Antiquated to Updated: The evolution of club fitting

If you were to define a “golf club fitting”, your definition would likely vary from that of your playing partner, your father or even the local pro you use for lessons. You may have been fitted at your club a decade ago for your current set, while …

If you were to define a “golf club fitting”, your definition would likely vary from that of your playing partner, your father or even the local pro you use for lessons. You may have been fitted at your club a decade ago for your current set, while your playing partner might swear by their futuristic swing analysis session. In an industry with simultaneously so many innovations and so many traditions, it can be hard to know when modernization is truly the best option for your game.

Take golf equipment, for example. Each year, manufacturers release a new model touting faster ball speeds, longer carries, more accurate shots. From a sales perspective, this makes complete sense but from a practical standpoint, is there evidence to support the claim that new equals better?

“In short, the answer is yes,” said Nick Sherburne, master fitter and founder of Club Champion, the nation’s #1 custom club fitter. “We’re in a unique position since we see every model from every brand. Independent club tests back the claims and so do our informal findings.”

The principle is the same with club fitting: if your father’s iteration of a fitting found better equipment options, does that mean a modern version of Dad’s fitting can really give you an even greater competitive advantage?

Sherburne is so sure that the answer is yes that his brand is offering 50% off their custom club fittings to prove it. This winter special — 50% off all fitting types with a $500 equipment purchase — is active from November 1, 2020 – January 31, 2021. Those seeking out a putter fitting are only required to purchase a new putter for the 50% fitting discount to apply.

(courtesy of Club Champion)

At any price, the insight and edge a golfer gains after a fitting is priceless. Club Champion uses technology every step of the way, from TrackMan swing analysis during a club fitting, Science & Motion’s PuttLab to optimize the putter, to PUREing machines that orient each shaft optimally into each clubhead during the build process. The mentality is show-not-tell: let the golfer see the improvement in real-time because the data doesn’t lie.

A Golf Digest study found that eight out of nine custom-fit golfers lowered their scores by as much as six strokes per round and added an average of 21 yards off the tee. That same study found over 13 yards extra distance with fitted irons. And that doesn’t even address the improvement in control and overall accuracy found with a fitted set.

“What we do is both an art and a science,” said Sherburne. “Every level of golfer can see massive improvement with a club fitting when they’re willing to embrace a modern fitting process — even if it looks a little different than it did back in the day.”

In short, this is not your father’s club fitting, and thank goodness for that.

For more information or to book your Club Champion fitting, call (888) 340-7820 or visit clubchampiongolf.com/golfweek.

(courtesy of Club Champion)

All Elite Wrestling: From underdogs to boundless stars in the vision of Director X

Most people probably wouldn’t associate art imitating life with professional wrestling, but maybe that’s because they never heard of All Elite Wrestling. Or Director X. The two have joined creative forces, collaborating on a campaign that goes …

Most people probably wouldn’t associate art imitating life with professional wrestling, but maybe that’s because they never heard of All Elite Wrestling. Or Director X. The two have joined creative forces, collaborating on a campaign that goes beyond the high-flying leaps and body slams and into a rare corner of the sport: the strong character behind the strong character.

And now, from that corner, AEW’s “Underdog Story” is ready for introductions.

The series, which will air on TNT, highlights some of AEW’s biggest stars, the larger-than-life personalities who have the energy to pop through the television screen.

However, what each wrestler reveals is not a string of soundbites, but instead an athlete’s journey that focuses on overcoming struggles and stereotypes, and how each found a welcomed spot within the AEW promotion

To get an insightful peek at the production—including why this campaign works for even the most casual of fans—FTW spoke to the man who was behind the lens, Director X.

Here’s what we learned…

The perfect match

Director X and Colt Cabana (Photo Credit: Harv Glazer)

“As wrestlers, not only do we love and appreciate the physicality, but also the opportunity to explore our creativity. The shoot itself let us take something minimal about ourselves, while Director X showcased it as larger than life.” — Colt Cabana

“I know what it’s like to be doubted,” Director X began during our phone call. “I think a lot of people can relate to that. Where you have a dream, but you’re not the ideal. Or, for whatever reason, they’re just looking at you like ‘you can’t do this.'”

X, who has worked with big names in music and entertainment, recently launched a production company called FELA, which aims to “tell cultural stories authentically while being a voice for the unheard and underrepresented.”

That type of mission matched with AEW’s and progressed from a campaign concept, into an actual production.

The “boundless” vision

Director X and Nyla Rose (Photo Credit: Harv Glazer)

“Having a beautiful woman be this destructive force wreaking havoc on a car is a bit taboo in a way. I just loved the overall vibe and, of course, loved the opportunity to smash up a gorgeous car.” — Nyla Rose

Of course, the director’s abilities are only a piece of the puzzle. For the concept to echo the groundbreaking surge that AEW has managed in such a short time, a lot of the proverbial heavy lifting would need to come from the wrestler’s stories, and more so, their personalities.

And, as Director X explained, none of them failed to deliver.

“It’s not just, every day going and exercising, it’s not just, every day going and training,” he noted. “A lot of them have this confidence that they will reach their goal—if they set their minds to it, they’ll make it.”

AEW’s no stranger to an underdog story

Director X and Young Bucks (Photo Credit Harv Glazer)

“A lot of us feel boundless any time we get into the ring, and we want the fans to feel boundless watching. Anything and everything is possible with All Elite Wrestling!” — Nick Jackson, Young Bucks

Founded by Tony Khan in 2019, with his father Shahid as the principal investor, AEW set out to provide an alternative to mainstream wrestling (which hasn’t always been the simplest of tasks).

One year later, the wrestling promotion has continued to grow, bringing in world-class talent in both women’s and men’s wrestling, while developing supportive messaging—a unique stance that celebrates athletes and fans, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, or ethnicity.

And for the naysayers who don’t believe in a wrestling show presented by wrestlers? The answer, as Director X noticed, is personified in the talent.

“There’s a bunch of things that we’re like ‘OK. Anyone can do that’…but wrestling? Well, I don’t know.’ There’s a standard that’s going on. And these guys proved that, no, there’s not. They can be just as great, and be just as successful, and just as loved. And actually, even more impressive.”

The impact outside of the ring

Director X, Brandi and Cody (Photo Credit: Harv Glazer)

“Not just me, even the crew—we were coming away from some of these interviews, and we were all inspired. We were walking away like ‘Yo! I’m kind of hyped-up to hear everyone talk about the mindset that you have to have to play this game, to be in this world.'” — Director X

The inspiration from a show today, a new fan tomorrow. When AEW, Director X and each inspiring athlete collaborated to bring these “boundless” stories to the forefront, it set up a distinctive type of sports entertainment that can be highly impactful.

Whether you are a diehard or a new fan, it’s easy to pull for someone you can relate to, which is something X reflected on as we ended our conversation.

“[Underdog Story] is a true, honest-to-god manifestation of believing in yourself and not listening to what the world says. It’s following a passion and a thing you love.”

Tune in to watch AEW Dynamite Wednesdays 8/7c on TNT

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Dormie Network: A home club wherever you want to go

Dormie Network is a unique model offering pure golf at destinations across the country, challenging the traditional club model with seasonal chef-prepared cuisine, specialty cocktails and sommelier-chosen wine, and deluxe en-suite cottages. It’s a …

Dormie Network is a unique model offering pure golf at destinations across the country, challenging the traditional club model with seasonal chef-prepared cuisine, specialty cocktails and sommelier-chosen wine, and deluxe en-suite cottages. It’s a membership for both business and pleasure, encouraging travel and camaraderie where every club is your home club.

Members have full access to each of the network’s six top-ranked clubs.

Ballyhack, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Roanoke, Virginia

Architect: Lester George

No. 5 Best Private Course in Virginia – Golfweek 2020

(Pictured Above)

Dramatic elevation changes of 50–70 feet are just part of the challenge of this visually stunning locale. A shot-makers course, Ballyhack features 150-yard fairways, gouged-out bunkers and rugged terrain. Don’t forget to greet the family of African Boer Goats, who live near the 14th green.

Dormie Club, your home club in the home of American golf

West End, North Carolina

Architect: Coore & Crenshaw

No. 141 of Next 100 Modern Courses – Golfweek 2020

No. 10 Best Private Course in North Carolina – Golfweek 2020

Dormie Club

Rustic, secluded and peaceful, Dormie Club’s 310 acres melt into the rolling hills. The only original Coore & Crenshaw design in North Carolina features a 241-yard reverse Redan par three and plays very fast. Definitely a bucket list course.

Victoria National, a true test of tenacity

Newburgh, Indiana

Architect: Tom Fazio

No. 54 of the Top 100 Modern Courses – Golfweek 2020

No. 1 Best Private Course in Indiana

Victoria National

Are you up to the challenge? Covering 418 acres and holding more than 500 million gallons of water, this course carved from an abandoned coal mine culminates in The Gauntlet: four of the most difficult holes found anywhere in golf.

ArborLinks, centrally located a million miles from ordinary

Nebraska City, Nebraska

Architect: Arnold Palmer

No. 5 Best Private Course in Nebraska – Golfweek 2020

ArborLinks

Off-grid in the Nebraska countryside, the first Dormie Network club spans 300+ acres of pure golf. You’ll be surprised by this club, found down a dirt road, and surrounded by cornfields and prairie. The 18th green features a drive-through silo along the South Table Creek, and historic Arbor Day Farm is just a short hike away.

Briggs Ranch, showcasing Texas Hill Country

San Antonio, Texas

Architect: Tom Fazio

No. 182 of the Next 100 Modern – Golfweek 2020

Briggs Ranch

Truly a course interesting yet friendly enough to play every day, Briggs Ranch is the epitome of pure understated Texas. Covering more than 260 acres, this is the Southern-most American course with bent grass greens.

Hidden Creek, the best of the Jersey Shore

Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey

Architect: Coore & Crenshaw

No. 87 of the Top 100 Modern Courses – Golfweek 2020

No. 10 Best Private Course in New Jersey – Golfweek 2020

Hidden Creek

Don’t be fooled by the wide-open first hole—this one gets more challenging as you go. Covering 750 acres of aged woodlands, Hidden Creek is a colorful walk in the woods blanketed in the deafening silence of a course that feels completely your own.

An immersive experience you won’t get anywhere else

Dormie Network offers more than just exceptional golf: our top focus is hospitality and creating an unforgettable experience.

Briggs Ranch

Regionally inspired menus capture the essence of each club, and our culinary team is happy to craft unique dishes and drinks that complement your stay’s occasion. Following a nightcap, there’s no reason to leave the property—just drive your golf cart down the path. Each private cottage features four master suites, a fireplace, a fully stocked bar, and a private patio and firepit—the perfect spot for teambuilding, family time or a private retreat.

Whether it’s business or pleasure that brings you to a Dormie Network club, an onsite concierge will help you plan the perfect trip. Learn more about membership.

Briggs Ranch

4 ways Dr. Brite products can help ensure a safe Halloween this year

Halloween is supposed to be scary-not to mention fun and memorable. But the coronavirus has added a twist on the typical tricks and treats in 2020, where the frightening element is something you can’t see-but can undoubtedly catch, and worse, …

Halloween is supposed to be scary—not to mention fun and memorable.

But the coronavirus has added a twist on the typical tricks and treats in 2020, where the frightening element is something you can’t see—but can undoubtedly catch, and worse, spread.

Suppose you are planning to partake in Halloween festivities this year. In that case, whether it’s a small gathering or socially distanced trick-or-treating, the key to success is precautions.

This goes beyond masks and six feet of separation, too. Much of the Halloween safety will rely on making sure hands are clean, surfaces are sanitized, and then repeated.

To that, the types of products you choose are equally important, which is something we learned during our introduction to Dr. Brite.

The women-owned company—led by doctors and sisters, Pooneh and Paris—has stepped in at the right time with a lineup of products that are not only effective but also don’t come packed with harsh or harmful ingredients.

They are truly changing the way we practice personal cleanliness, so if you’re planning to ensure your family’s Halloween is safe (and memorable and fun), we’d recommend considering these four Dr. Brite products to get you started …

The Citrus Castile Soap will keep hands (and so much more) clean

(courtesy of Dr. Brite)

Step One on Halloween night will be keeping those hands clean, and Dr. Brite’s Citrus Castile Soap is a perfect go-to option. The multipurpose, anti-microbial formula is cruelty-free and vegan. Plus, it uses 100% vegetable-based ingredients—zero harsh detergents or sulfates—to get the job done.

The multifunctional aspect? It’s a one-stop cleansing shop (which we loved), as the non-toxic formula works for the face, hair, body, dishes, hard surfaces, household items, mopping, and more!

See full details and shop here!

Trick-or-treating or at home, this Sanitizer Gel will work to keep hands sanitized and hydrated

(courtesy of Dr. Brite)

One thing that we’ve learned in the past six months is that certain hand sanitizers can leave your hands feeling like you’ve been playing with sandpaper all day. The drying effect is a major deterrent.

But using a sanitizer is an important precaution, so we were delighted to see that Dr. Brite’s Hand Sanitizer takes some of the focus and places it on moisturizing, while also providing medical-grade Pure Isopropyl Alcohol that meets the CDC recommendations.

Two of the aspects that caught our eye—1) there is a version that comes on a keychain (perfect for the entire family, including young children, during Halloween night strolls!) and 2) each bottle sold means another is donated to a frontline or essential worker!

Check out both the Citrus and Unscented options and learn more about the all-natural ingredients here.

These Alcohol Wipes will be your answer to on-the-go and unexpected messes

(courtesy of Dr. Brite)

If you’re heading out for a stroll with the trick-or-treaters, we’d recommend carrying Dr. Brite’s Alcohol Wipes the same as we’d remind you about the importance of reflective tape and using crosswalks.

An effective product that can handle on-the-go cleaning should be a must-have item during all days of the year—again, especially in the current environment. But being prepared for unexpected messes on Halloween is paramount.

We like Dr. Brite’s Alcohol Wipes because of the portability and the fact they go beyond the expected sticky hands and provide multipurpose cleaning. 

No bleaches, menthol or chlorine is a welcomed relief, too, and you’ll have confidence during these COVID-19 times that the wipes, like all Dr. Brite cleaning products, supply the same CDC-recommended Isopropyl Alcohol content.

Learn more about the Alcohol Wipes and find an option—Citrus, Eucalyptus, Unscented—that works best for you and your family.

The Multi-Purpose Spray will provide powerful cleaning before, during and after Halloween

(courtesy of Dr. Brite)

We coined this product “The cleanup hitter” … whether it’s before, during or after Halloween, Dr. Brite’s Multi-Purpose Spray supplies a natural, non-toxic solution for cleaning hard surfaces (non-porous) where bacteria or odors are a concern.

Like the Alcohol Wipes, the versatile aspect complements the quality of the ingredients, making it an unmatched go-to cleaning product. And by versatile, we mean a true do-it-all: countertops, food preparation surfaces, floors, appliances, garbage cans, changing tables, high chairs, cribs, children’s toys, toilet seats, doorknobs, desks, pet habitats, and more.

Shop for your Halloween (and everyday) cleanup Multi-Purpose Spray here, and see how you can attain a clean, streak-free shine without the greasy residue!

Halloween 2021

(courtesy of Dr. Brite)

One of the biggest issues that we’ve encountered—with a lot of products—is the expiration date. “Cost-effective” means more in 2020, for more families, so the last thing we want to deal with is making an additional purchase in six months because the half-used product has already expired.

That was a major bonus with Dr. Brite’s cleaning essentials. Besides being hospital grade—and cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate- free, non-GMO, plus FDA registered to kill all labeled pathogens—we loved that the products all have an 18-month shelf life.

That makes planning for the year ahead—and yes, Halloween 2021—a lot easier!

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