Sep 22

Tips for enjoying the PGA Championship

Posted by Mike Vegis on September 22, 2011. No Comments

Now that the 2011 PGA Championship has come to a close, all eyes are on The Ocean Course for 2012. In addition to watching the world’s best golfers take on America’s toughest course, here are some tips to fully enjoy your experience.

1.  Get a Golf Lesson

The PGA Learning Center, presented by American Express, features complimentary golf lessons from PGA professionals, putting greens, golf simulators and educational presentations.  These tips will actually help you improve your game, and get you started on your way of becoming a PGA professional.

2.  Go Mobile

The free PGA Championship mobile app allows you to watch the tournament live from your phone.  The app also allows on-site spectators to personalize how information is received.  You can pick your favorite players and the app will keep you updated on their location on the course and leader board status.  Also stay informed on tournament news through PGA’s live coverage blog, Twitter (@PGAChampionship) or Facebook (PGA Championship).

3.  Keep Cool

The best way to enjoy the Charleston summer in August is to feel the breeze blowing on The Ocean Course, which happens to be 15 degrees cooler than the rest of Charleston.  Misting stations will also be set-up around the course for attendees to get a refreshing spray, and cooling tents will provide much needed shade. Bleachers will be equipped with metal fans attached to the top railing, which will help provide additional breezes.

4.  Get off the Sidelines

The PGA Championship is an excuse to exercise. Skip the gym and follow the players by walking the course. Grab a free PGA pedometer, from the Hospital for Special Surgery, and compete with family and friends on who can take the most steps.  Individuals who use their pedometer at the Championship are encouraged to visit www.PlayGolfAmerica.com and record their number of steps online to be entered to win daily prizes.

5.  Sit in the Driver’s Seat

PGA Performance Center presented by Mercedes-Benz, offers fans an interactive driving experience, both on the highway and on the putting green.  PGA professionals will be on-site to help you analyze your golf swing using laser aligned putters and slow motion cameras.  Several of the Mercedes-Benz’s newest model year vehicles will also be showcased.  Attendees can practice their drive and sit in the driver’s seat all in one place on the course.

6. Bring the Kids

If family activities aren’t the first thing you think of when you think golf, they should be! The PGA Championship is a great place to bring your family. Each ticketed adult is permitted to bring four juniors (age 17 or under) for free.  There are plenty of activities for the kids, plus with all their cuteness they’re guaranteed a better chance of getting an autograph!

7. Shop ‘til You Drop

The PGA Championship Golf Shop offers a variety of merchandise for men and women in their 32,000 square foot, air-conditioned tent.  Apparel, outerwear, headwear, artwork, gifts and memorabilia are all available for purchase.  In case you forget sunglasses or sunscreen; they’ve got all the essentials covered.

8. Star in a Golf Advertisement

Enhance your time at the Championship by partaking in the ultimate PGA Fan Experience, presented by Royal Bank of Canada. Have your golf swing analyzed by new camera technology, play contests or design your own RBC golf bag.   You can even star in your own golf ad with a member of Team RBC.

Want to go to the 2012 PGA Championship, but don’t have tickets? Monday – Thursday tickets are still available for purchase on the 2012 PGA Championship website.

Aug 16

Blake Cathey’s tips for Keegan Bradley on playing the wind at The Ocean Course

Posted by Tiffany Pickard on August 16, 2011. No Comments

 

Congratulations to Keegan Bradley, this year’s winner of the PGA Championship. While the wind kicked up a bit during this year’s tournament at Atlanta Athletic Club, it’s nothing like the wind you will face playing in next year’s PGA Championship at The Ocean Course at Kiawah Golf Resort. The Ocean Course is currently rated as the toughest course in the nation by Golf Digest Magazine and the pre-event setup of the course has it playing at 7,693 yards, making it the longest course in major championship history. I am fortunate enough to be the lead instructor at the Tommy Cuthbert Golf Learning Center at Kiawah Golf Resort and as the local guy I would like to offer you a few tips on playing the wind at The Ocean Course next year.

When my students see the aerial pictures of The Ocean Course that hang on the walls of the Tommy Cuthbert Golf Learning Center, they typically say, “The course has a lot of grass” and “What makes it so tough?” Smiling, my response is, “The wind.” The lesson that next year’s PGA Championship must learn is, they must be able to control their trajectory and distance in severe wind conditions to be the 2012 PGA Champion.

Most people refer to controlling your trajectory and distance as being able to hit a “punch” or “knock down” shot. I have broken the changes down into two groups The Setup and The Swing.

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Aug 2

2012 PGA Championship Update

Posted by Mike Vegis on August 2, 2011. No Comments

The PGA Championship celebrates its 94th edition in 2012, with its first visit to South Carolina. As the fourth and final major of the season, the Championship has earned the nickname, The Season’s Final Major…Glory’s Last Shot. This historic and prestigious tournament will be contested August 6 -12, 2012 on The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.

Kiawah Island is no stranger to hosting premier golf events, as The Ocean Course has hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2007 Senior PGA Championship. However, this will be the first time any course in South Carolina has hosted one of golf’s four major tournaments.

The links inspired course was designed by world renowned designer Pete Dye in 1991 and 20 years later the Ocean Course is still one of the most pristine golf courses in the country.  With rolling fairways, dangerous bunkers and unpredictable winds from the Atlantic Ocean, the 2012 PGA Championship is sure to provide an exciting atmosphere for all.

Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will be among the world’s top ranked golfers who will test their skills as they take on what has been called America’s toughest course.  Since 1994, the PGA Championship has averaged 97 of the top 100 golfers in the world, the most of any of the four majors.

Although the tournament is still a year away, the Championship is nearing a sellout.  The remaining six percent of tickets will go back on sale, one final time, on August 14th as the final putt drops at the 2011 PGA Championship.

All eyes will be on the Ocean Course August 6-12, 2012, as the world’s best golfers compete for the coveted Wanamaker Trophy!

For more information on the 2012 PGA Championship, call 843.768.6003, email 2012pga@pgahq.com, visit, www.PGA2012.com, Facebook (2012 PGA Championship – The Ocean Course) or Twitter (@2012PGA).

Jul 27

Rory McIlroy: A Stroke of Irish Luck?

Posted by Kiawah Resort on July 27, 2011. No Comments

Ocean Course, Kiawah Island Golf Resort

Where were you during the 111th U.S. Open?

Were you at the edge of your seat, watching each golfer sink that putt, followed by a fist pump in the air or chase a bogie only to shake their head in disappointment? How about the 22-year-old from Northern Ireland who became the youngest player to have won the U.S. Open since Bobby Jones in 1923 and pre-destined to become the next Jack Nicklaus. Rory McIlroy. Who is this new kid on the block who’s charging with fierce determination to the summit of golf? Read More

Jul 22

Everybody is Talking About Kiawah Island, SC

Posted by Kiawah Resort on July 22, 2011. No Comments

Overlooking the beach on Kiawah Island, SC

Do you know what people are saying about Kiawah Island Golf Resort?

Many talk about mornings spent watching the hatching of loggerhead sea turtles, afternoons playing on Pete Dye’s freshly cut Ocean Course and evenings paddling under the warm glow of a setting sun. Being ranked the #1 Island in North America and the #1 Resort on the U.S. Mainland by Condé Nast Traveler helps get the conversation started, too. Read More