EyeLine Golf Releases Three New Putter Training Products

The training aid folks at EyeLine Golf have launched three new training aids this summer to help you with your putting game.  According to Eyeline, these products have been “beta-tested” by a number of Tour players this Spring in anticipation of their public launch.  In a press release, CEO Sam Froggatte notes the risk of releasing new product during this time: “We realize that trusted brands are especially valued in a down economy and have been able to still launch new products successfully.  We make simple and economical products to help people experience the fun of improvement. Introducing new products at this time is our way of contributing a bit of fun for people. We know the economy is rough, and it weighs on our daily experiences. We are willing to take the risk of new product launches as our statement of belief in people.”

Here is the roster of their new putter-aid products:

Sweet Spot 360
Co-developed with Todd Sones (Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher and Top 25 Golf Schools in America).   Hitting your putts in the Sweet Spot is a goal of every putt, so use it whenever you practice! Comes in a 3-pack and each strip can be used several times. The sweet spot works for all three learning styles. Visually, many players make the mistake of improperly lining up their putter face to the ball. The sweet spot helps a player to see how to correctly align the face of the putter to the ball. When striking a putt off center, auditory learners will hear the “thud” versus the “click” when they hit the center of the putter. Kinesthetic learners will feel the spongy contact of the sweet spot versus solid feel of the center of the putter. The sweet spot will give a player the feedback of incorrect and correct so they can start to repeat the stroke that gives them the correct contact, helping them on their way to becoming a better putter.

Speed Board
(also co-developed with Todd Sones).   The Speed Board focuses on stroke length back and through. A stroke that is the same length back and through will deliver consistent distance control. Use with or without a ball.

Ball of Steel, newly re-designed
The Ball of Steel is 5 times the weight of a normal golf ball. Learning to make a solid stroke with the heavy ball makes putting with a standard ball feel light and lively. This is the key to creating a compact, efficient stroke. Watch great putters and you will see this stroke. No deceleration, no jab, and no complex thinking. Simple stroke = fewer putts!

PGA Fall Expo Preview: Starting Time

Press Release:

Starting Time (Booth 937)

Starting Time Makes Golf Accessible and Kid-Friendly with My mini Golf Learning and Development Game Helps Improve Putting Skills, Anytime, Anywhere, and Encourages Children of All Ages to Enjoy Golf

Starting Time, the exclusive distributor of My mini Golf in the U.S., will introduce the first and only indoor/outdoor golf putting kit for individuals of all ages at the PGA 2010 Fall Expo [Booth 937] being held at The Venetian in Las Vegas, Nevada from August 16-18, 2010.

Golf conjures up notions of pricey green fees and long days on the course, not a sport that appeals to children or those looking to try it out for the first time. However, My mini Golf makes golf accessible and fun, attracting a younger audience as well as adults. Less intimidating than an 18-hole golf course, My mini Golf can lead non-golfers in generating an interest in the sport, while helping more experienced golfers perfect vital skills that will turn bogies into birdies.

My mini Golf, manufactured in Germany, has won prestigious awards and become a hit across Europe. Starting Time is now the exclusive distributor of the game throughout the United States and Canada.

“My mini Golf is unlike any golf product on the market today,” said Hugh Penton, president, Starting Time. “The multitude of functions, from getting children interested in the sport, to helping avid golfers perfect their game, makes the product extremely appealing and fun.”

My mini Golf appeals to audiences everywhere. Golf instructors can use the set to help students strengthen putting techniques in a fun way. Retirement communities can provide My mini Golf to senior residents to bring home a long lost pastime, and preschool programs can give children another option beyond the playground to have fun. From five to eighty-five, this golf game appeals to all ages.

My mini Golf transforms golf into an activity someone can pick up and play anytime, anywhere. The 19-piece set includes 13 My mini Golf shapes, a putting disc, children’s rubber putter, score card, two balls and mesh storage bag. The products are made out of weather-proof durable plastic, can be played on any smooth surface, outdoor or indoor. From backyard to basement, there is no excuse for the short
game to get rusty or for children to be bored when the weather does not permit for a day out on the course. The pieces come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making the game exciting and preparing golfers for any green.

For more information about My mini Golf and Starting Time, visit http://www.startingtimegolf.com.

RoboCup Reintroduced: Fine Tune Golf Launches The New Generation Of RoboCup

Press Release:
 
Fine Tune Golf has announced the relaunch of its RoboCup ball return robot. A new level of engineering, combined with the meticulous quality that awarded RoboCup the title of Best NEW Product – 2009 PGA Merchandise Show, continues to raise the bar for this invention. With a dynamic new shape, the RoboCup elevates its mission of saving time, golfers’ backs and bringing the fun back into putting practice.

The new RoboCup archetype features a cutting-edge shape that releases sand down the sides of the apparatus to create a clean and quick return. Another complementary addition since its launch is the Caddy Cord, a ‘missed putt return guide’ placed behind the golf hole. Golfers can rest assured that even missed putts fire right back to them, as the Caddy Cord now comes bundled with the RoboCup. This new RoboCup generation continues its legacy of unparalleled quality with ongoing support from avid golfers and 150 tour pros and counting.

In addition to being a great year-round gift, RoboCup offers annual indoor and outdoor usage, with batteries lasting for more than 12,000 putt returns. Designed exclusively for serious golfers, it is the only ball return device designed to work on every practice green with a practice or full-depth cup. When a putt drops into the hole, RoboCup’s innovative design automatically shoots the ball right back. RoboCup runs on 4 AA batteries and will return the ball up to 14 feet or more, depending on green speed.
MSRP: $59.95 (with Caddy Cord)

With a record year in the works, RoboCup still brings that ‘wow’ factor to the course. “It’s always fun to watch the expression on golfers faces as they see the ball popping back to them,” says Keith Foley, co-founder and inventor of the RoboCup. He adds that another great RoboCup feature is that it is portable. “Consumers can use it on their backyard green, or take it to the practice green,” says Foley, who works constantly to enhance the quality of his creations. “Keith is always striving to make things better, even if they are already coined as the best,” says co-founder My Le Foley, who attributes a large part of RoboCup’s success to Keith’s innate attention to detail.

RoboCup continues to receive great attention from green grass, off-course retailers, teaching pros, and distributors (domestic/international). For more information surrounding RoboCup, or other Fine Tune Golf creations, including the G-Clip and Line-M-Up, visit: www.finetunegolf.com.

PGA Show Preview: RoboCup

Press Release:

RoboCup, the ball return robot that was invented by Fine Tune Golf in 2009 has expanded their retail distribution. The company reports that it now has product available at many notable retailers within the golf industry. Unlike other putt-return devices, RoboCup differentiates itself, as it’s the only one that works in a real golf hole on a putting green. It’s stellar lifeline and technology make it unlike any option out there.

The company has been working with several golf courses, resorts, country clubs and retailers since its launch at the PGA Merchandise Show in January 2009, where it was deemed ‘Best New Product’. Fine Tune Golf has announced that RoboCup is now available at the following outlets:

• Retailers: Golfsmith.com, TGW.com, PGA Superstore (10 stores), GolfTown Canada (48 stores), Edwin Watts Gol
• Distributors: YES Golf UK/Canada, Sports Life Asia, ORGAHEAD Germany, Quality Golf Australia

“Seeing RoboCup within these highly regarded venues is incredibly rewarding for us,” says Keith Foley, inventor and co-founder of RoboCup. “When our partners experience the true performance of RoboCup, often times positioned within their own signature putting area, it is a no-brainer for them to carry our product,” he says. Foley says that the innovation is becoming a fixed installation within putter fitting studios like Taylormade, Callaway/Odyssey and RIFE, amongst others. “We continue hearing that the product is moving well and selling itself,” he adds.

RoboCup is the only ball return device designed to work on every practice green with a practice or full-depth cup. When your putts drop into the hole, RoboCup’s innovative design automatically shoots the ball right back to you. RoboCup runs on 4 AA batteries and will return the ball up to 14 feet or more, depending on green speed. A set of batteries last for 12,000 putt returns, making it a longtime golf companion. Combine it with the Caddy Cord, and even missed putts shoot back to you. The bundled putting solution truly becomes a golfers personal and portable putt-return caddy.

Key RoboCup Highlights:

• RoboCup saves time – with golfers not having to retrieve their balls, they can triple their practice time.
• RoboCup is the only putt return device that works in a real golf hole on a real putting green.
• RoboCup’s inventor Keith Foley has a reputation for well-engineered products, also known for the G-Clip and Line-M-Up creations.
• RoboCup saves wear and tear on peoples’ backs – golfers can avoid retrieving their own ball.
• RoboCup is affordable, at only $59.95 MSRP for both the RoboCup and Caddy Cord.

With the momentum and support from industry retailers, golfers and tour pros, RoboCup is positioned to become a recognized household name in golf. Together, RoboCup and Caddy Cord bring one impactful solution to the game.

Fine Tune Golf  will be located at Booth #973 at the PGA Show in Orlando Florida (January 28-30, 2010).

PGA Show Preview: Azimuth Golf’s The Putting Lane

Press Release:

Azimuth Golf announced its plans to exhibit at the 57th PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 28-30, 2010, in Orlando, Fla (Booth #1110).

Bill Hulbert, Instructor at Black Gold Golf Club, Yorba Linda, CA & Director of Golf Instruction for Azimuth Golf is pleased to join the industry to debut the company’s new and innovative Multi-Purpose Training Aid – the AZIMUTH GOLF SYSTEM featuring the patented PUTTING LANE™ to golf’s most influential retailers from around the world.

“In my 28 years of teaching this is definitely the most effective training aid I have used,” stated Hulbert. “It quickly trains the student to actively and correctly use their eyes and mind to start putts on line, land chip shots on the proper spot, and even develop correct full swing takeaway and delivery positions. Plus, it fits in your pocket or golf bag so it’s always with you.”

Bill Hulbert and Kermit Olson, President of Azimuth Golf and Inventor will be demonstrating the product on GREEN 2 during Outdoor Demo Day, scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010, at Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge in Orlando, Azimuth Golf will showcase its AZIMUTH GOLF SYSTEM to influential PGA Professionals and VIP retailers.

From Thursday, Jan. 28 to Saturday, Jan. 30, the AZIMUTH GOLF SYSTEM will exhibit on the show floor at Booth 1110 and will showcase at the New Product Center at the Orange County Convention Center.

Azimuth Golf System Explained

Two major components of good putting are:

• Correct alignment
• Starting the ball on line

THE PUTTING LANE™ develops a process, using the eyes and the brain that consistently produces positive results.

But…that’s just the beginning. THE PUTTING LANE™ morphs into the Azimuth System which can be used for chipping and full swings as well.  By using the multiple alignment discs provided, we can set up practice stations that create proper alignment and visualization for chip shots, correct set-up, takeaway, and backswing positions for the full swing. The concepts are so simple, and the visualizations are so strong, that it begs the question, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

The person that did have the proverbial brainstorm is Kermit Olson, a former world class Karate champion and current golf and putting fanatic.  This new product’s major debut will be at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando at the end of January 2010.

PGA Show Preview: Eyeline Golf

“If you get the putter face square at impact you’re gonna be a good putter.” – Hank Haney

EyeLine Golf (Twitter) will be exhibiting their latest putting training tool “The Putting Impact System” designed by master teacher Hank Haney.

Developed over 1 ½ years, the training tool is based on the concept that a putt travels in the direction of the putter face at impact.  Combined with the popular 2 tee gate drill, the tool teaches muscle memory for both square and sweet spot impact.  This is accomplished through practicing “flat on flat” striking.  Haney explains, “The Putting Impact System is built on the simple ability of every human. Our hand-eye coordination makes it easy for us to put a flat object on a flat surface… like when you clap your hands!. If the ball had a flat side, it would be easy to hit it squarely with the putter face. I created the Putting Impact System to help you visualize a ‘flat’ ball, and to put the putter face on the flat spot.” (see full video interview)

EyeLine Golf will be located at Booth #1378 of the PGA Show in Orlando Florida (January 28-30, 2010).

Putter Meme (20090522): SeeMore, Pilates, Scotty Cameron Honey Dipped

Zach Wins Again
It is shaping up to be quite a nice year for my friend.  As always, his success is a team effort.  Mike Bender has him hitting the ball so well, Morris Pickens has really helped Zach elevate his mental game.  Damon Green keeps him cool on the course, and is one of the best Bermuda green readers alive!  Chris Noss keeps him in shape, and I keep him rolling it well.  In the end, Zach puts it all together and executes among the best in the game.
Pat O’Brien Blog

SeeMore Salutes Valero Texas Open Winner’s Second Straight Championship!
The SeeMore Putter Company congratulates the winner of the 2009 Valero Texas Open in San Antonio, who used a new SeeMore FGP Stainless blade to repeat as Champion by shooting an incredible 3d round 60 and then win a sudden death playoff on Sunday with a dramatic, 10-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole.
Golf Business Wire

Rife Wins Regions Charity Classic #1 on Darrell-Survey
Rife would like to congratulate the winner of the Regions Charity Classic held this past weekend at the Robert Trent Jones Trail at Ross Bridge in Hoover, AL. This was his second Champions Tour win of the year, and his third Champions Tour victory overall since switching to his RIFE 2 Bar Blade putter. He ranked 1st in Putts Per GIR with a 1.600 earning a paycheck for $255,000, proving once again that it pays to play a RIFE Putter!
Golf Business Wire

Golf products company (Slotline) expands portfolio
Henrico County-based golf products and stroller company Dynamic Brands Inc (makers of Slotline). is adding some brands to its product lineup.
Richmond Times Dispatch

Photos released of new Scotty Cameron ‘Honey Dipped’ putters
Say hello to the ‘Honey Dipped’ putters.
Golf Magazine’s The Shop

Toms using new putter
Toms’ new putter is a yet-to-be-released Scotty Cameron for Titleist Modern Classic #1. It has a honey-dipped finish and a channel cut out of the sole to adjust the feel and sound at impact.
Fan Nation

Latest putters from Never Compromise
Never Compromise, the distinctive grey and black brand of putters consistently used by Vijay Singh, is soon to introduce a new line of NCX-RAY models.
GolfMagic.com (UK)

Rossa Monza Spider Balero putter unveiled: TaylorMade develops the idea of a ball image behind the clubhead
The Monza Spider Bolero is the latest addition to the TaylorMade Rossa Monza family of putters. It’s a large mallet-headed club which the makers claim is ‘dramatically easier’ to aim correctly.
GolfMagic.com (UK)

Yes! Golf announces putter promotion offer to open the season
- Yes! Golf announces a promotion to kick off the golf season. Yes! Golf is offering consumers who purchase a C-Groove putter a free Yes! Golf embroidered towel.
World Golf News

Physical Techniques Needed for Good Putting
No More Back Pain, a Pilates-based golf conditioning program, can quickly increase yardage, sometimes in as little as a few days. But the surprising result for my clients is how applying Pilates techniques to the golf swing will also help putting. Here’s how.
NoMoreGolfPain

HP Byron Nelson Championship Coverage
-Putting’s Decisive Role: No Club Can Do More to Make or Break a Player
-Putters can be a mixed bag for potential buyers
-Purtzer’s famed putt at Colonial was one of a kind
-Putting guru Pat O’Brien stresses fundamentals
Dallas News (Special Reports on Putting)

A Craftsman And His Tools
Nelson’s putter was a Harry Cooper model made by Spalding (whom Nelson had an association with during the early part of his career) in the early 1930s. Nelson used the flat stick during his entire career before giving it to his friend, Harold “Jug” McSpaden, who then proceeded to break the club when he tried to adjust it.
Golf World

Golf: Quick tip – Stop pulling putts
On a putting green, have the flagstick parallel to your target line and three balls set up with just enough room between them to swing your putter. Next, set up as you normally would with your feet.
San Antonio Express-News

Tom Patri: Here’s how to work on your putting stroke
After teaching and coaching this game for almost 30 years, when a recreational golfer comes to me and asks, “What is the quickest, surest way to lower my score?” the answer is actually very simple for me: Putt better.
Naples Daily News

The Putting Arc
The Putting Arc congratulates Keith Fergus and Gene Jones for their one/two finish at the Regions Charity Classic on the Champions Tour. And, congratulations to Jay Don Blake for his top five finish in his second tournament ever on the Champions Tour. Congratulations also to Zach Johnson, James Driscoll, and Bill Haas for their one/two/three finish at the Valero Texas Open.
Golf Business Wire

Press Release: ROBOCUP™ – WINNER OF ‘BEST NEW PRODUCT’ AT PGA SHOW DELIVERS FIRST ORDERS

Innovative Ball Return Robot Saves Time, Your Back and Puts the Fun Back Into Putting

(FORT LAUDERDALE) – RoboCup, a new ball return robot that was launched at the 2009 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, has announced first production deliveries for pre-orders since its title of ‘Best New Product’ at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.

RoboCup is the only ball return device designed to work on every practice green. When your putts drop into the hole, RoboCup’s innovative design automatically shoots the ball right back to you. RoboCup runs on 4 AA batteries and will return the ball up to 14 feet, depending on green speed. A set of batteries last for 15,000 putt returns. Combine it with the RoboCup Caddy Cord, and even missed putts shoot back to you.

“Golfers can now experience having their own personal putting caddy,” says Keith Foley, inventor of RoboCup and co-founder of Fine Tune Golf. Foley also says that they are lucky to have developed a product that can truly stand on its own.

According to My Le Foley, co-founder of Fine Tune Golf, luck may not have much to do with it. She says that Keith Foley does everything to a tee. “Keith could never understand how many cheaply made products are out there,” she says. “When he develops something, he puts every bit of detail into creating the utmost quality, making it his very own,” she says.

The pros seem to agree, as they are already using the RoboCup on tour practice greens:

“I love the RoboCup… it’s an old man’s dream!” – Fred Funk, PGA Tour Player

“The amazing thing about RoboCup is how many legitimate professionals would like to have one, not just the high handicappers. It’s a hit!” – Danny Day, RIFE Putters Player Relations

Designed exclusively for avid golfers, RoboCup empowers consumers to focus on their practice, saving them time; their backs and bringing the fun back to putting. Keith Foley, also known for his well-engineered G-Clip and Line’M Up creations, says that they anticipate RoboCup taking Fine Tune Golf to a whole new level of well-respected brand within the industry.  “We envision RoboCup becoming a household name within the sport of golf and outside of golf,” he says.

Give your readers a smart practice for their game with RoboCup, their own personal putt-return caddy. The RoboCup is available for just $49.95, making for an ideal Father’s Day or spring/summer gear or tech-inspired gift. The product offers a printable surface area, ideal for tournaments and marketing for a brand, course or giveaway.

About Fine Tune Golf: Fine Tune Golf creates exceptionally engineered golf products that enhance and streamline the on-course experience for consumers and professionals. The company launched RoboCup™ at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando in January 2009. Fine Tune Golf is dedicated to combining innovative design with precision engineering to create high-performance tools for tour professionals and amateurs alike. Fine Tune Golf is available online and at high-end resorts, pro-shops and golf retailers. www.finetunegolf.com

For additional media information, including photos or additional product information, contact Amy Yanda-Lee: amy@bohemepr.com, 303-325-3105.

100 Six-Footers in a Row…

I got this cool tip via Twitter from John Kelly of Hiseman Partners Media.  It’s a video of Ian Melville holing 100 (yes, 100!) consecutive 6ft putts utilizing the CentreCup golf putting training tool (judging from its design, a device that will FORCE you to putt square to target line with shoulders only).

Just to put this into perspective, tour players hole 55% of Six Footers (of course, that includes breaking putts).   So this demonstration would be analogous to hitting 100 consecutive three-pointers in basketball or something along that line.  Granted the golfer is slotted into the device, but I guess that was the whole point of the video.

According to Kelly, CentreCup is a UK-based company with expansion plans for the US.  In the meantime, folks can order one online as they ship internationally.

Golf Magazine February 2009 Putting Articles

Two Front Page “Putting” articles grace the cover (Pelz on New Sweet Spot and Quick-Fix Putting):

• How to Play Like the Best with Stewart Cink (pg 26)- Cink shares his 12 foot ladder drill.  Dom DiJulia suggests a similar around-the-clock drill.
• There’s Only One Sweet Spot (pg 31)- Dave Pelz Stresses the importance of hitting with the club’s sweet spot.
• Rules Guy (pg 33)- What if your putt hits the set-aside flag?
• Your Game: How to Roll the Ball True (pg 54)- Eddie Merrins believes loft and sweet spot are the key.
• How to Stop Pulling Putts (pg 56)- Eden Foster’s drill using the flag. 
• Recommended! Back to Golf School: Three lifelong pals learn there’s more to scoring than booming drives at Dave Pelz Short-Game School (pp 66-69)- Quote of the Day: “Attitude, Albert explained, is fundamental to the art of putting. You have to believe you can roll your rock. “
• Here’s What I Play with Camilo Villegas (pg 101)- The flexible Colombian uses a Scotty Cameron Circa 62 No. 6, 35″ (it’s probably his oldest club dating back two years)
• Private Lessons: Back to Basics: Keep Your Head Still (pp 112-113)
• Special Advertising Insert: Golf in the South (Kingsmill Resort and Spa) Yep, nothing to do with putting, but I always like to highlight Virginia golf courses. Kingsmill’s River Course is simply one of the best in the country (and you can play it).

Pickup the issue today to read all the stories!

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