Branson (MO) Golf Celebrates Pointe Royale’s 40th Anniversary

Rich history marks golf club’s journey – from home to destination’s live entertainment performers to evolving modern venue

(BRANSON, MISSOURI) – Back when Pointe Royale Golf Village opened in 1986, superstar performers such as Andy Williams and Mickey Gilley called the community home and the golf club their own. Now, the gated, resort destination and semi-private venue welcomes owners and nightly-rental guests; to enjoy the club’s many amenities including 18-hole golf course, three pools (one indoor), Tiki Bar, fitness center, tennis/pickleball/basketball courts, Lake Taneycomo access, and lakeside hiking trail.

The championship golf course, The Grill restaurant, and vast banquet space are open to the public.  Pointe Royale has hosted John Daly, among other pros, and was the home course for stars such as Glen Campbell, Shoji Tabuchi, the Lennon Sisters, Jimmy Osmond, Charley Pride, and Johnny Lee.  Many Pointe Royale golfers revel in playing where the stars of yester-year played and the stars of today's Branson's stages still play. 

This 18-hole track is a true shot-makers’ course and is deemed by some as the most challenging par-70, 6400-yard course they've played due to multiple and significant elevation changes and eight water holes. The layout features lush bent grass greens, Bermuda grass surrounds and Zoysia collars and chipping areas.

Boasting over 430 1-to-4-bedroom condos open to nightly rental guests—many of which offer value-laden "Stay and Play" packages—Pointe Royale is a sought-after golf destination for vacationers and locals alike.  The individually owned condos participating in the Stay and Play package offering are listed on the website at pointeroyalegolf.net and the special rate is $59.99 for 18 holes of golf with cart.  Golf clubs are available for rent, too, for those seeking them.

Pointe Royale will offer several opportunities to celebrate its 40th anniversary throughout the remainder of the year.  There will be specials and discounts in The Grill restaurant for owners and guests, a community shared day, owner’s appreciation lunch, Thanksgiving feast, K.C. Chiefs viewing parties, and more.  Owners and guests will also still be able to participate in our standing events such as bingo, game nights, cards, yoga, water aerobics, pickleball, and Bible studies.  Come eat, play, and stay at Pointe Royale in Branson, MO, as the club looks forward to being one of Branson’s iconic golf places for another 40 years.

For those wishing to pair rounds at Pointe Royale with other courses, the destination's 12-course lineup includes:
- Ozarks National (18 holes)
- Buffalo Ridge (18)
- Payne's Valley (18)
- Branson Hills (18)
- LedgeStone (18)
- The Pointe (18)
- Thousand Hills (18)
- Holiday Hills (18)
- Mountain Top (13 holes, par 3)
- Top of the Rock (9 holes, par 3)
- Cliffhangers (18 holes, par 3)
- Top of the Rock (putting course)

All 12 destination courses are located near dozens of restaurants, scores of lodging options, and a plethora of after-golf things to see and do. Branson regularly garners top-rated tourism destination status in America from Trip Advisor.

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

Michael Block’s Ally Challenge Finish Boosts His 2027 PGA TOUR Champions Chances

Michael Block’s third-place finish at the 2026 Ally Challenge could be a major turning point as he tries to secure PGA TOUR Champions status for 2027.

Block earned $132,000 for his T3 at Warwick Hills, pushing his credited 2026 earnings to roughly $261,000. That would currently put him around No. 53 on the Charles Schwab Cup money list, well inside the top 72 players who qualify for the playoffs.

But top 72 does not mean full status for 2027.

Block’s immediate goal is to finish inside the top 72 when the regular season ends and qualify for the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs. From there, the real opportunity begins.

The playoff structure is:
- Top 72: Qualify for the first playoff event
- Top 54: Advance to the second playoff event
- Top 36: Earn fully exempt status for the following season

That means Block ultimately needs to finish inside the top 36 after the second playoff event to lock up full PGA TOUR Champions status for 2027.

His recent run has put him in a strong position. Block finished T5 at the Rogers Charity Classic immediately before the Ally Challenge, then followed it with a T3. Those two finishes produced roughly $229,500 in earnings.

The exact money-list cutoff will continue to move as the season progresses, so there isn't a specific dollar amount that guarantees Block 2027 status.

The bottom line: Block hasn't secured his 2027 card yet, but the Ally Challenge dramatically improved his position. If he can maintain his recent form and make the playoffs, he has a legitimate chance to earn full-time PGA TOUR Champions status for 2027.

Zinkand Golf Design and Weiman Golf Design to Restore A.W. Tillinghast Gem at Hempstead Golf & Country Club

Multi-Year Project Will Celebrate Club’s Enviable Setting on Long Island’s Hempstead Plains While Honoring Enduring Golden Age Design Principles

(CHARLOTTE, N.C.) – Zinkand Golf Design (ZGD) – led by golf course architect David Zinkand and drawing upon more than 25 years of experience designing, managing and shaping projects in the field – has been selected in partnership with Joel Weiman of Weiman Golf Design to restore New York’s Hempstead Golf & Country Club.

The comprehensive multi-year master plan will highlight the 100-year-old handiwork of famed “Golden Age” golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast and accentuate the club’s alluring location on Long Island’s Hempstead Plains.

Zinkand and Weiman are working together for the first time, though they have been close friends since rooming together while studying landscape architecture at Cornell University. Their subsequent 30-year design careers have taken differing paths, and these varied experiences are providing Hempstead with an exciting collaborative skillset.

Master planning has begun, with a large-scale bunker renovation set for 2028-29. Additional course improvements will continue through 2033. Although the brief originated with the need to replace Hempstead’s aging bunkers, it quickly evolved into a broader restoration focused on revealing the course’s strategic principles, visual character and unique setting.

“Hempstead presents a rare opportunity to restore both an exceptional Tillinghast golf course and the remarkable landscape that shaped it,” said Zinkand. “Our goal is to connect those two stories in a way that feels authentic to the club’s history and serves generations of members to come.”

Adds Weiman: “The master plan strengthens the course’s natural flow by capitalizing on Hempstead’s compact footprint and reinforcing the distinction between its spacious outward nine and more intimate inward journey. Expanded sightlines from the clubhouse will immediately draw golfers deeper into the property, while the routing creates ideal opportunities to restore classic Tillinghast features.”

Highlights of the aforementioned features include a dramatic Great Hazard on the 13th hole that will be repositioned to challenge today’s golfer yet remain faithful to its Golden Age origins. Holes 16 through 18 will also be enhanced to create a compelling sequence of risk-and-reward decisions that bring the playing experience to a rousing crescendo.

Equally important will be reestablishing the course’s sense of place. Prior to its mid-20th century development, the 60,000-acre Hempstead Plains formed one of North America’s rarest tallgrass prairie ecosystems. A century ago, it became home to several of Long Island’s most influential golf courses because of its sandy soil and rolling terrain. Architecture enthusiasts have long viewed the region, home to neighboring classics like Garden City Golf Club, as a birthplace of strategic American golf course design.

Ultimately, the work will leverage a visual and strategic tension: the deliberate juxtaposition of golden-age history and striking naturalism built on the Plains ecosystem. Players will experience a captivating contrast where clean, formal and deeply traditional Tillinghast design features – such as crisp, sharply-defined green complexes and geometric hazards – meet the untamed edges of the restored Hempstead Plains prairie.

“The masterplan creates an exciting balance between preserving our architectural heritage and preparing Hempstead for its next 100 years,” said Steven Perkowski, superintendent at Hempstead Golf & Country Club. “David and Joel have embraced the property’s history and recognized the unique opportunity presented by the Hempstead Plains. Their vision respects what members cherish about the course while introducing improvements that will strengthen both playability and long-term stewardship.”

For more information about Zinkand Golf Design, visit zinkandgolfdesign.com or follow @zinkandgolfdesign on Instagram.

Colorado Golf Association and Colorado Golf Foundation Invest Nearly $120,000 to Expand Golf Opportunities for More Than 39,000 Young Coloradans

Grant program supports youth caddie programs, junior player development and community partnerships working to grow the game across Colorado

(GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo.) – The Colorado Golf Association (CGA) and the Colorado Golf Foundation (CGF) have awarded $119,750 in grants to programs and organizations that are expected to positively impact more than 39,000 young people throughout Colorado in 2026. The annual investment reflects their ongoing commitment to making golf more accessible while creating opportunities that extend well beyond the golf course.

The grants support a diverse network of organizations dedicated to youth development, player education, caddie programs and community engagement, helping introduce new participants to golf while fostering leadership, confidence and lifelong connections to the game.

"Golf has the power to positively influence lives far beyond the fairways," said Ed Mate, CEO of the Colorado Golf Association. "Through our grantmaking program, we're proud to invest in organizations that are creating opportunities for young people to learn valuable life skills, build confidence and discover all that this game can offer."

More than two-thirds of this year's grant funding, $83,250, was awarded to community organizations throughout Colorado, while the remaining $36,500 supports CGA programs that directly serve junior golfers and youth caddies. Collectively, the grants are projected to reach more than 39,000 participants, demonstrating meaningful statewide impact through strategic partnerships.

Among the organizations and initiatives receiving support in 2026 are:
●CGA Caddie Summit Club Grants, which strengthen youth caddie programs and create additional opportunities for young people to develop leadership, work ethic and life skills through caddying.
● CGA Junior Player Development, expanding opportunities for aspiring competitive golfers through instruction, player development and tournament preparation.
● First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains, First Tee – Green Valley Ranch, First Tee Southern Colorado and First Tee Four Corners, which use golf as a vehicle to teach character, resilience and personal growth while introducing thousands of young people to the game.
● Colorado PGA REACH, whose programs make golf more accessible while positively impacting youth, military veterans and diverse communities.
● Gold Crown Foundation, which provides sports-based youth development programming that encourages healthy lifestyles, leadership and academic success.
● Pikes Peak Golf Links, which expands access to golf and youth programming in southern Colorado.
● Sapphire Golf Tour Junior Clinic, introducing young golfers from diverse backgrounds to the game through instructional clinics and community engagement.

The investments reflect a commitment to ensuring golf welcomes participants from every background. Among the projected youth served through this year's grants, 37% are girls, nearly half are under the age of 12 and the programs collectively reach communities representing a broad range of racial and ethnic backgrounds across Colorado.

Community partnerships continue to represent the largest area of impact, accounting for approximately 65% of all youth served through its grantmaking efforts in 2026.

"Every grant represents an investment in the future of golf and, more importantly, in the future of Colorado's young people," added Mate. "Whether a child picks up a golf club for the first time, develops into a competitive player or discovers new opportunities through caddying, these partnerships help ensure golf remains a game that changes lives for generations to come."

For more information about CGA and CGF charitable programs, visit coloradogolf.org.

New Hanse-Designed Destination Club Planned for Ann Arbor Area

Plans are under way for a new, high-priced golf course near Ann Arbor, Michigan, that could open in as little as two years.

Site plans for a new destination Gil Hanse-designed golf course on more than 300 acres have been submitted in Lodi Township, Michigan.

According to published reports, the property is located on 13 parcels covering a total of 333 acres and is owned by real estate developer Wayne Jones and his son-in-law Scott Kovanda, both of Ann Arbor.

The site is reported to be set on rolling terrain that will require minimal land movement for construction of a golf course, according to the site plan.

Plans call for the Frontier to be a destination club, with a national membership. The Frontier Club project, according to reports, is expected to cost $32 million, including all buildings and the golf course. Construction on the project could begin later this year with a projected grand opening in 2028.

Hanse has completed more than 30 original designs across the U.S. and abroad. Among Hanse’s original designs are Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, Pennsylvania; Apogee in Hobe Sound, Florida; and the Black Course at Streamsong Resort in Bowling Green, Florida. He also has completed 50-plus restoration and renovations that include projects such as Oakmont in Pennsylvania, Baltusrol (New Jersey), Oakland Hills (Michigan), and Lake Merced, Olympic and Los Angeles Country Club, all in California.

Escalante Golf Announces Construction of New Luxury Homes at Black Diamond Ranch

Four Turnkey Residences Debut in Crosswater Village Highlighting Company’s  Continued Investment in One of Florida’s Premier Private Club Communities

(FORT WORTH, Texas) – Escalante Golf – a boutique owner and operator of luxury golf properties across 17 states – announces a limited release of four newly constructed luxury residences at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida.

The turnkey homes are located in the Club’s Crosswater Village and part of a highly selective residential release rather than a broad new construction initiative. The release will feature one each of three home designs – The Cypress, The Longleaf and The Magnolia – with a fourth design currently in development. All homes are in construction or pre-construction phases and expected to be move-in ready by Spring 2027.

Priced from approximately $1.4 million to $1.5 million, the residences are designed to provide buyers with the benefits of new construction without the time, uncertainty and complexity typically associated with a fully custom build.

“This release is about creating an even deeper connection to the Black Diamond Ranch lifestyle,” said David McDonald, President & Partner at Escalante Golf. “Crosswater Village places residents within walking distance of the clubhouse and directly alongside two of Tom Fazio’s golf courses, allowing them to immerse themselves in the game and the club experience every day. As we continue investing in Black Diamond Ranch, including the recent transformation of the Ranch Course, these homes represent an opportunity to become part of a vibrant golf community at a particularly exciting moment in its evolution.”

The homes occupy one of the most desirable settings within the Club. Residents will be near dining venues, practice facilities and member amenities, making it possible to enjoy the full club experience without relying on a car or golf cart. Crosswater Village is uniquely positioned between the Highlands nine-hole course and a portion of the back nine of the recently renovated Ranch Course.

The release comes at a particularly significant moment for Black Diamond Ranch following the December 2024 reopening of the Ranch Course after an extensive renovation led by golf course architect Tripp Davis.

The renovation was part of a broader $15 million reinvestment across the property by Escalante Golf, including enhancements throughout the Club and the addition of new member accommodations. The project further strengthened Black Diamond Ranch’s reputation as one of the most distinctive golf destinations in the United States, with its 1,320 acres of rolling terrain and ancient oak hammocks. The reimagined Ranch Course now complements the Club’s celebrated Quarry Course – its dramatic limestone canyons and elevation changes make it one of the most recognized private golf experiences in America.

Designed and built in-house by Black Diamond Development, each residence reflects a timeless Florida architectural style centered on indoor-outdoor living. All homes feature three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms and will be delivered fully landscaped and move-in ready.

The Cypress offers an airy, open-concept layout centered around an expansive rear porch, with vaulted ceilings throughout the primary living spaces and study. The Longleaf embraces a classic Florida farmhouse aesthetic with a welcoming wraparound porch and separate screened outdoor living area. The Magnolia introduces a distinctive Mediterranean influence, featuring elegant exterior detailing and light-filled interiors designed for both entertaining and everyday living.

Across all three designs, homeowners will enjoy open-concept floor plans, vaulted ceilings, hardwood flooring, quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, porcelain bathroom tile, fireplaces, screened porches, generous windows and expansive outdoor living spaces that embrace year-round Florida living.

While each home is being delivered as a turnkey residence with furnishings, fixtures and finishes selected by the development’s design team, buyers may have the opportunity to personalize select elements – including lighting, tile, plumbing fixtures and appliances – depending on the stage of construction at the time of purchase.

Ownership at Black Diamond Ranch provides access to 49 holes of Tom Fazio golf – the nationally acclaimed Quarry Course, the newly renovated Ranch Course, the nine-hole Highlands course and the four-hole Diamond Dunes short course. Together, the four layouts offer a depth and variety of golf unavailable at any other private club in Florida.

Beyond golf, members enjoy elevated dining, an active social calendar and a welcoming club culture in a setting just minutes from Crystal River and the Gulf Coast.

For more information about the new luxury residences, please contact Laura Fincher: laura@blackdiamondranch.com / 352-492-0905.

For more information: visit www.escalantegolf.com or call 817-386-9721.

The Art of Playing Uphill: Champion Hills and the Case for Mountain Golf

(HENDERSONVILLE, N.C.) — Mountain golf offers a different kind of experience. Fairways rise and fall on Mother Nature's terms, shots are influenced by elevation, and cooler temperatures make even midsummer rounds a pleasure.

Only a small fraction of American golf courses is located in the mountains, and fewer still enjoy the spectacular setting of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina, where dramatic vistas and rolling terrain create an unforgettable golf experience.

The Elevation Advantage

Ask any golfer who's escaped to the mountains during the summer, and they'll tell you the difference is immediate. At elevation, temperatures often run 10 degrees cooler than courses at lower elevations, turning July and August into some of the year's best golfing months.

Most importantly, the terrain transforms the experience. Fairways tumble downhill before climbing toward elevated greens and uneven lies are often the norm.

Few courses embrace that landscape better than Champion Hills.

Widely regarded as Tom Fazio's "Mountain Masterpiece," Champion Hills follows the mountain's natural contours rather than fighting them. The result is a layout that feels as though it belongs to the landscape instead of simply occupying it.

Learning to Play the Mountains

"The topography makes the difference in the mountains," Champion Hills Head Golf Professional Nick Auten said. "Making the correct adjustments with club selection and around the greens is really important. Playing uphill, downhill and from uneven lies changes everything."

Golfers won't notice a dramatic increase in how far they hit the ball at Champion Hills' 2,500-foot elevation, but they will quickly learn how much slopes influence every shot.

Auten's advice is straightforward.

"My tip when you're playing uneven lies is to make sure your shoulders stay parallel to the ground," he said. "Whether the ball is above your feet or below your feet, your setup has to match the slope."

Mountain golf also rewards precision.

"The more accurate player is probably going to have a better score than someone who's simply a longer hitter," Auten said.

A Course Designed for the Mountains

Beautiful scenery alone doesn't guarantee an outstanding course.

"What separates the best mountain courses is the architecture," Auten said. "The terrain can either help you or limit you. It's about how the architect sees the land and uses it."

Few architects have done that better than Fazio.

Champion Hills consistently ranks among America’s premier private clubs because every hole embraces the mountain landscape without feeling forced.

"There are very tough tests and then opportunities to make birdies,” Auten said. “It's a great mixture, and a big part of what makes playing at Champion Hills so fun."

Auten cites the closing stretch, holes 15 through 18, as his favorite, while the par-3 ninth offers the course's most breathtaking view.

"It definitely has the best view on the golf course," he said of No. 9, which plays from an elevated tee box to a green that resides 125 feet below. "But honestly, every hole is unique."

More Than a Golf Course

Champion Hills offers more than exceptional golf. Located just south of Hendersonville, the club provides a year-round lifestyle centered on golf, tennis, pickleball, fitness, dining and an active social calendar.

Champion Hills captures everything that makes mountain golf special: dramatic elevation changes, unforgettable scenery and architecture that accentuates the virtues of the land. For golfers looking to escape the summer heat while enjoying one of the Southeast's finest private clubs, there's no better place to enjoy mountain golf than Champion Hills. 

For more information visit www.ChampionHills.com or call (828) 696-1962.

LIV Golf Begins Major Layoffs as Saudi Funding Ends, Launching LIV 2.0

LIV Golf is entering a dramatically different era.

After five years of billion-dollar backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the controversial golf league is moving toward a future without that financial support. The first major consequence of the transition is now becoming clear: LIV Golf is preparing to lay off a substantial majority of its workforce in the first week of September.

A LIV Golf source confirmed the layoffs to Yahoo Sports, saying the organization is scaling back its operations as it prepares for what officials are calling “LIV 2.0.”

“The funding commitment announced by PIF earlier this year will reach its conclusion,” the source said. “As a result, we are scaling back operations as we transition to the next chapter of LIV Golf and work toward making LIV 2.0 a reality.”

Employees affected by the layoffs were informed this week that their employment with what LIV is calling “LIV 1.0” will end in September.

The PIF announced in April that it would end its funding of LIV Golf following the conclusion of the 2026 season. LIV is now tasked with finding a new financial model to support the league's future, although there is no guarantee that sufficient funding will be secured.

What Will LIV Golf 2.0 Look Like?

LIV Golf has already outlined plans for a significantly smaller 2027 schedule. The proposed LIV Golf 2.0 season would feature 10 events, with five tournaments in the United States and five international events.

International markets could play an increasingly important role in LIV's future. The league has developed strong followings in countries such as South Africa and Australia, where LIV events have attracted six-figure crowds.

But replacing the enormous financial resources provided by the PIF will be one of LIV Golf's biggest challenges.

LIV's Saudi-backed model allowed the league to spend aggressively on player contracts, tournament purses, infrastructure, marketing and operations. Without that funding, the organization will have to operate on a much different scale.

LIV CEO Scott O'Neil has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the league's future during recent press conferences.

“This group has been under enormous pressure,” O'Neil said. “We don't often control our destiny, and we are trying to do and be the best kind and type of people and partners that we built our careers on, our reputations on and our character on.”

O'Neil added that the organization would continue doing the best it could with the resources available.

LIV Golf's Future Remains Uncertain

The transition from LIV 1.0 to LIV 2.0 is expected to take several months. While league officials remain optimistic about the future, the scale of the layoffs demonstrates just how significant the changes will be.

There have also been indications that some employees affected by the layoffs could eventually return if LIV's new business model takes shape.

For now, however, LIV Golf is facing a new reality. The Saudi-backed spending spree that defined the league's first five years is coming to an end, and the next version of LIV will have to prove that it can survive — and compete for golf's attention — with substantially fewer resources.

The 2026 season may have marked the end of LIV Golf as fans have known it. What comes next could determine whether LIV 2.0 becomes a sustainable professional golf league or the beginning of the end of one of the most disruptive experiments in modern golf.

2026 Tour Championship: Scottie Scheffler Leads 30-Player Field at East Lake

The 2026 Tour Championship returns to East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta this week, bringing the PGA Tour season to its conclusion with a $40 million purse and a $10 million prize awaiting the winner.

The event marks the 25th time the Tour Championship has been played at East Lake and the 20th consecutive year that the historic Atlanta club has hosted the FedEx Cup Playoffs finale.

For the second straight year, all 30 players in the field will begin the tournament at even par, eliminating the staggered starting scores used in previous seasons and giving every player an equal opportunity to win the FedEx Cup.

Scottie Scheffler Again Leads the FedEx Cup Field

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler arrives at East Lake as the FedEx Cup leader for the fifth consecutive year. The two-time major champion has once again put together a dominant regular season, leading the PGA Tour in several key statistical categories.

Scheffler leads the Tour in greens in regulation at 72.52%, top-10 finishes with 12, scoring average at 68.65 and official money with more than $20.9 million.

He also enters the Tour Championship with two victories in 2026. Scheffler won the FedEx St. Jude Championship before finishing tied for 12th at the BMW Championship.

With the starting-strokes format gone, Scheffler won't have an advantage on the scoreboard when the tournament begins. But his season-long consistency makes him an obvious favorite.

Wyndham Clark Brings Momentum to East Lake

Wyndham Clark could be Scheffler's biggest challenger after an impressive performance at the BMW Championship.

Clark won at Bellerive Country Club by three strokes, closing with birdies on each of his final three holes to secure his sixth PGA Tour victory and third win of the 2026 season.

He enters East Lake ranked No. 3 in the FedEx Cup standings and is the only player in the 30-man field to post top-10 finishes in both of the first two FedEx Cup Playoffs events.

That combination of recent form and confidence makes Clark one of the players to watch this week.

Rory McIlroy Continues East Lake Streak

Rory McIlroy is making his ninth consecutive Tour Championship appearance, the longest active streak on the PGA Tour.

The three-time FedEx Cup champion enters the finale ranked No. 11 after finishing third at the BMW Championship. McIlroy also leads the field with 30 career PGA Tour victories.

Given his history at East Lake and his success in the FedEx Cup, McIlroy will once again be one of the most closely watched players in Atlanta.

History Adds to the 2026 Tour Championship

This year's field also includes several notable milestones.

Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick become the first brothers to compete in the Tour Championship since Bobby and Lanny Wadkins in 1987. Meanwhile, 46-year-olds Justin Rose and Adam Scott represent the first time since 2009 that multiple players age 45 or older have qualified for the finale.

Six players will also make their Tour Championship debuts.

With a $10 million payday, a FedEx Cup title and plenty of history on the line, the 2026 Tour Championship promises to be a fitting finale to the PGA Tour season.

Seminole Legacy Golf Club Ranked Among Top Golf Courses In Florida by Golfweek

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – Seminole Legacy Golf Club in Tallahassee has been recognized by Golfweek as the No. 10 ranked golf course in Florida in the publication’s “Best Public-Access Courses in Every State” rankings. While still considered a member club, Seminole Legacy does allow non-member guest play, including Florida State University students and faculty as well as limited public tee times.

“We’re proud to be recognized as one of Florida’s top golf courses by Golfweek and their expert team of raters,” said Seminole Legacy Golf Club General Manager Jaxon Hardy. “This recognition reflects not just the golf course, but the experience and culture we’ve built here at Seminole Legacy.”

Golfweek’s team of more than 850 raters rate courses based on 10 criteria. An average of those overall ratings is calculated to create an annual score for each layout, allowing Golfweek’s Best to rank courses. The magazine then ranks the best classic and modern courses nationally as well as the top public and private courses in each state.

Seminole Legacy Golf Club, recognized as one of the ‘Top 30 Golf Courses’ in Florida by GOLF.com, underwent a $10 million renovation in 2020 led by the Nicklaus Design Company. The comprehensive redesign included a complete overhaul of the course, with only one hole remaining from the original layout. The updated course spans 174 acres, measures 7,800 yards, and features two practice ranges and a new 12-hole par-3 course for the university’s golf teams. Originally designed by Bill Amick and opened in 1962 as the Don Veller Seminole Golf Course, the club has long served as the home for Florida State University’s men’s and women’s golf teams. The 2020 renovation enhanced the facility’s reputation, making it a sought-after venue for prestigious tournaments such as the NCAA Regional.

“Golfweek’s Top 10 ranking affirms what so many in the Florida State community already know — Seminole Legacy Golf Club is one of the nation’s premier golf courses,” said Kyle Clark, FSU senior vice president for finance and administration. “This recognition reflects the university’s commitment to excellence, and the exceptional experience Seminole Legacy provides for our student-athletes, club members and the broader golf community.”

Troon Privé, the private club operations division of Troon, manages Seminole Legacy Golf Club. For information on Seminole Legacy, visit www.seminolelegacygolfclub.com.

SQAIRZ Footwear Delivers Measurable Performance Gains for 82% of Athletes in CURVE Sports Regional West Showcase Testing

Performance testing of 150 baseball athletes and more than 1,650 swings demonstrates gains in exit velocity, consistency and first-swing readiness

(WINDHAM, N.H.) — SQAIRZ, the performance footwear company built on the belief that better movement starts with a better foundation, today announced new performance data gathered during the CURVE Sports Regional West Showcase demonstrating measurable improvements in hitting performance when athletes switched from their personal footwear to SQAIRZ baseball footwear.

Across two days of testing, 150 athletes completed 1,655 recorded swings, establishing performance baselines in their own footwear before hitting in SQAIRZ. The results showed that 82% of the athletes tested improved either peak exit velocity, average exit velocity or both while wearing SQAIRZ.

Among the 123 athletes who demonstrated improvement, the results included:
- +1.59 mph average improvement in peak exit velocity
- +2.63 mph improvement in average exit velocity, a measure of swing-to-swing consistency
- 91% of the improved athletes increased their average exit velocity
- 81 athletes improved both peak and average exit velocity

Performance gains across developing, mid-range and high-power hitter groups

The testing also found that wearing SQAIRZ footwear improved the first swing and offered performance benefits across hitter profiles.

Athletes wearing SQAIRZ averaged 54 mph on their first swing, exceeding the group’s average final-swing performance in their personal footwear (when athletes typically increased their performance over several swings) and indicating that a stable foundation may help athletes access their power more consistently from the moment they step into the batter’s box.

28% of athletes recorded their maximum exit velocity on their first swing in SQAIRZ, compared with 14% in their personal footwear.

Among athletes who improved while wearing SQAIRZ, developing hitters with baseline exit velocities below 75 mph increased peak exit velocity by an average of 68 mph and average exit velocity by 2.74 mph; mid-range hitters between 75 and 85 mph improved peak exit velocity by 1.71 mph and average exit velocity by 2.76 mph; and even high-power hitters entering the test at 85 mph or greater improved peak exit velocity by an average of 1.05 mph and average exit velocity by 2.07 mph.

Individual performances were even more pronounced. The largest recorded increase in peak exit velocity was +7.0 mph, while the largest improvement in average exit velocity was +13.0 mph.

“A shoe shouldn’t be viewed as a fashion accessory. It should be viewed as a piece of performance equipment, just like a bat, glove or any other tool an athlete relies on to compete,” said Bob Winskowicz, Founder and CEO of SQAIRZ. “That belief is why we created what we believe is the first truly biomechanically engineered performance shoe platform. SQAIRZ designs footwear around how the human body actually moves, beginning with its connection to the ground. We’ve spent years studying that relationship, testing it with athletes and seeking scientific validation of what we see in the data. At every level of sports, athletes are searching for an edge. Sometimes that edge is sitting right underneath their feet.”

Where Athlete Development Meets Performance Innovation

CURVE Sports has built its athlete-development model around objective testing, trusted data and measurable progress, while SQAIRZ has spent years studying how an athlete’s connection to the ground can influence movement and performance. Together, the organizations are examining an often-overlooked variable in athletic performance: what athletes put on their feet.

“CURVE Sports exists to strengthen the foundation beneath baseball so clubs can focus on coaching and culture, athletes can develop more thoughtfully, and families can feel confident in the journey,” said Sandy Ogg, CEO of CURVE Sports. “What we saw at the Regional West Showcase is a great example of that philosophy in action. When you can take something athletes use every day, like their footwear, test it objectively and demonstrate measurable differences in performance, you give athletes and coaches information they can actually use. That is what makes our relationship with SQAIRZ so compelling. We share a belief that better development starts with better information, and that every part of the athlete’s performance system should be measured, understood and continually improved.”

The Regional West Showcase provided an opportunity to put that shared philosophy into practice. By measuring athletes in their existing footwear and then measuring the same athletes in SQAIRZ under the same event conditions, the organizations were able to examine footwear using the same objective, data-driven approach increasingly applied to bats, swing mechanics, exit velocity and other aspects of baseball performance.

CURVE measures how athletes perform. SQAIRZ improves the foundation they perform from. Together, the organizations are helping athletes find performance they may not have known was under their feet.

Proper Fit Reinforces the Connection to the Ground

The testing also produced an important insight into footwear fit.

During initial testing, 31 athletes were identified as wearing SQAIRZ footwear approximately one-half size too large. After those athletes were resized and retested, the group improved peak exit velocity by an average of 0.90 mph and average exit velocity by 0.80 mph compared with their initial SQAIRZ test.

The finding reinforces the importance of proper footwear fit in creating the secure connection between the athlete’s foot, shoe and ground necessary for efficient movement.

SQAIRZ footwear is engineered around a patented roomier toe-box geometry and performance platform designed to allow the toes to sit naturally while creating stability through the midfoot and heel. The resulting foundation is designed to promote balance, stability and more efficient ground-force transfer during athletic movement.

Rethinking Footwear as Performance Equipment

The CURVE Sports testing adds to a growing body of SQAIRZ performance research examining the relationship between footwear, ground interaction and athletic performance.

Rather than beginning primarily with aesthetics, cushioning or conventional footwear geometry, SQAIRZ designs its performance platform around human biomechanics and how an athlete interacts with the ground during movement.

That philosophy has driven years of product development, athlete testing and scientific evaluation across multiple sports.

“Baseball has become incredibly sophisticated about measuring the bat, the ball, launch angle, exit velocity and virtually every part of an athlete’s movement,” Winskowicz said. “Yet the athlete’s connection to the ground is still too often overlooked. Everything an athlete generates starts at the ground. Our job is to make that connection work harder for them.”

For more information, visit https://sqairz.com/

What Are the Three Worst Golf Courses in Each State (New Jersey)?

If you want to know whether a golf course is worth playing, the scorecard can only tell you so much. Sometimes the most revealing information comes from the golfers who have actually paid the green fee, played 18 holes and walked off the course with an opinion.

GolfPass is one of the better places to find that kind of feedback, with golfers rating courses on conditions, layout, value, pace of play, friendliness and amenities. Based on GolfPass ratings and the comments left by golfers, three New Jersey courses stand out for all the wrong reasons.

For this list, I excluded courses that are listed as closed and focused on courses with enough GolfPass reviews to provide a meaningful sample.

Wild Oaks

1. Wild Oaks Golf Course — Salem, New Jersey

GolfPass rating: 2.8 out of 5
Reviews: 39
Conditions: 2.1
Layout: 3.0
Value: 3.7
Pace: 4.3
Recommend: 69.2%

Wild Oaks Golf Course has the distinction of having the lowest overall GolfPass rating among the active New Jersey courses that surfaced in our review.

The biggest problem isn't the layout. It's the condition of the golf course.

GolfPass golfers give Wild Oaks just 2.1 out of 5 for conditions, by far the course's weakest category. The layout scores a more respectable 3.0, while value comes in at 3.7 and pace of play is actually one of the course's strengths at 4.3.

That tells an interesting story. Golfers don't necessarily hate the course itself. Instead, many of the complaints center on whether the course is being maintained to an acceptable standard.

And that is a common theme when golfers rate public courses: A decent layout can survive a few quirks, but poor conditioning can quickly ruin the experience.

Wild Oaks is an 18-hole public course in Quinton Township, and GolfPass describes the layout as a par-72 course stretching 6,726 yards.

Bottom line: If conditions are your No. 1 priority, GolfPass reviews suggest you may want to think twice before booking Wild Oaks.

Ash Brook

2. Ash Brook Golf Course — Scotch Plains, New Jersey

GolfPass rating: 2.7 out of 5
Reviews: 45
Conditions: 2.3
Value: 2.8
Layout: 3.5
Pace: 3.7
Amenities: 2.2
Recommend: 37.8%

Ash Brook might be the most interesting course on this list because golfers seem to agree that there is a playable layout underneath the problems.

GolfPass gives the Scotch Plains course a 3.5 rating for layout, significantly better than its 2.3 rating for conditions. But value is only 2.8 and amenities are a disappointing 2.2. Just 37.8% of reviewers recommend the course.

The reviews can be particularly harsh when golfers discuss course conditions.

One golfer complained that the fairways were difficult to recognize as fairways and that the tee boxes were badly chewed up. Another review described extensive mud throughout the course and questioned whether the price was justified by the condition.

But it's worth noting that not every golfer dislikes Ash Brook. Some reviews praise the greens and the layout, suggesting that conditions can vary considerably depending on when you play.

That may be an important distinction for golfers considering a tee time. A course can have a poor overall rating while still offering a worthwhile round when maintenance conditions are favorable.

Bottom line: Ash Brook appears to have a better golf course hiding underneath its conditioning problems.

Stonybrook

3. Stonybrook Golf Club — Hopewell, New Jersey

GolfPass rating: 3.0 out of 5
Reviews: 72
Conditions: 2.2
Layout: 2.7
Value: 3.6
Pace: 4.3
Recommend: 59.7%

Stonybrook Golf Club has a slightly better overall rating than Wild Oaks and Ash Brook, but its individual category scores reveal why it makes this list.

Golfers give the Hopewell course only 2.2 out of 5 for conditions and 2.7 for layout. On the other hand, friendliness scores 4.1 and pace of play is an impressive 4.3.

In other words, the people working at Stonybrook and the speed of the round aren't the problem.

The golf course itself is.

One GolfPass reviewer described a dramatic decline in conditions, citing crabgrass throughout the fairways, bumpy greens and a green that was essentially unputtable. Another reviewer said most holes had little grass and described the conditions as the worst they had experienced after playing hundreds of courses.

Stonybrook is also a different proposition from the other two courses. It's an executive-style, par-62 layout measuring only 3,514 yards, so golfers looking for a full-length championship test aren't coming here for the length.

Still, the course's strong ratings for friendliness and pace suggest there are things golfers like about the experience.

Bottom line: Stonybrook may be worth considering for a quick, shorter round, but GolfPass reviews indicate that course conditions are the major concern.

What Do These Three Courses Have in Common?

There's a clear pattern in the GolfPass numbers.

Conditions are the problem.

Wild Oaks scores 2.1 for conditions. Ash Brook scores 2.3. Stonybrook scores 2.2. All three are considerably lower in conditioning than they are in at least some other categories.

And that's an important lesson when evaluating golf-course reviews.

A low overall rating doesn't necessarily mean a course has a terrible layout. In fact, Ash Brook receives a 3.5 for layout, while Stonybrook gets a 3.6 for value. Golfers can appreciate parts of a course while still feeling that poor conditions make the overall experience disappointing.

It's also important to remember that GolfPass ratings are based on individual golfer experiences and can change over time. Weather, maintenance schedules, renovations and management changes can all have a significant impact on a public golf course.

So should you completely avoid these three New Jersey courses?

Not necessarily.

But if you're booking a round based on what fellow golfers have experienced, Wild Oaks, Ash Brook and Stonybrook deserve some extra research before you make that tee time.

And if you're especially particular about pristine fairways and greens, the GolfPass reviews suggest there are better options elsewhere in New Jersey.

Scotty Cameron Releases New Phantom 9.5R Mallet Putter

Newest addition to Phantom family builds on PGA TOUR-winning 9.5R modern mallet design

(CARLSBAD, Calif.) — Scotty Cameron adds to his family of tour-proven mallet designs with the new Phantom 9.5R model, building upon the success of one of the most popular Scotty Cameron putter setups this season on the PGA TOUR.

Last month, Jackson Koivun switched to a Phantom 9.5R the week before earning his first PGA TOUR victory, posting 25 under to win the 3M Open by three shots in just his third professional start. Cameron Young has captured each of his three PGA TOUR wins with his 9.5R gamer, including the 2026 PLAYERS Championship.

Since the first Phantom 9.5R prototypes landed on tour, they have continued to gain popularity with tour players due to their modern mallet design with rounded contours and “.5” jet neck configurations, which work in tandem to deliver stability and alignment with a blade-like feel.

The new 9.5R model features the 2026 Phantom family’s full-face Studio Carbon Steel inserts with chain-link milling, producing a player-preferred softer sound and feel. It shares the same head shape as the 2026 Phantom 9R and 9.2R but delivers more toe flow through the stroke than either model due to its elongated jet neck setup. For precise alignment on the greens, the new 9.5R leverages a long, single sightline that stretches the length of the putter head.

Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.5R putters are available for pre-sale today and will be landing in golf shops beginning September 30 (U.S. only). 

PHANTOM 9.5R ON TOUR

• Cameron Young was one of the first players to put a 9.5R prototype in play on the PGA TOUR, making the move at the 2025 RBC Heritage. In the months that followed, Young earned his first PGA TOUR win at the Wyndham Championship and delivered a breakout rookie Ryder Cup performance — highlighted by a clutch, 11-foot birdie putt to win his Sunday singles match.

With his 9.5R this year, Young won twice more (THE PLAYERS Championship, Cadillac Championship), posted two top-3 finishes at majors (T3 at the Masters, runner-up at the 154th Open) and ascended to a career-best OWGR ranking of No. 3.

“He’s always wanted to feel flow in the putter,” said Scotty Cameron Tour Rep Brad Cloke on Young's initial move to the 9.5R. “We’ve started in face-balanced mallets for him and we’ve kind of worked our way down to a point where he’s felt comfortable enough to feel the toe flow the way he wants it and get the release of the putter that he wants.”

Said Young: “I just felt like the middle of the face was more apparent to me with a little bit more [face] rotation and a little bit more release into the ball. I felt like I just struck it more in the middle, which kind of helped my speed, made it roll a little tighter... I feel like I've putted better and better as my mechanics keep improving and as I get more familiar with it.”

Finding the right alignment feature on his putter was also key for Young, who had previously been playing a Phantom 5.5 with no sightline. Young marks his Pro V1x Double Dot golf ball with a black line that he matches up with his putter for precise alignment on the greens.

“It’s just a really, really nice clean look,” he said on his 9.5R. “The long line helps with my alignment.”

• It wasn’t long before other players began testing — and finding success with — 9.5R models. Jackson Koivun captured his first professional victory at the 3M Open with his 9.5R gamer, having put it in play the week prior following a session with Scotty Cameron Tour Rep Drew Page. According to Page, it was clear that Koivun could benefit from more toe flow, and the first build they tested was the 9.5R. It checked all the boxes, immediately delivering more consistent start lines while giving Koivun (who had played a 9R model in college) a familiar visual.

"There was no reason to test any other models,” said Page.

In his next start, Koivun rolled in the 13-foot winning putt with his 9.5R to become a PGA TOUR champion for the first time.

“This was a familiar shape for me,” Koivun said. “The rounded edges are great. Just gives it a soft look that almost helps me line it up a little better, and then it just sits nicely on the ground.”

• The setup continues to earn its way into players’ bags at the game’s highest level:

- That list includes one of the PGA TOUR’s Top 70, who made the move to 9.5R two weeks ago for the first event of the FedExCup Playoffs.

- Earlier this summer at the Travelers Championship, the 2025 U.S. Open champion switched to a 9.5R (flow neck) setup.

- After seeing Cameron Young’s success on the greens, Justin Thomas asked to test his exact setup at the Truist Championship, eventually putting a backup putter initially made for Young in play for much of the 2026 season.

“What happens a lot on tour is players see a shape or they'll pull a someone’s putter, and they'll hit some putts with it, and then they'll take interest in it. And then that's kind of how stuff grows,” Cloke said.

- Phantom 9.5R’s influence has also stretched to the elite amateur game. The world’s current top-ranked amateur Preston Stout won the 2026 NCAA Division I Men’s Individual Championship earlier this year with his Phantom 9.5R, which has remained in the bag throughout his multiple PGA TOUR starts this summer.

PHANTOM 9.5R MODEL OVERVIEW

The Phantom 9R head shape is the next evolution of the Phantom 9 profile that debuted in 2024. The 9R (“R” denoting rounded) features softer, more rounded contours and edges compared to its predecessor. 

The new 9.5R configuration features a “.5” jet neck, which promotes more toe flow than the 9R or 9.2R models, and a single, long sightline for precise alignment over the ball.

Specs:

Neck style: Jet neck (.5)

Alignment: Single sightline

Grip: Full Contact

Loft: 3.5 degrees 

Lie: 70 degrees 

Stock lengths: 33”, 34”, 35” 

Dexterity: RH only

PHANTOM FAMILY OVERVIEW

Scotty Cameron’s 2026 Phantom mallet lineup comprises five tour-validated putter head shapes and 12 unique configurations, aimed at matching the widest range of putting strokes and player preferences. Every putter in the family is crafted and precision milled to deliver a softer sound while preserving feedback off the putter face.

Full 2026 Phantom lineup:

Phantom 3.2

Phantom 5, 5.2, 5.5, 5 OC

Phantom 7, 7.2, 7.5

Phantom 9R, 9.2R, 9.5

Phantom 12

AVAILABILITY 

New Scotty Cameron Phantom 9.5R putters are available for pre-sale now and will be in golf shops beginning September 30 (U.S. only). MAP: $549

Baylands Golf Links Recognized for Environmental Excellence

(Palo Alto, Calif.) – Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto has been recognized as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program.

Baylands Golf Links Superintendent Patrick Tuttle led the effort to obtain sanctuary designation on the property. Baylands is now one of over 900 courses in the world to hold the “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” honor. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, South America, and Asia have also achieved certification in the program.

“Earning Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification is a reflection of our team’s commitment to responsible golf course management and environmental stewardship,” said Tuttle, who has been Baylands golf course superintendent since March 2024. “We’ve focused on enhancing wildlife habitat, protecting water quality, implementing sustainable maintenance practices, and creating a golf course that delivers exceptional playing conditions while preserving the unique natural environment that surrounds us. We’re honored to receive this recognition and remain committed to building on these efforts, ensuring Baylands Golf Links continues to provide an exceptional experience for our golfers while making a positive impact on our community and the local ecosystem.”

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat and protect natural resources. To reach certification, a course must demonstrate that they are maintaining a high degree of environmental quality in a number of areas including: Environmental Planning, Wildlife & Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, and Water Quality Management. Highlights of Baylands Golf Links’ conservation efforts include:
- Producing beneficial green spaces
- Promoting and protecting quality wildlife habitat
- Conducting maintenance practices responsibly
- Ensuring surface water is protected from pollutants

“Baylands Golf Links has shown a strong commitment to its environmental program. They are to be commended for their efforts to provide a sanctuary for wildlife on the golf course property,” said Ken Benoit, CEO at Audubon International.

Baylands Golf Links is professionally managed by Indigo Sports, a Troon company. For more information on Baylands Golf Links, visit www.baylandsgolflinks.com.

Troon Selected to Manage Achasta Golf Club in Georgia

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce it has been selected to manage Achasta Golf Club, a semi-private club in Dahlonega, Georgia. Achasta Golf Club was recently purchased by Legacy Golf Properties, a Kerrville, Texas-based ownership group. Troon will assist with managing club operations, agronomy, retail, food and beverage, as well as sales and marketing for Legacy Golf Properties.

Located an hour north of Atlanta, Achasta Golf Club features an 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus Signature design golf course that plays 6,900 yards and to a par of 72. The course is nestled in the North Georgia Mountains and winds around the beautiful Chestatee River. Open since 2000, Achasta has hosted qualifiers for the PGA TOUR’s AT&T Classic and Bell South Classic Open as well as the U.S. Open. An expansive practice facility with a driving range and practice putting green are available for members and guests to enjoy.

“Achasta is breathtaking – nestled in a valley and completely embraced by the mountains of Dahlonega, Georgia, one of the state's top-rated tourist destinations,” said Troon Vice President of Operations Dana Schultz. “We're thrilled to partner with the new ownership team and take the experience to a whole new level for members and guests."

The 10,500 sq. ft. clubhouse is home to The Achasta Grille, a full-service restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the club’s event space that is capable of hosting weddings and events of up to 250 guests. In addition to golf, Achasta Golf Club members enjoy amenities such as two tennis courts, six pickleball courts, and a resort-style pool.

For tee times and more information on Achasta Golf Club, visit www.achasta.com/dahlonega-ga-golf.

Ghost Golf Reaper SL by Payntr Golf Unboxing | Performance Meets Style

In this unboxing, Rob Thomas of American Golfer takes a first look at the new Ghost Golf Reaper SL by Payntr Golf — a collaboration that combines Payntr's performance-focused golf footwear technology with Ghost Golf's bold, modern style.

The Reaper SL definitely doesn't look like a traditional golf shoe. From the sleek design and Ghost Golf-inspired colorways to the performance-focused construction, this shoe is designed for golfers who want comfort, stability, traction and style.

In this unboxing, Rob takes a closer look at:

Ghost Golf × Payntr collaboration

Reaper SL design and styling

Microfiber upper

Waterproof protection and breathability

Autoprene tongue

Cushioned midsole with energy return

OrthoLite footbed

Spikeless traction technology

Available colorways

Performance and comfort features

The big question now: How does the Reaper SL perform over 18 holes?

Rob is taking these shoes to the course this week, so stay tuned for a full on-course look and more thoughts after putting the Reaper SL through its paces.

What do you think of the Ghost Golf Reaper SL by Payntr Golf? Let us know in the comments!

#GhostGolf #PayntrGolf #ReaperSL #GolfShoes #GolfUnboxing #GolfGear #GolfEquipment #AmericanGolfer #GolfFashion #GolfTechnology

La Réserve Golf Links Earns Important Place Among World’s Most Beautiful Courses in Inaugural X Factor Ranking

Indian Ocean’s first and only contemporary links layout adds to its growing list of global accolades, celebrated for its jaw-dropping aesthetics and pure golfing drama

(Bel Ombre, Mauritius) – La Réserve Golf Links, at Heritage Resorts & Golf in Mauritius, has secured further international recognition, adding to its growing list of honors, by earning a place in Golf World’s inaugural Top 100 World X Factor Courses.

This latest accolade further reinforces La Réserve Golf Links’ position as the #1 golf course in the Indian Ocean and celebrates the layout among a curated selection of the planet’s most visually spectacular and thrilling golf courses.

Designed to honour courses defined by jaw-dropping aesthetics and dramatic landscapes, the X Factor ranking highlights layouts that prioritise pure golfing drama over traditional architectural subtlety.

Unfolding across a dramatic split-level hillside landscape alongside a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, La Réserve Golf Links delivers an exhilarating setting where every hole offers sweeping Indian Ocean views, far-reaching vistas over tropical bays, elevated tees, and infinity greens set against the horizon.

Highlighting the course’s breathtaking design, Chris Bertram, Top 100 Courses and Resorts Editor at Golf World, described La Réserve Golf Links as a: “Split-level hillside course where the holes on the top tier offer a succession of varied scenes – elevated tees and infinity greens – with the Indian Ocean background the common theme.”

Co-designed by acclaimed course architect Peter Matkovich and Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen, La Réserve Golf Links was inspired by the wild open spaces of traditional seaside links. A two-time host of the DP World Tour’s AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, the layout plays hand-in-hand with nature, transforming former sugarcane fields into rich, rolling grasslands that deliver world-class championship golf in an unrivalled tropical setting.

“To have La Réserve Golf Links recognised in this inaugural global X Factor ranking is a proud moment for our entire team and for Mauritius,” said Raoul Maurel, Chief Operations Officer of Heritage Resorts & Golf. “This list celebrates courses that deliver an unforgettable thrill and jaw-dropping aesthetics. From our elevated tees to the sweeping Indian Ocean backdrop, La Réserve Golf Links was crafted from day one to offer an exhilarating experience of pure golfing drama.

“This recognition is a testament to the ambitious vision of our team and further cements Mauritius, and the Bel Ombre estate, as a must-visit destination for discerning golfers worldwide.”

Earning its place at #89 in the inaugural global X Factor list, this latest distinction builds upon a wider story of international acclaim for the layout. The course was also recently ranked 28th in Golfweek’s Top 100 International Courses (outside the US) for 2026.

Together with the critically acclaimed Le Château Golf Course, La Réserve Golf Links forms a 45-hole championship offering within the 2,500-hectare Bel Ombre estate. Paired with the luxury of Heritage Le Telfair, Heritage Awali, and Heritage The Villas, Heritage Resorts & Golf retains its elite status as a World Top 25 Golf Resort where championship courses, heartfelt hospitality, and immersive experiences come together in perfect harmony.

Why It’s Worth Your Time to Visit

For golfers seeking more than simply a great round, La Réserve Golf Links offers an experience that is difficult to match. The combination of world-class golf, dramatic Indian Ocean scenery and Mauritius’ natural beauty makes every hole memorable, while the Bel Ombre setting provides an ideal base for a luxury golf getaway. With two championship courses, exceptional resorts and a wealth of activities beyond the fairways, La Réserve Golf Links is a destination where the quality of the golf is matched by the overall experience.

Miyu Yamashita Claims CPKC Women’s Open Title With Commanding Victory

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.) – Srixon staffer Miyu Yamashita captured the CPKC Women’s Open at Royal Mayfair Golf Club, securing a dominant victory and her second LPGA Tour title of the 2026 season.

Yamashita set the tone from the opening round, firing a tournament-record 8-under 62 to take the early lead. She followed with rounds of 64 and 65 to build a commanding six-shot advantage heading into Sunday’s final round. Her three-round total of 19-under 191 established a tournament record for 54 holes. Shooting a final-round 4-under 66 to finish at 23-under 257, tying the LPGA’s 72-hole scoring record.

Throughout the week at Royal Mayfair, Yamashita showcased the consistency, precision and shot-making that have become a marker of her game. Her commanding performance allowed her to remain atop the leaderboard from start to finish. The victory continues an impressive run for Yamashita, who earned her first LPGA Tour win of the season at the Meijer LPGA Classic in June.

Take a look inside Miyu Yamashita's winning set up:
- Srixon ZXi 9° Driver
- Srixon ZX Mk II (3, 5) Fairway Wood
- Srixon ZX Mk II (4, 5) Hybrid
- Srixon ZXi5 Irons (6i)
- Srixon ZXi7 Irons (7i-PW)
- Cleveland Golf RTZ Wedge (48°, 52°, 58°)
- Srixon Z-STAR XV Golf Ball

To explore Yamashita’s winning bag, visit us.dunlopsports.com/srixon.

LIV Golfer Harold Varner III Asked to Leave Indiana Golf Club After Sixsome Dispute

LIV Golf's Harold Varner III was asked to leave an Indiana golf course earlier this week after he and five other golfers allegedly violated the club's rules by playing as a sixsome.

Varner was in Indiana for LIV Golf Indianapolis and had a tee time Tuesday at Bear Slide Golf Club in Cicero. According to a statement posted by the club on social media, Varner had reserved a tee time for four golfers but arrived about 30 minutes late with a group of six.

Bear Slide said it accommodated the group but instructed the golfers to split into two threesomes. The group reportedly asked multiple times if they could play together as a sixsome and was told that groups of that size were not permitted.

According to the club, Varner asked the pro shop three separate times for permission to play as a sixsome and was told no, particularly because other golfers were playing behind them.

The six golfers initially teed off as two separate groups and continued that way through the first three holes. However, Bear Slide said the groups joined together on the fourth hole, a par 3 away from the clubhouse.

One member of the group reportedly told staff they had joined together only to watch the group ahead of them tee off. The club disputed that explanation.

"Our staff watched all 6 tee off and putt out together," Bear Slide said in its statement.

After the fourth hole, course officials informed the golfers that they needed to leave the property. The club said the golfers were given refunds for their tee time and denied claims that its staff told the group to "Get the hell off the course."

Bear Slide also said there were multiple groups playing behind Varner's group at the time, including golfers on the second, third and fourth holes.

The club emphasized that its decision was based on enforcing the same rules for every golfer.

"Perhaps this group felt like they should get special privileges because of who they are and the organization they belong to," the club said. "But we believe that everyone should be treated fairly and should follow the same rules, regardless of your playing ability or connections."

Bear Slide did not identify the other golfers in Varner's group. Varner is a member of LIV Golf's OKGC team, which was previously known as Smash GC. Other members of the team include Talor Gooch, Jason Kokrak and Graeme McDowell.

Varner joined LIV Golf after playing on the PGA Tour from 2015 through 2022. He won his first LIV Golf individual title at the 2023 LIV Golf Washington, D.C., event.

Varner entered Sunday's final round of LIV Golf Indianapolis tied for 16th at 9 under par.

Circling Raven Golf Club (ID) Superintendent Completes Certification Program through GCSAA

Kal Zaranec achieves professional distinction from Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

(Worley, Idaho) — Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel is proud to announce that Kal Zaranec, Superintendent at its award-winning Circling Raven Golf Club, has earned his Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) accreditation from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. 

Kal Zaranec

To achieve this designation, superintendents must qualify as an applicant by satisfying specific education and experience requirements. They must then successfully complete a rigorous examination and submit to a peer evaluation of the golf course facility. 

“Circling Raven Golf Club is fortunate to have one of the approximately 1,000 Certified Golf Course Superintendents,” said J. Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO. “Attaining certification demonstrates Mr. Zaranec’s desire for personal advancement and a wish to provide [Circling Raven] with the best playing conditions possible. His willingness to be judged by the standards of fellow professionals and to assume a position of leadership in the game of golf should be commended.”

Zaranec became the head superintendent at Circling Raven in 2022. Prior to his promotion he was first assistant. This is the second major industry education program he has completed since taking the helm on all things agronomic at the golf club. He graduated from the EXCEL Leadership Program presented by Nufarm and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) in 2024. Zaranec was one of six graduates recognized for completing the 3-year program.

“The program is designed to challenge you, identify your weaknesses, and provide a clear path for continued growth and development. That process has made me a better Golf Course Superintendent and a stronger leader,” Zaranec said. “I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the leadership team at Circling Raven Golf Club and the Coeur d’Alene Casino for their support and for allowing me the time and opportunity to pursue and achieve this designation.  It’s great to have a leadership team that values continuing education and professional growth.”

Circling Raven Director of Golf Don Rasmussen, PGA, views Zaranec as a crucial component of the operation – both on and off the course.

“Kal's leadership has become one of the cornerstones of Circling Raven's success. His commitment to excellence, transparent communication, proactive planning, and genuine care for both the golf course and his team consistently produce outstanding results. He exemplifies the values of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and our casino resort hotel operation through his integrity, collaboration, and unwavering dedication to providing our guests with an exceptional golf experience every day.”

Opened in 2003, Circling Raven’s many accolades garnered include Best Public Course in Idaho, Top 20 U.S. Casino Course, and Top 100 Resort Course. It hosted the LPGA’s Epson Tour for three years (2021-23) through which top women golf professionals from around the world unanimously praised the course conditions and its design (by golf course architect Gene Bates).

For more information, visit www.cdacasino.com/golf or call 800-523-2464.

JumboMax Golf Grips Selects JDPR as Public Relations Agency-of-Record

Independent strategic communications agency expands golf brand portfolio with JumboMax partnership.

(GREENVILLE, S.C.) – JumboMax Golf Grips, the industry leader in golf grip innovation, has named independent strategic communications agency JDPR as its public relations agency-of-record to support the expansion of its brand and product lineup across North America. JDPR, a nationally renowned agency known for its presence in the golf category, will provide strategic planning, brand support, media relations and product launch expertise to amplify the brand’s position and drive measurable impact.

Founded in 2009, JumboMax Golf Grips helps golfers play better with grips designed for a proper ergonomic fit. Tour-validated by players such as Bryson DeChambeau and Jason Day, the brand has proven that selecting grip size, shape and weight based on fit and performance is the fastest and easiest equipment change for measurable improvement.

“We chose JDPR because of their deep knowledge of the golf category, extensive media relationships and true understanding of our brand’s mission,” said John Mazzanoble, president of JumboMax Golf Grips. “JDPR’s strategy-first approach and creative ideas made us confident in this partnership and we are excited to work together as JumboMax enters a new chapter.”

The new partnership expands JDPR’s portfolio of golf brands and reflects continuation of the agency’s 35-year legacy in the category. In addition to strategic PR services, JDPR also supports golf brands such as Cobra Puma Golf, Bridgestone Golf and FlightScope with full-funnel marketing capabilities, including paid digital and traditional media, SEM/paid search, online reputation management, SEO and AiO/GEO.

While JDPR will support JumboMax Golf Grips’ earned media efforts, Rooted Solutions will continue to lead brand and growth marketing for JumboMax, a role it has held for more than six years. Rooted works from a simple premise: passionate golfers make equipment decisions over time, not in a single moment. Belief accumulates through the product, the people they trust and everything the brand says and does. Rooted’s role is to make sure it all adds up.

“The opportunity to work with JumboMax is an exciting one; they are a true disruptor in their category with years of research and data-backed innovation,” said Matt Lochel, president and CEO of JDPR. “This partnership reflects our commitment to elevating brands through intentional and impactful communication strategies, and we look forward to many shared successes as JumboMax continues to grow.”

To learn more about JumboMax, visit jumbomax.com.

Galvin Green Takes the Lab Collection in a Bold New Direction

Striking new color combinations and advanced technical fabrics define the second installment of the contemporary AW26 collection

Premium high-tech golf apparel brand Galvin Green is taking THE LAB collection in a bold new direction, unveiling a striking second instalment that combines distinctive new color combinations with advanced technical fabrics and contemporary silhouettes engineered to challenge the elements.

Following the launch of THE LAB franchise earlier this year, the latest collection continues Galvin Green’s focus on pushing the boundaries of golf apparel through an experimental approach to design and performance. With a palette led by Storm Blue and accented by Navy and White, the new range introduces precision-placed prints, angular contrasts and technical fabrics designed to move, shield and adapt.

“THE LAB gives us the freedom to explore ideas that challenge traditional thinking around golf apparel, and this second instalment is a great example of that approach,” said Global Brand Director Sofia Ask Klason. “We wanted to push the collection further visually while ensuring that performance remains at its core. The bold Storm Blue, Navy and White color palette gives the garments a distinctive look, while the combination of advanced fabrics, contemporary construction and technical detailing helps to deliver impeccable performance whatever the conditions,” she added.

At the heart of the latest collection are two distinctive outerwear styles, the ALONZO and LEANDRO jackets. Available in Storm Blue/Navy/White and Storm Blue/Navy respectively, both garments combine striking looks with performance-driven fabric technologies engineered to withstand the most challenging weather conditions.

The best-in-class ALONZO is a supremely high-tech rain jacket featuring the Pertex® Shield Stretch three-layer fabric with a microporous membrane to deliver more stretch than any other Galvin Green rain piece to date. Water-repellent zippers on the center front and pockets, together with a drawstring collar, help keep the elements at bay, while a distinctive cross print across the sleeves adds a contemporary, high-tech aesthetic.

The LEANDRO jacket takes a different technical approach, using INTERFACE-1™ fabric woven tightly enough to provide wind protection without the need for a membrane. This advanced construction enhances breathability, while still delivering impressive wind protection and water resistance in light showers. A back air vent further increases ventilation, with the distinctive cross print on the sleeve reinforces its modern design.

THE LAB also expands beyond outerwear with two all-new garments designed to bring the collection’s distinctive aesthetic and technical credentials across different layering pieces.

The comfortable DAFFY half-zip mid layer, available in Navy/Storm Blue, seamlessly combines modern styling with lightweight performance. Its soft, stretchy INSULA™ fabric provides warmth without adding bulk, while a stand-up collar, dynamic V-shaped cut lines and graphic sleeve detailing create a contemporary, athletic look.

Completing the latest additions is the bold MARSHALL polo shirt, available in the Storm Blue/Navy/White and White/Navy/Storm Blue color combinations. Featuring a sleek button placket with contrast neck piping and sporty side panels, the technical VENTIL8™ fabric construction delivers a lightweight, high-performance fit with an athletic aesthetic.

The latest offering in THE LAB franchise demonstrates Galvin Green’s continued commitment to explore new ideas within golf apparel, combining unmatched technical performance with a host of eye-catching designs. The result is a collection developed for serious golfers who refuse to let challenging conditions dictate when they can play.

For more information on THE LAB collection, visit www.galvingreen.com.