Pebble Beach revives signature feature on its fabled 18th hole

A replacement tree planted on the 18th hole at Pebble Beach;

A new tree was planted to replace one lost in 2014.

If a tree falls on the fairway of a famous golf hole, does anybody notice? They sure do.

They also notice when it gets replaced.

On Thursday, Pebble Beach Golf Links posted photos of a fresh addition to its 18th hole, where a second cypress tree has been planted, replacing one that toppled during a Dec. 11, 2014 winter storm. The work restores a feature that had long complicated tee shots and layups on the fabled par-5 finisher.

The replacement tree came from the 17th hole at nearby Spyglass Hill. It now stands in the same spot once occupied by the storm-felled tree, roughly 30 yards closer to the green than its companion pine.

Ranked 15th on GOLF’s list of Top 100 Courses in the World, Pebble Beach opened in 1919 and has evolved over more than a century of life, undergoing tweaks both subtle and significant. In 1997, for instance, Jack Nicklaus was hired to build a new par-3 5th hole, a change that brought the hole to the edge of the bluffs overlooking Stillwater Cove.

Since 2010 alone, the course has undergone a slew of additional refinements — longer tees on the 2nd and 9th holes, restored bunkers, and recontoured greens designed to revive classic features and open up new hole locations.

The tree planting comes as Pebble fine-tunes the course ahead of the 2027 U.S. Open, which it will host for a record seventh time.

This is not the first time an iconic tree has been replaced at Pebble. In 2002, an 80-foot Monterey cypress was planted beside the 18th green, taken from the 1st hole to replace the original, which had died of pitch canker disease. That replanting — digging a giant hole, maneuvering a giant root ball into place — was something of a spectacle.

But it played out with less immediate fanfare in the age before Instagram.

Bonita Bay Club Membership Approves $110 Million Clubhouse Transformational Project

(NAPLES, Fla.) — Bonita Bay Club, Florida’s largest member-owned private golf club, will embark on a landmark $110 million clubhouse project, marking a significant milestone in the Club’s ongoing evolution.

Approved with strong member support, the new clubhouse, which will be built in two phases on the club’s 2400-acre main campus, reflects a commitment to enhancing the Club’s facilities and prepares for future growth. The planned 140,000-square-foot clubhouse has been designed in a Florida coastal style to elevate the members’ experience while improving operational efficiency and staff work environments.

Key features include distinct dining venues: the expansion of the popular 55th Hole restaurant, complete with indoor and outdoor dining and an integrated sushi bar; The Sunset Lounge for casual drinks and light bites; and a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the golf courses and the Gulf of Mexico beyond. 

A grand ballroom will accommodate 360 people, with a dance floor and a band, and will also serve as a card room for daily table games. Multiple private function rooms will be added, along with a lower-level parking garage to improve accessibility. Three full-service kitchens will support expanded culinary programs throughout the Club.

Dedicated Employee Areas, Operational Efficiencies

A key element in the new clubhouse design is a substantial investment in employee and operational spaces. Employee facilities will increase by approximately 500 percent, planned in direct response to a member survey that identified the need for enhancements to staff areas, modernized kitchens, and expanded operational capacity as top priorities for the Club’s future.

“This project is far more than a new clubhouse—it reflects our identity as a member-owned club and the commitment to continuous reinvestment in our amenities,” said Fred Fung, CEO and General Manager of Bonita Bay Club. “At the same time, it underscores our dedication to the team by providing the resources and environment needed to deliver exceptional service now and in the future.”  Member access to amenities and dining will continue during the two-phased construction project.

This new building marks the final phase of a broader, multi-decade transformation. Since acquiring the Club from its original developer in 2010, members have invested approximately $250 million in capital funds, upgrading all major amenities across the property. Anticipating the evolving interests of members and their families, the Club has emerged as a trailblazer in lifestyle innovation beyond the fairways. Over the past 15 years, Bonita Bay Club has undergone an extraordinary transformation, marked by visionary renovations and state-of-the-art new builds that elevate every aspect of the member experience.

Escalante Golf Acquires Nationally Ranked Hawks Ridge Golf Club

Nine-Time U.S. Open Qualifying Site Is Masterfully Routed Over Gently Rolling Terrain One Hour North of Atlanta 

(FORT WORTH, Texas) – Escalante Golf – a boutique owner and operator of luxury golf properties across 17 states – has acquired Hawks Ridge Golf Club in Ball Ground, Georgia.

Since opening in 1999, Hawks Ridge has been regularly ranked among the country’s Top 200 Modern Courses by Golfweek and Georgia’s best courses by Golf Digest. This June, Hawks Ridge will be one of 10 U.S. courses to host final qualifying for the 126th U.S. Open Championship, marking the ninth time it has been selected for this honor.

Childhood friends Mike Nixon and Joe Jillson founded the club after searching far and wide for the best land they could find in greater Atlanta. Their quest led them to a secluded parcel about one hour north of downtown.

After an extensive nationwide process, they selected Bob Cupp as the course designer. Cupp – whose credits include Pumpkin Ridge outside of Portland, Oregon and Liberty National just west of New York City – had worked with Jack Nicklaus on Ohio’s Muirfield Village, one of the founders’ favorite courses. Presented with an ideal canvas of 550 wooded, rolling acres, Cupp created a golf course that has received acclaim for its strong shot values, thought-provoking mix of shorter and longer holes, and exceptional conditioning.

From day one, these on-course attributes have been complemented by a welcoming off-course vibe. Beyond the 18-hole course, other feature amenities at Hawks Ridge are a nine hole par-3 course, spacious clubhouse, tavern-style restaurant, state-of-the-art training center, helipad and two four-bedroom member cottages. This atmosphere of great golf and comfortable luxury has been key to attracting a club membership that includes some of Atlanta’s most prominent athletes and accomplished business people.

“We’re honored to become the next stewards of Hawks Ridge, and to continue its legacy as a club known for great golf and genuine camaraderie,” said David McDonald, President & Partner at Escalante Golf. “Mike and Joe possessed incredible vision when they successfully combined world-class golf course architecture with a laid-back club vibe. They established a standard for excellence that seamlessly aligns with our team’s mission to deliver an amazing golf experience every day to our members and their guests. The Membership at Hawks Ridge is one composed not only of higher-caliber players, but great people as well. Mike and Joe built a true players’ club, one to be enjoyed for generations to come. We’re prepared and honored to preserve that legacy.”

Golf course architect Tripp Davis has been retained to create a masterplan for the Club. In 2022, Davis completed an extensive renovation of Atlanta Athletic Club’s Riverside course and is currently putting the finishing touches on an original design, The Rose Golf Club, outside of Athens, Georgia. Davis and Escalante enjoy a close relationship, as the heralded architect has worked with the team at The International’s Oaks Course (Bolton, Mass.), BlackHorse Golf Club (Cypress, Texas) and Black Diamond Ranch (Lecanto, Fla.).

“Our team is committed to ensuring the Hawks Ridge practice facility, instruction programming, tournament schedule and culinary offerings are complementary to its exceptional on-course golf experience,” added Jeff Kindred, COO, Escalante Golf. “We are excited for the opportunity to bring this iconic club – one with such a strong culture of excellence shared by both members and staff – into its next chapter.” 

Troon Welcomes New Chief Human Resources Officer

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Deane Ilukowicz as the company’s new Chief Human Resources Officer. Ilukowicz will lead Troon’s global human resources team, supporting the company’s 35,000-plus associates across 45 states, 40 countries and multiple brands. She will office at Troon’s corporate headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Deane Ilukowicz

Ilukowicz has 30-plus years of experience in building and transforming global HR organizations that enable growth, operational excellence, and strong culture. She most recently served as the Chief People Officer for Scottsdale-based TPI Composites. Throughout her career, Ilukowicz has led the HR teams at several large organizations, including Vice President of Organizational Effectiveness at TransUnion, Chief Human Resources Officer for Hypertherm, as well as senior level HR roles at financial services and manufacturing companies.

“Deane brings strong experience, a collaborative leadership style, and a genuine commitment to developing people and strengthening culture,” said Troon President and CEO Tim Schantz. “She has strong business acumen and is going to add a lot to the team.”

Ilukowicz has an MBA from Wake Forest University and her bachelor’s degree in social and behavioral science from The Johns Hopkins University. She also served as a trustee for the Community College System of New Hampshire and provides free HR consulting to nonprofit organizations.

“I’m energized by the company’s vision, strong position in the industry, and its deep commitment to a culture of hospitality that serves both customers and employees. I’m excited to contribute to strengthening an environment where associates feel supported and customers feel truly cared for,” said Ilukowicz.

Companies and operating brands under the Troon umbrella include Troon Golf, Troon Privé, Troon International, Indigo Sports, CADDIEMASTER, ClubUp, Cliff Drysdale Tennis, True Club Solutions, RealFood Hospitality, Strategy & Design and RF DesignStudio, ICON Management Services and Eventive Sports. In addition to its global headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz., Troon has offices in Reston, Va.; Newton, Mass.; Chicago, Ill.; Irvine, Calif.; Jupiter, Fla.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Birmingham, Ala.; Seattle, Wash.; New Braunfels, Texas; Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Geneva, Switzerland; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

For more information on Troon, visit www.Troon.com.

YouTube Creator Ryan Ruffels Wins The Q at Myrtle Beach

(MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.) — Play Golf Myrtle Beach (PGMB), the premier resource for the Golf Capital of the World, is excited to announce Ryan Ruffels as the winner of The Q at Myrtle Beach. With the victory, Ruffels secures the final spot in the 2026 ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic, set for May 7-10 at Dunes Golf & Beach Club. 

The innovative, two-round competition, which saw eight of the world’s most popular golf creators battle for a PGA TOUR exemption, concluded April 30 in a high-stakes finale at Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club. 

Making his debut appearance in the event, Ruffels, an Orlando-based professional golfer with 20 career PGA TOUR starts, leveraged his experience to navigate the pressure-packed finale. Ruffels edged Grant Horvat, who finished second among the field of heavy hitters that included George Bryan IV, who was seeking redemption after a runner-up finish in the inaugural event. 

Following a series of intense head-to-head match-play contests during the first round at Rivers Edge Golf Club, four finalists, Ruffels, Grant Horvat, Micah Morris and Luke Kwon advanced to the final round for a stroke-play shootout to determine who claims the exemption and a spot in the tournament field. 

Horvat seized early momentum with four consecutive birdies to open his round, but three bogeys before the turn allowed Ruffels to stay within striking distance. Ruffels’ professional experience proved to be the decisive advantage on the back nine, where he remained bogey-free and recorded pivotal birdies on the 14th and 16th holes. While Horvat moved back to even-par with a birdie on the 15th, a bogey on the 17th and a double bogey on the 18th ended his title hopes. Ruffels remained composed to finish with a 1-under-par 71, two strokes ahead of Horvat, who finished with a 1-over-par 73. Kwon and Morris finished T3 after carding scores of 5-over-par 77. 

“This is what you dream about when you start creating content, the chance to bridge the gap and prove you can still compete at the highest level,” said Ryan Ruffels. “Playing against competitors like George and Grant with a PGA TOUR spot on the line is a massive adrenaline rush. I’m honored to represent the creator community next week at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic.”

Ruffels joins past champions Matt Atkins (2024) and Nathan Franks (2025) as winners of the event. Ruffels will make his return to the PGA TOUR on May 7 when he makes his debut in the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club.

“The Q at Myrtle Beach continues to prove that it is the premier platform for bridging the gap between the worlds of digital and professional golf,” said Kyle Oland, Director of Marketing for Golf Tourism Solutions. “Ryan’s clutch play to come from behind down the stretch demonstrates the level of talent residing in the YouTube golf space. This wasn’t an exhibition; it was a high-stakes battle, and we can’t wait to see Ryan compete against the best in the world at the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic.”

The Q at Myrtle Beach is a first-of-its-kind competition, generating millions of views and serving as the inspiration for other creator-centric events such as the PGA TOUR’s Creator Classic. Its innovative approach to bridge the gap between professional golf and digital golf creators has been recognized nationally, including being honored with the PGA TOUR’s “Best In-Class Element” award in 2024. Fans can watch the full journey of the 2026 competition on YouTube. The first round is available on Grant Horvat’s channel, while the Championship Round is hosted on the Bryan Bros channel.

Dunlop Sports Americas and Brooks Koepka Conclude Partnership

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.) – Dunlop Sports Americas and Brooks Koepka have mutually agreed to conclude their endorsement partnership, effective immediately.

Over the course of their relationship, Brooks served as an exceptional ambassador for the Srixon and Cleveland Golf brands. His commitment to competing at the highest level of the game, including a major championship victory with Srixon and Cleveland Golf equipment in play, exemplified the performance standard both brands stand for.

Dunlop Sports Americas is proud of what was accomplished together and grateful for the professionalism and dedication Brooks brought to the partnership. DSA wishes him continued success on the PGA TOUR.

Dunlop Sports Americas remains steadfast in its mission to deliver world-class performance equipment through precision engineering, relentless innovation, and a player-first commitment. Across Srixon and Cleveland Golf, they will continue building products trusted by the game’s best and engineered for golfers at every level who demand excellence.

Laguna Golf Phuket Unveils Exciting 2026 Events Calendar, Reinforcing Its Position as Asia’s Premier Golf Destination

(Phuket, Thailand) — Laguna Golf Phuket, nestled within the prestigious Laguna Phuket complex, is excited to announce its comprehensive calendar of events for 2026. This dynamic lineup showcases a range of premier championships and corporate golf events, reflecting Laguna Golf Phuket's commitment to establishing itself as a leading golf destination in Asia.

At the forefront is the esteemed ANNIKA Invitational Asia, scheduled for 30th April to 3rd May 2026. As part of the ANNIKA Foundation’s Pathway Series, this prestigious tournament presents a unique opportunity for aspiring young golfers, as the top three finishers will earn invitations to the distinguished 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations ANNIKA Invitational presented by Rolex.

Adding to the excitement, the All-Thailand Golf Tour – Singha Laguna Phuket Open 2026 will take place from 11th to 17th May 2026. Celebrating its 10th edition, this event further cements Laguna Golf Phuket’s reputation as a competitive golf hub, while promoting Phuket as a prime sports tourism destination and supporting the development of local talent.

Another key event on the calendar is the International School Golf Tour (ISGT) from 10th to 13th September 2026. In its third edition and hosted by Shrewsbury International School Bangkok Riverside, this event will bring together Asia’s top junior golfers, solidifying its status as one of the region’s premier junior tours.

Stephen Chick, General Manager at Laguna Golf Phuket, expressed his enthusiasm for the exciting lineup, stating, “We are proud to host such a diverse and captivating golf calendar in 2026. Events like the ANNIKA Invitational Asia and the International School Golf Tour emphasise our commitment to nurturing talent and fostering engagement in the sport of golf in this region, all while creating a world-class platform for players at every skill level. Our longstanding relationship with Singha Corporation continues to attract some of the finest professional players back to Laguna Golf Phuket providing thrilling competition as they navigate the challenges of our recently upgraded course.”

In addition to a robust lineup of junior competitions, Laguna Golf Phuket will also host the Sportingclass Industry Invitational, now in its 16th edition, from 1st to 5th November 2026. This event is anticipated to attract approximately 80 corporate golfers from the UK, enhancing Laguna Golf Phuket’s status as a premier venue for industry-related golfing events.

With over 1,400 guest rooms across six distinct hotels and resorts, alongside an array of exceptional wellbeing, dining, and leisure experiences, Laguna Phuket is recognised Asia’s premier integrated resort destination, catering to both professional and leisure golfers alike. In 2025, it retained its position in the Golf World Top 100 World Resorts ranking, underscoring its continued excellence in a highly competitive industry landscape.

To learn more about Laguna Phuket and its offerings, visit www.lagunaphuket.com.