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Lady golfers have a fresh new alternative for purchasing golf apparel that’s hip, fashionable AND can be proudly worn on and off-course now that the Golf4Her webtique is open for business.  The online boutique, located at www.golf4her.com, is a one stop shop for basic golf essentials (tops, bottoms, outerwear, accessories) and exclusive trendy items that turn over often.

Owner Christina Thompson, an avid golfer, told GolfCrunch the idea for Golf4Her came as frustrations mounted trying to find fitted clothes that were fun, modern and made for the athletic lady golfer.

Taking a “golf as a lifestyle” approach, she spent five years doing research before setting up shop.  In that time, she built relationships with nearly two dozen American and international designers — many that were either too small for big box retailers or too edgy.

Ms. Thompson pointed out some of her favorite discoveries:

• She likes Lija because of the fabrics, the color palette and the fact that the cut is phenomenal.

• Donna Bonn Designs has some “awesome” golf t-shirts that have been selling briskly.

• Abacus outfitted the 2009 European Solheim Cup Team.  She pointed out the Abacus Fortrose Skort-Navy as one of her favorites.  It features two pockets to carry extra tees or the occasional provisional ball.

The also site features some interesting looking bags and gear.  For example, there are all kinds of designer golf ball holders from Ame & Lulu.  That same designer has a collection of signature shoe bags.

One feature that’s helpful is the “Fashion Caddy” that removes the guesswork out of pairing up tops and bottoms for the perfect look.

Taking a holistic approach to golf, Ms. Thompson has added a Fitness section to the site which features a number of nutrition and exercise-related items. One product she pointed out was the  G2 Fitness Golf Stretch Fitness Mat.  Endorsed by top-ranked LPGA player Natalie Gulbis, the emphasis is on stretches that help maximize swing speed and stability, improve range of motion and flexibility, and reduce risk of injury.

Final Thoughts: The Golf4Her webtique is what lady golfers have been seeking for years.  Fashion forward and functional, it will also find fans among those on the fringe of the game, for daily wear.

It is nice to know that Ms. Thompson plans on carrying a steady stream of refreshing new designs and that she is emphasizing customer service — making it a sort of Nordstom for lady golfers.  Adding it all up, Golf4Her is a “must visit” early and often.

Note: As part of the grand opening, Golf4Her has a promo for a discount on the first purchase (Use code:  Launch10).

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Sears, one of the nation’s largest retailers known for its Craftsman tools and Kenmore appliances, just announced  the first U.S. based “store-within-a-store” retail model for the golf industry.  As a result,  Edwin Watts will open 12 new service-oriented golf shops inside of existing Sears stores in key locations nationwide.

The first Edwin Watts Golf Shop is scheduled to open in the Murray, UT Sears location by May 31, 2010, and will be followed by openings at Sears store locations in Hicksville, NY; Falls Church, VA and Friendswood, TX. Following the initial openings, eight additional Edwin Watts Golf Shops are slated to open at Sears store locations in Maryland, Illinois, New York, Florida and Kentucky.

In a prepared statement, John Watson, the CEO of Edwin Watts Golf Shops said, “This first-of-its-kind partnership with Sears is a significant development in the golf industry as it expands the access of service-oriented golf retail to all levels of golfers, while helping to drive new players to the game.”

Strategically positioned near other major Sears departments (electronics, tools, appliances, sporting goods), each of these shops will be staffed by Edwin Watts Golf sales associates.  Customers will be offered an interactive golf experience that includes in-store putting green and hitting bay, game improvement clinics, expert golf club and golf ball performance fitting, and the latest equipment technology.

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The recently concluded Heritage Classic was the last one with Verizon as the title sponsor.  The company decided not to renew its contract.  No immediate worries though.  The show will go on in 2011.

The Heritage Classic Foundation has will cover the roughly $8 million it will take to put on the tournament in 2011.  They have some backup too — in the form of a $10 million loan that was approved by South Carolina’s Legislature.  According to statistics, 48 percent of spectators attend for four or more days, so it is understandable why they got involved.  The money would come out of the state’s insurance reserve fund.

Five-time Heritage winner Davis Love III, along with several PGA Tour pros with ties to South Carolina and the Heritage, have stepped forward to help.

Charles Warren, a former Clemson golfer and Columbia native who received a sponsor’s exemption to play in this year’s tournament told John Boyette of The Augusta Chronicle:

“A great purse, one of the best golf courses, a great field and you’ve got a great date the week after the Masters. If you were to tell any other tournament they could have that, it’s the perfect storm for a great event. I just think someone’s going to see the value in that and the future’s got to look great for this tournament. It’s got so much to offer.”

Many Tour Pros and spectators would agree.

[Via: The Augusta Chronicle]

I really don’t want to go on and on about this, but I couldn’t help notice it, and wanted to know if anyone else out there noticed the same. The other day, I was watching the first episode of ‘Donald J. Trump’s Fabulous World of Golf’ (I’ll reserve my commentary on this show for a later post, because what I’m concerned about here is the actual match that took place). What I noticed near the end of the first match was, well, it was troubling.

The match in question was between Football Hall of Fame Members Jerry Rice and Lawrence Taylor. Jerry has a half-decent swing, Lawrence, well, not so much. What’s amazing about Lawrence is how well he manages to get the ball in the hole, with a swing that looks like a full-body dry heave… ANYWAYS…

Lawrence went on to win the match 1 up (I believe that was the final score?)… But on the 17th hole, Lawrence hit his tee ball into the edge of a water hazard. His ball was playable, but it was within the hazard, which was clearly marked. While addressing his ball, I could have sworn he grounded his club within the hazard. Did anyone else not see that!? Or am I seeing things!? This could have clearly been the turning point in the match for Jerry.

Again, please correct me if I’m wrong, but I could swear this is what I noticed. I’m all about playing by the rules, and was a little shocked by this especially when the whole darn thing was televised for everyone to see.

Sound off in the comments, would ya?

Note: Then again, I wouldn’t be surprised if Lawrence didn’t know the rule (not saying that’s an excuse, he should know the rules). From some of his actions on the course he DID seem a little off… I mean, the guy walked over his own putting line at one point, on a short must-make 5 footer. What gives LT? I thought you played every day!?