10 USGA Champions Highlight Teams for 2026 East West Matches

(RELEASE) – Ten USGA champions highlight the 36 players named to the 2026 East West Matches, set for November 6-8 at Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas.

Two USGA champions will also serve as captain of the respective squads: Trip Kuehne for the West and Paul Simson for the East.

Each roster will include 18 players, six seniors, at least 10 mid-amateurs and up to two amateurs who have not yet reached the age of 25. Nine members of each team are decided based on a points system, with the other nine chosen by the tournament committee. 

The Mississippi River delineates the East and West geographic split of the pool of amateur players.

The East squad includes these USGA champions (7 players, 9 titles):

Andrew Bailey, Cleveland, Ohio-- 2026 U.S. Mid-Amateur

Evan Beck, Virginia Beach, Va. -- 2024 U.S. Mid-Amateur

Doug Hanzel, Savannah, Ga – 2013 U.S. Senior Amateur

Scott Harvey, Kernersville, N.C. – 2014 U.S. Mid-Amateur, 2019 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball

Bob Royak, Alpharetta – 2019 U.S. Senior Amateur

Mike Sposa, Spartanburg, S.C. -- 2026 U.S. Senior Amateur

Todd White, Spartanburg, S.C. – 2015 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball, 2023 U.S. Senior Amateur

The West squad includes these USGA champions (3 players, six titles):

Gene Elliott, Norwalk, Iowa -- 2021 U.S. Senior Amateur

Stewart Hagestad, Newport Beach, Calif. -- 2016, 2021, 2023 U.S. Mid-Amateur

Mike McCoy, Des Moines, Iowa – 2013 U.S. Mid-Amateur, 2025 U.S. Senior Amateur

Kuehne (pronounced KEEN-knee), 53, of Westlake, Texas, won the 2007 U.S. Mid-Amateur and advanced to the championship match of the 1994 U.S. Amateur against Tiger Woods. An Oklahoma State All-American, he was on three USA Walker Cup teams as well as the 2006 USA team at the World Amateur Team Championships. The winningest player in Carolinas Golf Association events, Simson, 75, of Raleigh, N.C., won the 2010 and 2012 U.S. Senior Amateur and was the co-captain of the East in the inaugural Matches in 2020. He won the Carolinas Senior Amateur on October 8 with an eagle on the sudden-death playoff hole.

“It is with tremendous pride and honor that I announce the West Team for the 2026 West East Matches,” Kuehne quipped. “Our team brings together USGA champions, proven veterans, fierce competitors, and, most importantly, exceptional individuals. The depth of talent and accomplishment on this year’s roster is remarkable, and we could not be more excited to represent the West.

“I know Paul, with a glass of wine in hand, will have an exceptionally talented East Team prepared and ready to compete. With the caliber of players assembled on both sides, the 2026 field may well be the most accomplished in the storied history of these matches. We look forward to a spirited and intense competition—one that honors the traditions of the game and celebrates amateur golf at its highest level. Congratulations to all of the players selected. We can’t wait to compete.”

Simson is equally confident in his team.

“The East team boasts the current U.S. Mid-Am and Senior Am Champions,” he said. “The East is also represented by players that have won major events in both the USA and abroad. Our team of wily competitors are ready to engage the West in what has become the best amateur team competition in the USA. 

“Maridoe, as the host site, provides the perfect venue for this competition! Conditioned to near perfection, Maridoe can be stretched to over 8,000 yards. More tolerable lengths will be used for the Matches. Maridoe’s slogan: ‘We bury heroes here’ will challenge all competitors. The slogan refers to the abundance of risk/reward shots Maridoe offers.

“The East West Matches embody all that is good about golf. Competition, sportsmanship, camaraderie and friendly banter are always priorities at the Matches.

“I’m sure West captain Tripp will have a few tricks up his sleeve. The East will be ready! Gird your loins and prepare for another great East West Match.”

Scott Harvey, the founder and operator of the East West Matches added: “What started out as a good event has quickly evolved into a top tier competition that the most prominent amateurs in the game strive to play in. The player’s excitement and enthusiasm for the East West Matches is felt throughout the year as they strive to make their respective teams. The field for the 2026 Matches is the strongest yet, and when you have two of the best in Trip Kuehne and Paul Simson leading their teams into battle, it only enhances the experience that much more.”

The schedule for the 4th East West Matches: 

Thursday November 5:

Practice Rounds
Player Dinner and Draw 

Friday November 6

Afternoon -- Day 1 matches (Fourball – 8 total matches)
Player Dinner and Draw for Day 2 matches 

Saturday November 7

Morning -- Day 2 matches (Foursomes – 8 total matches)
Lunch
Afternoon – Day 2 matches (Foursomes – 8 total matches)
Draw for day 3 matches immediately following play

Sunday November 8:

Morning -- Day 3 matches (Singles – 18 matches, all 18 holes)
Closing celebration by 18th green at conclusion of play

The Sea Pines Resort Again Honored for Excellence in Prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards

Image: Bill Hornstein

Property also recognized in past year for first-class golf, lodging, dining and workplace culture

(HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C.) – The Sea Pines Resort has again been named among the Top 20 properties in the South in the 39th annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. It is the third time in four years the resort has been singled out in the awards, widely considered among travel’s most prestigious recognitions.

Nearly 800,000 survey responses were received from readers in the competition that has long represented acknowledgement of excellence within the travel sector.

“We’re honored to once again be recognized by Condé Nast Traveler readers, whose votes reflect the experiences we strive to create for every guest,” said Steve Birdwell, President, The Sea Pines Resort. “This ranking is truly a tribute to our entire team. Their dedication to genuine Lowcountry hospitality is what makes The Sea Pines Resort a destination travelers look forward to visiting often.”

This has been a banner 12 months for The Sea Pines Resort as it has earned other awards and honors for exceptional golf, lodging, dining and workplace culture, including:

Golf: Ranked No. 5 Best Golf Resort in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards; named Best Golf Destination in Global Traveler’s 14th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards; and earned a place on GOLF Magazine’s list of the Top 100 Resorts in the World for 2026.

Lodging: Earned a No. 6 ranking among the Top 25 Hotels in the South for The Inn & Club at Harbour Town in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards; a 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award for the Inn & Club, the 17th consecutive year; and a 2026 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for the resort.

Food and beverage: Received 2026 DiRōNA (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) Awards of Excellence for Coast, Oceanfront Dining; Links, an American Grill; and Quarterdeck. Also ranked Links No. 2 Best Golf Course Restaurant in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards; Coast among the Top 10 Beach Bars in the South in Southern Living’s 2025 “The South’s Best Beach Bars”; and Quarterdeck No. 18 among Casual Dining Restaurants in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards.

Workplace culture: Received 2026–27 Great Place To Work Certification, with 85 percent of employees saying the resort is a great place to work, 28 percentage points higher than the average U.S. company.

To learn more about the property’s awards, visit www.seapines.com/awards-accolades.

The 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards can be viewed at www.cntraveler.com and will be showcased in the magazine’s November issue.

Cliff Drysdale Management Unveils Refreshed Brand and Expanded Company Identity

Updated identity reflects the company’s expanded capabilities across all racquet sports, club operations, and a wide range of services.

(New Braunfels, Texas) – Cliff Drysdale Management (CDM), a Troon company, today unveiled a refreshed brand identity that reflects the company’s expanded capabilities across racquet sports, club operations and hospitality. Effective immediately, the organization will sunset its longtime public-facing Cliff Drysdale Tennis (CDT) brand and move forward as Cliff Drysdale Management. The updated name and visual identity better represent the full scope of the company’s services and its continued evolution within the global racquet sports and hospitality industries.

While Cliff Drysdale Tennis has served as the company’s public-facing identity since 2001, the organization has operated as Cliff Drysdale Management LLC for many years. Tennis will always remain at the heart of the company’s story and a central part of its business. At the same time, CDM’s work has expanded well beyond tennis to include every major racquet sport, along with food and beverage, aquatics, fitness, wellness, hospitality, programming, consulting, evaluations and other areas of club operations.

The refreshed brand reflects that growth while positioning CDM for the future of the racquet sports industry. Designed to be professional, timeless, hospitality-driven and inclusive across all racquet sports, the new identity gives the organization a more accurate platform from which to communicate its capabilities to current and prospective partners.

“This is an important milestone for our company, but it is also a very natural next step,” said Scott McCulloch, President and CEO of Cliff Drysdale Management. “Tennis is foundational to who we are and always will be. At the same time, our teams now support clubs and resorts across a much broader range of sports, amenities and operational needs. Cliff Drysdale Management better reflects the company we have become and gives us the right platform for where we are headed. Most importantly, the people, values and commitment to exceptional service that our partners know and trust are not changing.”

The refresh is not a reinvention of the organization as CDM’s leadership, associates, values and service standards remain unchanged. The company will continue to build on more than two decades of experience creating exceptional racquet sports and club environments while delivering customized solutions for facilities of all types.

CDM’s primary service verticals include:

- Full Club Management: Turnkey operations of racquet sports clubs, with an all-encompassing approach across staffing, programming, member experience, marketing, finance and beyond.

- Property Consulting: Strategic and operational guidance for resorts, private clubs, commercial facilities and public venues, including planning, programming, staffing, membership, marketing and facility development.

- Club Evaluations: Objective, on-site assessments that provide club leaders with clear recommendations to strengthen operations, elevate the guest and member experience, and identify opportunities for sustainable growth.

- EXPERIENCE Travel: Curated tennis, pickleball and padel vacations, camps and events that connect players with world-class destinations, coaching and hospitality.

- Racquet Works: A year-round education and professional development platform supporting leaders, coaches and club support staff through customized roadmaps, practical resources and an international network of racquet sports professionals.

In conjunction with the brand refresh, CDM has launched a redesigned website featuring the company’s expanded services, portfolio, insights and opportunities to work with its team. To explore the new Cliff Drysdale Management brand, visit: www.cliffdrysdale.com

PXG Brings Zero Torque Technology to Popular Torpedo Putter Design

New PXG Torpedo ZT putter pairs a familiar mallet profile with face-stabilizing technology, precision weighting, and a fan-favorite Pick-Up Pocket

(SCOTTSDALE, AZ) – PXG has announced the launch of the new PXG® Torpedo® ZT Putter, bringing the popular Torpedo design from its Battle Ready® II Putter lineup into a Zero Torque configuration. Building on the success of the original, the new high-stability mallet combines the familiar head shape with technology engineered to help golfers keep the putter face square to the path throughout the stroke.

At the heart of the PXG Torpedo ZT Putter is its Onset Hosel, which positions the shaft axis just above and extremely close to the putter’s center of gravity (CG). This geometry creates a toe-up balance point and minimizes twisting forces during the stroke, helping golfers maintain a more consistent face angle through impact.

“With Torpedo ZT, we wanted to bring Zero Torque performance to a shape golfers already know and love,” said Matt Andrews, PXG Design Engineer. “The relationship between the shaft axis and center of gravity is key. By positioning them extremely close together, we reduce the putter’s tendency to twist during the stroke. That gives golfers less face rotation to manage and more freedom to focus on the line and speed of the putt.”

The Onset Hosel also incorporates an integrated 1-degree forward press, positioning the hands naturally at address. While the Torpedo ZT Putter has 4 degrees of measured loft, this configuration allows it to play like a traditional 3-degree putter, supporting consistent face delivery.

The Torpedo ZT’s two-piece construction pairs a precision-milled 303 stainless steel front section with a lightweight 6061 aluminum rear body. This combination allows engineers to precisely position the center of gravity for Zero Torque performance while distributing mass farther from the CG to increase moment of inertia (MOI) and forgiveness.

PXG’s Pyramid Milled Face Pattern features milling geometry optimized for consistent interaction with golf ball dimples. The design promotes consistent roll characteristics while delivering the soft, satisfying sound of an insert putter with the responsiveness of a precision-milled face.

A full center sight line provides a clear alignment reference at address, while the larger footprint makes room for a PXG customer favorite: the integrated Pick-Up Pocket. By design, the Pick-Up Pocket makes ball retrieval off the green easy and back pain free.

Two interchangeable sole weights round out the design, allowing golfers to fine-tune head weight to suit preferred feel and stroke tendencies. Through PXG’s Precision Weighting Technology, the Torpedo ZT Putter offers an adjustable head weight range of 357g to 392g, with a stock head weight of 370g.

The Torpedo ZT Putter is available in both right- and left-handed models for $449.99 at PXG Retail Stores, online at PXG.com, and through select fitting and retail partners worldwide. For more information or to schedule a fitting, visit www.PXG.com.

Therabody Named Preferred Partner of Troon

Global Leader In Wellness Technology Aligns With Troon To Drive Marketing And Sales Programs Among Golfers And Leisure Enthusiasts; Therabody To Be Featured At Shop.Troon.Com Via The Company's Shopify Collective

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon Partners Network, a division of Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, today announced Therabody, the global leader in wellness technology specializing in science-backed recovery, performance, and self-care solutions, as the company’s newest Preferred Partner.

Through a year-long partnership, Therabody will be provided with a suite of marketing assets to connect their products and brand with Troon’s global golf audience, as well as across Troon-managed facilities, including special event activations, integrated marketing campaigns and digital engagement connecting the brand with golfers of all playing levels. Additionally, Therabody will receive feature placement at shop.troon.com via the Company's Shopify Collective, further connecting with Troon’s highest-value consumers.

Specific to golf and outdoor leisure activities offered across Troon’s portfolio of properties, Therabody products are designed to support the body before, during and after activity — helping golfers and athletes warm up, maintain mobility and recover so their bodies stay ready for what’s next, whether on the golf course, tennis court or in their fitness routine.

“Therabody is a great addition to the Troon Partners Network and a terrific fit for our audience of golf and leisure enthusiasts," said Ryan Pensy, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Troon Partners Network. “Wellness and recovery products are one of the fastest growing categories for athletes looking to keep their bodies in peak condition and Therabody is an industry leader in product innovation and performance."

Therabody is the latest company to join the Troon Partners Network. From golf, sports and leisure brands to the airline, automotive, food and beverage, and financial services sectors, Troon partners can secure exclusive status that provides direct marketing to millions of golfers every day. Today, through Troon Partners Network, companies/brands enjoy a range of partnership levels, from preferred to official status, and receive custom programming designed to fit the marketing needs of each respective product or service being offered.

Adds Pensy, “Troon Partners Network has grown significantly during the past several years with a stable of both endemic and non-endemic companies/brands joining our platform to connect with our serious, avid golfers. Whether large or small, we cater to each company/brand individually and design high-impact marketing programs and activations to elevate their image and awareness through our various golf, leisure and hospitality audiences.”

For more information on marketing programs available through Troon Partners Network, contact Sabrina Hale at sabrina.hale@troon.com.

What Are the Worst Golf Courses in Each State (Oklahoma)?

Moore Golf Club

Looking for a round of golf in Oklahoma? Before you book your next tee time, you might want to check what other golfers are saying about these three low-rated public golf courses.

Oklahoma has plenty to offer golfers, from championship layouts and scenic resort courses to affordable municipal tracks. But not every public golf experience earns rave reviews.

For golfers who like to do their homework before booking a tee time, online reviews can offer a useful look at course conditions, value, maintenance and the overall experience. And some Oklahoma courses have struggled to impress the golfers who have shared their opinions online.

Based on available GolfPass ratings and golfer feedback, three courses worth a closer look are Moore Golf Club, Sulphur Hills Golf Course and Choctaw Creek Golf Course.

These aren't necessarily the worst golf courses in Oklahoma by every possible measure. Rather, they are low-rated public golf options that surfaced during the review search. Ratings and conditions can change, so golfers should check current reviews and confirm availability before making plans.

1. Moore Golf Club — Moore, Oklahoma

GolfPass rating: 1.4 out of 5, based on three reviews

Moore Golf Club stands out for its low GolfPass rating, although the small number of reviews means the score should be treated cautiously.

One particularly critical review, posted in May 2025, complained about barren fairways and questioned the condition of the course. Other GolfPass feedback has raised concerns about bunker maintenance and the overall playing experience.

The criticism doesn't mean every golfer will have a bad day here. Some reviewers have found positive aspects of the facility, and a small review sample can make a course's overall score particularly volatile.

Still, golfers who put a premium on lush fairways, consistent playing surfaces and well-maintained bunkers may want to investigate current conditions before paying for a round.

Where: Moore, Oklahoma

Before you play: Check recent course updates, ask about current fairway and bunker conditions, and compare the green fee with other public courses in the Oklahoma City area.

Source: Moore Golf Club reviews on GolfPass.

2. Sulphur Hills Golf Course — Sulphur, Oklahoma

Sulphur Hills Golf Course

GolfPass rating: Approximately 1.5 out of 5, based on two reviews

Sulphur Hills Golf Course also appears among Oklahoma's low-rated public golf options in GolfPass course-directory results.

The limited review count is an important consideration. Two reviews aren't enough to establish that a course consistently delivers a poor experience, and a low rating may not reflect its current condition.

For golfers visiting the Sulphur area, the sensible approach is to contact the course before heading out. Ask about recent maintenance, green conditions, cart availability and whether any holes or facilities are temporarily unavailable.

A low online score can be a warning sign, but it shouldn't replace a current assessment of the course.

Where: Sulphur, Oklahoma

Before you play: Verify that the course is accepting public tee times and ask for an update on current playing conditions.

Source: GolfPass Oklahoma course directory.

3. Choctaw Creek Golf Course — Choctaw, Oklahoma

Choctaw Creek Golf Course

GolfPass rating: Approximately 2.7 out of 5

Choctaw Creek Golf Course, located east of Oklahoma City, is another public option with a relatively low GolfPass score.

Its rating is considerably higher than the two courses above, but it still falls below the scores golfers might hope to see when comparing public courses. That makes it worth checking recent reviews and conditions before booking.

As with any golf course, individual experiences can vary. Weather, seasonal maintenance, pace of play and expectations about value can all influence a golfer's review.

Golfers considering Choctaw Creek should look beyond the overall score and read the most recent comments to determine whether any concerns apply to the experience they want.

Where: Choctaw, Oklahoma

Before you play: Compare current reviews and green fees with other public courses around the Oklahoma City metro area.

Source: GolfPass course reviews and directory.

What Golfers Should Know Before Booking

Online ratings are useful, but they aren't the whole story. A course with only two or three reviews can end up with a dramatically different score from a facility with hundreds of ratings.
- Before booking any public golf course, consider these steps:
- Read recent reviews. A complaint from several years ago may not describe today's conditions.
- Look for recurring problems. Multiple golfers mentioning poor greens, slow play or neglected bunkers can be more meaningful than one negative experience.
- Check the value. An inexpensive course can still provide an enjoyable round if expectations match the price.
- Call ahead. Ask about maintenance, temporary closures and current playing conditions.

The Bottom Line

Moore Golf Club, Sulphur Hills Golf Course and Choctaw Creek Golf Course all surfaced as low-rated public golf options in the available GolfPass research. But ratings alone don't tell the full story, and the small review samples for some courses make definitive rankings difficult.

If you're planning an Oklahoma golf trip, do your research, read the latest reviews and call ahead. You might discover that a course with a disappointing online score still offers a perfectly enjoyable day on the links.

Ballenisles Country Club Leaders Play 470 Holes of Golf, Raise $20,000 for the First Tee – Palm Beaches

(Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) – Members of the BallenIsles Country Club leadership team played a combined 470 holes of golf over nine hours on Monday, October 5 to raise $20,000 for the First Tee – Palm Beaches. Director of Golf Jeff Fitzherbert, Director of Instruction Brian Mackey, Head Professional Chris Hayes, and U.S. Army Veteran Matt Kampff participated in the 11th Annual 100 Hole Challenge Golf Marathon held at Palm Beach Par 3 to raise funds for the First Tee – Palm Beaches through BallenIsles’ member donations and pledges.

First Tee – Palm Beaches is a major youth development program at golf courses throughout Palm Beach County and is one of 15 First Tee chapters in the state of Florida. Founded in 1988, the Palm Beaches chapter encompasses over 80,000 elementary school students, providing opportunities for students to learn the Nine Core Values of the First Tee Life Skills Experience. Additionally, the program serves children with special needs and disabilities, veterans disabilities and people with paralysis. The First Tee also provides life skills and life enhancement opportunities to all young people through the game of golf.

2026 marked the seventh time the BallenIsles team has participated in the Annual Golf Marathon. Collectively, BallenIsles Country Club has raised over $135,000 for the First Tee through the Golf Marathon. Last year, the BallenIsles team completed 454 holes of golf at Jupiter Country Club and raised $20,387 for the First Tee of the Palm Beaches through member donations and pledges. Previous donations include $17,000 in 2024, $21,500 in 2023, $23,995 in 2022, $17,500 in a rain-shortened 2021 event, and $15,000 in 2020.

While the 2026 100 Hole Challenge is complete, the BallenIsles team hopes to continue to collect donations for the First Tee – Palm Beaches through the end of the year as the fundraiser website is still accepting contributions. For more information on the First Tee – Palm Beaches and their 100 Hole Challenge Golf Marathon, visit Children’s Golf Foundation.

For more information on BallenIsles Country Club, visit www.BallenIsles.org.