The Matchbox at Tobacco Road Opens August 1

Tee Times Now Available at TobaccoRoadGolf.com

(Sanford, North Carolina) – The Matchbox, one of golf’s most-anticipated and unconventional short courses opens August 1 at the famed Tobacco Road. Guests can now book tee times for August through December 2026 at TobaccoRoadGolf.com.  

28 years after Mike Strantz carved Tobacco Road into North Carolina’s Sandhills with his signature artistic flair, The Matchbox features a unique collection
of 12 holes winding through trees and around a picturesque pond. With holes ranging from 40 to 105 yards – and many playing under the tree canopy – The Matchbox was constructed using synthetic turf blended into the natural landscape. The result is a visually striking golf experience that brings fun and challenging shots into play.

“This is a special piece of property as it contains spoils shaped during construction nearly 30 years ago,” said Mark Stewart, whose family opened Tobacco Road in November 1998. “The more I’ve walked around this corner of the property through the decades, the more obvious it became that a unique golf experience could be revealed — and we’re excited to share it with Sandhills travelers. Utilizing synthetic turf enables us to deliver consistent playing conditions while maximizing the shade of the existing tree canopy.”

Located near the 12th and 13th fairways of Tobacco Road’s 18-hole layout, The Matchbox was built in just six months requiring no irrigation nor mass clear-cutting trees. The project is a design partnership with Carlton/Marshall Golf Design and Mark White. Justin Carlton trained under White, one of the original Tobacco Road shapers who learned his craft under Strantz.

“There’s a direct line from our past to the present — and we believe The Matchbox will become a must-play experience in its own right,” added Stewart.

“Mike Strantz was a master of scale,” said Lee Marshall of Carlton/Marshall Golf Design. “Having Mark White on the project provides an experienced knowledge of Strantz’ vision that we’re incorporating into our design.”

Multiple holes of The Matchbox play along and over a pond that few fans of Tobacco Road even know existed.

“During the design process for Tobacco Road, we talked about Mike building a par 3 over that pond, but it didn’t make the final routing,” Stewart recalls. “Now we have the opportunity to bring that bit of drama back into play in a different way.”

Additional highlights of The Matchbox include hole 3 which requires an 80-yard blind shot from one of the tee boxes, hole 7 with a 60-yard shot over a cove, and hole 9 that plays through two large mounds and was inspired by the famed opening hole on Tobacco Road.

“The overall concept is to keep it fun with bold features and heroic shot values but also provide a short-game challenge for those who really want to test their wedge game,” added Marshall. “While the longest yardage was dictated for some to play with only one club and a putter, we are creating an amenity unrestricted by that thought process alone. The contours on the greens will focus more on shot selection depending on the type of shot the player decides to execute (high shot with spin at the pin or low shot to feed the ball toward the hole). This will provide a different experience each time the course is played, even without moving the pins to alternate locations.”

For more information on Tobacco Road Golf Club and The Matchbox, visit https://tobaccoroadgolf.com.

Brian Rogish Named 2026 Troon Coach of The Year

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Brian Rogish, PGA, Director of Golf at The Golf Club at Lansdowne in Leesburg, Virginia, has been named “2026 Troon Coach of the Year” by Troon’s Education and Player Development team. The honor celebrates Rogish’s exceptional leadership, innovative programming, measurable player‑development success, and his unwavering commitment to growing the game of golf at every level.

“Brian represents the very best of what coaching in the Troon family stands for, including innovation, leadership, mentorship, and a deep commitment to helping players grow and enjoy the game,” said Troon Global Director of Coaching Tim Mahoney. “His impact at Lansdowne is extraordinary, and his influence on players, families, and fellow professionals is undeniable. We are proud to recognize him as the 2026 Troon Coach of the Year.”

Over nearly a decade at Lansdowne, Rogish has transformed the club’s instructional academy into one of the region’s most dynamic and impactful player‑development environments. His coaching philosophy is centered on long‑term growth, retention, and enjoyment and has created clear developmental pathways for golfers of all ages and abilities. From early‑childhood introduction programs to competitive junior coaching and adult beginner development, Rogish has built a system that meets players where they are and guides them toward sustained improvement.

“I'm incredibly honored to receive this recognition from Troon. While my name is on the award, it's really a reflection of an amazing team, supportive members, and families who have embraced our vision for player development,” said Rogish. “I've always believed that teaching golf is about much more than improving a swing. It's about creating confidence, building relationships, and helping people fall in love with the game. When you focus on developing players at every stage of their journey, you don't just grow golfers, you strengthen clubs, communities, and ultimately the future of the game. I'm grateful to be part of an organization like Troon that shares that belief,”

Under Rogish’s leadership, Lansdowne’s academy has achieved remarkable results, including nearly 3,000 additional junior rounds annually, one of the region’s strongest junior pipelines, and consistent year‑over‑year growth in player engagement and retention. His programs span Operation 36, PGA Junior League, college‑prep pathways, on‑course coaching, club fitting, PGA HOPE veteran programming, and more – each delivered with intention, enthusiasm, and a commitment to excellence.

Rogish’s influence extends beyond instruction. Since 2016, academy revenue has grown multiple times over, with nearly 30 percent of new club memberships directly tied to academy programming. His leadership has strengthened family engagement, enhanced member retention, and elevated the club’s overall performance. Rogish has introduced unique programming such as Swing & Serve Camps, parent‑child events, Glow Golf experiences, indoor simulator training, and seasonal analytics integration. These initiatives have expanded participation, modernized instruction, and created memorable experiences for players and families.

Rogish also embodies Troon’s commitment to community impact. Last season, he and the academy team organized a multi‑day junior event that raised more than $100,000 for Folds of Honor and Leashes of Valor, called the Lansdowne Cup. This further demonstrates his belief and that of the team around him, that golf can be a powerful platform for giving back. Watch the YouTube documentary showcasing a behind-the-scenes view of what goes into the planning and execution of the Lansdowne Cup.

The Troon Coach of the Year Award honors instructors who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, player development, mentorship, and commitment to growing the game. Rogish exemplifies each of these qualities and continues to elevate the standard of coaching within the Troon portfolio.

Past Troon Coach of the Year Honorees:
David Curtis – The Classic Club / Westin Mission Hills / Yocha Dehe
Mo Gesualdi – St. Johns Golf & Country Club
Tom O’Brien – Tiburón Golf Club
Ryan Mahoney – Troon North Golf Club
Josh McCormick – Tiburón Golf Club

Troon Selected to Manage The Crosby Club

(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 The Crosby Club, a private club in Rancho Santa Fe, California. Troon Privé, the private club division of Troon, will oversee club operations, agronomy, food & beverage, and membership sales and marketing.

Located in the San Diego foothills on Bing Crosby's former Rancho Santa Fe ranch property, The Crosby Club is an exclusive private club and golf community. Named in honor of Crosby, The Club is known for its elegant architecture, championship golf, and luxury lifestyle. Golf architect Brian Curley and PGA TOUR legend Fred Couples co-designed The Club’s 18-hole golf course, which opened for play in 2004. The 6,796-yard, par-70 layout features dramatic elevation changes, scenic valley views, and an expansive practice facility.

“Returning to The Crosby Club is a true privilege – Troon helped establish the foundation here more than 20 years ago, and we are honored to once again work alongside ownership to elevate the member experience and advance the standard of excellence at this exceptional Southern California property,” said Troon Vice President of Operations, Justin Lake.

"We are thrilled to partner with Troon Privé to enhance the member experience at The Crosby Club. Troon's world-class expertise aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering an unparalleled luxury lifestyle and championship golf experience for our members and their families," said Bando Group.

Beyond golf, members of The Crosby Club enjoy a fitness and wellness center with personal training and group classes, three tennis courts and four pickleball courts with certified instruction, a year-round heated junior Olympic-size swimming pool with cabanas and a hot tub. Multiple dining venues complete the Club's premier recreational and social experience.

For more information on The Crosby Club, visit www.thecrosbyclub.com.

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/