Troon and Trident Marine Group Announce Strategic Partnership

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, and Trident Marine Group, an Annapolis, Md.-based full-service marina management company, today announced a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing service offerings and expanding market reach for both companies.

As part of the agreement, Troon and Trident will collaborate on existing and new business opportunities, leveraging their complementary strengths to deliver unparalleled services to current and future clients. This partnership combines Troon's global expertise in golf and club management with Trident's specialized expertise in marina ownership, operations, consulting, and development.

The partnership expands the capabilities of both organizations to deliver integrated management, consulting, and advisory services across golf, waterfront, hospitality, recreational, and mixed-use destinations. Together, Troon and Trident provide owners and developers with a unified team that supports projects from planning and development through day-to-day operations. By combining complementary expertise, the partnership streamlines execution, enhances the guest and member experience, and helps maximize long-term asset performance.

“We admire the experience and capabilities of Trident and their owner/president Jeremy Parks, a respected leader in the marina industry,” said Troon President and CEO Tim Schantz. “We look forward to working together to extend Trident’s impact in the industry and to broaden Troon's hospitality management offerings.”

Additionally, Trident will benefit from Troon's expansive network of properties and 11 U.S. regional offices, facilitating growth beyond its current East Coast presence. The partnership aligns with Trident's strategic objectives to broaden its service offerings and client base, leveraging Troon resources in food and beverage, retail, and HOA management.

“We recognized early on that Troon and Trident share many of the same values,” said Trident Marine Group Owner and President Jeremy Parks. “We believe in building strong teams, operating with purpose, and putting our clients first. Bringing those strengths together allows us to provide owners with one coordinated team that understands the complexities of destination properties and is committed to delivering lasting value."

For more information on Trident Marine Group, visit www.trident-marine.com. For more information on Troon, visit www.Troon.com.

The King & Prince Golf and Beach Club's new course, designed by Beau Welling, taking shape ahead of November opening

(ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga.) – The transformation of The King & Prince Golf and Beach Club continues, as the Beau Welling-designed golf course remains on schedule for its anticipated November opening.

With turf beginning to mature, bunkers taking their final form and signature design features emerging across the property, the future member experience is becoming increasingly visible. MacCurrach Golf continues to lead construction while Beau Welling and his design team make regular site visits to oversee execution and ensure the finished product reflects the project's original vision.

Recent construction milestones include:
- Shaping of every bunker has been completed
- Installation of bunker drainage systems and liners is progressing
- Sprigging of the TifEagle bermudagrass putting greens has begun
- Sodding of green surrounds is approximately halfway complete

"Watching a course evolve from construction plans into finished golf holes is always rewarding," said Beau Welling, Founder and CEO of Beau Welling Design. "MacCurrach Golf has done an outstanding job bringing our vision to life. As the turf begins to establish and the strategic features become more defined, you can truly appreciate how the course fits naturally within this remarkable setting."

The reimagining of the golf course is focused on enhancing the course's natural character while introducing greater strategic variety, playability and long-term sustainability. Improvements include entirely rebuilt green complexes, redesigned bunkering throughout the course, reconstructed teeing grounds that create expanded playing options, improved sightlines that highlight the property's coastal marshes and removal of hard surface cart paths in favor of sandscaped edges to holes that blend naturally into the Lowcountry landscape.

Across the property, Celebration Bermuda has been selected for the tees and fairways, while TifEagle bermudagrass will promote fast, consistent putting surfaces. Sandy soil, ideal for optimal course conditioning, remains a defining element throughout the property, with the renovation preserving and showcasing this enviable natural feature.

The project also reflects a thoughtful environmental approach. By refining the golf course's maintained footprint, irrigated turf will be reduced by approximately 20%, improving water efficiency without compromising playability and visual appeal.

Remaining true to its original routing, the par-72 course winds beneath a canopy of live oaks before emerging to sweeping marsh vistas and finally returning inland for a memorable finishing stretch. Once complete, it will measure more than 6,600 yards from the back tees.

The project remains on pace for a November 2026 opening, representing another significant milestone in owner South Street Partners' vision to establish The King & Prince as one of the Southeast's premier private coastal golf and social clubs.

"Our vision has always been to create an exceptional private club experience anchored by an outstanding golf course," said Chris Randolph, Managing Partner at South Street Partners. "Every milestone reinforces that we're on track to deliver something truly special for our members. The craftsmanship being demonstrated by MacCurrach Golf, together with Beau's thoughtful oversight, gives us tremendous confidence as we look toward opening in November."

Work also continues on the Club's practice facilities, where members will enjoy a rebuilt driving range, short-game area and putting green.

A reimagined clubhouse featuring enhanced dining, upgraded locker rooms, an expanded golf shop and inviting indoor and outdoor gathering spaces is also underway. Updates complement the evolving golf experience, with focus on cultivating a relaxed atmosphere that captures the overall vibe of St. Simons Island. Construction is underway on a new club room, outdoor terrace with covered dining and gathering space, and upgraded locker rooms and pro shop.

Membership opportunities are available. For more information, visit kingandprincegolfclub.com. Watch a short video HERE.

Troon Welcomes Former Pulte Group/Del Webb Executive to Lead Growing HOA Management Division

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Lauren Van Tussenbroek as Executive Vice President of Troon’s HOA Management division. In her new role, Van Tussenbroek will lead the company’s HOA management platform, supporting Troon’s continued expansion into amenitized community management and lifestyle services.

Lauren Van Tussenbroek

Van Tussenbroek brings more than a decade of experience in managing master-planned communities throughout the Southwest. Most recently, she served with Pulte Group/Del Webb, where she oversaw operations across 27 homeowner associations and played a key role in delivering high-quality resident experiences across a diverse portfolio.

“Adding a leader with Lauren’s experience will further strengthen our growing HOA Management division,” said Troon President and CEO Tim Schantz. “Her expertise in clubhouse operations, golf, food and beverage, along with strong capabilities in financial planning, reserve management, and long-term community sustainability are extraordinary and will be a resource for our HOA clients.”

Throughout her career, Van Tussenbroek has led amenity planning efforts and successfully guided developer-to-homeowner transitions, critical elements in the lifecycle of modern residential communities. She is highly skilled in creating community experiences that balance exceptional resident service, quality lifestyle, sustainable budgets and operational efficiency.

“I'm honored and excited to join the Troon management team and to be part of an organization with a such strong commitment to excellence in community association management,” said Van Tussenbroek.  “I look forward to working alongside our exceptional team to build on past success, strengthen our relationships with our builder partners and the communities we serve, while continuing to raise the standard of service, innovation, and operational excellence. I believe the future is incredibly bright, and together we will focus on delivering meaningful results, embracing new opportunities and taking our HOA Management division to the next level while staying true to the values that have made the company successful. My family shares in the excitement of the relocation to Southwest Florida and we are all looking forward to this new and exciting chapter in our lives!”  

Van Tussenbroek is a graduate of Arizona State University, where she earned a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She will be based in Troon’s Bradenton, Florida office.

Troon’s HOA Management division currently oversees 120+ community associations representing more than 65,000 residences across the U.S. For more information on Troon and the company’s HOA service offerings, visit www.Troon.com.

Sotogrande Strengthens Claim as Spain's Golf Capital with Three Courses in Golf Digest Top Six

(Sotogrande, Spain) – La Reserva Club, located in Spain’s golf capital, Sotogrande, has achieved its highest-ever placing in Golf Digest’s Spanish golf course ranking, being named the 6th best golf course in the country. This position further cements Sotogrande’s reputation as one of Europe’s premier modern golf destinations.  

The influential ranking places La Reserva Club alongside some of the most celebrated golf courses in the country and marks the highest position the course has attained in the publication’s rankings. The course sits alongside Real Club Valderrama at No. 1 and Real Club Sotogrande at No. 3, both also located within the private Sotogrande estate. 

Designed by acclaimed American architect, Cabell B. Robinson and opened in 2003, La Reserva Club has steadily risen through the rankings over the last decade thanks to continued investment, exceptional conditioning and a world-class member and visitor experience. The latest recognition from Golf Digest reinforces the club’s status as one of Spain’s must-play golfing venues. 

Rita Jordao, Director of Marketing at Sotogrande SA, said: "This latest recognition is a proud moment for the entire Sotogrande community. To have three of Spain's top six golf courses located within our estate is a remarkable endorsement of the quality, heritage and continued investment that define Sotogrande as one of Europe's most prestigious golf destinations. 

"La Reserva Club's highest-ever placing in a major international ranking is particularly rewarding and reflects its continued evolution into one of Spain's finest modern golf courses. Together with Real Club Valderrama, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande and The Alto Club, it further strengthens the destination's global reputation and gives golfers every reason to experience everything that Sotogrande has to offer," she added. 

The latest rankings further reinforce Sotogrande's status as one of Europe's most celebrated golfing destinations, with three of Spain's top six courses located within the prestigious 11310 postcode. Home to the country's highest concentration of world-class golf, the destination boasts Real Club Valderrama in the No. 1 position, Real Club de Golf Sotogrande at No. 3 and now La Reserva Club at No. 6. Together, they cement Sotogrande's reputation as Spain's golfing capital and one of Europe's premier luxury lifestyle destinations, where championship golf is complemented by five-star accommodation, acclaimed dining, wellness experiences, polo, yachting and more than 300 days of sunshine each year. 

La Reserva Club has become one of Spain’s most sough-after golf experiences, combining championship golf with panoramic Mediterranean views, outstanding practice facilities and a vibrant lifestyle offering that includes an inland Beach Club (The Beach), Racquet Centre, wellness experiences and exceptional dining.  

Golfers can combine a round at La Reserva Club with a stay at the nearby SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort, located just minutes from the course. The five-star hotel provides a convenient base from which to explore Sotogrande’s wider golf offering, alongside a choice of restaurants, extensive spa and wellness facilities, and dedicated golf fitness and recovery programmes. Its KMO restaurant places a particular emphasis on seasonal Andalusian produce, giving guests a taste of the region away from the golf course. 

Visitors can also take advantage of the recently renovated The Alto Club, one of Sotogrande’s newest lifestyle and golfing experiences. Situated adjacent to SO/ Sotogrande, The Alto Club is also home to the brand-new Alto Club Golf Academy by Suzann Pettersen, offering state-of-the-art coaching facilities, expert instruction, and innovative player development programs for golfers of all abilities.  

Together, La Reserva Club, SO/ Sotogrande Spa and Golf Resort, and The Alto Club continue to strengthen Sotogrande’s appeal as one of Europe’s most complete golf destinations, combining championship golf, luxury hospitality and year-round lifestyle experiences in a unique Mediterranean setting.  

For more information on La Reserva Club, visit: www.lareservaclubsotogrande.com 

For more information on SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort and golf escapes, visit: https://so-hotels.com/en/sotogrande/ 

For more information on Alto Club, visit: https://altogolfclub.com/ 

Cobbs Creek Foundation Awarded $2M by State of Pennsylvania to Help Fund Stream Restoration Project

(Philadelphia, PA) – The Cobbs Creek Foundation has been awarded $2 million by the state of Pennsylvania to fund the Cobbs Creek Stream restoration via the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). On July 16, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced $52,595,728 in RACP funding for 42 projects across Northeastern Pennsylvania, and a total of $445M supporting 356 projects across the Commonwealth.

The Cobbs Creek restoration project began in May 2025 and is scheduled to be completed by summer 2027. The massive environmental project is focused on restoring three miles of creek and adding more than 25 acres of floodplain wetlands. The environmental component of the Cobbs Creek project spans three phases: erosion and sediment control and early habitat enhancement; large-scale earthwork that will regrade the floodplain and build an infrastructure for stormwater; and a final, crucial set of projects: the channel restoration for the creek, establishment of new wetlands, and complete reforestation and replanting.

The Pennsylvania DEP has said the restoration of 3 miles of Cobbs Creek, “Is one of the largest true process-based stream restoration projects (not in an engineered system) in a mega-urban environment in the country.... Truly exceptional in size and quality for a large city and a showcase for what can be done to restore urban environments.” Once complete, the restoration will help mitigate flooding on the Cobbs Creek campus while creating healthier ecosystems through the planting of hundreds of native trees, shrubs, and plants and supporting the return of native birds, pollinators, and other wildlife to this vital urban watershed.

“This $2 million investment through the Commonwealth's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is another powerful vote of confidence in the restoration of Cobbs Creek,” said Jeff Shanahan, President of the Cobbs Creek Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to Governor Josh Shapiro, Representative Morgan Cephas, and State Senator Vincent Hughes for their tireless advocacy and unwavering support for this transformative project. Their leadership is helping restore one of Philadelphia's most treasured public spaces, ensuring that Cobbs Creek will serve generations of Philadelphians as a place where opportunity, community, environmental stewardship and championship golf come together.”

The creek restoration project is a key component in the ongoing development of the Cobbs Creek Golf Campus, a hub for community, education, and recreation. The Cobbs Creek Foundation is raising $180 million to restore and revitalize the historic property.

Today, visitors to Cobbs Creek can experience several premier amenities that have already opened to the public as part of the campus transformation.

The Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek features a two-story, 68-bay driving range with Toptracer technology, The Little Horse Tavern restaurant and bar, a full-service golf shop, and 1916 by Fitler Club, a premier event venue for corporate, community, and private gatherings, all open to the public.

Also on the Cobbs Creek campus is the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab, which offers free, year-round educational programming for students in grades 1–12, focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) educational enrichment, college and career readiness, health, well-being, and workforce development opportunities.

Golfers of all ages and skill levels can also enjoy the Q-School Short Course, a nine-hole, par-3 course designed to introduce new players to the game while providing experienced golfers with exceptional short-game practice opportunities.

These amenities represent the first phase of the historic restoration, with the championship 18-hole Olde Course, 9-hole Karakung Course, Heritage Center Museum, and additional community assets scheduled to open in 2027 and 2028.

The Cobbs Creek Golf Campus is managed by Troon, the global leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services.

True Linkswear Expands Lux2 Player Line with Two Timeless New Colorways

TRUE linkswear (TRUE), creator of ultra-comfortable modern golf footwear designed for walking on and off the course, is expanding the premium Lux2 Player lineup with two new colorways: Core White and Core Grey. The additions offer golfers two clean, timeless options in the spiked performance shoe, combining Tour-inspired technology with TRUE’s signature natural comfort.

Designed for golfers who demand exceptional stability without sacrificing all-day comfort, the Lux2 Player performs in a wide range of weather and course conditions. Built on TRUE's naturally wide fit, the shoe blends innovative construction with premium materials to deliver confidence from the first tee through the final putt.

“The Lux2 Player was created to prove golfers don't have to choose between comfort and performance,” said TRUE linkswear Co-Founder and CEO Jason Moore. “With the introduction of Core White and Core Grey, we’re giving players two versatile new looks while delivering the same Tour-proven performance they’ve come to expect from the Lux2 platform.”

With the addition of Core White and Core Grey, the Lux2 Player collection now includes six color options: Core White, Core Grey, Storm Blue, Charge White, Glacier White, and Pro Black.

FEATURES

TRUE FlexBolt spiked outsole
Wanderlux2 high rebound, low compression superfoam midsole
Supple, yet durable laminated TRUEdura upper
Laminated waterproofing technology (2-year waterproof warranty)
TRUE Breezeway heel lock system
Men’s 7 – 12.5 (half sizes), 13, 14, and 15
MSRP $235

For more information on all of the new TRUE products, visit www.truelinkswear.com.

Was Tiger Woods' Chip-In on 16 at Augusta the Greatest Shot in Golf History?

Golf has produced miracle shots for more than 150 years. Gene Sarazen's "Shot Heard 'Round the World." Tom Watson's chip-in at Pebble Beach. Seve Ballesteros escaping impossible lies. Tiger Woods has authored dozens himself.

But if you're forced to pick one shot that perfectly captures greatness, drama, skill, pressure, timing, and legacy, there's a compelling case that nothing tops Tiger Woods' chip on the 16th hole at Augusta National during the 2005 Masters.

Not because it was the hardest shot ever hit.

Because it was the most complete shot in golf history.

The Moment Was Perfect

The Masters isn't just another tournament. Augusta National amplifies every heartbeat.

Tiger entered Sunday chasing his fourth green jacket. Chris DiMarco wouldn't go away, and Woods' once-comfortable lead had evaporated.

Standing beside the 16th green, Woods faced what looked like an impossible chip. His ball sat deep in the fringe above a steep slope that funneled toward a hole cut just beyond the ridge.

Too soft, and the ball never reaches the hole.

Too firm, and it races 20 feet past.

There was virtually no margin for error.

Tiger Didn't Play It Safe

Most players would have chipped to three feet and accepted par.

Tiger attacked.

He landed the ball on a patch of green no larger than a dinner plate, let gravity take over, and watched as it trickled down the slope.

Then it slowed.

And slowed.

It appeared to stop.

Time itself seemed to freeze.

The Nike Ball Changed Sports Marketing Forever

For what felt like an eternity, the ball balanced on the edge of the cup.

Then the camera caught perhaps the most famous logo placement in sports history.

The Nike swoosh rotated into view.

One more revolution.

The ball disappeared.

The roar that followed shook Augusta National.

It wasn't just a birdie.

It became one of the defining images in sports.

The Shot Changed the Tournament

Unlike highlight-reel shots made in defeat, this one mattered.

Tiger eventually defeated DiMarco in a playoff to win the Masters.

Take away that chip, and golf history may look very different.

Instead of four green jackets, perhaps he has three.

Instead of another legendary comeback, perhaps another painful near miss.

One swing helped preserve his place atop the game.

It Became Bigger Than Golf

Everyone remembers where they were.

Even casual sports fans who rarely watch golf can picture the ball hanging on the lip.

That's the difference between a great shot and an immortal one.

Sarazen's double eagle was arguably more important historically.

Watson's chip at Pebble may have been struck under even greater pressure.

But Tiger's chip transcended golf.

It became a cultural moment replayed for two decades on television, commercials, documentaries, and social media.

The Verdict

The greatest shot in golf history isn't necessarily the longest, the hardest, or even the most valuable statistically.

It's the one that captures everything the game can be.

Impossible touch.

Maximum pressure.

Perfect execution.

Iconic imagery.

Historic consequences.

Twenty years later, millions of fans still don't describe it by the score.

They simply say:

"The chip on 16."

In golf, no four words carry more magic than that.