A Change Of Course

The golf industry is looking at ways to make the game more inclusive, and that's good news for planners

Golf is not your father's game anymore, according to Teddie O'Keefe, president of Golf ProfitBuilders (www.golfprofitbuilders.com), a marketing, business planning, and operations consultant for public and private golf courses. "Golfer demographics are changing," she told Convene. "The hot demo today is 29-49-year-olds. And women are the fastest-growing segment of the golf business."

For associations looking to hold golf events into the future, O'Keefe has more positive news. "We're seeing an upswing in bookings this past year. People are doing business on the golf course again, with more outings and charity events," O'Keefe said. "A lot of the younger executives see it as a great team-building activity. When you're incorporating golf in groups and meetings, it's a good way of letting down the guard and getting to know people better. What other sport enables you to go out and do that in a meeting atmosphere? It's also great for retreats - an organization will gather its group together and get them off-property for a couple of days to give them an opportunity to brainstorm, reflect, take a break, and play golf and relax."

Time, O'Keefe notes, is the new currency and we don't have enough of it to spend. For that reason, she sees a growing trend of nine-hole games. "We recommend that many of our clients offer that, even to do some events where you make your course a PAR 3 course, or offer quick clinics for those who are new to the game, followed by a six-hole round."

Women are responsible for more than 50 percent of the growth of golf right now - and O'Keefe feels that not enough attention is being paid to them. "They tend to be treated as regular golfers. They're not," she said. "When they're just starting out and they've just taken lessons, they're going to be intimidated if they're trying to play golf in a business setting. We recommend that golf clubs have the clinic in play, give them a tour of the course so they see what it really looks like, and give them an opportunity to have lunch or wine and cheese afterward."

To make golf outings run more smoothly, O'Keefe recommends that the golfers be split into two groups of teams: experienced golfers start on the back nine; those who are beginners tee off on the front nine. "People feel comfortable playing with others at the same level," she said. "Plus, this works out so the beginner players aren't holding up the experienced players."

"The golf industry is really looking at what it can do to stimulate the play and bring more people into the game," she said. "The industry has to really speak to the new market in a different way and women are part of that market. It's a traditional game that's trying to get out of its own way and change."

The Perfect Golf Outing Starts With The Right Shirt

Did you know the success of a golf outing is usually determined before the first ball is teed up? All players, regardless of their skill level, want to find the "edge" that gives them confidence and increases their interest in participating in your outing. Selecting the right equipment -including the right golf shirt - makes the difference.

When it comes to quality golf apparel, brand name is key. Golfers want what they see on TV or in golf stores or read about in magazines.

High-tech means high pleasure. The average golf outing takes an entire day and requires a lot of physical activity; comfort is mandatory to players' happiness. Smart fabrics that improve hydration through moisture-wicking and cooling technology, as well as through a fit and design that improves range of motion, are where it's at in golf apparel.

Contemporary styling increases message frequency. Bright contemporary colors, color blocking, and beautiful fabric that drapes well and looks fresh even after 18 holes and dinner is the trend. Today's golf shirt is worn far more frequently off the course than on. Embroidering a group and outing name on apparel being worn beyond the event at hand increases association name recognition and serves as a pleasant reminder of a wonderful meeting.

Broder Bros. Co. is the nation's leading manufacturer and exclusive wholesale supplier of branded golf apparel in the imprintable sportswear industry and recommends adidas golf apparel as the best in its class. All adidas golf apparel offers "trend right" styling and state-of-the-art technology for maximum comfort. In fact, it's the fastest growing brand name in the sport of golf.

For more information, contact Broder Bros. at (215) 291-6140. 

Pro-Am Golf 

Something for Every Golfer 

Holding the perfect association golf meeting takes more than finding the right resort property to suit a group's needs. Planners must also ensure that equipment given to participants as a gift is appropriate for their level of skill. By working with Pro-Am Golf, planners are assured of access to a wide range of equipment from several different companies to satisfy all needs.

Among Pro-Am's newest offerings is the TaylorMade r7 460 titanium driver. The titanium driver's 460 club head features Movable Weight Technology (MWT™). The r7 460 affords the highest MOI (moment of inertia) of any TaylorMade driver for tremendous forgiveness and long, straight results on off-center hits. Players also enjoy the freedom to go from a neutral trajectory to a draw with two clicks of the TLC Wrench (included).

The TaylorMade r7 460 includes two grams of moveable weight - one two-gram and one-14 gram cartridge for shot-shape movement of up to 15 yards. It is equipped with the TaylorMade RE*AX shaft, whose Fujikura RE*AX technology reduces ovaling in the mid-section to promote greater stability, shot consistency, and clubhead speed. The driver is available in multiple loft options for the right- or left-handed golfer, in regular, stiff, or ladies' flex. Pro-Am is also proud to offer TaylorMade Rescue Dual drivers, with steel or graphite shafts. Engineered for maximum accuracy and distance, the products are designed with dual TLC ports into which weight cartridges may be installed to create a larger draw bias or neutral ball flight trajectory bias. Shafts are offered in regular and stiff flex.

Also new: the TaylorMade® TP Black golf ball, with a thicker mantle to permit it to slide up the clubface a fraction at impact for a higher launch angle. The mantle and a smaller core work together to promote an even lower rate of driver-spin, which along with a higher launch angle promotes increased carry and distance. The new TaylorMade® TP Red golf ball has a larger core and thinner mantle for a low spin rate off the driver and a slightly lower, tour-like launch angle off every club in the bag. Both are available with custom logos.

For more information about Pro-Am, call (800) 746-5383 or e-mail info@proamgolfctr.com. 

 Branded Golf Balls Keep Your Company 'Top of Mind'

Twenty five percent of all golf balls sold are co-branded with a logo, in addition to the logo of the golf ball manufacturer. Many golf balls are purchased for group and corporate outings, as thank-you gifts and trade show premiums, and as part of corporate fulfillment programs.

For associations, as well as for other groups, co-branded logo golf balls have become a strong marketing tool, given the popularity of tournaments, events, and outings. Ball Pro offers several logo golf ball options for golf tournament kits. Golf tournament participants are accustomed to receiving logo golf balls from sponsors, who in turn benefit from seeing their brand on the tee boxes, fairways, and putting greens.

A recent study conducted for the Promotional Products Association International by LJ Market Research revealed an estimated 71 percent of respondents had received at least one promotional co-branded product within the past year and 76 percent of the respondents were able to recall the name of the advertiser on the co-branded promotional product. Offering co-branded gifts during trade shows increases visits by 176 percent. The goodwill generated by giving Maxfli® or TaylorMade® golf balls, co-branded with your logo, will go far in helping you do more business.

Maxfli has long been recognized as a quality brand for golf balls, and its history of success on professional tours is well documented. "Our sales of Maxfli and TaylorMade golf balls have increased by 300 percent over the past two years," said Tim Hanson, president of Ball Pro Promotional Group. "The Maxfli Noodle has been the driving force, as it is a good ball at a great price. We are also seeing growing demand for the new TaylorMade TP™ balls, which were introduced this spring and are already played on tour by more than two dozen professionals."

Visit www.ballpro.com to learn more about our corporate golf and sporting product offerings, and to find a promotional products distributor to help you co-brand with TaylorMade or Maxfli golf balls.

Amelia Island Plantation 

Florida's Premier Island Resort Offers Experience Like No Other 

On 1,350 acres between the sugar-pure beaches of the Atlantic and the tidal marshes of the Intracoastal Waterway lies Amelia Island Plantation, a secluded island paradise that offers a resort experience like no other. 

Accommodations range from luxurious hotel rooms in the all-oceanfront 249-room Amelia Inn & Beach Club to an array of choices of one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas featuring ocean, golf, or marsh views. The resort's 72 holes of championship golf have received numerous awards and distinctions, including being recognized as a "Silver Medal Golf Resort" by Golf Magazine and an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System by Audubon International. The resort's Oak Marsh, Ocean Links, Long Point, and Royal Amelia courses offer something for all golfers, from pristine marsh views to the challenge of seven oceanfront holes.

Other resort amenities include 23 Har-Tru fast-dry clay tennis courts, a health and fitness facility, 23 swimming pools (including one indoors), and a year-round supervised age-specific youth program for children ages three to 12. There are endless shaded biking and walking trails, and miles of secluded Atlantic beach. The resort also offers horseback riding on the beach, fresh and saltwater fishing, and sailing charters.

For those who just want to relax, the Spa at Amelia Island Plantation features 25 individual treatment rooms with sweeping views of lagoons and moss-draped oaks. At our luxury spa, treatments include everything from massage, hydrotherapy, facials, peels, and herbal wraps to manicures, pedicures, and other salon services. The Signature Program, Watsu, features a therapeutic pool on its own private island connected by a boardwalk to the main spa. Watsu stretches the muscles while floating in water to achieve balance of chi, resulting in a sense of serenity and energy balance.

When delegates are finished on the greens, tennis courts, or beaches, a variety of restaurants offer sophisticated resort dining, the freshest in local seafood, or a poolside grill.

With championship sports and gracious island living, it's easy to see why Amelia Island Plantation is the only Florida Resort to receive AAA's prestigious Four-Diamond award every year since 1980.

Amelia Island At A Glance

Golf: Amelia Island Plantation offers 72 holes of golf. Designed by Pete Dye, Oak Marsh meanders through century-old live oaks and serpentine marshlands. Ocean Links, designed by both Pete Dye and Bobby Weed, hosts a unique combination of five holes along the Atlantic Ocean. Ocean Links provides golfers with exhilarating views and intriguing golf. Shaped by natural waste bunkers, large undulating greens, and oceanfront dunes, Tom Fazio's Long Point offers a challenge to golfers of all levels. Royal Amelia, designed by Tom Jackson, is a par 72 track featuring incredibly smooth TifEagle greens.

Meeting Facilities: With 49,000 square feet of meeting space, Amelia Island Plantation is sure to have a room to suit your needs. From smaller spaces to large ballrooms, Amelia Island Plantation can serve up to 1,000 guests. Receptions can also be held in a variety of outside locations, including the Ocean View Terrace, Walker's Landing on the marsh, the beach, and the pool deck.

Accommodations: 610 rooms on property.

Other On-Site Amenities/Activities: Spa, shopping, Nature Center, 23 Har-Tru fast-dry clay tennis courts, 23 pools, health and fitness center, fishing, horseback riding, bike trails, nature paths, age-specific youth programs, and 10 dining options.

For More Information: Contact group sales at (866) 213-8045, ext. 4.

Pocono Mountains Region

Top-Tier Courses, Meeting Facilities Create Ideal Golf Destination

Whether planning a weeklong convention or an afternoon meeting, the Pocono Mountains region features all the necessary facilities and additional amenities to make events a success.

Located in Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Pocono Mountains are easily accessible from New York City, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Complementing the scenic views, glistening lakes, and lush forests are hundreds of golf holes spread over 35 courses. The region offers state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities, high-speed Internet, and wireless capabilities in a relaxed, stress-free environment far from the noise and grind of the city. Plus, the Pocono Mountains' properties are competitively priced and well versed in accommodating the business world.

A variety of golf courses, designed by such greats as A.W. Tillinghast and Donald Ross, cater to groups looking to combine business with pleasure in the four-county region. Tillinghast designed Shawnee Inn's golf course, located within the picturesque Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. If a meeting runs late, Shawnee also has a nine-hole lighted short course for evening play. Ross has Congressional and Pinehurst No. 2 to his credit, as well as the Buck Hill Golf Club and the East Course at Pocono Manor Golf Resort and Spa.

While Buck Hill is a challenging 27-hole golf destination, Pocono Manor offers a relaxing retreat complete with old-world charm. In addition to a beautiful 18-hole course on rolling terrain, Fernwood Hotel and Resort offers graciously appointed hotel rooms and spacious villas. The Resort at Split Rock, on 1,000 lush acres along Lake Harmony, boasts superb meeting facilities, hospitality, amenities, accommodations, and 27 holes of championship golf. Complementing the 18-hole, par 72 championship Woodloch Springs golf course is Woodloch Pines, with first-class meeting facilities, an on-site coordinator, AV equipment, high-speed and wireless Internet, and creative team-building programs.

With several meeting rooms and executive suites, Skytop Lodge is more than just a golf destination. The Executive Conference Center is a state-of-the-art facility featuring the latest in AV equipment, high-speed, wireless Internet, and countless other amenities. The golf course, measuring 6,656 yards, is rated among the finest in the East. Whether the function is a conference, executive board meeting, or religious retreat, Pocmont Resort and Conference Center offers many options for both relaxation and recreation. The staff will assist in every phase of meeting execution, from food and beverage to project coordination. Stroudsmoor Country Inn combines a stress-free environment with unequaled excellence in hosting a business meeting or conference. From wireless Internet and state-of-the art audiovisual equipment, to catering and guest accommodations, Stroudsmoor Country Inn has all the bases covered.

Tillinghast and Ross aren't the only legendary architects represented in the Pocono Mountains. Jack Nicklaus brought his skills and knowledge to Great Bear Golf and Country Club and Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed Tamiment Golf Club. Many other courses located in the Pocono Mountains meet every level of playability and price.

Pocono Mountains At A Glance

Convention Facilities: The Pocono Mountains region offers a wide range of diverse meeting facilities, from quaint country inns to large resorts and conference facilities with state-of-the-art meeting rooms.

Accommodations: Approximately 4,000 rooms in 16 meeting properties throughout the region.

Recreation and Attractions: The Pocono Mountains, a four-season destination, boasts more than golf alone. Countless rivers and streams allow for outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, sporting clays, biking, horseback riding, and hiking. In addition, snowboarding, downhill and cross country skiing are just a few of the winter activities available.

For More Information: Meetings and Convention Department, Pocono Mountains Convention and Visitors Bureau Inc.; Phone: (800) 722-9199; Web site: www.poconomeetings.com.

The Sea Pines Resort

Courses Accommodate Skilled Golfers, Casual Players

Situated at the Southern tip of Hilton Head Island, The Sea Pines Resort has brought fame to the area with the Verizon Heritage, its legendary PGA Tournament. With 54 holes of awe-inspiring golf encompassing Lowcountry landscapes of lagoons and salt-riddled marshes, The Sea Pines Resort offers a mix of play that is challenging for skilled golfers and casual weekend players alike.

Awarded Golf Magazine's Silver Medal - reserved for a handful of the "Best Golf Resorts in America" - The Sea Pines Resort extends to guests privileges on three championship golf courses and offers world-class instruction from PGA Touring Professionals. Ranked the No. 1 course in South Carolina by Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, and Golf Week, and the nation's No. 2 golf course since 1959 by Golf Magazine, Harbour Town Golf Links features18 memorable holes, including the celebrated 18th overlooking Calibogue Sound and candy-striped lighthouse. The legendary 6,973-yard course serves as the innovative masterpiece of The Sea Pines Resort. Called "nothing short of a work of art" by Sports Illustrated magazine, Harbour Town Golf Links melds a spectacular setting with a strategically demanding layout. The long, twisting front nine requires placement of almost every shot, while the back nine begins in the open but quickly retreats back to the small greens - the trademark of this course.

In addition to the Harbour Town Golf Links, The Sea Pines Resort is home to the Ocean Course, the first golf course on Hilton Head Island. A combination of lagoons, bunkers, and contouring creates a contemporary 6,906-yard course that has been awarded the "Beginner Friendly" Certification from the National Golf Course Owners Association. Intertwining bunkers and lagoons are prevalent on the front nine, while fairways widen a bit and large greens undulate in resort fashion on the back nine.

Also part of The Sea Pines Resort's collection of distinguished golf facilities is the par-72 Sea Marsh Course.

Complementing its three golf courses, The Sea Pines Resort boasts The Golf Academy of Hilton Head Island. The academy offers multimillion-dollar practice facilities, video swing analysis, putting greens, a chipping area, two teaching tees, driving ranges, and practice bunkers. "Class A" PGA professionals provide a complete range of golf instruction for guests, from three-hour clinics to four-day schools.

The 54 holes of golf are just a hint of the numerous amenities offered to guests at The Sea Pines Resort. Heralded as one of the "World's Best Places to Stay" by Condé Nast Traveler magazine, The Sea Pines Resort is steeped in Southern traditions, encompassing peaceful Lowcountry landscapes and five miles of sweeping Atlantic beaches. The first eco-planned community in the world, The Sea Pines Resort exemplifies themes of sustaining and preserving the natural environment throughout its 5,200 acres. The resort also offers tennis on 23 clay courts, a 605-acre Forest Preserve recognized by the Audubon Society as an important birding sanctuary, 18 restaurants, and more than 50 lagoons and lakes. Accommodations range from ocean-side villa retreats and the Inn at Harbour Town, a Four-Diamond property, to beachfront cottages and homes.

The Sea Pines Resort at a Glance

Golf: The Sea Pines Resort has 54 holes of golf, with courses encompassing Lowcountry landscapes of lagoons and salt-riddled marshes.
Golf Schools: The Golf Academy of Hilton Head Island, situated on site, boasts multimillion-dollar practice facilities, video swing analysis, putting greens, a chipping area, two teaching tees, driving ranges, and practice bunkers.
Meeting Facilities: The property offers nearly 30,000 square feet of meeting and convention space, including 16,000 square feet of space at the Harbour Town Conference Center and 9,000 square feet of space at the Plantation Club.
Other On-Site Amenities/Activities: Bike trails, nature paths, hayrides, Sea Turtle Discovery, day and night tennis, dolphin watch, spa, fishing, seasonal swimming in one of 67 pools, Alligator Adventure boat ride, and crabbing.
For More Information: Contact John Munro at (800) SEA-PINES.

Cancun

Idyllic Setting Is 'The New Green Paradise' for Golf

In Cancun, Mexico, nine beautiful golf courses blend with the idyllic setting of the Mexican Caribbean. Each of these 18-hole courses presents its own distinctive design and natural challenges, from wind shear, grass quality, roughs, and lakes to sand traps and, of course, breathtaking land- and seascapes.

A balmy average yearly temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit allows golf enthusiasts to enjoy the sport year-round, far from the rigors of winter and the excessive heat of summer. There are courses throughout the state's resort destinations, close to top-rated hotels, spas, and restaurants that offer world-class services.

Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Cozumel, and Isla Mujeres are the ideal settings for golf, with varying topography and landscapes perfectly adapted by such great golf architects as Jack Nicklaus. Nicklaus' portfolio of more than 200 courses worldwide includes the signature course at Moon Spa & Golf Club. Nicklaus' design also takes honors at the Cozumel Country Club and Mayan Resorts Golf Riviera Maya. Greg Norman debuts in the area with two new courses, El Camaleón Mayakoba, the site of the 2007 PGA Tour Mayakoba Classic, and the recently inaugurated Playa Mujeres Golf Club. P. B. Dye designed the Iberostar Playa Paraíso Golf Club and Robert Von Hagge brought in the Playacar Spa & Golf Club. Robert Trent Jones Jr. has designed more than 700 links, including the Cancun Golf Club at Pok Ta Pok, and Pedro Guereca's wonderful course is located at the Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort.

All of these clubs offer world-class equipment for rent, pro shops with a fine selection of designer clothing, practice areas, and restaurants. Some even operate on an all-inclusive system. Mexican Caribbean Golf … the new green paradise!

Cancun At A Glance

Golf: Cancún offers nine world-class golf courses. Five additional courses are under construction and six courses are being designed.
Accommodations: More than 27,000 guest rooms. Luxurious hotels and resorts can accommodate groups of any size.
Meeting Facilities: A collective 724,549 square feet of state-of-the-art function space is available in Cancun.
Attractions: A total of 13.75 miles of white sandy beaches and blue turquoise waters, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, fine dining, nightclubs, shows, ecotourism, archeology, and much more.
For More Information: Contact the Cancun & Convention Visitors Bureau, Blvd Kukulcan KM 9 ZH Cancun Center 1st Floor, Cancun, Q. Roo CP 77500; Phone: 52 (998) 881 27 45; Fax: 52 (998) 881 27 74; Web Site: www.cancun.info; e-mail: info@cancun.info.