Golfweek Amateur Tour presented by Edwin Watts Golf tees off for 2014; Primed for continued growth, plans call for integration of worldwide golf shops sister brands
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL — FEBRUARY 24, 2014 – On the heels of Worldwide Golf’s recent acquisition of Edwin Watts Golf Shops, the company announced a partnership extension with Golfweek, whereby the specialty retailer will serve as the official presenting sponsor of the popular Golfweek Amateur Tour, presented by Edwin Watts Golf.
The agreement extends a beneficial partnership between two major golf industry entities that serves to not only support the overall growth of the tour, but also the amateur game nationwide. In 2013, over 4,500 amateur golfers participated in the Golfweek Amateur Tour, Presented by Edwin Watts Golf, which included 700 tournaments across 29 states.
As part of the 2014 partnership, Golfweek and Edwin Watts Golf will cross-promote the tour locally within retail stores, regionally in collaboration with respective tour directors and nationally across Golfweek’s assets as well as via Worldwide Golf’s extensive consumer network. Additionally, Edwin Watts Golf will connect directly with Golfweek Amateur Tour members throughout the year at various tournaments, including the National Tour Championship, and the Edwin Watts Golf 2-Man Challenge, both of which will be held October 17-19, 2014 in Hilton Head, S.C. During this exciting season-finishing event in 2014, Edwin Watts Golf will have a major on-site presence, which will include game improvement clinics, equipment demos and special offers for all competitors. The 2013 National Championship, the largest in tour history, brought more than 800 amateur golfers to Hilton Head, S.C this past October.
“Over the last 20 seasons, Dennis McCormac, Tour President has worked tirelessly to create a turnkey amateur tour model that has grown into an expansive network of more than 4,500 golfers competing in more than 700 nationwide tournaments,” said Golfweek Publisher Jereme Day. “Edwin Watts Golf proved to be a valued partner in 2013 and I anticipate more opportunities for growth in 2014 and beyond with the integration of Worldwide Golf’s portfolio of brands.”
With Edwin Watts Golf now a member of the Worldwide Golf Shops family, future plans will include opportunities for growth in new markets via integration of Worldwide Golf Shops’ portfolio of brands, including Roger Dunn Golf Shops, Van’s Golf Shops, The Golf Mart and Golfers’ Warehouse.
“As a specialty retailer, we have an obligation to do our part to help grow the game,” said Al Morris, President Worldwide Golf. “The Golfweek Amateur Tour Presented by Edwin Watts Golf provides amateur golfers with an opportunity to enjoy the game in a fun and competitive environment, and it allows our brand to truly connect with golfers at a grassroots level.”
Amateur golfers participating on the tour will receive a breadth of benefits, highlighted by the opportunity to win Edwin Watts Golf gift cards in several markets. Additionally, Worldwide Golf will immediately enhance the overall customer experience at Edwin Watts Golf by offering their exclusive 90-day, 100% satisfaction guarantee both in-store and online at www.edwinwattsgolf.com. This return policy is simply the best in the industry and allows the customer to actually use their purchase for up to 90 days and then return it for full store credit if not completely satisfied.
To learn more about the Golfweek Amateur Tour presented by Edwin Watts Golf, visit: www.amateurgolftour.net/index.htm.
About Golfweek
Founded in 1975, Golfweek is the most authentic, authoritative and independent voice in golf. Serving enthusiasts who are truly passionate about the game of golf, the Golfweek brand includes Golfweek magazine, Golfweek.com, Golfweek OnDemand, Golfweek Mobile, Golfweek Custom Media, The Golf Wire, The Apparel Wire, The Tour Van and TurfNet.com. Golfweek is part of Turnstile Media Group, which specializes in developing diverse media platforms that engage and strengthen the communities they serve. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in Orlando, Fla., Turnstile Media Group is also the parent of Professional Artist, Community Media Holdings, The Seminole Voice, The Winter Park/Maitland Observer and Turnstile Connect.
About Edwin Watts Golf Shops
Edwin Watts Golf Shops, LLC, now a Worldwide Golf Shops company, headquartered in Fort Walton Beach, Florida is one of the world’s premier specialty golf retailers. The company operates as an integrated, multi-channel retailer, offering the freshest assortment of brand name golf equipment, apparel, and accessories through its 50 domestic Retail Locations, eCommerce Internet site (www.edwinwattsgolf.com), Telephone/Catalog/Direct Mail sales (1.800.344.8874) and Digital Catalog (www.edwinwattsgolf.com/catalogs). Edwin Watts Golf touts a team of highly experienced and knowledgeable sales associates who can assist customers of all skill levels with lessons, performance fitting, special orders and repair services. The combination of the highest level of customer service, 90 Day, 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and reputation as the most trusted retailer in golf for over 45 years has earned the organization the right to be known as America’s Golf Club.
Contact:
Kayla Mitchell — Golfweek, 407.563.7047, KMitchell@Golfweek.com
Vanessa Price – Read the Greens, 714-544-6515, readthegreens@aol.com
Tracy Nackel – Read the Greens, 760-420-1602, tnackel@cox.net
