Troon Selected to Manage White Plains Golf Club in South Carolina

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce it has been selected to manage White Plains Golf Club, a daily-fee course in Pageland, South Carolina. Indigo Sports, a Troon company, will oversee golf operations, agronomy, food and beverage, as well as sales and marketing.

Located approximately 40 miles southeast of Charlotte, White Plains Golf Club features an 18-hole, par-72 championship course designed by Eddie Riccoboni. The course measures 6,361 yards from the back tees and is known for its gently rolling fairways lined with mature pines and strategically placed water features. The club also offers a full-service restaurant – The Clubhouse Kitchen – and over 50,000 square feet of banquet space, suitable for weddings and golf outings.

“Troon is honored to partner with White Plains Golf Club and owner Andrew Currie,” said Troon Vice President of Operations Dan Zimmer. “Andrew didn’t partner with Troon to maintain what’s here. He wants to take White Plains to the next level, and we’re eager to help make that happen for the members, the guests, and the Pageland community.”

"We are thrilled to work with Troon to elevate the guest experience at White Plains Golf Club,” said White Plains Golf Club Owner Andrew Currie. “Their expertise will be invaluable in enhancing our operations and offerings."

The management agreement aims to enhance the club's operations, improve guest experiences, and further establish White Plains Golf Club as a premier destination for golfers and event guests in the region. For more information on White Plains Golf Club, visit www.thewpgc.com.

American Greens Announces a New Concept in Golf Entertainment

(STATESVILLE, N.C.) – American Greens, a national leader in golf-related synthetic turf installations, and The 500 Club have announced completion of an exciting new concept golf entertainment destination at The 500 Club on Lake Norman, North Carolina. The completed project is a themed 9-hole chipping course called THE GRAVEYARD, designed to deliver social, hospitality-forward golf experiences for players of every age and ability.

“This is exactly the kind of project we really enjoy – building accessible, experience-first environments that introduce more people to the great game of golf,” said Mike Long, Founder of American Greens. American Greens designed and installed premium synthetic putting surfaces, custom undulations, and play features that deliver realistic ball roll and tournament-quality performance while fitting into the site’s natural wooded hillsides. Synthetic turf tee boxes lead to 10-to-30-yard holes, perfect for chips and pitches with 300 to 600 sq. ft. synthetic turf greens. Each hole is designed to be easily playable for beginners while incorporating the undulation and slope for more advanced players to hit strategic shots.

Design & Experience Philosophy – Golf Entertainment and Hospitality

The development is organized around a single idea: make golf feel effortless, social, and entertaining. The fusion of golf, entertainment, and hospitality drives planning decisions from routing and sight lines to lighting, F&B placement, and universal accessibility. Facilities with a wooded hillside area on their property can now profit from that area that was previously deemed unusable.

THE GRAVEYARD is conceived as a compact, playful 9-hole chipping course that channels a vintage race-car graveyard aesthetic. Modeled as a creative nod to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s car graveyard motif, The Graveyard incorporates curated hardscape and sculptural elements inspired by racing. The feature is intended to be high-character and whimsical while also providing a challenging layout, the kind of themed short-game attraction that turns practice into an immersive social moment and photo opportunity.

Planning & Build Considerations

During planning and construction, American Greens and The 500 Club prioritized:

- Turf selection and sub-base engineering for realistic ball roll, durability, and low maintenance.

- Custom shaping and hazard design that balance challenge with efficient pace of play.

- Stormwater management and drainage that preserve the site’s natural contours.

- ADA compliance and universal design for broad accessibility.

- Integrated evening lighting for safety and theatrical ambiance.

- Hospitality staging, F&B placement, and service access that support revenue and guest experience.

TRUE linkswear Brings Back Iconic Dead Golfer for Another October

TRUE’s annual Dead Golfer collection returns with a fresh lineup of footwear, apparel, and accessories.

(TACOMA, Wash.) – TRUE linkswear (TRUE), creators of ultra-comfortable, modern golf footwear for walking on the course and off, is bringing back one of its most recognizable and beloved icons with its latest Dead Golfer collection. Returning each October, the annual collection has become a TRUE tradition, giving golfers a reason to celebrate their obsession with the game – even while the season starts to wind down.

Inspired by TRUE’s cult-favorite skeleton golfer, the new collection puts a fresh spin on the Dead Golfer across a range of footwear, apparel, and accessories. The capsule collection includes three shoe models: an all-black Knit Four, classic OG3 Pro, and a street-styled Antigravity Leather, a new collaboration with New Level Golf, sweatshirts, tees, hats, and clubhead covers – a collaboration with Dormie. Available in a variety of colorways and produced in limited quantities, the collection is designed for golfers who embrace the game, live in it, and keep coming back for more.

More than a seasonal graphic, the Dead Golfer has become part of TRUE’s identity and a favorite among its community. Its laid-back attitude reflects TRUE’s approach to golf: play often, walk wherever you can, have fun and never take the game – or yourself – too seriously. New for the 2025 collection are two new collaborations producing a New Line DG Putter and a Dormie DG headcover.

“The Dead Golfer has taken on a life of its own,” said Jason Moore, Co-Founder and CEO of TRUE linkswear. “What started as a simple sketch became something our community really connected with because it captures the way so many of us feel about golf. You can be frustrated by it, obsessed with it, love it, hate it – and still be back on the first tee the next day. That’s the Dead Golfer. It’s a little gritty, a little irreverent, and ultimately about having fun with the game.”

The latest Dead Golfer collection is available exclusively through TRUE linkswear while supplies last. With limited quantities across the collection, once these Dead Golfers are gone, they’re gone.

Shoe Capsule

The Knit Four Dead Golfer might be the darkest release yet, featuring a black-on-black ominous colorway for the ultimate wardrobe staple. The modern, athletic silhouette offers unmatched flexibility and sock-like comfort, with added durability and stability. Available in Black; Men’s US Half Sizes: 7-12.5, Full sizes: 13-15, MSRP $149.

A performance shoe built for walkers, the OG3 PRO features TRUE’s zero-drop WanderLux® midsole, a new easy-on tongue system, and a two-year waterproof guarantee. Available in white with a grey sole, and a discreet Dead Golfer logo on the side; Men’s US Half Sizes: 7-12.5, Full sizes: 13-15, MSRP $199.

The final shoe in the Dead Golfer series is the Antigravity Leather, featuring a street, modern styling in all black with a contrasting thicker white sole. A large Dead Golfer logo is stitched into the side of the shoe with ‘DG Society EST. 2019’ also on the side. The premium top-grain leather upper is paired with a Pebax® midsole and a full-length nylon speedboard for featherlight cushioning, high-energy rebound, and lasting comfort. Available in Black; Men’s US Half Sizes: 7-12.5, Full sizes: 13-15, MSRP $225.

TRUE collaborated with New Level Putter, expanding Dead Golfer. The beautiful blade putter, FS-P1 model, features the motto ‘Enjoy the Walk’ inscribed on the bottom and ‘TRUE’ along the side. A 303 stainless steel putter with a short slant neck, traditional shaping, and a gunmetal finish. The putter will be sold through the New Level Putter website here, MSRP $300.

Apparel Capsule

The apparel capsule gives golfers the opportunity to wear the logo every day in T-shirts, including the DG Motion (2 colors), Swing Sequence (2 colors), Afterlife (2 colors), Retro Society (3 colors), and Honors Society (1 color) styles, all T-shirts MSRP $49. Sweatshirt hoodies with new logos include the DG Motion (1 color), Swing Sequence (2 colors), and the Afterlife (2 colors) models, MSRP $99 each. For a relaxed look, the DG Sweats will also be available in two colors with Dead Golfer logos, MSRP $75.

Accessory Capsule

The Dead Golfer accessories are specifically curated for the celebration, including TRUE Lux Tech 6-Panel Hats, belts, and a headcover collaboration with Dormie.

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

Go Golf Kaua‘i Courses Reopen Following Hurricane Lowell

Princeville Makai Golf Club

Kauai’s premier golf courses welcome golfers back to the Garden Isle

(Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi) – The Kauaʻi community continues to make steady and inspiring progress in the wake of Hurricane Lowell. Since the Category 2 hurricane impacted the island on September 7 and 8, crews and residents have cleared debris, restored power, and are ready to extend the Aloha spirit the Garden Isle is known for. Amid this resilience comes welcome news for golf travelers, KAUAʻI IS OPEN and Go Golf Kaua‘i’s acclaimed courses have reopened for play and are welcoming back visitors to their fairways and greens.

Visitors to Kauaʻi are encouraged to travel with patience, shop at local stores, eat at local restaurants, and show kindness and respect towards residents.

Course Status Update:

Po‘ipū Bay Golf Course – OPEN

Poʻipū Bay Golf Course

Poʻipū Bay Golf Course is fully open and operating on Kauaʻi's sunny south shore. Set between lush mountains and rugged ocean bluffs, the Robert Trent Jones Jr. design — former host of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994 to 2006 — is in excellent condition, sustaining only minor damage during the hurricane. Poʻipū Bay offers multi-round unlimited packages for three, five and 10 rounds, as well as unique Breakaway specials including Practice and Play packages, 7-Hole Stretch and 9-Hole options, and the fan-favorite Ocean 11. 

Puakea Golf Course – OPEN

Puakea Golf Course reopened September 12 and is completely operational. Tree and debris removal is ongoing along the perimeters of the property but does not impact the golf experience. The spectacular Robin Nelson design — named one of the top courses in Hawaiʻi by Sports Illustrated, Golf Advisor and Golfweek — winds along massive ravines and lush tropical terrain, with the backdrop made famous by the Jurassic Park film series. The course is in excellent condition and is delivering the high-quality "Kauaʻi-style" customer service Puakea is renowned for. 

Princeville Makai Golf Club – OPEN

Princeville Makai Golf Club reopened on September 29 and is completely operational. More than 200 trees were lost across the property from the hurricane, therefore tree and debris removal will be taking place along the perimeters of playing corridors for several weeks. Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s award-winning design on the North Shore features surreal vistas of Mt. Makana (Bali Hai) and Hanalei Bay, and the iconic par-3 7th hole – a 213-yard carry over scenic cliffs – that ranks among the most photographed holes in all of golf. Golfers can schedule customized Stay and Play packages through Troon Golf Vacations, combining play at Princeville Makai with lodging at 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas, or The Cliffs at Princeville. 

The Ocean Course at Hōkūala – OPEN

The Ocean Course at Hōkūala is open. The Jack Nicklaus Signature design boasting the longest stretch of oceanfront holes in all of Hawaiʻi is welcoming golfers back to its dramatic seaside clifftops and papaya and guava groves. Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to secure available tee times during this transitional period. Customized Stay and Play packages are also available through Troon Golf Vacations, with lodging options at Timbers Kauaʻi Ocean Club & Residences, Marriott's Kauaʻi Beach Club, or The Royal Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort. 

Wailua Golf Course – OPEN

Wailua Golf Course reopened holes 1-9 on Monday, September 28 and reopened holes 10-18 on Monday, October 5. The course’s driving range remains closed due to damage from Lowell. The beloved municipal layout, a classic, golden-era seaside design first built in the 1930s and host to three USGA Amateur and three US Public Links Championships, required additional recovery time due in part to the hurricane as well as internet and connectivity issues caused by a fire at the Līhu'e Civic Center on September 10. Located 4 miles from Wailua, the Civic Center houses many of Kauai’s municipal offices.

Nicknamed the Garden Island for its lush tropical foliage, cascading waterfalls and the ever-present Pacific Ocean, Kauaʻi is perennially recognized as one of the world's premier golf destinations. As the island continues its recovery, the Go Golf Kauaʻi courses and the broader community welcome visitors who are eager to return – and who understand that their presence helps support local employees, businesses, and the ongoing spirit of renewal. For more course status updates, tee times, and stay and play packages, visit www.GoGolfKauai.com.

Trump Announces 15-Month Overhaul of East Potomac Golf Links, but Court Fight Continues

(October 19, 2026 | American Golfer) — President Donald Trump has unveiled plans to transform Washington, D.C.’s historic East Potomac Golf Links into a championship-caliber golf facility, with renovations scheduled to begin Nov. 15. But a federal court battle over tree removal and historic preservation means the project’s timeline remains uncertain.

In a series of Truth Social posts over the weekend, Trump outlined a redevelopment led by the Department of the Interior and renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio. The proposed course would be designed to host major championships, including the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. -Trump’s Truth

Trump says the redesigned course would remain open to the public, although questions remain about its future affordability, public access and the recreational features that could be affected by the redevelopment.

What Trump announced

According to Trump's Oct. 18 announcement, the existing course would close for renovations beginning Nov. 15, with the new layout expected to open approximately 15 months later.

Trump said the project was developed by the Interior Department, under Secretary Doug Burgum, in conjunction with Fazio. He described the current course as deteriorated and unsafe, citing hazardous trees and a seawall he characterized as collapsing. He also argued that restoring the property would create jobs and generate economic benefits for the Washington region. -Trump’s Truth

The announcement included a conceptual course layout. However, the administration has not publicly resolved all questions about the final design, operating arrangements, project costs or the extent to which existing park amenities would be retained.

The legal battle could delay the project

The announcement comes amid litigation brought by the DC Preservation League and local golfers challenging the administration’s actions at the property.

U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes ordered the administration to halt further tree removals through Oct. 26 and required advance notice before certain irreversible changes. The order followed the removal of hundreds of trees, which the administration said was part of a previously established landscape and safety plan. The plaintiffs argue that the redevelopment threatens historic preservation and environmental protections. -CBS News

The case also raises questions about the administration’s earlier court filings, which characterized the broader redevelopment as conceptual. Trump’s Oct. 18 announcement described a developed plan and identified a specific construction start date. A court hearing was scheduled for Oct. 19, and the administration has sought the judge’s recusal. -The Washington Post

The final design, total cost, funding arrangements and future pricing have not been publicly established. Although Trump says the course will remain public, that does not guarantee that current green fees or access to other parts of the park will remain unchanged.

What Trump posted on Oct. 17 and 18

- Saturday, Oct. 17: I could not independently verify an East Potomac-specific Truth Social post from Trump on this date in the sources I located. I would not attribute a specific statement to him that day without a verifiable post.

- Sunday, Oct. 18, at 10:09 a.m. ET: Trump announced the Fazio-designed championship course, the planned Nov. 15 closure and an approximately 15-month renovation. He said the finished facility would remain open to the public and could host major professional tournaments. -Trump’s Truth

- Sunday, Oct. 18, at 11:02 a.m. ET: Trump posted again, praising Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the Interior Department and Fazio’s initial conceptual design. He added that experts in parks and recreation could make changes based on site conditions. -Trump’s Truth

Update as of Monday, Oct. 19: Trump has since escalated his rhetoric, saying renovation work should begin “IMMEDIATELY” and arguing that the Interior Department does not need additional approval. That statement conflicts with the ongoing court restrictions, leaving the next steps uncertain. -Reuters

What happens next?

The immediate question is whether the administration can proceed with its announced schedule in the face of the court’s restrictions. The Oct. 26 deadline is an important milestone, but it should not be mistaken for automatic permission to begin the full renovation.

For golfers, East Potomac’s future remains unsettled. Trump envisions a public course capable of hosting the game’s biggest events, while preservation advocates and current users are concerned about the project’s impact on historic features, recreational access and affordability. Until the legal issues and final project details are resolved, the Nov. 15 closure date remains an announced plan rather than a settled outcome.

Sources: Reuters, The Washington Post, CBS News.

Apes Hill Barbados Names Killian Cullen Director of Golf

Irish golf professional brings elite club experience, leadership and player-development expertise to acclaimed Caribbean resort and community

(St. James, Barbados) – Apes Hill Barbados has named Killian Cullen its new Director of Golf, adding an accomplished golf professional with experience at prestigious clubs in Ireland and Canada to lead the golf operation at one of the Caribbean’s most acclaimed luxury resort and residential communities.

Originally from Ireland, Cullen joins Apes Hill from Point Grey Golf & Country Club in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he served as Senior Associate Golf Professional since 2022. Previously, he was Senior Assistant Professional at Portmarnock Golf Club in Dublin, one of the world’s most respected links venues.

Cullen brings a broad skill set encompassing golf operations, instruction and player development, member and guest relations, team leadership and tournament management. An accomplished player and instructor, he embraces technology-driven coaching while earning a reputation throughout his career for his organization, work ethic and ability to build strong relationships with members, guests and colleagues.

“Taking the role at Apes Hill Barbados was never about the title,” Cullen said. “It was the opportunity for growth, both personally and professionally, and the chance to contribute to the continued growth of Apes Hill. I’ve been fortunate to learn at exceptional clubs throughout my career, and I’m tremendously excited about what is being built here and the opportunity to be part of it.”

Cullen assumes responsibility for a golf operation that has grown significantly in stature and scope. Its centerpiece is the Ron Kirby-designed 18-hole championship course, ranked among the Top 100 courses internationally, complemented by Little Apes, a 9-hole short course; the island-green 19th hole; and the Golf Performance Centre, where advanced technology supports instruction, practice and player development.

He will also play an integral role in the annual Legends Tour event hosted at Apes Hill by Ian Woosnam, the Masters champion, former World No. 1 and Ryder Cup legend.

Cullen arrives during a period of increasing international recognition for Apes Hill. GOLF Magazine recently included the property among its Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World, describing the honorees as elite destinations offering “singular experiences.” The publication also recognized Apes Hill for “Best Lodging” among the Top 100 resorts.

“Killian possesses the combination of golf expertise, leadership ability and genuine people skills we were seeking for this important position,” said Sunil Chatrani, Apes Hill Barbados, Executive Chairman. “He has worked and learned within exceptional golf environments, but what impressed us equally was his ambition, humility and desire to continue developing as a leader. He understands that a great golf operation is ultimately about people and experiences, and we believe he is an excellent fit for Apes Hill.”

Cullen’s responsibilities will extend beyond golf to include involvement with Apes Hill’s racquet sports, wellness and other lifestyle offerings, reflecting the resort’s evolution as a destination where golf anchors a much broader luxury experience.

Set across 475 acres in the elevated hills of St. James, Apes Hill combines championship golf with residences and villas, wellness, hiking, tennis and Padel, a private beach club and a strong commitment to environmental stewardship. Its championship golf course is Audubon International certified for environmental and sustainability best practices. 

For more information, please visit apeshill.com and/or:

Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/apeshillbarbados/ 

Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/apeshillbarbados/ 

Westbrook Country Club Honored by National Magazine

(MANSFIELD, Ohio) – Westbrook Country Club’s new clubhouse placed third in Golf Inc. magazine’s national “Clubhouse of the Year” competition in the New Private Clubhouse category. Results of the global competition appear in the September/October issue of the golf trade magazine.

In 2025, Westbrook Country Club unveiled a brand new 34,000-square-foot addition to its existing clubhouse, a 10,000-square-foot banquet and events center, three unique dining spaces and a state-of-the-art fitness center. From the start of the project, the Club’s vision was to transform its aging clubhouse into a private club experience worthy of the classic Donald Ross-designed course it serves. With the new clubhouse, many aspects of the member experience have been reimagined, such as modern locker rooms, a relocated golf shop, a card room, golf simulators and improved operational spaces.

Golf Inc. judges pointed to the Club’s new arrival experience and sustainable aspects of the new building as key considerations:

A covered drop-off, grand wood entry doors and a two-story vaulted lobby create a memorable arrival experience and “wow” factor. A wall of glass frames views of the course, while a circular staircase leads guests to the upper-level restaurant and bar.

Sustainability was addressed through practical design choices such as landscaped stormwater infiltration areas, continuous exterior rigid insulation, north-facing windows for daylight and reduced solar heat gain, a reflective white roof, reduced ductwork and more. The result is an environmentally responsible facility that supports the club’s needs without overbuilding or overcomplicating the design.

Judges for the Clubhouse of the Year competition included Mark Melzer, chairman, MDR Architects and Planners; Marjorie Feltus Hawkins, president and founder, FH Design; and a panel of Golf Inc. editors.

Golf Inc., the world’s only magazine for golf course developers, owners and management company executives, annually recognizes top public and private, new and remodeled clubhouses around the globe in its Clubhouse of the Year competition. Judging of all “Clubhouse of the Year” entries was based on efficiency, aesthetics, vision and sustainability.

Originally founded in 1906, Westbrook Country Club features an 18-hole Donald Ross-designed golf course. The historic, 6,935-yard layout is recognized as one of the top private courses in Ohio by Golfweek and has hosted two Ohio Amateur Championships, PGA Junior Series events, and an NCAA Division III Final.

Troon Privé, the private club division of Troon, oversees club operations, agronomy, food & beverage, retail, lodging and membership sales and marketing. For more information on Westbrook Country Club, visit www.westbrookcc.com.