In the News

Naples, FL - The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Florida recently announced that it will again partner with the Franklin Templeton Shootout, southwest Florida's PGA TOUR event, to host its annual charity golf tournament. The Franklin Templeton Shootout will serve as the presenting sponsor of the 13th edition of the Naples NKF Golf Classic which will be held Monday, December 5, 2011 at Tiburón Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples.

Naples, FL. – The culminating event of the 2012 LPGA Tour season, the CME Group Titleholders, will be played at TwinEagles in Naples Nov. 15 – 18, 2012, tournament officials announced today. Next November, the Naples community, already rich in golf tradition, will host the world’s best female golfers following a season-long qualifying process as they compete for a $1.5 million purse and a $500,000 first-place check.

“CME Group has been a friend of the LPGA for years and our players’ experiences with them have proved that they are innovators and know how to run first-class dynamic events,” said LPGA Commissioner Michael Whan. “We are confident that the Naples community will embrace this unique event. The season-long Ticket to the CME Group Titleholders campaign allows us to highlight each of our title partners, CME Group and our top performing players on weekly basis.”

PGA Champion Keegan Bradley & Company Represent 15 PGA TOUR Wins in 2011

NAPLES, Fla. – Franklin Templeton Shootout Tournament host Greg Norman announced today the field for the 23rd edition of the event, which returns for the 11th consecutive year to Tiburón Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, December 7-11.

The field for this year’s Franklin Templeton Shootout has enjoyed tremendous success this season. Twelve players have won a total of 15 titles so far. Nine of those individuals have won a total of 12 times on the PGA TOUR led by multiple winners Steve Stricker, Keegan Bradley and Webb Simpson. Three have earned titles on the Champions Tour. In addition, Rickie Fowler is the most recent winner with his victory on the OneAsia circuit.

Private Club Network recently announced the addition The Landings Club to their network of clubs across the nation. The Landings Club, located in Savannah, Ga., is now able to offer its membership access to more than 175 exclusive clubs already enrolled in the Network.The Private Club Network provides reciprocal benefits to clubs, offering their members the ability to access and play at partnering clubs across the nation. PCN clients are able to better recruit new members and offer additional membership value resulting in increased member retention.

The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head island, S.C., announced recently that Pete Dye has completed enhancements to Harbour Town Golf Links -- the legendary golf course architect's masterpiece and home to the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage. The layout was lengthened by 150 yards, a handful of trees were removed to improve sightlines and a select number of bunkers were reshaped or extended to bring hazards back into play. Both Tour players and resort guests will savor the challenge as the iconic 18 continues to evolve as the epitome of strategic design.

"Pete Dye is a dear friend of Sea Pines and his name and legacy are intrinsically tied to this resort. We are honored he returned to prepare Harbour Town for the next chapter in its colorful history," said Cary Corbitt, Director of Sports Division of Sea Pines Resort.

The Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui offers a Golf & Spa Vacation Package Built for Two
(With complimentary room upgrade for Player's Club members)

The Fairmont Kea Lani (www.fairmont.com/kealani), located on the fabulous white sands of Wailea’s Polo Beach, one of the most popular full-service beach resorts on Maui, is completing a substantial renovation this fall and is offering golf travelers the opportunity to preview the enhancements with its new Wailea Golf & Spa Vacation Package.This package – combining golf at the acclaimed Wailea Golf Club, treatments at the fabulous Spa Kea Lani and luxury accommodations – is the perfect couples getaway.

Linda Hartough, world-renowned golf-landscape artist (www.hartough.com) based on Hilton Head Island, S.C., has introduced her new painting, The Olympic Club, 8th Hole, Lake Course, in commemoration of the 2012 U.S. Open Championship. The 112th U.S. Open Championship will be played June 14-17 at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, marking the fifth time the Open has been held at this legendary venue.

This is Hartough's 23rd painting in her U.S. Open series, commissioned by the United States Golf Association. Offered in a limited edition of 850 prints and an additional 85 artist proofs, each is signed and numbered by the artist.

Mike Malaska, the PGA Director of Instruction at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club in Superstition, Arizona, who pioneered a standard of physical fitness evaluation for all golfers that evolved into today's model program, is the recipient of the PGA Teacher of the Year Award. The award was established in 1986, honoring outstanding teacher of golf among the PGA of America membership.

Malaska, 57, is a 31-year member of the PGA of America, oversees the development, implementation, training and certification of all professional instructors at Jack Nicklaus Golf Academies and Golf Centers around the world. Nicklaus Academies has facilities in the US, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Denmark, China, Korea and Japan with planned expansion in the coming years in India, Canada, South and Latin America, South Africa and Russia. Back in the 1980's, Mike spent 3-years in Japan opening the successful Jack Nicklaus Golf Centers. Upon his return, Malaska spent 16-years as a Senior Instructor alongside Jim Flick with the Nicklaus-Flick Golf Schools.

NAPLES, September 28, 2011 –The 2011 “Play Golf America Golf-a-Palooza” a community event free to the public at Tiburón Golf Club, presented by PGA TOUR Superstore, is scheduled for October 15 and will feature a Special Clinic by Greg Norman at 3:15 pm. Join Greg at Tiburon Golf Club as he helps “Grow the Game” at this years Play Golf America Golf-a-Palooza. This is your chance to see this legendary competitor and host of the Franklin Templeton Shootout as he shares his insight and knowledge that lead him to become the #1 golfer in the world for 331 weeks.

Enjoy informative clinics, free golf lessons with local PGA Professionals, a trick shot show and contests with great prizes, including a chance to win $1 million dollars. Plus, demo the latest and greatest equipment from more than 10 major manufacturers including Callaway, TaylorMade, PING, Adams, Cleveland, Mizuno, Nike, Tour Edge and more.