Tickets Go On Sale for 30th Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am on Monday, February 16

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Tickets for one of golf’s most popular and enduring charity events, the Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am, will go on sale Monday, February 16, at 10 a.m. This year’s pro-am is a milestone event, celebrating 30 years.

The event will be hosted on Monday, April 13, at The Dye Club at Barefoot Resort.

To help celebrate the 30th anniversary, organizers will be giving away prize packs to 30 lucky fans who will be randomly selected on the day of the event. Additional details for the giveaway will be shared via the tournament’s social media channels in the coming weeks.

General admission tickets, available for purchase through House of Blues and Ticketmaster, are $30 plus fees. Children 12 and under will be admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.

All general admission tickets must be picked up at Will Call, either prior to or on the day of the event. Spectators will be required to present their general admission ticket to board tournament shuttle buses.

Now entering its 30th year, the Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am has built a reputation as one of the longest-running and most successful celebrity charity events in the game. The tournament annually attracts a star-studded field of professional golfers, athletes, actors, and musicians, all coming together in Myrtle Beach to support meaningful charitable causes.

Celebrities and professionals participating in this year’s event will be announced in the coming weeks via HootieGolf.com. Over the past three decades, the tournament has welcomed an impressive list of participants, including Arnold Palmer, Marcus Allen, Michael Waltrip, Anthony Anderson, Samuel L. Jackson, Craig Melvin, Ric Flair, and Jim Cantore, among many others.

Proceeds from the Monday After the Masters benefit the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation, which supports educational initiatives for children in South Carolina, as well as the South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation through a fully funded endowment. Since its inception in 1994, the event has raised nearly $10 million for charity.

Additional event details and celebrity announcements will be released closer to tournament week. For more information, visit HootieGolf.com and follow the event on social media: Facebook (@MondayAfterTheMasters) and Instagram (@MonAfterMasters).

Troon Selected To Manage Lawrence Yacht And Country Club

Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce it has been selected to manage Lawrence Yacht and Country Club, a private facility in Lawrence, New York. Indigo Sports, a Troon company, will oversee golf and racquet sports operations, property agronomy, and sales and marketing for the club.

Founded in 1924 on the South Shore of Long Island, Lawrence Yacht and Country Club has been a fixture of New York golf for more than 100 years. The private club features an 18-hole, Devereaux Emmet and Jeff Lawrence-designed golf course, nine Har-Tru tennis courts, two pickleball courts and a 135-slip marina nestled in a protected basin along Bannister Bay.

“We’re thrilled to be working with the members at Lawrence Yacht and Country Club,” said Troon Director of Operations Alex McGann. “With a blend of waterfront access and outstanding amenities, this facility has an incredible history and an even brighter future.”

Lawrence Yacht and Country Club’s clubhouse features a welcoming lounge, a full-service restaurant, and the ability to host large-scale events, including Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, engagement parties, and golf outings.

“After receiving extensive feedback from the community and conducting a thorough review of the Lawrence Yacht and Country Club, the Mayor, Board of Trustees, and Club Liaisons unanimously agreed that the club has the potential to deliver significantly greater value to the community at large,” said Mayor Nahmias, along with Trustees Felder, Roz, Parnes and Gottesman.

A number of new and exciting offerings and enhancements are currently in development, including complimentary water and soda refreshments, towel service, expanded apparel selections, and streamlined digital membership renewal and sign-up processes. This marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for the Lawrence Yacht and Country Club.

Augusta National’s $20 Muni Makeover: ‘The Patch’ Returns With a New Look and a Bigger Mission

As the golf world descends on Augusta this spring for the Masters, a different kind of spotlight will shine just a few miles away. Augusta Municipal Golf Course — affectionately known as “The Patch” — is set to reopen to the public the Wednesday after tournament week, unveiling a sweeping renovation backed by Augusta National Golf Club.

And true to its roots, the price of entry remains accessible. Weekday resident rates begin at $25 for 18 holes, with seniors and juniors paying even less.

Three years ago, Augusta National entered into a new 50-year lease with the city and committed to reimagining the longtime public layout. The goal: preserve an important community institution while expanding public golf access and creating local job opportunities. To bring the vision to life, the club enlisted Tiger Woods, Beau Welling and Tom Fazio, tasking the trio with modernizing the course while honoring its original character.

For decades, affordability made The Patch a hub for Augusta’s public golfers — especially Black golfers who historically had limited access to the city’s most famous private club. Over the years, it wasn’t uncommon to see local legend Jim Dent, one of the game’s most accomplished Black professionals, walking its fairways. His son, Jim Dent Jr., later served as the course’s head professional, and in 2020 the entrance road was renamed Jim Dent Way in tribute.

The 16-month overhaul significantly reshaped the property. The clubhouse has been relocated to the corner of the site, and the routing has been redesigned. Based on course renderings, five original holes remain intact, portions of six others have been incorporated, and seven entirely new holes have been added. While an official scorecard has yet to be released, the new layout appears to be a par 73, featuring five par-5s, four par-3s and nine par-4s. The former driving range now plays as part of the 15th hole, while a new practice facility — complete with Trackman Range technology — sits near the former First Tee practice grounds.

Beyond the main course, the updated facility includes a Woods-designed short course called “The Loop” and a 12-hole putting course that will be free to use — further reinforcing the emphasis on community access and player development.

The Patch will reopen fully to the public on April 15, with limited play beginning next month during a soft launch period.

Green fees are structured to balance accessibility with sustainability:
Local residents: $25 Monday–Thursday, $35 weekends
Senior/Junior residents (60+ and 18 and under): $20 Monday–Thursday, $30 weekends
Non-residents: $85 weekdays, $95 weekends

In addition to the physical transformation, Augusta National has partnered with Augusta Technical College’s golf course management program and the First Tee of Augusta to oversee course operations, tying workforce development and youth programming directly into the project’s long-term mission.

While Augusta National remains one of the most exclusive clubs in the world, its latest investment ensures that just down the road, a revitalized public course continues to offer opportunity — and a tee time most golfers can afford.

Charlie Woods Picks College, Stepping Out of Tiger’s Shadow

Charlie Woods is bound for Tallahassee.

The 17-year-old son of Tiger Woods announced Tuesday on Instagram that he has verbally committed to Florida State University and plans to join the Seminoles in the fall of 2027. For a player who has grown up under relentless attention, the decision represents more than just a college choice — it’s another step toward carving out his own identity in the game.

Earning It

Woods currently sits No. 21 in the Rolex AJGA Rankings, a reflection of steady progress that extends well beyond the made-for-TV moments at the PNC Championship. His résumé includes a victory at last year’s AJGA Team TaylorMade Invitational, proof he can deliver in elite junior fields.

At The Benjamin School in South Florida, Woods has been a central figure in the program’s success. Last fall he fired a team-best 68 during the state championship run, the kind of performance that resonates with college coaches and signals readiness for the next level.

A Program Built for Pros

Florida State, led by longtime coach Trey Jones, has developed a reputation as a launching pad to professional golf. Alumni such as Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger emerged from Tallahassee before moving on to the PGA Tour, and the Seminoles finished ninth at last spring’s NCAA Championship — missing match play by a single shot.

Woods is also set to join an elite recruiting class that includes Miles Russell, the nation’s top-ranked junior, who committed to FSU last summer. On paper, it’s a pairing that could quickly elevate the Seminoles into national-title contention.

Tiger’s View

Tiger Woods has taken a measured approach to his son’s development and recruitment. Speaking last fall at the Hero World Challenge, he emphasized that Charlie’s opportunities are a product of his own performance.

“It’s fun to be a part of the process with Charlie and go through it and see where the opportunities that he has that he has created for himself,” Tiger said.

The official signing period won’t arrive until November, but the direction is clear. Charlie Woods is heading to Florida State — not simply as Tiger’s son, but as a rising prospect ready to build a legacy of his own.

Rory McIlroy Pushes Back on ‘Fifth Major’ Talk as Brandel Chamblee Elevates The Players Above the Majors

Rory McIlroy isn’t buying the “fifth major” label — even as others in the golf world are trying to crown The Players Championship as something even bigger.

Speaking ahead of the 2026 U.S. season debut at Pebble Beach, McIlroy made it clear he has little appetite for rebranding The Players Championship, despite the PGA Tour’s renewed interest in elevating its flagship event. In fact, his stance comes as Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee recently went a step further, boldly claiming The Players is not just a fifth major — but better than the four traditional majors.

McIlroy? He’s not on board.

“Look, I’d love to have seven majors instead of five, that sounds great,” McIlroy said with a laugh. “But I’m a traditionalist, I’m a historian of the game. We have four major championships.”

For McIlroy, the hierarchy in golf is settled history: the Masters, U.S. Open, Open Championship and PGA Championship. Full stop.

The debate has resurfaced amid broader conversations about how the PGA Tour can grow its product — including adopting certain elements of the NFL model under former NFL executive Brian Rolapp. The Tour has examined everything from schedule adjustments to marketing strategies, and with that has come renewed attention on The Players as its marquee, Tour-owned spectacle.

The NFL has the Super Bowl — a singular, culture-stopping event that defines its season. The PGA Tour doesn’t quite have that equivalent. The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass is the closest thing, boasting one of the strongest fields in golf and one of its most recognizable finishing holes. But McIlroy believes it doesn’t need a new title to validate its importance.

“It’s the Players. It doesn’t need to be anything else,” he said. “I would say it’s got more of an identity than the PGA Championship does at the minute. From an identity standpoint, I think the Players has got it nailed. It stands on its own without the label.”

That comment alone subtly underscores the tension. While McIlroy respects The Players’ stature — even suggesting it currently has a clearer identity than one of the four majors — he draws a firm line at rewriting history to elevate it.

Chamblee, however, has no such reservations. The outspoken analyst recently argued that The Players boasts a deeper field than any of the majors and, from a competitive standpoint, surpasses them all. In his view, the concentration of top-ranked players and the difficulty of Pete Dye’s Stadium Course make it golf’s strongest championship — regardless of legacy.

It’s a compelling argument in the modern era, where strength of field can be measured precisely. But for McIlroy, majors are about more than numbers.

They’re about history. Ritual. Cultural weight. Augusta in April. The U.S. Open’s grind. The Open’s links tradition. The Wanamaker Trophy.

“You want to see what five major championships looks like, look at the women’s game,” McIlroy added. “I don’t know how well that’s went for them.”

His point wasn’t dismissive so much as philosophical: adding labels doesn’t automatically create prestige. Prestige is earned over generations.

Ironically, as the PGA Tour looks to the NFL for inspiration — studying its short season, marketing cadence and event-building genius — McIlroy himself admits he’s not even much of a football fan.

“I’ve tried really hard with football,” he said. “I could watch a game of cricket for five days and be mesmerized. I didn’t grow up with it.”

Still, he appreciates the NFL’s model from a business standpoint. What he doesn’t seem ready to embrace is manufacturing a Super Bowl equivalent in golf by decree.

For now, McIlroy’s stance is clear: The Players Championship is elite. It’s essential. It might even have a sharper identity than one of the majors.

But it’s not a fifth major — and certainly not superior to the four that have defined the game for more than a century.

Whether that traditionalist view holds as the Tour evolves remains to be seen. But if the Players debate proves anything, it’s this: in modern golf, even history isn’t immune from revision attempts.

Invited Clubs Completes $22M Reimagination of Braemar CC, Unveiling Mulholland Hills CC

Invited Clubs, the largest owner and operator of private membership clubs in North America, today announced the completion of a $22 million renovation and reimagination of the historic Mulholland Hills Country Club, formerly known as Braemar Country Club in Los Angeles. The transformation ushers in a new era for the storied property honoring both its deep roots in Southern California history and a bold vision for the future.

Originally established in the late 1950s, Mulholland Hills has long held a special place in Los Angeles—serving as a gathering point for generations of families, golf enthusiasts, and social leaders. The rebranding to Mulholland Hills reflects a renewed commitment to elevated experiences, timeless design, and world-class amenities that speak to the evolving lifestyle of today’s Angeleno, while preserving the club’s legacy of unparalleled service.

“Mulholland Hills was the second country club to join the Invited portfolio, and it has played an important role in Los Angeles club culture for decades,” said David Pillsbury, CEO of Invited Clubs. “This club has been a place where families have grown, friendships have formed, and memories have been made. With Mulholland Hills, we are proud to begin a new chapter — one that introduces three reimagined golf courses and extraordinary culinary experiences that will define the member journey for years to come.”

The name Mulholland Hills pays homage to one of Los Angeles’ most iconic symbols — Mulholland Drive — an enduring emblem of the city’s ambition, glamour, and cinematic history. Stretching from the Hollywood Hills to the Pacific Coast Highway, Mulholland has long represented the intersection of natural beauty and cultural influence. The club’s new identity draws inspiration from this legacy, as well as from the property’s mid-century modern architecture and Hollywood’s Golden Age. Its new logo features an “MH” lettermark designed to echo the rolling hills that frame Los Angeles’ most celebrated landscapes.

Central to the transformation is the complete reinvention of all three championship golf courses: Trails Course (formerly U.S. Open), Vista Course (formerly Western), and Canyons Course (formerly Masters). The redesigns are led by Lanny Wadkins, a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame and one of the game’s most respected figures. Wadkins’ work at Mulholland Hills builds on his recent redesigns for Invited properties including TPC Craig Ranch (Texas), Diamond Run Golf Club (Pennsylvania), and The Clubs at Stonebridge Ranch (Texas). A 21-time PGA TOUR winner, Wadkins brings both competitive insight and architectural excellence to the project.

Beyond the fairways, Mulholland Hills introduces a new culinary vision anchored by Sage & Vine, an upscale dining destination that has quickly become the social heart of the club. The restaurant blends California sophistication with subtle Hollywood inspiration, offering a refined yet approachable dining experience. Complementing it is Goldie’s Grill, a more casual concept that opened in fall 2025, paying tribute to legendary golfer and three-time major champion Ralph “Goldie” Guldahl.

The club’s racquet facilities have also been fully revitalized. All 18 tennis courts and eight pickleball courts have been resurfaced with new nets and posts, alongside the debut of Pickle Perch, a new social hub featuring shaded seating, umbrellas, and a portable bar designed to foster connection and community.

With its sweeping renovations, thoughtful rebranding, and deep reverence for Los Angeles history, Mulholland Hills Country Club stands as a modern reimagining of a beloved institution—where legacy meets lifestyle in the heart of Southern California.

Can the Players Ever Be a Major? The PGA Tour Wants It to Be — History Isn’t So Sure

Brian Rolapp, the PGA Tour’s still-new CEO, understands a stubborn truth about the sport he now runs: the Tour doesn’t own golf’s most precious real estate. The Masters belongs to Augusta National. The Ryder Cup belongs to everyone and no one. The British Open, U.S. Open and PGA Championship have histories and custodians far older than the modern Tour.

Brandel Chamblee

What the Tour does own is the Players Championship — born as the Tournament Players Championship in 1974 and permanently housed at TPC Sawgrass since 1982. If the Tour has a signature event, this is it. And if the Tour had its way, winning the Players would be celebrated on the same plane as winning a major.

That push was on full display again this week at the WM Phoenix Open, where Brandel Chamblee said, “The Players, to me, stands alone and above the other four major championships as not just a major — it is, in my estimation, the best major.”

Chamblee has been making some version of this argument for years. Context matters. He played the event a dozen times. He has covered it annually for Golf Channel since 2004. Golf Channel, of course, is contractually tied to the PGA Tour through 2030 and serves as the Tour’s primary Thursday–Friday broadcast partner. None of that makes Chamblee a mouthpiece — his career has been defined by independent thinking — but it does make him human. Human nature is undefeated.

His latest comments arrived neatly alongside the Tour’s new promotional push for the Players, which runs March 12–15. As my colleague Dylan Dethier noted, the Tour’s slick new 30-second ad closes with a bold proclamation in all caps: “MARCH IS GOING TO BE MAJOR.” The soundtrack is a pulsing 2016 club hit — an aesthetic more at home in Ibiza than in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Marketing can elevate an event’s vibe. It cannot manufacture its meaning.

Meaning comes from memory. Tiger Woods made Torrey Pines sacred in 2008 because of what that U.S. Open demanded of him — and what he gave back. You can’t quantify that kind of resonance. There’s no metric for it, no algorithm to reverse-engineer it. It simply accumulates, over decades, through moments that lodge themselves in our collective imagination.

Some players do buy the Tour’s argument. Michael Kim responded on X to Dylan’s story by saying he’d “honestly be prouder of winning the Players over the PGA.” I don’t doubt his sincerity. The Players purse now dwarfs the PGA Championship’s — Rory McIlroy earned $1 million more for winning at Sawgrass last year than Scottie Scheffler did for winning the PGA.

But would Scheffler trade titles with McIlroy? Not for a second. He’s chasing history, the same way Tiger, Jack, Phil, Rory, Watson, Seve and every other all-time great chased it. And history still lives with the majors — all four of them.

You can argue, if you like, that men’s golf really has only three Grand Slam events: the Masters and the two Opens. The math gets uncomfortable fast. Jack Nicklaus won five PGAs, often against fields filled with club professionals. Tiger Woods won four, against deeper fields on more demanding courses. Remove the PGA from the ledger and Nicklaus drops from 18 majors to 13. Woods from 15 to 11. Tom Watson stays at eight; Arnold Palmer stays at seven.

That accounting will never stick — not because it’s illogical, but because it’s impossible. Too many players, too many places, too much memory stand in the way. You don’t casually demote Hogan at Oakland Hills or Koepka at Bethpage. You don’t reclassify Pebble Beach or Olympic Club with a press release.

If the PGA Championship truly wanted to separate itself from the other majors, it would need radical imagination — say, an annual Pebble Beach home with a 54-hole stroke-play qualifier followed by a weekend match-play finish at Cypress Point. That’s a fight for another decade.

For now, the Players remains what it has always been: the Tour’s crown jewel, its richest prize, its most polished product — and not a major.

Which begs a response to Chamblee’s claim that the Players is the first of five majors: Have you ever met a kid on a sunburned August afternoon, standing over a five-footer on a beat-up practice green, whispering to himself, “This is for the Players”?