Carlsbad, Calif. – The adidas Group has appointed TaylorMade-adidas Golf CEO Mark King as President of adidas Group North America effective June 1, 2014. In his new role, King will be in charge of all adidas and Reebok operations in the North American market.  Together with adidas Group CEO Herbert Hainer, King will continue overseeing the TaylorMade-adidas Golf business and will serve on an Advisory Board for the company.  Ben Sharpe, currently Executive Vice President of adidas Golf and Ashworth, will become the new CEO of TaylorMade–adidas Golf, reporting into Herbert Hainer.

“Mark King’s appointment underlines our clear commitment to the North American market-place”, says Herbert Hainer, CEO of the adidas Group. “Mark has a proven track record of success and leadership excellence. In turn, TaylorMade-adidas Golf is in best hands with Ben Sharpe who has been part of the successful TaylorMade leadership team since 2006. I am convinced that Ben will lead our golf business into the next era of growth.”

King started at TaylorMade in the early 1980s as sales representative. Under his leadership TaylorMade–adidas Golf has become the largest and most profitable golf company in the world, when King was appointed President in 1999 the business was $349 million (€327million) and has seen significant growth to $1.7 billion (€1.3 billion) in 2013. King has been named the industry executive of the year, former chairman of the National Golf Foundation, Founder of Hack Golf and most recently appointed to the PGA of America task force.  King will continue his involvement in Hack Golf and remain on the PGA of America task force.

Ben Sharpe (40) currently holds the position of Executive Vice President of adidas Golf and Ashworth. Prior to that role, Sharpe spent six years as TaylorMade-adidas Golf’s Managing Director in Europe, where his work doubled the company’s business and made it the largest and most successful golf company in the region. Sharpe is also an acclaimed athlete, having represented Great Britain at the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympic Games as a member of the country’s field hockey team.

“Ben’s business savvy, vision, charisma and competitive drive make him the right man to lead TaylorMade-adidas Golf into the future,” said King. “My role on the board will allow me to stay connected with the golf business while focusing my efforts on ensuring adidas Group reaches its full potential in North America.”

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Jason Day has a cast on his left hand to immobilize his injured thumb and isn’t expected to return to competition until The Players Championship in three weeks.

Day’s agent, Bud Martin, says the cast was put on Wednesday as a precaution.

Day injured his thumb while winning the Match Play Championship in late February. He took six weeks off before playing at the Masters, where he barely made the cut.

Martin says the inflammation is deep and easily irritated by simple tasks. He’s expected to wear the cast for two weeks.

Day withdrew this week from the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Players Championship changes to 3-hole playoff

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The Players Championship is changing this year to a three-hole aggregate playoff involving the closing stretch at the TPC Sawgrass.

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem announced the new format Wednesday.

The Players Championship previously was a sudden-death playoff that began on the par-3 17th hole, famous for having an island green. Starting this year, a playoff would take place on the par-5 16th hole, the 17th, and the par-4 18th. If players are still tied, it would go to sudden death starting on the 17th.

The Players Championship is May 8-11. It becomes the only regular PGA Tour event to use a playoff format that is not sudden death.

CARLSBAD, Calif. – TaylorMade has announced the release of its highly anticipated Tour Preferred wedges – the Classic Grind will be available at retail on April 18 and the ATV Grind will hit stores June 15.

TaylorMade sought the input of PGA Tour players as well as renowned club designer Clay Long to artfully craft the classically designed Tour Preferred wedges.

“We dedicated three years to meticulously dialing in all shapes and dimensions,” said Tomo Bystedt, TaylorMade’s Director of Product Creation for Irons, Putters and Wedges. “The outcome is two extremely versatile sole grinds in the Tour Preferred category. We combined that with a raw Micro Texture face to make this wedge truly worthy of the Tour Preferred name.”

The first sole option is a new Classic Grind for the player who prefers a clean, classically designed wedge with a very traditional shape. This model is offered in lofts of 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 degrees with tour-proven bounce options. The design is clean with slight progressive camber (more in the higher lofts) and generous heel relief. The heel relief allows for the versatility of a C-grind on open-faced shots but retains the main sole surface for better performance on full swings and shots from the bunker.

The second option is a refined ATV Grind, inspired by the popular All Terrain Versatility design. The new ATV Grind boasts a reshaped sole that’s slightly narrower. This allows better performance on open-faced shots and on tight lies. The ATV Grind promotes less bounce on full shots, chip shots and out of the sand, while maintaining higher bounce on open-face shots that are crucial around the green. The ATV grind will be available in lofts of 54, 56, 58 and 60.

Other highlights of Tour Preferred wedges include an optimized Micro Texture face that helps enhance ball speed and greenside control. In addition, the most aggressive groove design TaylorMade has ever created promotes exceptional spin and greenside control. The KBS Tour V is the standard shaft in all models of Tour Preferred wedges.

The week after Tour Preferred Wedges were introduced on the PGA Tour, 25 were in play at the 2014 Valero Texas Open. Players who elected to put the new wedges in the bag included two-time U.S. Open Champion Retief Goosen, Camilo Villegas, Sean O’Hair and Carl Pettersson.

AUGUSTA, Ga. – On the course, it’s all about going low. Outside the ropes, it’s more about stacking high.

Masters cups are among the most sought-after souvenirs at Augusta National. Fans buy drinks – beers are a modest $3 – empty the logo-etched cups and start stacking them high. Really high. Others even dig through trash cans to get extras.

One fan was spotted with 16 of them piled up Saturday.

“We’re trying to get 50 cups between us,” said the fan, Mike Fletcher, who is attending his ninth Masters with his girlfriend and some friends.

Fletcher says they make great cups to use around the pool. They’re a conversation piece, too. After all, there’s only one place and one time of the year you can get those keepsakes.

Official Masters souvenirs and apparel are only during the event’s eight days, which explains why the gift shops are packed all day, every day during the tournament.

Those Masters-green golf chairs seen all around Augusta National cost $45. A Masters umbrella goes for $30. Shirts range in price, but many sell for more than $100.

It’s a booming business for sure. But lines are hardly an issue because there are workers everywhere, so many that the shops have one person to tally merchandise and another to bag it.

Of course, if you aren’t at Augusta, you can always try your luck picking up Masters apparel on eBay. But be prepared to pay a premium.

Those drink cups that come with drinks being served at Augusta are selling for various prices on the online auction site. But expect to pay in the range of $5-$10 per cup, excluding taxes.

THE RATINGS GAME

The TV ratings continue to be down at the Masters, where Tiger Woods is absent for the first time in 20 years.

ESPN said its live telecast of the second round earned a 1.8 household rating (2.5 million viewers), which was down 40 percent from last year’s 3.0 rating (4.2 million viewers) for the second round. That 3.0 last year was the highest for a Friday since ESPN began airing the Masters in 1998.

Over two days, the rating is down 36 percent.

“While viewership was down this year, the Masters has a value to us that goes well beyond ratings,” said John Wildhack, the executive vice president of production and programming for ESPN.

TaylorMade has announced the launch of the SLDR Mini Driver, a 260cc metalwood equipped with a 43.5” shaft, designed to promote distance and accuracy off the tee for players who frequently drive with their 3-wood.

TaylorMade’s research indicates that a high percentage of golfers, regardless of skill level, hit 3-wood off the tee more often than from the fairway. However, the 3-wood is designed to hit the ball off turf, not a peg. That void between product design and product use led to the development of the SLDR Mini Driver, which is engineered to be longer off the tee than a 3-woood and incredibly accurate.

“Tour pros and betters amateurs often hit their 3-wood off the tee more often than from the fairway,” said Brian Bazzel, TaylorMade’s Senior Director of Metalwood Creation. “We embraced that fact to create a metalwood that’s sized between a 3-wood and driver and is designed to be easy to hit off a tee.”

Like the SLDR driver, the SLDR Mini Driver features a low-forward center of gravity (CG) location that reduces spin. From there, most players benefit from playing a higher loft (what TaylorMade calls “lofting up”) by combining a low spin-rate with a high launch angle, which are the launch conditions that promote maximum distance.

The SLDR Mini Driver also incorporates TaylorMade’s Speed Pocket technology, which promotes lower spin on impacts low on the clubface, where the majority of driver mis-hits occur.

And though it’s engineered to be easier to tee off with than a 3-wood, the SLDR Mini Driver is also easy to launch the ball off the turf with, thanks to its smooth sole that’s smaller and offers less resistance than a driver’s.

Aesthetically, the SLDR Mini Driver’s sleek shape and smooth matte silver crown, black clubface and black button-back gives the club an attractive appearance from all angles, especially at address. The contrasting colors also facilitate easy and accurate face alignment.

The first Tour pro to put the SLDR Mini Driver in play was Troy Matteson, who put not one but two in his bag at the Valero Texas Open: one to use off the tee and one to use from the fairway.

“The SLDR Mini Driver is intended to appeal to a wide audience,” added Bazzel. “For the Tour pro or top amateur who places a premium on distance control and accuracy, this club is a fantastic option. It’s also a great choice for those amateurs who struggle with 460cc drivers.”

Two SLDR Mini Driver models are available, standard and TP. The standard model retails for $299 CDN and is equipped with a Fujikura 57 shaft. It is the same shaft used in the SLDR driver, but at 43.5 inches (two inches shorter than the SLDR driver) it promotes tighter dispersion for increased accuracy.

The TP model retails for $399 CDN and is equipped with Fujikura’s Motore Speeder 7.3 shaft and is built to a heavier, D5 swingweight for improved control. Lofts in both models range from 12°, 14° and 16°. Both SLDR Mini Driver models will be available at retail starting May 2nd.

LPGA Tour Commissioner Mike Whan weighed in Friday on Golf Digest’s provocative cover featuring Paulina Gretzky.

The cover photo shows Gretzky in skintight capris and a bra.

Known for provocative pictures on her social media accounts, Gretzky is former hockey star Wayne Gretzky’s daughter and PGA Tour star Dustin Johnson’s fiancee.

Former LPGA Tour star Lorena Ochoa was the last female pro to appear on the magazine’s cover in October 1992. Golf Digest featured Golf Channel’s Holly Sonders in May 2013 and model Kate Upton posed with Arnold Palmer for the December issue.

“It’s frustrating for female golfers,” Stacy Lewis said. “It’s kind of the state of where we’ve always been. We don’t get respect for being the golfers that we are. Obviously, Golf Digest is trying to sell magazines. But at the same time you’d like to see a little respect for the women’s game.”

The official statement from Whan is below…

Obviously we’re disappointed and frustrated by the editorial direction (and timing) Golf Digest has chosen with the announcement of its most recent magazine cover.

If a magazine called Golf Digest is interested in showcasing females in the game, yet consistently steers away from the true superstars who’ve made history over the last few years, something is clearly wrong.

Inbee Park wins 3-straight major championships in 2013.  Stacy Lewis, in 2012, becomes the first American to win Rolex Player of the Year since 1994.  Lexi Thompson and Lydia Ko set historical benchmarks while blossoming as the Tour’s youngest ever champions.  And evidently, not one has been “cover worthy” for Golf Digest.  “Growing the game” means a need for more role models and in these exciting times for women’s golf, the LPGA is overflowing with them.

At this point, I’m done talking about it and I hope the attention of the media and fans will shift in the proper direction.  The true stars representing women’s golf have a grand stage this weekend at the Kraft Nabisco Championship.  I’m confident that the year’s first major championship will result in another compelling champion and the traditional Sunday leap into Poppie’s Pond will grab the media spotlight it so deserves.

Jerry Tarde, Golf Digest’s editor in chief, released a statement on their website regarding the cover.

“Sports figures, celebrities and models have appeared on Golf Digest covers since the magazine’s beginning,” stated Tarde. “Paulina ranks at the high end of the golf celebrity scene today, and she has a compelling story to tell. She also might get some new people interested in the game.”

The May issue, in which Gretzky demonstrates six golf-improvement exercises and discusses her myriad connections to the sports world, will be available in tablet edition April 8, and on newsstands April 15. You can see photos from Gretzky’s cover shoot here.

TORONTO – Nike Golf’s latest footwear design is breathable, flexible and perfect for summer – it’s also the newest member of the TW’ 14 family.

Available beginning May 1st at retailers across Canada, the TW’ 14 Mesh merges innovative technologies from the original TW’ 14, like the Nike Free-inspired outsole.

Nike Golf designers paired the Nike Free-inspired design and Dynamic Flywire technology featured in the TW’ 14 with a ventilated mesh upper and lower-profile Integrated Traction on the outsole. The result: A breathable, lightweight golf shoe that allows for freedom of movement and maximum ground feel for a more powerful, natural motion.

“The mesh upper and Integrated Traction options have been incredibly successful with the TW’ 14 on NIKEiD,” says Lee Walker, Nike Golf Footwear Product Director. “Consumers have told us they love it. So we created a version of the TW’ 14 with those features that people can try on in stores and purchase on the spot.”

The Nike Free-inspired outsole allows for flexibility and full athletic motion, while Dynamic Flywire technology cradles the foot for an adaptive, glove-like fit. Low-profile Integrated Traction makes the TW’ 14 Mesh a versatile option for both on and off the course.

The TW’ 14 Mesh is available in White/Black-Volt-Wolf Grey as well as Base Grey/Black-Lagoon Red-Dark Base Grey and will retail for $180.

PGA Tour players react to Tiger not being at the Masters

Team RBC’s Hunter Mahan helps to make a kid’s PGA Tour dream come true

Team RBC’s Hunter Mahan surprised 15-year-old Jack Rolle with a special day at the 2014 World Golf Championships Cadillac Invitational. Give the video a watch to see this young man’s wish come true.

Will Ferrell breaks down the 2014 Masters

Have you ever thought about what the Masters would be like if Will Ferrell were in charge? Well, neither did we, but this video sums up what the actor and golf fan would do if it were up to him.

When JoAnn Kelly of  Collingwood, Ont. took to the links for a casual round of golf this week at the Renaissance Golf Club in Fort Myers, Fla. she had no idea how lucky she was about to be.

The odds of recording one hole in one are said to be 12,500 to 1. Make two in one round and those odds move to 64 million to 1.

Kelly plays out of the Georgian Bay Club in Ontario and calls herself an ‘average golfer’ who enjoys spending time on the course with her entire family.

On March 25^th her play was well above average, as she aced not one but two holes at the Renaissance Golf Club. She recorded her first hole-in-one with a driver on Hole No. 4 and her second came with a 7 iron on the 12^th.

“I’m an average golfer, with a lot of luck,” Kelly said. “I feel like this is good for woman’s golf. What other sport can you match the pros?” she wrote to Golf Canada in an email.

British Columbia Golf launches partnership with Inside Golf

An agreement announced earlier this week between Inside Golf and British Columbia Golf formalizes a long-standing relationship and extends it into the digital realm of websites, electronic newsletter and mobile applications.

“We needed to update our communications technology to meet new demands for mobile and other devices as well as update our content management system for our popular website,” said British Columbia Golf Executive Director Kris Jonasson.

Inside Golf was able to meet these needs with the development of a responsive site that automatically identify the size of a site visitor’s screen or monitor (e.g. desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile) and then responds by reformatting to optimize the viewing experience.

This new website design is now live and can be viewed online at www.britishcolumbiagolf.org.

The four year publishing partnership will also see Inside Golf be responsible for the sale of advertising to appear on both the site and in the e-newsletters sent out to approximately 40,000 opt-in subscribers.

“Our company has been developing the idea of strategic partnerships with golf industry associations for the past five years,” said Inside Golf Inc. President Jeff Sutherland. “Based on success with the Western Canada Turfgrass Association, we took the idea to British Columbia Golf last fall. Our revenue-sharing approach meshed with the direction the association wanted to go and both parties have been working on the launch ever since.”

While Inside Golf will handle the publishing and technical aspects, British Columbia Golf will provide most content and maintain all editorial control.

“The intent here is to continue the information oriented nature of the existing site as well as add in relevant news and travel stories,” confirms Jonasson.

Inside Golf’s own website will soon be adapted to match the design chosen by British Columbia Golf.

In just a couple of weeks, Canada’s Graham DeLaet will be playing the Masters for the first time and Puma has released what he will be wearing for competition rounds.

Here’s a look at his Thursday-Sunday outfits. You have to love the red pants and white shirt for Sunday. Pure Canadiana…

Each of these pieces are from Puma’s Spring 14 line and can be found at retail shops throughout the country.

Dunning Golf expands 2014 tour roster

Dunning Golf has announced the signing of five new professional golfers to endorsement agreements.

New to the PGA Tour roster will be Brendan Steele, Nicolas Colsaerts and Canada’s David Hearn (Brantford, Ont.).

Franklin Corpening and Mackenzie Hughes of Dundas, Ont. will wear the luxury performance collection on the Web.com Tour.

These five players will join current Dunning PGA Tour players Charles Howell III, Roberto Castro, Jim Furyk, Russell Knox and Kevin Foley.

To check out the full Dunning Golf collection, visit dunninggolf.com.