PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (June 1, 2010) – As history waits its turn at Pebble Beach Golf Links, host of this month’s U.S. Open Championship, there is no wait to reserve a time to play the fabled course. Rounds are available now through July 6, with the exception of the championship week (June 14-20), giving golfers a chance to experience this national treasure under ultimate playing conditions.

Regarded as one of the greatest venues in U.S. Open history, Pebble Beach has been the site of four previous U.S. Open Championships, as well as the PGA Championship, crowning a Who’s Who of major champions – Jack Nicklaus (1972 Open), Lanny Wadkins (1977 PGA), Tom Watson (1982 Open), Tom Kite (1992 Open) and Tiger Woods (2000 Open).

Under the direction of Arnold Palmer, the Pebble Beach Golf Links has been strengthened and lengthened to 7,040 yards. With fairways now pushed closer to the coastline, the Pacific Ocean is no longer just a beautiful backdrop, but a prominent feature on all coastal holes. Enhancements have been made to four greens, 11 tees and 16 bunkers. In addition, six holes have had trees added or repositioned to add strategic value to the layout.

Palmer’s goal was simple: maintain the integrity and historic shot values of this American jewel while challenging today’s standard of players and equipment.

And that jewel is available to anyone who wants to know what it’s like to play championship golf on a U.S. Open course – one that also just happens to be one of the world’s great golf venues (recently ranked No. 1 on the list of “Tour Courses You Can Play” by Golfweek magazine).

To inquire about playing availability at Pebble Beach Golf Links and to book a stay at Pebble Beach Resorts, visit www.PebbleBeach.com or call (800) 654-9300.  More information on California Golf Courses can be found at www.californiasgolf.com .

For more information on Rancho Mañana Golf Club visit www.ranchomanana.com or for information on all Arizona Golf Courses, visit www.arizonasgolfcourses.com .

SUMMER GREEN FEES
Summer green fees at the Boulders Golf Course are just $70 per person (Sun-Thurs) and $85/person (Fri/Sat).  Or for “Twilight Golf” the fee is only $55/person.  These rates are available June1 through August 31, 2010.

FINE WINE & NINE
“Fine Wine & Nine” is a romantic ending to an afternoon of golf at the Boulders.  Couples booking nine holes of golf receive a beverage ticket redeemable at the Boulders Club for two glasses of wine.  This special offer is available June 1 – September 31 and available exclusively to Arizona residents.
TWO FOR ONE DESERT CHALLENGE
The “Two For One Desert Challenge” allows guests may play both the North Course and the South Course for only $95 this summer. The rounds must be completed in 2 consecutive days.  The package is available any day and offered from May 30-September 2, 2010.  Call the Boulders Golf Shop at (480) 488-9028.

SUMMER GOLF ACADEMY
The Boulders Summer Golf Academy includes something for the scratch golfer, the neophyte golfer, the weekend duffer, the woman golfer, the “only-when-I-have-to” golfer, the die-hard golfer and the “never-been-on-a-green” golfer.   Donald Crawley, named by Golf Digest as one of the “Best Teacher in the State” offers special programs and pricing exclusive to Arizona residents.

Summer Golf Instruction: Golf instruction will be offered at special summer rates (20 % less than regular rates) from June 1-August 31.
• (1) hour golf lesson:  $110/player
• (1/2 ) hour golf lesson:   $55/ player 
• (3) 30-minute golf lessons: $150/player
• 1-hour playing lesson and nine holes of golf:  $145/per player
Saturday Golf Clinics-Golf clinics will be offered every Saturday for $30/per golfer/per clinic.  It is available from June 5-August 14th. 
 
Summer Golf Academy-Ideal for couples, families and friends, this 2-day golf program includes two-hour golf instruction; nine-hole of golf each day including cart; and Nike rental clubs, if needed.   The Summer Academy is taught by either an LPGA or PGA instructor and includes instruction in full swing and short game. The cost is $290/person based on two players..

Fore Ladies Golf Academy-This women-only program includes four-hours of golf instruction by LPGA Jean Crawford; Video Analysis; (2) nine-hole green fees including cart and Nike rental clubs.   The cost is $290/player (based on two golfers)  Accommodations are not included. Summer golf academy programs will be available May 17-September 2.

For more information call The Boulders Golf Club at 480-488-9028.
Heralded as one of the finest golf courses worldwide, The Boulders features two 18-hole, par 72 championship golf courses that are considered to be among the most demanding in the Southwest and are known for their rugged beauty and breathtaking desert panoramas.  The golf courses were designed by Jay Morrish and have won some of the industry’s highest accolades including Golf magazine’s “Platinum Medal award, Golf Digest’s “Top 25 U.S. Resorts.”
An exclusive desert hideaway, The Boulders features 160 guest casitas and 61 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, seven restaurants and a lounge, two championship  golf courses, eight tennis courts including three classic clay surfaces, five premier cushion courts and a full-service Golden Door Spa. For more information/reservations about The Boulders Resort & Golden Door Spa, call 480-488-9009 or visit www.TheBoulders.com.

The Virtual Helicopter Ball-Drop will take place on Friday, June 11, 2010 as part of the Arizona Open Green Day Charity Tournament. The evening culminates with the innovative animation and dinner at Harold’s Restaurant in Cave Creek. Those unable to attend will be able to participate by viewing the Ball-Drop live, via web-link. This dynamic event will precede the state’s second longest running professional tournament, the 66th Arizona Open. The 54-hole stroke play championship will be conducted at Desert Mountain’s Apache Course from June 17-19.

The PGA Southwest Section and its production partner, GiveThroughGolf.com will sell golf balls for $20 each. The Grand Prize winner will receive a 2010 Lexus! 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place winners will take home other great prizes. 

Vito Berlingeri, marketing director for the PGA Southwest Section, said,” the campaign will significantly increase the amount of charitable giving the non-profit organization contributes in 2010 and we are excited to be at the forefront of this great opportunity with Give Through Golf.”

Give Through Golf (www.givethroughgolf.com) provides a dynamic, web-based, ball-drop production that can function as a stand-alone event, or work in concert with an existing event, such as a golf tournament or a gala.

GiveThrough Golf sells golf balls online through a customized web page developed specifically for each charity. The custom animation allows donors to view a Virtual Helicopter Ball Drop from anywhere there is Internet access.

 To learn more about the Virtual Ball-Drop, the upcoming event, and to purchase golf balls visit  www.GiveThroughGolf.com, click on the Charity Tab or the Southwest Section PGA Logo or call  (877) 885-2088 

For more tournament information call Mr. Berlingeri at the PGA Southwest Section Office at (480) 443-9002. Also follow The Southwest Section of the PGA on Facebook!

VIRTUAL HELICOPTER BALL-DROP VIDEO LINK:

http://givethroughgolf.com/promo-video

GIVE THROUGH GOLF WEBSITE LINK:

http://givethroughgolf.com/active-charity/southwest-section-pga

SunRidge Canyon Golf Club features a 6,823-yard layout designed by Keith Foster, hidden among the ridges and canyons of the foothills of the McDowell Mountains. Nature played a profound role in establishing the facility as a premier golf facility. The dramatic stretch of natural terrain surrounding SunRidge Canyon is widely considered one of the most picturesque in the Southwest.

“Troon Golf is excited to continue its expansion in Arizona by managing SunRidge Canyon,” stated John Easterbrook, executive vice president of operations, Troon Golf. “This is a remarkable golf facility and we are confident that our management practices will contribute positively to the club’s well-established reputation.”

The strategic desert design at SunRidge Canyon is tempting for players of every level, which creates a true adventure for those embarking on a round of golf. Subtle changes in topography give the course a dramatic effect, demanding careful consideration for each shot. The par 71 course begins at the upper mouth of a dramatic canyon and descends switch-back style to the valley floor. Along the way, the course follows the rugged natural terrain of stony ridges, rock outcroppings and secluded hollows.Since the fairways are not parallel, players enjoy a true sense of serenity and oneness with the golf course, which doesn’t return to the clubhouse until the 18th hole. The course also tests every aspect of the game as each shot demands careful consideration of both risk and reward.

For more information on SunRidge Canyon, visit www.sunridgegolf.com  or call 480-837-5100.

The ten thousand 2010 maps are distributed through resort concierges as well as several information centers throughout Arizona and are published by Essential Communications, LLC.  Essential Communications also publishes the Cave Creek Visitors Guide, Carefree Visitors Guide and numerous golf related web sites including Arizona’s Golf Courses .  The map can also be viewed at Phoenix Golf Map.

Rancho Mañana was also honored by Golf Digest Magazine as one of the “Top 50 Courses for Women” in the current March 2010 issue.  Listed as #38 in the country, Rancho Mañana is one of only three Arizona courses to make the list. 
 
Rancho Mañana Golf Club, located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert in historic Cave Creek, Arizona, just minutes from Scottsdale and Phoenix, features an 18-hole, par 70, championship course with dramatic elevation changes, spectacular views and unspoiled desert terrain. Tee times can be made by calling 480-488-0398 or online at www.ranchomanana.com.

Acushnet also announced plans to continue to provide services for an agreed upon period of time beyond the closing
of the sale to facilitate a seamless transition. Services such as production, distribution, field sales and customer
service will ensure that Acushnet Company’s Cobra trade accounts and golfers continue to receive industry-leading
service during this transition period.

“With the sale of Cobra, we have the opportunity to devote all of our resources to the global growth of our industryleading Titleist and FootJoy brands,” said Wally Uihlein, Chairman and CEO of Acushnet Company. “At the same time, is a strong brand with a heritage of innovation, and we wish the quality associates guiding the brand future success. Golfers and our valued partners will remain the key focus throughout the impending sale and we are
confident that our customers will continue to be serviced to our high standards.”
Pending regulatory approval, the effective date of the sale of Cobra Golf to PUMA is expected to be early in the second quarter of 2010, and all business will continue to be conducted by Acushnet Company until that time. All Acushnet Company associates dedicated to the Cobra business are expected to become employees of PUMA. Financial terms of the pending transaction were not disclosed.

“Titleist and FootJoy are powerful golf brands that are poised for long-term growth,” continued Uihlein. “This laser
focus and our longstanding commitment to deliver superior performance and quality will strengthen golfers’ trust in the Titleist and FootJoy brands in all global markets.”

Massachusetts area golf course information can be found at Connecticut’s Golf and New Hampshire’s Golf.

$75 Weeklong Grounds Badge:

A $75 weeklong Grounds badge (a $175 value or $100 savings) is available only at the Main Tournament Entrance Ticket Booth. $75 will buy you one General Admission Grounds Badge valid for each day of the 2010 tournament (Monday – Sunday).
 
$5 Tickets:

$5 tickets will be sold at the Main Tournament Entrance Ticket Booth (only) on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of tournament week.  Tickets will only be valid for the day on which they are purchased. $5 tickets will be limited to two per person. $5 tickets are not available through Ticketmaster and offer fans a $20 savings off the typical $25 general admission.

Commemorative 75th Anniversary Poster:

Commemorative 75th Anniversary posters featuring Phoenix Open greats Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller and Phil Mickelson will be available throughout the tournament and will sell for just $7.50. Created by local artist Brent Benger and printed free-of-charge by Creative Litho, all proceeds from the sale of the posters will go to Thunderbirds Charities.

Sunday $7.50 Meal Deal:

On Sunday, February 28, during the final round of the 2010 Waste Management Phoenix Open, fans can purchase a hot dog, chips and a non-alcoholic beverage for just $7.50 (a $3 savings) at all Prom-Catering concession stands.

21-Gun Shot At Glory Salute:

There will be a 21-gun salute by the Marine Corp prior to the start of Wednesday afternoon’s Shot At Glory closest-to-the-pin contest on the 16th hole. The Waste Management Phoenix Open’s Shot At Glory is a unique closest-to-the-pin contest for charity on the famed 16th hole on Wednesday, February 24th. The contest begins at 3:30 pm and will feature approximately 30 participants from all walks of life, including celebrities, war heroes, tournament sponsors and regular, every-day golf fans. In fact, two lucky fans will be chosen randomly from the 16th hole crowd and asked to participate in the contest.
The Waste Management Phoenix Open will be played February 22 – 28, 2010, at the TPC Scottsdale. The tournament host Thunderbirds have raised more than $65.9 million for charities, with more than $37.9 million generated since 2004. The 2010 edition will mark the 75th playing of the event, making it one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR (not including the major championships). Title sponsor Waste Management, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of waste-to-energy and landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The company’s customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. For more information on Waste Management visit wm.com or thinkgreen.com. For more information on the Waste Management Phoenix Open, visit wmphoenixopen.com.

“Sam was a great amateur golfer who is now looking to get his professional career going and we are excited to give him an opportunity,” Rauch said.  “And adding Arnold Palmer’s grandson to the field of our 75th anniversary tournament is terrific. Arnie is one of this tournament’s greatest ambassadors and an Honorary Thunderbird.”

The 22-year-old Saunders turned pro last spring after his junior year at Clemson University, and has played in two PGA TOUR events in 2010 on sponsor exemptions, the Bob Hope Classic and the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am , where he finished T-70.

Saunders was a medalist at the 2005 U.S. Junior Amateur, and he won the Florida State High School Golf Championship as a junior at Trinity Prep High School in Winter Park, Fla., where he was a four-time, first-team all-state player.

For more information:
Waste Management Phoenix Open, visit wmphoenixopen.com
Scottsdale Golf Courses, ScottsdalesGolf.com
Arizona Golf Courses, ArizonasGolfCourses.com