Golf Connoisseur to Debut in December

Posted on October 15, 2004

James A. Frank, the former editor of Golf Magazine, and Riggs-Heinrich Media, have joined together to launch a new luxury golfing magazine called Golf Connoisseur. Golf Connoisseur's premiere issue will appear the first week of December 2004 and will be issued quarterly throughout 2005, with an increase in frequency to follow. At launch the magazine's circulation will be 235,000.

James Frank, who is Editor-in-Chief, said, "A connoisseur is, by definition, a person with informed and discriminating taste. To this we add playing golf, because golf is clearly a matter of taste - good taste."

Within the game, Golf Connoisseur will profile the Tour pros, business leaders, and celebrities, as well as the private clubs, top resorts, and courses where it is played. Also showcased will be the latest in equipment, fashion, and accessories. Golf Connoisseur will also include lifestyle coverage including food and wine (whether eating in or dining out); high-tech gadgets and electronics; automobiles; business and politics; and entertainment from art and music to gambling and hobbies.

The inspiration and start-up organization behind Golf Connoisseur is Riggs-Heinrich Media, led by entrepreneurs R. Chris Riggs and Rocky D. Heinrich who are Co-Chairmen. Riggs-Heinrich was formed to become an emerging media company developing high quality properties that are synonymous with the luxury lifestyle.

Mr. Riggs and Mr. Heinrich have management backgrounds at established companies, as well as start-ups, including Becton-Dickinson and Rockland International. Notable Riggs-Heinrich Media board members and advisors include: Edward Vick (former Chairman of Young & Rubicam), Jim Kopper (former EVP Times Mirror Magazines), John O'Steen (former EVP of Cornerstone Brands and co-founder/former CEO of Frontgate), Pat Auletta (President, Key Bank, N.A.), as well as other CEOs from inside and outside the publishing industry.

The magazine's management team includes circulation expert Dan Capell. Sales and marketing is being managed by the Wallace/Kelly Group LP with co-publishers Joe Kelly (former CEO, Publicitas North America and former VP/Managing Director Corporate Sales and Marketing, Hearst Corporation) and Ken Wallace (former VP Group Publisher, Rodale, past Chairman of MPA Marketing Committee, SVP/Corporate Sales and Marketing, G+J USA).