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Friday, June 29, 2012

Orange Is The New White In Golf?

There are times when a golf company really steps outside of the box. They’ll do something completely unpredictable, and totally out of character. They might even catch us completely by surprise. Friends and loyal readers, this most certainly IS NOT one of those times.
If you haven’t been working off the assumption that Cobra would eventually release a Rickie Fowler-influenced Orange driver, you haven’t been paying attention. Son, it’s time you get your head in the game. The Orange AMP became a forgone conclusion the day Rickie Fowler signed his name on his Cobra contract.

A History of Limited Editions

When it comes to releasing Limited Edition stuff, this isn’t exactly Cobra’s first rodeo (or snake-charming show). Even before they acquired Cobra, PUMA had basically made a habit of releasing limited edition golf shoes (anyone remember Geoff Olgilvy’s Gold PUMAs from the 2007 Masters?). And while TaylorMade is the company most often associated with white drivers, it was Cobra (all the way back in November of 2010) that actually released the first White Driver (a Limited Edition ZL). Last season, as you may remember, brought us the release of the Limited Edition 48″ Long Tom Raw (the first RAW driver).
So when you consider COBRA’s history (particularly the more recent, post-acquisition history), the growing popularity of Rickie Fowler, the strong association Cobra has developed with the color orange, not to mention the Trademark Cobra filed back in May for orange on the crown of a driver, you’d honestly have to be the wrong side of simple (no offense) not to have seen this bright orange Cobra driver coming.

Special Edition AMP Driver…The Juicy (Orange) Details

Before I fall too much in love with the sound of my own keystrokes, let’s take a quick look at the pertinent details of the upcoming Special Edition Orange AMP.
  • It’s orange. The Head, The Shaft, The Grip…Save the black PVD sole, EVERYTHING is orange
  • It features the same head as the original AMP (except for the orange thing)
  • It comes stock with a Mitusbishi Diamana Whiteboard shaft (the same shaft Rickie plays…except this one is orange). Let’s call it the Orangeboard.
  • It will be available in 9.5° and 10.5° degree models in stiff and regular flex (slightly odd since Rickie actually plays an 8.5° in X-flex…supply and demand is a bitch)
  • It will be available August 1st, and is going to cost you $499
If you find any of this even the slightest bit puzzling, here’s what COBRA has to say about the whys behind the release of an orange driver.
“This Special Edition driver embodies what COBRA Golf is bringing to the game of golf, a desirable package of performance, innovation and style. We are building on the success and strong performance of our current AMP line with an exciting limited edition that will resonate with Rickie’s fans. Like Rickie, we believe the Special Edition Orange AMP Driver will be a huge hit and continue to build desirability for the COBRA brand.” – Bob Philion, President – COBRA PUMA GOLF

How Well Will it Sell?

For the one or two of you who might still be a little confused, let me see if I can’t break this down to the raw pulp, and put it terms you can understand:
While not quite mid-90s Michael Jordan, Rickie is huge right now (and only getting bigger). The “Orange thing” is catching on. It might not be for everyone, but you can be damn sure it resonates with more golfers than not. And these new orange drivers..hold on…you’re going to want to write this down so you don’t forget I said it…
“COBRA-PUMA’s Special Edition Orange AMP drivers are going to sell out faster than front row tickets to a cat fight between Kate Upton and Sophia Vergara”. – GolfSpy T
How do I know people are actually going to pay $500 for an Orange driver? Firstly, people (more specifically golfers) will buy ANYTHING (especially if it’s “Limited”). Secondly, there is a huge market for all things Rickie right now (how else would you explain golfers suddenly descending on their favorite courses dressed like bags of Cheetos?). Finally, there’s some proven history with these type of special releases. Limited Edition ZL…gone. Limited Edition Long Tom Raw…sold out. PING’s Bubba Watson inspired pink G20…sold out before it hit shelves. My guess, the Orange AMP does the same.
Before any of you start moaning and groaning about the price, you need to consider that a standard (non-orange) Cobra AMP driver with a real Diamana Orangeboard Whiteboard shaft retails for $487, $500 for the Special Edition Orange (with a real Whiteboard Orangeboard shaft), seems plenty reasonable to me.


The Party is Still Going at COBRA-PUMA

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my first 2 trips to the annual PGA Merchandise show it’s that there’s always a party at COBRA-PUMA. Since escaping Titleist’s shadow, the company has quickly established a culture that seamlessly blends serious golf equipment with a laid back, and genuinely fun approach to the industry. It’s actually kinda awesome.
I’m not going to sit here and tell you that I’m going to go full Fowler and dress head to toe in Sunday orange while bagging the new Special Edition AMP Driver, but I might….and even if I don’t, I’m absolutely going to celebrate those who do.
We all talk about growing the game. For that happens, it needs to be fun, and more than anybody else in the industry, COBRA-PUMA would seem to understand that. Even if you don’t like the Orange, you’ve gotta love the spirit of fun that inspired it.

Tell Us What You Think

Would you play the new Orange AMP? What do you think about the new culture at COBRA-PUMA? Let us know!

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Pinehurst Daily Deals


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Summer Specials
SGA-Triad-Golf-July-Email






Wednesday, June 27, 2012

5 Myrtle Beach Summer Golf Tips


 River Oaks is among the Myrtle Beach golf courses that allow kids to play for free

Beach chairs and sunscreen take center stage in Myrtle Beach during the summer months, but don’t make the mistake of leaving your clubs at home if you are taking a family trip to Grand Strand.

The summer season is an ideal time to play golf in Myrtle Beach. Courses are in great shape and premium tee times are available, so here are five things you need to know about teeing it up along the Grand Strand during the summer months.

1. Great golf at a great price has always been at the heart of the area’s success, but it’s doubly true in the summer months. As the mercury rises, tee time prices drop, providing another reason for you to play your favorite Myrtle Beach golf course one more time!

2. The Grand Strand attracts millions of people for a family vacation, a rite of passage golf contributes to not detracts from. With golf’s most aggressive Kids Play Free program – nearly 50 Myrtle Beach golf courses allow kids 16 and under to play for free - you can introduce your kids to the game at no cost, planting the seeds for family trips for years to come.

3. Summer in the South conjures up images of oppressive heat, but don’t believe the hype. Sure it’s hot in July and August, just like it is everywhere else in the country. Get an early tee and a comfortable round of Myrtle Beach golf awaits. Take full advantage.

4. The heat shouldn’t prevent anyone from playing, but that doesn’t mean the sun isn’t packing plenty of strength. Make sure you lather up with ample sunscreen and wear a hat, it will make the rest of your trip more comfortable.

5.  Summer time ushers in two of the Myrtle Beach golf scene’s best events – the Golf.com World Amateur Handicap Championship and the Summer Family Tournaments. The World Am attracts more than 3,000 players from across the globe to the area to compete for the right to be crowned world champion, while the Summer Family Tournament series can introduce families to competitive golf in a low-stress environment.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Legends: Heathland Course


Heathland Course at the Legends Resort

The par 71 Heathland course is one of designer Tom Doak’s earliest gems. It takes you back in time to when golf courses were created with an artistic touch and the natural contours of the land dictated the flow of the course.You’ll find holes reminiscent of familiar links, like St.Andrews, and lesser-known courses like Lahinch and Cruden Bay.
Windswept hills and deep-faced bunkers are just a few of the challenges that await each player. Enjoy a taste of the old world in the new world. Golf Digest rated Heathland 4.5 STARS and Golf Magazine rated it in the “Top 10 New Resort Courses in the World".



The par 71 Heathland Course, designed by Tom Doak, is a return to the grand "Old Country" traditions of the game. It has been distinctly molded in the image of the British Isles links courses, with holes reminiscent of familiar links like St. Andrews, and lesser known gems like Lahinch and Cruden Bay. Most of the holes are without high vegetation, providing a visual presentation like no other course in the area. The challenge and difficulty of this course comes primarily from the unobstructed breeze that wafts constantly over the course, and the strategically placed bunkers and lush, deep rough that closely border all fairways. Many of the greenside bunkers are deep and require creative shots to make an escape. Rated one of the "Top 10 New Resort Courses in the World" by GOLF Magazine in 1990, Heathland's design allows players of all ability levels to "step back in time."




Best Public Access Courses You Can Play In South Carolina (South Carolina Golf Ratings Panel, 2009)

"America's Top Golf Courses" (Zagat Survey, 2003 & 2009)

"South Carolina Best Courses Near You #12" - Golf Magazine, 2008

4 1/2 Stars - Golf Digest, 2007 & 2008


Monday, June 25, 2012

DIVOT Deal Of The Day


Monday, June 25, 2012

Cobra Rail-F Fairway Wood



Rails = Power

For those of you unfamiliar with the inner workings of urban mass transit trains, you might not know about the third rail.
And that's not really a good thing to be ignorant of.
Because when a deranged person sneaks up behind you and pushes you onto the tracks because he's been following your iPhone, which he is fairly certain contains the disembodied spirit of Henry Kissinger, who he is now certain has been funneling intelligence about humanity to the robot race of decepticon-like insect overlords—because when that happens, you really ought to avoid falling onto the third rail, if at all possible, and you should certainly avoid touching it after you brush yourself off and try to get back onto the platform.
That's because the third rail (the first two rails being the tracks along which the train runs) is the electrified power source for the entire train. It's the third rail that allows subways not to be powered by behemoth, coal-burning, old-timey train engines. That's how much power runs through the third rail.
That's kind of like the Cobra Baffler Rail-F. Except the Baffler Rail-F has a four rail system. Take THAT, third rail! The four-rail system on the Baffler Rail-F provides better interaction with turf, allowing for easier shots, regardless of the lie.
So while the Baffler Rail-F may not be literally electrified like the third rail is (legal asked that I reiterate that point: the Rail-F is not an electric golf club), it may lead to you hitting more electric shots on the fairway.
And that, in turn, may lead to you breaking out into your own personal "Electric Slide" in the middle of the course.



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Thursday, June 21, 2012

DIVOT Deal Of The Day


Thursday, June 21, 2012

Callaway Chev 18 Deluxe Shoe Bag



You Stink

Features:
  • Durable nylon construction
  • Anti-bacterial Micromesh lining
  • Padded inner divider
  • Fits shoes up to size 13EEE
You may be wondering, "Why would I need a bag just for my shoes? Can't I throw them into my car?" Maybe you're not wondering this. But you should be.
The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind. Or more accurately, circulating in the air inside your car. Feet stink. Everyone's feet. Even the daintiest pixies of people. Add that to the fact that your golf shoes are especially prone to getting sweaty, and you have an unpleasant situation to deal with. Even if you don't mind your own foot odor, or worse, you enjoy it, other people may not want to be subjected to it.
That's where the Callaway Chev 18 Deluxe shoe bag comes in. The lining has a stink-preventing anti-bacterial finish and Micromesh vents to let your shoes to dry without polluting the atmosphere. Plus, it looks cool and has a handle so it's easy to carry around. Even non-golfers can get in on this. That smell of onions and feet your friends are hesitant to complain about can be reduced to just onions. There's really no downside.
In other words, get the Callaway Chev 18 Deluxe shoe bag. Now.



This email was sent to johnb@hgsportswear.com from DIVOT.com
7320 ACC Boulevard, Raleigh, North Carolina 27617

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