Troon Selected to Manage Currahee Club in Toccoa, Georgia

(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 Currahee Club, a 1,215-acre private gated residential golf and lake community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills along the shores of Lake Hartwell in Toccoa, Georgia. Troon Privé, the private club division of Troon, will oversee club operations, agronomy, food & beverage, and membership sales and marketing.

Located at the intersection of mountain splendor and lakefront living, Currahee Club is home to an 18-hole, Jim Fazio-designed championship golf course stretching 7,500 yards from the championship tees, three miles of private Lake Hartwell shoreline, a 48,000-square-foot clubhouse, and a full suite of resort-caliber amenities including tennis, pickleball, a resort-style pool, and fitness facilities.

Currahee Club was recently acquired by CCDEV Holdings LLC. As part of the acquisition, CCDEV Holdings has outlined a comprehensive investment program for the Club focused on enhancing existing amenities, accelerating residential development, and elevating the overall member experience. Key priorities include:

· Golf course and agronomy improvements

· Clubhouse and amenity enhancements

· Activation of the community’s remaining residential lots, offering lakefront, golf-view, and mountain-view homesites to a new generation of buyers

· Partnerships with quality homebuilders to deliver thoughtfully designed, move-in-ready homes for families and second-home buyers

· Expansion of lakefront programming

· Enhancements for events such as weddings and corporate retreats

“Currahee Club is a truly irreplaceable combination of championship golf, stunning mountain and lake scenery, and an established membership community with extraordinary untapped potential,” said Michael Schoenfeld of CCDEV Holdings, LLC.

Currahee Club is located within driving distance of Atlanta, Charlotte, and Greenville-Spartanburg, making it a compelling destination for primary residents, second-home buyers, and retirees seeking a resort-caliber lifestyle anchored by golf and outdoor recreation.

“We are excited to work with CCDEV Holdings and the members of Currahee Club,” said Troon Director of Operations Dana Schultz, PGA. “Currahee is an incredible property with breathtaking views of Lake Hartwell, amazing amenities and an outstanding mountain-lake lifestyle.”

For more information on the Currahee Club, visit www.curraheeclub.com.

Masters Aftermath: What Rory McIlroy’s Win Means for the Rest of the Golf Season

The 90th Masters delivered drama, star power, and a familiar champion, as Rory McIlroy secured his second straight green jacket—joining an elite group of back-to-back winners in Augusta history.

With the year’s first major now complete, attention shifts to the remaining golf calendar. But the biggest questions all start with McIlroy—and ripple across the sport.

What’s Next for Rory McIlroy?

McIlroy now owns six career major titles, and the conversation has quickly shifted from validation to legacy. After finally breaking through at Augusta last year, there were signs he eased off the intensity through the rest of 2025. Solid results followed, but not dominance—especially compared to players like Scottie Scheffler.

This year feels different.

Winning another Masters proves McIlroy still has the ability—and perhaps renewed motivation—to chase history. Reaching double-digit majors is no longer hypothetical. If he does, he would join legends like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Walter Hagen.

What’s especially intriguing is his evolving approach. McIlroy leaned heavily into preparation at Augusta—playing multiple practice rounds and immersing himself in the course. That level of focus may not carry over to every event, but it highlights a broader truth: when something matters deeply to him, he still rises.

The question isn’t just how well he can play—it’s how much he chooses to invest week to week.

Augusta Still Sets the Standard

Beyond McIlroy, the Masters once again reinforced its reputation as golf’s ultimate test.

Recent champions—McIlroy, Scheffler, and Jon Rahm—underscore a clear trend: the best players win at Augusta. The course demands precision, patience, and mental resilience in ways no other tournament quite replicates.

It’s less about who gets hot—and more about who survives.

Other Winners: Grit and Consistency

Collin Morikawa emerged as one of the week’s most impressive performers. Battling a painful back injury, he still finished tied for seventh and closed strong with back-to-back 68s. His performance was as much about mental toughness as ball-striking.

Scheffler, meanwhile, may have delivered the most telling result of all. Starting the weekend 12 shots back, he surged to within one stroke of a playoff. Even without his best game, he remains a constant threat—especially at Augusta, where he now owns four top-four finishes in five years.

Disappointments Raise Questions

Not everyone left Augusta with momentum.

Bryson DeChambeau entered in top form but missed the cut after costly mistakes, including struggles out of bunkers. Rahm’s tie for 38th continued a concerning trend of underwhelming major performances since his move to LIV Golf.

That shift has prompted a bigger question: is the competition—and course difficulty—on LIV adequately preparing players for majors?

Patrick Reed also faded over the weekend after entering contention, raising uncertainty about his schedule and form heading into the rest of the season.

Looking Ahead to the Remaining Majors

Scheffler now enters the next three majors as the clear favorite, and it would be no surprise to see him claim at least one.

But the upcoming venues add intrigue:
- The PGA Championship returns to a course where McIlroy has previously thrived.
- The U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills—famously brutal—could again test the field’s limits, much like when Brooks Koepka won at just 1-over par.
- The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale brings links golf into play, where players like Jordan Spieth have historically excelled.

The Bigger Picture

If Augusta is any indication, the rest of the season sets up as a compelling mix of legacy-building and rivalry.

McIlroy is chasing history.

Scheffler is redefining consistency.

And a deep field of contenders is still searching for their moment.

The Masters may be over—but its impact will shape everything that follows.

Escalante Golf Unveils Next Chapter for Nationally Ranked Canyata

Escalante Golf – a boutique owner and operator of luxury golf properties across 17 states – continues its significant investment in Canyata as the club enters its second full season under Escalante ownership.

Widely regarded as one of the most exclusive tee times in American golf, Canyata has been a fixture on Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Courses” ranking since 2009. Despite this national acclaim, it remains a rare gem. Since opening for play in 2005, it is estimated that only 6,500 total rounds have been played on the Marshall, Illinois course – including just 1,500 in 2025 – reinforcing its reputation for privacy, serenity and pristine conditioning.

“Mystique still defines Canyata, and that’s by design,” said David McDonald, President of Escalante Golf. “When you combine a course that’s been consistently recognized among Golf Digest’s Top 100 in America, with the fact that so few people have ever had the opportunity to play it, you realize just how special this place is. Our goal is not to change that, but to thoughtfully elevate every aspect of the experience while preserving its exclusive yet relaxed atmosphere.”

A Distinctly Different Club

Canyata is redefining the traditional private club model, offering a highly curated, hospitality-driven experience limited to no more than 40 players per day. A hallmark of any visit is the club’s culinary program, led by Chef Gustavo Miranda, whose creative approach departs dramatically from traditional country club fare.

With no set menus, Miranda prepares inspired offerings such as smoked brisket, bison sliders and other rotating specialties from his on-course kitchen concept. Complementing the culinary program is a roving concierge, who circulates the property to provide personalized service, both during the round of golf – from delivering food and beverages to reading putts and forecaddying for a hole or two – and after, like running into town to grab the exact ingredients for a favorite cocktail.

“Everything at Canyata is intentionally different,” said Jeff Goodsell, President and Founder of Icon Golf. “You have a Top 100 golf course that’s been heralded as one of the best modern courses built this century, but the vibe is completely unpretentious. From the way you dine to the way you’re hosted on the course, it’s a more personal, immersive experience that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere.”

Signature Events and Member Programming

In June 2026, Canyata will debut an innovative month-long member-guest series, featuring four consecutive weekends of 30-team events. The top three teams from each weekend will earn invitations to return for a “Tournament of Champions” in the fall, creating a season-long competitive storyline that’s one-of-a-kind among private clubs.

Icon Golf members continue to enjoy exclusive access to Canyata as their home club, along with playing privileges at eight other properties in Escalante’s growing national portfolio. Participation in curated events such as Quests, Experiences and destination tournaments is also included with an Icon membership. Reflecting increasing demand, Icon Golf will raise its initiation fee to $50,000 beginning May 1.

“Our vision is to create something far beyond a traditional golf club,” added Goodsell. “Canyata has long been considered one of the country’s truly special golf enclaves, and we’re building on that foundation to create a destination where a world-class course, high-touch hospitality and outdoor recreation come together in a way that feels both elevated and completely approachable.”

Expanding Amenities and Future Vision

Escalante’s long-term vision for Canyata continues to take shape with a series of upcoming enhancements designed to further elevate the member experience. A newly expanded practice facility – growing from 11,000 to 26,000 square feet of hitting space – will open for member play in early May. In addition, a new custom fleet of Club Car golf carts will soon arrive, featuring unique touches like integrated fishing rod holders as part of a broader vision to incorporate other outdoor recreation activities into a Canyata visit. Projects for future years will include a par-3 course, short-game area and a lit putting green, further positioning Canyata as a comprehensive golf retreat.

Off the course, infrastructure work is already underway for eight luxury member cottages, with site clearing completed and an access road established in late 2025. Scheduled to debut in time for the start of the 2027 season, each of the approximately 3,000-square-foot residences are thoughtfully designed for group stays. They will feature four king primary bedrooms with en-suite bathroom, spacious living areas and vaulted ceilings accented with antique beams. Additional amenities will include covered back porches, multiple large-screen televisions, dedicated golf cart parking, golf bag storage and in-unit laundry, as well as premium in-room conveniences such as built-in refrigeration and coffee stations.

Agronomic Improvements Drive Golf Course Evolution

Since acquiring the property in 2025, Escalante has made substantial investments in course conditioning. Extensive deep aerification, verticutting and heavy topdressing programs have been implemented across all fairways, with results expected to fully mature by the 2027 season. Refinements to select bunkers have also been part of the ongoing work.

“While Canyata’s tees and greens were already in exceptional condition at the time of acquisition, there’s been a particular focus on improving fairway firmness and playability,” said Brent Allen, Canyata’s General Manager. “Faster playing surfaces will unlock the full potential of the layout and make it even more fun for players of all abilities.”

For more information about Canyata and Icon Golf membership, please visit icongolf.com.

CBS Misses the Moment: Masters Broadcast Stumbles at the Finish Line

The 2026 Masters delivered no shortage of drama, but CBS Sports’ coverage faltered when it mattered most—on the final hole. As the tension peaked, a series of production missteps left viewers at home frustrated and disconnected from one of golf’s biggest moments.

The issues unfolded during Rory McIlroy’s closing stretch on the 18th hole. With the tournament hanging in the balance, CBS lost track of his approach shot, abruptly cutting away to his playing partner and leaving audiences without a clear view of where the ball landed. In a moment that demanded precision and clarity, the broadcast instead created confusion.

That uncertainty carried over to McIlroy’s next shot. Cameras struggled to confirm whether the ball sitting in a bunker was his, forcing viewers to rely on his own identification rather than a definitive visual from the broadcast team. For an event known for its meticulous presentation, it was a surprising lapse.

The most glaring miss came on the final putt. The chosen camera angle failed to clearly capture the ball dropping into the hole, dulling what should have been an unforgettable visual. Instead of a signature Masters moment, audiences were left piecing it together in real time.

The Masters remains one of the most revered events in sports, where storytelling and presentation are as important as the play itself. When coverage falls short in pivotal moments, it not only frustrates viewers but also diminishes the impact of the achievement on golf’s grandest stage.

Inside Augusta’s Unwritten Rules: Seven People Who Crossed the Line at the Masters

The mystique of the The Masters Tournament extends far beyond the competition itself. Held annually at Augusta National Golf Club, the event is as much about tradition and decorum as it is about world-class golf. From strict dress codes to the well-known ban on cell phones, expectations for behavior apply to everyone—players, media, and patrons alike.

Even subtle missteps can draw attention. Just ask Jason Day, whose bold fashion choices at the 2024 Masters prompted officials to request adjustments the following year. While Day complied and returned in 2026, others throughout the tournament’s history haven’t been as fortunate.

Here’s a look at seven notable figures—golfers, broadcasters, and fans—who faced consequences ranging from reprimands to lifetime bans.

Frank Stranahan

In 1948, Stranahan became one of the earliest examples of Augusta’s strict enforcement. Officials claimed he violated practice rules regarding hitting balls, resulting in his ban. Years later, he suggested that resentment from fellow competitors may have played a role in the fallout.

Jack Whitaker

During the 1966 broadcast, Whitaker referred to patrons near the 18th green as a “mob”—a term that didn’t sit well with Augusta leadership. He was removed from the following year’s telecast. Though eventually welcomed back as a patron, the incident remains one of the most famous broadcasting missteps in Masters history.

Kenny Mayne

Gary McCord

Mayne claims he was “banned for life” after making an offhand joke while covering another tournament. According to him, Augusta officials reacted immediately, ensuring he would not be welcomed at the Masters in any capacity.

Gary McCord

In 1994, McCord’s colorful commentary—comparing greens to “bikini wax” and referencing “body bags”—led to his removal from CBS’s Masters coverage. Augusta reportedly pushed for his dismissal, viewing his tone as inconsistent with the event’s standards.

Greg Norman

Not officially banned, but notably absent. The former world No. 1 and LIV Golf executive hasn’t received an invitation since 2023 amid tensions between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. Tournament officials emphasized their desire to keep the spotlight solely on the competition.

Clayton Baker

Clayton Baker

A fan learned the hard way that even sand is off-limits. Baker was arrested in 2012 after attempting to take sand from the course as a souvenir. Though charges were later dropped, the incident reportedly cost him thousands in legal fees and penalties—not to mention public embarrassment.

Wayne Player

In 2021, Wayne Player received a lifetime ban after promoting golf balls during a ceremonial moment honoring Lee Elder. The act was widely criticized as inappropriate, and Augusta swiftly revoked his credentials. Despite issuing apologies, the ban remains in place.

The Masters’ reputation is built not just on pristine fairways and iconic moments, but on a culture of respect and tradition that leaves little room for error. Whether it’s a poorly chosen word, a joke gone wrong, or a breach of etiquette, Augusta National has shown time and again that its standards are non-negotiable.

Augusta Bites Back: Double-Digit Carnage Signals a Brutal Start to the 2026 Masters

Davis Riley

If there were any doubts about how Augusta National intended to play this week, the first round of the 2026 Masters erased them quickly—and emphatically.

Ten players posted rounds of 80 or worse on Thursday, a jarring number for a tournament that typically rewards precision but rarely hands out scorecards that resemble survival logs. Even by Masters standards, this was a stern, unapologetic examination.

From the outset, the course looked firmer and faster than in recent years. Tee shots that would normally settle into forgiving portions of fairways chased into pine straw. Approach shots that landed pin-high bounded over greens and into tightly mown runoff areas, leaving players scrambling just to save bogey. Around the greens, the margin for error was razor-thin—miss your spot by a yard, and the ball was gone.

The difficulty wasn’t isolated to one stretch. Augusta National’s challenges were relentless and widespread. The par-3s, often the heartbeat of scoring swings, played more like landmines. The par-5 15th, traditionally a scoring opportunity, turned punitive in a hurry, with multiple players finding water and walking away with numbers that wrecked their rounds.

Perhaps most telling was how quickly rounds unraveled. A steady even-par card could morph into something far more damaging in the span of two holes. Players who appeared in control suddenly looked defensive, tentative—aware that aggression carried significant risk, but conservatism offered little safety.

The scoring distribution underscored the point. While a handful of players managed to navigate the test with discipline and patience, a sizable portion of the field found itself simply trying to hang on. Augusta National didn’t just challenge execution—it exposed indecision.

Weather conditions played their part, but this felt more like intent than accident. Firm greens, exacting pin placements and lightning-quick surfaces combined to restore a level of severity that has defined the Masters at its toughest. This was less about scoring and more about survival.

And that’s what made Thursday so compelling.

At a tournament known for its beauty, the brutality was front and center. Augusta National, pristine as ever, reminded the world that beneath its polished exterior lies one of golf’s most exacting tests.

If the opening round is any indication, this year’s Masters won’t simply be won—it will be endured.

Scottish Architect David McLay Kidd to Bring First Desert Design to Southern California

Renowned golf course architect David McLay Kidd has received approval to design a new 18-hole layout at the private Coral Mountain Desert Club, marking his first original course in Southern California.

The project is part of a sprawling 400-acre development in La Quinta that aims to blend golf with a broader lifestyle experience. In addition to the course, the community will feature racquet sports facilities, an extensive trail network, and access to a large-scale surf lagoon designed for wave riding.

Best known for launching his career with the original course at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Kidd has built a global portfolio that continues to expand. His recent work includes new and upcoming projects such as Loraloma in Texas, Scarecrow at Gamble Sands in Washington, Bone Valley at Streamsong in Florida, and River Ranch Golf Resort, also in Washington.

Kidd’s modern design philosophy emphasizes playability, often incorporating fast and firm conditions. He said the Coachella Valley landscape immediately inspired him and presents a unique opportunity to introduce his style to a region already rich in golf offerings.

“My passion for golf is about creating special experiences in compelling landscapes,” Kidd said. “At Coral Mountain, I saw something distinct in the light, the mountains and the natural colors—an opportunity to build something rooted in the traditions of the Scottish game, yet entirely new for this setting.”

The course is currently slated to open in 2028.

The broader Coral Mountain Desert Club development is being led by Meriwether Companies and will include a mix of estate homesites, villas and cottages, with pricing starting at $1.75 million. Developers say the vision is to create a modern, recreation-focused community centered on wellness and outdoor living.

“Coral Mountain represents a bold evolution of desert living,” said managing partner Noah Hahn. “We’re building a place where families can connect through fitness, adventure and shared experiences in one of the most inspiring landscapes in the West.”

Adding to that vision, the nearby Thermal Beach Club—located just minutes away—will feature what developers describe as the largest pneumatic wave basin in the country, bringing a private surf experience to the desert.