2026 U.S. Open Takeaways: Wyndham Clark Makes History, Sam Burns Delivers Again, and Shinnecock Hills Yields Record Scoring

The 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club delivered everything fans expect from America's national championship: drama, history, elite performances, and a leaderboard packed with some of the game's biggest stars.

While Wyndham Clark ultimately hoisted the trophy for the second time in his career, the championship produced several storylines that will be remembered long after the final putt dropped.

Wyndham Clark Joins Exclusive Company

Wyndham Clark's victory was impressive for more than just the trophy itself.

Entering the week ranked No. 34 in the Official World Golf Ranking, Clark became only the second player since the rankings were introduced in 1986 to win multiple U.S. Opens while being ranked outside the world's top 30 on both occasions. The only other player to accomplish the feat is Lee Janzen.

Clark's win also continued a recent trend in the championship. For the fourth consecutive year, the U.S. Open champion entered the tournament ranked outside the top 20 in the world, further proving that major championships remain golf's ultimate equalizer.

Sam Burns Continues His U.S. Open Consistency

Although he fell just short of claiming his first major championship, Sam Burns once again demonstrated that he thrives in U.S. Open conditions.

Burns finished runner-up after recording top-10 finishes in each of the last three championships. He tied for ninth at Pinehurst in 2024, tied for seventh at Oakmont in 2025, and followed those performances with another strong showing at Shinnecock Hills.

No other player can claim a top-10 finish in all three of the last U.S. Opens, making Burns the championship's most consistent performer during that span.

Shinnecock Hills Offers More Birdie Opportunities

Known as one of the toughest tests in championship golf, Shinnecock Hills played noticeably more forgiving on Sunday.

The final-round scoring average was 71.389, the third-lowest Sunday scoring average in U.S. Open history. Only the 2019 championship at Pebble Beach and the 2015 championship at Chambers Bay produced lower final-round averages.

The number also established a new record for the lowest final-round scoring average among the five U.S. Opens contested at Shinnecock Hills.

For a venue often associated with survival rather than scoring, Sunday's conditions allowed players to attack.

Under-Par Rounds Pile Up on Sunday

The scoring trends were reflected throughout the leaderboard.

Seventeen players finished Sunday's final round under par, the highest total in a U.S. Open final round since 33 players broke par at Pebble Beach in 2019.

Interestingly, the performance was still in line with previous championships at Shinnecock Hills. The course produced 15 under-par final rounds in 2018, 16 in 1995, and 13 in 1986.

While the course remained challenging, it rewarded aggressive play and precise execution more than many expected heading into the week.

Scottie Scheffler's Historic Run Continues

Even without adding another major trophy to his collection, Scottie Scheffler continued to strengthen his place among golf's modern greats.

Scheffler finished tied for fourth, marking his 17th top-10 finish in his last 22 major championship starts. That level of consistency places him in extraordinarily rare company.

Since 1950, only four other players have achieved at least 17 top-10 finishes in a 22-major span: Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.

It's a statistic that highlights just how dominant Scheffler has been on golf's biggest stages and serves as another reminder that his next major victory may not be far away.

A Championship to Remember

The 2026 U.S. Open featured a little bit of everything: a repeat champion making history, a rising star continuing his major championship breakthrough, record-setting scoring at one of golf's most demanding venues, and another remarkable chapter in Scottie Scheffler's sustained excellence.

For a championship that has spent 130 years defining greatness in golf, Shinnecock Hills once again delivered a week worthy of the U.S. Open legacy.

Five Branson Golf Destination Courses Voted in Missouri’s Top 10 including the Top Four

(BRANSON, MISSOURI) – Golfweek recently released its “Best Courses by State” compilation on June 15 and Ozarks National, Buffalo Ridge, Payne’s Valley, and Branson Hills ranked as Missouri’s top four courses in that order. A fifth Branson Golf destination course, LedgeStone, is Missouri’s No. 7 rated layout, improving one place from its No. 8 ranking last year.

“It’s an honor to be considered one of the best courses in a state with more than 300 of them, especially when we’ve improved our ranking year over year,” said Phillip Drips, Head Golf Professional, LedgeStone Country Club. “That 50 percent of the state’s best public-access courses are in the Branson golf destination underscores why discerning golfers should consider us for their next golf round or group getaway.”

To determine Golfweek’s Best rankings, the media outlet’s course-ratings panel continually evaluate courses and rate them using 10 criteria on a 10-point scale. The raters also file a single, overall rating on each course. Those overall ratings are averaged to produce a cumulative rating for each, which is then ranked against other layouts.

Ozarks National (Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw course design), Buffalo Ridge (Tom Fazio and Johnny Morris), and Payne’s Valley (Tiger Woods and Beau Welling) are Big Cedar Golf’s 18-hole courses. The golf resort also has three short courses rated among the nation’s best – Cliffhangers (Johnny and J.P. Morris design), Mountain Top (Gary Player), and Top of the Rock (Jack Nicklaus). They showcase the same rustic elegance that permeates all places owned and operated by Big Cedar Lodge and Bass Pro Shops Founder, Johnny Morris.  

In addition to its No. 4 ranking in the state, Branson Hills (Chuck Smith-Bobby Clampett) was voted No. 10 in the nation earlier this year via Golfers’ Choice, a compilation of players’ favorite courses in America curated by GolfPass/GolfNow. The layout’s woodsy, brawny layout is as beautiful as it is challenging. LedgeStone, a destination favorite by area golfers, winds through heaving Ozarks’ terrain to deliver a thrilling experience that requires players to choose their shot strategy wisely.

Branson’s other three courses are Thousand Hills (Bob Cupp), The Pointe, and Holiday Hills. Thousand Hills is part of a multi-faceted resort complex with condos, cabins, and Reunion Lodges overlooking the golf course that are ideal for golf groups. It located in the heart of the destination adjacent to a myriad of live entertainment theatres and other attractions.

All 11 destination courses are located near one another as well as hundreds of restaurants, scores of lodging options, and after-golf things to see and do. Branson regularly garners top rated tourism destination status in America according to Trip Advisor.

For more information about the destination, visit ExploreBranson.com.

Worst Golf Courses in Each State: Missouri

Drumm Farm Golf Club

Missouri is home to some of America's most celebrated golf destinations. From the Ozark Mountain masterpieces around Branson to classic parkland layouts in St. Louis and Kansas City, the Show-Me State offers golfers plenty of memorable rounds.

But not every course earns rave reviews.

While every golf course has loyal supporters and conditions can change dramatically from season to season, golfer reviews reveal a handful of Missouri layouts that have consistently struggled with maintenance, value, or overall player satisfaction. Based on publicly available golfer ratings and reviews, these three courses rank among the lowest-rated in the state.

1. Drumm Farm Golf Club — Independence

At one time, Drumm Farm Golf Club was considered one of the premier daily-fee facilities in the Kansas City area. Designed by renowned architect Tom Watson's design team, the course features dramatic elevation changes and a challenging layout stretching more than 7,100 yards.

Unfortunately, golfer reviews tell a different story in recent years.

The course carries one of the lowest rating indexes among reviewed Missouri golf facilities on GolfPass, with just 14.6 percent of reviewers recommending the course. Golfers frequently cited poor course conditions, disappointing value and maintenance issues across greens and fairways. The layout itself still receives praise from some players who recognize its architectural potential, but many reviewers felt the condition of the course failed to match its once-strong reputation.

For golfers who remember Drumm Farm during its peak years, the reviews are particularly disappointing because the property clearly possesses the bones of a strong championship course.

2. Rangeline Golf Center — Joplin

Located in southwest Missouri, Rangeline Golf Center offers a shorter, more casual golf experience. However, recent golfer feedback has been harsh.

While the facility maintains a respectable overall rating, numerous recent reviews describe it as one of the worst golf experiences players have encountered. Complaints focus heavily on course conditions, pace of play and perceived value. Several golfers specifically criticized maintenance issues and questioned pricing relative to the quality of the course.

To be fair, shorter municipal-style and executive courses often serve a different audience than championship layouts. Beginners and casual golfers may find the course perfectly suitable for practice rounds. Yet among Missouri courses receiving substantial public feedback, Rangeline has generated some of the state's most negative recent reviews.

3. Hidden Valley Golf Course — Lawson

Hidden Valley Golf Course, located northeast of Kansas City, presents another example of a course with a solid layout that has struggled to win over reviewers.

The Leo Johnson-designed course stretches nearly 6,700 yards and features rolling terrain and a traditional Midwestern design. Yet golfer ratings have consistently placed it near the bottom tier of reviewed Missouri courses. Reviewers have frequently mentioned maintenance concerns and uneven playing conditions.

What makes Hidden Valley's ranking notable is that many golfers believe the course has significant potential. The property offers enough natural movement and variety to create an enjoyable round when conditions are favorable. Still, golfer feedback suggests that consistency has been difficult to maintain.

The Reality of Online Ratings

Before writing off any golf course, it's important to remember that ratings are snapshots in time.

Golf courses are living, breathing businesses that can improve dramatically with new ownership, additional maintenance budgets or favorable weather conditions. A course that struggled one season may look completely different the next.

Missouri's golf landscape remains one of the Midwest's strongest, anchored by nationally recognized destinations such as Branson Hills, Buffalo Ridge, Payne's Valley and Ozarks National. Those highly rated facilities help showcase the state's golf potential.

As for the state's lowest-rated courses, their rankings serve less as a final verdict and more as a reminder of how difficult it is to maintain a golf facility in an era of rising costs and increasingly demanding golfer expectations.

Sometimes the difference between a hidden gem and a golfer's nightmare is simply a few seasons of investment, attention and care.

Troon Country Club Embarks on Comprehensive Practice Facility and Water Storage Enhancement Project

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona has initiated a significant enhancement project focusing on its practice facilities and water storage systems, aiming to elevate the member experience and improve resource management. Construction began on May 1, 2026, and is being led by golf course architect Phil Smith, the late Tom Weiskopf’s design partner. The $4.3-million-dollar project is expected to take six months to complete.

The redesigned practice facility will feature expanded tee space on the practice range, a larger putting green mirroring slopes found on the golf course, and a 50,000-square-foot short game practice area. These enhancements are designed to position Troon Country Club at the forefront of premier practice facilities in the Southwest.

The practice range is slated to reopen in early November immediately following overseeding, while the new putting green and short game areas are expected to be available December 1st. Additionally, the club plans to introduce Celebrity Greens artificial turf practice mats on the south end tee, coinciding with the start of the 2026-27 season, to allow members to utilize the practice range during frost delays and after inclement weather.

The entirety of the new practice tee will be equipped with TrackMan range technology to provide members with the benefit to practice with feedback and purpose. TrackMan will give all players eight actionable data points that they can use to improve their game. Even more exciting is the virtual course feature that will allow members to play and practice on some of the best courses in the world, including Troon Country Club, as TrackMan will produce a digital 3D animation of the course.

The new 12,500-square-foot practice putting green is 4,000 square feet larger than the original green and will offer increased slope and movement, providing members with practice conditions that mirror on-course scenarios.

The north end of the practice facility is being expanded to create a new 50,000-square-foot short game practice area, more than four times the size of the current facility. This area will enable members to practice various aspects of their short game, including chips, pitches, bunker shots, and short wedge shots ranging from 50 to 60 yards. The design includes a large primary greenside bunker accommodating multiple members simultaneously. A second, smaller bunker offers an additional option for greenside and longer fairway bunker practice.

In parallel, the club is addressing its water storage capabilities by enhancing the three ponds located on the seventh, eighth, and ninth holes. These ponds, occupying 2.1 acres and storing 3.5 million gallons of water, are essential for irrigating the golf course. Engineers have determined that by increasing the surface area by the maximum allowed 0.47 acres and expanding the width and depth below the surface, the storage capacity will be more than doubled. Relining the ponds aims to mitigate seepage caused by perforations in the original liners, thereby improving water conservation. The club is utilizing the sand and gravel material from the ponds in the mounding and slopes of the new practice facility.

These initiatives build upon the club’s 2020 golf course renovation, which upgraded and modernized the irrigation system. Since then, Troon Country Club’s overall water usage has decreased compared to pre-renovation levels, even considering lower average annual precipitation in recent years.

“This project marks another important milestone in the continued evolution of our club and underscores the strong commitment of our membership,” said Troon Country Club General Manager Garrett Wallace. “Since the 2017 clubhouse renovation, we have experienced remarkable positive momentum throughout the club. Our members have consistently demonstrated their belief in the long-term vision by reinvesting in the property, and with these latest enhancements, total member investment now exceeds $30 million. This level of support not only strengthens our foundation but ensures we continue delivering an exceptional experience for our membership today and well into the future.”

For more information on Troon Country Club, visit www.trooncc.com or call Nicole Niemann, Director of Sales and Marketing, at 480-473-5093.

Coeur d'Alene Casino Guests Cash Higher Average Jackpot Payouts in 2026

Golf resort home to SBC Americas “Tribal Casino of the Year” for North and South America

(WORLEY, Idaho) – Golfers love to gamble almost as much as they like to play award-winning courses. Few places indulge those passions as successfully as Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, home to Circling Raven Golf Club, the top-ranked layout in Idaho and a “Top 100 Resort Course” in America.

Coeur d’Alene Casino reported in late 2025 that visitors to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe-owned entertainment venue hit more jackpots and collected more winnings for the year, the third year in a row that new highs were set in each stat. Good news keeps coming as guests are cashing an average of nearly $1,000 more per jackpot thus far in 2026 ($3.3k in ’26, $2.4k in ’25).

The casino’s Director of Video Gaming, Michelle Whaley, said that the time to process jackpots continues to remain at faster payout times, too. “Our quality of customer service is not lapsing with these increased volumes,” she said.

One would expect nothing less from Coeur d’Alene Casino, which was named “Tribal Operator of the Year” in North and South America by SBC Americas in June 2025. The Tribal Operator of the Year award honored the company that “demonstrated exceptional achievements across multiple areas, including operational excellence, market growth, branding expertise, innovation, commitment to responsible gaming, and dedication to tribal community development,” SBC Americas stated.

Giving back to guests and the community are a core pillar of the Tribe – it has donated more than $37 million to local, state, and regional entities, leading with education. These latest jackpot statistics illuminate how the giving extends beyond philanthropy.

For more information about Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, call 1 800-523-2464 or visit cdacasino.com.  Information can also be found at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CDACasinoResort

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdacasino/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cdacasino

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cdacasino

Why Do Golf Balls Have Dimples?

Dimples are one of the main reasons a golf ball can fly hundreds of yards instead of dropping quickly out of the air.

What Dimples Do

When a golf ball moves through the air, it creates drag (air resistance). A perfectly smooth golf ball actually experiences more drag than a dimpled one.

The dimples create a thin layer of turbulent air around the ball that helps the airflow stay attached to the ball longer before separating. This reduces the size of the low-pressure wake behind the ball, which reduces drag.

More Lift, Longer Shots

Dimples also help generate lift.

When a golfer puts backspin on the ball, the spinning ball affects airflow around it. The dimples enhance this effect, creating higher pressure beneath the ball and lower pressure above it. The result is an upward force that keeps the ball in the air longer.

Without dimples:

- The ball would fly much lower.

- It would travel roughly half as far.

- Shots would drop out of the sky much sooner.

How Much Difference Do They Make?

A modern golf ball hit by a professional might travel 280–320 yards.

A smooth ball struck the same way would typically travel only about 120–180 yards because of the increased drag and reduced lift.

Why Different Dimple Patterns?

Manufacturers such as Titleist, Callaway, and TaylorMade spend millions designing dimple patterns. They vary:

- Number of dimples (typically 300–500)

- Dimple depth

- Dimple shape

- Dimple arrangement

These subtle differences can influence:

- Ball flight height

- Spin rates

- Wind performance

- Overall distance

A Fun Fact

The first golfers didn't intentionally use dimpled balls. Players in the 1800s noticed that older, scuffed balls flew farther than brand-new smooth ones. Engineers eventually discovered why and began designing patterned surfaces on purpose—a discovery that transformed golf ball technology.

In short: dimples reduce drag, increase lift, and make long-distance golf possible. Without them, even the longest hitters on the PGA Tour would lose well over 100 yards off the tee.

Bud Cauley’s Inspiring Comeback: How a Devastating Car Crash Nearly Ended His Golf Career Before His Canadian Open Victory

For most PGA Tour winners, the journey to the winner's circle is measured in birdies, bogeys, and years of hard work. For Bud Cauley, it was measured in surgeries, hospital stays, and a fight simply to play golf again.

On Sunday, Cauley completed one of the most remarkable comeback stories in professional golf, winning the RBC Canadian Open for his first PGA Tour title. The victory came eight years after a devastating car accident nearly ended both his career and his dreams of competing at the highest level.

The Crash That Changed Everything

On June 1, 2018, after competing in the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, Cauley was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a horrific single-car accident.

The car left the roadway, struck a culvert, became airborne, and slammed into multiple trees.

The injuries Cauley suffered were severe. He sustained a collapsed and punctured lung, six broken ribs, a fractured lower left leg, and a concussion. What initially appeared to be a lengthy recovery soon became a years-long medical ordeal.

The physical damage was only part of the challenge. Complications from the injuries, including poor incision healing and infections, led to multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation. What should have been a return to competition turned into a prolonged battle just to regain normal function.

Years Away From the Game

The accident sidelined Cauley for more than three years.

For a professional athlete whose livelihood depends on precision, strength, and confidence, the uncertainty was overwhelming. There were legitimate questions about whether he would ever play competitive golf again.

"There were times when I was hurt that we really weren't sure if I was going to be able to play again," Cauley said after Sunday's victory.

While many players spend their prime years climbing leaderboards, Cauley spent his recovering from surgeries, managing pain, and rebuilding his body.

The comeback was anything but immediate. Even after returning to the PGA Tour, he faced the challenge of competing against the best players in the world after years away from tournament golf.

The Long Road Back

Cauley finally returned to PGA Tour competition in 2024, more than five years after the accident. The flashes of his old form were there, but turning potential into victory remained elusive.

The former Alabama standout had come close several times, but the breakthrough never arrived.

Until Canada.

Entering the final round of the RBC Canadian Open one shot behind the lead, Cauley delivered the performance of his career under difficult weather conditions at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

He carded a final-round 65, highlighted by a dramatic birdie chip-in from 93 feet on the 12th hole that gave him control of the tournament.

Cauley finished at 17-under par, two shots clear of Matt Fitzpatrick and three ahead of Viktor Hovland.

More Than Just a Trophy

The victory was about far more than a PGA Tour title.

It represented validation for years of rehabilitation, setbacks, and uncertainty. It was proof that the countless hours spent recovering had been worth it.

Perhaps most meaningful was sharing the moment with his family.

"Hopefully for my first win everyone would be here," Cauley said. "With them being here and I was playing well, I really had to think almost on every hole about staying focused and not thinking about that celebration if I were to win."

After 239 PGA Tour starts, countless medical procedures, and years wondering whether he would ever compete again, Cauley finally had his answer.

Golf has produced many comeback stories over the years, but few have required the level of perseverance shown by Bud Cauley. His RBC Canadian Open victory wasn't simply his first PGA Tour win—it was the culmination of an eight-year fight to reclaim a career that once appeared lost forever.

For anyone facing a long recovery, a career setback, or seemingly impossible odds, Cauley's journey serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest victories happen long before the final putt drops.

Beau Welling-Designed Travis Club Golf Course Set to Open for Member Play Labor Day Weekend

Championship Layout Complements Austin’s New Premier Lake Community, Bringing Unique Pedigree to Texas Hill Country Golf

(Spicewood, Texas) – Travis Club, Austin’s newest 1,500-acre master-planned community on Lake Travis, announces that construction of its world-class Beau Welling-designed golf course is complete, and that all 18 holes will open for member play starting Labor Day weekend, September 5.

The new par-71 golf course takes advantage of the extraordinary Hill Country setting, with dramatic elevation changes, stunning hilltop panoramas and holes routed along Lake Travis. Stretching more than 7,300 yards, the layout offers a strategic yet highly playable experience for golfers of all skill levels through multiple teeing options and thoughtfully designed shot values.

Welling and his team at Beau Welling Design (BWD) created a course that blends seamlessly into the natural landscape while emphasizing creativity, variety and memorable risk-reward opportunities throughout the routing. Interdisciplinary firm Hart Howertonled the community’s master planning, architecture, and landscape architecture, shaping the broader residential and amenity experience across the property.

“Labor Day weekend marks a major milestone for Travis Club and for the members who have believed in this vision from the beginning,” said Leisha Ehlert, CEO of Travis Club. “Beau and his team have created a course that feels deeply connected to the land, the lake and the spirit of this community. We are thrilled to begin welcoming members and their families to experience it.”

Travis Club is the latest in an impressive portfolio of recent projects from BWD, which includes Fields Ranch West at Omni PGA Frisco and significant renovations at Atlanta Country Club, Greenville Country Club, Ocean Forest Golf Club, and Omni Amelia Island, among many others.

“The topography and landscape along Lake Travis are spectacular and provided a wonderful foundation for our team to create a fun, strategic, and memorable course at Travis Club,” said Welling. “Being part of this project has been a true privilege, and we believe the course will stand out as a special experience for golfers and earn a place among the top courses in Texas.”

BWD Senior Designer and Vice President Scott Benson added, “Beyond the natural beauty of the surroundings and overall course aesthetics, the golf experience at Travis Club is shaped by a thoughtful, strategic design that rewards sound decision-making and creativity. Each hole offers a distinct identity, offering multiple options from tee to green along with engaging and challenging green complexes that provide a true test.”

Along with its golf amenities, Travis Club features 10,000 feet of Lake Travis frontage and access to more than 65 miles of open water, 30 miles of private hiking and biking trails, Duke’s, a lakefront clubhouse with dining and The Tree Bar, along with a private marina, event lawn, pool, sport and racquet courts and The Gatehouse equipped with full-time security. The Golf House, which will include the future pro shop and a restaurant, sits alongside the club’s expansive practice area and will officially be open in Spring 2027.

Every aspect of Travis Club has been carefully considered to preserve the site’s natural and scenic resources. With a thoughtfully crafted and minimalist approach, the golf course and infrastructure are designed to have minimal impact on the land across Travis Club’s expansive 1,500 acres. This same level of intention extends to the amenities, which have been conceived with responsibility and sustainability in mind. Travis Club’s goals extend beyond establishing the premier private club in the Texas Hill Country. It aspires to set the standard for golf course design excellence throughout Texas.

Beyond golf, 175+ homesites have been sold, with 10 under construction and 37 in design review. Homesites range from 0.5 to 3.25 acres and are offered from $700K.

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit travisclubaustin.com. Follow Travis Club on Instagram @travisclubaustin.

Kawonu Golf Club Reveals Clubhouse Designs by Architect Joel Newman

First renderings reveal timeless clubhouse architecture rooted in the land that has inspired Andrew Green’s championship course

(Greenville, S.C.) – Kawonu Golf Club, the private golf-only club under construction near Greenville, South Carolina, has unveiled the first renderings of its clubhouse complex. Designed by architect Joel Newman, the facilities represent another milestone in the development of the club and offer members and prospective members a glimpse into the gathering spaces planned for the property.

“From the beginning, our goal has been to create a club that feels authentic to the land and true to the traditions of the game,” said Scott Ferrell, founding partner of Kawonu Golf Club. “While the golf course will always be at the heart of Kawonu, these facilities are an important part of the overall experience. Joel has designed spaces that feel timeless, welcoming and perfectly suited to the character of the property.”

Designed around the club’s golf-only philosophy, the clubhouse complex will be anchored by a dedicated Golf House positioned behind the practice area. The approximately 5,000-square-foot facility will include a golf shop, indoor teaching bays, a halfway house, golf fitness space and an outdoor patio overlooking the practice facilities.

Connected by a breezeway, the 9,500-square-foot main clubhouse will overlook the 18th green and the surrounding landscape, and will include locker rooms, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, a private dining room, and seven individual overnight rooms on the lower level. Together, the two structures are designed to offer a cohesive, purposeful arrival and fitting finish to a round of golf.

Among the additional amenities planned for the property is Tuck’s Cabin, a fishing cabin overlooking a 10-acre lake at the center of the front nine. The cabin is named in honor of Barton Tuck, who brings decades of real estate development experience to his role as Founding Partner at Kawonu Golf Club, and his son, Noel Tuck, who serves as the club’s Development Manager. The cabin will feature a fireplace, casual furnishings, an honor bar, and fishing gear, creating a relaxed retreat for members and guests.

To bring the clubhouse complex to life, Kawonu partnered with Newman, whose work is widely recognized for its thoughtful approach to club and hospitality design. Based in Beaufort, South Carolina, Newman is a partner at Thomas & Denzinger Architects and has designed facilities at Chechessee Creek Club, Spring Island Club, and Ohoopee Match Club, as well as projects at Kiawah Island and Palmetto Bluff. At Kawonu, he is leading the design of the clubhouse, lodging accommodations, training center, and golf course comfort stations.

“Every building on this property should feel like it belongs here – rooted in the land, not imposed upon it,” said Newman. “What makes Kawonu exceptional is that the land itself tells you what to do. The rolling topography, the varied tree species, and the way light falls across the Reedy River corridor – all of it informs how we approach each structure. Our goal is to create spaces that are purposeful and unhurried, where the architecture draws you deeper into the golf experience rather than pulling you away.”

Construction on Tuck’s Cabin is projected to begin this year. Construction on the Golf House is slated to begin in 2027, with the main clubhouse to follow.

Situated on more than 290 acres of rolling meadows, hardwood forests, and Reedy River frontage, Kawonu Golf Club is the first private golf-only club developed in the Upstate in more than 30 years. The club’s Andrew Green-designed championship golf course is under construction, with grassing underway, and is expected to open in spring 2027.

For more information about Kawonu Golf Club and the facilities, visit www.kawonugolfclub.com.

Sandia Golf Club Completes Phase One Of Clubhouse Renovation Project

(Albuquerque, New Mexico) – Sandia Golf Club in Albuquerque, New Mexico recently completed the first phase of its clubhouse renovation, enhancing guest amenities and modernizing facilities. The project, which began in September 2025, was led by Enterprise Builders as the general contractor, with architectural design by Oklahoma City-based GSB and interior design by Tom Hoch Design.

The first-phase renovation includes a redesigned 1,000-square-foot golf shop featuring modern fixtures and lighting, effectively doubling the club's headwear offerings and increasing on-hand inventory. The updated layout improves shopping flow, providing a more efficient and enjoyable experience for guests. New product offerings include Sandia Golf Club-branded apparel lines (available only on property) such as Sun Day Red, Dunning, and Good Good.

"Every touchpoint of this expansion - from the initial welcome and efficient bag handling to the refined retail experience - has been thoughtfully designed with comfort and convenience in mind," said Sandia Pueblo Governor Stuart Paisano. "This is just the first step in a continued investment to ensure Sandia Golf Club remains the premier golf and event destination unlike anything else in New Mexico and the Southwest."

Additional enhancements encompass a new, ADA-compliant dressing room and a redesigned check-in counter aimed at offering a more personalized shopping and check-in experience. A newly designed bag drop, positioned further into the circular drive, adds to the arrival experience while allowing staff to more efficiently assist with unloading and staging golf bags. Upon entry, guests are welcomed into an elegant new lobby. New elevator access to the lower level, leads directly to the golf car staging area, setting the tone of excellence for the beginning of their visit.

“We would like to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to our guests for their continued support and loyalty,” said Sandia Golf Club General Manager Nick Knee. “As we unveil our new amenities and move to phase two of the transformation, guests will begin to experience a premier golf and event destination where every detail has been intentionally elevated. With more than 20 years of operational insight, this redesign has been carefully shaped with guest comfort, convenience, and overall experience at the forefront. Opening the golf shop and new lobby represent an exciting beginning, and we look forward to welcoming each and every guest to what will ultimately become a truly best-in-class clubhouse, one that sets a new standard and stands unmatched.”

The clubhouse improvements, the first since Sandia Golf Club opened in 2005, complement recent upgrades across the Sandia Resort and Casino campus, reflecting a commitment to providing best-in-class amenities. The completion of phase one marks a significant step in elevating the guest experience at Sandia Golf Club, with phase two anticipated to begin this month and be completed by early 2027. Phase two enhancements will focus on renovations to the Sandia Grille, including expanding and updating the kitchen; elevating staff space; enhancing indoor and outdoor dining and bar areas; upgrading restroom spaces; and a newly designed event space perfect for social and post-tournament event functions. Guests are encouraged to follow Sandia Golf Club’s social media channels for updates throughout construction. While certain amenities will be temporarily unavailable, the club remains committed to delivering exceptional golf experiences and maintaining service standards throughout the project.

Sandia Golf Club is managed by Troon Golf. For more information on Sandia Golf Club, visit www.sandiagolf.com.

America’s Worst Golf Course? The Real Story Behind a Decades-Long Struggle

By any measure, naming the single worst golf course in the United States is a dangerous exercise. Golfers are opinionated. Course rankings are subjective. One player's hidden gem is another player's nightmare.

Yet every few years, one facility rises to the top of golf's least-desirable lists. Recently, that distinction has belonged to the public-owned Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston, Massachusetts, which has been ranked by multiple golf-review outlets as the worst golf course in America due to deteriorating conditions, damaged turf, weed-infested greens, and widespread maintenance issues.

But the more interesting question isn't why golfers dislike the course today.

It's why it has remained in such rough shape for so long.

A Course Caught in a Cycle

Golfers who have played Leo J. Martin often describe fairways that resemble hard-packed dirt more than grass, greens that struggle to roll consistently, and playing surfaces that can vary dramatically from hole to hole. Recent rankings cited dead turf, weeds, bare patches, and unpredictable putting conditions as primary reasons for its bottom-of-the-list status.

The problems, however, didn't appear overnight.

Like many aging municipal golf courses across America, Leo J. Martin has been trapped in a cycle that is difficult to escape. Years of heavy play, limited budgets, aging infrastructure, and deferred maintenance gradually compound until the course falls behind. Once turf conditions deteriorate, recovery becomes increasingly expensive. When recovery requires major capital investment—such as irrigation upgrades, drainage work, or large-scale turf replacement—public agencies often struggle to find the necessary funding.

The result is a course that continues to attract golfers because of its affordability while simultaneously lacking the resources needed to dramatically improve conditions.

The Municipal Golf Dilemma

What makes Leo J. Martin's story particularly fascinating is that many golfers continue to play there despite its reputation.

The reason is simple: price.

At a time when green fees at many public facilities have climbed dramatically, Leo J. Martin remains one of the more affordable options in the Boston area. Golfers looking for a budget-friendly round often choose value over pristine conditions.

That creates a paradox.

The course generates traffic because it is inexpensive, but heavy usage further stresses already fragile turf. Maintenance crews are then asked to restore worn-out surfaces while managing limited resources and thousands of annual rounds.

It's a problem familiar to municipal operators nationwide.

Private clubs can levy assessments. Resort courses can raise rates. Municipal facilities often answer to taxpayers, public budgets, and political realities.

When Infrastructure Becomes the Real Enemy

Golfers frequently blame poor conditions on maintenance crews. In reality, the deeper issue is often infrastructure.

A modern golf course relies on sophisticated irrigation systems, drainage networks, turf-management programs, and specialized equipment. When any of those systems age beyond their useful life, even the most talented superintendent can struggle to maintain quality playing conditions.

Reports surrounding Leo J. Martin have pointed toward long-term efforts to address maintenance deficiencies, including management changes and infrastructure improvements. Officials have acknowledged the need for upgrades and have discussed irrigation improvements as part of future recovery efforts.

That highlights a broader truth in golf architecture: a course rarely becomes America's worst because of one bad season.

It gets there through years of accumulated neglect, underinvestment, and deferred repairs.

Is It Really the Worst?

Perhaps not.

The phrase "worst golf course in America" makes for a catchy headline, but it also oversimplifies a complicated situation.

Many golfers who have visited Leo J. Martin note that the routing itself isn't terrible. Some online commenters have argued that the layout has potential and that the biggest issue is simply the condition of the turf.

That's an important distinction.

Bad design and bad maintenance are not the same thing.

A poorly designed golf course can be difficult to save. A neglected golf course, however, can often be restored with investment, patience, and time.

The Bigger Lesson

Leo J. Martin's reputation serves as a cautionary tale for public golf throughout America.

Municipal courses occupy a vital place in the game's ecosystem. They introduce beginners to golf, provide affordable access, and preserve green space in densely populated regions. But they are also vulnerable. When maintenance budgets shrink and infrastructure ages, the decline can be gradual enough that few notice until the course has become a national punchline.

The real story isn't that one course was labeled the worst in America.

It's that a facility built to make golf accessible was allowed to fall so far behind that golfers now use it as a benchmark for poor conditions.

Whether Leo J. Martin eventually sheds that reputation will depend less on rankings and more on whether long-promised investments can finally break the cycle that put it there in the first place. For now, its standing as America's most criticized golf course is less a story about bad golf and more a story about what happens when public facilities go too long without the resources needed to thrive.

Reliable Background Screening Named Preferred Partner of Troon

Leading Membership-Focused Background Screening Firm, with Longstanding Track Record of Success in Country Club Operations, to Provide Troon Portfolio of Private Club Partners with Membership and Employee Background Screening Services

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon Partners Network, a division of Troon®, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, today announced Reliable Background Screening, a leading private club-focused background screening firm with a track record of success in country club operations, as the company’s newest Preferred Partner.

Through a multi-year partnership, Reliable Background Screening will provide Troon’s portfolio of private club partners with membership and employee background screening services. As a Preferred Partner, Reliable’s programs and services will be promoted directly to club operators and management nationwide through integrated marketing campaigns, digital engagement, and exclusive promotional opportunities.

For more than 35 years, Reliable Background Screening has partnered with organizations of all sizes to deliver accurate, compliant, and responsive background screening solutions. As hiring risks continue to evolve—from identity fraud to increased regulatory enforcement—Reliable Background Screening remains committed to providing ease of use, accuracy, innovative technology, expert guidance, and hands-on client support that empowers employers to hire with confidence in an increasingly complex risk environment.

Specific to the private country club community, Reliable Background Screening provides unmatched expertise in membership background checks - helping maintain the integrity of a club, ensuring that both members and staff uphold the values and expectations that define the legacy of the brand. For decades, Reliable Background Screening has helped clubs nationwide safeguard the club’s reputation, create a safer environment, minimize liability, avoid costly public relations issues and ensure financial responsibility.

“We are thrilled to introduce Reliable Background Screening to the Troon Partners Network, as they offer the expert services needed by our private club partners to ensure best-in-class member and employee background screening,” said Ryan Pensy, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Troon Partners Network. “Through direct marketing to our portfolio of properties, Reliable’s programs and services will be introduced to club leaders and management in an effort to help them maintain safeguards and overall club integrity in the on-boarding process for both members and employees.”

“Reliable Background Screening is proud to join the Troon Partners Network and connect our services with private club operators nationwide," said Rudy Troisi, Founder & CEO, Reliable Background Screening. “Backed by our longstanding track record of expertise, accuracy and service, clients trust us to provide quality background checks that serve as protection for themselves and their brands.

Reliable Background Screening is the latest company to join the Troon Partners Network. From golf, sports and leisure brands to the airline, automotive, food and beverage, and financial services sectors, Troon partners can secure exclusive status that provides direct marketing to millions of consumers every day. Through Troon Partners Network, companies/brands enjoy a range of partnership levels, from preferred to official status, and receive custom programming designed to fit the marketing needs of each respective product or service being offered.”

Adds Pensy, “Troon Partners Network has grown significantly during the past several years with a stable of both endemic and non-endemic companies/brands joining our platform to connect with our serious, avid athletes. Whether large or small, we cater to each company/brand individually and design high-impact marketing programs and activations to elevate their image and awareness through our various golf, racquet sports, leisure and hospitality audiences.”

For more information on marketing programs available through Troon Partners Network, contact Sabrina Hale at sabrina.hale@troon.com.

Sweetens Cove Golf Club Announces Groundbreaking of New Short Course and Expansion Plans

The cult-favorite, 9-hole golf destination outside of Chattanooga is adding a new short course, putting green, simulator bays, lodging, dining, and more guest offerings

(South Pittsburg, Tenn.) – Sweetens Cove Golf Club, the highly acclaimed nine-hole, cult-favorite golf destination just west of Chattanooga in South Pittsburg, Tennessee, has announced a property-wide expansion, including the groundbreaking of a new King Collins Dormer-designed 13-hole short course set to open in summer 2027. This new offering will connect and overlap with the existing King Collins-designed course, encouraging creative “cross-country” play.

The Sweetens Cove expansion plans are in partnership with Reef Capital Partners, and the Sweetens Cove ownership group, including Rob Collins, Peyton Manning, Andy Roddick, Tom Nolan, Skip Bronson, Drew Holcomb, and current General Manager, Matthew Adamski. In addition to the course, plans call for the property’s first hospitality experience, including one-bedroom cabins with single or double occupancy opening in phases starting late 2027 with slated completion in 2028, followed by a winding putting green debuting in spring 2027, 3 golf simulator bays, club fitting and retail, and more.

“From the day Ari Techner and I signed the lease for Sweetens Cove Golf Club in May 2014, there has always been a larger vision for the property.  It took the partnership, wherewithal, and imagination of Jared Lucero and Reef to bring it to life. It has been a great deal of fun for me to work with him and his talented team over the last year and a half as we have refined the plans for the future of Sweetens Cove,” said Course Architect, Rob Collins. “I know in my bones that we are on the ideal path, and I am so incredibly excited for people to see what we have in store for the property.  Our team broke ground on the short course a few weeks ago, and they have already made great progress in setting up the concepts.  We’re going to work really hard on tying the two courses together so that Sweetens feels more free flowing and explorative than it already is!  When you combine the lit short course, multi-acre putting green, restaurant, cabins, and other amenities, Sweetens will be the ultimate 24-hour golf playground.”

As part of the expansion, there will also be a collection of gathering places, each one casual, familiar and rooted in the land designed by Pfeffer Torode Architecture, including a courtyard, full-service private 5,100 square foot restaurant and bar reserved for players with golf packages, along with a bottle shop and micro-distillery, which will open in Fall 2027. The 1,775 square foot distillery will be open to the public as a tasting room with bottles available for purchase, creating a dedicated destination to experience Sweetens Cove Spirits, an American whiskey brand rooted in the culture and traditions of Sweetens Cove. Additional forthcoming experiences will include a fishing dock, skeet shooting range, and an Octagon Barn event space featuring storage for 60 whiskey barrels.

“We have always prided ourselves on offering a golf experience unlike any other, one where every golfer has access to incredible architecture at an affordable price. These new additions will only enhance what our guests experience on property and further cement Sweetens as the ultimate golf destination,” said Adamski. “Our new model allows guests to take full advantage of everything this place has to offer, and that is what makes time stand still and friendships grow stronger. At the end of the day, everyone needs a little more Sweetens in their life. We cannot wait to welcome new friends, old friends back to Sweetens as we unveil our new golf additions in 2027, and Stay and Play experience in 2028.”

Designed and built as an inland links course, Sweetens Cove offers a truly unique golfing experience in the Southeastern United States. Drawing architectural inspiration from some of the game’s most celebrated layouts, King Collins crafted the current 9-hole short course that reflects the spirit of Scottish linksland and the classic era of course architecture in the United States. By combining artistically shaped features, dramatic contours, and an abundance of tightly mown turf, the course delivers a round that is both strategic and entertaining. It is a place designed to inspire players and leave them eager to return.

Sweetens Cove is most known for its unique operating model, as the club sells all day passes and does not utilize tee times on the weekends. Instead, guests gather at the shed around 8:30 a.m. to receive detailed information about course conditions and how the day will operate. This structure will remain the same with additional guest passes added to accommodate the new short course.

For more information on Sweetens Cove, visit sweetenscove.com.

Mountain Capital Partners to Acquire The Arizona Hideaway Collection

Courtesy: The Arizona Hideaway Collection

Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, Sedona Golf Resort, and Rancho Mañana Golf Club expand MCP's Arizona portfolio with three of the state’s most recognized hospitality and golf destinations

(PHOENIX, AZ) — Mountain Capital Partners (MCP), alongside affiliated fund Texas Capital Partners, today announced the forthcoming acquisition of The Arizona Hideaway Collection from the Allred Family - a portfolio of three landmark Arizona resort and golf destinations: Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, Sedona Golf Resort, and Rancho Mañana Golf Club. The acquisition broadens MCP's year-round outdoor recreation footprint across the Southwest, bringing its Arizona golf portfolio to five courses.

The Allred Family has shaped Arizona's hospitality landscape for decades - and their legacy in outdoor recreation runs deeper still. Before founding The Arizona Hideaway Collection, the Allreds helped transform Telluride, Colorado into a world-class ski destination in the late 1970s through the late 1990s, making this a transaction between two families rooted in mountain and resort hospitality.

Together, the three properties represent some of the most recognized resort and golf destinations in Arizona, each with its own distinct character. Tubac Golf Resort & Spa has welcomed guests since 1959. Sedona Golf Resort, set among the state's iconic red rock formations, is consistently ranked among Arizona's finest public courses. Rancho Mañana Golf Club, built on a historic 1940s dude ranch in Cave Creek, has been recognized by Golf Digest as a Top 50 Course for Women and a Top 10 Arizona course.

"My father and I spent decades building places that we believe in - places with history, character, and a sense of belonging," said Mike Allred, President and CFO of The Arizona Hideaway Collection. "Passing the Collection to Mountain Capital Partners feels right because of the passion they have for these assets and what they represent. They understand what it means to be the keeper of something people love. We're proud of what these properties are, and we're confident in what they will become."

The Hermosa Inn, also owned by the Allred family, is not included in this transaction and will continue under the family’s ownership.

The third-largest ski resort company in the United States by number of resorts, MCP owns and manages Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff, and has operated in Arizona for more than three decades.

Since acquiring its Show Low golf properties in 2023, MCP has invested significantly in capital improvements, refined operations, and grown the golf business to over twice its original size at purchase in under three years.

The acquisition is led by MCP partner Kuzi Mutsiwegota, who oversees the company's golf operations. Raised in Zimbabwe inside his father's world of luxury safari hospitality, and with his mother - a historian from Abilene, Texas with a deep love of the Southwest - Mutsiwegota brings a rare lens to resort stewardship. Together with his wife, Silvia, Mutsiwegota has called Arizona home for many years, making this acquisition as personal as it is professional.

"My partners and I are excited to continue on our journey of striving to share the feeling of presence, clarity, freedom, and pure happiness that comes from experiencing majestic landscapes and being treated in a way where you feel absolutely seen," Mutsiwegota said. "We're so grateful to Mike Allred for entrusting us to be the stewards in the next chapter of these assets' already wonderful journey."

James Coleman, founder and managing partner of Mountain Capital Partners, sees The Arizona Hideaway Collection as a natural extension of MCP's vision.

"We are fueled by freedom, happiness and purpose, and those aren't limited to ski areas," Coleman said. "When we're not skiing, we're mountain biking, exploring trails, rafting rivers - and of course, golfing. We are anchored in skiing and snowboarding, and that will never change - but we are also more. The Arizona Hideaway Collection is proof of that."

Current management and operating teams at all three properties will be retained. All existing reservations, memberships, wedding and group events will be honored without disruption. Mutsiwegota said MCP will share more about its plans for the properties, including Power Pass integration, in the coming months.

Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, Sedona Golf Resort, and Rancho Mañana Golf Club remain open and welcoming guests. For tee times and resort information, visit tubacgolfresort.com, sedonagolfresort.com, and ranchomanana.com.   

True Blue: Big, Bold and Pure Mike Strantz

(PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C.) — Some golf courses ask players to think their way through a round. Others ask them to survive.

True Blue Golf Club simply asks golfers to have fun.

Since opening in 1998, True Blue has stood apart from virtually every course on the Grand Strand, providing a distinctive experience.

Big, bold and unmistakably Mike Strantz, True Blue has become one of South Carolina's most celebrated layouts, earning a place among Golfweek's Top 100 Resort Courses in America while consistently ranking among the Palmetto State's top public golf experiences.

The first thing players notice is the scale.

Everything at True Blue is big. Fairways stretch wide across the landscape. Greens are large and undulating. Bunkers are expansive. The course occupies a former indigo plantation, and Strantz used the property's natural scale to create a layout that feels both sprawling and surprisingly intimate.

The course opened the same year as Tobacco Road, another Strantz design that became one of the most talked-about courses in America. By that point, True Blue was the architect's fifth design, and it showcased many of the characteristics that would come to define his legacy: imagination, strategic options and a willingness to challenge conventional golf architecture wisdom.

While Strantz earned his iconoclastic reputation, True Blue is far more playable than many first-time visitors expect.

The generous fairways provide plenty of room off the tee, rewarding aggressive swings without demanding perfection. The massive greens offer a variety of pin positions and strategic angles, but they also make it easier for high handicappers to find the putting surface. The result is a course that can challenge accomplished players while remaining enjoyable for everyday golfers.

That balance is part of True Blue’s enduring appeal.

The routing is unique, featuring five par 3s and five par 5s. That variety keeps players engaged throughout the round, particularly during the memorable turn where back-to-back par 5s at Nos. 9 and 10 create consecutive scoring opportunities. Birdies are always within reach at True Blue, but so is the possibility of a costly mistake.

As the round progresses, the challenge subtly shifts. While sprawling waste bunkers are the primary hazard for much of the day, water is the course’s primary defense over the final three holes, providing a dramatic finish to a top 100 round of golf.

True Blue's significance to the Myrtle Beach golf scene extends beyond its rankings. Alongside its sister course, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, it helped establish Pawleys Island - aka the Hammock Coast - as a destination within the game’s most popular travel market.

More than a quarter century after its debut, True Blue remains exactly what Strantz intended it to be: a golf course where everything is big - the fairways, the greens, the bunkers and, most importantly, the fun.

Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club Honored By 59Club Middle East & Africa

Club Presented With Prestigious Gold Flag Award For Third Consecutive Year, Named “2025 Golf Membership Team Of The Year”

Ajman, United Arab Emirates (June 9, 2026) – Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman, the UAE received the prestigious Gold Flag Award (for the third consecutive year) and was named 2025 Golf Membership Team of the Year at the 59club Middle East & Africa Service Excellence Awards, recognizing the club's commitment to exceptional facilities and outstanding customer service.

The Gold Flag Award is an international benchmark of excellence presented to golf and resort properties that deliver exceptional facilities and the highest standards of customer service. In addition to the Gold Flag Award, Al Zorah was recognized with the Golf Membership Team of the Year award, which celebrates excellence in membership sales, service delivery, member engagement, and commercial performance, further cementing Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club’s position among the leading golf and lifestyle destinations in the region. Special recognition was also given to Al Zorah’s Membership and Marketing Coordinator Charlyn Alunday, whose dedication and professionalism have played an important role in the club’s continued success.

Part of the club’s continued success has come through ongoing membership and service-focused training across the team, with emphasis placed on delivering more personalised member interactions, tailored membership presentations, proactive follow-up communication, and a greater understanding of the club’s evolving lifestyle offering. This approach has helped create a more engaging and consultative experience for both existing and prospective members. One example of Al Zorah’s creative membership options is The 100 Club – an exclusive seven-day membership offering golfers unrivalled premium access to the golf and lifestyle experience at one of the UAE’s leading destinations.

“We are immensely proud to receive this recognition from 59club,” said Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club General Manager Philip Henderson. “These awards are a testament to the passion, professionalism, and commitment of our entire team, who consistently strive to deliver an exceptional experience for our members and guests. Special congratulations to Charlyn Alunday for her deserved recognition and contribution to our success.”

Founded in 2008 by Simon Wordsworth, 59club has grown into a global leader in performance management, supporting over 1200 Golf & Leisure Clubs, Spa’s, Hotels, Retail establishments and F&B outlets worldwide. 59club annually recognizes service excellence at a Global Awards Ceremony, bringing together regional champions to reveal the prestigious Signature Collection, Global Managers of the Year, and those venues and leaders that achieve Eminent Collection status. 59club’s 2026 Global Awards Ceremony will take place November 23-25 in Vilamoura, Portugal.

This latest recognition for Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club follows a landmark period for the club, including being named recipient of the 2025 Golf Inc. Best New Public Clubhouse Award, alongside the successful launch of the club’s highly regarded 100 Club Membership Program, which has further elevated Al Zorah’s membership offering and market presence.

Clinton Norris, Director of Sales & Marketing at Troon International, added, “Recognition through 59club is especially meaningful as it is driven by performance, service standards, and customer experience. Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club continues to demonstrate leadership within the Middle East golf market, and this award is further proof of the outstanding momentum the club has created through its people, product, and progressive membership strategy.”

Managed by Troon International, Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club continues to build on its reputation as one of the Middle East’s most exciting golf destinations, combining championship golf, premium lifestyle amenities, and world-class hospitality.

For more information about the 59Club, visit www.59clubuk.com.

Champion Hills Earns Place Among America's Top 200 Modern Golf Courses in Golfweek Ranking

(HENDERSONVILLE, N.C.) — Champion Hills, an acclaimed Tom Fazio-designed private club nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, is No. 153 on Golfweek's list of America's Top 200 Modern Golf Courses, a ranking that evaluates the nation's best public and private courses built since 1960.

The honor places Champion Hills among the nation's most highly regarded layouts, further reinforcing the club's reputation as one of America’s premier mountain communities.

The recognition follows another Golfweek accolade, as Champion Hills was ranked No. 47 on the publication's list of America's Top 200 Residential Golf Courses.

"Being recognized among America's top modern golf courses is an honor that speaks to the appeal of Tom Fazio's design and the experience Champion Hills strives to provide every day," said Ellen Perkins, General Manager of Champion Hills. "This ranking helps reinforce what our members appreciate most - an outstanding golf course set against one of the most beautiful backdrops in the country."

Champion Hills has earned widespread acclaim for its seamless integration with the natural mountain landscape. Widely regarded as one of Fazio's finest designs, the course features dramatic elevation changes, sweeping mountain vistas, and a routing that takes full advantage of nature’s gifts.

Golfweek's Top 200 Modern Courses ranking is compiled by a panel of course raters who evaluate layouts based on design quality, memorability, conditioning, variety, and overall playing experience. 

Located just minutes from downtown Hendersonville, Champion Hills combines nationally recognized golf with a vibrant community featuring hiking trails, racquet sports, fitness amenities, dining, and a welcoming membership culture.

As Champion Hills continues to earn national recognition, the club remains committed to delivering an exceptional experience that matches the quality of Fazio’s design.

At Champion Hills, exceptional golf is just the beginning. For more information visit www.ChampionHills.com or call (828) 696-1962.

Space, Style and Silence, with BIG MAX

The standout feature of the new Dri Lite Silencio 3 from BIG MAX is the 14-way silent top that secures each club individually, preventing rattling as it travels the fairways on a golf cart or push cart. But with so many other premium features on show, this silent innovation is set to make a big noise in golf shops this summer.

Constructed from premium materials including BIG MAX’s Soft Guard PU, the Dri Lite Silencio 3 features waterproof zippers, two seam sealed valuables pockets, and waterproof fabric throughout to keep your gear dry in any weather. This weatherproof and washable finish combines with elegant styling to deliver a premium feel, refined look, and excellent durability.

The organization of the silent top, that includes a dedicated oversize putter well, follows through to the 11 easy access pockets that are optimized for organization. This attention to detail makes the Silencio 3 ideal for golfers who want every item close at hand and neatly stored.

However you choose to navigate the course, the Dri Lite Silencio 3 has you covered with a dedicated trolley channel for push and electric trolleys, as well as a separate cart strap channel for golf carts. Both systems are designed to keep the bag securely in place, preventing twisting or slipping while maintaining full access to all pockets

And dig a little deeper into the detail and you will find smart upgrades on previous models that include a newly designed zinc towel hook with integrated bottle opener, a second hook for added versatility, a dedicated umbrella holder, and an external tee holder. 

Packed with features designed by golfers, with golfers in mind, the Dri Lite Silencio 3 excels for its practicality on course. Add in elegant styling and premium materials and it stands out from most bags on the market. But finish it off with that one commodity that is often hard to find in the modern world – silence – and this innovative bag from BIG MAX is set to quietly change the game this summer. 

For more information visit https://us.bigmaxgolf.com 

Escalante Golf Completes Multi-Year Agronomic Improvement Project at Houston’s Shadow Hawk Golf Club

(FORT WORTH, Texas) – Escalante Golf – a boutique owner and operator of luxury golf properties across 17 states – has completed a multi-year agronomic renovation at Shadow Hawk Golf Club.

One of Houston’s most exclusive private golf retreats, Shadow Hawk was designed by renowned architect Rees Jones and recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The 2024-25 renovation project involved a comprehensive re-grassing and renovation of the club’s 18-hole course and practice facilities.

In 2024, all tee boxes were converted to Stadium Zoysia grass. The following season, teeing areas were further enhanced through an aggressive program that included aerification, sand topdressing and improved fertility practices.

Simultaneously, attention turned to the course’s other playing surfaces. All collars and approaches were sodded, and fairways were sprigged with TifTuff Bermudagrass. The variety is known for its fine texture, superior density, excellent seasonal color retention, high traffic tolerance and exceptional drought resistance with quick recovery. It is currently used at top Texas clubs like Colonial and Shady Oaks, as well as Georgia’s Ohoopee Match Club and South Carolina’s Old Barnwell.

TifEagle Bermudagrass was selected for the putting surfaces due to its proven performance at the ultra-low mowing heights required for championship-quality greens. It also offers excellent durability, rapid recovery from mechanical stress such as aerification and rolling, rich color, and strong resistance to cold, drought and disease.

“With this renovation, we’ve honored the original vision of Shadow Hawk while making the necessary investments to ensure the course presents a premium playing experience for decades to come,” said Mike Shoelen, General Manager, Shadow Hawk Golf Club. “Combined with our limited membership and commitment to exceptional conditions, this positions Shadow Hawk as one of the most distinctive and private golf experiences not just in Houston but in the state of Texas.”

Construction was led by Golf Sculptors International, with architectural oversight from the Rees Jones design firm. Architect Greg Muirhead, who was onsite for the Jones team during the course’s initial construction, returned to restore and refine green contours, slopes and surrounding features, aligning them with Jones’ original design intent.

Following favorable growing conditions throughout 2025 and a warmer-than-average Houston winter, the newly established turf has quickly matured, creating prime conditions for the 2026 season.

From its earliest days, Shadow Hawk has attracted an influential membership beginning with its first member, President George H. W. Bush. Today, it counts many of Houston’s most prominent business and civic leaders among its members. The club also maintains one of the lowest membership caps in the Houston area, preserving a highly personalized and private experience.

Located about 25 miles southwest of downtown, Shadow Hawk enjoys a proud legacy of hosting significant state and national championships, including the 2005 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and 2011 U.S. Mid-Amateur.

Meadows Golf Club in Sarasota, Fla., is Opening Its Doors as a 36-hole Public Golf Destination

(SARASOTA, FL)  — Meadows Golf Club, formerly The Meadows Country Club, is scheduled to open as a 36-hole public golf destination within The Meadows, one of Sarasota’s most prominent lifestyle communities on Friday, June 19. Now welcoming golfers from across the region and beyond, the Golf Club operates under a long-term lease by an affiliate of Benderson Development and is managed by Arnold Palmer Golf Management (APGM).

The Meadows Course is the first of two courses to open for public play, marking a significant milestone for the club and the broader Sarasota golf community. Previously reserved for private club members, the Meadows Course is now accessible to residents, visiting guests, and golf enthusiasts alike. The Groves Course, designed by acclaimed architect Arthur Hills, rounds out the 36-hole offering and is scheduled to reopen as course restoration milestones are met.

Arnold Palmer Golf Management, known for operating Walt Disney World Golf courses among other premier golf operations nationwide, brings a proven commitment to excellence in golf management and guest experience.

“Being selected to manage Meadows Golf Club is truly an honor,” said Doug Howe, Partner & COO, Century Golf Partners/Arnold Palmer Golf Management. “This is a golf club with tremendous potential, and we look forward to restoring it to a level of quality that the Sarasota community and its golfers will enjoy. Our goal is to make every round here a memorable one.”

Meadows Golf Club will also be launching the first of several Junior Golf Summer Camp sessions this month led by LGPA and PGA Certified Professionals for children ages 6–15.