In 1999, thanks to a dramatic 15-foot putt by the late Payne Stewart, Phil Mickelson finished runner-up at a Major for the firsts time in his career. It was an unforgettable moment at Pinehurst, just a day before the birth of his first child.

Fifteen years later, at this year’s U.S. Open, Mickelson will return to the venerable track still in search of his first U.S. Open title – one that would complete his Major Grand Slam.

Check out this video as Mickelson relives the heartbreaking defeat and speaks about his growing anticipation for the U.S. Open’s return a course he says is “the first Open course I’ve played that tested every area of a player’s game.”

Tiger closing in on Snead’s record 82 PGA Tour wins

When Sam Snead watched on as Tiger made his debut on the PGA Tour at the 1992 Norther Trust Open as an amateur he surely didn’t anticipate their names, records and legacies would be intertwined.

Now, two decades later and just three victories shy of tying Snead’s all-time PGA Tour win record of 82, Woods is in ideal position to pounce on one of the most coveted records in golf.

Check out this video as the Tour’s top players reflect on Woods’ amazing quest to surpass Snead’s record.

Australian golf legend Greg Norman will once again be a global brand ambassador for Cobra Golf, collaborating on product development and sporting Cobra clubs at a variety of appearances, tournaments and events.

Norman kicks off his 2014 season with Cobra at the PGA Show in Orlando this week, where he will participate in the brand’s Forum Stage presentation as well as other Cobra corporate functions.

“It’s a privilege to once again welcome Greg Norman to our Tour team and the Cobra Golf family,” said Bob Philion, president of Cobra Puma Golf. “Greg is an industry icon and a true promoter of game enjoyment, which is what Cobra has been about from the beginning. It
feels right to have him not only back on the course playing our clubs, but also behind the scenes, playing an intricate role in the development of our products and overall business.”

As part of the long term agreement, Norman will represent Cobra at several PGA Tour events that he is closely involved with including: the Valero Texas Open in March, the OHL Classic at Mayakoba in November, and the Franklin Templeton Shootout in December. He will also help to bring worldwide visibility to the Cobra Golf brand through his elite industry status and strong business connections and partnerships, including his partnership with the China Golf Association.

“My golf career has been an incredible journey, and a huge part of that voyage was my relationship with Cobra Golf in the prime of my career,” said Norman. “Cobra continues to enhance the game with cutting-edge technology and products that help golfers of all skill levels play better and enjoy the game. I’m proud of the growth the company has experienced thus far and am excited about the future potential of the brand; it’s a huge honour to become re-involved with Cobra as it is today – a major player in the industry.”

A force to be reckoned with, Norman has earned 91 career victories, including 20 PGA Tour wins, 71 International wins and 29 Top 10 finishes in the Majors. He is a two-time British Open Champion and has spent 331 weeks of his career as the No. 1 golfer in the world, earning a spot in the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001. He was a Presidents Cup Captain in both 2009 and 2011, and remains an eight-time Vardon Trophy/Byron Nelson award winner.

The Shark’s bag and headwear will showcase the brand’s logo, and will exclusively feature Cobra Golf clubs, including the recently-debuted BiO CELL Driver 8.5, BiO CELL Fairway and BiO CELL Hybrid, all in black; AMP CELL Pro Irons 3-PW; and Tour Trusty Wedges 52 and 57.

Callaway Golf has introduced a series of Tour-level golf balls specifically designed for more distance and peak performance based on a golfer’s swing speed. The series is called Speed Regime and there will be three offerings:

• SR 1: optimized for swing speeds 90mph and below
• SR 2: optimized for swing speeds between 90 and 105mph
• SR 3: optimized for swing speeds of 105mph and above

Golfers who swing a club 89mph benefit from different ball performance characteristics than golfers that swing a club at 106mph, for example. With Speed Regime, a unique HEX Aerodynamics profile and overall construction of each golf ball maximizes its performance based on what each swing speed range needs to achieve the most distance and the best performance.

All three tour-level golf balls will be available at golf retailers nationwide and on www.callawaygolf.com beginning January 24, 2014.

With a renewed mindset on the significance of friends and family, a wedding and potential wins in his future, Dustin Johnson’s goals for 2014 look encouraging. Watch this video for an inside look into how the PGA TOUR spends his time outside the ropes.

Alberta Golf names new CEO

Alberta Golf has announced several changes to its organizational structure and the promotion of two staff members.

Highlighting the changes are the naming of Matt Rollins as the new executive director/CEO. Rollins succeeds Brent Ellenton, who served as executive director for 25 years.  Jack Lane will assist Rollins in a new role – assistant executive director.

“Both Matt and Jack are long-time Alberta Golf employees who will continue to dedicate their efforts towards fulfilling our organizations mission as we strive towards our vision of engaging every golfer in Alberta, said Alberta Golf President, Sandra Craig. “These changes ensure our ability to manage the organization in an efficient and effective manner for the future.”

Kirby Dreher auditions for Amazing Race Canada

Canadian golf standout Kirby Dreher and her brother Shelby Dreher have submitted their application to be considered for season 2 of the Amazing Race Canada.

Dreher, from Fort St. John, B.C., is a past Canadian Women’s Tour winner and LPGA Symetra Tour member.

Amazing Race applicants were required to make a video, fill out a lengthy application and send photos as part of their applications. Here’s the video Dreher and her brother put together.

Booster Juice and Mike Weir have teamed up to launch a nation-wide initiative aimed at energizing Canadians in the pursuit of living a healthy and active lifestyle.

Throughout his career, Weir has developed a deep appreciation for how nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle set him up to perform and feel his best, both on and off course.

Booster Juice and Weir will work together over the three-year partnership to develop content that speaks to Canadians on the importance of healthy eating and living, highlighting how Booster Juice can play an important role. The campaign will see Mike appearing in a number of Booster Juice commercials, in an outdoor campaign, on in-store point of purchase material, as well as making special appearances for the company.

The partnership will also have a strong focus on supporting The Mike Weir Foundation, which is dedicated to advancing the physical, emotional and educational welfare of children in Canada. Each year, Booster Juice will create a month-long consumer fundraising initiative that will be activated across its 300 locations.

“Booster Juice is a strong Canadian-grown brand that has done wonderful things for charities across the country,” said Weir. “Giving back is a big part of my life and something that my family believes in. It is a great fit.”

Introducing the golf cart zamboni

A hat tip goes to Justin Lachapelle of St-Lazare, Que., who found a unique use for his golf cart during the winter.

Nike launches “Play in the Now” campaign

Nike Golf is amplifying the story of innovation behind the new Nike VRS Covert 2.0 driver with its new “Play in the Now” campaign. With the first piece airing January 25th, “Play in the Now” is a series of TV spots that takes a humorous but pointed jab at golfers who are afraid to try new technology and, as such, reject advancements in innovation.

Accompanying the main 30-second spot are 15-second vignettes featuring a variety of crusty characters who, if they’d had it their way, would still have golfers hitting wooden balls with crooked sticks on the shores of Scotland.

More spots highlighting Nike Golf’s advancements in technology will be aired in the coming months to complement the campaign.

FootJoy has announced a new footwear category for 2014 – the D.N.A., or “DryJoys Next Advancement.”

“To create the most feature-laden golf shoe in our storied history, we needed to explore the anatomy, or DNA, of our premium footwear products and then scrutinize every aspect throughout the design and development process,” said Doug Robinson, Vice President of Design and Development Worldwide. “Every material and every component was carefully considered in order to deliver a shoe with lightweight stability, a precise fit, superior feel and ultimate performance.”

As with every FJ product, D.N.A. golf shoes have been tested at the highest level. Several players received the shoe at the Presidents Cup and immediately wore it in competition, including Adam Scott and Webb Simpson.

Adam Scott has worn D.N.A. golf shoes exclusively since September, including while competing at the 2013 Presidents Cup and during his three recent wins in Australia.

“D.N.A. is the most technologically advanced shoe FJ has ever produced and it embodies everything I am looking for in a golf shoe,” said the world’s #2 ranked player. “They actually activate my feet, giving me great balance throughout my swing.”

Webb Simpson has also been wearing D.N.A. shoes since the Presidents Cup.

“You want a golf shoe that is comfortable and stable, and this gives you both. The new technology in the tongue and heel collar allows the shoe to mold to your foot, giving the golfer everything they will need on the course.”

FootJoy’s D.N.A shoes will be available beginning March 1, 2014. They will be available in the following colour combinations: white/off white, white/liquid electric green, white/liquid red, white/liquid navy, grey/liquid orange, black/liquid grey and white/liquid grey featuring the BOA Lacing System.

The launch of D.N.A. DryJoys Next Advancement will be supported by broadcast, print and digital advertising featuring several Tour players and an “inside” look at what makes the new D.N.A. shoe from FootJoy so unique.

Here are some key features and benefits of FootJoy’s D.N.A.

The 3D FoamCollar
The 3D FoamCollar molds to your ankle for ideal comfort, fit and support. Locking your ankle in place eliminates any movement of the foot – a situation that can lead to discomfort power-reduction during the swing.

SnugFit Tongue
The SnugFit tongue is engineered utilizing thin, soft, and breathable materials – including MicroVent™ technology- in order to properly conform to the top of your foot providing superb fit and an incredibly comfortable in-shoe environment.

NitroThin TPU Outsole
The all-new NitroThin TPU outsole has been in development for several years, undergoing numerous rounds of testing and technical modifications.  The result is a super thin-yet-strong chassis that frames the soft, FTF internal midsole, delivering the perfect combination of rigidity and flexibility for maximum on-course performance.

Xtra-Thick FTF FitBed
In order to achieve the sleek, low-profile look of D.N.A. , the midsole was moved inside the shoe.  FTF™ (Fine-Tuned Foam), a new proprietary cushioning material, is used throughout the interior midsole also known as the FitBed. In order to achieve in-shoe stability as well as premium cushioning, two densities of FTF were utilized – a firmer density for stability around the perimeter of the FitBed and a softer density in the heel and forefoot providing industry-leading in-shoe comfort.

ChromoSkin Leather System
Finally, D.N.A. DryJoys Next Advancement features the all-new ChromoSkin Leather System by Pittards® of England, one of the premiere suppliers of high performance leather in the world. This unique full grain leather system is supple, lightweight, thin-yet-durable and completely waterproof. By using this premium leather, the wearer will experience tremendous breathability and will find the upper will conform to their feet for an incredible custom fit.

Shaw Communications has announced a multi-year partnership with Canada’s top-ranked PGA TOUR pro and Presidents Cup breakout star Graham DeLaet. As part of the agreement, DeLaet will sport the Shaw logo on the front of his hat and golf bag in golf tournaments around the world. DeLaet hits the field for the first time with Shaw branded gear at the 2014 Farmers Insurance Open, January 23-26 at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, CA.

“Graham is a highly accomplished athlete, a proud Canadian and a great ambassador for the game of golf,” said Brad Shaw, CEO, Shaw Communications Inc. “We are proud to have Graham represent Shaw and all of our employees and welcome him as part of our growing support for this great game in Canada.”

“I’m very excited to be part of the Shaw team. Shaw is one of the great, homegrown Canadian companies with a storied history of charitable and community support, which is something that I strongly believe in,” said Graham DeLaet.

This partnership will see Shaw and Graham explore all opportunities to create exciting new golf content, for viewers and advertisers by leveraging Shaw’s considerable media assets. Through this agreement Shaw will also become the official communications provider for DeLaet.

Known as one of golf’s best ball strikers, DeLaet had a breakout year in 2013, recording seven Top 10 finishes and finishing 21st on the PGA TOUR’s money list. He also placed eighth in the FedEx Cup Playoffs and finished the season with a solid performance in his first appearance with the International Team at the Presidents Cup. Starting off the 2014 PGA TOUR season, Graham has already recorded two top 10 finishes in three official events, and is currently ranked 23rd on the TOUR’s money list.

In addition to being the broadcast destination for golf through Global TV, Shaw is also a premier sponsor of the RBC Canadian Open and the title sponsor of the Shaw Charity Classic, the Champions Tour event held at Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club in Calgary.

Teeing-up the Humana Challenge

This week’s PGA TOUR stop, the Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation, focuses on fitness and healthy lifestyles but the event actually mirrors the human body in many ways. Check out this video produced by PGA TOUR Entertainment to see what I mean.

Hughes named finalist for Golden Horseshoe Athlete of the Year

Dundas, Ont. native Mackenzie Hughes has been named a a finalist for the Golden Horseshoe athlete of the year award.

Hughes, who will compete on the WebDotCom Tour this year, finished atop the PGA TOUR Canada Order of Merit in 2013, earning $52,114.29 for his efforts.

Read more in this story by the Hamilton Spectator.

 Golf Channel travels to Cabot Links

Golf Channel’s Matt Ginella travelled to Nova Scotia with Ben Crenshaw, Mike Keiser and Bill Coore to take a look at Cabot Links in Inverness, N.S. and check out the development of Cabot Cliffs – a new course slated to open in 2015.

The PGA Tour put together the following video featuring the top-10 all-time fittest PGA Tour players. I’ll give you a hint as to who topped the list – he’s 78 and still manages 1,000 push-ups and sit-ups a day.

TaylorMade-adidas re-signs Korda, Recari and Kang

TaylorMade-adidas Golf announced the contract extensions of LPGA players Jessica Korda, Beatriz Recari and Danielle Kang. The trio will continue representation of the company as LPGA Tour professionals.

Korda, who enjoyed her most successful season on the LPGA Tour in 2013 with six top-10 finishes, will continue to play TaylorMade metalwoods, irons, wedges and ball and will wear adidas apparel and footwear per her new contract. The 20-year-old American turned pro in 2010 following a successful amateur career which included membership on the 2009 USA Junior Solheim Cup and 2010 USA Curtis Cup teams, made cuts at both the 2008 and 2009 U.S. Women’s Open Championship and managed a runner-up finish at the 2010 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship.

Recari, a 3-time winner on the LPGA Tour and member of the triumphant Solheim Cup Team Europe in 2013, will play TaylorMade metalwoods, hybrid, irons, wedges and putter and wear TaylorMade headwear as part of her contract extension with the brand. The 26-year-old Spaniard began playing golf at age 11, and similar to Korda, enjoyed a successful amateur career with wins at the 2004 Spanish Amateur Championship and the 2005 French Amateur Championship, while also representing Team Europe in the 2005 Junior Solheim Cup. She joined the Ladies European Tour (LET) in 2005, playing through the 2009 season and qualified for the LPGA TOUR in 2009, where she’s played exclusively since 2010.

Kang, who first qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open at the age of 14 and just recently joined the LPGA Tour in 2011, will play TaylorMade metalwoods, irons, wedges and putter in addition to an Adams Golf hybrid and wear adidas Golf footwear and apparel during competition. The 21-year-old American has an impressive list of accomplishments already to her credit. Kang won the U.S. Women’s Amateur in 2010 and competed in all four majors as an amateur in 2011, making the cut in three. She then won the U.S. Women’s Amateur in 2011, becoming the first player in 15 years to win consecutive titles.

“We are excited that these three proven professionals have decided to continue their relationships with TaylorMade-adidas Golf as members of our tour staff,” said Chuck Presto, Senior Vice President, Global Sports Marketing. “As a trio of the most promising young players in a sport gaining popularity on a global level, we’re proud to have them representing our brands and influencing the next generation of players.”

To little surprise, Callaway Golf has announced they signed 16-year-old golf phenom and two-time Canadian Women’s Open champion, Lydia Ko, to an endorsement deal. Ko will play Callaway clubs and an Odyssey putter.

Speculation about Ko signing with Callaway began in late November, shortly after she announced she was turning pro on YouTube. Ko tweeted that she met her “idol” Phil Mickelson at the Callaway fitting center.

Omg i met my favourite player Phil Mickelson at the Callaway fitting centre! I was so nervous! #myidol

— Lydia Ko (@Lko424) November 12, 2013

This is the proof 🙂 pic.twitter.com/pSXT01IK4e

— Lydia Ko (@Lko424) November 12, 2013

From Callaway’s press release.

“Lydia is an exceptional talent and a great addition to our staff,” said Nick Raffaele, vice president of Sports Marketing for Callaway. “Last year we had several Pros win after successfully transitioning into our products and we’re excited to see what Lydia can accomplish on the LPGA with the world’s best clubs, balls and putter in the bag.”

In addition to Ko, Callaway also signed Yani Tseng – the youngest player, male or female, to win five major championships – who spent 109 weeks of her career as the No. 1 ranked player in the world.

With 15 career LPGA Tour wins to her name and an appearance on TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” list in 2012, Tseng is one of the most recognizable players in LPGA Tour history.

Callaway posted the following video to it’s corporate blog.

Carlsbad, California – After 14 years, one major championship, a European Tour Order of Merit title and 14 wins wordwide, the pairing of Justin Rose and TaylorMade Golf is still going strong. The company announced it has renewed its commitment with the 2013 U.S. Open Champion through 2018.

Rose will continue to play 14 TaylorMade clubs; use a TaylorMade golf ball and gloves; and wear Ashworth apparel and footwear – which he has worn since 2012. Rose will also sport a TaylorMade staff bag and hat.

“TaylorMade and I have shared a wonderful history of success throughout my career,” said Rose. “It is a company that prides itself on technology, innovation and delivering the best possible golf equipment. I’m very excited to extend our partnership and look forward to continued success.”

It was 1998 when a 17-year-old Rose announced himself to the golfing world. As an amateur competing in the 127th Open Championship, Rose pitched in on his last hole at Royal Birkdale to earn a 4th place finish. Rose turned professional the same year and first signed with the TaylorMade Golf Company in 1999.

In the years following the dramatic scenes at Birkdale, Rose has proven himself as one of the world’s leading golfers, winning the European Tour Order of Merit in 2007, the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion and reaching No.3 in the World in 2012. He was also the best performing rookie of both teams in the 2008 Ryder Cup, finishing with a record of 3-1-0.

What’s In Rose’s Bag

SLDR 10.5 Driver
RBZ Stage 2 Tour 3HL Fairway Wood
Tour Preferred CB Irons 3, 4, 5
Tour Preferred MC Irons 6
Tour Preferred MB 7-9, PW
ATV Wedges (AW, SW, LW)
Spider Blade Putter (37 5/8”)
Tour Preferred golf ball
Ashworth apparel and footwear