The Barclays, the first event in the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup, will feature 125 of the top players on TOUR, Aug. 21-26 at Bethpage State Park: The Black Course in Farmingdale, N.Y. One of the many charities supported by Barclays “Tickets FORE Charity” campaign is Long Island’s The ELIJA School and Foundation for Children with Autism. Tickets purchased on behalf of the ELIJA School and Foundation result in a 75% donation to the ELIJA School and Foundation!

The ELIJA School & Foundation – a specialized 501c (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children severely affected by autism, their families and the autism community at large. By utilizing both
science-based treatments and the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), The ELIJA School’s intensive program has been successfully helping families through their journey with autism since 2006.

The ELIJA School also provides extensive training programs, advocacy and outreach services for professionals, individuals, their families, teachers and caregivers.

For more information on purchasing tickets:  http://elija.org/school/news-and-events/event_details.php?id=79

OPEN CHAMPION ERNIE ELS BECOMES THIRD MAJOR WINNER
OF 2012 TO EARN A BERTH IN THE 30th PGA GRAND SLAM OF GOLF

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. – Open Champion Ernie Els, who captured his fourth major championship during a stunning chain of events over the closing four holes at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, has become the third player to earn a berth in the 30th PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

The 42-year-old Els knocked home a 15-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole Sunday (July 22) at Royal Lytham & St. Annes in Lancashire, England, to pull within one shot of leader Adam Scott. Els then waited as Scott made a bogie on 17 and missed a par putt on 18 to force a playoff, giving the World Golf Hall of Famer his second Open Championship to go with two U.S. Open titles.

Els will join Masters Champion Bubba Watson, U.S. Open Champion Webb Simpson, and next month’s PGA Champion in the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, Oct. 22-24, in Bermuda at Port Royal Golf Course.

It will mark Els’ fourth trip to the season-ending showcase event that boasts the most difficult qualification requirement in the game – a major championship. The PGA Grand Slam of Golf will be televised by TNT to a worldwide audience.

“Amazing,” said Els. “I’m still numb. It still hasn’t set in. It will probably take quite a few days because I haven’t been in this position for 10 years, obviously.  So it’s just crazy, crazy, crazy getting here.” Els tempered his celebration, paying tribute to Scott.

“First of all, I feel for Adam Scott. He’s a great friend of mine,” said Els. “We both wanted to win very badly. But you know, that’s the nature of the beast. That’s why we’re out here. You win, you lose. It was my time for some reason.”

The final member of the foursome for the 30th PGA Grand Slam of Golf will be the winner of the 94th PGA Championship, Aug. 9-12, at The Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, S.C.

The PGA Grand Slam of Golf features a $1.35 million purse, with the winner receiving $600,000, second place $300,000, third place $250,000 and fourth place $200,000.

TNT’s prime-time broadcast of the event reaches a worldwide audience of 88.9 million U.S. homes and international viewers in more than 100 countries.

The PGA Grand Slam of Golf is hosted by the Bermuda Department of Tourism, Port Royal Golf Course, and the Fairmont Southampton Hotel.

The PGA of America

Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf. ###

KENTWOOL Adds Orange to Line of Premium Merino Golf Socks

New Color Available for Tour-Proven Men’s and Women’s Collections

(GREENVILLE, SC) – KENTWOOL – the 169-year-old, family-owned American textile innovator – announces the addition of an eye-catching orange style to its range of premium performance socks specifically engineered for golfers.

Available at http://www.kentwoolsocks.com and leading green grass shops nationwide, the new color will be offered in the Tour Profile model for both sexes and the women’s Low Profile Skinny. Like all KENTWOOL socks, they provide superior moisture wicking, odor control and are backed by a blister-free guarantee. Other colors in the line include black, green, light blue, natural, pink and purple.

“We’re part of the phenomenon of people wanting a broad range of colors to accentuate their outfits and personal style,” says Mark Kent, President and CEO of KENTWOOL. “The demand became even more evident following the massive success of limited-edition, multi-colored socks we produced for Bubba Watson to wear during the Masters and U.S. Open.”

Crafted from a proprietary blend of fine merino wool and high-tech fibers for superior moisture management, the socks feature WINDspun technology. This infuses the fibers with air, creating a micro-climate system that wicks moisture and provides superior odor control. It also provides unrivaled cushioning at micro-stress points along the foot, enhancing comfort and energy levels while reducing injury risk.

Retailing from $19.95 to $24.95, KENTWOOL golf socks are available in the ankle-length Tour and Low Profile models for both genders and mid-calf Tour Standard crafted exclusively for men.

In addition to Watson, KENTWOOL is worn in competition by scores of Tour stars worldwide, including Matt Kuchar, Jonathan Byrd, Ryann O’Toole, Peter Jacobsen, Duffy Waldorf, Brendon de Jonge, Larry Mize, Tom Gillis, Jane Park, Charles Warren, Kevin Johnson, Kristy McPherson, Shasta Averyhardt, Jenny Suh, Sarah Kemp, Jenny Gleason, Meaghan Francella and Jenny Hong.

For more information: http://www.KENTWOOLSocks.com, 1-877-5-PROSOX (1-877-577-6769).

About KENTWOOL

Founded in 1843, KENTWOOL continues to be one of the nation’s longest-running, family-owned textile companies.  KENTWOOL is the only company in the western hemisphere – and one of 50 in the world – to receive the Usterized Quality Certification indicating the highest level of quality assurance in yarn production.

An avid golfer, KENTWOOL CEO Mark Kent had the idea to produce the “World’s Best Golf Sock” after standing in the 18th fairway of the BMW Nationwide Tour Pro-Am tending to blistered, bleeding feet instead of concentrating on the eagle opportunity guaranteeing him a spot in the final round.

Born from that moment is golf’s leading, premium merino wool golf sock. It enables golfers of all abilities to play their best while benefiting from abrasion and fatigue resistance, as well as KENTWOOL’s blister-free guarantee. KENTWOOL utilizes its nearly two-century-old heritage of superiority in textiles to create socks which draw upon wool’s natural and cool performance fibers for moisture management, sheer comfort and other performance-enhancing benefits.

Based in Greenville, SC, all KENTWOOL products are made in the USA.

For more information: http://www.KENTWOOLSocks.com, 1-877-5-PROSOX (1-877-577-6769).

PGA OF AMERICA’S DELUXE VIP PGA GRAND SLAM EXPERIENCE PACKAGE GETS A BOOST WITH U.S. OPEN CHAMPION WEBB SIMPSON JOINING MASTERS CHAMPION BUBBA WATSON IN BERMUDA

Golf Excursion to Bermuda offers Exclusive Access to the 30th PGA Grand Slam of Golf featuring the Year’s Major Champions

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.—It’s a golf getaway like no other, as it offers the chance to see golf’s four major winners (The Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship and PGA Championship) up close in a competition to determine the 2012 PGA Grand Slam of Golf Champion.

The PGA of America’s Deluxe VIP PGA Grand Slam Experience package offers a six-night excursion for golf travelers to the beautiful island of Bermuda to play multiple rounds of golf, while getting exclusive access to a season-ending showcase event that boasts the most difficult requirement in the game – a Major Championship victory.

The 30th PGA Grand Slam of Golf, which returns to the Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda, Oct. 22-24, has featured past champions such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. U.S. Open Champion Webb Simpson joins Masters Champion Bubba Watson to make up the first half of this year’s elite foursome, who will be joined by the winners of the Open Championship, July 19-22, at Royal Lytham & St Annes in Lancashire, England and the 94th PGA Championship, Aug. 9-12, at The Ocean Course in Kiawah Island, S.C.

As part of the excitement surrounding the PGA Grand Slam of Golf and the island of Bermuda, which boasts seven spectacular golf courses, The PGA of America has created a Deluxe VIP PGA Grand Slam Experience golf package. The package features six nights of luxury accommodations at The Fairmont Southampton; breakfast daily; three days admission to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf; daily transfers to/from the hotel to Port Royal and transportation to and from the Bermuda airport.

Highlighting this package is exclusive access to the PGA Welcome Reception on Sunday evening, Oct. 21, and an invitation to the exclusive Champions Celebration on Tuesday, Oct. 23, where guests will experience a fireside chat with the Major Champions and then enjoy a spectacular dinner. In addition, the Deluxe VIP PGA Grand Slam Experience package includes one round of golf at Fairmount Southampton Par 3 Golf Course and one round of golf at Port Royal Golf Course on Friday, Oct. 26, where the four Major Champions will battle it out earlier in the week.

The package prices, which include tax, range from $1,869 - $2,728 per person, based on double occupancy, length of stay and rounds of golf. Golfers interested in purchasing the getaway packages from The PGA of America can visit http://www.premiergolf.com or call 1-866-260-4409.

The PGA of America is also offering the PGA Grand Slam Experience package, which includes four nights of accommodations at the Fairmount Southampton; breakfast daily; transportation to and from the Bermuda airport to the Fairmont Southampton; daily general admission tickets to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf; and daily tournament transportation. The package prices, including tax, range from $742 - $1,177 per person, based on double occupancy and length of stay.

The PGA Grand Slam of Golf features a $1.35 million purse, with the winner receiving $600,000; second place $300,000; third place $250,000 and fourth place $200,000. TNT’s prime-time broadcast of the event is distributed to a worldwide audience of 500 million viewers in more than 100 countries.

Hosted by the Bermuda Department of Tourism, Port Royal Golf Course, and the Fairmont Southampton Hotel, the PGA Grand Slam of Golf was established in 1979 and has grown from an 18-hole, single-day charity event to a 36-hole annual showdown that matches professional golf’s best against each other.

The PGA of America

    Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf. ###

Slammin’ Sam Beer Company Launches
Craft-Brewed Premium American Lager at The Greenbrier Resort

Smoothest Beer in Golf™ Inspired by Legendary Sam Snead
(PINEHURST, NC) – Slammin’ Sam Beer Company announces the introduction of Slammin’ Sam™, a craft-brewed premium American lager inspired by the late Sam Snead, one of golf’s greatest gentlemen and champions.

Debuting this week at The Greenbrier Resort in conjunction with the centennial of Snead’s birth, Slammin’ Sam features a refreshing taste with an exceptionally balanced finish that makes it the Smoothest Beer in Golf. It showcases a proprietary recipe developed by Ray Klimovitz, recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Life Service Award from the Master Brewers Association of the Americas.

“Mr. Snead is an international sports icon, and our first priority was to create an amazing beer that honors his legacy,” says Casey Bierer, Founder and CEO of Slammin’ Sam Beer Company and a former producer-reporter with Golf Channel. “Through the assistance of a beer industry legend and remarkable craft brewery, we’re proud to present a thirst-quenching premium lager that golfers and all active lifestyle consumers will truly enjoy.”

Made in Wisconsin by Stevens Point Brewery – a World Beer Cup multiple Gold Medal award winner – Slammin’ Sam is available in cans, bottles and kegs. Launching soon at other renowned resorts throughout North America, as well as golf courses, restaurants, bars and everywhere beer is sold, the line’s packaging and marketing depict famous images of Snead from the 1950’s and ‘60’s.

“It makes sense for Slammin’ Sam beer to be introduced here,” said Jeff Kmiec, President and Managing Director of The Greenbrier Resort. “Sam Snead called The Greenbrier his professional home for more than 60 years and I think he’d be happy to know guests will savor a beer that bears his nickname.”

Possessor of a prodigious, self-taught swing, Snead captured seven major championships and an all-time record 82 PGA Tour titles during a professional career spanning from 1934 to 1987. A player on seven and captain of three U.S. Ryder Cup teams, his countless honors include winning PGA Player of the Year (1949) and the Vardon Trophy (1938, ’49, ’50 and ‘55). Snead, who passed away in 2002 at age 89, is also a member of the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame and World Golf Hall of Fame.

“Dad considered The Greenbrier his home away from home,” says Snead’s son, Jack. “He’d be real proud of Slammin’ Sam Beer, I can tell you that.”

For more information: http://www.Facebook.com/SlamminSamBeer or @SlamminSamBeer.

About Slammin’ Sam Beer Company

A new venture, Slammin’ Sam Beer Company holds an exclusive, worldwide license with the estate of Sam Snead, one of golf’s greatest gentlemen and champions. The company’s first introduction, Slammin’ Sam™, is a craft-brewed premium American lager with a refreshing taste and exceptionally balanced finish. Inspired by the legendary, self-taught swing of the PGA Tour’s all-time wins leader, it has been created to be the Smoothest Beer in Golf™.

Developed using a proprietary recipe developed by Ray Klimovitz, recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Life Service Award from the Master Brewers Association of the Americas, Slammin’ Sam is produced by the industry’s most respected contract breweries. Initially available at The Greenbrier Resort – which Snead called his professional home for more than 60 years – Slammin’ Sam will also be offered at other renowned resorts, as well as golf courses, restaurants, bars and everywhere beer is sold. Targeting golfers and all active lifestyle consumers, Slammin’ Sam is sold in cans, bottles, and kegs. The line’s packaging and marketing will depict famous images of Snead from the 1950’s and ‘60’s.

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Nike Golf Finds Inspiration in Action Sports for the New Swingtip Footwear
-Nike Golf’s Lunar Swingtip shoe pays homage to the wingtip design-
BEAVERTON, Ore. (June 28, 2012) - Nike Golf’s non-stop innovation is in full swing as its footwear team continues to thrive on inspiration from Nike Athletes. The most recent idea born from Nike Athlete input is the new men’s Nike Lunar Swingtip shoes that pay homage to the classic wingtip design.
A team of Nike Golf engineers and designers visited Nike affiliate, Hurley, for unique athlete inspiration from skateboarders and surfers who enjoy golf and can go low on the course. The engineers and designers utilized these insights as well as those already in the Nike Skateboarding line, to create a shoe that provides stability and comfort on and off the golf course.
“Nike Action Sports has a lot of skate and surf athletes who love golf and are low-handicap players,” said Lee Walker. “When they play, they want to look the part – to wear the ‘uniform’ of golf.  But at the same time they, better than most, can appreciate the stability afforded by a low-profile cupsole construction given the performance demands of their chosen sports.  Balance and stability are critical in board sports just as they are in golf.”
The traction pattern of the outsole was derived from a pressure mapping study Nike’s Sports Research Lab (NSRL) conducted on multiple categories of Nike Athletes. These findings directly influenced the stud configuration, geometry, and heights of the lugs, resulting in a design that offers traction on demand, when and where you need it.
The lugs engage with the ground throughout the swing, providing a secure grip with hidden traction. The rubber rim around the bottom of the shoe is weight activated, working with the movements of the foot to create increased stability while concealing the traction lugs below.
A full-length Nike Lunarlon sockliner delivers superior out-of-the-box comfort while providing ground feel and support. Walker stated, “Action Sports had been utilizing this execution of Lunarlon foam in their Skateboarding line. This inspired our team to incorporate a similar drop-in Lunarlon sockliner for comfort directly underfoot.”
Wingtip upper designs are available in multiple colors and material offerings, including:  Leather (1-year waterproof), Suede and Canvas.
AVAILABILITY: July 1, 2012
Leather (1 yr WP): MSRP: $150 – MAP/STREET: $119.99
Suede: MSRP: $140 – MAP/STREET: $109.99
AVAILABILITY: January 1, 2013
Canvas:  MSRP: $130 – MAP/STREET: $99.99
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Located at NIKE’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, Nike Golf designs and markets golf equipment, apparel, balls, footwear, bags and accessories worldwide. Nike Golf is passionately dedicated to ushering in the future of this great sport by developing ground-breaking innovations that enable and inspire athletes to become better.  For more information on Nike Golf, visit our Web site at http://www.nikegolf.com.  To follow Nike Golf on Twitter visit http://www.twitter.com/nikegolf and to become a fan on Facebook, go to http://www.facebook.com/nikegolf .  To view Nike Golf videos subscribe to our You Tube channel at http://www.youtube.com/nikegolf .  Editors and journalists in the U.S. seeking editorial information and downloadable images, visit http://www.nikegolf.com/presscenter.  For international journalists, please contact Nike Golf’s public relations representative in respective countries for information.
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CHAMP INTRODUCES ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT FLIX DIVOT REPAIR INSTRUMENT
Fun, Ergonomic Switchblade Design Available in Variety of Eye-Catching Colors
(MARLBOROUGH, MA) – CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide – The World Leader in Sport Cleat Technology® and maker of innovative CHAMP spikes, high-performance golf tees and accessories – announces the nationwide availability of its new, ultra-lightweight FLIX Divot Repair Instrument.
An essential accessory for any golfer who cares about course conditions, the fun-to-use and practical “switchblade” design is the company’s most ergonomic offering yet. Heavy duty enough to handle stubborn divots, yet collapsible with the push of a button, the new FLIX tool can be comfortably stored without fear of damaging pants pocket linings. Catering to a variety of personal preferences, the device is available in orange, lime green, pink, black and white.
“As a matter of proper etiquette, all golfers should use a divot tool, and we’ve designed the most comfortable, functional option on the market,” says Harris MacNeill, President and CEO of CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide. “It’s so small and sleek that players will forget it’s in their pocket until they need it.”
Great for all golfers, the FLIX Divot Repair Instrument features a magnetically attached ball-marker that can be customized to include company, club or event logos and names. This is a tremendous way for facilities and outing planners to uniquely promote their brands and functions.
Beyond its popular green repairing accessories, CHAMP spikes are the #1 Brand on Tour®, and have been used by 28 of the last 35 major champions. The company also recently launched a new version of its Tour-proven, eco-friendly Zarma FLYTee, the MyHite. Featuring a series of colored bands around the stem, it allows golfers to quickly and easily place the ball at a consistent height to maximize consistency and ensure repeatable performance.
For more information: http://www.champspikes.com, 1-800-OK-CHAMP.
About CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide
Celebrating 80 years of unparalleled engineering innovations, CHAMP/MacNeill Engineering Worldwide has been a pioneer in spike technology since it introduced the world’s first locking spike, SURE-LOK. The #1 Brand on Tour®, CHAMP is widely known for its acclaimed ScorpionSTINGER™ and recently-launched Zarma® models with patented cushion technology. Both are designed to ensure maximum traction, stability and comfort in all weather conditions.
Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, with offices in Europe and Asia, CHAMP has more than 100 active distributors. The world’s largest manufacturer of replaceable spikes, the company produces more than 140 million spikes annually and is the dominant global brand in football, soccer, golf, baseball, cricket, rugby and other sports.
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