view their rankings and competitors, and enjoy even more use from their Falcon or QuadMAX products from Foresight Sports, or other simulator devices.

The acquisition enables Revelyst and Foresight Sports to capitalize on the increasing number of golfers — off-course participation grew 18 percent to 33 million participants in 2023 — and build a world-class game and entertainment experience for golfers who use Foresight Sports simulators. PinSeeker’s revenue models, including tournament and sponsorship income, will allow Revelyst to reinvest in its brands and grow the company’s gaming ecosystem.

“PinSeeker reinforces that Foresight Sports is the undisputed leader in golf technology,” said Jon Watters, Co-President and General Manager of Revelyst’s Precision Sports Technology platform.

“The addition of PinSeeker means our digital ecosystem is poised to reach another level,” said Scott Werbelow, Co-President and General Manager of Revelyst’s Precision Sports Technology platform. “By marrying PinSeeker’s software with Foresight Sports’ hardware and FSX Play ecosystem, we will revolutionize off-course golf.”

“The PinSeeker team is thrilled to begin our next chapter as part of Revelyst’s collective of world-class maker brands,” said Rob Guilfoyle, PinSeeker CEO. “By joining the Foresight Sports team, we can bring our app to a new base of users and continue to grow the sport of off-course golf through skills-based wagering and new gaming opportunities.”

Reed Smith LLP served as legal adviser to Vista Outdoor in connection with the transaction.

About PinSeeker
PinSeeker is a leading virtual network of golfers, allowing players to compete globally in real-time. Golfers compete in closest-to-the-pin challenges through golf simulators and connect with other players through our proprietary app that lets them view their rankings and competitors in real-time.

About Revelyst
Revelyst, a segment of Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO), is a collective of world-class maker brands that design and manufacture performance gear and precision technologies. Our category-defining brands leverage meticulous craftsmanship and cross-collaboration to pursue new innovations that redefine what is humanly possible in the outdoors. Portfolio brands include Foresight Sports, Bushnell Golf, Fox, Bell, Giro, CamelBak, Bushnell, Simms Fishing and more. For more information, visit our website at www.revelyst.com.

2024 PGA Show Celebrates PGA Hope Day!

Ted Odorico January 28, 2024

Golf News

The 2024 PGA Show once again was a great success. It was especially successful in it’s recognition of all the veterans who have made sacrifices defending their country. The PGA Hope of America showcased at this years show, was recognized on Day 2 at this year’s PGA Show.

While PGA HOPE, the flagship military program of PGA REACH, occupied the spotlight on Thursday, the second day of the 2024 PGA Show was very busy, with a full schedule of PGA Education Conference seminars, presentations and panel discussions on five show floor stages, 10 specialty pavilions housing special events and special exhibitors, and a handful of celebrities again on the PGA Show floor as more than 1,000 companies showed off their latest products and innovations.

“The PGA Show usually slows down a bit on the second day, but it seemed to be just as busy as opening day today,” observed Jennifer Bermingham, PGA of America Director of Development for Invited Clubs in Irving, Texas (formerly Club Corp.). “I take in a lot of the education seminars and presentations every year at the PGA Show, and this year some of the most educational presentations have been on the PGA Industry Stage. Each panel discussion has the foremost experts and each is a new learning experience.”

“It’s nice to see such great energy back at the PGA Show,” said Jeff Leonard, PGA Director of Golf at The Club at Cheval in Tampa, Florida, who is attending his 20^th PGA Show. “I’m here to see what’s new on the technology side of golf, but I have also discovered several new companies that I haven’t seen before. It has been very productive.”

On the business side of the PGA Show Thursday, Tifosi Optics Marketing Director Henk Van Dongen was writing orders at a record pace. “We wrote as much business yesterday as we did all three days last year, and it has been equal or better than that today,” said Van Dongen. “My background is in auto shows, but the PGA Show has surpassed all of our auto shows from a sales standpoint. The traffic has been phenomenal.”

Thursday’s activities concluded with the PGA Show Winter Jam concert, supported by adidas and Corebridge Financial and headlined by country music star Jake Owen in a new concert lounge in Hall E of the Orange County Convention Center. The concert served as a fundraiser for PGA REACH and PGA HOPE, while honoring PGA HOPE Ambassadors and PGA Professionals who host PGA HOPE programs.

To learn more visit: PGA HOPE

G/FORE’S VERSATILE ACTIVE COLLECTION IS HERE

Ted Odorico October 9, 2023

Golf News

Focusing on country club sports as well as everyday needs, the premium performance wear is designed for a body that’s always in motion. Available for both men and women, the styles showcase versatility above all else offering optimal functionality for the golf course and well beyond. Tennis, pickleball, basketball, jogging—whatever the chosen activity, PRJKT CC Operative suits the athlete. Each item is detailed and strategically considered for elevating the game of choice.

For men, there are seven styles available including the new breathable Stretch Tech Quarter Zip Long Sleeve Pullover in 4-way stretch mélange jersey equipped with perforated details and underarm gussets. For a classic combo, there’s the relaxed Double Knit Scuba Oversized OPS Sweatshirt and stylish Monogram G’s OPS B-Ball Short perfect for daily wear. Whether you’re playing, spectating, or lounging, they all work.

For women, the ten styles include the ultra-functional Racerback Stretch OPS Pleated Tennis Dress (with shorts), the cozy Double Knit Scuba Perforated Circle G’s OPS Sweatshirt, two sports bra options, and the new Soft Tech OPS Mid Rise Legging which befits any everyday activity.

Whether you’re shopping for the course, court, home, or a gift, there is an item in the new collection for everyone. Shop the PRJKT CC Operative capsule now and take your game—whatever it may be—to the next level. For more information on G/FORE and to shop 2023 apparel, footwear, and accessories, visit www.gfore.com.

For additional press information, imagery and any other requests, please contact pr@gfore.com

ABOUT G/FORE:

G/FORE was conceptualized with a passion for modern design combined with a love of golf. Inspired by art, architecture, and high fashion, the brand is distinguished by their attention to detail, sophisticated ease, whimsical nature, youthful energy, and sense of humor. Consistently striving to make a powerful and colorful impact on their favorite game, the brand intends to disrupt the industry while honoring the sport and its rich traditions.

Founded in 2011, G/FORE has established itself as a leader and innovator in golf fashion with a wide range of premium footwear, apparel, and accessories for both men and women. They have gained the attention and adoration of golf enthusiasts across the globe as well as well-known tour players like Brandt Snedeker, Ryann O’Toole, Alvaro Quiros, Thomas Detry, and Mel Reid, among many others.

G/FORE products can be found online at gfore.com along with specialty retailers and top golf pro shops in 35+ countries.

Military Appreciation Month

Ted Odorico May 1, 2023

Golf News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 1, 2023

CONTACT:
Rich Katz
rkatz@katzstrategy.com
703.283.4852

On Course Foundation Kicks Off Annual Fundraising Campaign
During Military Appreciation Month

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – On Course Foundation kicked off its annual fundraising campaign during Military Appreciation Month (May), prompting wounded, injured and sick veterans to use golf as a vehicle for physical and mental recovery, and harvest newfound confidence into careers in golf.

Corporate and individual contributions are earmarked to expand On Course Foundation’s impact across America. The organization currently conducts free educational programs in 15 regional markets for Service men and women develop golf business and golf playing skills.

Apollo Global Management, Barclays, Charles Schwab, CSX, , , Callaway, Clubessential and Summit Golf Brands are among the On Course Foundation sponsors saluting the military, the game of golf and vastly improving lives which otherwise would have spiraled downward.

“Golf is a powerful tool during the rehab process and for a lifetime,” says John Simpson, Founder and Chairman of On Course Foundation. “There are countless psychological and physical difficulties in assimilating back into society, and golf eases transformations into productive family, professional, social, financial and athletic lives.”

Thousands of On Course Foundation members have benefited from the organization’s golf education and career services. Exhibiting profound changes of character, they are placed in full-and part-time jobs with, , Invited, Marriott Golf, TaylorMade Golf, Topgolf Callaway Brands, and TPC Network , as well as at golf courses, country clubs and resorts coast to coast.

Many On Course Foundation “members” never picked up a golf club before introduction to the organization. Through sheer determination, they often achieve single-digit handicaps and qualify for the annual Simpson Cup pitting U.K. and U.S. team in Ryder Cup-style matches. The 2023 edition will be played August 28-31 at Royal Lytham and St. Annes Golf Club.

A poignant video about On Course Foundation and the Simpson Cup, produced by Charles Schwab, is here.

In 1999, Congress designed May as Military Appreciation Month, a time to pause to remember the sacrifice and service of past and present members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, Space Force and National Guard. May also marks Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Armed Forces Day. There are more than 4.5 million wounded, injured and sick Service people in the U.S.

About On Course Foundation

With offices in Orlando and London, On Course Foundation helps wounded, injured and sick military veterans use golf to facilitate their transitions back into society. Founded in 2010 by John Simpson – former business manager to Nick Faldo, Vijay Singh, Bernhard Langer, Nick Price and winners of 17 major tournaments – the organization breathes newfound confidence into more than 2,000 members. Education focuses on myriad facets of embarking on a career in golf with part- and full-time job placements at top golf companies, golf courses, clubs and resorts. Many members were first introduced to golf by On Course Foundation where they learned playing skills, overcoming lost limbs, mobility, mental acuity and other physical and psychological debilitation. On Course Foundation’s pinnacle event is the annual Simpson Cup that pits 13-person teams from the U.S. and U.K. against one another in Ryder Cup-style matches with many competitors amazingly carrying low, single-digit handicaps.

More information: oncoursefoundationusa.org, info@oncoursefoundationusa.org, 407.529.2674

LOHLA SPORT is Hot and Growing

Ted Odorico February 9, 2023

Golf News

[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”22″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″]When Lisa O’Hurley was a featured guest on the ‘Women of Golf’ podcast in late June 2021, her then six-months-young LOHLA SPORT brand was relatively unknown and untested.

She exuded confidence, but one never knows how positive (or negative) feedback and how rapid (or slow) customer adoption will be.

Lo and behold, and thanks to O’Hurley’s perseverance and impeccable sense of style, LOHLA SPORT is now and undisputedly the hottest premium ladies’ golf apparel line across America.

Coordinated tops, bottoms, skorts, outerwear and accessories seem to be popping up proverbially everywhere on and off the golf course.

O’Hurley’s latest masterpiece is the new “Lavish Summer Locales” collection, appropriately named after high-class, tropical destinations known for converging swanky fashion and active lifestyles:

Ibiza – Inspired by golf legend Annika Sorenstam with part proceeds benefiting The ANNIKA Foundation, dramatic lemon, black and white designs are elegantly adorned with stars, stripes and solids
Amalfi – Features lilac, the fashion color of the season, alongside white and navy with styles accentuated by tasteful leopard and houndstooth prints
Tropez – This bright collection group highlights blueberry, appletini green and sunset orange, including a wavy print, emitting a beach feel while on the golf course
Monaco – All-American look with a pinch of French beret in navy, white, red and blueberry that’s spot on for Memorial Day, Independence Day and Bastille Day

“Lavish Summer Locales styles make ladies feel great and smile,” says O’Hurley “Warmer weather should be met with fashionable, stylish, playful and classy outfits, and that’s what LOHLA SPORT accomplishes.”

Adding to the Lavish Summer Locales fun is new, throwback “Her Name was LOHLA, She was a Showgirl” T-shirt and hoodie that pays homage of Barry Manilow.

Then there’s the brand’s super popular The Golf Fitness Pull-On Pant and The Very Pant. These two staples represent a comfortable-chic, made-for-play, “Golfleisure” aesthetic just like Lululemon’s “Athleisure” fanaticism.

All LOHLA SPORT styles are rooted in colorful, on-trend European designs with feminine Los Angeles flair. Styles are XXS to XXL with flattering yet not overly sexy cuts and made of fine-quality fabrics sourced worldwide.

What a difference 18 months makes. LOHLA SPORT is here to stay – and then some. As such, O’Hurley and her huge following are all smiles.

RICH KATZ
Founder & CEO
703.283.4852
rkatz@katzstrategy.com
www.katzstrategy.com

David Feherty Highlights Sneak Peek of New Golf Nation Channel

Ted Odorico December 19, 2022

Golf News

Here’s a first golf entertainment hasn’t seen:

A hidden camera reality series, based on TV’s nostalgic hit “Candid Camera,” entitled “Ambush with David Feherty.” The ex-Ryder Cup star turned network TV golf commentator and stand-up comedian now stars in his own series where practical jokes and hijinks take unassuming golfers by surprise.

And yet another first:

“Ambush” is one of several original, free-to-watch shows airing on the new Golf Nation that sneak-peeked on December 5 on www.golfnation.com. The new golf-lifestyle entertainment channel is the first and only producer of original golf-lifestyle entertainment shows with the ability for viewers to instantly purchase items while never leaving the screen.

That’s why Golf Nation is referred to as “Netflix meets QVC.”

In addition to Ferherty’s hilarity, commercial-free, five- to 30-minute shows include:

Don’t I Know You? – Golf’s “Newlywed Game;” first episode with Zach & Kim Johnson
Golf Unseen – Adventures to exotic golf courses with cultural experiences
No Judgment – Three female friends from Grueter Golf breaking down golf’s barriers
Tee Shots – Drink, chat, swing, repeat hosted by famous mixologist Bill Binder
Versus – Golf influencers compete head-to-head
Buy. Play. – Hottest golf products on the planet

Golf Nation and its purchase-now “buy bars” inserted on-screen into each show will be available via mobile app, connected-smart TVs, Apple TV, Android, Fire TV and Roku in early 2023.

“Shopping video commerce is key to Golf Nation, and viewers can buy what they see on the screen without the annoyance of leaving the show they’re watching,” says Nick Buzzell, Chairman and CEO of Golf Nation. “It’s a watch, buy, play experience.”

Golf Nation is hardly a first-rodeo, major development for producer NBTV Studios and its sister to NBTV Channels. The company created the dynamic Spirits Network that sells countless products inside “Cocktail History,” “Tales from the Cask,” “Sipping Point” and “Science of Spirits” and other series of shows.

Why golf, though, as its next vertical? Surveys show more than 60% of Spirits Network viewers count golf as a passion.

“Brand are lining up to promote their offerings inside our shows because our audience of golfers on Spirits Network is already conditioned to buy products during shows, “Buzzell says. “We are heavily investing in substantially growing that built-in audience in the short term.”

Golf equipment, travel, fashion, technology, instruction, club lifestyle and fitness brands are already onboard with Golf Nation. More than 10 non-endemic brands are expected to be fully immersed selling their products via on-screen ‘buy bars’ inside Golf Nation shows in Q1.

“Golf Nation is a pioneer in transforming the way golf entertainment is presented and products are bought and sold, “says Suzy Whaley, President of Golf Nation.

The first female President of the PGA of America, she is also a Master PGA Professional, one of only a handful of women to play in a PGA TOUR event and commentator on ESPN and Sirius XM coverage of Tour events. Whaley oversees Golf Nation’s industry relations, brand involvement and show ideation.

The team aside Buzzell and Whaley is equally strong. Sports media veteran Noah Coslov is General Manager while advisory board members include Mindy Grossman of Home Shopping Network and Weight Watchers CEO fame, golf marketing PR and visionary Rich Katz, PGA Reach Trustee Dee Robinson and longtime business development executive Pete Arrichiello.

Investors are highlighted by Mark Bezos (High Post Capital), David Nichols (former President of K-Swiss), John Esposito (Chairman of Whistle Pig and former CEO of Bacardi North America), and other family offices and venture funds.

“The ‘buy bar’ technology is key as is our team’s incredible experience and creativity producing entertaining, original golf-lifestyle shows,” says Buzzell. “We aren’t where you go to watch Tour events hole by hole.”

If the handful of fun “Ambush with David Ferherty” shows is a forecast of upcoming goodies from Golf Nation, the new streaming, on-demand channel will be popular for a long time to come.

Media provided by:

Rich Katz
Founder/CEO
rkatz@katzstrategy.com

Website: www.katzstrategy.com

“ARNIE AND JACK” PROVIDES A RARE GLIMPSE INTO TWO GOLF LEGENDS

Robert Kaufman April 26, 2022

MECHEM arnie and jack - dust jacket.indd

Golf News

“It isn’t easy turning a speech into a book,” according to Charles Mechem Jr, a former lawyer, business executive, and LPGA Commissioner (1990-1995).

As a seasoned veteran of countless speeches throughout his distinguished career, the 92-year-old Mechem turned that challenge into his third book after addressing fellow members at The Tradition Golf Club in La Quinta, about his memories as an intimate advisor to two of the game’s icons, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. With plenty encouragement to publicly share his stories of The King and Golden Bear, the end result is the newly released Arnie and Jack: Stories of My Long Friendship with Two Remarkable Men.

“I can say with complete conviction that there isn’t a person, past or present, who knows more about Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, and the stories that took place between the two of us — and individually — than Charlie Mechem,” said Nicklaus.

Having spent more than 50 years as a friend, business partner, and legal advisor to Nicklaus and Palmer, the 152-page book is packed with an extensive collection of photographs along with 46 quick-read stories and anecdotes filled with energy and wit portraying why these great icons of the course excelled at both work and play. Some of the recollections he shares are individual stories about Arnie or Jack and some are stories about the two of them together. They all combine to give readers a unique view of two of the most memorable people in golf.

“They were very different in many ways yet very alike in others, particularly in their view of the sanctity of the game; the ethics, the morality, the sportsmanship,” said Mechem, who loved the friendship but was terrified of playing golf with either because as a 16-handicapper standing over the ball and the greatest golfers in the world watching it was hard to remain committed. “What may have set them apart was that Arnie’s public and private persona were identical because he loved people and they loved him but with Jack, his private life is that of being deep family man, yet was all business on the course.”

Arnie and Jack is published by Mission Point Press and includes forewords by Jack Nicklaus and Doc Giffin, Arnold Palmer’s personal assistant for 50 years. It is available in ebook and print versions at Amazon. For other retail locations, please visit www.charliemechem.com