Why Do Golf Clubs Have Grooves?

Golf clubs have grooves primarily to improve control, not to make the ball spin more by themselves. Their biggest job is to maintain consistent contact between the clubface and the ball, especially in less-than-perfect conditions.

Here's how they work:

They channel away moisture and debris. If there's water, grass, or sand between the ball and the clubface, grooves help move it aside, allowing the face to grip the ball more consistently—similar to how tire treads help maintain traction on a wet road.

They improve spin from the rough. From a clean fairway lie, most of the spin comes from friction between the clubface and the ball. But in the rough, blades of grass can get trapped between the two. Grooves give that grass somewhere to go, allowing the club to generate much more spin than a smooth face would.

They help with stopping power. Higher-spin shots—especially with wedges—stop more quickly on the green. That's why professional golfers can hit a wedge that lands and checks up almost immediately.

They increase consistency. Grooves help produce more predictable launch, spin, and distance, especially in wet weather or from imperfect lies.

Why wedges have deeper grooves than irons

Wedges are designed for shots where spin and precision matter most, so they typically have:
- Wider, deeper grooves
- More aggressive face texture (within the rules)

Long irons, on the other hand, are designed more for distance than maximum spin.

Why the rules changed

United States Golf Association and The R&A introduced stricter groove regulations in 2010 for elite competitions because modern grooves allowed players to generate too much spin from the rough. The new rules reduced that advantage, making accuracy off the tee more important again.

In short: Grooves don't magically create spin. They help preserve the friction between the ball and the clubface by clearing away water, grass, and debris, which leads to better control, more consistent spin, and more predictable shots.

Nicole Felce Earns Low PGA of America and LPGA Professional Honors at 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

Felce Claims Honor in Second Major Appearance

(CHASKA, Minn.) - In only her second KPMG Women’s PGA Championship appearance, Nicole Felce earned Low PGA of America and LPGA Professional Honors Sunday at Hazeltine National Golf Club.

Only three PGA or LPGA Professionals have made the cut since the PGA of America partnered with the LPGA in 2015 for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Felce, the PGA/LPGA Assistant Golf Professional at Countryside Country Club in Clearwater, Fla., is the first to earn the honor since Jimmin Kin’s 2019 performance at Hazeltine. Jennifer Bermingham made the cut in 2016 at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Wash.

Felce is the lone member of the Corebridge Financial Team of eight PGA of America and LPGA Professionals to make the weekend. Corebridge Financial Team members earned a spot in the field by way of the 2025 LPGA Professionals Championship and the 2026 PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship. Felce finished fourth in the LPGA Professionals Championship to make her second-consecutive KPMG Women’s PGA Championship appearance.

Felce, a North Florida PGA Section Member, fulfilled her dream of playing the weekend at a Major Championship with a stellar 2-under performance on Saturday to make the cut on the number. Finishing 11-over with rounds of 75-70-81-73 — 299, Felce is grateful for the honor to compete.

“It’s really, really special to be here,” Felce said after her round. “Making the weekend was my goal this week, so to have done it and just to soak it all in and to have played along with the world's best was really special and really amazing and really humbling.”

It was a tale of two nines for Felce’s final round. Beginning the round on hole-10, she found back-to-back bogeys on 11 and 12, birdied 13 and then doubled 16. She turned it around on her back nine with birdies on the par-4 4th and 7th holes. She finished the day 1-over par.

Felce, a dual member of the PGA of America and LPGA, was proud to respond well Sunday after a poor-scoring performance on Saturday, but considers the entire week one of the best of her life.

“Honestly, the fans made it super memorable. Just to have the PGA and the LPGA also here and everyone here supporting meant a lot to me. I'm really honored to be a part of two great organizations.”

In May 2025, she became an LPGA Class A Member and then was elected to Class A Membership with the PGA of America in February 2026. Felce competed at LPGA Q-School in the summer of 2022 in Palm Springs, Calif., and earned partial status on the Epson Tour during the 2023 season. 

She returns to work at Countryside CC Tuesday, but with aspirations to play on Tour she will also prepare for Q-School in September.

“I'm going to Q-School this fall, so ultimately the goal is to play on Tour. That's my main goal. I am glad I got my certifications under my belt, so I always will have that, but definitely want to be on Tour.”

Ironhorse Golf Club Completes Practice Facility Enhancement Project

(Leawood, Kansas) – Ironhorse Golf Club in Leawood, Kansas recently completed a comprehensive renovation of its practice facility, marking the club’s most significant upgrade since 2022. The Practice Facility is open to the public daily and includes practice range, putting green, short game area, and a three-hole par-3 course.

The practice facility enhancements aim to provide golfers with an improved practice environment and include several key features:

- Installation of new irrigation and drainage systems to enhance turf health and playability.

- Restoration of contours to support effective drainage.

- Relocation and reshaping of targets for a more dynamic practice experience.

- Addition of three synthetic green targets designed for partial wedge shots.

- Installation of new target poles to aid in shot alignment.

- Regrassing of 6.5 acres of disturbed surface area to ensure consistent turf quality.

- Renovation of the cart path area, including widening the path, adding a traffic loop, designating parking stalls, and improving the walk-up to the range tee.

“The continued support of from the City of Leawood has been amazing. Guest feedback has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, and we are excited for enhanced features,” said Ironhorse Golf Club General Manager Ryan Eckroat.

These improvements are part of Ironhorse Golf Club’s ongoing commitment to providing top-tier facilities for guests. The practice facility renovation follows the club’s 2022 upgrades, which included a Grille renovation, kitchen expansion, restroom remodeling, front entry and lobby enhancements, new flooring, and updated furniture in the Grille and lobby areas. Additionally, last spring, the club replaced all synthetic turf tee lines with new mats and introduced new Club Car golf cars.

Vista 154, the Club’s event space, opened in 2017 and is located adjacent to the clubhouse. The venue hosts large events, including weddings, receptions, graduation parties, business meetings, post golf tournament receptions as well as the annual State of the City for the City of Leawood. 

Looking ahead, Ironhorse Golf Club has plans to install a new irrigation system throughout the course within the next 12 months, to further enhance course conditions and the golf experience.

Owned by the City of Leawood and managed by Troon Golf, Ironhorse Golf Club is widely recognized as one of the top public golf facilities in the Kansas City metro area. For more information on Ironhorse Golf Club, visit www.ironhorsegolf.com or call 913-685-4653.

Kirby Smart’s Competitive Edge Extends to Golf as The Rose Emerges Near Georgia Campus

(ATHENS, Ga.) — For University of Georgia football coach Kirby Smart, competition is more than a philosophy — it’s a way of life.

The architect of Georgia’s recent football dynasty has built his career on an obsession with winning, a trait that dates back to childhood. Family members recall his intense competitive streak becoming so pronounced that board games were effectively banned in the Smart household.

That same drive has fueled Georgia’s rise to the top of college football, producing multiple national championships and SEC titles. But away from the sidelines, Smart has found another outlet for his competitive nature: golf.

“It's what my career was built on,” Smart said. “I love competing, and I love winning.”

Golf has long attracted highly competitive personalities, and Smart is no exception. While he describes himself as an average golfer who maintains a 12 handicap, he embraces the sport’s constant challenge and imperfections.

“The imperfection — that’s what I love about golf,” Smart said. “You never play a perfect round.”

Now, golf is becoming an even bigger part of Georgia’s athletic ecosystem through The Rose, a new private golf club under development just minutes from campus.

The project is the vision of brothers Nick and Dimitri Cassini, former Georgia golfers who dreamed of creating a world-class golf destination in Athens. After years spent in real estate development and extensive travel to some of the world’s premier golf clubs, the brothers purchased farmland outside the city and began transforming it into a destination unlike any other in the state.

Designed by architect Tripp Davis, The Rose is intended to be a nationally recognized golf club with a membership that extends far beyond Georgia alumni. Every detail, from course design to hospitality offerings, has been carefully curated by the Cassinis, whose goal is to create an elite golf experience while giving back to the community that helped shape their lives.

The club has already attracted attention from prominent Georgia football figures, including NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford. A former Bulldogs star, Stafford says Smart’s competitive reputation extends well beyond the football field.

“We’ve been on some duck hunts together, on the golf course together, and Kirby doesn’t like to lose — at anything,” Stafford said with a laugh.

Beyond golf, The Rose could play an increasingly important role in Georgia athletics. In an era defined by NIL opportunities, donor engagement and recruiting advantages, Smart sees value in a destination that brings alumni, supporters and potential contributors together.

“It's great when you get a place that people can go out and have fun, enjoy, relax and socialize,” Smart said. “Sometimes that ties in more energy, more enthusiasm toward the program.”

For Smart, golf provides a rare opportunity to step away from the daily demands of coaching while still fostering the relationships that help sustain a championship program.

And for the Cassini brothers, The Rose represents something larger than golf: a lasting legacy in Athens.

As Georgia football continues to chase championships, The Rose may become another unexpected asset in the Bulldogs’ pursuit of staying on top.

Tiger Woods Selected for New Championship Course at Tributer Resort in Lake Anna, Virginia

New Chapter is Underway as Reef Capital Partners Reimagines the Community into a Premier Destination Centered on Golf, Hospitality, and Waterfront Living

(MINERAL, Va.) — Tributer Resort, a premier golf and residential destination by Reef Capital Partners along the shores of Virginia’s Lake Anna, today announced plans for a new private, 18-hole championship golf course by Tiger Woods’ TGR Design. The project further expands TGR Design’s portfolio of world-class golf destinations and is the second championship golf experience at Tributer Resort.

The TGR Design course will offer a distinct core layout designed to showcase the property’s dramatic topography and striking natural landscape. Routed through rolling farmland, mature hardwood forests, and pine groves overlooking Lake Anna, the course will be defined by strategic shot values, distinct variety across expansive vistas, and a powerful connection to the land.

Measuring 7,310 yards from the championship tees, the course will challenge elite players while remaining highly playable and engaging for golfers of all skill levels. Strategy, creativity, and thoughtful decision-making define the experience, as players move through generous fairways, strategically placed hazards, and undulating greens that reward precision, adaptability, and imagination.

“A balanced mix of uphill and downhill holes, shifting perspectives, and natural landforms will ensure no two holes feel alike, creating a course that feels organic in its movement and varied in its demands,” said Bryon Bell, President at TGR Design. “Lake Anna provides a remarkable setting for championship golf, and we’re excited to see this design come to life in a way that fully reflects its sense of place.”

The new TGR Design course joins Cutalong Golf Club, Tributer Resort’s existing private golf experience. Inspired by National Golf Links of America and the strategic principles of golf’s Golden Age architects, including C.B. MacDonald, Donald Ross, and Alister MacKenzie, the course received recognition from Golf Digest in 2023 as one of the Top 5 Best New Private Courses in the United States. Complementing the golf offering is the Shenandoah Green, a lighted 18-hole putting course designed as a lively social and entertainment venue adjacent to the clubhouse. Overlooking the 1st tee and 18th green, the clubhouse serves as the heart of the community, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces with sweeping panoramic views of the course. It is home to Coopers, the resort’s signature dining venue and golf shop, creating a central gathering place for members, homeowners, and guests.

“This new course announcement represents a major milestone in the evolution of Tributer Resort and reinforces our commitment to building a premier golf destination at Lake Anna,” said Ian Sikes, General Manager of Tributer Resort. “Together with our existing offerings, this addition brings a new level of excitement and distinction to the club and community.”

Beyond golf, Tributer Resort is evolving into a premier lifestyle and residential destination led by Reef Capital Partners. The current residential collection includes homesites, 7 golf villas, and 8 cottages, which are all member-owned yet accessible to select guests through Stay & Play reservations. Once complete, the resort will have 22 villas and 34 cottages with an architectural style that marries traditional Virginia design with contemporary comfort.

The four-bedroom Golf Villas, now available for purchase, feature spa-inspired en-suite baths, open-concept living areas, and private terraces overlooking the course, enhanced by oversized windows and elevated finishes. The two-bedroom Golf Cottages feature chef-inspired kitchens, spacious living and entertaining areas, and welcoming outdoor porches. Homesites range from one-third to two-thirds of an acre with golf course views, cul-de-sac settings, and a prime location near the main entrance and golf village.

Two membership options are now available, offering priority access to the golf course and an expanding collection of current and future amenities. Once complete, the community will include nearly 900 residences, additional chef-driven dining spaces, sports courts, wellness amenities, pool and lakeside recreation, trail systems, and curated outdoor experiences designed to create a year-round resort environment rooted in golf, hospitality, and waterfront living.

“As we continue to expand Tributer Resort, our vision is to create a vibrant, enduring community where resort amenities are seamlessly integrated into everyday life,” said Jared Lucero, CEO of Reef Capital Partners. “This next phase brings together thoughtfully designed residences, elevated amenities, golf, and world-class recreation. Our focus remains on building lasting value and a community designed for generations to gather, explore, and belong, reimagining Virginia hospitality through a modern resort experience.”

For more information on Tributer and to inquire about real estate and memberships, visit https://www.tributer.com/. 

Desert Highlands Announces Men’s Locker Room Renovation Project

Multi-Million Dollar Upgrades to Include Refreshed Locker Room and Bathroom Areas, Modernized Bar, Accordion Doors Connecting Indoor / Outdoor Areas 

(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) – Desert Highlands – the original home of The Skins Game and an acclaimed luxury golf club and community in the stunning Sonoran Desert of North Scottsdale – announces renovation work has begun to its men’s locker room.

PHX Architecture and Hatch Design Group, who completed the renovation of the women’s locker room and golf pro shop late last year, and also designed the award-winning Jack’s, will lead the multi-million dollar updates to the men’s locker room. Slated to be completed by the end of 2026, the renovation project will elevate the daily experience for the members.

The men’s locker room renovation project will center on five key enhancements to elevate the member’s experience while honoring Desert Highlands’ traditions and heritage:

- The men’s grille and lounge will be reimagined as a more open and inviting gathering space. Updated finishes, furnishings and design elements will create a comfortable environment for dining, socializing, and connecting with fellow members.

- The addition of the Nicklaus Room will introduce a distinctive new experience within the men’s locker room. This intimate fireside lounge will pay tribute to Desert Highlands’ legacy as the world’s first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course while providing a refined setting for conversation and relaxation.

- The locker room will be thoughtfully reimagined to enhance the member experience. Elevated finishes, improved lighting, upgraded amenities, and refined design details will create a more sophisticated and welcoming environment while preserving the traditions that make the space special.

- The wet areas, including showers, vanities and restroom facilities, will be fully modernized. Contemporary fixtures, premium materials, and upgraded finishes will enhance both comfort and functionality.

- The renovation will strengthen the connection between the indoor gathering spaces and the outdoor patio and golf course views. The result will be a more open, relaxed environment that embraces the Desert Highlands lifestyle.

Together, these enhancements will create a more elevated, comfortable and experience-driven destination for members while preserving the character, camaraderie and sense of community that define the Desert Highlands experience.

“Updating and improving our men’s locker room will make it more functional and inviting, and aligns with the Desert Highlands brand and quality expected at the club today and into the future,” says Desi Speh, Chief Operating Officer / General Manager at Desert Highlands. “This project, combined with last year’s golf shop and women’s locker room renovation, ensures that our core member spaces are consistent, cohesive and reflective of the Desert Highlands experience.”

Desert Highlands’ energetic lifestyle consistently draws discerning and active members – from tennis and pickleball enthusiasts to golfers, pet lovers and health and wellness enthusiasts. A full social calendar allows residents to fully enjoy this peaceful community. Desert Highlands finished 11th in Platinum Clubs of America’s Top-50 Golf Clubs in the U.S. rankings, and 54th in their world rankings.

This past November, the club completed a $9.8 million restoration project to its golf course. Spearheaded by Nicklaus Design Senior Designer Chad Goetz, the restoration project represents one of the most ambitious and rewarding undertakings in Desert Highlands’ illustrious history. Nicklaus Design collaborated with Heritage Links and the Desert Highlands Golf Course Maintenance team, led by Director of Agronomy Cody Horstman, on the restoration project, which included six major components: design enhancements to several holes, greens reconstruction, tee reconstruction, bunker reconstruction, desert de- and re-vegetation, and restoration of the turf found on the tees, fairways and rough.

Desert Highlands also recently completed a $2.5 million modernization of its golf shop and women’s locker room. The golf shop now features a redesigned layout with an expanded entrance and a relocated retail counter. Meanwhile, the women’s locker room boasts brighter finishes, a refreshed card lounge, upgraded vanity and wet areas, and a new self-serve comfort station that includes snack drawers, grab-and-go lunch options, wine on tap and a Pour-My-Beer tap system.

The club also recently updated its clubhouse and racquet club lounge. Set against awe-inspiring views of Pinnacle Peak and the unspoiled desert, Jack’s Backyard features numerous lounge areas, patio tables, cushioned fireside seating and two Bocce courts.

The breathtaking desert views were also enhanced at Ventana, Desert Highlands’ elevated dining experience, by incorporating large windows and open floor plans. The club’s 7,700-square-foot fitness center offers cutting-edge MATRIX equipment and design enhancements to several areas including the main floor and locker rooms.

Inside, the community provides residents peace of mind with a state-of-the-art security system, professionally trained security personnel, visitor control and access and other protection amenities. Among the acclaimed residential services that truly pamper residents and meet their specific needs are shipping and transportation assistance, pool and spa maintenance, home inspections and other customized services.

For more information: www.deserthighlandsscottsdale.com.

Celebrate 4th of July with BIG MAX

BIG MAX is helping golfers celebrate Independence Day with a fantastic offer this 4th of July. And with this being an extra special anniversary, BIG MAX is offering $50 off one of it’s best-selling award winning golf bags.

The Dri Lite Hybrid Tour 2 builds on the success of its predecessor, offering more storage, a refined design, and premium materials. With a truly hybrid design this ultra-lightweight bag is perfect for walking the course. A two point, padded shoulder strap, air channel technology and easy access pockets provide convenience and comfort, while water-resistance and the addition of SoftGuard PU material add protection from the elements.

But when you want a cart to take the strain, the bag offers a perfect ride through its dual-component floor and lowered stand that ensures the upper bag holder doesn’t interfere with connection to the cart or push cart. Detachable straps, eight spacious pockets and a leg lock mechanism complete the cart compatibility of this truly adaptable bag.

Coming in at just $229 this versatile design is incredible value that combines the practical, lightweight portability of the best stand bags, with the spacious solidity preferred by those who prefer to ride.

Check out the bag in four color options – including a patriotic Red, White & Blue, here: https://us.bigmaxgolf.com/products/dri-lite-hybrid-tour-2 

Offer runs from 27th June to the 5th July.