As you may have heard, American Express is offering cardmembers exclusive amenities aimed at enhancing their event experience at this week’s U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD.

10 channels of live video & 10 channels of live audio of the championship (including the live telecast from ESPN and NBC)

• Real-time leaderboard and player statistics
• Hole flyovers and maps
• Live commentary from ESPN Radio
• A live Twitter feed of the U.S. Open conversation happening around the course and across the nation

FanVision, the world’s only provider of personal, live in-venue broadcasting,” will be expanding its presence on the remainder of the 2011 PGA Tour, including availability at the Presidents Cup. FanVision will start its first full PGA activation in 2012 and expects to be available at a significant portion of the 2012 PGA Tour events.

www.fanvision.com

Bushnell Golf challenged Shawn Royster, an avid speed golfer, to play a round of golf with the Bushnell neo+ GPS rangefinder and one without it. Royster captured his day on the links and created this video to show how the Bushnell neo+ improved not only his score, but the time it took him to play his round.

Bushnell Golf  neo+ GPS Rangefinder

• The neo+ is the smallest, most compact golf GPS unit available and is simple and easy to use as it works right out of the box.
• The key to the performance is an improved technology that helps provide “Instant Course Recognition” and “Auto Hole Advance” to enhance the golfer’s experience as the device automatically displays a map of the golf course and begins to interact with each hole. Once you get to the course and turn the unit on, you can play your entire round without ever touching another button!
• With no membership fees ever throughout the life of the product, users have instant access to more than 16,000 pre-loaded North American golf courses.
• The neo+ gives the user quick and accurate readings to the front, center and back of the green, as well as up to four preloaded, customizable hazards per hole with minimal interaction.

Bushnell neo+ GPS Rangefinder $149.95

Bushnell Outdoor Products, makers of the #1 laser rangefinder on the PGA TOUR, today announced that they will extend their support of Patriot Golf Day, the Folds of Honor Foundation and the Patriot Golf Course as the exclusive measuring device for 2011.

After a successful 2010 program in which Bushnell donated nearly $90,000 to the Folds of Honor Foundation, Bushnell will continue to aid the foundation’s fundraising efforts by providing a percentage of every 2011 sale of the Bushnell Patriot Pack, which has been upgraded with additional items not offered in last year’s Patriot Pack.

Bushnell Tour V2 Patriot Pack
With the overwhelming success of the Tour V2 Patriot Pack, Bushnell has introduced two different Patriot Packs available immediately at retail. The Tour V2 Patriot Pack comes equipped with a Tour V2 laser rangefinder, limited edition Patriot golf embroidered towel, a blue silicone SKINZ, premium carrying case and extra battery at a manufacture’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $299.

Bushnell Tour V2 Slope Edition Patriot Pack
Also new for 2011 is the Tour V2 Slope Edition Patriot Pack, which features a Tour V2 Slope Edition laser rangefinder, limited edition Patriot golf towel with embroidered logos, a red SKINZ, premium carrying case and extra battery available for $399 (MSRP). The Tour V2 incorporates the same “PinSeeker” technology that has made Bushnell products the #1 rangefinder on the PGA Tour. Both Tournament and Slope Editions feature golf-grip touch points for enhanced feel and stability, and is capable of ranging up to 300 yards to the flag stick with incredible +/- one yard accuracy.

For each sale of the Tour V2 and/or Tour V2 Slope Edition Patriot Packs, Bushnell will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Folds of Honor Foundation. The Folds of Honor Foundation (FHF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a mission to empower deserving military families with educational support and opportunities.

About the Folds of Honor Foundation
Founded in 2007 by PGA Golf Professional Dan Rooney, a Major in the Air National Guard and a decorated military aviator, FHF provides post-secondary educational scholarships to the spouses and children of service members killed as a result of their military service to the United States. To date, more than 1,600 scholarships have been awarded by FHF.

“The Folds of Honor Foundation is a remarkable foundation that Bushnell feels privileged to be a part of, and we look forward to collaborating with the foundation and Major Rooney for many years to come,” said Blake Lipham, President and CEO of Bushnell. “The men and women who serve our great country and defend our freedoms across the world deserve as much support as we can offer, and Bushnell is proud to help support their efforts through the Patriot Pack.”

The FHF is the beneficiary of Patriot Golf Day, a joint initiative of The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association that encourages golfers across the country to add at least $1 to their greens fees over the Labor Day weekend. Sparked by the vision and dedication of Rooney, Patriot Golf Day has become the largest grassroots golf platform in the country and has raised more than $8.6 million in just four years with the support of golfers across the country.

“We are thrilled that Bushnell Golf will continue to support the Folds of Honor Foundation through the sales of the Patriot Pack, which was a great success in 2010,” said Rooney. “Patriot Golf Day has experienced great growth in just four years and has become an amazing tool to assist families of fallen or wounded/disabled military personnel.”

Bushnell Outdoor Products to Support FHF
Bushnell Outdoor Products also recently announced that its support of FHF and Patriot Golf Day will expand to the hunting and shooting side of Bushnell. In 2011, Bushnell will offer a Patriot Edition Combo Pack for the hunting and shooting consumer, featuring a Scout 1000 ARC Laser Rangefinder with a SKINZ cover that features the FHF logo.

Bushnell, the #1 choice of professional golfers, offers a full range of rangefinders, which continue to change and improve the way golfers assess distances, ultimately improving performance.

www.bushnellgolf.com

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Club Glove is known for its popular line of golf travel bags and luggage, but did you know they also make eyewear? Scheyden Precision Eyewear is a boutique line of handmade eyewear manufactured in Fukui, Japan, known for making some of the finest eyewear in the world.

Watch this video of Jeffrey Herold, President of Club Golve/Scheyden Eyewear talk about the backstory of Scheyden and some of the new models for 2011. Scheyden Eyewear isn’t just for pilots, they’re great for golfers too!

Scheyden Hybrids

The world’s most comfortable composite frame, with or without a headset. By combining a Cedar Rolled Composite frame (CRC) with hypo allergenic High Nickel Silver temples and cloisonne tips, the new Composite Hybrid line is the only full coverage wrap with the unique ability of custom fitting. Starting at $259 and available in both Non Polarized and Polarized lenses.

Fixed Gear Aviators

With names  like  Maverick, Avalon, El Capitan, and Sonoma, the classic aviator line from Scheyden will look good on just about anyone. These aviators are constructed of titanium, the strongest and lightest metal available. Titanium is less likely to corrode than stainless steel, is heat tolerant and retains its shape much better than aluminum. This combination of strength and lightness makes it possible to manufacture striking frames that are both functional and comfortable. Starting at $269 and available in both Non Polarized and Polarized lenses.

So what are you waiting for? Slip on a pair of Scheyden’s and take your golf game to the next level!

www.scheyden.com

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Eyewear is a category that doesn’t get enough attention in my opinion, and when it comes to playing golf its important to protect your eyes on those bright and sunny days. At the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show, we got a preview of the adidas 2011 Eyewear line for golf.

Watch this video of adidas Golf’s Rocky Fresh, talk about the latest styles in eyewear, there features,and which sunglasses Justin Rose, Charlie Wi, and Nick Faldo will be sporting on Tour.

Evil Eye
New for 2011 is the Evil Eye, with its extensive10 base curvature lens that provides a maximum field of vision and eye protection. Other standard features include, Double-Snap Nose Pads™ which allow for a secure and comfortable fit, and TRI.FIT temple height adjustment for that custom fit.

Retego Graphics Series
This new series of the Retego line was developed in coordination with Justin Rose. Clear and undistorted vision is essential in a sport which is all about precision. Retego’s Decentered Vision AdvantageTM PC Lenses guarantee distortionfree vision and perfectly protect your eyes against UVA, -B and –C radiation. Its extensive 8 base curvature provides for the widest field of vision as well as optimum protection of the eye area. And as your clubs are custom fit to your needs retego’s Double-Snap Nose Pads™ allow for a secure and comfortable fit making retego the perfect partner for your golf ambitions. RXready is adidas eyewear’s optical solution – making sure that even an athlete’s visual impairment will no longer affect their handicap!

Adivista
The new adivista was constructed for the particular needs of golf. Easy adjustability and ergonomically formed hinges guarantee a perfect fit in every situation. With its newly developed lens, the LST™ Vario, is designed to adapt to every light condition. Adivista is worn by Nick Faldo and Charlie Wi.

www.adidas.com/eyewear

Last month Bushnell introduced the Hybrid Golf Rangefinder, which combines a laser rangefinder with a GPS for the ultimate all-in-one distance and measurement device. Watch this video of John Novosel from Bushnell, walk through the features of the Bushnell Hybrid Golf Rangefinder from the 2011 PGA Merchandise Show.

Bushnell Hybrid $499

Bubba Watson held off home town favorite Phil Mickelson to win his second PGA Tour event, since the Travelers Championship in 2010.

“I’ve got (another) win now, so I feel like I’m stepping up,” Bubba Watson, said. “Hopefully I never step backwards. But it’s always a learning process. You never perfect it.”

Bubba Watson’s Setup for the 2011 Farmers Insurance Open:

• Driver:G15 driver, 7.5, Grafalloy Bi-Matrix, 44.5″, D4 swingweight
• Irons: S59 irons 3-9pw, True Temper Dynamic Gold X100, +1/2″, D3 swingweight
• Fairway Woods: G15 4-wood, 17.0, True Temper PX X8A1, 42.5″ D3 swingweight
• Wedges: Tour-W wedges, 52, 56, 60, True Temper DG X100, +1/2″, D4+, D5+, D0 swingweight
• Putter: Redwood Anser putter 34″, 3 degrees loft
• Apparel: Travis Matthew and Kentwool Socks

www.ping.com

If you watched the last season of The Hills on MTV, you may have noticed Brody Jenner wearing apparel from  PAHR Golf. Brody isn’t known for being a huge golfer, but the progressive apparel from PAHR Golf reflects its Southern California roots in its high quality details, tailored fitting, and fun clothing that reflects the lifestyle of its players.

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The Swami Golf Shirt
The Swami shirt from PAHR Golf, feature modern silhouettes with a little retro flair, that will make you feel like Arnold Palmer while wearing them on the tee or around town. I love Swami golf shirt made from a 95% Polyester and 5% spandex performance fabric, with its hounds tooth pattern on the chest, and 3 button placket. The shirt hugs your body right, feels super soft against your skin, and has just the right amount of stretch. Plus, The sleeves are the perfect length that won’t get in the way of your golf swing. The Swami features the PAHR Ball heat transfer logo over the right shoulder, which is doesn’t compete with the hounds tooth pattern on the chest. Nice Touch in my opinion. PAHR Golf Swami $70

Del Mar Shorts

The Del Mar indigo shorts are the perfect cut for golfing or just hanging out with your friends at your local watering hole. Made from a 65% Polyester and 35% Rayon blend these flattering plain front shorts hit just above the knee and are not too long or too short.  And there is a hidden pocket on the side seam. What’s makes the Del Mar a great pair of shorts, is the subtle plaid pattern, that give these short a nice classic look.  I’ll wear these shorts all summer long, even if I’m not golfing. PAHR Golf Del Mar Shorts $65

Accessories

You need to hold your pants up with a belt and why not with this stylish MOD belt from PAHR Golf. The leather belt features a cool PAHR Golf logo buckle,  that looks great with just about anything from jeans to shorts.  I probably wouldn’t wear it with a suit, unless you’re trying to rock the editorial look. PAHR Golf MOD Belt$29

Keeping your head cool, couldn’t be easier than with this Flexfit Trucker Cap from PAHR Golf. With it’s understated PAHR logo and mesh rear panel, your dome will stay cool in the heat. PAHR Golf FlexFit Trucker Cap $25

Overall, PAHR Golf is a great lifestyle golf brand to watch in 2011 and they have a bright future ahead of them. Can’t wait to watch the brand evolve!

www.pahrgolf.com

Laser rangefinders are great for finding distance to the hole, hazard, etc. But sometimes a laser rangefinder isn’t helpful when you have a blind teeing shot/approach and have no point of reference. To solve this problem, Bushnell Golf has combined a laser rangefinder with a GPS to give you the Bushnell Hybrid golf rangefinder.  Debuting at the PGA Show, January 27-29, and available at retail in February, at a retail price of $499, the Hybrid is the first of its kind in the market.

GPS + Laser Rangefinder
The Bushnell Hybrid is a revolutionary combination laser and GPS product.  The laser rangefinding technology engineered into the Hybrid provides golfers with precise distances within one yard to virtually any point on any course in the world.  Over 90% of PGA Tour pros and top amateurs trust Bushnell laser rangefinders to provide them the most accurate distances available in golf today.

The Hybrid’s GPS function allows users to access more than 16,000 North American golf courses which have been pre-loaded onto the device, making it ready to use right out of the box without ever having to pay any membership fees.  The Hybrid’s GPS provides simple, at-a-glance distances to front, center and back of the green.  The Hybrid also offers four custom points on a hole that can be extremely helpful to reference on blind tee shots/approaches on a golf course.  The GPS distances are also convenient on days when it is “cart paths only” when golfers are deciding what clubs to bring with them.  Another great feature is the shot distance mode that makes it easy for the golfer to gauge how far a drive or an approach was hit.

With the Hybrid, you can now acquire exact distances to the flag, lip of a bunker, tree, or any other object on the course.  Knowing the exact lasered distance to the flag, as well as the GPS provided distance to the front, center and back of the green, enables the golfer to strategize and hit every approach shot with confidence.  Having the ability to use both laser and GPS technologies, the golfer now has the best of both worlds in one unit.  The Hybrid is legal for tournament play under USGA decision 14-3/0.5 that permits a committee to establish a local rule that allows a player to use a distance-measuring device to obtain distance information.

Available February. MSRP $499

www.bushnellgolf.com

Finding the right golf gift can be a little stressful, with so many options out there. Here are our picks for the best golf gadgets  for the golfer in your life.

rulesixteen Divot Repair Tool

rulesixteen from rulegolf is the first divot repair tool and putting alignment ball marker designed to make both green repair and putting simpler. The rectangular shape of its ball marker allows you to visualize your putting line and sink more putts. Its well-weighted stainless steel body is easy to find in your pocket. And its flip-and-slide action even gives you something to fidget with between shots. On the greens, rulesixteen puts precision within reach. www.rulegolf.com $15

Trion: Z Active Wristband

Rickie Fowler, Brittany Lincicome, Rory MciLroy, and Ryo Ishikawa wear them, so why not give the Active from Trion:Z wristband a try. Active combines the negative-ion and magnet technology that has made Trion:Z products so popular among professional athletes with a waterproof silicone band to be the perfect combination for active sports enthusiasts. Colorful, stylish and comfortable, the Active™ is sure to be a hit among young and old alike. www.trionz.com $21.99

Ladder Golf Tournament Edition

No this isn’t a gadget, but this game will be a huge hit at your next party. Leave the Corona Beer (maybe not the Corona) and frat boy lifestyle behind and graduate to some serious fun with Ladder Golf. Just setup the ladders 15 feet apart and start hurling your balls (bolas are made of real golf balls, specially designed brass inserts and premium nylon rope) and hope for it land on a rung or knock your opponents off. First person to score 21 points wins! Comes with 2 ladders, 4 sets of balls, and nylon carrying case. www.laddergolf.com $104

Golfscape Augmented Reality Rangefinder iPhone App

Golf GPS and rangefinders on the iPhone are nothing new, but this app takes the cake as the must have app for your iPhone. Why? Golfscape is unlike any other rangefinder because it uses augmented reality to pinpoint your position on the golf course, allowing you to identify potential hazards, choose your desired landing area and see real 360-degree viewing while on the course. With over 35,000 courses mapped and no annual subscription fees, this will be your first and last GPS rangefinder app for your iPhone. Golfscape iPhone App $19.99

Bushnell Yardage Pro XGC+

So you don’t own an iPhone, but you want a GPS rangefinder with no subscription fees, a color screen, and won’t break the bank. Problem solved with the Bushnell Yardage Pro XGC+. The Yardage Pro XGC+ features 16,000 course preloaded and ready to play, distance to any point on the hole, auto course recognition, and hole advance, and 2.2″ color screen. Best of all it’s tournament legal. www.bushnellgolf.com $180

Oh, you shouldn’t have

OptiShot Golf Simulator

You don’t need a ton of space or a ton of cash to have an indoor golf simulator thanks to this affordable golf siumulator from OptiShot. Optishot Infrared Golf Simulator combines Dancin’ Dogg’s award winning accurate swing and shot analysis with our own proprietary three dimensional visual golf software called “3DD Golf”.  All in the comfort of your own home. OptiShot $399