FootJoy, the #1 Shoe in Golf and #1 Shoe on worldwide professional Tours, today launched the all-new FJ FURY. The athletic-infused styling, combined with the most feature-laden component package in its class, has resulted in a product that was designed, developed and engineered to deliver all-around comfort and performance.

FJ FURY is the latest addition to FJ’s performance lineup and is highlighted by a number of unique performance features, including an internal fit system that focuses on fit, comfort and support.

“With FJ FURY, we created a product that was designed from the inside-out,” said Richard Fryer, Director of Product Management, FJ Footwear. “As a result, FJ FURY’s TruFit System balances lightweight, responsive support with a new dynamic outsole that delivers comfort and stability throughout your round.”

Designed from the inside-out, FJ FURY features the proprietary TruFit System, providing stability where you need it and comfort where you want it. Inside the shoe is a soft, stretch, one-piece Inner Fit Sleeve lasted underneath the insole board to provide a secure fit with no tongue slippage, enveloping the foot in comfort and control. The external FlexGrid MLC cage system adds structure to the upper and locks you in as you lace up, offering medial and lateral support and motion control through your swing.

FJ FURY generates custom comfort with an OrthoLite Impressions FitBed, comprised of two densities of foam – an Open Cell PU Foam that maintains its mechanical properties and cushion throughout its life cycle, and an Impressions Foam that takes an impression of your foot, creating a custom fit.

The all-new D3 Outsole on FJ FURY ensures a solid, rigid platform for lateral in-swing stability and turf-grabbing traction, while the FTF+ (Fine Tuned Foam) infused midsole delivers incredible comfort and cushioning. The Liquid Metal-inspired Flex Layer of TPU and Dynamic Low Profile Pulsar Cleats deliver heel-to-toe walking flexibility and crouch flex when reading putts, providing the most flexible, green-friendly cleat on the market.

FJ FURY’s athletic-inspired upper features a full grain, waterproof leather upper, waterproof membrane and a vented toe for breathability, coated for protection.

FJ FURY is engineered and designed to provide the ultimate athletic performance. Tour players have already made the switch to incorporate FJ FURY in practice and in play at tournaments around the world.

“I put these into play immediately because they look and feel so athletic,” said Rafa Cabrera Bello. “I’m amazed that a shoe that is so comfortable can also offer so much stability.”

“I’m into my fitness so I love the athletic look,” said Brandon Stone. “I’m amazed with the breathability.”

For more information, visit www.FootJoy.ca

Experience all-around comfort and performance beginning 2/1/19. #FJFury pic.twitter.com/NgDWRqTT1Q

— FootJoy (@FootJoy) January 21, 2019

Canadian apparel brand Levelwear has announced the addition of Top 50 golfer in the World, Emiliano Grillo to their growing stable of PGA TOUR athletes. The multi-year agreement will see Grillo wear Levelwear’s premium collection of polos, pullovers, and pants while competing on the PGA TOUR alongside fellow ambassadors Adam Hadwin, Corey Conners and Ted Potter Jr.

“I saw other PGA TOUR players wearing the product and always thought it was very sharp,” said Grillo. “In the off season, I had the chance to review a number of opportunities and the Levelwear product stood out the most. The product fits me very well and is extremely comfortable to play in no matter the conditions. They have engineered a lot of performance features and styling into the product that I am really enjoying and that I know will assist in elevating my game this year. I am very excited to partner with Levelwear as we both look to achieve new heights in 2019 and beyond.”

This signing signifies the rapid assentation to the upper echelon of the golf apparel landscape for Levelwear. Along with newly formed relationships with the PGA TOUR, the PGA of America, Golf Canada and sponsorships of several top events on TOUR like the newly established Rocket Mortgage Classic, the RBC Canadian Open, among others, Levelwear will have a retail presence at roughly 23 PGA TOUR events this season including two Majors. Additionally Levelwear maintains strong retail relationships with roughly 75 of the top 100 golf clubs throughout North America and can be found at top clubs and resorts coast-to-coast.

“Emiliano is an athlete that we see aligning perfectly with the direction of the Levelwear brand,” added Levelwear President, Hilton Ngo. “He is young, athletic, wears the product beautifully and his world-class game and exciting personality makes him one of the most electrifying players to watch week in and week out. When we engaged his team about the potential partnership it was clear that he was the right guy for us and we couldn’t be more excited to have him as part of the team for years to come.”

Grillo, who was the 2016 Rookie of the Year on the PGA TOUR and who represented his home country of Argentina in the Olympics the same year, now enters his 4^th full season on the PGA TOUR. Coming off of a solid 2018 campaign that saw him earn 8 top-10 finishes in 27 events while only missing 2 cuts, he is poised to make the 2019 season his best yet. Already starting the year with runner up finishes at the CIMB Classic and QBE shootout with partner Graham McDowell, Grillo will be looking to add to his 3 professional win total in 2019. His premiere schedule will see him compete in the best events and against the best players every time he tees it up and as a top 50 Player in the Official World Golf Rankings, he has secured his invitation to the 2019 Masters. Grillo will debut the 2019 Levelwear collection at this week’s Farmers Insurance Open.

Levelwear has established enduring business verticals in licensed and team sports, golf apparel, and men’s and women’s lifestyle wear, with core strengths of innovation, decoration, and industry leading service. The company holds licensing partnerships with some of the top global brands, including the NHL and NHLPA, NBA, CFL, AAF, 140 US Colleges, and various soccer properties (Bayern Munich, Paris St. Germain, Juventus, Celtics, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, etc.) globally. At the PGA Merchandising Show in Orlando later this month, Levelwear will unveiled its 2019 collection and their new Swiss fabric technology Smart Temp which is a dynamic cooling system of advanced moisture management triggered by body heat.

For more information, please visit www.levelwear.com.

Faster from core to cover, the new Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls have been designed to leave the clubface with more ball speed and lower long game spin for more distance, while providing the best short game control to help golfers shoot lower scores.

The advancements of 2019 Pro V1 and Pro V1x, now available in golf shops worldwide, underscore the Titleist R&D and Operations teams’ relentless mission to continuously improve the best performing, most consistent golf balls in the game.

“When we set out to develop the 2019 models, we found that golfers at every level are extraordinarily satisfied with the performance of their Pro V1 or Pro V1x. At the same time, golfers keep telling us they would still like more distance – as long as they don’t have to give anything else up,” said Michael Mahoney, Vice President, Golf Ball Marketing. “Through the prototyping process, our chemists and engineers discovered a way to cast an even thinner urethane cover, and therefore increase the percentage of speed-enhancing materials in the overall construction. Pro V1 and Pro V1x are now even faster, as a result, all while maintaining the scoring performance and feel characteristics that golfers demand from these golf balls.”

2019 PRO V1 & PRO V1x TECHNOLOGY

Innovations in Titleist’s industry-leading multi-component technology and precision manufacturing process have combined to deliver the most advanced Pro V1 and Pro V1x models yet – available for the first time in both white and high optic yellow.

• 17% thinner cast Urethane Elastomer cover system delivers more ball speed. The advancement of Titleist’s thermoset urethane casting technology has allowed our engineers to cast a thinner layer of the proprietary cover formulation, developed exclusively for Pro V1 and Pro V1x, while retaining its trusted Drop-and-Stop™ greenside control and soft feel.
• Faster ionomeric casing layer increases ball speed and lowers long game spin. Beneath the thinner cover, the speed enhancing casing layer has thickened by 14% on Pro V1 and 11% on Pro V1x, creating higher ball speeds with lower driver and long game spin.
• New 2.0 ZG Process Cores are formulated for more distance. The outermost portions of the solid core Pro V1 and dual core Pro V1x have increased in stiffness while maintaining their soft centers, creating faster engines with higher ball speed and lower long game spin.

INTRODUCING PRO V1 AND PRO V1x YELLOW

The improved performance of 2019 Pro V1 and Pro V1x will also have a new preference option: High optic yellow. Following a tour seeding and validation period in early 2019, the new high visibility color option will be available in golf shops beginning March 15.

“As the demand for yellow Pro V1 and Pro V1x started to grow, our material scientists got to work on what we knew would be a significant R&D undertaking,” Mahoney said. “The performance and durability characteristics of our cast urethane are the best in the industry. It’s because we formulate and manufacture the cover ourselves that we are able to control the material with such precision and consistency. While it may seem pretty straightforward, recreating those properties in yellow required a new and complex chemistry with considerable iteration until we got it just right.”

CHOOSING BETWEEN PRO V1 AND PRO V1x

When it comes to choosing between the total performance of Pro V1 and Pro V1x, golfers will notice similar differences in flight, feel and spin as the prior generation models. Both Pro V1 and Pro V1x deliver increased ball speed and lower long game spin for maximum distance, consistent flight, Drop-and-Stop™ short game control and long-lasting durability. Pro V1 provides optimal flight and spin for most golfers, flying lower than Pro V1x with a penetrating trajectory, with very soft feel. Pro V1x flies higher, spins more on iron shots and has a slightly firmer feel.

PRECISION MANUFACTURING

The continued investment in advanced technology and quality control at Titleist Ball Plants 3 and 4 – where every Pro V1 and Pro V1x are manufactured by Titleist associates to the industry’s highest performance and quality specifications – ensures that every new generation of Pro V1 and Pro V1x are the best performing and most consistent models ever. Consistency from ball to ball, and dozen to dozen, a founding principal of the Titleist golf ball business, is critical to allowing golfers to consistently execute the same types of shots, round after round.

PLAYER VALIDATION

The introduction of new Pro V1 and Pro V1x in November 2018 across the worldwide tours resulted in immediate validation and success. Playing new Pro V1 for the first time in competition, Charles Howell III won the RSM Classic in a sudden-death playoff for his first PGA Tour victory in 11 years. Howell, who made the switch from 2017 Pro V1x, shot a final-nine 31 that included birdies on three of his final four holes to make the playoff.

“The 2019 Pro V1 for me is a home run,” Howell said. “I’m getting all the ball speed I had with the prior generation Pro V1x and more. Plus, the new Pro V1 feels softer to me around the green, which I prefer. Ball speed off the driver is a pretty hard and fast measurable whereas touch and feel around the green is player dependent. I go through a fairly rigorous testing process when it comes to new equipment, but it did not take long for me to put this ball into play seeing it gives me the best of both worlds.”

New Pro V1 and Pro V1x players have combined for six victories across five tours since the tour seeding and validation process began, including a comeback victory by Cameron Smith (Pro V1x) at the Australian PGA Championship. Additionally, Patton Kizzire (Pro V1x) and Brian Harman (Pro V1) teamed up to win the two-man QBE Shootout playing 2019 models for the first time.

To date, more than 200 players worldwide have put new Pro V1 and Pro V1x in play – including Bubba Watson (Pro V1x), Tyrrell Hatton (Pro V1x), Jimmy Walker (Pro V1), Billy Horschel (Pro V1x), Matt Wallace (Pro V1), Charley Hoffman (Pro V1), Ian Poulter (Pro V1x), Russell Henley (Pro V1x), Matthew Fitzpatrick (Pro V1x), Lucas Bjerregaard (Pro V1), Byeong Hun An (Pro V1x), Joost Luiten (Pro V1), Jazz Janewattananond (Pro V1), Ross Fisher (Pro V1x), Danny Lee (Pro V1x) and Thongchai Jaidee (Pro V1x) – as the tour seeding and validation process continues around the world.

The new 2019 Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls will be available in golf shops beginning Jan. 23, 2019, with the high optic yellow models available March 15 for $64.99 CAD.

Click here to learn more.

FAIRHAVEN, Mass. – Scotty Cameron has created his most technically advanced putter line to date with the 2019 Phantom X family – a collection of nine new modern mallets engineered to take putting performance to the next level.

The Phantom X line presents players with a variety of new mallet setups built around a cohesive mix of five head styles, with multiple shaft bend and alignment options. To maximize MOI, each Phantom X model incorporates multi-material construction featuring precision milled solid aluminum faces integrated with 303 stainless steel heads with enhanced vibration dampening technology.

Available in golf shops worldwide beginning April 5, Phantom X replaces the Futura family while advancing Titleist Master Putter Maker Scotty Cameron’s proven multi-material construction methodology of combining 303 stainless steel and 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum for increased MOI, optimal weight distribution, improved sound and responsive feedback.

“Phantom X is by far the most high tech putter line we’ve designed to date,” said Cameron. “This product is so much faster looking, and taken to the next level, that it needed a new name. It’s a major leap in performance. We’ve designed a variety of flange setups, alignment options and shaft bends to offer mallet players more models to choose from. I was inspired by Tour players who’ve asked for slightly smaller profiles with more alignment options and solid face construction. The engineering has been ramped up to an entirely new level to bring this brand new line to life. Phantom X is the ultimate lineup for mallet players.”

2019 PHANTOM X TECHNOLOGY
The Phantom X line comprises nine modern mallets based on five new, refined and streamlined head shapes – featuring low-bend, mid-bend and straight shaft setups, in addition to a variety of flange orientations and improved alignment cues:

• FIVE NEW HIGH-TECH, MULTI-MATERIAL HEADS: Each Phantom X putter is a precision milled, multi-component mallet based on one of five new head designs. These models are slightly more compact than their Futura predecessors with sleek, ground-hugging contours that pleasingly angle away from the player to inspire confidence at address, yet still employ aluminum and steel components perfectly matched for optimal shape and weight distribution.

• TOUR PREFERRED ALIGNMENT: A variety of tour-preferred setups offer multiple alignment options, including: continuous lines from the leading edge all the way back; simple sight dots; raised or stepped down flanges; and wider or “vanishing” toplines. Alignment features have been accentuated with longer, racing-inspired lines and triple milled sight dots highlighted in neon yellow paint to frame the golf ball at address.

• MULTIPLE SHAFT BEND OPTIONS: With three shaft options – low-bend, mid-bend and straight – offered across the Phantom X line, players have more choices with regard to their preferred amount of toe flow. Phantom X models with “.5” in the name (i.e., 5.5, 7.5 and 8.5) have a shorter, low-bend shaft configuration with one shaft of offset for more toe flow to promote an arc in the putting stroke. The Phantom X 5, 6, 7, 8 and 12 models have a slightly taller, mid-bend shaft for a near-face balanced setup that produces less toe flow than the .5 models. The Phantom X 6STR has a straight shaft with zero offset.

• SOLID FACE TECHNOLOGY: Each Phantom X mallet is constructed with a standard-milled, 6061 aircraft aluminum face anodized black that extends back and through the flange areas of each model. This results in solid feedback, while preserving the soft feel players prefer.

• NEW CUSTOM DESIGNED GRIP: The Phantom X line marks the debut of the new Pistolero Plus grip in cement gray with gloss black paintfill. The Pistolero Plus is a modified Pistolero grip with a thicker, less tapered right (low) hand that combines the tour-preferred performance and feel of a rubber Pistolero-style grip with a slightly built-up feel perfectly suited to mallet putters.

2019 PHANTOM X MODELS
The nine new Phantom X models deliver key performance benefits in design, construction, alignment and shaft bend options:

• Phantom X 5: The evolution of this Tour-proven wingback mallet with a single mid-bend shaft continues with a solid aluminum face anodized in black that extends back into the stepped down flange, framed by misted stainless steel. Three milled topline sight dots painted neon yellow and framed with polished aluminum provide simple but effective alignment to the sweet spot.

• Phantom X 5.5: Identical in shape to the Phantom X 5, the 5.5 has a lower shaft bend that provides enhanced toe flow for players seeking stability while still creating an arc in the stroke. This bend was inspired by Justin Thomas’ Tour prototype setup and combines some of the feel of a blade putter with the forgiveness benefits of a mallet.

• Phantom X 6: A face balanced mallet with a single mid-bend shaft provides distinct alignment cues, with two long neon yellow sight lines milled into the stepped down flange, framing three milled sight dots on the misted black anodized topline. Customizable sole weights increase MOI and stability through the stroke.

• Phantom X 6STR: Constructed without a spud and with zero offset, the straight shafted 6STR produces face balanced performance with a clean and minimalist look at address. The topline sight dots of the Phantom X 6STR are painted neon yellow for easy alignment in conjunction with the extended neon yellow sight lines in the stepped down flange.

• Phantom X 7: A single mid-bend-shafted, near-face balanced setup, Phantom X 7 features a heel-to-toe tapered aluminum face that is sculpted into a raised center flange for a continuous, connected surface from the leading edge all the way back. Framed by stepped down, angular stainless steel components, the Phantom X7 combines the benefits of long flange sight lines with a semi-traditional topline for easy horizontal and vertical alignment at setup. Also available in a left-handed model.

• Phantom X 7.5: With a single low-bend shaft crafted to promote enhanced toe flow with forgiveness, the Phantom X 7.5 employs a raised center flange offering a continuous, connected surface accented with neon yellow alignment cues from the leading edge through the back flange. Also available in a left-handed model.

• Phantom X 8: Inspired by touring professionals seeking a putter with simple visual cues and a continuous transition from leading edge through the back flange, the Phantom X 8 is a sleek, near-face balanced mallet with a single mid-bend shaft. Milled sight dots and neon yellow sight lines perfectly frame the golf ball for seamless alignment without distractions.

• Phantom X 8.5: Differing from the Phantom X 8 only in shaft bend length and increased toe hang, the Phantom X 8.5 offers players an unbroken, sculpted flange from the putter’s leading edge through the back flange with a single low-bend shaft to promote a slightly arced putting stroke. Alignment is easy with bright visual cues.

• Phantom X 12: With swept-back wings precision milled from 303 stainless steel, this near-face balanced, high-MOI mallet with a single mid-bend shaft employs the continuous alignment features of the Phantom X line’s full leading-edge-to-flange construction – crafted from aircraft grade aluminum, anodized black and accented with neon yellow sight cues. The ultimate in technology, stability and forgiveness.

PHANTOM X WEIGHTING & SHAFTS
Each new Phantom X putter features advanced stability weighting with two, customizable stainless steel heel-toe weights and stepless steel shafts.

FINISH & GRAPHICS
The Phantom X line’s 6061 aircraft grade aluminum components have been anodized black in a misted finish that helps to reduce sun glare. The 303 stainless steel putter head components have also been misted for a radiant yet glare resistant appearance. Scotty’s familiar three-dot theme carries through to the back cavities of the Phantom X 5, 5.5, 6 and 6STR as unpainted, raw circles revealed by milling away the black anodization. Neon yellow paintfill provides bold visual guidance in sight lines, while sight dots have been double-milled to highlight the neon yellow paintfill with a ring of silver-colored aluminum.

AVAILABILITY
Phantom X putters will be available worldwide on April 12, 2019, through Titleist authorized golf shops starting at $579.99 CAD.

Adam Hadwin’s tie for second at the Desert Classic this past weekend gave him his third top-10 result of the young 2018-19 season, helped him break US$1 million in earnings on the campaign and moved him up to 13th in the FedEx Cup standings.

But as far as the Canadian golfer is concerned, it’s just not enough.

“Honestly, it’s not something I’m even paying attention to,” said Hadwin on Monday. “It’s way too early in the season to even worry about (the FedEx Cup standings). If I’m 13th going into August, then I’ll say this is an incredible accomplishment and that sort of thing.

“I just have to keep working hard. Yes, it’s a nice position to be in, but I’m after bigger things. I’ll just stay focused on playing good golf and whether or not it lines up, we’ll see.”

Hadwin, from Abbotsford, B.C., led for most of the final round, playing in a trio with Adam Long and all-time great Phil Mickelson on Sunday in La Quinta, Calif. Although Hadwin shot a 5-under 67 on the day, Long roared through the back nine to win the tournament with a birdie putt on the 18th hole. By any stretch, it was a successful week for the Canadian, who shot a 65, 66 and 65 to put himself in contention on the final day of play.

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✅ Top 3 on #PGATOUR ✅ Top 10 on #LPGA ✅ Top 15 on @pgatourchampions ✅ Top 20 on @webdotcomtour – It was another great week for ?? #golf ?

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Still, Hadwin came into 2019 looking to add to his one career PGA Tour win, which came on March 12, 2017 at the Valspar Championship.

“I came out this year pretty hungry to get better,” said Hadwin. “This is a Presidents Cup year and I knew I was going to have to do some good things again to get myself back on the team. I’m not currently qualified for any of the majors or the (World Golf Championships) like I was the previous years.

“I want to earn my spot back into those and play the schedule that I played last year. It’s nice to play well, certainly, and it’s encouraging, but that Presidents Cup and the majors is what’s motivating me right now.”

Hadwin had five birdies on the front nine on the 7,113-yard Stadium Course at La Quinta Resort & Club and added a sixth birdie on No. 11. But a bogey on the 13th hole and putts that were inches short on 14 and 15 allowed Long and Mickelson to reel him in as Hadwin made par the last five holes.

Despite having a solid round of golf, Hadwin admitted that his nerves may have gotten the best of him. He shot a 13-under 59 in the third round of the 2017 edition of the Desert Classic, when he also finished second, and that was on his mind as he closed in on the 18th hole Sunday.

“The previous finishes that I’ve had in that event, that might have added a little bit more pressure too because I’ve been so close the previous years, that I had a good chance at closing it out this year,” said Hadwin, who also tied for third at the event in 2018. “Just didn’t get it done. You learn from that.

“Every time I’m in that situation, I get more and more comfortable in it. Sometimes I pull the shots off and sometimes I don’t. Just gotta keep working hard and it’s got to pay off eventually.”

Hadwin will miss the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Club in San Diego to rest for a week before playing in the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Arizona that starts on Jan. 31. He’s also scheduled to play in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in Pebble Beach, Calif., starting Feb. 7 and the Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif., which begins Feb. 14.

Thank you for all of the support. Had a ton of fun battling it out with @PhilMickelson and @aLongShot on Sunday. Looking forward to the rest of the west coast swing!

— adam hadwin (@ahadwingolf) January 22, 2019

Canadian apparel brand Levelwear is pleased to announce the addition of Top 50 golfer in the World, Emiliano Grillo to their growing stable of PGA Tour athletes. The multi-year agreement will see Grillo wear Levelwear’s premium collection of polos, pullovers, and pants while competing on the PGA Tour alongside fellow ambassadors Adam Hadwin, Corey Conners and Ted Potter Jr.

Discussing the new partnership, Grillo said “I saw other Tour players wearing the product and always thought it was very sharp. In the off season, I had the chance to review a number of opportunities and the Levelwear product stood out the most. The product fits me very well and is extremely comfortable to play in no matter the conditions. They have engineered a lot of performance features and styling into the product that I am really enjoying and that I know will assist in elevating my game this year. I am very excited to partner with Levelwear as we both look to achieve new heights in 2019 and beyond.”

This signing signifies the rapid assention to the upper echelon of the golf apparel landscape for Levelwear. Along with newly formed relationships with the PGA Tour, the PGA of America, Golf Canada and sponsorships of several top events on Tour like the newly established Rocket Mortgage Classic, The RBC Canadian Open, among others, Levelwear will have a retail presence at roughly 23 PGA Tour events this season including 2 Majors. Additionally Levelwear maintains strong retail relationships with roughly 75 of the top 100 golf clubs throughout North America and can be found at top clubs and resorts from coast to coast.

Levelwear President, Hilton Ngo remarked “Emiliano is an athlete that we see aligning perfectly with the direction of the Levelwear brand. He is young, athletic, wears the product beautifully and his world-class game and exciting personality makes him one of the most electrifying players to watch week in and week out. When we engaged his team about the potential partnership it was clear that he was the right guy for us and we couldn’t be more excited to have him as part of the team for years to come.”

Grillo, who was the 2016 Rookie of the Year on the PGA Tour, and who represented his home country of Argentina in the Olympics the same year now enters his 4^th full season on the PGA Tour. Coming off of a solid 2018 campaign that saw him earn 8 top-10 finishes in 27 events while only missing 2 cuts, he is poised to make the 2019 season his best yet. Already starting the year with runner up finishes at the CIMB Classic and QBE shootout with partner Graham McDowell, Grillo will be looking to add to his 3 professional win total in 2019. His premiere schedule will see him compete in the best events and against the best players every time he tees it up and as a top 50 Player in the Official World Golf Rankings, he has secured his invitation to the 2019 Masters. Grillo will debut the 2019 Levelwear collection at this week’s Farmers Insurance Open

Levelwear has established enduring business verticals in licensed and team sports, golf apparel, and men’s and women’s lifestyle wear, with core strengths of innovation, decoration, and industry leading service. The company holds licensing partnerships with some of the top global brands, including the NHL and NHLPA, NBA, CFL, AAF, 140 US Colleges, and various soccer properties (Bayern Munich, Paris St. Germain, Juventus, Celtics, Liverpool, Manchester City, Tottenham, etc.) globally. At the PGA Merchandising Show in Orlando later this month, Levelwear will unveiled its 2019 collection and their new Swiss fabric technology Smart Temp which is a dynamic cooling system of advanced moisture management triggered by body heat. For more information, please visit www.levelwear.com.

TORONTO – Brooke Henderson’s two LPGA Tour victories in 2018, including her historic win on home soil at the CP Women’s Open, earned her two additional honours to add to her rapidly-expanding resumé.

The Golf Journalists Association of Canada (GJAC) has announced Henderson, Adam Hadwin, Garrett Rank and Jaclyn Lee as its 2018 Players of the Year as voted by GJAC members across the country. Henderson’s victory at the national open, the first by a Canadian in 45 years, was also voted Canadian Golf Story of the Year by an overwhelming margin.

“GJAC is thrilled to honour these outstanding players and highlight their remarkable accomplishments in the game in 2018,” said David McPherson, GJAC President. “Canadian players continue to produce incredible results at every level of the game and write stories with their achievements that captivate fans from across the country and beyond.”

Henderson’s triumph at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Sask., which was punctuated by a 72^nd hole birdie to give her a four-stroke win over American Angel Yin, was the second win of a two-victory season (her other title came four months earlier at the Lotte Championship) that propelled her to a runner-up finish in the Race to the CME Globe. The 21-year old’s seven LPGA wins put her one title behind Mike Weir, George Knudson and Sandra Post for most all-time by a Canadian professional.

Adam Hadwin was named Male Professional of the Year after continuing his ascendancy as one of the world’s premier players, notching 10 top-25 results for the 2017-18 PGA TOUR season and finishing 36^thin the FedExCup Standings. He and fellow Abbotsford, British Columbia product Nick Taylor also lifted Canada to a T4 finish at the World Cup of Golf, the nation’s best finish at the event since 1985.

Calgary’s Jaclyn Lee earned honours as Female Amateur of the Year after a standout season that culminated with a sixth-place finish at the LPGA’s Q-Series, earning her a tour card for her first professional season in 2019. The former Golf Canada National Amateur Team and Ohio State standout had a strong final season as an amateur, reaching the semifinals of the Ladies British Open Amateur Championship and the quarterfinals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur.

Finally, Elmira, Ontario’s Garrett Rank earned Male Amateur of the Year honours after a remarkable run that included qualifying for the U.S. Open – earning the NHL Referee widespread attention and media coverage – and victories at the Ontario Mid-Amateur and Ontario Amateur, along with top-three results at the Canadian Amateur and Canadian Mid-Amateur.

The best performing wedges in the game – Vokey SM7 –are now available in a stunning Slate Blue finish.

For years, Master Craftsman Bob Vokey has stressed the importance of players having confidence in their wedge at address – “A player has to love their wedge when they look down at it” – and finish plays a key role.

The finish on Vokey SM7 Slate Blue wedges, available in Canadian golf shops and through Vokey.com beginning February 15, is applied like a PVD finish but with a unique material and more time intensive process that in combination provide a deep, rich slate blue color that is extremely durable.

“Very often wedge finishes can be beautiful, but they won’t last,” Vokey said. “At the same time, the most durable finishes often aren’t stunning. Slate Blue combines the two. Not only will golfers love their wedge when they see it in the shop, the finish will last through the course of normal play.”

Consistent with all Vokey SM7 finishes, Slate Blue is available in all 23 loft, bounce, and grind options (both RH and LH), while supplies last. This exemplifies the Vokey Design commitment to fitting. Finding the proper loft gapping, bounce and grind are critical to execute all of the necessary wedge shots. For help determining the right loft, bounce and grind, golfers can use the Wedge Selector tool.

Vokey SM7 models are also available in Tour Chrome, Brushed Steel and Jet Black finishes.

Vokey SM7 Slate Blue wedges will be available in golf shops beginning Feb. 15.

Click here for more information.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Eun-Hee Ji of South Korea left the mistakes to everyone else down the stretch in the LPGA Tour season opener.

Ji managed a strong wind and temperatures in the 50s on Sunday by making three birdies on the back nine to pull away and close with a 1-under 70, giving her a two-shot victory in the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions.

Ji got her mistakes out of the way early, opening with two bogeys to fall behind Lydia Ko. The 32-year-old South Korean took the lead for good with a birdie on the 10th hole at Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons, and she stayed in front the rest of the way.

“It was a little bit chilly for me today. My body was a little bit tight on first tee, so I just pulled a little bit, and I made a bogey,” she said. “I made a bogey again second hole. I was like, ‘OK, wait a minute. I need to play this.’ But I have like 16 more holes, and I just trust my swing after that.”

Ko was one shot behind when she pulled her tee shot on the par-5 13th and never found it, and then compounded the error with a three-putt for a double bogey. Ko made double bogey on the closing hole for a 42 on the back nine and a 77.

Ji finished at 14-under 270 to win by two over Mirim Lee, who made only one bogey in her round of 68. Nelly Korda (71) finished third.

“I just enjoyed my game with my celebrity partners,” Ji said. “It makes it more fun and I relaxed more. So I didn’t get nervous.”

Brooke Henderson of Smiths Falls, Ont., started the day a shot behind the leaders but struggled on Sunday, shooting a 4-over 75 on the round. That put her into a tie with Stacy Lewis for sixth at 8 under for the tournament.

“I actually hit it great today,” said Henderson.

“I gave myself a lot of great opportunities and just the putter, you know, wasn’t working, which sort of sucks. But overall I feel like I hit it really well and I battled, which is nice.”

 

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@BrookeHenderson locks up her first top 10 of the 2019 @lpga_tour season with a T6 finish at #DiamondLPGA ????

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The LPGA opener was limited to winners over the last two seasons. It also included a celebrity field of athletes and entertainers who competed for a $500,000 purse using the modified Stableford scoring system.

Former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz had 33 points in the final round for a three-point victory over former pitcher Mark Mulder. Smoltz was busy doing math with the Stableford system, trying to hold on for the victory.

“I played really defensively knowing I could get two points for par,” Smoltz said. “I never thought the bogey I made at 17 would be the difference.”

Lewis, in her first competition as a mother, shot 70 and tied for sixth.

Ariya Jutanugarn, the No. 1 player in women’s golf who captured every major award last year, went into the weekend two shots out of the lead and closed with a pair of 75s to tie for 18th. Her sister, Moriya Jutanugarn, managed a bogey-free round for a 69 to tie for fourth with Shanshan Feng (70).

Ko says her problems on the 13th started with thinking she had to hammer her tee shot.

No one could find it in the marsh area left of the fairway, though Ko was at least consoled to see “like a million balls in there, so it makes me feel better that I wasn’t the only one that hit there.”

She hit another tee shot and easily carried the bunker, and then hit a stock 3-wood onto the green.

“I was like, ‘Well, that was stupid.’ Because I could have just hit a normal driver, and I probably wouldn’t have duck-hooked it and it would still be able to be in play,” Ko said. “I guess there’s moments I thought it was necessary, but then it wasn’t. But, hey, you’re always going to have some of these failures along the way.”

The LPGA is now off for two weeks before resuming in Australia for the Vic Open. The tour returns to the United States on March 21-24 for the Founders Cup in Arizona.

LA QUINTA, Calif. – Adam Long bounced around golf’s backwoods for years, winning only a lone Hooters Tour event. Now, he’s headed to the Masters as a PGA Tour winner.

Long won the Desert Classic on Sunday at PGA West, beating Hall of Famer Phil Mickelson and Canadian Adam Hadwin by a stroke with a 14-foot birdie putt on the final hole after a 6-iron approach from an awkward stance.

“In some ways it’s been a little bit of a roller-coaster, but it’s been a steady improvement throughout my career,” Long said. “I’ve played in pretty much most tours around the world that there are and just kind of steadily progressed.

“It kind of can seem like it came out of nowhere, but my game’s been trending in the right direction for really the last two years now.”

Long closed with a 7-under 65 on the Stadium Course, holing the winning putt after Mickelson’s 40-foot birdie try curled left at the end.

“I got a pretty good read off Phil’s putt,” Long said. “It was one of those putts that you just stand over you just know you’re going to make. And you can’t control that, but when you have that feeling it’s a good one. I’m in pretty disbelief right now. I don’t really know what happened.”

Mickelson, the leader after each of the first three rounds, shot 69.

“I had a terrible putting day – one of the worst I can recall in a while,” Mickelson said. “Started right on the first hole with a little 4-footer uphill and three-putting that green. And I missed a bunch of short ones on the front and some birdie opportunities, but it felt awful with the putter. I hit a lot of good shots today, but just couldn’t get the ball to go in the hole.”

Long set up with the winning putt with the 6-iron approach from 175 yards with the ball below his feet in dormant grass on a mound to the right of the fairway.

The 31-year-old former Duke player earned his PGA Tour card with a 13th-place finish last year on the Web.com Tour’s regular-season money list. In five previous PGA Tour starts, he had made only one cut – a tie for 63rd in October in the Safeway Open.

Hadwin, from Abbotsford, B.C., finished with a 67, losing a three-stroke lead on the back nine.

“It’s golf,” Hadwin said. “I made a bunch of putts all week and then honestly I was kind of battling it a little bit swing-wise, didn’t quite have it like I did the first three days. … It just kind of flat-lined on me there in the last few.”

The Canadian had his fourth straight top-six finish in the event. He was second in 2017 after a third-round 59 at La Quinta Country Club and tied for third last year.

Strong effort from #TeamRBC‘s @ahadwingolf down the stretch @Desert_Classic with a T2 finish! We have a feeling 2019 is going to be a good one ??⛳️ pic.twitter.com/Mg5Y25VQdZ

— RBC Canadian Open (@RBCCanadianOpen) January 21, 2019

Long finished at 26-under 262 and earned $1,062,000. He chipped in twice on the back nine to remain in contention.

“Those chip-ins were huge and some putts on the front nine as well to just kind of hang in there,” Long said,

He opened with a 63 on PGA West’s Nicklaus Tournament Course, shot 71 on Friday at the Stadium layout and had another 63 on Saturday at La Quinta to get into the final group with Mickelson and Hadwin.

“It was a huge thrill to play with Phil,” Long said. “I looked up to him my whole life and big fan of his and he couldn’t have been greater to me out there and he was awesome to play with, a lot of fun.”

The 48-year-old Mickelson was making his first tour start since the Safeway and first competitive appearance since beating Tiger Woods in Las Vegas in November in a made-for-TV event.

Adam Hadwin (Getty Images)

Mickelson entered the day two strokes ahead of Hadwin and three ahead of Long. The tournament winner in 2002 and 2004, Lefty matched his career-low score with an opening 60 at La Quinta.

“It’s a weird game how sometimes if you haven’t played for a while it just can click and come right back,” Mickelson said. “But usually you need a little bit of a foundation there coming down the stretch. When you get to feel the pressure you need to have that foundation of practice and seeing the shots that you want to hit, seeing the ball go in on the greens and so forth and I didn’t really have that today.”

Talor Gooch was fourth at 24 under after a 64, Dominic Bozzelli followed at 22 under after a 66, and Jon Rahm, the 2018 winner, shot 67 to get to 21 under.

Top-ranked Justin Rose closed with a 70 to tie for 34th at 14 under. He’s the first No. 1 player to play the tournament since the world ranking began in 1986.

Canadians Roger Sloan (Merritt, B.C.) and Adam Svensson (Surrey, B.C.) finished inside the top 20 at T12 and T18, respectively. Nick Taylor of Abbotsford, B.C., rounded out the Canadians in action with a share of 40th.