In the News

AKRON, Ohio - One of professional golf's most popular young stars has accepted a new role that will allow him to be a mentor and make a difference.

Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive officer of The First Tee, recently announced a new program to engage young touring professionals with participants of The First Tee. Anthony Kim, a third-year pro and two-time PGA Tour winner, is the first player to partner with The First Tee for the program and will serve as co-chair. 

U.S. Solheim Cup Captain Beth Daniel and European Solheim Cup Captain Alison Nicholas announced their respective 12-player squads for the 2009 Solheim Cup during a joint press conference over the weekend at the Ricoh Women's British Open.

At the end of the two-year qualifying process, Paula Creamer and Gwladys Nocera are the leading points earners for the U.S. and European Solheim Cup Teams, respectively. 

A golf industry career fair will be staged for the first time at the 2009 PGA Fall Expo, Sept. 1 and 2, in Las Vegas, and produced in partnership by PGA Golf Exhibitions, The PGA of America and leading golf industry employers.

Dick’s Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy are announcing recruitment efforts and company informational sessions throughout the two-day industry gathering.

The initial career fair at this year’s PGA Fall Expo will include PGA Professional employment workshops, recruitment services by leading industry employers, on-site interviewing for a variety of industry positions, PGA Employment Services, industry job boards and a resume posting service.

Shaft Skinz, the makers of the decorative and protective shaft covers, are pleased to announce the launch of their newest design range - 'Crackle'.

The company has responded to customer requests to produce designs that appeal to the broad range of college and general sports fans out there and this new selection offers a choice of eight popular color combinations that do just that.

Golfers have until Saturday, Aug. 1 to register for the 2009 PGA Tour Superstore World Amateur Handicap Championship, the "World's Largest Single-Site Golf Tournament."

The 26th annual World Am will be held Aug. 31 through Sept. 4 with more than 3,000 golfers from 45 states and 20 countries converging on 51 Myrtle Beach area courses for the week.

During the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, often referred to as the Super Bowl of celebrity events, many players took the opportunity to show off their locker room celebratory skills in the second annual "Korbel Celebrity Spray-Off."

Participating players included winner Tony Romo, runner-up Jerry Rice, and third place finisher Charles Barkley among more than 35 other celebrity participants. Players were judged on champagne cork distance and style of the champagne spray. 

Current instructor for Phil Mickelson and former teacher of Tiger Woods, Butch Harmon, has been ranked as golf's top teacher for the fifth consecutive time. Harmon was named as the No. 1 teacher in Golf Digest's biennial ranking of America's 50 Greatest Teachers (2009-2010) by a direct ballot survey of his peers nationwide.

This list, which is featured in the August issue of Golf Digest, is included in the America's 50 Greatest Teachers package. This package also includes the Best Teachers in Your State, a state-by-state list of the top teachers around the country. The complete rankings of America's 50 Greatest Teachers and the Best Teachers in Your State can be found at www.golfdigest.com. 

CARMEL, Ind. – The 2009 U.S. Senior Open and the United States Golf Association Grants and Fellowship Department, will honor the contingent of military in Indiana and around the country by hosting Military Family Days during Championship Week Practice Rounds Monday, July 27 – Wednesday, July 29 at Crooked Stick Golf Club. 

All military personnel, both active and retired and with proper identification, will receive free admission during Practice Rounds along with a 20 percent discount coupon valid in the merchandise tent for themselves and their families. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL), along with Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), offered an effort to award golf legend Arnold Palmer the Congressional Gold Medal, which along with the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award bestowed by the U.S. Congress. The award would be issued in recognition of Palmer's service to the nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship.

"Throughout his career, Arnold Palmer has presented himself as a positive role model and mentor to millions," said Martinez. "He has made tremendous contributions to the sport of golf by bringing recognition to the game worldwide. Palmer has built a successful business as an entrepreneur and spokesperson, while always giving back to Florida and the nation through his many charitable efforts. It is fitting we bestow this award on a man known for his positive influence around the world." 

Mike Malaska, worldwide director of instruction for Nicklaus Academies, has been ranked by his peers as the 24th Best Instructor in the United States. The complete rankings are featured in the August 2009 issue of Golf Digest.
 
Malaska is a regular contributor for Golfer's Guide Arizona and Golfer's Guide Las Vegas. He is one of TaylorMade-adidas’ lead staff instructors, contributes to The Golf Channel, writes for Golf Magazine and other International golf publications.