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.

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.

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.

Golfers seeking the breakthrough technology and proven performance of Titleist 718 AP3 and AP2 irons can bring an extra edge to their game with the introduction of new limited all-black editions.

Available March 1, the new 718 AP3 Black and 718 AP2 Black irons are finished with a sleek, High Polish Black PVD coating to create a look that stands apart.

True Temper AMT Onyx shafts – with a powder coat matte black finish that helps minimize glare – and an all-black Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grip complement the technically striking blacked-out setup.

The development of AP3 Black and AP2 Black was inspired by requests from the PGA Tour, where Titleist has been the #1 iron since 2005, and members of Team Titleist.

“Since we added AP3 to our lineup last fall, more and more golfers are experiencing the game-changing speed and forgiveness of this hollow-blade construction, while AP2 continues to set the standard for tour played iron technology,” said Josh Talge, Vice President, Golf Club Marketing. “One request we heard from both tour players and amateurs, particularly those who have gravitated toward our Jet Black Vokey SM7 wedges, was if they could have these same irons in a darker finish. Our team spent a lot of time making sure the aesthetics were done just right. It’s a look that you just have to see.”

The finish on AP3 Black and AP2 Black will wear similar to the Jet Black coating on SM7 wedges. New Titleist 718 AP3 and AP2 Black irons will be available beginning March 1, 2019. MAP $200 CAD per club ($1,999 CAD/set of 8).

Click here to learn more.

Scotty Cameron has added two new mid-mallet models to his flagship line of Select putters – the Select Fastback 2 and Select Squareback 1.5 – developed through feedback from the game’s best players.

Available in golf shops worldwide beginning Feb. 15, the new Select models provide additional mid-mallet options for players seeking Scotty’s popular Fastback and Squareback head styles with specific neck configurations and performance characteristics:

Select Fastback 2: Following the introduction of the 2018 Select Fastback model on the worldwide professional golf tours, players immediately asked Scotty for one option – a plumbing neck. The familiar, confidence-inspiring setup, which provides one shaft of offset, has been incorporated into this rounded mid-mallet. In addition to the new neck, subtle refinements have been made to the topline for a slightly thinner look, as well as a reduction of face height.

Select Squareback 1.5: Scotty’s new Squareback 1.5 incorporates a new mini-slant neck that further squares off the overall shape and look at address for the player seeking clean, distinct visual cues. Additionally, the draft angle has been updated to accommodate the new neck, which also produces slightly more toe flow than its mid-bend counterpart, the Select Squareback. Similar to the Fastback 2, Scotty shaved some topline thickness for a thinner appearance from address, and reduced the overall face height.

Both models adopt the Select line’s tour-proven multi-material construction with a precision milled, MOI-enhancing 6061 aircraft aluminum face-sole component expertly designed into the 303 stainless steel putter head.

 “Extending the Select line was all about taking the feedback we got from players and incorporating it into new offerings. Shortly after we introduced the 2018 Fastback and Squareback models on tour, players began asking for them with prototype necks,” said Scotty Cameron. “We are seeing more and more players gravitate to these nice, compact head shapes. They’re not blades and not exactly mallets. We call them mid-mallets. By creating the Fastback 2 with a plumbing neck, and the Squareback 1.5 with our mini-slant neck, we’re giving players everything they asked for and more.”

LAS VEGAS – It was a far cry from a normal workweek for Andrew Pittam, but it was one of those experiences he’ll be talking about for a while.

That’s because most Fridays don’t conclude by shaking Tiger Woods’ hand.

Pittam, from London, Ont., is the VP of Project Management for Toronto-based Astound Group, a global design and events agency. The company was in charge of all aspects of signage and event development for ‘The Match’ in Las Vegas on Friday, pitting Woods vs. Phil Mickelson in a $9-million 1:1 showdown.

Pittam had worked previously at IMG and had experience as the Tournament Director for the former Telus Skins Game. He was heavily involved in a handful of LPGA Tour and PGA Tour properties – including the made-for-TV Tavistock Cup in Florida.

But nothing, he says, was like Friday.

“When I worked at IMG years ago, we always talked about what it would be like to get Tiger and Phil together and it just never really made sense for both of them and where they were in their careers,” says Pittam. “If you’re a golf enthusiast, you have to appreciate how amazing it was to see them go head-to-head and to end in a playoff.

“For the people to witness on site, in person… that’s something that’s never happened before.”

There was a small Canadian contingent onsite at The Match on Friday. Comedic legend Norm MacDonald – who walked Shadow Creek using an old putter as a cane and tried to get as close to Woods as possible to take photos on his iPhone – joined Pittam and his wife Colleen, their friends Andrew and his wife Stephanie (“It’s hard to put into words,” says Andrew of the once-in-a-lifetime experience), Pittam’s boss, and two journalists as part of the group.

That group of eight was part of the approximately 1,000 people watching The Match in person, and Pittam was tasked with making sure everyone was going where they should be. There weren’t ropes, like a traditional event. Instead there was a rope (singular) that was constantly moved by a group of volunteers led by Pittam.

Astound, says Pittam, was part of the production of the event – from signage and branding to event management – and he says this was a unique experience.

“You didn’t rope (the whole course) and at a (normal PGA TOUR event) the players are basically safe the whole time. You get them to the driving range and they’re good, because they don’t leave the rope line. But something like this… it was kind of tricky,” he says.

“But I think the experience for the spectator on site must have been one of the best ones I’ve ever witnessed. They got an incredible experience being that close to both players.”

Pittam moved to Astound seven years ago after starting his career with IMG. At the conclusion of the Telus Skins Game, Pittam began working on the fashion and figure skating business at IMG and he had lost his passion, he says.

He started at Astound – one of his vendors while at IMG – and has been involved in all facets of the business ever since including events, tradeshows, branding installations (the company was part of Nike’s branding during the NBA All-Star weekend in Toronto a few years ago, for example) and he manages a team based in Oakville, Ont.

Astound has a 350,000 square-foot facility in Las Vegas, so the efficiencies was perfect for this kind of event, he says.

Although there wasn’t much needed in terms of spectator infrastructure – with only 1,000 people, all of whom wanted to just get as close to Woods and Mickelson as possible – he says the event was still “huge” for Astound.

“To get called on to work on an event that had such a high magnitude of interest… this event was a really big deal for us out of Toronto,” he says. “It was a great week for our company, but it was just really awesome to be part of an event like this.”

Will Ghesquire closed out his six years of caddying at Hamilton G&CC (HGCC) in style, winning Caddie of the Year honours at the club’s annual Caddie Banquet earlier this month.

“Caddying at HGCC has been a great experience and I have really enjoyed it,” says Will, who split his time between caddying 98 rounds this year and working in the back shop. “I really like talking with the members and spending time out on the golf course. It’s such an awesome place.”

On good days in the summer, you would find him here at 6 am and carrying for both a morning and afternoon.

The 18-year-old, who l is finishing up at Glendale Secondary School, is planning on returning to HGCC in 2019 to work solely in the back shop. His favourite part of working at HGCC, would have to be golfing here on Mondays, where the nine-handicap played about 20 rounds in 2018.

Caddie Master, Josh Ryglewicz thanked all caddies for their hard work throughout the season with a total of 1,300 caddie rounds for 2018. He also presented awards to individual category winners including: Wyatt Rapson – C Caddie of the Year; Chris Ghesquire – B Caddie of the Year; Nick Kenney – A Caddie of the Year and Lucas Gatto – AA Caddie of the Year.

“There’s no better place to work, it’s a great summer job,” says Lucas Gatto. Caddies at HGCC are paid from $26 to $38 per 18-hole round depending on their category from C to AA.

The Grade 12 Bishop Tonnos Catholic Secondary School student is wrapping up a four-year caddie career this season. Lucas caddied 63 rounds this past season and worked in the back shop for the first time. He’ll return to the back shop in 2019, but his caddying days are done. On the golf course, he’s a six-handicap who had a membership at Flamborough Hills GC this past summer where he played about 25 rounds, plus another 10 rounds here at HGCC.

Both Will, and Lucas have little brothers who are following in their footsteps. Chris Ghesquire concluded his second season at HGCC winning B Caddie of the Year honours after looping 75 rounds in 2018.

“It’s very cool to get the caddie bonus. I worked hard throughout the summer to get more rounds. I wanted to be Caddie of the Year,” the 13-year-old says. At the end of the season caddies with at least 30 rounds in the books earned an $11 bonus per round from the club as a thank-you for their dedication and commitment.

Nicholas Gatto, 13, enjoyed his first-year caddying at HGCC and is looking forward to moving up the caddy ladder after finishing the season as a B Caddie with 41 rounds.

“I went out with my brother for my first caddie round and he showed me the ropes,” says Nicolas, who is playing Minor Bantam A hockey in Ancaster this winter to keep busy.

He was at the club most Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends by 6:30 am throughout the summer. “I just like being out on the golf course, in the good weather with the members. The member events are very cool and lots of fun. The toughest part of the job is the extreme heat in the summer, especially if you’re trying to caddy twice in a day.”

Over the past two seasons Nick Kenney has caddied 120 rounds at HGCC and that went a long way to earning him A Caddie of the Year honours for 2018.

“It’s a cool job. You come in, walk around the golf course for a few hours with a member and get paid for it,” said the second-year caddie. “It feels good to win the award. I’m surprised. It’s not something I was thinking about while I was walking around the golf course this summer. It’s a lot of fun, a great job.”

The 14-year-old Bishop Tonnos student played high school football, is playing single A Major Bantam travel hockey in Ancaster and is enjoying sleeping in for now!

Wyatt Rapson, 12, is saving up his caddy earnings from his first season at HGCC to buy a laptop. The 12-year-old, Dundas Central PS is off to a good start with nearly 50 rounds this season.

“After the first couple of rounds where you learn a lot, it was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be. I started pulling and then pushing and mixed in a bit of carrying,” Wyatt says.

Along with receiving their bonus cheques and a prime rib dinner at the dapper jacket and tie Caddie Banquet, members donate prizes to a raffle. Everyone one went home with a prize ranging from Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres and Hamilton Tiger Cats tickets to movie and SportChek gift cards.

First year caddie Andrew Varrasso had his name selected first in the raffle draw. With little hesitation, and the biggest smile you can imagine, the 12-year-old Immaculate Conception Catholic Elementary School student walked up to the table with the prizes and picked the HGCC logoed carry bag. What you need to know about Andrew, is that his father, Paul caddied as HGCC as a youngster and now Andrew is following in dad’s footstep – very cool. You should know that Andrew saved all his money from caddying this summer, except for $40 that he used to purchase an HGCC logoed head cover for his driver. He says it was an awesome summer caddying 36 rounds at HGCC as he moved from a C to a B caddie over time. He squeezed in four nine-hole rounds on the course with that head cover and next year he’ll have the HGCC golf bag to go with it!

“Caddies have been an integral part of the history and traditions of HGCC for more than 100 years and we appreciate your efforts,” said Caddie Liaison, David Gilroy. “You play an important part in a program that makes HGCC unique in Canada. Invite your friends to give it a try next year. Tell them how much fun it is, that it’s a really great experience because we would like to see more of you.”

Will Ghesquire, 2018 Caddie of the Year at HGCC, along with Caddie Master,  Josh Ryglewicz.

Whether you’re actually outdoorsy – and you enjoy hiking, cycling, or camping – or if you’re “outdoorsy” – and a round of golf or a craft cocktail on a patio is more your style – then Kelowna has it all.

Kelowna gets approximately 2,000 hours of sunshine every summer, and while it’s long been known as a spot for retirees escaping the hustle of Vancouver, it’s recently become a hotbed for young residents getting away from Vancouver’s sky-high real estate prices.

And it’s got some of the best golf in the country.

Thanks to the influx of new people in town, its dining culture, improved after-hours vibe, the sports and recreation scenes have changed to cater to younger tastes while still keeping the longtime locals happy as well.

Kelowna’s golf courses allow its visitors to burn off some of its fine dining and award-winning wines, and they’ve been recognized on the international level as some of the best in the world – and ready to host some of the best players in the world, too.

Gallagher’s Canyon Golf & Country Club, with 27 holes, will make you feel challenged like some of the world’s best. And indeed, the club hosts a Mackenzie Tour – PGA TOUR Canada event each year. It’s wonderfully conditioned and has a great patio overlooking the first tee.

The signature hole is that par-4 1st, where even if you don’t think your skills should allow for it, you should try your opening tee-shot from the back tee deck, which is located on top of the pro shop. Mountainous views greet you on nearly every hole as the club meanders through mature trees.

It’s difficult but fun, and its stretch of hole No’s 11-13 are up against any other three-hole stretch in Canada as some of the finest. They slowly climb through stately pines with a view of Kelowna down below.

With 19 courses as one of the country’s longest and driest golf seasons, Kelowna and the surrounding area’s golf menu is nearly as robust as some of its downtown dining options (more on that later).

You can stay local and head to Harvest Golf Club, which plays through a hillside apple orchard, or drive a littler further (and it’s certainly worth it) out of town to go to Predator Ridge in Vernon – long believed to be one of the country’s finest resorts.

Golf in British Columbia is some of the most celebrated in Canada, and it’s no surprise Golf Canada chose the province for its official training centre. Bear Mountain Resort, in Victoria, is just a quick flight away (or about a six-and-a-half hour drive) if you’re planning a B.C.-based golf adventure.

It was early spring when I visited, and thankfully when you need to refuel from long days of golf, the dining options in town are plentiful. BNA Brewing Co. & Eatery, a craft brewery and restaurant just a few blocks from Kelowna bustling downtown core has been a very successful addition to Kelowna focusing on international plates, but with local ingredients.

It’s a local success story, and whether it’s restaurants, craft breweries or cideries, or golf courses (and of course, Kelowna’s iconic wineries) staying local has been the key to a thriving Kelowna.

A weekend away with the guys or gals for golf would be as fine a reason as any to head to Kelowna, but the town offers so much for couples of all ages as well – especially given its world-renowned wine country.

Going to Kelowna without visiting their iconic, award-winning wineries would be like heading to New York for the first time and not visiting Times Square.

Kelowna has a laundry list of excellent wineries for visitors to check out, and you’d be remiss not to head to Mission Hill – one of the first wineries in the region – but the micro-wineries popping up with abundance are definitely worth checking out.

The Hatch – just down the road from Mission Hill – had a tasting room, even on a chilly April day, which was buzzing. The quaint and rustic setting is a total 180-degree turn from the grandiose setting of Mission Hill, but the people (Grayson, the General Manager, used to work at Mike Weir’s winery in Niagara) are equal parts fun and knowledgeable about their product.

With direct flights from Toronto and other major Canadian cities every day, Kelowna is a breeze to get to. Even in the shoulder seasons when you’re itching for a round but aren’t quite keen to head south, Kelowna’s golf courses are likely open already.

Staying at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort (a solid hotel right on the lake with a restaurant renovated in 2016 that backs onto a patio overlooking Okanagan Lake) means you’re walking distance to everything in the core, and a mere 20-minute drive to most of the courses mentioned here.

Between the golf and the food and the wine and the beer, you’ll be full of Kelowna after just a short visit. But, you’ll be hungry for a return before you know it.