The Golf Challenge, spearheaded by World of Golf Hall of Famer Ernie Els, consisted of 30 Super Regional events around the country at TPC and handpicked public and private courses, from May through September, with all teams competing for a place at the Grand Finale in Las Vegas.

In this unique format, a team’s fundraising skill was valued as much as their performance on the course. Two-person teams competing in Las Vegas

earned their place in the Grand Finale via one of two ways: by being the low net winning team at their Super Regional event or by raising $10,000 (automatic qualification).

Over 1,700 people took part in the 2011 Golf Challenge with a total of $1.7 million raised thanks to some 8,500 donors. Over fifty teams qualified for the Grand Finale via the $10,000+ route and the team at the top of the Donation Leaderboard raised an impressive $50,000+.

Proceeds from the Golf Challenge will go to the Els for Autism Foundation to fund a Center of Excellence. The $30 million project, the first of its kind in the world, will provide a physical and virtual hub that will reach out to the autism community across the U.S. and the world. www.e4agolf.com

Was it possible that the power of social media alone had created a sales day second only to a holiday on the very first QUIET opening day, typically reserved for testing the new kitchen and acclaimating the staff?  YES!  Facebook alone filled the restaurant beyond capacity on day one.  Well, that, and some amazing fresh food.   

No ads… just a well orchestrated social outreach that kept customers involved throughout the process and allowed them to maintain their relationship with the restaurant while it was relocating.  Don’t underestimate the power of social media when planned in advance and implemented well.  While it isn’t free to do social well, it can save you a lot of money in the long run.  Just ask John G’s…

The groundbreaking was a gala event, showcasing the company’s ability to create luxury residences that are specifically designed for homebuyers who demand the best.  

Estimated to cost more than $6 million when completed, the home offers several unique features for the couple and their family. Among them are an extensive huge sewing room for the lady of the house, who creates and then donates quilted wheelchair pockets for those in need and, for the gentleman of the home, an expansive club room, that will incorporate a study area, pool table and room for poker games with friends. There is even a designated doggie room for the four-legged member of the family.

“We had built a home for the family in Mirasol about seven years ago,” said Jim Casto, president of the company. “The clients decided to move to Old Palm because they liked the people and the location of Old Palm Golf Club, and they loved the amenities as well. One of the things they particularly liked was the size of the lot—it is an acre.”

The residence features four bedrooms and seven full baths, plus two powder rooms. It also offers a spacious kitchen, a wine room, home media room, six wet bars and a five-car garage.

Casto, whose company has built in some of the best locations in the northern Palm Beaches, including Ballenisles, Ibis, Old Marsh and Jupiter Hills, said he has owns one more lot in the Custom Estates area of Old Palm Golf Club where those who want to have an individually designed home would be able to build their dream home.

The Custom Estates neighborhood is one of three neighborhoods in Old Palm Golf Club. The other areas include the Golf Estates and the Grand Estates neighborhoods, where several builders are now underway with new home construction.

With a maximum of 330 equity memberships available, Old Palm Golf Club allows for comfortable access to the golf course and its available caddie program; a Clubhouse with three different dining experiences; spacious men’s and women’s locker rooms with private lounges, spa treatment suites, steam rooms, media centers and dining services; a fitness Center with state-of-the-art exercise equipment, two private training studios for personal instruction, and another studio for aerobics, Yoga and Pilates classes; a resort-style pool; and a 33-acre Golf Learning Studio where members may improve their game using both technology, a double-ended practice range and three full-length practice holes a Par 3, Par 4 and Par 5 which replicate the course.  Old Palm’s Concierge program is a perfect complement to an already ultimate golf and Club experience; providing members with personal attention to meet their needs.

Old Palm Golf Club is a luxurious golf club community with a highly regarded reputation and a superb location in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The private community is located near fine dining, world-class shopping, cultural attractions and pristine beaches. In addition, northern Palm Beach County is one of the newest biotech research centers in the country, bringing intellectual and scientific lectures and seminars to residents of the area.

In 2010, a group led by Clarion Development Ventures III acquired Old Palm Golf Club.  Clarion Development Ventures is a real estate development fund with approximately $200 million in equity capital controlled by Clarion Partners, leading U.S. real estate investment managers.  This acquisition further strengthened Old Palm Golf Club’s sound financial security and stability and ensures that Old Palm will remain the most exclusive and privileged Club of its kind in South Florida for generations to come. 

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The uptick in sales activity and interest in the community that surrounds a Raymond Floyd-designed golf course has increased the number of independent luxury builders who are continuing to make their mark at Old Palm Golf Club. These builders include Casto Homes, Courchene Development Corporation, Couture Lifestyles, Dreamstar Custom Homes, Hasey Construction, and Mustapick Estate Homes, who are either building new multi-million dollar residents’ homes or model and spec homes. The building activity spans the Golf Estates, Grand Estates and Custom Estates neighborhoods.

Hasey Construction’s two new model homes are nearing completion, while Courchene Development Corporation, Mustapick Estate Homes and Couture Lifestyles have new residences underway. This fall Old Palm Golf Club is expecting 6 new model homes to open.

In addition to the personalized custom-built homes on one acre in the Custom Estates neighborhood, buyers are finding they can put their personal touches on homes in the Golf Estates and Grand Estates neighborhoods, since each of the builders have the experience in creating custom homes.

With a maximum of 330 equity memberships available, Old Palm Golf Club allows for comfortable access to the golf course and its available caddie program; a Clubhouse with three different dining experiences; spacious men’s and women’s locker rooms with private lounges, spa treatment suites, steam rooms, media centers and dining services; a fitness Center with state-of-the-art exercise equipment, two private training studios for personal instruction, and another studio for aerobics, Yoga and Pilates classes; a resort-style pool; and a 33-acre Golf Learning Studio where members may improve their game using both technology, a double-ended practice range and three full-length practice holes a Par 3, Par 4 and Par 5 which replicate the course. Old Palm’s Concierge program is a perfect complement to an already ultimate golf and Club experience; providing members with personal attention to meet their needs.

Old Palm Golf Club is a luxurious golf club community with a highly regarded reputation and a superb location in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The private community is located near fine dining, world-class shopping, cultural attractions and pristine beaches. In addition, northern Palm Beach County is one of the newest biotech research centers in the country, bringing intellectual and scientific lectures and seminars to residents of the area.

In 2010, a group led by Clarion Development Ventures III acquired Old Palm Golf Club. Clarion Development Ventures is a real estate development fund with approximately $200 million in equity capital controlled by Clarion Partners, leading U.S. real estate investment managers. This acquisition further strengthened Old Palm Golf Club’s sound financial security and stability and ensures that Old Palm will remain the most exclusive and privileged Club of its kind in South Florida for generations to come.

Raymond Floyd Golf Course at Old Palm Golf Club

For more information about Old Palm Golf Club, visit http://www.OldPalmGolfClub.com
To request an interview please contact Mary Kay Willson at 561-252-6023 or email marykay(at)mkmarketinggroup(dot)com

The total value of the initial transaction and 19 home site bundle was just under $9 million, with the possible expansion from 19 to 31 homesites priced at just over $14 million. The custom residences that will be built on these homesites will range in price from $2.5 million to $4 million.

Hasey shared, “Old Palm stands alone in its category. Making the decision to take a significant position in the club’s growth was easy.  There simply isn’t anything else like it available. To the affluent country club purchaser, Old Palm is the standard. There is no competition.”

This agreement is a continuation of Hasey Construction’s ongoing relationship with Old Palm Golf Club as Marty Hasey was the first builder to buy a home site in Old Palm Golf Club.  Hasey Construction, which has been in operation for more than 30 years, was founded by Marty Hasey of Pinetree Homes after Hasey’s sons, Patrick and WJ, joined him to continue in the tradition of building first established by Hasey in 1980.

The start of construction and sale of a lot bundle in Old Palm Golf Club to Hasey Construction comes after a very successful 2010 which included 38 sales transactions and in the first three weeks of 2011 Old Palm has experienced five sales totaling approximately $16 million within the community.

About Old Palm Golf Club –

Old Palm Golf Club, located in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, is a private member equity golf club community of 651 acres with 302 luxury estate residences, a Raymond Floyd Signature golf course featuring a 33-acre golf learning studio and a clubhouse and spa. Old Palm is controlled by Clarion Partners, one of the largest real estate investment managers, through its Clarion Development Ventures Fund III The community is managed by an experienced team of club operations professionals.  For more information about Old Palm Golf Club, please visit OldPalmGolfClub.com.

About Hasey Construction  -

Hasey Construction is a highly regarded custom home builder with more than 30 years of experience in South Florida.  Managed and operated by Martin J. Hasey, founder of award-winning Pinetree Homes, the firm was established to include Hasey’s sons, Patrick and W.J, who bring additional experience to the family tradition of home building first established by Mr. Hasey in 1980.

Pressel announced via her Morgan Pressel Foundation facebook page, “What a great event today! Thank you to everyone who made it possible and supported us! We had a record year and raised $502,000 for the Foundation!!! Wow!”

The money raised this year contributes to a grand total of $1.7 million in four years to help fight breast cancer.

MK Marketing Group was honored to have been the Tournament Director for the Foundation this year.

The Morgan Pressel Foundation was created in 2010 by LPGA star Morgan Pressel to bring awareness to breast cancer through early detection and treatment. The Foundation primarily raises money through a golf event, the Morgan and Friends Fight Cancer Golf Tournament at St. Andrews Country Club. The fourth annual event will be held January 4-5, 2011. In just three years, the event has raised over $1.2 million. Morgan’s mother passed away from breast cancer in 2003 and in January 2010, the Kathryn Krickstein Pressel Mammovan was unveiled in her honor. The Mammovan, in association with the Boca Raton Regional Hospital, travels around the Palm Beach County area providing easy access for a yearly mammogram. If you are interested in making a donation, please send it to: Morgan Pressel Foundation, P.O. Box 480157, Delray Beach, FL 33448.

There will be more information on how to get involved soon.  Please visit The Morgan-Pressel-Foundation Facebook page for more information.

The Mammovan was unveiled in January 2010.

When you choose Two City Plaza as your home, you’re placing yourself right in the center of everything that makes South Florida fabulous. Downtown West Palm Beach is home to some of the area’s finest restaurants. From Mortons and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, to the finest fresh seafood restaurants, there are world class chefs all over town making their mark in West Palm Beach. Choosing Two City Plaza as your residence gives you the chance to experience them all, right in your own backyard.

Downtown is also home to world class shopping, and a dizzying array of entertainment options. The Clematis By Night celebration held every Thursday is the perfect showcase for the many charms of downtown. This family friendly celebration of the city is held just steps from Two City Plaza. Forget your parking worries and walk down the Fountainside Concert to hear the bands play. Enjoy a slice of the award winning pie at Pizza Girls or have an old fashioned malt at Sloan’s. Clematis By Night draws folks from all interests and musical preferences, from jazz to Latin to swing, blues, country and rock. Clematis by Night plays it all, changing it’s lineup weekly to keep the excitement rolling and the crowds grooving. Now in it’s fifteenth year, Clematis by Night has become one of the most recognizable events in the city, and a leading reason why people are drawn to West Palm Beach- and why they stay.

When you make Two City Plaza your home, you become a part of what makes downtown great. But if you prefer to take it all in from your own home, sit up on the rooftop of Two City Plaza and listen to the music while you watch the stars come out. Dance with your sweetheart beside the rooftop pool, or sip a cold, refreshing cocktail at the rooftop bar while you look out over the city.

Two City Plaza is right in the middle of it all; an oasis in the heart of the city, and also the perfect place to let the city win your heart. Call or come by today to learn more about making Two City Plaza your home in the heart of your heart- the City of West Palm Beach.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLA. – With pomp, circumstance and moving displays of patriotism, the 4th Annual Patriot Golf Day Weekend at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie was a stunning show, as a preliminary total of $20,000 was raised for the Folds of Honor Foundation from more than 1,000 participants over Labor Day Weekend. Patriot Golf Day events at more than 3,800 registered PGA facilities nationwide benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides scholarships to the families of military veterans disabled or killed in action. Since 2007, more than $5.3 million has been raised through these efforts, supported by The PGA of America and USGA.

“Golf is a sport that teaches great values,” said PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka. “Throughout the 50 states, 140,000 times a year golf facilities have outings that raise a total of $3.5 billion for charity. We’re proud that this is bigger than all other sports combined, but what keeps us coming back is being able to make a difference in someone’s life.”

This year’s event at PGA Village further showcased the charitable goodwill of golf, as Steranka; Maj. Ed Pulido, who lost his leg while serving in Iraq; and Ginger Gilbert Ravella, whose husband was killed in action — and the first recipient of a Folds of Honor scholarship — all served as Grand marshals. Following the annual parade down PGA Golf Club’s Perfect Drive, United States Marine Corps members appeared on a hill along the driving range to raise the American Flag for the National Anthem, setting the tone for an opening ceremony that featured everything from riveting speeches to color guards to the PGA Golf Club’s traditional “21 Golf Ball Salute.”

“I am so incredibly proud of what The PGA of America and PGA Village have accomplished to bring awareness and honor to the brave men and women who have served so honorably in our United States Military,” said Bob Baldassari, PGA general manager for PGA Village, which includes the PGA Golf Club, PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance and the PGA Historical Center. “For those who perished in the fight to protect our freedoms and gave the ultimate sacrifice, this is why we work so hard each year to make Patriot Golf Day a success.”
Two lives undoubtedly touched by golf’s charitable efforts today are those of Maj. Pulido and Ravella. “How great it is to stand in front of you so honored and humbled,” said Pulido, as he addressed the crowd. “I miss my leg everyday, but I wouldn’t trade the life I have now, as I stand in front of you with inspiration, drive and passion.”

As tears rolled down the faces of many attendees, Ravella recounted the story of how military officers in dress blues knocked on her door four years ago and informed her that her husband (and father of their five young children) Maj. Troy Gilbert’s plane had gone down in Iraq. His body was removed by insurgents and never found, yet DNA evidence confirmed his tragic fate.

“The moment war knocks on your door, your whole life changes,” added Ravella, who has since re-married another Air Force Fighter Pilot, Jim Ravella, who lost his first wife to breast cancer. “The money these Folds of Honor scholarships provide proves that the sacrifices of our heroes were not in vein.”
Afterwards, the John Shimkonis Memorial Medal Golf Tournament at PGA Golf Club, held in honor of the first PGA Professional to sacrifice his life while serving his country, hosted a sold-out field of 200 participants – filling up two courses. Other weekend events included: Charitable Flag Day and Stableford golf tournaments; 10-minute golf lessons in exchange for donations to the Folds of Honor Foundation at the PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance; a golf trick shot show by 2008 PGA Distinguished Service Award honoree Dennis Walters and family events.
Meanwhile, approximately one mile down the road, both Maj. Pulido and Ravella simultaneously threw out the first pitch for the St. Lucie Mets on “Patriot Golf Day Night” on Sept. 3. The game launched the weekend-long celebration, as the Mets auctioned off 31 red, white and blue Patriot Golf Day jerseys that featured insignias from The PGA, Patriot Golf Day and the Florida Air National Guard. The uniforms were worn by the players during two games, autographed and then auctioned off to fans, raising $1,800 for the cause.

“It’s an honor to put these jerseys on for Patriot Golf Day and to wear these colors,” said Mets catcher Michael Morris. “It’s very special to see people who have sacrificed for our country throw out the first pitch. Sometimes you think it is a big deal to play in baseball, but these people are doing a lot bigger things.”

Five remaining Mets jerseys can still be bought for $60 each in the PGA Golf Club Golf Shop or at www.stluciemets.com. Proceeds benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation.
About PGA Village:

The Ryder, Wanamaker and Dye Courses form a trio of world-class public courses at the PGA Golf Club, at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Named by Golf Digest as one of the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America,” PGA Village also features the award-winning, 35-acre PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance and PGA Historical Center golf museum. PGA Village exists to be one of the premier public-access resort facilities in America, and to serve as a home club for our 28,000 PGA Professionals. For more information, please visit www.pgavillage.com/stlucie.

About The PGA of America:
Since 1916, The PGA of America’s mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.
By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.
By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.
About Patriot Golf Day:
The Folds of Honor Foundation’s primary fund-raiser is Patriot Golf Day, the largest grassroots golf platform in the country. With the support of The PGA of America and USGA, Patriot Golf Day has generated more than $5.3 million from more than 3,700 golf courses in just three years.
Maj. Dan Rooney, founder of Folds of Honor, started Patriot Golf Day in 2007, by asking golfers to add $1 to their greens fees in support of the Folds of Honor Foundation. Since then, the concept has grown to include a number of supporters and fundraising efforts. In 2010, The PGA and USGA will continue to support the cause by encouraging their collective membership to participate and promote participation on a national scale through the airing of public service announcements during the PGA Championship and US Open.

Patriot Golf Day 2010 was held over Labor Day weekend, September 3-6. If you are interested in joining our mission to empower the lives of these deserving military families with educational opportunities, please contact the Folds of Honor Foundation or sign up to participate at www.patriotgolfday.com

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The PGA of America, 100 Avenue of the Champions, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – The 92nd PGA Championship will be showcased at the PGA Historical Center in Port St. Lucie, Fla., via a new exhibit of iconic photography that debuts Thursday, July 29. The featured display will trace the storied history of the PGA Championship – “The Season’s Final Major…Glory’s Last Shot” beginning with the inaugural event at Siwanoy Golf Club in Bronxville, N.Y., and won by “Long” Jim Barnes in 1916.

The PGA Championship was first staged at the suggestion of department store magnate Rodman Wanamaker, who provided the legendary trophy that bears his name. Many of golf’s most legendary names have captured the event and are featured in historic photos on the display, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Defending Champion Y.E. Yang, Barnes, Jock Hutchison and Vijay Singh, who won the last PGA Championship held at Whistling Straits, in Kohler, Wis. – the site of this year’s event.

The display also recounts the tale of the stunning 2009 PGA Championship, won by Yang, the first Asian-born male to capture a major Championship in golf. Yang shocked the world, as he held off Woods on the final day in dramatic fashion and carried off the Wanamaker Trophy to glory at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. “The PGA Historical Center golf museum is proud to provide our visitors new, dynamic exhibits that elegantly capture the passion of golf and the nearly 95-year history of The PGA of America,” said PGA President Jim Remy.

Recent special exhibits at the PGA Historical Center have included tributes to the Senior PGA Championship, PGA Grand Slam of Golf, African-American Pioneers, PGA Honorary Members and Arnold Palmer. Upcoming displays scheduled for this year will also pay homage to Patriot Golf Day, the Ryder Cup, PGA Professional National Championship and PGA Cup. Additional attractions include the Ryder Cup Trophy, the four major Championship trophies of golf, the oldest known written mention of golf from the Articles of Parliament in the 1500s, Hagen’s original birth certificate, and the actual workbench used by legendary course architect Donald Ross.

The PGA Historical Center is located in PGA Village, which is ranked among the “75 Best Golf Resorts” by
Golf Digest, and also encompasses the PGA Golf Club’s 54 holes of Championship golf by Tom Fazio and Pete Dye; and the adjacent PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance, a state-of-the-art, 35-acre golf learning, instruction, fitness and technology facility. Admission to the PGA Historical Center is free and open to the public. Museum hours are Thursdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. through Christmas Eve; and daily from Dec. 26-Easter. Researchers may access the facility during off-hours by appointment. Visit www.pgavillage.com/stlucie or call 800-800-GOLF (4653) for details.

First and Second Round coverage of the 2010 PGA Championship will be televised Aug. 12-13 on TNT from 1 p.m.-8 p.m. EDT, and on CBS from 12:37 a.m.-1:07 a.m. EDT. Third and Fourth Round coverage will be broadcast Aug. 14-15 on TNT from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. EDT, and on CBS from 2 p.m.-7 p.m. EDT.

About PGA Village:
The Ryder, Wanamaker and Dye Courses form a trio of world-class courses at the PGA Golf Club,
at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie, Fla. Named by Golf Digest as one of the “75 Best Golf Resorts in North America,” PGA Village also features the award-winning, 35-acre PGA Center for Golf Learning and Performance (formerly the PGA Learning Center) and PGA Historical Center golf museum. The PGA Golf Club exists to be one of the premier public-access resort facilities in America, complete with a Private Members Club, and also serves as the home club for our 28,000 PGA Professionals. For more information, please visit www.pgavillage.com.

About The PGA of America:
Since 1916, The PGA of America’s mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.

Contact:
Kelly Elbin
kelbin@pgahq.com
561/624-8445