Archive for December 2011
GOO GOO DOLLS & WILL.i.AM OF THE BLACK EYED PEAS
29. December 2011 by admin.
Scottsdale, Ariz. – Grammy-award winning artists the Goo Goo Dolls and Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, who will be performing a special DJ set, will headline this year’s entertainment line-up at the 2012 Coors Light Birds Nest during the Waste Management Phoenix Open, February 1 – 4. Legendary American rock band the Goo Goo Dolls will amaze the crowd with their unprecedented thirteen No. 1 and Top Ten multi-format hit singles including “Black Balloon,” “Name,” “Slide,” “Stay With You,” and “Sympathy” as they take the stage at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2. One of the band’s more recent hit singles “Better Days” was adopted by CNN as a music bed anthem of sorts for the news channel’s Hurricane Katrina recovery coverage due to its uplifting lyrical spirit. The Goo Goo Dolls have sold more than ten million albums worldwide, and in 2011 the band’s commercially successful 1998 single “Iris” hit the No. 1 spot in the Top 40 in the UK 13 years after its initial success, demonstrating their ongoing international popularity. More recently, they released their single “All That You Are” for the Transformers: Dark of the Moon soundtrack earlier this year and are currently busy recording their next album. Performing a special DJ set, Will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas, which has sold an estimated 56 million records worldwide, will hit the stage Friday, Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. Widely regarded as one of music’s top producers, Will.i.am has collaborated with artists such as Justin Timberlake, John Legend, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and many more. Just last month he released his first single “T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)” featuring Jennifer Lopez and Mick Jagger off of his untitled electro album, which will be released at a later date. Making his third consecutive appearance at the Birds Nest, national recording artist Kelley James will open Thursday evening at 6 p.m. James’ music is a fascinating collection of acoustic guitars, hip-hop beats, thoughtful lyrics, and freestyle flows. Earlier this year he joined O.A.R. on their 31-city summer tour and released his latest EP, “The Recent Future” in June 2011, which carefully infuses pop melodies with laid-back hip-hop flows. Flashback Heart Attack, an 80s cover band from Southern California known for their twists on classic 80s hits by Billy Idol, Rick Springfield and other superstars of the decade, will close out the Birds Nest entertainment line-up on Saturday, Feb. 4. Also, back again for a third straight year and performing nightly will be the world’s No. 1 Video DJ - Roonie G. Roonie G. is best known for his unique creative blends of audio and visual content encompassing popular music videos, iconic film footage, custom graphics and comedy shorts, delivering multi-sensory stimulation. The main act for Wednesday, February 1st will be announced at a later date. Birds Nest tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster (800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com, and all Ticketmaster outlet locations). General admission tickets for Wednesday are $25. General admission for Thursday, Friday and Saturday are $30 in advance, $35 day of. VIP tickets are also available for $150, which provides exclusive access to the Absolut Vodka VIP area. VIP guests are treated to a complimentary catered dinner provided by Tom’s Tavern, complimentary drinks and access to a premium viewing area for the show.The Coors Light Birds Nest is located directly across from the main Waste Management Phoenix Open tournament entrance at 82nd Street and Bell Road. The entertainment venue opens at 3:30 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m. Wednesday, February 1 – Saturday, February 4. Headline acts will take the main stage each evening at approximately 8 p.m. The Coors Light Birds Nest is a 21-and-over venue. The 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open will be played January 30 – February 5, 2012 at the TPC Scottsdale. The tournament host, The Thunderbirds, have raised more than $75 million for charities, with more than $48 million generated in the last decade. For information about the 2012 Coors Light Birds Nest, visit www.coorslightbirdsnest.com.
WE-KO-PA GOLF CLUB CELEBRATES 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
21. December 2011 by admin.
Fort McDowell, Ariz. – The award-winning We-Ko-Pa Golf Club recently celebrated its 10th anniversary on Wednesday, December 14th. Named one of the “Top Ten Best New Courses in the World” by Sports Illustrated two weeks after opening in December 2001, We-Ko-Pa’s Cholla Course has been one of the most awarded and successful daily-fee golf facilities in the country. “I’m proud to say that 10 years after opening, little has changed at We-Ko-Pa Golf Club,” said We-Ko-Pa Golf Club Managing Partner Ed Francese, who has been with We-Ko-Pa since course construction began. “Whether it’s the phenomenal golf courses, the pristine Sonoran Desert environment or the unique tribute We-Ko-Pa pays to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, we are still offering the same consistent, all-encompassing golf experience that is unlike any other in Arizona.”Unlike gas and food prices, green fees at We-Ko-Pa have remained consistent. In fact, in December 2001 the introductory green fee at We-Ko-Pa was $130 for out-of-state visitors and $80 for Arizona residents with proof of residency. Today, green fees booked 8 to 90 days in advance are $140 for out-of-state visitors and $85 for Arizona residents (through Dec 24). About the only thing that has changed at We-Ko-Pa over the last decade is the addition of a second golf course. The Saguaro Course, a Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design, opened for play in December 2006 and has been greeted by the same fanfare as the original Scott Miller-designed Cholla Course. Golfweek Magazine lists Saguaro as the number one public access course in Arizona and the Cholla course as the number three public access course in their 2011 state-by-state rankings.
Located on the Fort McDowell Indian Community, We-Ko-Pa Golf Club is a daily fee golf facility that consists of the original 18 holes, the Cholla course, designed by Scott Miller and a second 18 holes, the Saguaro course, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. In addition to the two 18-hole courses, there is a large practice facility, a full-service clubhouse and a second smaller clubhouse serving the Saguaro Course. We-Ko-Pa is owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and is operated by EF Golf and OB Sports Golf Management. For more information on We-Ko-Pa Golf Club, call 480-836-9000 or visit them online at www.wekopa.com.
Other great Arizona golf courses can be found at www.arizonasgolf.com, Arizona’s best resource for golf course information.
THUNDERBIRDS HONOR JACK NICKLAUS
15. December 2011 by admin.
Phoenix, Ariz. – Golf Legend and 1964 Phoenix Open Champion Jack Nicklaus has six Green Jackets from The Masters, five PGA Championship Wannamaker trophies, four US Open trophies, three British Open Claret Jugs, but until today, he didn’t have a Blue Velvet Tunic and Silver Concho from The Thunderbirds. The Thunderbirds, hosts of the Waste Management Phoenix Open since 1934, honored the Golden Bear by making him an honorary Thunderbird prior to today’s 2012 Tee Off Luncheon at The Phoenician Resort. With the addition of Nicklaus there are a total of 31 honorary Thunderbirds, including former PGA TOUR Commissioner Deane Beman, singer Bing Crosby, entertainer Bob Hope, former City of Phoenix Mayor Margaret Hance, golf legend Arnold Palmer and PING Golf founder Karsten Solheim. No name is more synonymous with greatness in the sport of golf than the name Jack Nicklaus, and no single person has changed the face of the sport more than Jack Nicklaus – the player, the designer, the philanthropist, and the good-will ambassador. Jack, 70, has been named “Golfer of the Century” or “Golfer of the Millennium” by almost every major golf publication in the world. He was also named Individual Male Athlete of the Century by Sports Illustrated, and one of the 10 Greatest Athletes of the Century by ESPN. Winner of the 1964 Phoenix Open held at Phoenix Country Club, Nicklaus played in five Phoenix Opens (1962-65 and 1986) and has four top-10 finishes.
Thunderbird membership is limited to 55 Active members. Each has demonstrated a sincere interest in sports and a dedication to community affairs. All Thunderbird activities and events are the prime responsibility of these Active Thunderbirds and are under the watchful eye of the Big Chief and Thunderbird Council. When a Thunderbird reaches the age of 45, their status changes from Active to that of Life Member. Although they are relieved of continuous duties, it is not unusual to see a Life Thunderbird lending a helping hand at The Waste Management Phoenix Open or one of the many other Thunderbird-sponsored events. There are over 300 members comprising The Thunderbirds organization. To date, the Thunderbirds civic organization have given more than $75 million dollars to local charities, including more than $48 in the last decade alone.
The 2012 Waste Management Phoenix Open, known as “The Greatest Show on Grass,” will be held at the TPC Scottsdale from January 30th to February 5th, 2012. The Waste Management Phoenix Open is the best-attended golf tournament in the world and has gained legendary status for being the most unique stop on the PGA TOUR. The 2012 edition will mark the 77th playing of the event (one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR) and the third as the Waste Management Phoenix Open.
Dancin’ Dogg Golf Introduces Melbourne Golf Club Replication for OptiShot Infrared Simulator
1. December 2011 by admin.
(TRAVERSE CITY, MI) – Dancin’ Dogg Golf – maker of the OptiShot Infrared Simulator, the ultimate in-home virtual golf system – has expanded its premium course library to include Melbourne Golf Club, a hyper-accurate replication of an Alister Mackenzie design that consistently ranks as Australia’s No. 1 layout.
A two-time host of the biennial competition between American and International squads, Melbourne Golf Club is well-known for its reachable par 5s and spectacular yet well-guarded par 3 holes. With signature large, undulating greens it has repeatedly been rated among the “Top 100 Courses in the World” (GOLF Magazine) and “Top 100 Best Golf Courses Outside the United States” (Golf Digest).
It’s thanks to our in-house design and development teams that we’re able to deliver this kind of truly unparalleled experience in time for the upcoming competition,” says Brandon Theophilus, CEO of Dancin’ Dogg Golf. “This means that OptiShot users can test their skills on the same pressure shots their countrymen are about to face Down Under.”
Available by download at www.dancindogg.com, Melbourne Golf Club ($49.95) is joined in the OptiShot premium library by replicas of other world-famous courses and major championship host sites, including Atlanta Highlands, Capitol Club, Cogs Corner, Jones Lake, Monterey Classic, Old Scot, Ponte Vedra, Royal St. Marks and Whispering Dunes.
OptiShot (MSRP: $399.95) connects with Windows computers via a plug-and-play interface and requires only 8-½ feet of swing space. With their own clubs, up to four players per round can compete by hitting real balls, foam balls (provided) or no ball at all. Infrared sensors on a durable swing pad precisely record club-head speed, face angle, swing path, distance, tempo, face contact and ball flight. In addition to Core courses that come with the system, OptiShot users can practice and compete on the par-3 option or a realistic driving range.
Dancin’ Dogg Golf was recently ranked one of America’s fast-growing entrepreneurial companies by Inc. Magazine, placing No. 358 on the prestigious Inc. 500 list for 2011. This honor was based on the company’s 951.2% revenue growth from 2007 through 2010. That increase was fueled by exceptional demand for OptiShot, a fun, accurate, affordable and easy-to-use golf simulator that allows players to improve their games from the comfort of home.
About Dancin’ Dogg Golf
Based in Traverse City, MI, Dancin’ Dogg Golf was founded in 2005 and specializes in developing innovative technologies. The company was recently named to the prestigious Inc. 500 list as one of America’s fastest-growing entrepreneurial companies. Other distinctions include winning SoreGolf’s 2010 Research & Development Award. Dancin’ Dogg’s product range is highlighted by the OptiShot Infrared Golf Simulator and its expanding library of world class courses that golfers play anytime, anywhere. Durable and built to last, OptiShot comes with a 180-day warranty and has been heralded by leading authorities nationwide, including GOLF Magazine, Golfweek, Sports Illustrated, Wired and Golf Channel.
For more information: www.dancindogg.com, www.facebook.com/dancindogg, 866.941.3644.
Boccieri Golf Shifts Headquarters and Operations to Scottsdale
1. December 2011 by admin.
(SCOTTSDALE, AZ) – Boccieri Golf – maker of award-wining equipment such as the Tour-proven Heavy Putter – announces the shift of its corporate headquarters and operations to Scottsdale, AZ, as well as plans for a state-of-the-art Research and Performance Center opening in early 2012.
Coinciding with significant growth in demand for the entire portfolio of innovative Boccieri Golf products, the new 9,000square-foot facility is located at 15816 N. Greenway-Hayden Loop. It will enhance customer interaction, specifically through company’s proprietary performance fitting programs. During the relocation process, all business will be conducted as normal with company principals handling day-to-day operations from the Scottsdale facility.
“We really feel like we’ve got our finger on the pulse of the industry in this vibrant golf community, which will continue to inspire us to produce pioneering golf clubs and accessories that make better golfers,” says Stephen Boccieri, President and CEO of Boccieri Golf. “This is an incredible metamorphosis for a company that started in my basement and has grown into a true force due to some real persistence coupled with a revolutionary approach.”
The forthcoming Research and Performance Center will incorporate the latest TrackMan, Foresight and Vector Pro launch monitors and accessories, allowing Boccieri Golf representatives to precisely analyze golfers’ swing characteristics and prescribe equipment for optimal performance. Also available will be Science and Motion (SAM) Puttlab analysis. This training system based on accurate ultrasound measurements provides invaluable data on the putting stroke, helping determine which models are best for players. All custom swing clubs and putter building will take place on-site, with a variety of after-market components available.
Operating under the direction of Stephen Boccieri, the new R&D laboratory will focus on conceiving and testing groundbreaking concepts. Products which meet the company’s exceptionally high standards for commercialization may be added to the Boccieri Golf portfolio or become part of licensing partnerships with other original equipment manufacturers and retailers.
Boccieri Golf’s relocation follows six successful years in Ridgefield, CT, where the company established itself as one of the golf industry’s most forward thinking brands. Its popular Heavy Putter collection and “Control Series” line of full-swing products were the first to integrate counterweight principals.
For more information please visit www.boccierigolf.com or call 888.788.8374.
About Boccieri Golf
The TOUR-proven Heavy Putter was launched in 2005 and has played a key role in victories on the PGA, European, Champions, Nationwide, Asian, Canadian and European Challenge Tours. Boccieri Golf products have expanded to include the Control Series, consisting of drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons featuring the latest advances in counter-weighted technology. All are unique due to back weighting in the butt-end of the shaft which produces a higher balance point to promote a smoother swing. Boccieri Golf products are now carried by the finest off-course shops and most prestigious golf courses, country clubs and resorts in all 50 states and more than 35 overseas markets.
Earlier this year, the company’s full-swing line of “Control Series” clubs was unveiled to critical acclaim. This included being honored as the “Most Surprising New Clubs” from the 2011 PGA Show by GOLF Magazine.
