New Bag Boy Travel Cover Offers Affordable Golf Club Protection

If you enjoy bringing your golf clubs along on vacation, you definitely require a travel cover to make sure that no damage befalls your investment.

Also, if your clubs get damaged in transit, you might have to rent a set and that could put a bit of a hamper on an otherwise wonderful time. I remember once returning from vacation only to find that my travel cover failed to provide protection for my driver whose head was snapped at the shaft!
< border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tHxrEfo0YcshXfpMdPMrPuB2iaNMEG839CG17FPkj8xw-ZDXfN6nMa_MAIjvQiAryr6bq55Ta7iXG6AD2M3HEB1oldrzqlYHNdms9KIP6j2sa8Hb_uYTmXYT26I_mSyPriaD/s320/Bag_Boy_T700_Golf_Travel_Cover.jpg" img alt="Bag Boy T-700 Golf Travel Cover" />
The Bag Boy Company, arguably the number one name in golf cart and golf bag innovation, just unveiled the T-700 golf travel cover for traveling golfers seeking a cost effective alternative for transporting their clubs.

Designed with an impact resistant top and high density foam padding to ensure maximum protection, this stylish new model further strengthens the Company’s innovative travel cover line.

Featuring an ergonomic neoprene handle for easy maneuverability, the T-700 comfortably fits a 48” driver and up to a 10” cart bag and is equipped with internal compression straps that stabilize the bag to ensure clubs are packed safely inside while being transported. A lockable, full wrap-around main zipper offers easy access for packing and unpacking while an over-sized dual zippered shoe/garment pocket leaves ample space to store shoes and/or additional personal items.

“Our intention for all of our travel cover designs is to make the club transport process as seamless as possible, offering products that are easy to maneuver and access but more importantly can absorb the rigors of travel without damaging golf clubs,” said Craig Ramsbottom, President, The Bag Boy Company.

Constructed with weather and tear resistant 600D polyester, the T-700 features deluxe skid bars on the back with a durable skid resistant PVC base and an integrated ID tag holder. For easy maneuverability the T-700 is equipped with smooth rolling in-line skate wheels perfect for climbing up steps and high curbs, and a lift assistant handle for easy loading into a vehicle.

The T-700 is offered in Black/Royal/Silver, Black/Charcoal/Silver and Black/Red/Silver. The travel cover will be available in green grass and retail locations in April 2010, and has a suggested retail price of $79.95. It's a small investment which yields peace-of-mind!

About Bag Boy

Founded in 1946, Bag Boy has become one of the most respected brands in golf by building a reputation for unmatched quality, unbelievable durability and unsurpassed innovation and design. Bag Boy designs, manufactures and distributes a full line of innovative golf bags, push carts, travel covers and accessories designed for a golfer’s on-course convenience and comfort.

For more information about Bag Boy and Bag Boy products, visit http://www.bagboy.com.

PGA Tour can learn from John Daly's social skills

Although the PGA Tour "communicates" with its fans through online giants Twitter and Facebook, people who follow don't usually receive much of a personal response. Two-way conversation is crucial to opening the doors of social media.

With social networking still in its infancy, the potential for growth within these two vastly contrasting formats is enormous, providing that the PGA Tour is willing to adapt its style to meet the demands of both.

Executive producer of PGA TOUR.com Scott Gutterman feels that by extending reach to Twitter and Facebook, fans will experience a "direct connection" that they crave but admits that "their audience numbers are not as high as the Tour would ultimately like." Guttman understands that "two-way communication of social media doesn’t happen overnight."

ESPN sports analyst and former NBA star Jalen Rose believes that "interaction" is the key to more fans and followers.

"The PGA needs to talk with the fans who are posting on their wall. They need to interact with people talking about golf on Twitter, and even have golfers give live lessons on Ustream! It’s time for the PGA to build a culture where golfers and golf fans come to the PGA’s social media accounts when they want to talk or find out more about the sport."

Various internet studies comparing Twitter and Facebook mention that, although many users have profiles in both communities with some interconnectedness, some celebrities grow a much larger fan base due to the scope and ease of communication through one social medium over the other.

Coincidentally, social media trends indicate that although most Fortune 100 companies have some type of social media presence, Twitter is becoming more popular.

For now, the PGA Tour seems to have a better connection with its Facebook group probably because this social media option is more like its current website.

The allure of Facebook is long-term community-driven status with the ability to apply pictures, information and a "face" to the Tour while Twitter followers appear to be more chatty and unreserved, wanting information in more immediate, quick bursts. Youtube.com is almost an offshoot of the PGATour.com website so, even though there were 4.4 million uploads of golf videos as well as over 128,000 visits to the site to date, it can hardly be considered "social" media.

Taking into consideration that the PGA Tour has more than double the number of Facebook fans (45,000) over Twitter followers (about 21,000) and that the PGA of America maintains that there are 27 million golfers in the USA, the Tour should be asking what can be done to grow their visibility on both platforms as well as internationally as golf is a worldwide sport.

One way to reach fans en masse and in person? How about on-course during an event: go to where the fans are and seek them out. Although cell phones are considered a "no-no" at events, perhaps the PGA Tour could set up special tents with Twitter on net books close enough to the action where fans could post tweets in exchange for giveaways. The winner gets tickets to a future event or an 'inside the ropes' activity. Sign up as a "follower" and see your name on one of the big boards around the golf course!

Six events are set up for the West Coast Swing alone, which puts into play two Arizona golf courses and four more in California. Followers could be increased by reaching out on-course as opposed to solely through internet strategies.

The list of "fan-friendly" PGA Tour golfers can perhaps also use their power of persuasion by adding the @PGATour link occasionally during a tweet. The connection between professional golfers and the Tour would benefit because the PGA Tour has the more statistical analysis while the golfer could add 'pizzazz'.

John Daly, one of the most vibrant "tweeters" in the world of social media, (@PGA_JohnDaly), currently has over 44,000 fans on Twitter, more than double the number of followers than @PGATour yet falls short on the number of Facebook followers with slightly more than 14,000 fans.

Daly keeps in touch and keeps it "real" and so he appeals more to Twitter fans. When someone asks a question (and he's available) they can expect a response from JD.

John involves the fans with regularity from mounting a Twitter campaign as the Golf Channel's next "Haney project" to offering autographed copies of his new CD. Now that's the way to market yourself!

Of course Daly's eclectic lifestyle makes many fans want to keep track of his larger-than-life status but maybe the PGA Tour should take a tip from JD when it comes to Twitter because communication and putting a face to the tour really helps in adding value to the brand.

Adding fan base may as simple as having a a few surprise celebrity "tweeters" on @PGATour or following a few of the hot golf bloggers to stir things up a little (like @golf4beginners for instance?)

Other PGA and LPGA Tour golfers are enjoying celebrity status on Twitter rather than on Facebook and finding it easier to jot down a quick note while practicing or even just after winning an event.

Ian Poulter, @Ianjamespoulter (7,004 Facebook/ 977,239 Twitter fans) just won his first event ever in the US, a match-play event and, at 2:01am after the event tweeted, "Evening friends, What a day, just sitting on my bed in palm springs, doing cobra commercial tomorrow. 6.45 start, so happy after winning." You can't get much closer to your golf hero than that!

Michelle Wie, @theMichelleWie (2,716 Facebook/14,984 Twitter) told her fans what she was doing on Valentines Day: "spending valentines day writing a paper and listening to Metallica in my hotel room. haha so ideal...not. :)" Who would have thought Michelle Wie to like Metallica!

Stewart Cink (2173 Facebook, 1,226,058 twitter) asked fans about some of their favorite songs: "Just listening to David Bowie's "Space Oddity" on the way to practice. One of few songs I like that include a countdown. Your favorites?"


All of the examples above have both Facebook pages and Twitter accounts but less time is needed for a 140 character update than the investment of time required with Facebook.

With the ability to have tweets directly imported to Facebook, MySpace and other social websites, fans still feel connected but the connection originated with Twitter. Facebook also looks and feels like any other website, with the ability to put up a "wall" separating the fans from personal connection.

That being said, both social media platforms are tools for communication, each with its own unique functionality. Whereas Twitter has become more of a quick way to meet friends and network, Facebook prides itself on a deeper level connection.

Both forms of social media are necessary in order for the PGA Tour to grow on an international level. If only the Tour could find a way to "humanize" itself and add a bit of the celebrity mix which people seem to gravitate towards, it would marry both its online business concern with a more approachable presence.

Written by Stacy Solomon
http://golf-for-beginners.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/golf4beginners
Stacy Solomon on Facebook



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Kodak Challenge Visits Wild Hole at TPC Scottsdale

For the second consecutive year the Kodak Challenge, a first-of-its-kind competition for PGA TOUR players and fans, visits the wild par-3, 162-yard 16th hole of TPC Scottsdale at the Waste Management Phoenix Open on February 25-28 in Scottsdale, AZ. The Waste Management Phoenix Open is the 6^th of 30 tournaments to participate in the $1 million Kodak Challenge competition.

The Kodak Challenge was created to celebrate the beautiful holes and memorable moments in golf. Golfers must play at least 18 of 30 Kodak Challenge holes throughout the season to qualify. The golfer with the best Kodak Challenge score relative to par at the end of the season will win the Kodak Challenge trophy and $1 million. An Advisory Board of leading golf experts selected the par-3 16th at TPC Scottsdale as one of 30 holes that make up the Kodak Challenge.

Scottsdale resident, Kevin Streelman claimed the first Kodak Challenge title and the winner-take-all $1 million prize at the PGA TOUR’s final event of the 2009 season, the Children’s Miracle Network Classic in Lake Buena Vista, FL.

Matt Kuchar, Brenden Pappas and Tim Clark are currently in a three-way tie for first at 4-under-par on the Kodak Challenge. Kuchar and 2009 Kodak Challenge champ, Streelman are in the field this week at TPC Scottsdale.

Kodak Fan Photo Zone

The Kodak Fan Photo Zone, located at the south end of the driving range, between the #10 and #16 greens, allows fans to have their picture taken at Hole #16 – a live shot during tournament play when cameras are not typically allowed. Fans can pick up a free copy of their photo at the Kodak Fan Photo Zone throughout the entire tournament. While visiting the Kodak Fan Photo Zone, fans can also learn about Kodak’s latest products and how they can even be used for their golf game.

About Kodak Challenge hole #16 at TPC Scottsdale

The par-3, 162-yard 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is among the most celebrated holes on the PGA TOUR. The enthusiasm of the fans in seating that surrounds the entire hole gives this short par-3 a "stadium" atmosphere and creates one of the most exciting settings in professional sports.

"We’re thrilled to have the Kodak Challenge visit #16 at TPC Scottsdale, one of the most unique and exciting holes in golf.  Hole #16 at the Waste Management Phoenix Open is the perfect example of what the Kodak Challenge is all about for players and fans," commented Steve Powell, Director of Development for the Kodak Challenge.

Kodak and PGA TOUR Release 2010 Kodak Challenge Schedule

The 2010 Kodak Challenge schedule includes 21 of the original 30 holes, with two tournaments joining the Kodak Challenge: No. 15 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, NC, site of the Quail Hollow Championship; and No. 14 at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, OH, home of the Memorial Tournament presented by Morgan Stanley.

Kodak's marketing partnership with the TOUR includes the designation as Official Imaging Provider of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour, including cameras, printers and scanners. For more on the Kodak Challenge visit pgatour.com/kodakchallenge. 

Fans can also follow the Kodak Challenge at facebook.com/kodakchallenge, twitter.com/kodakchallenge, and 1000words.kodak.com/kodakchallenge.

About Kodak

As the world’s foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.

To learn more, visit http://www.kodak.com and follow our blogs and more at http://www.kodak.com/go/followus.

More than 75 million people worldwide manage, share and create photo gifts online at KODAK Gallery – join today at www.kodakgallery.com.

About the PGA TOUR

The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to expand the PGA TOUR domestically and internationally so as to substantially increase player financial benefits while maintaining our commitment to growth in charity and integrity to the game.

In 2010, the three Tours are competing in 102 events for more than $350 million in prize money. Tournaments will be held in 10 countries outside the U.S. and in 35 states. In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant funds for local charities. In fact, the three Tours have surpassed the $1 billion mark in overall charitable contributions.  The PGA TOUR’s web site address is www.pgatour.com and the company is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

Golf Channel coverage starts Thursday at 4PM EST.  You can also follow the action at www.pgatour.com/kodakchallenge.0

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PrideSports Debuts Evolution in Golf Tees

PrideSports, the world’s leading producer of wooden alternative golf tees and probably the number one golf tee on Tour, today further enhanced the Company’s leadership in the alternative tee market with the debut of PTS Evolution™ golf tees. The newest member of PrideSports’ Professional Tee System™ (PTS) family, the PTS Evolution™, is an environmentally-friendly, plastic performance golf tee engineered with a special low-resistance head design that creates less friction between the golf ball and tee, delivering enhanced aerodynamics for longer drives.

The launch of PTS Evolution™ comes on the heels of PrideSports’ 2009 introduction of PTS Offset™, the most advanced alternative golf tee allowed by the USGA and the first to feature an offset angle to increase ball visibility and contact with the club at its maximum speed and optimum trajectory, resulting in longer drives.

“PTS has become the standard in wooden golf tees, and players from the PGA TOUR, as well as amateur golfers, utilize this system to match their tee lengths with the club head sizes,” said John Hohman, Vice President of Marketing, PrideSports. “With PTS Evolution and PTS Offset, we now have the two most innovative, high performance alternative tees in golf, and we have further enhanced the leadership position of the PTS family.”

PrideSports’ Professional Tee System™ (PTS) was created based on golfer demand, at both the professional and amateur levels, for a system to identify the golf tee lengths that worked best for today’s diverse oversize and hybrid golf club models. A proprietary, color-coding system that makes it easy to identify each of the four tee sizes, PTS offers four distinct tee models: ProLength, ProLength-PLUS, ProLength-MAX and Shortee.

Available in the PTS ProLength (2¾”) and ProLength Plus (3¼”) models, the PTS Evolution™ tees are made of recycled/re-ground plastic, and are designed to last longer while providing less waste. They are also among a select group of eco-friendly golf tees that are sold in both plain unprinted bulk quantities, as well as with custom-imprinting options. The new tees will be available in spring 2010, and will be sold at retailers around the country. Suggested Retail Price for the PTS Evolution™ tees will be $7.99.

About PrideSports

PrideSports was formed in January 2003 following Pride Manufacturing Company’s purchase of Softspikes, Inc., and its sister company Trisport, Ltd. of England. This acquisition essentially formed the world’s premier golf accessories company, as Pride and Softspikes are the world’s leading golf tee and golf cleat lines, respectively. Today, PrideSports is the world leader in the design and manufacture of cleats, spikes and receptacles for the entire golf footwear industry.

Mom forgives Tiger Woods; does it really matter what his fans think?

An understandably weepy Tiger Woods humbled himself before family and friends today to apologize for his indiscretions. Did you feel sorry for him?

I felt bad for his mom, watching her downward-cast eyes glowering noticeably away from Tiger's gaze as he spoke directly to her, espousing the importance of his Buddist upbringing and his wandering eye. Was her forgiving hug at the end of the speech out of pity or comfort?

I felt even sadder for Elin and the kids who smartly chose to avoid the circus which Woods decided was an important step towards his recovery. Tiger probably should never have even mentioned the wife and partner who stood by his side during his indiscretions as it sullied her name. Why re-hash the vision of her swinging a golf club at him?

Still, today's self-imposed "intervention" was a step that Tiger Woods felt he needed towards recovery. The public is always ready to forgive, but will we ever forget? Most of the world is guilty of their own sins and would like forgiveness when the time calls for it.

Remember Marv Alpert's sex crime or the time Charles Barkley threw a bar patron threw a window? These two in particular re-invented themselves but there are a bevy more to choose from.

Will this kill the Tiger Woods spirit of competition? Will he be able to return with the same fervor to attack records of the great Jack Nicklaus? Only time will tell.


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Send your golf questions and comments to golfforbeginners@aol.com.

Just in case you missed the Tiger Woods Press Conference, you can watch it here: Tiger Woods Press Conference Video Link

New Weather and Tear Resistant Golf Bags

Datrek, a Division of Dynamic Brands and a golf industry leader in golf bags, debuted its 2010 line of innovative cart and stand bags, highlighted by the Assault, Raptor and Sabre models. Marking Datrek’s first new product introduction since being acquired by Dynamic Brands, the 2010 collection combines cutting edge features with fashion forward designs that have become synonymous with the storied brand.

The 2010 collection includes a diverse selection of cart and stand bags that accommodate the needs of all golfers, whether walking the course and carrying, using a push cart or riding in a cart.

“The Datrek brand has had a long history of innovation and success. We are excited to introduce a collection of cart and stand bags that combine style with functionality, and serve to complement our existing portfolio of innovative golf bag offerings,” said Craig Ramsbottom, President, Dynamic Brands.

The abundance of design features offers golfers the ultimate in functionality, style and convenience.

Headlining the 2010 line is the Assault, an extreme performance cart bag that features a 10” top with 14 individual full-length dividers, as well as two external putter wells with noise reducing rubberized grips. Equipped with nine pockets that provide ample storage options, the Assault is outfitted with two crush resistant fleece lined accessories/valuable pockets, an oversized front ball pocket designed for embroidery, a quick grab magnetic ball pocket, and an easy access built-in insulated cooler pocket for added convenience.

The mid-sized Raptor cart bag features a 10” top with 14 individual full-length dividers and an external putter well with noise reducing rubberized grip. Perfect for keeping a golfer’s favorite drink cold, the Raptor has an easy access insulated cooler pocket and offers ample storage space including eight pockets, a dual apparel pocket with an interior mesh organizer and a fleece lined accessories/valuables pocket.

The lightweight Sabre stand bag, weighing in at less than 6 lbs., is perfect for the avid golfer who enjoys walking or riding. Offering a variety of user-friendly benefits, the bag includes a 10” top with eight individual full-length dividers, nine pockets for ample storage space, a scorecard holder sleeve and an easily accessible insulated water bottle holder and ball pocket. In addition, the Sabre is designed for added comfort while carrying, with a rubberized lift assist handle, a stylized hip pad and an ergonomic molded carry handle.

All golf bags in the collection are constructed with 420D weather and tear resistant polyester. Additional bags in the 2010 line include an assortment of cart and stand bags. The cart bag collection includes the Avenger; Fury and Falcon, while additional stand bags in the collection include the Spitfire and Osprey.

The Assault cart bag is offered in Black, Red, Copper and Hunter Green and has an MSRP of $179.95. The Raptor cart bag is offered in five color schemes including Black, Yellow, Royal Blue, Orange and Hunter Green and has an SRP of $149.95. The Sabre stand bag is offered in a variety of color combinations including Black/Black/Silver, Royal Blue/Black/Silver, Graphite/Black/Silver, Hunter Green/Black/Silver and Red/Black/Silver and has an SRP of $149.95. The Datrek collection will be available at golf shops nationwide in June 2010.

About Datrek

Datrek is owned by Dynamic Brands, the parent company for a portfolio of premium brand name companies that are all committed to the development of innovative, quality products and outstanding customer service in the golf and juvenile industries.

Golf products offered through the company’s Bag Boy®, Slotline®, AMF® Golf, Burton®, Datrek®, Devant®, Sir Christopher Hatton® and Miller Golf® brands include walking carts, golf bags, travel bags, golf clubs, high MOI putters, custom image dyed and embroidered golf towels, bag tags and other golf accessories.

Baby Jogger™ is the original inventor and manufacturer of 3-wheel joggers and all-terrain strollers while Advance Mobility™ manufactures all-terrain push chairs for children and adults with physical disabilities. Protect-A-Bub® produces pediatric recommended sunshades and all-weather comfort juvenile products. Dynamic Brands’ products are marketed in more than 50 countries worldwide. For more information about Dynamic Brands, visit http://www.dynamicbrands.com.

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