Arizona Golf Course Becomes First in State to Eliminate Overseeding With New Drought-Tolerant Grass

For decades, overseeding has been a winter tradition at Arizona golf courses. But one Phoenix-area club believes it has found a better way.

FireRock Country Club in Fountain Hills has become the first golf facility in Arizona to install Stadium Zoysia throughout its tees, fairways, and green surrounds, a move designed to eliminate the need for annual overseeding and dramatically reduce water consumption.

The private club, originally designed by renowned architect Gary Panks, recently completed an extensive renovation centered on long-term sustainability. Stadium Zoysia, developed by Bladerunner Farms and supplied by West Coast Turf, was selected for its ability to provide high-quality playing conditions year-round in harsh desert climates.

The change could signal a major shift for golf in the Southwest. Most Arizona courses traditionally overseed with ryegrass each fall, a costly and water-intensive process that creates lush winter conditions but requires significant resources.

“Our water supply was once described as the worst in the Southwest,” said FireRock general manager Tim Geesey. “We were following the same practices as everyone else in town trying to get the grass to grow, and we just couldn't. We were spending all this money and wasting all this water for nothing. Now, we've created a solution that positions us for the future.”

The decision to move away from overseeding required more than a simple turf replacement. Prior to the club's grand reopening in 2025, crews removed six inches of topsoil and installed a new drainage system, allowing the course to maintain Panks' original design vision while improving growing conditions.

The investment appears to be paying off. FireRock reports that it hosted approximately 4,700 rounds in January, up from around 4,000 during previous years. Even more significant, the club estimates it is saving roughly 40 million gallons of water annually while maintaining year-round playability.

According to Bladerunner Farms founder and CEO David Doguet, the project demonstrates how golf courses can balance environmental responsibility with golfer expectations.

“FireRock Country Club had the vision to take a necessary leap forward,” Doguet said. “What they've accomplished is more than a renovation. It's a reset of what's possible for golf in desert environments. This project proves that courses no longer have to choose between playability and sustainability. They can achieve both.”

As water conservation becomes an increasingly important issue across the Southwest, FireRock's success could provide a blueprint for other desert golf courses looking to reduce costs, save water, and move beyond the traditional overseeding model.

XXIO Launches Overheard on Course Campaign Featuring Real Golfers, Real Reactions

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.) — XXIO, the leader in lightweight, premium golf equipment designed for moderate swing speed golfers, has launched “Overheard on Course,” a new campaign built around the genuine reactions of everyday players experiencing XXIO clubs.

Inspired by the brand tagline, “Experience the Difference,” the campaign invited golfers to a demo day hosted by XXIO Ambassador Nathalie Sheehan at The Club at IBIS in West Palm Beach, Florida. Players tested the new XXIO 14 lineup while cameras captured every candid moment

The result was something entirely unscripted. No claims. No scripts. Just proof, overheard.

“We wanted golfers to experience XXIO for themselves and simply react honestly,” said Shawn Harris, Creative Director, North America. “What made this campaign special was how immediate and authentic those reactions were. You can’t fake that kind of excitement.”

Rather than relying on traditional advertising language, “Overheard on Course” centers on real golfers discovering firsthand what makes XXIO different: effortless swing feel, lightweight performance, and increased confidence throughout the bag.

Throughout the campaign, viewers will hear the spontaneous comments and conversations that naturally unfolded during the fitting experience. Focused more on the reactions usually shared quietly between playing partners after a surprisingly great shot.

Overheard on Course

The “Overheard on Course” campaign will roll out across digital, social, and retail channels throughout the season.

For more information about XXIO and the new XXIO 14 lineup, visit us.dunlopsports.com/xxio

Women's Golf Day Wraps Global Five-Continent Week of Activation, Celebration

(Photo Credit: Bob Gaetano)

From Brazil to Japan, Spain to Texas, Women's Golf Day Continues to Redefine Global Engagement Through Golf

(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) — What began in 2016 as a single-day celebration has evolved into one of the most impactful global activations in sport.

As Women's Golf Day (WGD) concludes its 2026 worldwide week of events and celebrations on June 2, thousands of women and girls have participated in activities spanning five continents, demonstrating the continued growth and influence of the movement that is engaging, empowering and supporting women through golf.

Now celebrated across an official week—from May 26 through June 2—Women's Golf Day has transformed from a four-hour event into a global platform that connects communities, golf facilities, governing bodies, brands, resorts, federations and players around a shared mission: creating opportunities for women and girls to experience golf and the lifelong skills, friendships and business connections the game provides.

"Women's Golf Day is no longer simply a day on the calendar," said Elisa Gaudet, Founder of Women's Golf Day. "It has become a global movement that unites people through golf, creating meaningful experiences in every corner of the world while highlighting the power of golf facilities and the industry working together for a single mission- more women and girls in golf."

This year's celebration saw thousands of women and girls participate in events across the globe, with new countries joining the movement and longstanding host venues reporting significant community engagement and economic impact. 

The celebration extended well beyond the course, with Women’s Golf Day’s social media channels serving as a vibrant hub for stories, photos, and videos shared by participants and facilities around the world. Throughout the week, @womensgolfday, #womensgolfday, #womensgolfweek connected golfers, facilities, and industry partners across continents, showcasing the global impact and community spirit that continue to define the movement. The channels highlighted events from around the globe, amplifying participant voices and demonstrating the growing reach of the Women’s Golf Day community.

A GLOBAL CELEBRATION WITH LOCAL IMPACT

This year's celebrations showcased the remarkable diversity and creativity of Women's Golf Day hosts around the world.

Brazil participated for the first time, delivering a spectacular turnout of more than 100 women thanks to the efforts of WGD Ambassador Adriana Marra and the Brazilian Golf Federation. The event combined golf instruction, networking and social activities, introducing new participants to the game while creating a welcoming environment that reflected the country's vibrant culture and growing golf community.

The WGD event hosted in partnership with the PGA of America and Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, continues to serve as a flagship example of collaboration and community building through golf. Held at the PGA of America HQ in Frisco Texas, this event has become one of Women's Golf Day's premier Signature Series events bringing together women of all ages and skill levels. Participants chose between playing The Swing short course or receiving instruction from PGA Professionals at their state-of-the-art Coaching Center before gathering for networking, brunch and discussions focused on the future growth of women in the golf industry and the game itself. 

In Japan, Women's Golf Day events continued the country's impressive growth trajectory. Through partnerships with the Japan Golf Association and leading operator Accordia Golf, WGD continues to bring together golfers and newcomers alike through programming that blends golf, business networking and social connection.

The Czech Republic demonstrated the growing reach of the initiative throughout Central Europe, with Royal Beroun Golf Club near Prague using Women's Golf Day as a platform to welcome first-time golfers while strengthening existing women's golf communities.

La Cala Resort on Spain's Costa del Sol remains one of Women's Golf Day's standout global events, consistently raising the bar year after year. Participants enjoyed a uniquely Mediterranean experience that combined on-course play, activities at The Golf Hub, exceptional hospitality and meaningful social engagement. As the resort noted during its celebration: "This is not a trend to acknowledge. It is a community to build with." That philosophy embodies the spirit of Women's Golf Day and the commitment La Cala continues to demonstrate.

MORE THAN CELEBRATION AN ACTIVATION

What distinguishes Women's Golf Day from traditional participation programs is its ability to create both immediate and lasting impact.

While the four-hour event format remains the foundation, the week-long activation generates year-round engagement among facilities, industry stakeholders and participants. Hosts have expanded beyond golf instruction and play to include leadership discussions, business networking events, charitable initiatives, wellness experiences, fashion showcases and community outreach programs.

Since its launch, Women's Golf Day has reached more than 1,350 locations across 86 countries, making it the fastest-growing female golf development initiative in the world. The movement has introduced thousands of new participants to the game while creating a global network that supports continued engagement long after the events conclude.

LOOKING AHEAD

As Women's Golf Day closes another successful global week, attention now turns to continued growth in emerging markets, expanded partnerships and the ongoing mission of making golf more accessible and welcoming for women and girls everywhere.

From major championship venues and iconic resorts to municipal facilities and driving ranges, Women's Golf Day has demonstrated that the future of golf is strengthened when communities, governing bodies and industry leaders come together to create opportunities for everyone to participate. Women's Golf Day's reach extends beyond participation—its partnerships with governing bodies, golf facilities, destination resorts, MCO operators, manufacturers and industry leaders—which reinforces that WGD has evolved from an event into a global business and community platform.

The 2026 week of events may be ending, but the connections, confidence and communities built during Women's Golf Day will continue throughout the year. Through its website, digital platforms and global network, WGD promotes participating facilities, governing bodies and partners year-round, highlighting tournaments, lessons, special events and opportunities that help women, men and juniors get more out of the game.

A New Golf Destination Is Born: Nauka Golf Club Opens Along Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit

(RIVIERA NAYARIT, MEXICO) – Nauka Golf Club, the highly anticipated private members club boasting a championship golf course designed by legendary architect Tom Fazio, is now officially open for play. The course welcomed its first golfers in late 2025, with the newly opened Siari Riviera Nayarit, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, marking a defining moment for luxury golf and destination development on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Set within the private 920-acre Nauka community along the pristine Riviera Nayarit, the par-72, 7,600-yard layout is shaped by four dramatically different natural environments: old-growth jungle, volcanic cliffs, protected estuary and more than four miles of Pacific coastline.

Nauka Golf Club is the centerpiece of a broader vision led by LIFE Properties International, a global developer recognized for creating destination communities that unite world-class golf, thoughtfully designed luxury real estate, and best-in-class hospitality. At Nauka, LIFE Properties International (LIFE) has curated a low-density private club environment where golf anchors a larger lifestyle focused on wellness, adventure, and a deep connection to place, setting a new benchmark for integrated luxury destinations.

“Nauka is the result of an extraordinary site and a vision that allowed the land to lead the design,” said Jaime Fasja, Founder of LIFE. “The transitions, from jungle to dunes to estuary and then directly to the ocean, are seamless and natural. It’s a course that challenges players strategically while immersing them in one of the most beautiful settings in the world.”

The course unfolds across jungle, mountain, estuary and ocean routings, highlighted by three dramatic holes that play directly along the Pacific. This oceanside stretch offers one of the most distinctive experiences in modern golf, where players are encouraged to slow the pace, enjoy refreshments, walk barefoot on the sand, or even step into the ocean before continuing their round, an unforgettable hallmark of the course.

Designed for golfers of all abilities, Nauka features five sets of tees while still offering a championship test from the back markers. Complementing the main course is “The Booby Trap,” a lighted nine-hole par-3 short course created for night play, relaxed rounds and social competition. Both courses are fully grassed with Pure Dynasty seeded paspalum, selected for its playability, durability and performance in coastal environments.

The culinary experience is a central pillar of Nauka with world-class chef, David Castro Hussong, leading the vision, and working in close collaboration with Nauka’s on-site organic farm to deliver menus that balance local authenticity with modern innovation. Throughout the community, and along the golf course itself, food and beverage are designed to elevate the journey, none more striking than The Nest, a dramatic cliffside comfort station perched high above the Pacific Ocean, and one of four on-course dining options with panoramic views. All dining options at Nauka pair elevated yet approachable cuisine with sweeping ocean views, reinforcing Nauka’s positioning as a destination where culinary culture, sense of place, and world-class golf intersect seamlessly.

Residential offerings at Nauka include Beach Estates with direct Pacific access, elevated Cliff Estates with sweeping ocean and jungle views, and Golf Villas overlooking the finishing holes, with architecture by Olson Kundig and other internationally renowned design firms. Designed for just 395 residences, Nauka balances privacy and community, creating Mexico’s last great retreat — a destination shaped by new infrastructure, vision, and timing that has transformed untouched coastline into the crown jewel of the Pacific.

Further elevating the destination is Siari Riviera Nayarit, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, designed by Bernardi-Peschard, and the second Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Mexico and ninth in the world. Beginning in 2026, hotel guests will receive limited, curated access to tee times at Nauka Golf Club, offering a select introduction to one of the most exclusive golf experiences in the world. 

With a private marina village and yacht club, expansive wellness sanctuary, beach and ocean clubs, racquet facilities, and enhanced regional and private aviation access, Nauka represents a new standard in luxury destination development where championship golf, refined living and world-class hospitality coexist in rare harmony.

The 5 Most Iconic Golfer Logos of All Time, Ranked

In a sport built on tradition, few things endure quite like a great personal logo.

While professional golfers are often remembered for major championships, iconic shots, and memorable rivalries, some have left an equally lasting mark through branding. The best golfer logos transcend merchandise and sponsorships, becoming visual shorthand for a player's personality, legacy, and place in the game's history.

From the Golden Bear to the Umbrella, these are the five greatest personal logos ever worn on a golf shirt.

1. Jack Nicklaus' Golden Bear

No golfer has built a more successful personal brand than Jack Nicklaus.

The Golden Bear logo, inspired by Nicklaus' famous nickname, is arguably the most recognizable symbol in golf. Simple yet powerful, the silhouette of a bear instantly evokes the 18-time major champion and has become synonymous with excellence in the sport.

What makes the logo particularly remarkable is its longevity. Decades after Nicklaus' playing prime, the Golden Bear remains a prominent fixture on apparel, golf courses, and business ventures around the world. It has evolved from a player logo into a global golf brand.

For many, it remains the gold standard of athlete branding.

2. Arnold Palmer's Umbrella

If any logo can rival the Golden Bear for recognition, it's Arnold Palmer's iconic umbrella.

Originally inspired by Palmer's habit of carrying an umbrella in his golf bag, the colorful design has become one of the most beloved symbols in sports. The logo perfectly reflects Palmer's approachable personality while also representing one of the most influential figures in golf history.

The umbrella's success extends far beyond the fairways. It appears on everything from apparel and beverages to charitable initiatives and business ventures, making it one of the most versatile and enduring athlete logos ever created.

More than 50 years after its introduction, the umbrella remains instantly recognizable to golfers and non-golfers alike.

3. Tiger Woods' TW Monogram

When Tiger Woods dominated professional golf in the late 1990s and 2000s, his intertwined "TW" monogram became one of the most coveted logos in sports.

The design succeeded because of its simplicity. Elegant and unmistakable, the logo could stand alone without Tiger's name attached and still be recognized worldwide.

For an entire generation of fans, the TW logo became synonymous with dominance. It adorned hats, shirts, golf bags, and billboards during one of the most successful stretches in sports history.

Few athlete logos have ever carried more cultural weight.

4. Greg Norman's Shark

Nicknames often inspire memorable logos, and Greg Norman's shark emblem is among the best examples.

Known as "The Great White Shark," Norman adopted a sleek shark design that perfectly captured his aggressive style of play and larger-than-life personality. The logo helped transform Norman from a successful golfer into a business powerhouse, anchoring one of the most successful apparel brands ever created by a professional golfer.

Its clean design and unmistakable imagery make it one of the easiest logos to identify from across a room—or across a golf course.

5. Payne Stewart's Victory Silhouette

Unlike most athlete logos, Payne Stewart's iconic silhouette captures a specific moment in time.

The image is based on Stewart's famous celebratory leap after sinking the winning putt at the 1999 U.S. Open, one of the most memorable scenes in golf history. Following Stewart's tragic death later that year, the silhouette took on even greater significance, serving as a tribute to his unique style, competitive spirit, and enduring legacy.

The logo resonates because it tells a story. It instantly transports fans back to one of golf's defining moments while celebrating one of its most beloved champions.

Honorable Mentions

Several other golfers have developed strong personal brands over the years.

Jordan Spieth's stylized "JS" logo has become a fixture on golf apparel, while Rickie Fowler's "RF" mark reflects the modern, youthful image he brought to the PGA Tour. Rory McIlroy and Jason Day have also sported memorable personal logos throughout their careers.

Still, none have reached the iconic status achieved by the five logos at the top of this list.

The Verdict

The greatest golfer logos do more than identify a player—they become symbols of an era.

Jack Nicklaus' Golden Bear, Arnold Palmer's Umbrella, Tiger Woods' TW monogram, Greg Norman's Shark, and Payne Stewart's silhouette each succeeded because they captured something essential about the golfer behind them. They are simple, memorable, and deeply connected to the stories that made their owners famous.

In a sport where legacies are often measured by trophies and major championships, these logos prove that sometimes a single image can be just as enduring.

Masters Ticket Lottery Opens for 2027 Tournament

Golf fans, this is not a drill — your chance to get Masters tickets for 2027 is officially open right now! The Masters ticket lottery launched today, but you've only got until June 20 to enter. Here's how it works: Head to Masters.com, create an account if you don't already have one, and submit your application. You can request up to four tickets for practice rounds Monday through Wednesday, and up to two tickets for each tournament round Thursday through Sunday. Want to enter for every day? You can. But if you're selected, you'll only win tickets for one day, chosen by Augusta National. Practice-round tickets cost $125 to $150, while tournament rounds are $160 per ticket. Winners are usually notified in July, so after you apply, it's time to start hoping. And one more thing: avoid buying tickets from third-party sellers. Augusta National says those tickets can be rejected at the gate. So, are you entering the lottery? And if you win, which day would you want to attend?

Pine Royale Sets New Standard for Golf Entertainment in Florida with Successful Opening Featuring Power Tee

(JACKSONVILLE, FL) — Pine Royale, one of Florida’s newest and most exciting golf entertainment destinations, is already making a major impression on golfers and guests alike following its successful grand opening in Callahan, Fla. A centerpiece of the new facility has been the installation of 14 Power Tee automatic golf ball teeing systems, which has quickly become one of the venue’s most talked-about features.

Designed as a modern golf and entertainment experience, Pine Royale combines cutting-edge technology with a vibrant social atmosphere. Guests can enjoy Power Tee automated teeing, Trackman technology, food and beverage offerings, golf after dark, mini-golf, farmers markets, special events, and much more — creating a destination built for golfers, families, and the broader community.

Since opening, the response to Power Tee has been overwhelmingly positive from guests visiting the facility.

“Power Tee has absolutely been one of the highlights in our guest reviews,” said Cole Jones, Golf Program Director at Pine Royale. “The feedback has been incredibly positive, and guests love the convenience and premium experience it creates on the range. It’s helped set us apart as a modern entertainment destination. On top of that, the technical support from the Power Tee team has been amazing. Anytime we’ve needed something, their customer service has gone above and beyond to assist us.”

Power Tee’s automatic teeing technology allows golfers to practice more efficiently while creating a cleaner, more enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. The system also helps facilities increase customer satisfaction, encourage longer visits, and elevate the overall atmosphere of the driving range.

As golf facilities across the country continue evolving into entertainment-driven destinations, Pine Royale is emerging as a strong example of how innovative technology and guest-focused amenities can redefine the golf experience.

“We’re thrilled to see the success Pine Royale has experienced so quickly after opening,” said Power Tee founder and owner Martin Wyeth. “The entire Pine Royale team has created an incredible facility that blends golf, entertainment, and hospitality in a unique way. We’re proud that Power Tee is helping enhance the guest experience and contributing to the excitement surrounding the venue.”

With its combination of technology, entertainment, and community-focused experiences, Pine Royale is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for golfers and families throughout North Florida and beyond.