Golf News May 23, 2023

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Golf News May 23, 2023

Here’s a list of random golf news items that caught my eye from Garmin, Puma, The Indoor Golf Shop, Swag Golf, Club Champion, ahead, The Nickaus Companies and Five Iron Golf.

Dial in all parts of your game with new Approach S70 premium golf smartwatches from Garmin

Garmin (NYSE: GRMN) today announced the Approach® S70 series, its newest flagship golf smartwatches, available in two different sizes and packed with on-the-course tools and fitness features to help build a better all-around game. Super-bright and easy to read, even in the sunlight, both smartwatches feature stunning AMOLED touchscreen displays so it’s easier than ever to play one of the over 43,000 preloaded golf courses from around the world.

Whether a seasoned veteran of the links or new to the sport, golfers of all ages and skill levels will appreciate the on-course features of the Approach S70 series:

  • Comprehensive CourseView maps: See every hole in elaborate detail on 43,000+ preloaded courses, with the ability to pan and zoom to know the lay of the land.
  • Improved Virtual Caddie: View shot dispersion data and receive more accurate club suggestions based on a variety of factors, including historical swing data, elevation, wind and more.
  • Enhanced PlaysLike Distance: See an analytical estimate of how a shot will play based on an uphill or downhill lie, wind, temperature, and air pressure.
  • Green Contour Data2: Plan the best approach shot and putt by seeing the green’s slope direction and severity on select courses when connected to an active Garmin Golf™ membership (starting at $9.99/month).
  • AutoShot round analyzer: Pair with Approach CT10 club tracking sensors for more automatic game-tracking capabilities, including detecting putts and chips.
  • Scorekeeper: Track round score hole-by-hole, and upload to the Garmin Golf app for stat tracking and handicap calculation.

With a new Approach S70 on their wrist, golfers can improve flexibility and overall fitness with preloaded activity profiles for strength, HIIT, yoga, running and more. With Garmin’s full suite of 24/7 health monitoring features, customers have the tools they need to better understand their overall well-being, so they can not only have the potential to hit the ball farther but can also help prevent injuries. Thanks to wrist-based heart rate, Heart Rate Variability status, Body Battery™ energy monitoring, advanced sleep monitoring and more, the Approach S70 series can help golfers perform their best on and off the course.

PUMA GOLF LAUNCHES NEW ALPHACAT NITRO SHOE

CARLSBAD, Calif. (May 22, 2023) – PUMA Golf today introduced the new ALPHACAT NITRO, a spikeless shoe with premium cushioning that provides explosive energy and propulsion with each step.  

The ALPHACAT NITRO design features a new NITRO FOAM material, which is infused with nitrogen gas to create exceptional cushioning and energy return with every step. The newly designed material is also extremely lightweight, allowing for an energy saving design. The Upper EXOShell is engineered with mesh to provide enhanced structure and support both during the swing and while walking. In addition, a Dual Material Alpha Traction sole design provides grip and stability in a wide variety of turf and weather conditions as well as impressive durability.  And true to form for all PUMA kicks, a unique Formstripe External Heel Counter looks cool wherever the shoes are worn. 

The ALPHACAT NITRO ($160) shoes are available in 6 colorways in the laced model and 4 colorways in the DISC model, in men’s sizes 7-13, 14, 15. The ALPHACAT NITRO will be available at retail and on pumagolf.com today in the US and Canada.

The Indoor Golf Shop Expands SkyTrak Partnership Internationally

 The Indoor Golf Shop, the largest U.S. distributor, manufacturer, and online retailer of residential and commercial indoor golf simulator equipment, is expanding its partnership with SkyTrak, creators of golf’s most popular consumer launch monitor and golf simulator, to support the recent release of the groundbreaking new SkyTrak+ launch monitor. The Indoor Golf Shop will be SkyTrak’s exclusive distributor in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

The new SkyTrak+ launch monitor is a game changer, offering tour level accuracy and performance at a remarkably affordable price. SkyTrak+ builds on the success of the original SkyTrak – the world’s top-selling consumer launch monitor – with a new dual doppler radar system that delivers instant club data, including clubhead speed, smash factor, club path and face angle, that’s precise to the level of the industry’s highest end launch monitors. The launch monitor’s improved camera system gives highly accurate and reliable ball tracking data that can power a player’s practice session while also providing better outdoor performance on range mats. 

Pre-orders have started for SkyTrak+ with the first units shipping later this month. SkyTrak+ can transport golfers on a golf simulator to any of 100,000+ golf courses (courses like Pebble Beach Golf Links, Bandon Dunes, Torrey Pines – South and many more) via the industry’s best gameplay simulation software, letting them practice, play and compete with friends, anytime and anywhere. The new-and-improved SkyTrak Shot Optimizer and Shot Score gauges results against a database of millions of golf shots, objectively measuring a golfer’s progress and improvement.

The Indoor Golf Shop elevates the buying experience through a full slate of turnkey solutions, including step-by-step guidance to purchasing and installing top simulator brands, DIY consumer packages, best-in-class screens, enclosures, hitting mats and accessories for homes, retailers, teaching and fitting facilities, along with entertainment companies.

Swag Golf Announces Partnership With Club Champion

Northbrook, IL – Swag Golf, the premium, limited-edition golf accessory, equipment, and apparel company, has announced a new strategic partnership with Club Champion, which offers all golfers Tour-quality golf club fittings. Club Champion has over 110 locations nationwide, including studios in every major golf market. Their trusted club fitting experts are regularly featured on Golf Digest’s Top 100 Fitter lists, driven in part by the more than 100,000 fittings they complete annually.  

With this agreement, Swag Golf will be selling four putter models with five exclusive headcovers only available at Club Champion, making them the only location in the country to offer fittings for Swag Golf putters. These products will launch on May 15 at 50 Club Champion locations in the US. The Swag Golf putter designs to be sold at Club Champion will include the US-made, highly-sought after, precision milled putters and fan favorites – Handsome One, Handsome Too, Savage One, and Savage Too.   

NICKLAUS COMPANIES, ahead AND AMERICAN SKIN ASSOCIATION PARTNER TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT MELANOMA

Nicklaus Companies and ahead – provider of premium golf and leisure headwear – today announced that they have partnered with American Skin Association (ASA) to raise awareness about melanoma and educate golfers on the importance of sun safety.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month and Nicklaus Companies and ahead are supporting ASA’s dual mission of raising awareness and educating future generations about sun safety and proper sun protection. With summer upon us, this sun safety education campaign stresses the consistent use of sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, especially while enjoying golf and other outdoor activities. Both companies will use their social platforms to provide awareness and educational content. ahead will also donate 10% of all proceeds from sales from their site (https://aheadusashop.com) during the month of May.

ahead will create two unique products for Melanoma Awareness Month – the soft crown sun hat featuring the iconic Golden Bear logo on the front in both Men’s and Women’s styles.

Golfers are at particular risk of melanoma and other skin cancers due to cumulative UV exposure which can be 3.5 to 5.4 times the amount of UV radiation needed to cause a sunburn. Skin cancers often appear on the head and neck, and men ages 49 and under have a higher probability of developing melanoma than any other cancer. Sun safety measures while enjoying golf and other summertime activities include wearing protective clothing, sunscreen, finding shade, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. The CDC recommends, “for the most protection, wear a hat that has a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck.” 

Five Iron Golf Launches Franchising Program

Leading Urban Golf Operator and Trailblazer for the ‘Modern Golf’ Movement Continues Its Rapid Growth

(NEW YORK) – Five Iron Golf, the nation’s leading urban golf experience, is excited to unveil its franchising program, opening up new avenues for expansion and growth both domestically and internationally. 

Renowned for its authentic, accessible, and dynamic golf and entertainment experiences, the six-year-old company is now offering franchise opportunities for both single unit and multi-unit development. To date, Five Iron Golf has owned and operated all 18 of its U.S. locations across 11 cities.

Five Iron Golf’s expansion to a franchise model is similarly rooted in data, with early signs of success at its two current international locations in Singapore and New Delhi, India (opening this summer).

Brand versatility is a key Five Iron Golf factor that makes it appealing to diverse audiences of avid golfers and entertainment seekers. Since opening its flagship Manhattan location in 2017, the company has been recognized as a leader in the “Modern Golf” movement as it seeks to make the game more inclusive and accessible. 

This emphasis on making the game more welcoming for all is combined with a track record of operational excellence. All Five Iron Golf facilities feature world-class technology like simulators from TrackMan Golf, the latest club offerings from Callaway, and a wide range of programming options to cater to the diverse needs and interests of its customers.

In addition to its exceptional golf offerings, Five Iron Golf has perfected a premium food and beverage program, adding an extra touch of excellence to the overall experience. This ensures customers remain engaged and satisfied beyond their time in the simulators.

Franchisee support is comprehensive and covers various aspects of the business, including development advice, operational playbooks, marketing expertise, business development, and partnership support. Franchisees will have access to the knowledge and guidance of experienced professionals who have successfully navigated the challenges of establishing and operating Five Iron Golf venues. In addition, franchisees will benefit from Five Iron Golf’s technology and enterprise systems, which have been refined and optimized to ensure seamless operations and an exceptional customer experience.

The current franchise investment range is set between $1.4 and $4.2 million, while initial franchise fees for a single-unit franchise are $50,000. The operating royalty fee is 7%. Inquiries for additional details about the franchising opportunity can be made here.

Five Iron Golf plans to host its first discovery days in June and October, inviting prospective franchisees to tour existing operations and attend presentations from department heads and senior leadership.

Send Your Golf Game Soaring with Patton Eagle

What if you could finally be one with your ball on the green? 

Patton Design is excited to announce the launch of the Patton Eagle – a revolutionary putter that gives you the power to communicate with your ball using haptic feedback. 

“Innovations within golf have not been particularly remarkable the past few decades,” said CEO Doug Patton. “Everyone who picks up this putter can feel the difference and the greater sensitivity it brings, like you can automatically find the center even when you’re off.”

Patton Eagle Highlights:

  • Revolutionary design uses haptic feedback to inform your aim
  • Feel the subtle energy of the ball as it’s transferred to the golfer
  • Precision milled putter face grooves ensure perfect roll distance
  • Crafted from 802 stainless steel and 6201 aluminum
  • Available in 33”, 34”, and 35” club lengths
  • Choose from three color variations: gold/black, blue/silver, or silver/gray

The Patton Eagle is set to retail for $399.99, or pre-order now and receive 20% off. For more information visit https://pattoneagle.com/ 

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