True Blue: Big, Bold and Pure Mike Strantz

(PAWLEYS ISLAND, S.C.) — Some golf courses ask players to think their way through a round. Others ask them to survive.

True Blue Golf Club simply asks golfers to have fun.

Since opening in 1998, True Blue has stood apart from virtually every course on the Grand Strand, providing a distinctive experience.

Big, bold and unmistakably Mike Strantz, True Blue has become one of South Carolina's most celebrated layouts, earning a place among Golfweek's Top 100 Resort Courses in America while consistently ranking among the Palmetto State's top public golf experiences.

The first thing players notice is the scale.

Everything at True Blue is big. Fairways stretch wide across the landscape. Greens are large and undulating. Bunkers are expansive. The course occupies a former indigo plantation, and Strantz used the property's natural scale to create a layout that feels both sprawling and surprisingly intimate.

The course opened the same year as Tobacco Road, another Strantz design that became one of the most talked-about courses in America. By that point, True Blue was the architect's fifth design, and it showcased many of the characteristics that would come to define his legacy: imagination, strategic options and a willingness to challenge conventional golf architecture wisdom.

While Strantz earned his iconoclastic reputation, True Blue is far more playable than many first-time visitors expect.

The generous fairways provide plenty of room off the tee, rewarding aggressive swings without demanding perfection. The massive greens offer a variety of pin positions and strategic angles, but they also make it easier for high handicappers to find the putting surface. The result is a course that can challenge accomplished players while remaining enjoyable for everyday golfers.

That balance is part of True Blue’s enduring appeal.

The routing is unique, featuring five par 3s and five par 5s. That variety keeps players engaged throughout the round, particularly during the memorable turn where back-to-back par 5s at Nos. 9 and 10 create consecutive scoring opportunities. Birdies are always within reach at True Blue, but so is the possibility of a costly mistake.

As the round progresses, the challenge subtly shifts. While sprawling waste bunkers are the primary hazard for much of the day, water is the course’s primary defense over the final three holes, providing a dramatic finish to a top 100 round of golf.

True Blue's significance to the Myrtle Beach golf scene extends beyond its rankings. Alongside its sister course, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, it helped establish Pawleys Island - aka the Hammock Coast - as a destination within the game’s most popular travel market.

More than a quarter century after its debut, True Blue remains exactly what Strantz intended it to be: a golf course where everything is big - the fairways, the greens, the bunkers and, most importantly, the fun.

Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club Honored By 59Club Middle East & Africa

Club Presented With Prestigious Gold Flag Award For Third Consecutive Year, Named “2025 Golf Membership Team Of The Year”

Ajman, United Arab Emirates (June 9, 2026) – Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman, the UAE received the prestigious Gold Flag Award (for the third consecutive year) and was named 2025 Golf Membership Team of the Year at the 59club Middle East & Africa Service Excellence Awards, recognizing the club's commitment to exceptional facilities and outstanding customer service.

The Gold Flag Award is an international benchmark of excellence presented to golf and resort properties that deliver exceptional facilities and the highest standards of customer service. In addition to the Gold Flag Award, Al Zorah was recognized with the Golf Membership Team of the Year award, which celebrates excellence in membership sales, service delivery, member engagement, and commercial performance, further cementing Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club’s position among the leading golf and lifestyle destinations in the region. Special recognition was also given to Al Zorah’s Membership and Marketing Coordinator Charlyn Alunday, whose dedication and professionalism have played an important role in the club’s continued success.

Part of the club’s continued success has come through ongoing membership and service-focused training across the team, with emphasis placed on delivering more personalised member interactions, tailored membership presentations, proactive follow-up communication, and a greater understanding of the club’s evolving lifestyle offering. This approach has helped create a more engaging and consultative experience for both existing and prospective members. One example of Al Zorah’s creative membership options is The 100 Club – an exclusive seven-day membership offering golfers unrivalled premium access to the golf and lifestyle experience at one of the UAE’s leading destinations.

“We are immensely proud to receive this recognition from 59club,” said Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club General Manager Philip Henderson. “These awards are a testament to the passion, professionalism, and commitment of our entire team, who consistently strive to deliver an exceptional experience for our members and guests. Special congratulations to Charlyn Alunday for her deserved recognition and contribution to our success.”

Founded in 2008 by Simon Wordsworth, 59club has grown into a global leader in performance management, supporting over 1200 Golf & Leisure Clubs, Spa’s, Hotels, Retail establishments and F&B outlets worldwide. 59club annually recognizes service excellence at a Global Awards Ceremony, bringing together regional champions to reveal the prestigious Signature Collection, Global Managers of the Year, and those venues and leaders that achieve Eminent Collection status. 59club’s 2026 Global Awards Ceremony will take place November 23-25 in Vilamoura, Portugal.

This latest recognition for Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club follows a landmark period for the club, including being named recipient of the 2025 Golf Inc. Best New Public Clubhouse Award, alongside the successful launch of the club’s highly regarded 100 Club Membership Program, which has further elevated Al Zorah’s membership offering and market presence.

Clinton Norris, Director of Sales & Marketing at Troon International, added, “Recognition through 59club is especially meaningful as it is driven by performance, service standards, and customer experience. Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club continues to demonstrate leadership within the Middle East golf market, and this award is further proof of the outstanding momentum the club has created through its people, product, and progressive membership strategy.”

Managed by Troon International, Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club continues to build on its reputation as one of the Middle East’s most exciting golf destinations, combining championship golf, premium lifestyle amenities, and world-class hospitality.

For more information about the 59Club, visit www.59clubuk.com.

Champion Hills Earns Place Among America's Top 200 Modern Golf Courses in Golfweek Ranking

(HENDERSONVILLE, N.C.) — Champion Hills, an acclaimed Tom Fazio-designed private club nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, is No. 153 on Golfweek's list of America's Top 200 Modern Golf Courses, a ranking that evaluates the nation's best public and private courses built since 1960.

The honor places Champion Hills among the nation's most highly regarded layouts, further reinforcing the club's reputation as one of America’s premier mountain communities.

The recognition follows another Golfweek accolade, as Champion Hills was ranked No. 47 on the publication's list of America's Top 200 Residential Golf Courses.

"Being recognized among America's top modern golf courses is an honor that speaks to the appeal of Tom Fazio's design and the experience Champion Hills strives to provide every day," said Ellen Perkins, General Manager of Champion Hills. "This ranking helps reinforce what our members appreciate most - an outstanding golf course set against one of the most beautiful backdrops in the country."

Champion Hills has earned widespread acclaim for its seamless integration with the natural mountain landscape. Widely regarded as one of Fazio's finest designs, the course features dramatic elevation changes, sweeping mountain vistas, and a routing that takes full advantage of nature’s gifts.

Golfweek's Top 200 Modern Courses ranking is compiled by a panel of course raters who evaluate layouts based on design quality, memorability, conditioning, variety, and overall playing experience. 

Located just minutes from downtown Hendersonville, Champion Hills combines nationally recognized golf with a vibrant community featuring hiking trails, racquet sports, fitness amenities, dining, and a welcoming membership culture.

As Champion Hills continues to earn national recognition, the club remains committed to delivering an exceptional experience that matches the quality of Fazio’s design.

At Champion Hills, exceptional golf is just the beginning. For more information visit www.ChampionHills.com or call (828) 696-1962.

Space, Style and Silence, with BIG MAX

The standout feature of the new Dri Lite Silencio 3 from BIG MAX is the 14-way silent top that secures each club individually, preventing rattling as it travels the fairways on a golf cart or push cart. But with so many other premium features on show, this silent innovation is set to make a big noise in golf shops this summer.

Constructed from premium materials including BIG MAX’s Soft Guard PU, the Dri Lite Silencio 3 features waterproof zippers, two seam sealed valuables pockets, and waterproof fabric throughout to keep your gear dry in any weather. This weatherproof and washable finish combines with elegant styling to deliver a premium feel, refined look, and excellent durability.

The organization of the silent top, that includes a dedicated oversize putter well, follows through to the 11 easy access pockets that are optimized for organization. This attention to detail makes the Silencio 3 ideal for golfers who want every item close at hand and neatly stored.

However you choose to navigate the course, the Dri Lite Silencio 3 has you covered with a dedicated trolley channel for push and electric trolleys, as well as a separate cart strap channel for golf carts. Both systems are designed to keep the bag securely in place, preventing twisting or slipping while maintaining full access to all pockets

And dig a little deeper into the detail and you will find smart upgrades on previous models that include a newly designed zinc towel hook with integrated bottle opener, a second hook for added versatility, a dedicated umbrella holder, and an external tee holder. 

Packed with features designed by golfers, with golfers in mind, the Dri Lite Silencio 3 excels for its practicality on course. Add in elegant styling and premium materials and it stands out from most bags on the market. But finish it off with that one commodity that is often hard to find in the modern world – silence – and this innovative bag from BIG MAX is set to quietly change the game this summer. 

For more information visit https://us.bigmaxgolf.com 

Escalante Golf Completes Multi-Year Agronomic Improvement Project at Houston’s Shadow Hawk Golf Club

(FORT WORTH, Texas) – Escalante Golf – a boutique owner and operator of luxury golf properties across 17 states – has completed a multi-year agronomic renovation at Shadow Hawk Golf Club.

One of Houston’s most exclusive private golf retreats, Shadow Hawk was designed by renowned architect Rees Jones and recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The 2024-25 renovation project involved a comprehensive re-grassing and renovation of the club’s 18-hole course and practice facilities.

In 2024, all tee boxes were converted to Stadium Zoysia grass. The following season, teeing areas were further enhanced through an aggressive program that included aerification, sand topdressing and improved fertility practices.

Simultaneously, attention turned to the course’s other playing surfaces. All collars and approaches were sodded, and fairways were sprigged with TifTuff Bermudagrass. The variety is known for its fine texture, superior density, excellent seasonal color retention, high traffic tolerance and exceptional drought resistance with quick recovery. It is currently used at top Texas clubs like Colonial and Shady Oaks, as well as Georgia’s Ohoopee Match Club and South Carolina’s Old Barnwell.

TifEagle Bermudagrass was selected for the putting surfaces due to its proven performance at the ultra-low mowing heights required for championship-quality greens. It also offers excellent durability, rapid recovery from mechanical stress such as aerification and rolling, rich color, and strong resistance to cold, drought and disease.

“With this renovation, we’ve honored the original vision of Shadow Hawk while making the necessary investments to ensure the course presents a premium playing experience for decades to come,” said Mike Shoelen, General Manager, Shadow Hawk Golf Club. “Combined with our limited membership and commitment to exceptional conditions, this positions Shadow Hawk as one of the most distinctive and private golf experiences not just in Houston but in the state of Texas.”

Construction was led by Golf Sculptors International, with architectural oversight from the Rees Jones design firm. Architect Greg Muirhead, who was onsite for the Jones team during the course’s initial construction, returned to restore and refine green contours, slopes and surrounding features, aligning them with Jones’ original design intent.

Following favorable growing conditions throughout 2025 and a warmer-than-average Houston winter, the newly established turf has quickly matured, creating prime conditions for the 2026 season.

From its earliest days, Shadow Hawk has attracted an influential membership beginning with its first member, President George H. W. Bush. Today, it counts many of Houston’s most prominent business and civic leaders among its members. The club also maintains one of the lowest membership caps in the Houston area, preserving a highly personalized and private experience.

Located about 25 miles southwest of downtown, Shadow Hawk enjoys a proud legacy of hosting significant state and national championships, including the 2005 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and 2011 U.S. Mid-Amateur.

Meadows Golf Club in Sarasota, Fla., is Opening Its Doors as a 36-hole Public Golf Destination

(SARASOTA, FL)  — Meadows Golf Club, formerly The Meadows Country Club, is scheduled to open as a 36-hole public golf destination within The Meadows, one of Sarasota’s most prominent lifestyle communities on Friday, June 19. Now welcoming golfers from across the region and beyond, the Golf Club operates under a long-term lease by an affiliate of Benderson Development and is managed by Arnold Palmer Golf Management (APGM).

The Meadows Course is the first of two courses to open for public play, marking a significant milestone for the club and the broader Sarasota golf community. Previously reserved for private club members, the Meadows Course is now accessible to residents, visiting guests, and golf enthusiasts alike. The Groves Course, designed by acclaimed architect Arthur Hills, rounds out the 36-hole offering and is scheduled to reopen as course restoration milestones are met.

Arnold Palmer Golf Management, known for operating Walt Disney World Golf courses among other premier golf operations nationwide, brings a proven commitment to excellence in golf management and guest experience.

“Being selected to manage Meadows Golf Club is truly an honor,” said Doug Howe, Partner & COO, Century Golf Partners/Arnold Palmer Golf Management. “This is a golf club with tremendous potential, and we look forward to restoring it to a level of quality that the Sarasota community and its golfers will enjoy. Our goal is to make every round here a memorable one.”

Meadows Golf Club will also be launching the first of several Junior Golf Summer Camp sessions this month led by LGPA and PGA Certified Professionals for children ages 6–15.

Arizona Golf Course Becomes First in State to Eliminate Overseeding With New Drought-Tolerant Grass

For decades, overseeding has been a winter tradition at Arizona golf courses. But one Phoenix-area club believes it has found a better way.

FireRock Country Club in Fountain Hills has become the first golf facility in Arizona to install Stadium Zoysia throughout its tees, fairways, and green surrounds, a move designed to eliminate the need for annual overseeding and dramatically reduce water consumption.

The private club, originally designed by renowned architect Gary Panks, recently completed an extensive renovation centered on long-term sustainability. Stadium Zoysia, developed by Bladerunner Farms and supplied by West Coast Turf, was selected for its ability to provide high-quality playing conditions year-round in harsh desert climates.

The change could signal a major shift for golf in the Southwest. Most Arizona courses traditionally overseed with ryegrass each fall, a costly and water-intensive process that creates lush winter conditions but requires significant resources.

“Our water supply was once described as the worst in the Southwest,” said FireRock general manager Tim Geesey. “We were following the same practices as everyone else in town trying to get the grass to grow, and we just couldn't. We were spending all this money and wasting all this water for nothing. Now, we've created a solution that positions us for the future.”

The decision to move away from overseeding required more than a simple turf replacement. Prior to the club's grand reopening in 2025, crews removed six inches of topsoil and installed a new drainage system, allowing the course to maintain Panks' original design vision while improving growing conditions.

The investment appears to be paying off. FireRock reports that it hosted approximately 4,700 rounds in January, up from around 4,000 during previous years. Even more significant, the club estimates it is saving roughly 40 million gallons of water annually while maintaining year-round playability.

According to Bladerunner Farms founder and CEO David Doguet, the project demonstrates how golf courses can balance environmental responsibility with golfer expectations.

“FireRock Country Club had the vision to take a necessary leap forward,” Doguet said. “What they've accomplished is more than a renovation. It's a reset of what's possible for golf in desert environments. This project proves that courses no longer have to choose between playability and sustainability. They can achieve both.”

As water conservation becomes an increasingly important issue across the Southwest, FireRock's success could provide a blueprint for other desert golf courses looking to reduce costs, save water, and move beyond the traditional overseeding model.