Announced: By Sensible Weather, that it has closed a strategic investment to extend the company’s Weather Guarantee coverage to PGA-affiliated golf facilities in partnership with EP Golf Ventures. Sensible Weather is a climate technology and insurance company.
Introduced: By Biion Footwear, the Trainer for adults and kids in a variety of colors and patterns, and that brings a sport-casual look to the course without jeopardizing performance.
Introduced: By Titleist, the Vokey Design SM9 wedges, which feature new lightweight shaft offerings. Featured shafts include KBS Tour Lite 95, a steel shaft for players seeking additional spin and precision control and Tensei AM2 Red, a graphite, high-launching shaft for players looking for more control. The wedges will be available at retail beginning March 10.
Announced: By the International Network of Golf, six support sponsors for its ING Hospitality Room at the 2023 PGA Show, Jan. 25-27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The sponsors are CertiFresh Cigar, Makefield Putters, PGA Show, Proud 90 Apparel, Sycamore BioPharma and former LPGA Tour Commissioner Charlie Mechem.
Announced: By LIV Golf and The CW Network, entered into a multiyear U.S. broadcast television and streaming agreement. Beginning with the 2023 LIV Golf League season, The CW will air all 14 global events and stream the events live on The CW app. The CW Network is 75% owned by Nexstar Media Group Inc. and reaches more than 120 million households across the U.S. [For more, read story]
Announced: By PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com, that the South Carolina destination enjoyed a record setting 2022. More than 2.4 million rounds were played at 59 Golf Tourism Solutions member courses along the Grand Strand in 2022, as recorded by the Omni Golf Tee Sheet. It is estimated that more than 3 million rounds of golf were played in the Myrtle Beach market in 2022.
Introduced: By Shot Scope, Shot Scope Academy, a game-tracking system designed specifically for PGA professionals, golf coaches and teachers. The system uses advanced technology to establish unlimited connectivity between instructors and golfers to track and analyze performances during a round using the company’s V3 Smart Watch or Pro LX+ Rangefinder models. All data captured from tee to green is seamlessly uploaded where the instructor can view and analyze the round and, in-turn, instantly send game improvement recommendations or lesson plans.
Introduced: By TaylorMade Golf, its 2023 Spider lineup, featuring the all-new Spider GTX and Spider GT Max putters. The putters combine the best features of the brand's iconic Spider Tour and Spider X models, and include True Path Alignment for easy and precise alignment to the target, and a deep center of gravity created by a heavy 154g stability bar at the rear of the putter — which equates to 45% of the putter's total weight. The Spider GTX is available for preorder and will be at retail beginning Feb. 24 and will retail for $349. The Spider GT Max will be available at retail in late spring with a retail price of $449.
Announced: By NBC Sports, an agreement with GF Sports and Entertainment, which has acquired the World Long Drive, to provide more than 50 hours of television coverage over the course of the agreement with 10 aired annually by NBC Sports on Golf Channel. The length of the agreement was not disclosed. GF Sports and Entertainment also acquired the Pro Long Drive Association in December 2022. With that acquisition, World Long Drive will now serve as the singular premier long drive tour and will expand to 12 events domestically and over 30 events being held by World Long Drive affiliates internationally. The World Long Drive tour tees off March 10-12 in Mesquite, Nevada, and culminates with the championship, Oct. 18-22 at Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta, Georgia.