Thursday, October 2, 2025

Inside Gilmerton House: The Scottish Mansion Behind Europe’s Ryder Cup Success


As the golfing world celebrates Team Europe’s success at Bethpage Black at the Ryder Cup 2025, the team at Gilmerton House are proud to reflect on a special moment earlier this summer. In July, during the Genesis Scottish Open, they once again welcomed European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald and his team for their pre-tournament dinner, an evening of camaraderie, reflection, and shared purpose that has become part of Gilmerton House’s golfing story.

Luke Donald first chose Gilmerton House for this gathering two summers ago (2023), hosting the same format of dinner ahead of the Ryder Cup in Rome. That year, Europe went on to secure a memorable victory. Perhaps it is no surprise that he returned to East Lothian in 2025, marking Gilmerton once more as the trusted setting for Ryder Cup preparations. “Gilmerton House was the perfect setting for the team to come together before the intensity of the Ryder Cup. The history, the privacy, the hospitality, it’s exactly what we needed,” commented Luke Donald, European Ryder Cup Captain (Golf Digest)

Scotland’s Golf Coast is a Natural Stage for Golf’s Greatest Gatherings. The Genesis Scottish Open brings the best of world golf to East Lothian each summer. Just a few miles from The Renaissance Club, Gilmerton House offers the seclusion, heritage, and space that make it a natural choice for gatherings of this kind. As reported in The Scotsman, this year’s dinner was more than just an evening meal: it was a moment of unity for Ryder Cup hopefuls, a pause before the pressure of selection and competition.

For the team at Gilmerton House, it was a privilege to host golfing legends past, present, and future, and a reminder of why East Lothian is celebrated as Scotland’s Golf Coast. With courses such as Muirfield, North Berwick, Gullane, and The Renaissance Club just minutes away, this region remains one of the most desirable destinations for golf groups from around the world.

Beyond Ryder Cup dinners, Gilmerton has become a sought-after base for private golf groups, corporate retreats, and society tours. Here’s why:

· Exclusive-use Georgian mansion – privacy and comfort for your group alone

· 12 luxurious bedrooms – elegant spaces to relax and celebrate together (2 new bedrooms for 2026)

· Private driving range and putting green – warm up like the professionals

· Helicopter access and seamless transfers – arrive in style and save time

· Close to world-famous courses – Muirfield, North Berwick, Gullane, Renaissance

· Tailored dining and hospitality – perfect for hosting your own Ryder Cup-style event

The Ryder Cup is defined by camaraderie, rivalry, and shared moments, qualities that translate perfectly into private golf gatherings. At Gilmerton House, many groups choose to host their own Ryder Cup-style tournaments, pitting colleagues, friends, or family members against one another on East Lothian’s legendary links.

The grandeur of Gilmerton’s rooms, the intimacy of private dining, and the thrill of returning each evening to a house that is exclusively yours combine to create an unforgettable atmosphere, one that echoes the spirit of the Ryder Cup itself.

The European Ryder Cup team may have gathered at Gilmerton House this summer, but the doors are open for all who want to experience this unique combination of history, luxury, and golf heritage. If it’s good enough for Ryder Cup Captains and their players, it’s the ultimate endorsement for golf groups looking for the perfect base in East Lothian.

Deerwood Course Unveils revamped Greens, Enhanced Playability


Turf Upgrades at The Clubs at Kingwood Preserve Tradition, Promote Test

Houston, TX – The Clubs at Kingwood, a member of Invited Clubs’ national portfolio of member properties, is proud to announce the grand reopening of the Deerwood Club following a comprehensive greens renovation.

Deerwood, a beautiful layout that for eight years was home to the Doug Sanders’s PGA TOUR Champions event, is regarded as one of the premier courses in Texas. It is ranked among the top courses in Texas by the Dallas Morning News and has hosted qualifiers for the PGA TOUR. Its iconic 13th hole was made famous in the movie Tin Cup, further cementing its status as a Texas golfing landmark.

The greens renovation project was a transformative initiative designed to enhance the quality, playability, and longevity of the course’s greens while honoring its storied history. The project restored the greens to their original 1982 design, recapturing the aesthetic and strategic elements envisioned by the course’s founding architects. By expanding the greens to their original sizes, the course added an impressive 40,000 square feet of putting surface, offering more varied pin placements and strategic challenges that make Deerwood truly unique.

A high-quality greens mix was installed and carefully prepared to protect the health of TifEagle Bermuda greens and Tahoma 31 surrounds, ensuring vibrant, resilient putting surfaces. Tee boxes were resurfaced with Tahoma 31 to enhance playability and visual appeal, while drainage and irrigation modifications ensured optimal turf growth. Additional improvements included planting TifTuf Bermuda sod in select weak areas, recontouring cutting patterns, tree work, and refreshing tree beds with pine straw and black mulch, further elevating the course’s aesthetics and overall playing experience.

“These reinvestments into Deerwood underscore our commitment to providing the best member experience possible,” said Ben Derauf, regional manager for Invited Clubs. “The Deerwood Course is a cherished Texas treasure, and this comprehensive renovation ensures enhanced playability, strategic challenge, and long-term sustainability.”

WM Phoenix Open Unveils Sustainable Structure and New Ticket Options at Iconic 16th Hole

Rendering


The 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale is set for a major transformation at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open. Known as one of the most famous par-3s in golf, the hole will feature a redesigned hospitality structure and expanded ticketing options, elevating the fan experience to new levels.

Construction is already underway on a state-of-the-art modular structure that will completely redefine the look and feel of the hole. Built with sustainability in mind, the design is fully reusable, making it the first of its kind in the United States. The approach aligns with WM’s “zero waste” initiative, reducing on-site construction needs and ensuring materials from the former 16th-hole build will be repurposed for other sporting events.

Guests inside the revamped structure can expect an upgraded hospitality environment. Plans include higher ceilings, wider interior bays, and larger suites designed with frameless glass railings to create unobstructed sightlines. The interior will also feature refined finishes and a refreshed design intended to deliver a more premium and spacious atmosphere. An elevated culinary program will add to the experience.

For the first time, individual hospitality tickets will be available on the 16th hole through the introduction of the new Pin Hi Club. Positioned to the left of the green, the venue will feature LED video boards, a modern layout, and a more intimate environment for fans who want a high-end option without committing to a full suite package. The popular greenside grandstand will remain open to general ticket holders, continuing its role as a cornerstone of the raucous 16th-hole atmosphere.

Rendering


While pricing for Pin Hi Club tickets has not yet been announced, comparable individual hospitality options elsewhere on the course start at $421 per ticket with a two-ticket minimum. Corporate hospitality packages on the 16th begin at $100,000, part of a wide range of premium experiences available across 11 different venues at TPC Scottsdale.

The 2026 WM Phoenix Open is scheduled for February 2–8, when the iconic 16th hole will debut its new design and fan-friendly enhancements to one of golf’s most unique stages.

Troon-Affiliated Golf Facilities Raising Awareness, Funds for Breast Cancer Throughout October

Troon and Troon-affiliated facilities around the world are raising funds for breast cancer research and awareness throughout the month of October. Troon-affiliated golf properties will fly pink-checkered flags on their 18th greens to help raise awareness about breast cancer and will have various fundraising events to support PLAY for P.I.N.K. and other breast cancer charity organizations. 

Throughout the month of October, Troon-affiliated facilities will host golf clinics, putting challenges and fun playing opportunities. In addition, Troon has made it easier than ever to donate to PLAY for P.I.N.K. and breast cancer research by creating a QR code and a donation-landing page. The QR code will be displayed at Troon-affiliated facilities around the globe, as members and guests can scan the QR code, then direct their PLAY for P.I.N.K. donation through their favorite Troon-affiliated facility.

PLAY for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) supports a nationwide network of volunteers who raise money for breast cancer research through sporting and lifestyle events to speed advances in prevention, detection, treatment and survivorship. PLAY for P.I.N.K. donates 100 percent of its proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

For more information on Play for P.I.N.K., visit www.playforpink.org.

Cutalong at Tributer Resort Unveils Membership Opportunities Ahead of Luxury Real Estate Launch


Cutalong at Tributer Resort, a Reef Capital Partners development set along the pristine shores of Lake Anna in Central Virginia, announces its latest membership offering as it enters the next stage of becoming one of the nation’s premier luxury lifestyle destination golf communities.

Cutalong is releasing its final memberships at the current entry level of $75,000, ahead of the resort’s forthcoming real estate launch and the introduction of a new membership pricing structure in 2026. This limited opportunity allows discerning golfers and families to secure their place within a community defined by championship golf, lakeside recreation, and a modern resort lifestyle designed to be enjoyed for generations.

New members will enjoy priority access to the highly anticipated Villas, Cottages, and Cooper Estates homesites debuting in 2026. Those who purchase real estate within 24 months of joining will also receive a 40 percent credit toward their membership deposit, seamlessly uniting ownership with the club’s exclusive lifestyle.

The Cutalong Golf Club real estate opportunity includes 22 golf villas and 34 cottages—member-owned yet available to select guests through luxury Stay & Play packages. Beyond this, Tributer Resort’s vision encompasses more than 900 residences, complemented by curated amenities such as a hydrotherapy center, chef-led dining, wellness programs, and lakeside recreation, including paddleboarding and sunset cruises.

“The Cutalong development has evolved into a premier national lifestyle golf destination thanks to the vision of Reef,” said Chris Baird, Director of Membership at Cutalong. “It’s a luxury golf experience that can be enjoyed by members and resort guests, and with new real estate offerings and limited memberships available, discerning golfers and families are now taking advantage and building traditions that can be passed down through generations. That is what excites us the most.”

Mining the Past, Shaping the Future at Cutalong Golf Club

The cornerstone of the property is the Cutalong Golf Club, situated on property that connects the past with the future. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the land was part of the Gold-Pyrite Belt, where miners dug for copper, pyrite and traces of gold. Shafts and tramways, and even rail spurs, were established throughout the property, supporting a thriving but rugged local economy. Over time, the mines were abandoned, leaving behind relics of another era hidden under Virginia’s rolling hills.

The golf course pays homage to great golf architects like Charles Blair Macdonald, Donald Ross, Alister MacKenzie, Harry Colt, James Braid, and others, while also weaving in the story of the land itself. The result is an 18-hole journey that feels both timeless and distinctly new. Classic “template” holes are reinterpreted through the contours of Lake Anna’s hills, where the course is routed in a way to take in its bold history. Wide fairways sweep with the natural landforms, setting up bold attack angles into sprawling greens with fun contours. Cutalong is not just a fun test of golf—it is a walk-through of mining history.

Membership at Cutalong is about more than access to championship golf—it’s about becoming part of a vibrant community of legacy and leisure where members can connect, relax, and create lasting memories.

For more information on membership and real estate opportunities, visit www.tributer.com.

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Introducing Mulholland Hills Country Club Following a $22M Transformation


Invited, the largest owner and operator of membership clubs in North America, is pleased to announce a $22 million dollar transformation of Braemar Country Club in Los Angeles, yielding a profound evolution in its journey that will enrich the Member experience in extraordinary ways.

This process and repositioning has led to the exciting rebranding of the Club, now known as Mulholland Hills Country Club, which historically has been defined by an unparalleled service and world-class amenities that will comprehensively reshape the Member experience.


“Braemar was the second country club in the Invited portfolio, dating back to the late 1950’s. It’s a club that has a special place in the history of Los Angeles and has been a gathering place for families and friends for decades,” said David Pilsbury, Invited CEO. “The club has gone through a complete transformation – golf, racquet, dining, aquatics, fitness, and social spaces – and Invited is so proud to unveil a new club identity to match, one that embodies the spirit of the San Fernando Valley, one we’re so proud of, and one that begins a new chapter that will live for many more decades to come.”

The name Mulholland Hills pays homage to Mulholland, one of the most iconic names in Los Angeles that represents the infamous drive spanning from the Eastern Hollywood Hills all the way to Pacific Coast Highway to Leo Carillo State Beach. The logo was inspired by the clubhouse’s mid-century modern architecture and Hollywood’s Golden Age, with the “MH” lettermark echoing the rolling hills of Los Angeles.

As part of the renovations, all three golf courses are being reimagined, with Trails Course (formerly U.S. Open) and Vista (formerly Western) courses already opened. The Canyons Course (formerly Masters) is being redesigned and is nearing completion. The golf course redesigns are being done by Lanny Wadkins, a Hall of Fame PGA Champion, who has worked on redesigning numerous Invited’ golf courses over the last few years, including TPC Craig Ranch (TX), Diamond Run Golf Club (PA) and The Clubs at Stonebridge Ranch (TX). A true golf legend, Wadkins is a 21-time PGA TOUR winner, U.S. Amateur champion, U.S. Open and PGA Championship runner-up, as well as the 8-time Ryder Cup Captain.


Mulholland Hills is unveiling a new signature culinary offering with an upscale Sage & Vine restaurant, which has become the centerpiece of the Mulholland Hills’ social experience, blending California sophistication with Hollywood inspiration. Additionally, members and guests will enjoy Goldie’s Grill (opening October 2025), which is a casual dining restaurant honoring three-time PGA major champion Ralph “Goldie” Guldahl.

As part of the club’s racquet revamp, all 18 tennis and 8 pickleball courts have been resurfaced with new nets and posts in addition to debuting Pickle Perch, a paved social hub with umbrellas, seating, and a portable bar.

Zinkand Golf Design Completes The Reversible at Ohio’s Medina CC


Club’s Former Nine-Hole Course Transformed Into Reversible Golf Course Featuring Two Nine-Hole Loops Playing in Opposite Directions

Zinkand Golf Design (ZGD) – led by golf course architect David Zinkand and his more than 25 years of experience designing, managing and shaping projects in the field – has completed The Reversible, a unique, new golf course at Ohio’s Medina Country Club.

As its name implies, The Reversible features two nine-hole loops that can be played in opposite directions – one clockwise (Purple) and the other counterclockwise (Green) – and occupies the footprint of the club’s former nine-hole course. Each par-31 routing begins with a downhill par-3 to one of two large double greens. They are followed by a compelling collection of par 3s and 4s draped across gently rolling terrain before returning back to par 3s with double greens for the finish.


The Reversible challenges skilled players with strategic bunkering and multiple routes to hole locations, demanding careful decisions both off the tee and approaching the green. At the same time, its ample width provides plenty of room for less experienced golfers to steer clear of trouble. Other course features include generous green surrounds and rugged bunkering with attractive fescue brows. Pure Eclipse bentgrass greens and fairways, combined with an emphasis on maximizing course set-up flexibility throughout the design / build process, will set the baseline for exceptional conditioning and thought-provoking play. Zinkand’s work also emphasized the golf course looking and feeling like its bucolic setting. This principle of “genius loci,” or sense of place, is a key pillar of his design philosophy.

“The land has just enough movement to make it ideal for reversible golf,” said Zinkand, a long-time associate for Coore & Crenshaw before beginning his own design business. “It allowed us to be bold and offer plenty of challenges for players who’re eager to embrace risk in pursuit of a big reward, while also possessing a subtlety that invites beginners to identify more conservative avenues to the hole.”


Work on The Reversible began in Summer 2024, with most of the earthwork completed by autumn. It is part of a Zinkand-led, multi-phase master plan at Medina, which is located about 35 miles south of downtown Cleveland. The opening of The Reversible follows a complete overhaul of the club’s practice facilities, including the addition of a state-of-the-art indoor / outdoor teaching academy. Construction of a new clubhouse is underway; once completed, attention will turn to a project that will transform Medina’s existing 18-hole course.

“Working with Dave is a pleasure, and he’s such a genius at what he does,” said Bill Cosgrove, the owner of Medina Country Club since 2022. “His vision for The Reversible grabbed me right from the start and our members can’t be any more excited about the golf course. Dave’s an incredible partner and we feel very fortunate to have him leading the multi-year transformation of the Medina golf experience.”

For more information about ZGD, visit zinkandgolfdesign.com or @zinkandgolfdesign (Instagram).