Troon Country Club Embarks on Comprehensive Practice Facility and Water Storage Enhancement Project

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona has initiated a significant enhancement project focusing on its practice facilities and water storage systems, aiming to elevate the member experience and improve resource management. Construction began on May 1, 2026, and is being led by golf course architect Phil Smith, the late Tom Weiskopf’s design partner. The $4.3-million-dollar project is expected to take six months to complete.

The redesigned practice facility will feature expanded tee space on the practice range, a larger putting green mirroring slopes found on the golf course, and a 50,000-square-foot short game practice area. These enhancements are designed to position Troon Country Club at the forefront of premier practice facilities in the Southwest.

The practice range is slated to reopen in early November immediately following overseeding, while the new putting green and short game areas are expected to be available December 1st. Additionally, the club plans to introduce Celebrity Greens artificial turf practice mats on the south end tee, coinciding with the start of the 2026-27 season, to allow members to utilize the practice range during frost delays and after inclement weather.

The entirety of the new practice tee will be equipped with TrackMan range technology to provide members with the benefit to practice with feedback and purpose. TrackMan will give all players eight actionable data points that they can use to improve their game. Even more exciting is the virtual course feature that will allow members to play and practice on some of the best courses in the world, including Troon Country Club, as TrackMan will produce a digital 3D animation of the course.

The new 12,500-square-foot practice putting green is 4,000 square feet larger than the original green and will offer increased slope and movement, providing members with practice conditions that mirror on-course scenarios.

The north end of the practice facility is being expanded to create a new 50,000-square-foot short game practice area, more than four times the size of the current facility. This area will enable members to practice various aspects of their short game, including chips, pitches, bunker shots, and short wedge shots ranging from 50 to 60 yards. The design includes a large primary greenside bunker accommodating multiple members simultaneously. A second, smaller bunker offers an additional option for greenside and longer fairway bunker practice.

In parallel, the club is addressing its water storage capabilities by enhancing the three ponds located on the seventh, eighth, and ninth holes. These ponds, occupying 2.1 acres and storing 3.5 million gallons of water, are essential for irrigating the golf course. Engineers have determined that by increasing the surface area by the maximum allowed 0.47 acres and expanding the width and depth below the surface, the storage capacity will be more than doubled. Relining the ponds aims to mitigate seepage caused by perforations in the original liners, thereby improving water conservation. The club is utilizing the sand and gravel material from the ponds in the mounding and slopes of the new practice facility.

These initiatives build upon the club’s 2020 golf course renovation, which upgraded and modernized the irrigation system. Since then, Troon Country Club’s overall water usage has decreased compared to pre-renovation levels, even considering lower average annual precipitation in recent years.

“This project marks another important milestone in the continued evolution of our club and underscores the strong commitment of our membership,” said Troon Country Club General Manager Garrett Wallace. “Since the 2017 clubhouse renovation, we have experienced remarkable positive momentum throughout the club. Our members have consistently demonstrated their belief in the long-term vision by reinvesting in the property, and with these latest enhancements, total member investment now exceeds $30 million. This level of support not only strengthens our foundation but ensures we continue delivering an exceptional experience for our membership today and well into the future.”

For more information on Troon Country Club, visit www.trooncc.com or call Nicole Niemann, Director of Sales and Marketing, at 480-473-5093.

Coeur d'Alene Casino Guests Cash Higher Average Jackpot Payouts in 2026

Golf resort home to SBC Americas “Tribal Casino of the Year” for North and South America

(WORLEY, Idaho) – Golfers love to gamble almost as much as they like to play award-winning courses. Few places indulge those passions as successfully as Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, home to Circling Raven Golf Club, the top-ranked layout in Idaho and a “Top 100 Resort Course” in America.

Coeur d’Alene Casino reported in late 2025 that visitors to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe-owned entertainment venue hit more jackpots and collected more winnings for the year, the third year in a row that new highs were set in each stat. Good news keeps coming as guests are cashing an average of nearly $1,000 more per jackpot thus far in 2026 ($3.3k in ’26, $2.4k in ’25).

The casino’s Director of Video Gaming, Michelle Whaley, said that the time to process jackpots continues to remain at faster payout times, too. “Our quality of customer service is not lapsing with these increased volumes,” she said.

One would expect nothing less from Coeur d’Alene Casino, which was named “Tribal Operator of the Year” in North and South America by SBC Americas in June 2025. The Tribal Operator of the Year award honored the company that “demonstrated exceptional achievements across multiple areas, including operational excellence, market growth, branding expertise, innovation, commitment to responsible gaming, and dedication to tribal community development,” SBC Americas stated.

Giving back to guests and the community are a core pillar of the Tribe – it has donated more than $37 million to local, state, and regional entities, leading with education. These latest jackpot statistics illuminate how the giving extends beyond philanthropy.

For more information about Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, call 1 800-523-2464 or visit cdacasino.com.  Information can also be found at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CDACasinoResort

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdacasino/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cdacasino

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cdacasino

Why Do Golf Balls Have Dimples?

Dimples are one of the main reasons a golf ball can fly hundreds of yards instead of dropping quickly out of the air.

What Dimples Do

When a golf ball moves through the air, it creates drag (air resistance). A perfectly smooth golf ball actually experiences more drag than a dimpled one.

The dimples create a thin layer of turbulent air around the ball that helps the airflow stay attached to the ball longer before separating. This reduces the size of the low-pressure wake behind the ball, which reduces drag.

More Lift, Longer Shots

Dimples also help generate lift.

When a golfer puts backspin on the ball, the spinning ball affects airflow around it. The dimples enhance this effect, creating higher pressure beneath the ball and lower pressure above it. The result is an upward force that keeps the ball in the air longer.

Without dimples:

- The ball would fly much lower.

- It would travel roughly half as far.

- Shots would drop out of the sky much sooner.

How Much Difference Do They Make?

A modern golf ball hit by a professional might travel 280–320 yards.

A smooth ball struck the same way would typically travel only about 120–180 yards because of the increased drag and reduced lift.

Why Different Dimple Patterns?

Manufacturers such as Titleist, Callaway, and TaylorMade spend millions designing dimple patterns. They vary:

- Number of dimples (typically 300–500)

- Dimple depth

- Dimple shape

- Dimple arrangement

These subtle differences can influence:

- Ball flight height

- Spin rates

- Wind performance

- Overall distance

A Fun Fact

The first golfers didn't intentionally use dimpled balls. Players in the 1800s noticed that older, scuffed balls flew farther than brand-new smooth ones. Engineers eventually discovered why and began designing patterned surfaces on purpose—a discovery that transformed golf ball technology.

In short: dimples reduce drag, increase lift, and make long-distance golf possible. Without them, even the longest hitters on the PGA Tour would lose well over 100 yards off the tee.

Bud Cauley’s Inspiring Comeback: How a Devastating Car Crash Nearly Ended His Golf Career Before His Canadian Open Victory

For most PGA Tour winners, the journey to the winner's circle is measured in birdies, bogeys, and years of hard work. For Bud Cauley, it was measured in surgeries, hospital stays, and a fight simply to play golf again.

On Sunday, Cauley completed one of the most remarkable comeback stories in professional golf, winning the RBC Canadian Open for his first PGA Tour title. The victory came eight years after a devastating car accident nearly ended both his career and his dreams of competing at the highest level.

The Crash That Changed Everything

On June 1, 2018, after competing in the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, Cauley was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a horrific single-car accident.

The car left the roadway, struck a culvert, became airborne, and slammed into multiple trees.

The injuries Cauley suffered were severe. He sustained a collapsed and punctured lung, six broken ribs, a fractured lower left leg, and a concussion. What initially appeared to be a lengthy recovery soon became a years-long medical ordeal.

The physical damage was only part of the challenge. Complications from the injuries, including poor incision healing and infections, led to multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation. What should have been a return to competition turned into a prolonged battle just to regain normal function.

Years Away From the Game

The accident sidelined Cauley for more than three years.

For a professional athlete whose livelihood depends on precision, strength, and confidence, the uncertainty was overwhelming. There were legitimate questions about whether he would ever play competitive golf again.

"There were times when I was hurt that we really weren't sure if I was going to be able to play again," Cauley said after Sunday's victory.

While many players spend their prime years climbing leaderboards, Cauley spent his recovering from surgeries, managing pain, and rebuilding his body.

The comeback was anything but immediate. Even after returning to the PGA Tour, he faced the challenge of competing against the best players in the world after years away from tournament golf.

The Long Road Back

Cauley finally returned to PGA Tour competition in 2024, more than five years after the accident. The flashes of his old form were there, but turning potential into victory remained elusive.

The former Alabama standout had come close several times, but the breakthrough never arrived.

Until Canada.

Entering the final round of the RBC Canadian Open one shot behind the lead, Cauley delivered the performance of his career under difficult weather conditions at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley.

He carded a final-round 65, highlighted by a dramatic birdie chip-in from 93 feet on the 12th hole that gave him control of the tournament.

Cauley finished at 17-under par, two shots clear of Matt Fitzpatrick and three ahead of Viktor Hovland.

More Than Just a Trophy

The victory was about far more than a PGA Tour title.

It represented validation for years of rehabilitation, setbacks, and uncertainty. It was proof that the countless hours spent recovering had been worth it.

Perhaps most meaningful was sharing the moment with his family.

"Hopefully for my first win everyone would be here," Cauley said. "With them being here and I was playing well, I really had to think almost on every hole about staying focused and not thinking about that celebration if I were to win."

After 239 PGA Tour starts, countless medical procedures, and years wondering whether he would ever compete again, Cauley finally had his answer.

Golf has produced many comeback stories over the years, but few have required the level of perseverance shown by Bud Cauley. His RBC Canadian Open victory wasn't simply his first PGA Tour win—it was the culmination of an eight-year fight to reclaim a career that once appeared lost forever.

For anyone facing a long recovery, a career setback, or seemingly impossible odds, Cauley's journey serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes the greatest victories happen long before the final putt drops.

Beau Welling-Designed Travis Club Golf Course Set to Open for Member Play Labor Day Weekend

Championship Layout Complements Austin’s New Premier Lake Community, Bringing Unique Pedigree to Texas Hill Country Golf

(Spicewood, Texas) – Travis Club, Austin’s newest 1,500-acre master-planned community on Lake Travis, announces that construction of its world-class Beau Welling-designed golf course is complete, and that all 18 holes will open for member play starting Labor Day weekend, September 5.

The new par-71 golf course takes advantage of the extraordinary Hill Country setting, with dramatic elevation changes, stunning hilltop panoramas and holes routed along Lake Travis. Stretching more than 7,300 yards, the layout offers a strategic yet highly playable experience for golfers of all skill levels through multiple teeing options and thoughtfully designed shot values.

Welling and his team at Beau Welling Design (BWD) created a course that blends seamlessly into the natural landscape while emphasizing creativity, variety and memorable risk-reward opportunities throughout the routing. Interdisciplinary firm Hart Howertonled the community’s master planning, architecture, and landscape architecture, shaping the broader residential and amenity experience across the property.

“Labor Day weekend marks a major milestone for Travis Club and for the members who have believed in this vision from the beginning,” said Leisha Ehlert, CEO of Travis Club. “Beau and his team have created a course that feels deeply connected to the land, the lake and the spirit of this community. We are thrilled to begin welcoming members and their families to experience it.”

Travis Club is the latest in an impressive portfolio of recent projects from BWD, which includes Fields Ranch West at Omni PGA Frisco and significant renovations at Atlanta Country Club, Greenville Country Club, Ocean Forest Golf Club, and Omni Amelia Island, among many others.

“The topography and landscape along Lake Travis are spectacular and provided a wonderful foundation for our team to create a fun, strategic, and memorable course at Travis Club,” said Welling. “Being part of this project has been a true privilege, and we believe the course will stand out as a special experience for golfers and earn a place among the top courses in Texas.”

BWD Senior Designer and Vice President Scott Benson added, “Beyond the natural beauty of the surroundings and overall course aesthetics, the golf experience at Travis Club is shaped by a thoughtful, strategic design that rewards sound decision-making and creativity. Each hole offers a distinct identity, offering multiple options from tee to green along with engaging and challenging green complexes that provide a true test.”

Along with its golf amenities, Travis Club features 10,000 feet of Lake Travis frontage and access to more than 65 miles of open water, 30 miles of private hiking and biking trails, Duke’s, a lakefront clubhouse with dining and The Tree Bar, along with a private marina, event lawn, pool, sport and racquet courts and The Gatehouse equipped with full-time security. The Golf House, which will include the future pro shop and a restaurant, sits alongside the club’s expansive practice area and will officially be open in Spring 2027.

Every aspect of Travis Club has been carefully considered to preserve the site’s natural and scenic resources. With a thoughtfully crafted and minimalist approach, the golf course and infrastructure are designed to have minimal impact on the land across Travis Club’s expansive 1,500 acres. This same level of intention extends to the amenities, which have been conceived with responsibility and sustainability in mind. Travis Club’s goals extend beyond establishing the premier private club in the Texas Hill Country. It aspires to set the standard for golf course design excellence throughout Texas.

Beyond golf, 175+ homesites have been sold, with 10 under construction and 37 in design review. Homesites range from 0.5 to 3.25 acres and are offered from $700K.

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit travisclubaustin.com. Follow Travis Club on Instagram @travisclubaustin.

Kawonu Golf Club Reveals Clubhouse Designs by Architect Joel Newman

First renderings reveal timeless clubhouse architecture rooted in the land that has inspired Andrew Green’s championship course

(Greenville, S.C.) – Kawonu Golf Club, the private golf-only club under construction near Greenville, South Carolina, has unveiled the first renderings of its clubhouse complex. Designed by architect Joel Newman, the facilities represent another milestone in the development of the club and offer members and prospective members a glimpse into the gathering spaces planned for the property.

“From the beginning, our goal has been to create a club that feels authentic to the land and true to the traditions of the game,” said Scott Ferrell, founding partner of Kawonu Golf Club. “While the golf course will always be at the heart of Kawonu, these facilities are an important part of the overall experience. Joel has designed spaces that feel timeless, welcoming and perfectly suited to the character of the property.”

Designed around the club’s golf-only philosophy, the clubhouse complex will be anchored by a dedicated Golf House positioned behind the practice area. The approximately 5,000-square-foot facility will include a golf shop, indoor teaching bays, a halfway house, golf fitness space and an outdoor patio overlooking the practice facilities.

Connected by a breezeway, the 9,500-square-foot main clubhouse will overlook the 18th green and the surrounding landscape, and will include locker rooms, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, a private dining room, and seven individual overnight rooms on the lower level. Together, the two structures are designed to offer a cohesive, purposeful arrival and fitting finish to a round of golf.

Among the additional amenities planned for the property is Tuck’s Cabin, a fishing cabin overlooking a 10-acre lake at the center of the front nine. The cabin is named in honor of Barton Tuck, who brings decades of real estate development experience to his role as Founding Partner at Kawonu Golf Club, and his son, Noel Tuck, who serves as the club’s Development Manager. The cabin will feature a fireplace, casual furnishings, an honor bar, and fishing gear, creating a relaxed retreat for members and guests.

To bring the clubhouse complex to life, Kawonu partnered with Newman, whose work is widely recognized for its thoughtful approach to club and hospitality design. Based in Beaufort, South Carolina, Newman is a partner at Thomas & Denzinger Architects and has designed facilities at Chechessee Creek Club, Spring Island Club, and Ohoopee Match Club, as well as projects at Kiawah Island and Palmetto Bluff. At Kawonu, he is leading the design of the clubhouse, lodging accommodations, training center, and golf course comfort stations.

“Every building on this property should feel like it belongs here – rooted in the land, not imposed upon it,” said Newman. “What makes Kawonu exceptional is that the land itself tells you what to do. The rolling topography, the varied tree species, and the way light falls across the Reedy River corridor – all of it informs how we approach each structure. Our goal is to create spaces that are purposeful and unhurried, where the architecture draws you deeper into the golf experience rather than pulling you away.”

Construction on Tuck’s Cabin is projected to begin this year. Construction on the Golf House is slated to begin in 2027, with the main clubhouse to follow.

Situated on more than 290 acres of rolling meadows, hardwood forests, and Reedy River frontage, Kawonu Golf Club is the first private golf-only club developed in the Upstate in more than 30 years. The club’s Andrew Green-designed championship golf course is under construction, with grassing underway, and is expected to open in spring 2027.

For more information about Kawonu Golf Club and the facilities, visit www.kawonugolfclub.com.

Sandia Golf Club Completes Phase One Of Clubhouse Renovation Project

(Albuquerque, New Mexico) – Sandia Golf Club in Albuquerque, New Mexico recently completed the first phase of its clubhouse renovation, enhancing guest amenities and modernizing facilities. The project, which began in September 2025, was led by Enterprise Builders as the general contractor, with architectural design by Oklahoma City-based GSB and interior design by Tom Hoch Design.

The first-phase renovation includes a redesigned 1,000-square-foot golf shop featuring modern fixtures and lighting, effectively doubling the club's headwear offerings and increasing on-hand inventory. The updated layout improves shopping flow, providing a more efficient and enjoyable experience for guests. New product offerings include Sandia Golf Club-branded apparel lines (available only on property) such as Sun Day Red, Dunning, and Good Good.

"Every touchpoint of this expansion - from the initial welcome and efficient bag handling to the refined retail experience - has been thoughtfully designed with comfort and convenience in mind," said Sandia Pueblo Governor Stuart Paisano. "This is just the first step in a continued investment to ensure Sandia Golf Club remains the premier golf and event destination unlike anything else in New Mexico and the Southwest."

Additional enhancements encompass a new, ADA-compliant dressing room and a redesigned check-in counter aimed at offering a more personalized shopping and check-in experience. A newly designed bag drop, positioned further into the circular drive, adds to the arrival experience while allowing staff to more efficiently assist with unloading and staging golf bags. Upon entry, guests are welcomed into an elegant new lobby. New elevator access to the lower level, leads directly to the golf car staging area, setting the tone of excellence for the beginning of their visit.

“We would like to begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to our guests for their continued support and loyalty,” said Sandia Golf Club General Manager Nick Knee. “As we unveil our new amenities and move to phase two of the transformation, guests will begin to experience a premier golf and event destination where every detail has been intentionally elevated. With more than 20 years of operational insight, this redesign has been carefully shaped with guest comfort, convenience, and overall experience at the forefront. Opening the golf shop and new lobby represent an exciting beginning, and we look forward to welcoming each and every guest to what will ultimately become a truly best-in-class clubhouse, one that sets a new standard and stands unmatched.”

The clubhouse improvements, the first since Sandia Golf Club opened in 2005, complement recent upgrades across the Sandia Resort and Casino campus, reflecting a commitment to providing best-in-class amenities. The completion of phase one marks a significant step in elevating the guest experience at Sandia Golf Club, with phase two anticipated to begin this month and be completed by early 2027. Phase two enhancements will focus on renovations to the Sandia Grille, including expanding and updating the kitchen; elevating staff space; enhancing indoor and outdoor dining and bar areas; upgrading restroom spaces; and a newly designed event space perfect for social and post-tournament event functions. Guests are encouraged to follow Sandia Golf Club’s social media channels for updates throughout construction. While certain amenities will be temporarily unavailable, the club remains committed to delivering exceptional golf experiences and maintaining service standards throughout the project.

Sandia Golf Club is managed by Troon Golf. For more information on Sandia Golf Club, visit www.sandiagolf.com.