All-Star Team to Create Kettle Forge in Ashippun, Wis.

An all-star development, design and construction team has been named to create Kettle Forge, a new championship golf course in Ashippun, Wis., that is destined to be ranked among America’s Top 100 courses and private clubs.

The collective includes:

Jackson Kahn Design, comprised of Tom Fazio disciples, is Kettle Forge’s lead course architect known for its critically acclaimed work at Conway Farms, Monterey Peninsula, Scottsdale National and St. Lucia Preserve.

Scott Hoffman, a fellow Tom Fazio disciple and master of Kettle Forge’s early routing who created Lost Rail Golf Club near Omaha, Neb. and Mapleton Golf Club in Sioux Falls, S.D.; both private clubs serving as models for Kettle Forge.

Steve Stricker, a design consultant to Kettle Forge and winner of 12 PGA TOUR and 18 PGA TOUR Champions tournaments who was integral in the making of TPC Wisconsin.

Landscapes Unlimited, the legendary golf course development and construction company responsible for nearly 75 Golf Digest and Golfweek top-ranked layouts globally, is project manager and will build the course.

Landscapes Golf Management, sister company to Landscapes Unlimited, will operate the club upon opening, preceded by course grow-in oversight, membership sales and other planning functions.

Located eight miles west of U.S. Open host Erin Hills, Kettle Forge’s golf course with classic character and modern strategic design elements is considered a shoo-in for media-bestowed “best of” rankings by golf industry pundits who visited the 270-acre site and laid eyes on routing plans.

Construction is scheduled to commence this fall with an anticipated opening in fall 2027.

At 7,600 yards from the tips, Kettle Forge will represent one of the longest courses in Wisconsin. Authentically and seamlessly carved into the native rolling woodlands with mature oak and maple groves, holes traverse through wetlands with dramatic elevation changes; generous fairways; deep, sculpted bunkers; strategically placed water features; and undulating greens which will reward shot-making precision and create memorable putts.

“Kettle Forge will uniquely look like a natural preserve with grasses, wildflowers and wetlands,” said Brett Craig, Principal of Kettle Forge, a Wisconsin resident, and past business executive and entrepreneur. “It promises to be a course that attracts repeat play – fair to members yet exhilaratingly difficult for those who desire challenge amid rugged elegance and timeless appeal.”

The name Kettle Forge is derived from the glacial kettles and mounds that characterize the land, and a forge is where raw materials meet fire and purpose.  These two forces of nature and intention will converge at Kettle Forge.

A dominant aesthetic is a massive hill offering 20-mile panoramic views on which the clubhouse and future guest cottages will sit.  Amenities include fine dining, a wellness spa, a cigar and bourbon vault, business den, bike and walking trails, fishing and pheasant hunting on a partner game farm.

The project development team is committed to investing thoughtfully and fully to make Kettle Forge world-class.

“This is pure, unadulterated golf without tennis and swimming,” said Bill Kubly, Chairman of Landscapes Unlimited, Principal of Kettle Forge and a Monroe, Wisc. native.  “Based on our work at Lost Rail outside Omaha, Kettle Forge is likely to reach a full membership before the course opens.”

Combined with Erin Hills, Whistling Straits and Sand Valley, Kettle Forge will round out a rotation of spectacular courses in close proximity to Milwaukee and convenient to Madison, Appleton and Chicago.

Blue Cypress Golf Course Unveils Three New Golf Holes

Jacksonville’s favorite 9-hole course now offers 12 fun-to-play golf holes.

Blue Cypress Golf Course in Jacksonville, Fla. recently unveiled three new golf holes, giving the former 9-hole layout a total of 12 fun-to-play golf holes. Designed in partnership by Michael Beebe, from Beebe & Associates, the City of Jacksonville and Troon, the three new holes are designed to be played on their own, or as an addition to the original 9-hole layout. Tee times can now be scheduled at www.golfbluecypress.com. 

Blue Cypress has branded the original 9-hole course “Big Blue”, the new 3-hole course “Little Blue” and the full 12-hole layout “The Dozen”. Current Blue Cypress golf fees for adults range from $21 to $37 depending on number of holes and walking or riding. Twilight and discounted rates for first responders, military, city employees and seniors are also available. Children 17 and under can play Little Blue for free anytime with a paying adult and Big Blue or The Dozen for just $10. Little Blue will host numerous junior programs as well as other grow the game initiatives. First Tee of North Florida will also expand programming at Blue Cypress, utilizing Little Blue’s beginner-friendly layout.

Blue Cypress broke ground on the three Little Blue holes in May of 2024. The three new holes all play between 55 and 125 yards depending on the tee box played and are all par 3s. Blue Cypress’ original 9-holes, aka Big Blue, features a mix of par 3s, 4s and 5s and plays to a par of 36.  Blue Cypress also offers a state-of-the-art practice facility that includes a 3,500 square-foot short game practice green and a 330-yard-long grass practice range.

Owned by the City of Jacksonville and managed by Indigo Sports, a Troon Company, Blue Cypress originally opened in the 1960s and has operated under various names over the years. In 2020, Blue Cypress reopened under Indigo Sports management after undergoing major renovations. Today, Blue Cypress Golf Course is renowned for its reasonable rates, superb course conditions, friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere for golfers of all abilities.

Bobby Jones Links Will Manage Saddle Creek Golf Club

This Nashville-area golf course has been a beloved staple since 1994.

Bobby Jones Links (BJL), the golf industry’s leading client-centric, boutique management company, is pleased to announce that it is now managing Saddle Creek Golf Club in Lewisburg, Tennessee. 

Situated on rolling terrain about 45 minutes south of Nashville, this picturesque 18-hole, 6,700-yard Gene Bates design features subtly contoured, tree-lined fairways with the scenic Snake Creek dictating strategy on several holes. Saddle Creek has been a favorite destination for local golfers for three fun-filled decades.

“I’m excited to have BJL help us improve the day-to-day operations and elevate the customer experience,” says Eddie Roberts, owner of Saddle Creek Golf Club. “They’re experts at training, building, and empowering staff at courses like ours. Their practical approach and resources for managing thriving food and beverage operations, as well as accounting systems, are what we really like. We’re excited for the future with BJL at the helm, bringing best practices and better overall golfing experiences for our locals.”

BJL will revitalize Saddle Creek’s once-dormant food and beverage operations and immediately start enhancing to the aesthetics and playability of the golf course, including rebuilding the golf course’s bunkers, drainage, and irrigation system. The growing management company working in Bobby Jones’ name will also implement culture-based staff training and development, along with AI-supported business practices and accounting.

“Eddie owns several successful businesses in Lewisburg. He’s committed to making Saddle Creek the favorite golf and social hub of the Lewisburg community, and we’re honored to partner with him to make this happen,” said Doug Hellman, Bobby Jones Links’ Chief Development Officer. “After only a few weeks, our team has upgraded technology, developed a business plan to reopen the food and beverage operations, and rolled out our staff training program.” 

Roberts says the timing is ideal given the steady growth of the surrounding community, accompanied by a rise in the number of golf rounds at Saddle Creek. The reinvigorated food and beverage operation is a tremendous starting point in a vision to make Saddle Creek a reliable, go-to destination for the local clientele.

“Lewisburg is really growing. People are moving here from all parts of the country, and there are several hundred homes currently being permitted. BJL’s expertise in managing staff is exactly what we need to keep up with this growth.

The team is confident that more patrons will soon discover that Saddle Creek is an engaging and memorable golf course that demands accuracy and is full of natural beauty. Part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program, this public facility – convenient to Nashville golfers – also includes a top-notch practice facility.

Roberts adds that the golf course is a favorite among locals and the many out-of-towners who visit. “The most flattering feedback we get from golfers is about the course conditions,” says Roberts. “And the design is fun, the fairways are great, and the greens are in good condition. They’re bent grass, and people just enjoy playing the course.”

With expert management in place, the future at Saddle Creek looks bright. “There’s a tremendous potential to make Saddle Creek the crown jewel of Lewisburg, and we’re pleased to be involved in taking steps to improve the property and guest experience one element at a time,” said Hellman.

Laguna Lang Co Unveils Irresistible Summer “Stay & Play” Escapes

New packages offer guests the ultimate golf and lifestyle experience in Central Vietnam

Vietnam’s most celebrated integrated resort, is inviting discerning travellers to make the most of summer with exceptional Stay & Play packages that combine championship golf, award-winning accommodation, and exclusive lifestyle experiences in Central Vietnam.

At the heart of the offering is the spectacular Sir Nick Faldo Signature course, a championship layout that has consistently ranked among Asia’s best.

Designed to blend with the surrounding landscape of jungle-clad mountains and beachfront, the 18-hole course is both thrilling and scenic, offering a unique test for golfers of all skill levels. With holes that meander through rice paddies, lagoons, and oceanfront dunes, it’s a course that keeps you coming back for more.

Guests can choose from two value-packed golf holiday options: a 3-night luxury getaway or an extended 7-night escape—both available at either Angsana Lang Co or Banyan Tree Lang Co.

The 3-night package (from just USD 1325 per package at Angsana, USD 2360 per package at Banyan Tree) includes two rounds of golf, spa treatments, daily breakfast, a set dinner, airport transfers, and access to a wide range of resort activities. The 7-night version (from USD 4427 per package at Angsana, USD 6,825 per package at Banyan Tree) ups the ante with four rounds of golf, five dining experiences, a local discovery tour, and additional indulgences.

Guests staying at the all-pool-villa Banyan Tree Lang Co enjoy added exclusives like a dedicated villa host, private in-villa check-in, daily afternoon tea, and thoughtful nightly turndown gifts. Meanwhile, Angsana Lang Co offers the perfect entry point into luxury travel, with stylish rooms, holistic wellness offerings, and family-friendly experiences—all just steps from the beach.

“This is one of the best value luxury golf and lifestyle offerings in Asia,” said Gavin Herholdt, Managing Director of Laguna Lang Co. “Whether you’re a couple seeking a short romantic escape or a group of friends planning the golf trip of a lifetime, our packages deliver on every front—championship sport, world-class service, and unforgettable natural beauty.”

“Our unique advantage is integration,” added Herholdt. “Where else can you stay in a luxurious beachfront villa, play on a Faldo-designed championship course, indulge in award-winning spa and dining options, and explore Vietnam’s cultural heartland—all without leaving the resort?”

The packages are available to book now for stays until March 31, 2027. A minimum of two guests is required per package, and bookings are subject to availability and seasonal surcharges.

Bobby Weed Golf Design honors The Olde Farm late founder, Jim McGlothlin

Visionary leader brought to life the ‘Best Golf Course in Virginia’

Bobby Weed Golf Design extends its sincerest condolences to the family of Jim McGlothlin following his recent passing this week. Jim was the visionary founder of The Olde Farm Golf Club in Bristol, Virginia, chairman of The United Company and owner of Scratch Golf Company.

Jim had the rare ability to move mountains – not with force, but with quiet generosity and humility. Alongside his beloved wife, Fran, he impacted countless lives throughout Virginia and across the nation with his philanthropic foundations.

Jim McGlothlin

Golf course architect Bobby Weed, offered these personal reflections about McGlothlin: “Jim’s unwavering support and vision were instrumental in bringing The Olde Farm to life – a course that remains deeply meaningful to me. Rooted in southwest Virginia, The Olde Farm is a reflection of Jim’s beginnings, values and personal pride in the region’s heritage.

In addition to The Olde Farm, our company built numerous golf courses for Scratch Golf over a 35-year period. Nobody supported the game more than Jim. His passion for the game was evident throughout golf. He served on the PGA TOUR Board of Directors, enthusiastically supported The First Tee and was the driving force behind two of the largest, one-day charitable events in the history of golf.”

The Big Three for Mountain Mission Kids (June 8, 2010) was a 19-hole scramble event hosted by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player at The Olde Farm. 19 teams of amateur players, along with corporate partners, collectively raised over $15 million for Mountain Mission School (MMS), an accredited, non-profit school located in rural Virginia that provides stability, shelter, nourishment and a high-quality education for at-risk children from throughout the U.S. and world.

The American Legends for Mountain Mission Kids (Sept. 18, 2018) was another one-day charitable tournament that raised in excess of $56 million. The event allowed patrons to watch and play alongside 10 iconic personalities from golf, football and basketball, including Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Dan Marino, Betsy King, Jerry West, Peyton Manning, Lorena Ochoa, Lanny Wadkins and Tim Finchem.

The Olde Farm’s 18-hole layout and short course, The Orchard, are set amidst the southwestern foothills of Virginia. Catering to a national membership, Weed’s lay-of-the-land architecture exemplifies walkability while mitigating rolling topography. 

The Olde Farm debuted as “America’s Best New Private Course” by Golf Digest in 2000. Over the past quarter century, GOLF Magazine, Golfweek, the Virginia State Golf Association and many others have praised the course layout.

The Olde Farm's rustic elegance and remote feeling contributes to its distinguished character and charm. (Photo: PJ Koenig)

Weed concluded his thoughts by stating, “Jim's legacy, love of golf, charitable commitment and service to others set a new benchmark that will endure for generations to come.”

Troon's Golf Operations and F&B Expertise Engaged at Chasing Aces in Bossier City, La.

Troon has taken over management of Chasing Aces in Bossier City, Louisiana, bringing a range of golf operations and F&B services, following a six-month consulting phase. 

Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce a management agreement with Chasing Aces, a new golf, food and entertainment destination in Bossier City, La. Troon and its RealFood Hospitality, Strategy & Design division first began working with Chasing Aces in January 2025 – six months prior to opening –providing food and beverage consulting services, before transitioning to a full golf operations and F&B management agreement a few months later. The 27-acre entertainment complex had its grand opening on Monday, June 16th, ushering in a new era of social golf in Bossier City.

Chasing Aces is a state-of-the-art facility blending traditional golf with fun social elements — from lively bars and patios to popup dining by local chefs, making it a go-to destination for families, friends, and corporate groups alike. The complex includes a multi-level driving range with 30 swing bays, the Home Run Dugout™ batting cages, an 18-hole LED putting zone, and a beautifully designed Par 3 course.

Equally as important as the entertainment aspect, Chasing Aces provides guests with an elevated dining experience. From fun shareable starters such as the Nacho Average Nachos, Bang Bang Shrimp and Puttzle Bites, to tasty flatbreads and handhelds that include the Bunker Q Sandwich, Winner Wraps and the Chicken Winner Basket. A selection of delicious salads and sweet treats round out the expansive food menu, while the bar is fully stocked with spirits, beers, sodas, seltzers, and zero-proof libations.

"We’re incredibly excited to welcome Chasing Aces to our portfolio of managed properties. Its unique blend of golf, entertainment, and community aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering exceptional guest experiences. We see tremendous potential in this partnership and look forward to driving continued growth and innovation together," said Chris Tocchio, Vice President of RealFood Hospitality, Strategy & Design.

Founder John Dudley conceived the Chasing Aces idea on a flight home from a golf trip, sketching his vision on a napkin. His goal: to create a premier social golf destination that combines sport, entertainment, and community for all ages and skill levels.

“Chasing Aces is more than a golf venue, it’s a community hub where memories are made. We wanted to build a place where everyone – from beginners to seasoned golfers – can have fun, learn, and connect,” said Dudley.

Located on the Shreveport-Bossier riverfront, Chasing Aces is committed to supporting local businesses, hosting charitable partnerships, and fostering a welcoming environment for players of all backgrounds.

Chasing Aces offers corporate events, leagues, lessons, and special tournaments year-round. 

KemperSports Selected to Manage Towhee Club

KemperSports portfolio continues to expand with premier Middle Tennessee Golf Destination with Championship Golf and Vibrant Community Lifestyle

KemperSports, a leading golf, sports, and hospitality company, announced today that it has been selected as the new management partner for Towhee Club in Spring Hill, Tenn., expanding the company’s presence in the fast-growing Middle Tennessee region. With a proven track record of managing premier public and private golf facilities across the country, KemperSports will bring its operational expertise and guest-first focus to enhance the overall golf and lifestyle experience at Towhee Club.

Located just 30 miles south of Nashville, Towhee Club offers a public 18-hole golf course designed by Arnold Palmer. Originally opened in 2006, the course was fully reimagined and revitalized in 2021 with updated greens and a fresh layout that blends seamlessly with the natural rolling terrain of Middle Tennessee. Known for its wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and scenic water features, the course appeals to players of all skill levels while offering a fun, fast-paced round.

“The greater Nashville market is great for golf and Towhee Club stands out as one of the best public courses in the market,” said KemperSports CEO Steve Skinner. “We look forward to working with ownership, our new team members and the local community to elevate the experience for golfers and guests to Towhee Club.” 

In addition to golf, Towhee Club features Birdsong Social, an elevated casual dining experience that has quickly become a local favorite. The venue’s indoor-outdoor seating, relaxed atmosphere, and chef-driven menu make it a vibrant hub for post-round drinks, community events, and family gatherings.

KemperSports continues its stellar growth in 2025 including a recent announcement to partner with Touchstone Golf and add more than 40 properties to KemperSports’ growing portfolio of golf courses and sports venues. KemperSports also announced partnerships with four Morris County golf courses, Porto Cima Golf Club, Brickshire Golf Club, Palmilla Beach Golf, The Country Club of New Hampshire, McHenry Golf Club, and Swansea Country Club all since the start of the year.

KemperSports also manages The Governors Club in Brentwood, Tenn.