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.

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

Stone Creek Golf Club

Oregon is a golfer’s paradise. From the spectacular coastal layouts around Bandon to the mountain views of Central Oregon, the Beaver State offers some of the most memorable golf experiences in the country.

But what about the other end of the spectrum?

Not every public golf course earns rave reviews. Some golfers come away disappointed by course conditions, slow play, service or the value they receive for their money. Online reviews offer a glimpse into those experiences, even if they don’t always tell the whole story.

We looked at public golf courses in Oregon, including available golfer-review information and current business listings, to identify three facilities with comparatively low ratings. All three were listed as operating public golf courses when checked in October 2026.

These aren't necessarily Oregon's three worst courses. Rather, they offer a starting point for golfers interested in what happens when a round doesn't live up to expectations.

1. Stone Creek Golf Club — Oregon City

Stone Creek Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 public course in Oregon City. Designed by Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy, the course offers Pacific Northwest scenery and a challenging layout.

Despite those appealing characteristics, the course received an approximately 3.1-out-of-5 rating in the business listings reviewed, based on 42 reviews. That makes it the lowest-rated of the three facilities in this comparison.

A lower overall rating doesn't necessarily mean the golf course itself is poor. Service, pace of play, pricing and individual expectations can all influence a golfer's review. A course can also deliver an enjoyable round for one player and a frustrating experience for another.

Stone Creek remains an option for golfers looking for a public round in the Oregon City area. Anyone considering a visit should check recent course-condition reports, current rates and tee-time availability rather than relying on an overall rating alone.

The takeaway: Stone Creek has an established golf-course design, but its comparatively low overall rating makes it worth researching before booking.

2. Eastmoreland Golf Course — Portland

Eastmoreland Golf Course

Eastmoreland Golf Course is a historic, city-run public facility in southeast Portland. It combines an 18-hole golf course with practice facilities, instruction and other amenities.

The facility received an approximately 3.4-out-of-5 rating in the business listings reviewed, based on 65 reviews.

As with any public course, the experience can vary depending on the season, weather and how busy the facility is. Winter conditions can be particularly challenging in the Pacific Northwest, where wet ground can affect playability and the overall experience.

Eastmoreland also offers more than just a round of golf. Its practice center and other amenities give the facility a role in the local golf community beyond its regular tee sheet.

The rating should be considered alongside more recent reviews and the specific aspects of the experience that matter most to each golfer.

The takeaway: Eastmoreland is a long-established public golf destination, but its overall rating suggests that golfers should investigate recent feedback before deciding whether it meets their expectations.

3. Wildwood Golf Course — Portland

Wildwood Golf Course

Wildwood Golf Course sits in northwest Portland, near the Forest Park hills. The public 18-hole, par-72 course is known for its hilly terrain, elevation changes and distinctive shot-making challenges.

The business listings reviewed showed an approximately 3.6-out-of-5 rating from 65 reviews.

Tripadvisor's reviews illustrate why a single rating can be misleading. Some golfers have complained about booking policies, pricing or customer service, while others have praised the scenery, course conditions, staff and clubhouse experience.

That mix of opinions is important. A disappointing customer-service experience doesn't necessarily mean the course is poorly designed or poorly maintained. Conversely, a scenic setting won't make every golfer happy if the playing experience falls short.

Wildwood's elevation changes and varied holes can be part of its appeal, but those same characteristics may frustrate golfers who prefer flatter terrain and more straightforward shots.

The takeaway: Wildwood is a reminder that a course's layout, customer service and overall value can produce very different opinions among golfers.

What Do These Ratings Really Tell Us?

Online ratings can help golfers decide where to play, but they shouldn't be the only factor in choosing a course.

A meaningful comparison should consider the number of reviews, how recently they were posted, the course's current condition and whether complaints are repeated across multiple independent sources.

A course with a 3.1 rating from dozens of reviews presents a different picture from one with a 1.0 rating based on a single review. Likewise, a low rating from several years ago may not reflect current ownership, maintenance or management.

For this comparison, the ratings above come from business listings, while GolfPass and Tripadvisor provide additional review context where available. The figures should not be interpreted as a unified score across all platforms.

One more thing: Oregon has plenty of outstanding public golf courses, and even a lower-rated facility may offer an enjoyable round at the right price and under the right conditions.

The best advice? Read the newest reviews, check current course conditions, and decide what matters most to you before booking.

Have you played any of these Oregon golf courses? Did your experience match the online reviews, or do you think the courses deserve a better reputation? Let us know in the comments.

Research note: Ratings and review counts are approximate snapshots from business listings consulted October 16, 2026. This is an editorial selection of three lower-rated public courses, not a verified statewide ranking based exclusively on GolfPass and Tripadvisor.

Shot Scope’s LM1 Launch Monitor Delivers New Insights Into the Amateur Game

(Edinburgh, Scotland, UK) – Shot Scope, the industry leader in golf performance tracking and data analytics, announces the LM1 Launch Monitor – arguably the most in-demand golf product of 2026 – has recorded over 1 million shots every month since hitting the market. This gives Shot Scope an extensive database of amateur golfers’ club distances, speeds, and practice habits.

In the past, amateurs have only had access to launch monitor benchmark data from PGA and LPGA Tour players, but now, data experts Shot Scope, known for their own course data and shot tracking technology, are making launch monitor data available to all amateurs. For the first time, golfers can compare themselves with other amateurs of a similar age or handicap, setting more realistic performance goals instead of chasing tour-level speed and distance numbers.

Quick and easy to set up, the LM1 delivers five key metrics: clubhead speed, ball speed, smash factor, carry, and total distance, and so far golfers have been loving their LM1’s, averaging at least two sessions a month, with around 60 shots in each session.

By diving into the ever-growing database of LM1 shots, Shot Scope can identify metrics about amateur golfers that have never been shared before. Let’s look at some driver metrics:
● P-Avg Carry: 228 yards
● P-Avg Total: 247.1 yards
● Average Ball Speed: 133.8mph
● Average Clubhead Speed: 95.6mph
● Average Smash Factor: 1.4
● Drivers are hit in 80% of sessions

Key Finding: It’s a Speed Problem, Not a Skill Problem

The analysis becomes particularly compelling when we examine the driver data through two distinct lenses – age and handicap. Both analyses led to the same conclusion.

Focusing on age, carry drops 51 yards from its peak (30-39-year-olds) to the 60+ bracket. Ball speed falls right alongside it. But smash factor, the measure of how well you’re striking the ball, barely moves and, if anything, improves.

Reviewing by handicap, the same pattern shows up again, completely independently. The gap between a scratch golfer and a 20-handicapper is 46.7 yards of carry and 21.1mph of ball speed, but only 0.04 of smash factor.

Two totally different ways of slicing the same population, and neither one shows a strike-quality gap worth talking about. Everyone is finding the middle of the face almost equally well; some golfers are just generating more raw ball speed. And this isn’t just a driver story: the same fall-off shape holds all the way down the bag to the shortest wedges. This is a speed problem, not a swing gap, and it argues for speed training over more swing plane tinkering.

Shot Scope has released a free eBook detailing some of the findings from the LM1 database with some tips on how you can practice more effectively over the winter months. You can download the eBook.

Get ready to play better, score lower, and know your game with Shot Scope.

Visit shotscope.com.

Circling Raven Ranks as Top 10 Casino Golf Course Nationally by Golfweek

Heralded Gene Bates-designed course achieves highest-ever rating in this category

(WORLEY, Idaho) – Circling Raven Golf Club garnered the No. 10 ranking in Golfweek’s just published “Top 50 Best U.S. Casino Courses, 2026,” improving seven places since last year’s annual compilation. Not only did Circling Raven climb into America’s top 10, it widened the gap between its next-closest casino course competitor in the Northwest, which is 14 places behind.

To construct its rankings, hundreds of evaluators survey thousands of courses annually – grading each nominated course on Golfweek’s numerous standards of evaluation.

“This is a thrilling honor as discerning golfers know that casino courses are some of the best collectively in the country,” said Laura Penney, CEO, Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel.

Named after a seminal tribal leader, Circling Raven has climbed higher in the annual rankings in five of the last six years. Owned and operated by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, it spreads out over more than 620 acres of ancestral homelands – roughly four times more acreage than the average course globally.

The Tribe’s mandate that Circling Raven provide a first-class experience and superb playing conditions combined with architect Gene Bates’ inspired vision created an unforgettable golf course. An array of diverse yet complementary holes wind through heaving, pristine Palouse Region countryside with no surrounding development. Players marvel about the inspiring golf experience offered at Circling Raven.

While the scintillating golf course is closed from November until next spring, the casino offers the next best thing: Circling Raven Golf Suites, which are scheduled to open Nov. 14. Players can comfortably play indoors on top-notch golf simulators that also offer other games. The Suites also have video gaming machines, food and beverages, televisions tuned into sporting events, and merchandise.

Located approximately 50 minutes from Spokane International Airport (GEG) and adjacent to the award-winning casino resort, Circling Raven measures 7,189 yards from the rear tees. A nationally honored retail shop and the excellent Twisted Earth restaurant and bar complement the outstanding golf course.

For more information, visit cdacasino.com or call 800-523-2464.

Instagram: @cdacasino, @circlingravengolfclub, @cdacasinoeats

Facebook: @cdacasinoresort, @circling.raven, @cdacasinoeats