Today's Highlights

• Open, Open, Open
• It takes an e-community
• This 'n that

NEWS

European Solheim Cup to have Abacus look

Swedish clothing brand Abacus is commissioned to dress Europe's 2009 Solheim Cup team.

Abacus makes its Pitch

Abacus introduces it Pitch rain jacket in the U.S. marketplace.

Pukka heads to campus

Pukka Headwear becomes the official headwear supplier for the PGM programs at Ferris State and New Mexico State universities.

LoudMouth sure to be heard

LoudMouth Golf Radio's "Loudest, Funnest Golf Tournament Ever" will be held Thursday, June 4, at the Reunion Golf Resort in Orlando, Fla.

Antigua makes major statement

The Antigua Group Inc., celebrating its 30th year in business, announces that the 2009 PGA Championship will mark the company's 15th consecutive championship as a provider of men's and women's apparel for the retail pro shops and corporate apparel needs of the PGA of America.

Briefly

Seaforth Rain Gear reports that, according to Darrel Survey, 90 percent of The Players Championship field played it Rain Hood. ... European apparel brand Glenmuir renews its sponsorship of Scotland's junior golf program, ClubGolf. Some 35 staff and volunteers at ClubGolf will sport a variety of branded Glenmuir clothing at events throughout the year. ... Druh Belts and Buckles is producing a limited edition of 100 purple leather belts with a silver buckle that will come individually numbered from 1 to 100.

APPAREL

Open, Open, Open

By Janice Ferguson
GPA Writer

There is the U.S. Open, the British Open, the Canadian Open, the Australian Open and even the Open de Espana - OK, the Spanish Open. But how many know of the Puma Open?

Entering its third season and expanding from six to 15 cities across the country, including an inaugural stop in Canada, the Puma Open events are for us non-professional golfers, and promise to be a lot more fun than a conventional golf tournament.

Mixing a game of nine-hole scramble with a party atmosphere, Puma's goal is to help golf novices and seasoned players alike look better, feel better and play better - experiencing golf "the Puma way."

The events run through October, and locations include Las Vegas, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Detroit, Boston, Chicago, Charlotte, San Diego, Atlanta and Miami. The format consists of 36 teams - men and women must register as a foursome and be over 21 years of age - at a cost of only $75 per person or $300 per team.

What does the very reasonable entry fee get you? The Puma Open features traditional golf holes combined with unique twists such as the "Lucky 7," which challenges participants to play the entire hole with their 7 iron, and "On The Clock," in which the team that plays the hole in the shortest time receives a prize and a more favorable score.

After the round, participants continue their adventure in the clubhouse and engage in Las Vegas-style card games while enjoying music, cocktails, a gift goodie bag, buffet dinner and a chance to win more prizes. Since Puma doesn't make golf clubs, fashion and accessories become the focal point, and Puma offers attendees exclusive discounts on a fully-stocked pro shop at the courses featuring the latest Puma Golf gear.

Additionally, reductions on Puma footwear, apparel and accessories are made available to participants at area Puma stores and online at store.puma.com leading up to the each event.

There was no shortage of fun being had by the attendees at the May 15 kickoff event held at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.

"Scottsdale was a great place to start the 2009 Puma Open series," said Robert Philion, global business unit manager for Puma Golf. "We had a good turnout considering it was the first time we held the tournament in the area and it provided us a great opportunity to bring Puma Golf to a new market. We are looking forward to the 14 remaining events this year."

The folks at Grayhawk were just as pleased with their inaugural Puma experience.

"We hosted a fantastic tournament and it was a huge first-time success for us," said Travis McCutchan, tournament director at Grayhawk. "The Puma people know how to put on a great event from start to finish.

"The participants definitely got more than their money's worth, and even though it was a different, non-traditional format, it was different in a good way because it attracted a younger crowd and got them to really enjoy our great sport of golf. I heard several participants comment that this was one of the most entertaining events they've ever played in, and Grayhawk can't wait to host another Puma Open."

Puma's national series of interactive golf boasts the tagline of, "It's not your father's golf tournament. Or your mother's either."

We told you that you will have fun.

For more on the Puma Open, go to www.thepumaopen.com.