3 Underrated Golf Resorts in the U.S. That Won’t Break the Bank

French Lick

Pebble Beach and Kohler offer some of the best golf in America. They also come with some eye-popping prices.

But you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy a great golf resort vacation. Here are three underrated golf resorts in the U.S. that combine quality golf, other activities and relatively easy access.

1. French Lick Resort — French Lick, Indiana

French Lick Resort

French Lick delivers a legitimate destination-resort experience, highlighted by the spectacular Pete Dye Course and the historic Donald Ross Course. There's also the nine-hole Valley Links and Sand Creek short course.

The Pete Dye Course isn't cheap, but the resort's multiple courses and stay-and-play packages give golfers plenty of options.

And there's much more than golf: a casino, multiple spas and pools, restaurants, bowling, sporting clays, archery and other activities.

It's also relatively easy to reach, about 75 miles from Louisville and roughly 100 miles from Indianapolis.

Why go? Big-time golf plus a full resort experience.

2. Omni Bedford Springs Resort — Bedford, Pennsylvania

Omni Bedford Springs

Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Spa

Hidden in the Allegheny Mountains, Omni Bedford Springs is one of those golf destinations that deserves more attention.

The resort's historic Old Course offers a memorable mountain golf experience. In 2026, resort-guest rates start at $99 in the offseason, with main-season rates starting at $209 Monday through Thursday.

Away from the course, there's a 30,000-square-foot spa, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, hiking, biking, restaurants, fishing and other outdoor activities.

It's also convenient for a road trip, about 90 minutes from Pittsburgh and roughly 2½ hours from Washington, D.C.

Why go? Historic golf, beautiful scenery and plenty to do beyond golf.

3. Talamore Golf Resort — Southern Pines, North Carolina

Talamore

Talamore Golf Resort

If you want the Pinehurst golf experience without necessarily paying Pinehurst Resort prices, take a look at Talamore.

The resort gives guests access to multiple courses and says its packages provide access to more than 30 courses throughout the Pinehurst/Southern Pines area.

Some 2026 stay-and-play packages start around $300 per person, making Talamore particularly appealing for golf buddies and groups.

There's also a Toptracer range, an 18-hole putting course, swimming pool, group-friendly accommodations and even resident llamas.

Raleigh-Durham International Airport is about an hour away.

Why go? A more affordable base for exploring one of America's greatest golf destinations.

The Bottom Line

You don't have to spend Pebble Beach or Kohler money to enjoy an unforgettable golf resort vacation.

French Lick offers championship golf and a huge variety of resort activities.

Omni Bedford Springs combines historic golf with a relaxing mountain getaway.

Talamore puts you in the heart of the Pinehurst golf region without requiring a Pinehurst-sized budget.

None is necessarily cheap, but all three offer something that matters when planning a golf trip: great golf, things to do off the course and value for your money.

And sometimes the best golf trip is the one that gives you a little more value for your money.

#Golf #GolfTrip #GolfTravel #GolfResorts #PebbleBeach #Pinehurst #FrenchLick #OmniBedfordSprings #Talamore #GolfVacation

Spirit Golf Management Announces $25 Million Clubhouse at Five Ponds Golf Club in Warminster, PA

New clubhouse will expand dining and event capabilities, introduce an indoor teaching studio with four golf simulators, and support year-round play and community use

(Warminster, PA) – Spirit Golf Management, a division of The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), and a leading provider of golf management services, today announced a $25 million new clubhouse construction project at Five Ponds Golf Club (Warminster Township, PA), one of the premier municipal golf facilities in the region.

The 27,000-square-foot clubhouse is designed to elevate the overall experience for golfers, event guests and visitors to the Bucks County facility. The new clubhouse will feature an event space accommodating up to 250 guests for banquets, weddings, parties and other gatherings, along with a 1,400-square-foot pro shop offering golf equipment, apparel and accessories. Multiple kitchens will support both the event space and the new bar and grill, improving food-and-beverage service and operational efficiency. The event space and restaurant will each feature a large, covered patio, creating additional options for outdoor dining, private gatherings and smaller group events.

Golf operations are expected to continue throughout construction, with tee times, league play, golf instruction and player-development programs remaining available. A temporary tented hospitality space, supported by a bar and kitchen trailer, will provide food-and-beverage service for golfers, practice-facility patrons and outing participants during the project.

Municipal golf continues to play an increasingly important role in making the game accessible to local communities. According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of municipally owned and operated golf courses has increased by 7% since 2006. At the beginning of 2026, nearly 3,000 municipal golf courses were operating at more than 2,600 facilities—the highest totals on record.

“This project reflects our shared commitment with Warminster Township to enhance an already exceptional municipal golf facility,” said Mike Attara, president of Spirit Golf Management. “The new clubhouse will expand the ways Five Ponds serves golfers and the broader community while positioning the facility for long-term success.”

One of the project’s highlights will be an indoor teaching studio featuring four golf simulators and private seating. The space will support recreational play, special events, advanced club fitting and year-round instruction led by PGA Professionals.

Five Ponds Golf Club is home to an 18-hole championship golf course with a picturesque layout highlighted by five spectacular water features throughout the golf course.  The signature hole is the scenic Par-3 17th where golfers hit over water to a beautifully contoured green complex. 

To complement the Championship layout, Five Ponds Golf Club is equipped with a full-service practice facility, including a three-hole short course and practice area. Home to the Spirit Golf Academy, the facility offers a full line-up of player-development programs for golfers of all ages and levels and is home to a vibrant junior golf program with more than 200 participants annually.

Owned by Warminster Township (PA) and managed by Spirit Golf Management Powered by SFC, Five Ponds demonstrates how a public-private partnership can strengthen a municipal golf facility, enhance the guest experience and create lasting value for the community.

“This new clubhouse represents a major investment into the future of Five Ponds Golf Club and the community we proudly serve,” said Kenneth Hayes, chairman of the Warminster Township Board of Supervisors. “We are creating a modern, welcoming destination that will elevate the experience for golfers, families, and visitors while strengthening Five Ponds as a premier recreational and community asset.”

Mountain Lake Completes Construction Phase of Golf Course Restoration Project

Tyler Rae-Led Multi-Million Dollar Restoration Set to Open in Early November; Will Feature Distinctive Characteristics Found in Seth Raynor’s Original Design

(LAKE WALES, Fla.) – Mountain Lake, the prestigious gated community nestled in Central Florida’s lake district, announces that the construction phase of the golf course restoration project has been completed and the re-opening remains on schedule for early November.

Vermont-based NMP Golf Course Construction Corp. served as general contractor for the project. Mountain Lake selected NMP for its expertise in recreating the character and charm of early 1900s golf course design while delivering a course that performs seamlessly with modern maintenance practices.

The multi-million dollar restoration project, led by renowned golf course architect Tyler Rae, began on April 20 and focuses on three key components: the complete reconstruction and redesign of all putting surfaces, strategic design enhancements to every hole drawn from archival photos and newly uncovered historic information, and the meticulous repositioning of bunkers.

All 18 putting surfaces have been fully reconstructed and restored, with the greens’ infrastructure modernized for superior drainage and playability. The previous greens were built in the early 2000s as part of a redesign project and were nearing the end of their functional life. The materials in the subsurface layers of the putting surfaces have gradually hardened over time, which has limited drainage. Now, each new green replicates the sizes, shapes and distinctive characteristics shown in historical photographs, and are sprigged with TifEagle Bermuda grass.

Guided by extensive historical research—including Raynor’s original sketch of the first nine holes that opened for play Jan. 1, 1917, aerial photographs and drawings from the 1920s and 1930s, and ground level photographs—the design enhancements crafted by Rae and his design team have been completed and are now in the grow-in phase.

Like the putting surfaces, the restoration project modernized and improved the bunkers. The updates will help manage the rising costs of repairs and maintenance, and reduce washouts during heavy rainfalls or abnormal conditions. Some bunkers were also repositioned on several holes to mirror what was found from historic photos.

“We are thrilled to announce that the construction phase of our renovation project is now complete, and we are one step closer to the highly anticipated reopening of the golf course,” says General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Eric von Hofen. “It’s been a pleasure following the progress made by our partners at NMP, and their exceptional work is one of the main reasons that we remain on track to reopen in November.”

“Standing on the course and seeing the transformation of an already top-tier club, I can only imagine how much higher Mountain Lake will rise. It was truly a blessing to be part of such an all-star team and to help lovingly restore this Seth Raynor gem,” says Darryl Barlett, Senior Manager and Chief Development Officer, NMP Golf Construction.

Leading up to the November opening, Mountain Lake’s agronomy team will focus on the grow-in process of the grasses throughout the golf course, especially around the greens. Superintendent Brad Quackenbush and his team will also finish relandscaping across several areas of the golf course with native trees, grasses and indigenous plants. These thoughtful plantings will add rich texture, depth and natural beauty to the overall golf experience.

“We have been very pleased with how the project has transpired from an agronomy standpoint and look forward to seeing the golf course visually improve with each passing day,” Quackenbush says. “The careful planning and dedicated work by our team are really starting to show, and we’re excited for members and guests to experience the enhanced playing conditions and overall character of the course when we open in November.”

Founded in 1915 and designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., Mountain Lake encompasses more than 1,000 acres of rolling hills and pristine lakes. The community offers sweeping panoramic views of Central Florida’s landscape and the neighboring Bok Tower Gardens. This secure, private enclave features an exceptional collection of historical residences designed by legendary architects for some of the nation’s most prominent families. Today’s homeowners serve as dedicated stewards, preserving the timeless exteriors while thoughtfully updating the interiors.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Colony House serves as the community’s elegant social hub.  It offers sophisticated dining in its 1916-era rooms,  casual poolside cookouts,  a fitness center, library, 37 guest suites and full-service concierge support. Croquet lawns lie just steps away, with a racquet sports facility bordering the first fairway. Mountain Lake also features a private shooting range nestled within a historic clay mine on the community’s edge.

For more information visit www.mountainlakeflorida.com.

Ahead Debuts Five Innovative Ornamentation Techniques

New Decoration Options Bring Fresh Texture, Detail and Craft to Headwear, Apparel

(NEW BEDFORD, Mass.) – Ahead is introducing five new ornamentation techniques, giving customers fresh ways to add texture, dimension and craft to their logos on headwear and apparel. The techniques span labels, patches, plates and badges, each intended for different applications and audiences.

Silicone Printed Woven Labels

Last season, Ahead introduced a merrowed-edge version of this look. This new silicone printed woven label offers a more refined, sophisticated alternative, finished with a delicate triple-run stitch tack down.

The new woven label is now available on apparel as well as headwear – a strong option for pieces such as the Stiles, which can take on a new look through art.

For headwear only, Ahead is also offering a “Sneaker Style” tack down: the label is sewn down on two sides only, leaving the other two open, much like the label on a sneaker tongue. It’s a playful, unexpected detail built for today’s more casual golfer.

AeroPlate

AeroPlate updates the AeroFlex look with a fully tonal treatment and cut-out lettering – a bold, modern option that pairs well with AeroSphere or any Modern Trend cap.

SuedeSoft

SuedeSoft is a debossed microsuede patch, sewn down with a tonal zigzag stitch. It comes in a full library of colors and gives headwear an upscale, country-club feel. Ahead is also launching SuedeSoft samples on apparel to round out the collection.

Harwich

Harwich pairs a cross-stitch look with frayed-edge cotton twill and typographic detailing, which is a natural fit for the new pigment-dyed Grenada or the distressed Coda.

Silicone Badge… Now with Counter Forms

Ahead first launched the silicone badge at the January 2026 PGA Show. The new counter form option adds open “holes” within the design, a fresh twist on a decoration built for lightweight, performance-driven headwear.

“These five techniques all come down to the same idea: giving customers more ways to bring their brand to life through ornamentation,” said Mark Kliethermes, Senior Creative Director, Ahead. “Whether it’s the detail in a woven label or the texture in a suede patch, we wanted options that hold up when seen close up and are also recognizable from a distance.”

For more information on Ahead’s latest collections, visit aheadweb.com. To shop online, head to aheadusashop.com.

Troon Announces Partnership With Oasis at Death Valley and Furnace Creek Golf Course

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce a partnership with the Oasis at Death Valley and The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley, a luxury resort and golf course located in the heart of Death Valley National Park in Furnace Creek, California. As part of the relationship, Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee management division of Troon, will provide agronomy and sales and marketing advisory services for the golf course.

The Oasis at Death Valley, situated 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, is comprised of two distinct resort experiences: The Inn at Death Valley and The Ranch at Death Valley. The Inn, a historic AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel built in 1927, offers elegant rooms and private casitas in a tranquil setting. The Ranch provides a more casual, family-friendly environment, serving as the hub for outdoor activities and relaxation. Guests can choose from seven dining options, ranging from fine dining to casual eateries.

The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley, an 18-hole, par-70 layout, is renowned for its unique desert golf experience. Set at 214-feet below sea level, it is the lowest-elevation golf course in the world and one of the few courses located inside a national park in the United States. The course's history dates back to 1927 when it began as a three-hole layout. In 1968, William F. Bell, Sr. designed the full 18-hole course, and in 1997, Perry Dye led a major renovation and redesign. Palm and tamarisk trees frame the fairways, and majestic mountains are visible from all areas of the course. The course has been recognized as one of "America's 50 Toughest Courses" by Golf Digest.

As part of the partnership, Troon Access members can play, save, and earn points at Furnace Creek Golf Course. Stay-and-play packages, including unlimited golf opportunities, are available for guests seeking a comprehensive desert golf experience.

“The Oasis at Death Valley is a beautiful property and Furnace Creek is a distinctive golf experience,” said Kris Strauss, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Troon. “We look forward to working with the property and introducing more golfers to this bucket list destination.”

For more information on the Oasis at Death Valley and Furnace Creek Golf Course, visit www.oasisatdeathvalley.com.  The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley is a registered trademark of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Inc.

Travis Club Officially Opens Beau Welling-Designed Golf Course for Member Play

The Crown Jewel of Austin’s Premier Private Lake Community, New Championship Layout Adds to Legacy of Texas Hill Country Golf

(Spicewood, Texas) – Travis Club, Austin’s newest 1,500-acre private, master-planned community, announces that member play has officially begun on its world-class Beau Welling-designed golf course. Over Labor Day weekend, nearly 160 members had their first opportunity to experience the stunning layout routed along Lake Travis.

Taking advantage of the extraordinary Hill Country setting, the par-71 course features dramatic elevation changes, stunning hilltop panoramas and holes nestled against the shoreline. Stretching more than 7,300 yards from the back tees, it offers a strategic yet highly playable experience for golfers of all skill levels through multiple teeing options and thoughtfully designed shot values.

“Opening this course marks a defining moment for Travis Club and for the many talented people who brought our vision to life,” said Leisha Ehlert, CEO of Travis Club. “Beau Welling and his team created a course that feels as though it has always belonged here, shaped by the land, connected to the lake and designed to be enjoyed for generations. Hearing our members say it exceeded even their highest expectations was the greatest validation we could have received.”

Member Praise

Early feedback from members includes:

“The golf course is truly exceptional—with stunning views, a fun and challenging layout, and an experience that keeps you coming back,” said Founding Member Sean Toney. “Combined with outstanding service that goes above and beyond, I’m proud to be a Founder of this club.”

“Travis Club is as advertised—a one-of-a-kind golf experience on one of the best courses in the country,” said Bryce Huett. “We can’t wait to spend our lives in this amazing community on the lake.”

“What Travis Club brings to the Lake Travis community is truly exceptional,” said Charbel Dahdah. “The breathtaking Hill Country and lake views are thoughtfully designed into the golf course to create an experience that even the most seasoned golfers will appreciate. Our family is excited to be part of Travis Club and to watch this remarkable community grow.”

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. Interdisciplinary firm Hart Howerton led the community’s master planning, architecture, and landscape architecture, shaping the broader residential and amenity experience across the property.

“The site for Travis Club offers a truly incredible setting for golf. With the rolling topography and dramatic landscape along Lake Travis, the golf experience we were able to choreograph is full of drama at every turn,” said Welling. “We had a fantastic canvas, but also a great ownership group who gave us the opportunity to create a special experience rooted in thoughtful, strategic design that rewards both smart decision-making and creativity. While the course offers plenty of challenge for skilled players, we worked hard to make it remarkably playable and enjoyable for golfers of all levels. The Travis Club was as rewarding and fun a project as we could have hoped for, and we believe that will translate into the experiences members and guests have there.”

The golf course is supported by an expansive practice facility with natural-grass teeing areas, dedicated putting greens and short-game areas, professional instruction and two strategically located on-course comfort stations.

Beyond golf, Travis Club features 10,000 feet of Lake Travis frontage and access to more than 65 miles of open water. Existing and planned amenities include Duke’s and The Tree Bar, the community’s casual lakefront social hub; more than 30 miles of private hiking and biking trails; lake recreation and a future private marina and Boat Club; and the Peninsula Club, with lakefront dining, family and adult pools, a Family Barn, playing fields, racquet and sport courts, and lawn games.

The community’s central Club Campus is planned to include the Golf House, main Clubhouse, and a Fitness & Wellness Center. Event lawns and gathering spaces throughout the property will support a year-round calendar of member programming, while the 24/7 attended Gatehouse provides security, guest assistance and a welcoming sense of arrival.

The Golf House, which will include the future Golf Shop, a restaurant and bar, outdoor dining terrace, day lockers, training facilities and Trackman-equipped hitting bays, sits alongside the club’s expansive practice area and is scheduled to 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 low-impact approach, the golf course and infrastructure are designed to minimize disturbance and integrate into the natural contours of the land across 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.

Momentum continues to accelerate within the community, as the club has officially surpassed 190 homesite sales, with construction underway on nearly 20 homes and more than 40 in design review. The first completed residences will debut this fall. To accommodate buyers seeking immediate turnkey options alongside custom sites, Travis Club has expanded its selection of available spec homes. Prospective owners will also soon have an elevated way to discover the community as the new on-site Sales Gallery will offer an immersive front-row seat to the club’s ongoing progress.

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

Oldfield Golf Club Completes $1.1 Million Bunker Renovation Project

Major golf course investment enhances playability, consistency and long-term sustainability while restoring architectural character to the Greg Norman-designed Lowcountry course

(OKATIE, SOUTH CAROLINA)  – Oldfield Golf Club has completed a comprehensive $1.1 million renovation of the bunkers on its Greg Norman-designed golf course, marking one of the Club’s most significant recent investments in the long-term quality, sustainability and playability of the golf experience. Construction began May 19th and was completed August 7th. Oldfield celebrated the project’s completion with a Bunker Renovation Re-Open Event on Saturday, August 22, welcoming members back to the golf course for an 18-hole, two-person competition and an opportunity to experience the fully completed course.

The project addressed aging infrastructure and years of sand contamination, drainage challenges and washouts that had increasingly affected bunker consistency and maintenance. The renovation focused not only on improving day-to-day playing conditions, but also on creating a more sustainable bunker system capable of performing through the challenging weather conditions of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

The project was divided into three phases of approximately three weeks each, allowing portions of the golf course to remain available for member play while work progressed. Southeastern Golf served as the golf course contractor and completed all construction, drainage, shaping and sod work. The project was managed by Oldfield Director of Agronomy Thomas Davis, working in collaboration with Norman Golf Course Design and with support from Troon’s Design and Development team of experts.

“This project was about much more than putting new sand in our bunkers,” said Oldfield Director of Golf Mark Reilly. “We wanted to address the underlying infrastructure, create a bunker system that performs more consistently and restore the bunkers to their original architectural character. The finished product has made an immediate difference, both visually and in how the course plays.”

A defining feature of the renovation is the installation of EcoBunker on all greenside bunkers, creating distinctive stacked-sod faces reminiscent of traditional links golf. The treatment strengthens the architectural character of the bunkers while introducing a visual element closely associated with the style of golf found throughout Great Britain and the courses of The Open Championship.

The bunker floors utilize a Capillary Concrete and mesh hybrid system, designed to combine structural stability with improved drainage. The system helps maintain the integrity of bunker faces while allowing water to move efficiently through the bunker floor, helping reduce washouts, contamination and standing water while providing more consistent playing conditions following significant rainfall.

The project also significantly reduced Oldfield’s overall bunker footprint. More than 114,000 square feet of bunker area was reduced by nearly 50 percent, allowing Norman Golf Course Design and the project team to retain the strategic and visual impact of the bunkering while creating a more sustainable footprint for long-term maintenance.

Particular attention was given to restoring the visual character of the bunkers while maintaining the strategic intent of the original golf course. Rather than fundamentally changing the layout, the project sought to strengthen bunker definition, restore architectural features that had diminished over time and better integrate the bunkers with the surrounding Lowcountry landscape.

“From an agronomic standpoint, we wanted to build something that would perform as well below the surface as it looks above it,” said Oldfield’s Director of Agronomy Thomas Davis. “Reducing the overall bunker footprint, improving the drainage infrastructure and incorporating the capillary concrete, new liner and EcoBunker systems gives our team a much more sustainable product to manage. Most importantly, it should allow us to provide our members with greater consistency following the heavy rainfall and challenging weather conditions we experience in the Lowcountry.”

“Oldfield has always been a golf course that feels connected to the land around it,” Reilly added. “The live oaks, native areas, marshes and views of the Okatie River are a tremendous part of its identity. Any investment we make in the golf course has to respect that. We believe this project improves the golf experience while enhancing what makes Oldfield special.”

Designed by Greg Norman Golf Course Design and opened in 2000, Oldfield winds through moss-draped live oaks, broad Lowcountry savannas, freshwater and saltwater ponds and along the marshes of the Okatie River.

The 2026 bunker project represents a major step in Oldfield’s continued stewardship of the golf course as the Club evaluates the long-term needs of an increasingly mature golf property. The investment combines modern bunker construction technology with architectural elements intended to preserve and enhance the character of Norman’s original design.

“Our responsibility is to think beyond the condition of the golf course today,” Reilly said. “We have to make thoughtful investments that protect the experience our members enjoy now while ensuring Oldfield remains an exceptional golf course for generations to come. The bunker renovation is an important part of that effort.”

Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon, manages golf operations and agronomy, the Equestrian Center, Sports Club, Outfitters Center, food & beverage, and membership marketing, as well as Oldfield’s community association. For additional information about Oldfield Golf Club, visit www.Oldfieldsc.com.

Shot Scope LM1 Makes Strong Market Impact, Now Fully Stocked Nationwide

First affordable launch monitor continues its industry disruption as new stock hits the shelves.

(Edinburgh, Scotland, UK) – Shot Scope, an industry leader in performance-driven golf technology, announces continued momentum for its LM1 Launch Monitor following a meteoric debut earlier this year.

The LM1 was sold out for the first six months of production, having instantly disrupted the launch monitor space with a first-of-its-kind affordable unit. The compact LM1 has been Shot Scope’s most sought-after product of 2026 and is now fully stocked and available at top golf retail partners across the country.

“The response to the LM1 has exceeded our expectations. Selling through the first half of the year demonstrated just how strong the demand was, and having the product fully stocked at leading retail locations across the country now gives even more golfers the opportunity to experience what makes the LM1 so valuable,” said David Hunter, CEO of Shot Scope.

The LM1 has quickly established itself as a standout option for golfers looking for an easy-to-use, affordable launch monitor without sacrificing the data that matters most. Priced at $200, the radar-based LM1 delivers key performance metrics including carry distance, total distance, ball speed, clubhead speed, and smash factor, providing golfers with meaningful feedback during practice sessions at home or on the range.

Its compact size, simple setup, and easy-to-read display have helped make the LM1 particularly appealing to golfers who want reliable distance data without the complexity or cost of more advanced launch-monitor systems.

“Recording more than one million shots every month with the LM1 is an incredible milestone, and one we’re extremely proud of,” said Hunter. “It’s a testament to how quickly golfers have embraced the LM1 and made it part of their practice routine. We set out to make launch-monitor technology simple, accessible, and genuinely useful for golfers of all levels, and seeing more than one million shots being recorded month after month shows just how strongly the LM1 is resonating with golfers.”

The LM1 was designed to put practical launch-monitor technology within reach of a broad range of golfers. Rather than overwhelming users with extensive data, the device focuses on essential performance metrics that can help golfers better understand their distances, improve practice sessions, and make more informed decisions about their equipment and game.

LM1 customers are thrilled with their purchase and the performance:

“It’s just as advertised…easy to set up/use, accurate swing data, lightweight and portable…and all for just $200!” – William Z, Camillus, US

“Gave me the consistent information needed to pinpoint my yardage and swing speed. This is an excellent product at an excellent value.” – Paul K, Salt Lake City, US

“What a solid, user-friendly, reliable tool. Reliable feedback and lots to learn about my swing!!” – Amy R, Phoenix, US

With inventory now fully replenished, golfers can find the LM1 at leading golf retailers nationwide, including Dick Sporting Goods, PGA Tour Superstore, Golf Galaxy, Worldwide Golf Shops, Playbetter, Carl’s Golf Land, as well as through Shot Scope’s website.

For more information on the LM1 visit: https://shotscope.com/shop/products/golf-launch-monitors/lm1-launch-monitor/.

Xplor Golf & Club Research Reveals Rapid AI Adoption Across the Golf & Club Industry

New research from Xplor Golf & Club, home to Clubessential, foreUP, and BlueGolf, explores how golf and club professionals are using AI today, and where they see the greatest opportunities ahead.

(ATLANTA, GA) – Xplor Golf & Club, which brings together Clubessential, foreUP, and BlueGolf, today announced the release of From AI Curiosity to Critical Advantage, a new guide designed to help private clubs, golf course operators, and tournament organizations identify where artificial intelligence can create meaningful value and where people should remain firmly in the loop.

The guide arrives as AI moves from an emerging concept to an increasingly important consideration across the industry. Xplor Golf and Club’s 2026 research found that respondents are actively exploring how AI could fit into their organizations, with reporting and analytics emerging as one of the clearest areas of near-term opportunity. As adoption grows, the question is shifting from whether AI belongs in golf and club operations to where it can solve real problems, what teams should trust it to do, and where human judgment still matters.

The guide helps organizations answer those questions by breaking down predictive, generative, and agentic AI, exploring where the industry sees near-term value, and providing a two-minute assessment to evaluate AI readiness.

“The real opportunity with AI isn’t flashy features. It’s solving real operational pain points,” said Stacy Zak, Vice President of Product Management at Xplor Golf & Club. “Because when you combine ideas like the agentic engine with the AI capabilities emerging across the platform, you begin to see something much bigger take shape.”

One of those opportunities is simple: giving teams time back.

Across private clubs, golf facilities, and tournament organizations, AI could reduce time spent searching systems for information, compiling reports, drafting routine communications, and repeatedly answering common questions. That can create more capacity for the work that requires people: acting on insights, building personal connections, preparing memorable experiences, and making decisions that require judgment.

For a private club, that could mean less time rewriting routine member communications and searching for information, and more time anticipating member needs and creating personal experiences. For a golf course, it could mean less time pulling together reports and more time using the numbers to make decisions across a busy operation. For a tournament organization or golf program, it could mean less time compiling event information and answering routine questions and more time preparing for the next event and supporting players.

The research suggests golf and club leaders are taking a practical approach to that opportunity. When asked where AI could create the most value over the next 12 months, more than half of respondents selected reporting and analytics, pointing to a desire for better intelligence before greater autonomy.

“AI should never replace the relationships that define this industry,” said Scott Strong, President of Xplor Golf & Club. “Used well, AI can help preserve that human side of hospitality by giving the people who deliver it better intelligence and more time to spend where it matters most.”

The guide also explores what it takes to become AI-ready, from understanding what information an organization already has and how well it is connected to protecting sensitive information and avoiding new data silos. A two-minute AI readiness assessment helps readers evaluate whether the information they rely on is integrated with their business management system.

What are he Worst Golf Courses in Each State (New York)?

Clearview

There are some spectacular golf courses in New York. Bethpage Black, Oak Hill, Winged Foot and countless others make the Empire State a bucket-list destination for golfers.

But not every New York golf course is earning rave reviews.

In fact, a handful of public courses are generating some brutally negative feedback from golfers, with complaints ranging from poor conditioning and neglected tee boxes to painfully slow play.

Here are three of the lowest-rated courses I found that are still open for play.

1. Clearview Park Golf Course — Bayside, Queens

If you've ever played golf in New York City, you know that convenience can come with a price.

Clearview Park Golf Course sits in Bayside, Queens, and its location is arguably its biggest selling point. The 18-hole municipal course sits near the Throgs Neck Bridge and provides some terrific views of the surrounding area.

The problem, according to a significant number of golfers, is the golf itself.

The course currently carries a 2.0-star rating from 34 reviews in the local business data I found.

Older Tripadvisor reviews have been particularly harsh, with complaints about poor fairway and green conditions, bird droppings and long waits. One reviewer described the waiting time as excruciating.

There are, however, signs that the course has been trying to improve. Current course information notes updated tees, a new 8,000-square-foot putting green and a remodeled clubhouse.

And that's an important distinction: a bad rating doesn't necessarily mean the course is permanently bad.

Clearview is open for play, with posted hours of 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on most days. Clearview Park Golf Course

The verdict: If you're looking for pristine conditions, Clearview probably isn't the place. If you're looking for convenient New York City golf and don't mind the occasional rough edge, it's still an option.

2. Pelham Bay & Split Rock Golf Courses — The Bronx

Pelham Bay/Split Rock

This one might surprise New York golfers.

Pelham Bay & Split Rock is actually a 36-hole public golf complex inside Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx. With two 18-hole courses and a huge amount of golf available, you'd expect the reviews to be better.

Instead, the facility currently carries a 2.5-star rating from 85 reviews in the business data.

That's enough reviews to make this one considerably more interesting than a course with only a handful of disgruntled golfers.

The complaints aren't necessarily about one catastrophic problem. Like many heavily played municipal facilities, the criticism tends to revolve around the overall experience, including pace of play and course conditions. At the same time, golfers also praise the value and the fact that you get 36 holes of golf relatively close to Manhattan. Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses

And there's another reason this course deserves some context.

You're playing in one of the largest urban parks in the country, not a private club tucked away in Westchester or the Hamptons. Expectations have to be adjusted accordingly.

The facility remains open for public play, with posted hours beginning at 6 a.m. most days. Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses

The verdict: The rating is ugly, but 36 holes, a convenient location and public-golf pricing make Pelham Bay/Split Rock more complicated than simply calling it "bad."

3. Sunken Meadow Golf Course — Fort Salonga

Sunken Meadow

Here's the most interesting entry on the list.

Sunken Meadow Golf Course is part of Sunken Meadow State Park on Long Island and offers 27 holes of public golf. It's a beautiful setting, with the course located near Long Island Sound.

On one review platform, however, the course's Green nine carries an Eden score of just 2.9 out of 10, with only 25% of reviewers indicating they liked it. Recent reviews have included complaints about slow greens and poorly maintained tee boxes and fairways.

One recent reviewer gave it just 1 out of 10.

Another gave it 2.2.

And yet another reviewer in August 2026 gave it an 8.3.

That tells you everything you need to know about online golf reviews: they can be wildly subjective.

In fact, another golf-review site gives Sunken Meadow a 4.2 rating from 164 reviews, describing it as a scenic, affordable and walkable public course.

So why include it?

Because when you're looking for the worst-rated courses, Sunken Meadow's extremely low recent user scores are impossible to ignore.

And the course is definitely still open. The current business listing shows the facility operating seven days a week, while the course offers 27 holes and remains a New York State Parks facility. Sunken Meadow Golf Course

The verdict: Sunken Meadow may be the best example of why golfers shouldn't blindly trust a single rating. Some golfers absolutely hate it. Others think it's a very good value.

So, Are These Really New York's Worst Golf Courses?

That's the tricky part.

There is no official "worst golf courses in New York" ranking, and different review platforms produce dramatically different results.

That's particularly obvious with Sunken Meadow. One platform rates it poorly, while another has it at 4.2 stars based on 164 reviews.

And that's why I wouldn't interpret this list as "never play these courses."

Instead, think of it as three New York courses where golfers have been most critical recently.

If you're planning a golf trip, I'd look beyond the star rating and check the most recent reviews, current course conditions and pace-of-play reports before booking.

Because sometimes the difference between a terrible golf course and a pretty good one is simply when you played it.

Shane Lowry Claims Dominant Home Soil Victory at Amgen Irish Open

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.) – Srixon staffer Shane Lowry delivered a commanding performance at the Amgen Irish Open, capturing his first victory of the 2026 season and the seventh DP World Tour title of his career with a dominant 11-stroke victory on home soil in Dublin, Ireland.

The victory marks Lowry’s second Amgen Irish Open victory, his first coming 17 years prior in 2009 as an amateur. Lowry’s dominant performance included a course-record 8-under-par 62 in the second round to surge into contention and never let up. He carried a four-shot advantage into Sunday’s final round before pulling away from the field to secure the most decisive victory on the DPWT this season. He finished the tournament at 23-under-par.

Reflecting on the win, Lowry spoke about the significance of winning in front of his home fans after a challenging season.

This year has been quite difficult on the course for me. I’ve had a few chances to win and took some really tough times, but to come here and win is incredible. I can’t believe I’m standing here and looking at that leaderboard. This has been the most spectacular week.

From his precise iron play to his trademark touch around the greens, Lowry had every part of his game working at the Amgen Irish Open. Throughout the tournament, he showcased the shot-making and scrambling ability that have become synonymous with his success, turning potential mistakes into momentum-building saves and capitalizing on scoring opportunities throughout the week. The result was a dominant performance on home soil and a victory that left little doubt about who was the best player in the field.

Adding to the significance of the victory, Lowry had the new Srixon Driver in play this week and immediately found success. Throughout the tournament, he ranked first in Strokes Gained: Total, showcasing complete control of his game from tee to green.

Shane Lowry putting the new Srixon Driver in play at the Amgen Irish Open

Here’s a look at Lowry’s winning setup:
- New Srixon Driver 9.0°
- Srixon ZXi5 Irons (4i, 5i)
- Srixon ZXi7 Irons (6i-PW)
- Cleveland Golf RTZ 2 (50° MID, 56° MID)
- Cleveland Golf RTZ 60° LOW
- Srixon Z-STAR XV Golf Ball

The victory is expected to move Lowry to 17th in the DP World Tour Race to Dubai Rankings as he continues to build momentum heading into the closing stretch of the season.

To learn more about Lowry’s winning clubs, visit us.dunlopsports.com/srixon.  

How Financially Healthy Are Golf Courses?

The general improvement in U.S. golf facility health metrics over the past couple decades represents one of the industry’s most significant structural shifts.

In 2009, toward the end of the Great Recession (and a period in which participation levels dipped by about three million golfers), NGF researchers began surveying U.S. golf facilities regarding their financial health. We’ve continued this longitudinal study over the years to track how these self-reported measures have changed, and the contrast between the low point after the financial crisis and the recent peak is substantial.

In 2009 and again in 2016, approximately one quarter of public U.S. golf courses indicated they were in poor financial health. Over the past five years, this proportion of poor (or “very poor”) has dropped to 5% or less, and the early returns this year among hundreds of responding golf course operators suggest nearly three-quarters of public facilities would rate their financial footing as “good” or “excellent.”

A similar trajectory holds true with private clubs, with even fewer indicating they’re in dire financial health.

The past five years have seen heightened participation (+4.3 million on-course golfers) and play (record-setting rounds in 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025), so the easy back-of-napkin math would suggest more revenue means better financial standing for golf courses and clubs. Operator surveys have supported this, with nearly 60% saying increased demand for rounds and memberships has been the leading factor behind their improved financial health, while other reasons included investments (in the golf course, infrastructure and amenities), better pricing power, and an added or renewed focus on the overall customer experience.

From a broader perspective, an underappreciated contributor to improved facility health was the supply correction that resulted in a net reduction of over 2,000 U.S. golf courses between 2006 and 2020.

Looking back, there has been predictive validity in the self-reported financial health measures – as approximately 20% of the public courses in the early samples that rated their health as poor or worse are now shut down. That closure rate is four times as high as facilities at the upper end of the financial health scale. Meanwhile, financially distressed private clubs closed or converted (to public) at eight times the rate of those in strong financial standing.

When we shared an update on facility financial health five years ago and noted fewer courses were “at risk,” we anticipated the rate of course closures would slow down as the marketplace moved closer to equilibrium. The findings were predictive, as the net U.S. supply change since 2020 is a reduction of fewer than 60 facilities.

The balancing of supply and demand may have been accelerated by the pandemic, but the result is the most robust market in decades from a facility health perspective, even as challenges remain such as sustaining momentum amid normalization and capacity constraints at golf courses. These early findings, and more to come, will be a part of NGF’s State of Industry and Graffis Report – set for release in early 2027.

The 10 Most Scenic Opening Holes in American Golf

Cypress Point

There are opening holes that ease you into a round, and then there are opening holes that make you stop and take a picture before you even put the tee in the ground.

The best opening holes in golf do more than begin a scorecard. They introduce a course's personality, establish a sense of place and, sometimes, provide a view you'll remember long after the round is over.

From the Pacific coastline to the sandhills of Nebraska and the rugged terrain of the Northeast, these 10 opening holes offer some of the most spectacular first-tee views in American golf.

1. Cypress Point Club – Pebble Beach, California

Few places in golf can match the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula, and Cypress Point wastes little time showing it off.

The first hole is a relatively gentle par 4, but the setting is anything but ordinary. Cypress trees, rolling terrain and the Pacific Ocean establish the visual character of the course immediately. It's an understated beginning to one of America's most spectacular golf experiences.

The real drama comes later at Cypress Point, but the first tee provides an elegant introduction to what's ahead.

2. Pebble Beach Golf Links – Pebble Beach, California

It seems almost unfair that a course with one of golf's most famous closing stretches also has such a spectacular beginning.

The first hole at Pebble Beach is a relatively straightforward par 4, but the surrounding Monterey Peninsula scenery immediately lets you know you're somewhere special. The Pacific Ocean is already part of the landscape, while the opening fairway begins the journey toward some of the most famous holes in golf.

For many golfers, simply standing on the first tee at Pebble Beach is an experience.

3. Sand Hills Golf Club – Mullen, Nebraska

Sand Hills

The first hole at Sand Hills is a wonderful example of how spectacular golf scenery doesn't require an ocean or mountain range.

Here, it's all about the Nebraska Sandhills.

The opening hole is a par 5 that winds through enormous grass-covered dunes. From the first tee, the golfer gets an immediate sense of the scale and isolation that make Sand Hills one of America's great golf courses.

There's something almost cinematic about looking across the rolling dunes and realizing there isn't a building, road or development in sight.

4. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort – Bandon, Oregon

The opening hole of Bandon Dunes provides an immediate introduction to the rugged beauty of the Oregon coast.

The wide fairway invites the golfer to get the round started, but it's difficult not to look beyond the golf and take in the dunes, native vegetation and Pacific coastline.

Bandon Dunes is one of those places where the landscape feels bigger than the golf course. The first tee makes that clear from the beginning.

5. Old Macdonald – Bandon, Oregon

If the first hole at Bandon Dunes introduces golfers to the Oregon coast, the opening hole at Old Macdonald introduces them to a very different kind of beauty.

The course occupies dramatic coastal terrain, with massive dunes and wide-open views creating an almost links-like environment.

The first hole doesn't overwhelm you with manufactured spectacle. Instead, it gives you room to appreciate the land. That's part of the genius of the Bandon experience.

6. Whistling Straits – Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Whistling Straits looks like it was dropped onto the Lake Michigan shoreline from somewhere across the Atlantic.

The opening hole immediately establishes that character. Rugged fescue, dramatic bunkering, expansive views and the presence of Lake Michigan create a memorable first impression.

The course's visual presentation can make the first tee feel more like the beginning of a championship than an ordinary round of golf.

And that's fitting. Whistling Straits has hosted major championships, including the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup.

7. The Honors Course – Ooltewah, Tennessee

The Honors Course offers a different kind of scenic opening.

Rather than ocean views or endless dunes, the course is tucked into the rolling hills of southeastern Tennessee. The first hole introduces golfers to a heavily wooded, natural setting with elevation changes that immediately establish the character of the course.

It's a reminder that some of America's most beautiful golf scenery is found away from the country's traditional golf destinations.

8. Streamsong Red – Bowling Green, Florida

Streamsong Red

Florida golf doesn't have to mean palm trees and flat terrain.

Streamsong Red is proof.

Built across a dramatic former phosphate-mining landscape, the course features enormous sandy expanses, rolling terrain and elevation changes that seem almost impossible for central Florida.

The opening hole provides an immediate glimpse of that unusual landscape. Instead of the stereotypical Florida golf experience, golfers encounter something closer to an inland links.

9. Kiawah Island Golf Resort – Kiawah Island, South Carolina

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is famous for its spectacular coastal setting, and the first hole provides an appropriate introduction.

The course sits directly along the Atlantic, with dunes, sea breezes and native coastal vegetation shaping the experience.

The scenery can be especially dramatic when the wind is blowing. That's when you realize you're not simply playing a course near the ocean. You're playing a course that feels completely connected to it.

10. TPC Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida

The first hole at TPC Sawgrass isn't necessarily the most dramatic opening hole on this list, but it earns its place because of the experience it creates.

Golfers begin their rounds at one of America's most recognizable courses, surrounded by the distinctive landscape and water hazards of the Stadium Course.

And there's something psychologically appealing about standing on the first tee knowing that, eventually, you'll have to face the 17th hole.

The first tee isn't just the beginning of a round at TPC Sawgrass. It's the beginning of the journey toward one of golf's most famous holes.

The First Tee Is Part of the Experience

A great opening hole doesn't necessarily need to be difficult. It doesn't even need to be architecturally spectacular.

Sometimes, it simply needs to make you want to hit the first shot.

That's what these 10 holes have in common. Whether you're looking at the Pacific Ocean, rolling sandhills, Lake Michigan, coastal dunes or the hills of Tennessee, each provides something golfers can't get from a scorecard.

The best opening holes tell you something about the course before you've even hit your first shot.

And these might be the most beautiful introductions in American golf.

Heritage Golf Group Acquires Old Natchez Country Club in Franklin, Tennessee

(Franklin, TN) – Heritage Golf Group, one of the fastest-growing owners and operators of golf and country clubs in the United States, has announced the acquisition of Old Natchez Country Club in Franklin, Tennessee. The acquisition expands Heritage’s presence in Tennessee and establishes the company in the greater Nashville market.

Located in Williamson County between Franklin and Brentwood, Old Natchez Country Club has served the Middle Tennessee community for more than a century and is recognized as the area’s oldest country club in continual existence. The private club combines golf, racquet sports, aquatics, fitness, dining, and an active social calendar for its Members and families.

“We are excited to welcome Old Natchez Country Club to our family of clubs,” said Mark Burnett, CEO of Heritage Golf Group. “The greater Nashville area is a natural fit for Heritage and an important addition to our growing presence in Tennessee. Entering the market with a Club that brings together Old Natchez’s history, location, and welcoming membership is an honor. We look forward to investing in the Club and building on its long-standing role in the Franklin community.”

The Club’s 18-hole golf course plays through the rolling terrain of Middle Tennessee and is complemented by practice facilities and a full-service golf shop. Old Natchez also features six clay tennis courts, a junior Olympic swimming pool with a slide and covered pavilion, fitness facilities, and a 30,000-square-foot clubhouse.

The clubhouse serves as a central gathering place for Members, with casual and formal dining, banquet and event space, an event lawn, and a spacious veranda overlooking the Club grounds. A year-round calendar of social and family activities provides Members with opportunities to use the Club throughout the seasons.

Early capital improvement plans will be developed with input from Members and the Old Natchez team. Heritage will evaluate opportunities across the golf course, clubhouse, and lifestyle amenities, with investments focused on areas that have the greatest impact on the Member experience and the Club’s long-term position in the Franklin and greater Nashville market.

The acquisition continues Heritage Golf Group’s growth in Tennessee and across the Southeast. Old Natchez becomes Heritage’s 49th club nationwide and joins Colonial Country Club in Memphis and The Club at Gettysvue in Knoxville within the company’s Tennessee portfolio.

Heritage’s growing network also provides additional value to golf Members through the Heritage Plus Network, a reciprocal travel benefit providing access to participating Heritage clubs and an expanded network of private and daily-fee clubs across the country.

Fifteen of the Nation’s Best College Golf Programs to Play Beau Rivage's Fallen Oak in Mid-October

(BILOXI, Miss.) – With college back in session, golf programs are announcing their 2026-2027 schedules, and 15 of the nation’s top teams have made the field for
the prestigious Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational, set for Oct. 16-19, 2026, on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The Board of Directors of the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic Foundation, Inc., are proud to present the Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational for its fourth year. Mississippi’s three universities - Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Southern Miss  - will once again host the NCAA event. Participating teams include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida State, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, LSU, Ohio State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Wake Forest, and Wisconsin.

“We are honored to host some of the top teams in the country,” said SEC Coach of the Year and Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational Co-Host Chris Malloy. “This is just the beginning, and I can't wait to see what's ahead.”

Nine of the teams in the field are ranked in the Golf Channel’s Top 30 preseason ranking – six in the Top 20. In addition, Seven players were named preseason All-America and three others were named to the preseason All Freshmen team.

MGRCF Board Chairman, Billy Thornton, said, “We are pleased to showcase our Gulf Coast to visitors, while also bringing in some of America’s future golf pros to an extraordinary, free event that also gives back to our community. It’s a win for all!”

The competition will take place on the Tom Fazio-designed Fallen Oak, which hosted the world’s best golfers and a PGA TOUR Champions event for more than a decade, and now the next generation of champions will compete on what is consistently ranked by Golf Digest and The Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational will offer a family-friendly College Game Day atmosphere with tailgating on the finishing hole. Spectators are encouraged to wear school colors and cheer on their favorite team. The event is free and open to the public. For more info, visit fallonoakinvitational.com.

Whistler Golf Club to Reopen in July 2027 After $10 Million Renovation

Whistler Golf Club is getting a major makeover.

The iconic Arnold Palmer-designed golf course in Whistler, British Columbia, has announced plans to reopen in July 2027 following a $10 million transformation designed to improve playability, safety, aesthetics and the overall guest experience.

Originally opened in 1983, Whistler Golf Club has welcomed golfers from around the world for more than four decades. The course sits in the heart of Whistler, one of Canada's premier mountain destinations, where golf and outdoor adventure have become major parts of the tourism experience.

The renovation is being led by golf course architect Thad Layton, formerly of Arnold Palmer Course Design.

Among the biggest changes will be redesigned tee complexes, giving golfers of different skill levels more enjoyable and engaging options from the tee. The course will also receive updated bunkers designed to improve both appearance and playability.

Two greens will receive particularly significant attention. The greens on holes 3 and 12 will be realigned to improve sightlines and player safety.

The renovation also includes resurfacing of the fairways and greens, along with updated cart paths designed to improve traffic flow and movement throughout the course.

“We want golfers to discover a course that feels distinctly Whistler while offering a more contemporary and welcoming experience,” said Alan Kristmanson, general manager of Whistler Golf Club.

But the changes won't stop at the golf course.

Palmers Restaurant will receive a complete renovation, while the clubhouse patio will also be upgraded. A new snack shack next to the first hole will provide golfers with convenient grab-and-go food and beverages.

Whistler Golf Club and Palmers Restaurant will remain closed during construction. However, golfers visiting the area will still be able to use the Whistler Driving Range and Whistler Golf Club Retail Shop, which will continue operating on their regular seasonal schedules.

The reopening is expected to be an important moment for golf tourism in Whistler.

“Whistler Golf Club remains a premium, playable course capable of attracting and inspiring golfers from around the world for decades to come,” said Barrett Fisher, president and CEO of Tourism Whistler.

And Whistler offers plenty of options for golfers planning a golf trip.

The destination features four championship courses: Whistler Golf Club, Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club, Nicklaus North Golf Course and Big Sky Golf Club.

Add in Whistler's mountain scenery, accommodations, restaurants and extensive outdoor activities, and the destination has plenty to offer beyond the golf course.

For golfers who have played Whistler Golf Club before, the July 2027 reopening should provide a very different experience while maintaining the character of the Arnold Palmer original.

For golfers who haven't played it yet, the reopening could be a good reason to put Whistler on the golf-trip list.

Tee-time information and reopening updates will be available through Whistler Golf Club as the July 2027 opening approaches.

Sun Mountain Introduces TQR Waxed Canvas Stand Bag

New carry bag pairs traditional waxed canvas with modern stand bag design

(MISSOULA, Montana) — Sun Mountain Sports has introduced the TQR Waxed Canvas Stand Bag, a carry bag that combines a traditional waxed-canvas exterior with the organization and carrying features of a modern stand bag.

TQR stands for Trust, Quality and Reliability, a standard that has been part of Sun Mountain’s product philosophy since the company was founded in 1981. Waxed canvas was also used for Sun Mountain’s limited-edition Hometown USA Stand Bag, released earlier this year to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The bag is constructed from 12-ounce, 100% cotton canvas that develops a patina with use. Its waxed finish provides natural water resistance.

“We’ve had a great response to the waxed-canvas construction in Hometown USA, and TQR brings that concept into our core lineup,” said Grant Lordan, senior director of marketing and brand strategy for Sun Mountain Sports. “No two waxed-canvas bags develop the same way. Each takes on its own character over time while offering the functionality golfers expect from a Sun Mountain stand bag.”

The TQR has seven pockets, including an apparel pocket, a magnetic Snow Fur-lined rangefinder pocket, a Snow Fur-lined valuables pocket and an insulated cooler pouch. It also has four full-length club dividers and an internal compression bottom.

Sun Mountain’s Dual Strap System is designed to distribute the bag’s weight evenly across both shoulders. For those who prefer, single strap options are available for purchase. A removable ball pocket can also be customized.

Key features of the TQR Waxed Canvas Stand Bag include:
· 12-ounce waxed canvas construction made from 100% cotton for natural water resistance and a patina that develops with use
· Seven pockets, including a spacious apparel pocket, magnetic snow fur-lined rangefinder pocket, snow fur-lined valuables pocket and insulated cooler pouch
· Four full-length dividers for club separation, protection and easy access
· Dual Strap System engineered for balanced weight distribution and carrying comfort
· Internal compression bottom for added stability and durability
· Removable, customizable ball pocket for personalization

Specifications
· Top: 8”, 4-way
· Pockets: 7
· Strap: Dual Strap System
· Capacity: 21.3L
· Weight: 5.8 lbs.
· Materials: 12 oz waxed canvas, 100% cotton (as a natural fiber, the canvas develops a patina over time; variations in color are to be expected)

MSRP: [$450]

The Sun Mountain TQR Waxed Canvas Stand Bag is available at SunMountain.com and select retailers.

The Glen Club Celebrates 25 Years of Championship Golf, Community, and Unforgettable Experiences

Landmark Tom Fazio design celebrates a quarter-century as one of the Chicago area’s premier golf and hospitality destinations

(Northbrook, Ill.) — The Glen Club, one of the Chicago area’s premier golf and hospitality destinations, is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, marking a quarter-century of championship golf, exceptional hospitality and meaningful connections shared by members, guests and the surrounding community.

Developed, owned, and operated by Northbrook, Ill.-based KemperSports, The Glen Club opened in 2001 and has since established itself as one of the Midwest’s most distinctive golf experiences. Designed by renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio, the 18-hole championship course sits on the historic grounds of the former site of Glenview Naval Air Station, transforming the site into a nationally recognized premier destination while preserving a meaningful connection to the lands past.

“Building The Glen Club was one of my first projects at KemperSports when I started with the company more than 28 years ago. It will always hold a special place in my heart,” said KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner. “We set out to continue the tradition of great golf and clubs on Chicago’s North Shore. Looking back, I think the team has exceeded our expectations.”

Championship golf has always been at the center of The Glen Club legacy. The course has been an 11-time host of the Illinois Open and 8-time host of the Evans Scholars Invitational (formerly NV5 Invitational) on the Korn Ferry Tour. The Glen Club experience, however, extends beyond the fairways. Its clubhouse, dining and event spaces have welcomed weddings, celebrations, corporate meetings and community gatherings, making the Club a place where people come together for far more than golf.

At the heart of that experience are the people who have shaped The Glen Club throughout its first 25 years, including the team members, members, guests, partners and community supporters who have helped establish its culture.

“Twenty-five years is a remarkable milestone, and this celebration belongs to everyone who has been part of The Glen Club,” said General Manager Joe Titus. “From our team members and members to our guests and community partners, so many people have contributed to making this a truly special place.”

As The Glen Club looks ahead to its next 25 years, KemperSports remains proudly committed to building upon the foundation that has made the club a standout destination: delivering exceptional golf, genuine hospitality, and experiences that will bring people together for many years to come.

For more information about The Glen Club and its 25th anniversary celebration, visit www.theglenclub.com.

Caledonia, True Blue Invest in the Future While Preserving Mike Strantz’s Vision

(PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C.) — More than three decades after Mike Strantz burst onto the golf course architecture scene with the opening of Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and followed it with the equally stunning True Blue Golf Club, the two Pawleys Island layouts remain among America’s most acclaimed public courses.

Strantz’s architectural genius is at the heart of their continuing appeal, complemented by the commitment of the sister courses to preserve what he created while addressing the inevitable toll time takes on every course.

That dedication is most obvious in the ongoing relationship Caledonia and True Blue have with Maverick Golf Design, whose team worked alongside Strantz building and shaping all seven of the legendary architect’s courses.

“We have a comfort level with them that they will do things right and keep Caledonia like it was designed,” Caledonia superintendent Jackson Clemmons said. “They shaped a lot of, if not all, Mike’s courses, so we know they’re not going to do anything to change his design intent.”

Maverick’s Mike Jones has been involved with the two courses from the beginning, providing an intimate understanding of Strantz’s vision. In recent years, Maverick’s work has focused on the seemingly small details that have an outsized impact on the golfer experience.

At Caledonia, the 2026 work has included renovating and laser-leveling select tee boxes and improving drainage. Decades of divot repair and topdressing can gradually create crowns and uneven surfaces, particularly on par 3s, highlighting the importance of the tee box work.

Maverick has also helped Caledonia battle one of the challenges created by the property’s most recognizable feature: its magnificent trees.

Tree roots can extend into rough and playing areas, competing for water and nutrients while making it difficult to maintain healthy turf. Maverick has excavated troublesome roots in numerous locations, replaced soil and prepared areas for new sod.

Clemmons said Caledonia has also increasingly used TifGrand Bermuda – a shade-tolerant strand of grass – on teeing grounds and has worked with Maverick to enlarge its practice putting area.

The projects complement extensive tree pruning designed to improve sunlight, airflow and sightlines while preserving Caledonia’s signature live oaks.

True Blue has followed a similar approach.

Jones has enlarged and leveled teeing grounds, including work at the par-3 seventh hole, where additional teeing space helps the maintenance team spread traffic and divot wear. True Blue superintendent Kevin Thompkins has also embraced incremental improvements to enhance playability without materially changing the Strantz design.

One more subtle and non-architectural change undertaken by True Blue was switching the color designation of the forward tees from red to green, which has encouraged some players to move forward, improving pace of play.

For Thompkins, that willingness to continually improve is vital.

“It’s not necessarily changing the golf course, but enhancing things that can make the facility better,” he said. “It’s improving the golf course and the experience for players.”

For Jones, returning to Caledonia and True Blue carries added significance. He helped build the courses, and he takes great pride in helping ensure the success of two of America’s top 100 public courses.

“I’m very happy that Caledonia and True Blue want to keep doing little things like this to keep the golf courses like they were when we built them,” Jones said. “That’s very important.”

It’s an approach built around maintaining two unforgettable golf courses while remaining faithful to Strantz’s vision.

For more information on either course, visit CaledoniaGolfandFishClub.com or TrueBlueGolf.com. 

Staples Golf Design Revitalizes Two Historic Golf Courses: Arcola Country Club and Garden City Country Club

Arcola CC

Golf Course Architect, Andy Staples, makes entrance into the Northeast

(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) — ­­Staples Golf Design has recently completed renovations at two historic golf courses in the Northeast, Arcola Country Club in Paramus, New Jersey, and Garden City Country Club in Garden City, New York, taking Staples Golf to a new region of the country while bringing renewed life to these Golden Age classics.

Led by Andy Staples, owner and principal architect of Staples Golf Design, the projects focused on restoring the architectural character and strategic intent of each course while making thoughtful improvements to playability, infrastructure, and long-term maintenance. Golf course construction firm LaBar Golf was the general contractor on both projects.

“I’m incredibly honored to have worked with these two historic clubs,” said Andy Staples. “I believe the renovations exceeded their members’ goals and have them well positioned for the next 20 years.”

Arcola Country Club dates to 1909 and was designed by H.H. Barker, with involvement by Walter Travis. The Paramus club has a significant competitive history, most notably serving as a co-host of the 2022 U.S. Amateur alongside neighboring Ridgewood Country Club.

Over the years, Arcola evolved through several renovations, including significant changes associated with the expansion of Route 4 and the Garden State Parkway. The work done by Staples Golf Design sought to instill a more unified character back to the property, bringing together a respect for the club’s Golden Age history and original design intent.

The renovation included a comprehensive bunker refresh, reconstruction of greens on Holes 1, 4, 9, 11, and 16, tee and fairway adjustments, and an impactful rerouting of Holes 1 and 9 to improve circulation and playability while maximizing the club’s view of the New York skyline. The par-4 16th hole was also entirely reimagined, creating a green inspired by Barker’s design philosophy and realigning the existing creek for a true risk-reward hole to begin the closing stretch.

“What Andy did for our Club is just phenomenal,” said Tim Casper, President of Arcola. “The members have been absolutely thrilled with the upgrades, and this project now reinforces our standing as one of the best courses in New Jersey.”

Garden City CC

Garden City Country Club’s 18-hole course was designed by Walter Travis in 1916, one of the earliest designs of his storied career. From the outset, Staples Golf Design’s approach was rooted in extensive historical research of aerial photography and imagery to better understand Travis’ original design philosophy.

The completed renovation included the restoration of all bunkers, and select tee and green improvements, all true to Travis’ strategic intentions. New, diverse tee angles were added back on Holes 3, 4, 8, and 17. The original cross bunkers on Holes 6 and 13 were restored, as were lost pin locations on a number of greens.

Additionally, adjustments were made to fairway width and strategy. Nearly seven acres of maintained turfgrass was converted to native fescue and playable waste bunker features, with roughly 13,000 cubic yards of native sand being harvested on site to ensure these areas tied seamlessly into the Long Island landscape.

The greens on Holes 5 and 12, two holes that were previously altered from Travis’s original design, were completely rebuilt to address playability and architectural character. The result is a course that retains the uniqueness of Travis’ Golden Age design.

“The renovation work on our course that Andy and LaBar accomplished is nothing short of incredible,” said Ollie Holden, former President of Garden City CC. “Our membership is very happy with the improvements, and enthusiasm around the club is at an all-time high. The project has been a major success, and we feel our course now stands among the best in the area.”

Photography of the completed renovations at both Arcola Country Club and Garden City Country Club was captured by renowned golf photographer Evan Schiller.

For Staples, the two projects represent his continued commitment to historically informed golf course architecture, using research, restoration, and strategic design to ensure that classic courses remain relevant.

“It was an absolute pleasure working with these two clubs.  Having the opportunity to work with great people, helping them bring back the historic nature of their courses; it’s all I can ask for as a golf course architect.” said Staples.