Alabama’s $100 Million Golf Vision: New Public Golf Destination Planned for Irondale

A proposed golf and recreation development in Irondale, Ala., could bring more than $100 million in investment, combining a public driving range, a lighted par-3 course, a golf hall of fame and a potential major renovation of a neighboring private country club.

Golf in Alabama could be getting a major new destination.

Plans outlined before the Irondale City Council call for a public golf and recreation complex designed to attract golfers, families, students and visitors while creating new educational and career opportunities in the golf industry.

The centerpiece is Golf House Alabama, a proposed $40 million public development near Interstate 459. Alongside it, Whispering Pines Country Club is considering a separate $30 million to $40 million redevelopment.

Longer-term expansion plans could push the combined investment beyond $100 million, although several elements remain subject to funding, approvals and additional planning.

Jim Gorrie, a director of the Alabama Golf Foundation and executive chairman of Birmingham-based Brasfield & Gorrie, presented the vision to city officials.

“We want people to be out there enjoying this,” Gorrie told council members.

Golf House Alabama would anchor the development

The Alabama Golf Foundation hopes to break ground on the public driving range as early as November 2026, with a target opening in spring 2028.

The planned Golf House Alabama facility, near Whispering Pines Drive and I-459, would serve as headquarters for approximately 15 golf organizations. Plans also call for a dedicated Alabama golf hall of fame.

The surrounding public golf complex would include approximately 30 driving range stations, covered hitting bays, a lighted par-3 course and a short-game practice area.

An event lawn and food and beverage facilities would provide additional reasons for visitors to spend time at the property beyond hitting golf balls.

The driving range and par-3 course could operate into the late evening, potentially until 10:30 or 11 p.m., depending on city requirements.

Gorrie said the public development represents approximately $40 million in planned investment, with the foundation having already raised more than $20 million.

Revenue generated by the golf facilities is intended to help cover operating costs, allowing donations to support additional programs.

The goal is to create a facility that serves experienced golfers while also making the game more accessible to beginners and families.

Whispering Pines Country Club considers a major renovation

The public project would be located next to Whispering Pines Country Club, the former Pine Tree Country Club.

Gorrie, who acquired the neighboring property through Pine Whispers LLC, outlined a separate potential redevelopment estimated at $30 million to $40 million.

The proposal could replace aging facilities and substantially update the private club.

According to Gorrie, a member survey found that approximately 80% supported the proposed improvements. Club members are expected to vote on the plan in the coming months.

The distinction is important: Golf House Alabama is the Alabama Golf Foundation's public development, while the Whispering Pines project is a separate private-club investment.

If both move forward, the developments could create a destination that combines public golf, private-club amenities and other recreational attractions.

College golf and career training are part of the vision

The proposed development is also intended to support the next generation of golfers and golf-industry professionals.

Gorrie described plans to provide practice facilities for golf programs at UAB, Samford University and Miles College.

The foundation is also exploring a one-year certificate program focused on golf course maintenance and groundskeeping, with Auburn University working with the foundation on the proposed initiative.

The program would aim to prepare students for careers maintaining golf courses and related facilities, addressing an important operational need across the golf industry.

These educational initiatives remain proposals, and the details of any partnerships and programs have yet to be finalized.

Could the project include a junior golf course and STEM center?

The vision extends beyond the initial public golf complex and the neighboring country club.

Gorrie discussed the possibility of expanding onto approximately 80 additional acres near the Irondale Civic Center. A potential public road connecting the development and Civic Center to Grants Mill Road could improve access to the area.

Other ideas include a public junior golf course and a STEM-focused learning center inspired by programs associated with Tiger Woods.

Such additions could broaden the development's appeal to children, families and schools, bringing education and youth golf into the mix.

However, these concepts are in the preliminary stages and would require additional planning, funding and cooperation with the city.

Gorrie said the larger vision would need to be developed in phases.

What does the $100 million figure mean?

Irondale officials have described the combined golf developments as representing more than $100 million in projected investment.

That figure includes the approximately $40 million public Golf House Alabama project, the potential $30 million to $40 million private-club redevelopment and possible future expansion.

It is not a guarantee that every component will be built or that the entire investment has been secured.

The Alabama Golf Foundation has reported raising more than $20 million toward the initial public project. The private club's redevelopment remains subject to a membership vote, while the additional acreage, road connection and proposed educational attractions require further work.

The City Council did approve a request to vacate approximately 0.554 acres of public right-of-way along Pine Whispers Drive. Gorrie also expressed interest in working with the city on future property and infrastructure plans.

No agreement for the additional acreage or a new public road was announced at the meeting.

Irondale Mayor James D. Stewart Jr. has identified ecotourism and recreation as priorities in the city's economic development strategy. City officials have connected the golf vision to a broader goal of generating $1 billion in economic growth by 2033.

What's next for Irondale's golf development?

The immediate milestone is the planned public driving range, with groundbreaking targeted for November 2026 and an anticipated opening in spring 2028.

Whispering Pines Country Club members are expected to consider the private redevelopment proposal in the coming months.

Beyond those initial projects, the proposed junior golf course, STEM center and additional land development will depend on future decisions and available funding.

If the plans come together, Irondale could become home to a significant golf destination that combines public recreation, private-club investment, youth development and workforce training.

For now, the $100 million-plus figure represents a long-term vision rather than a fully approved and funded construction plan. The next few months should offer a clearer picture of how much of that vision will move forward.

PXG Unveils the Next Evolution of Its Secret Weapon Mini Driver

A thinner face and optimized weighting advance speed, forgiveness, and control off the tee or turf

(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) – PXG® introduced the next evolution of its Secret Weapon® Mini Driver, designed to deliver driver distance with fairway wood control. Drawing on technologies also featured in PXG’s celebrated Lightning® lineup, the new model combines a thinner face, refined internal sole structure, and optimized weighting in a compact, 300cc clubhead to generate faster ball speeds and tighter dispersion.

“The original Secret Weapon was my favorite club in the bag, so I had high expectations for this one,” said PGA TOUR professional Jake Knapp. “I absolutely love it. It has everything I liked about the original, with more speed and forgiveness. Putting it in the bag was an easy decision.”

The new Secret Weapon’s face is more than 4-percent thinner than the previous generation. This allows greater deflection at impact for more efficient energy transfer and faster ball speeds across a larger portion of the face.

Using advanced finite element analysis, PXG engineers refined the internal sole structure to support the thinner face while distributing impact stress throughout the clubhead. Mass saved from the thinner face was repositioned around the perimeter to increase moment of inertia, helping the clubhead resist twisting and preserve distance and directional control on off-center strikes. A lightweight carbon fiber crown further allows additional mass to sit lower and deeper in the clubhead.

“The thinner face and refined sole structure work together,” said Caleb Kroloff, PXG Director of Woods Research & Development. “We reinforced the areas that needed support and moved saved weight to the perimeter. That helps us deliver more speed with more consistent performance when golfers miss the center of the face.”

PXG’s Precision Weighting Technology features four adjustable weight locations in the sole at the heel, toe, front, and back. Initially equipped with two 7.5-gram weights and two 2.5-gram weights, the technology enables golfers to fine-tune shot shape, spin, and swing weight. An adjustable hosel provides additional control over launch and trajectory.

The PXG Secret Weapon Mini Driver is offered in right- and left-handed configurations with 13 degrees of loft and a standard length of 43.25 inches.

To learn more, purchase online, or book a fitting, visit www.PXG.com.

Toptracer Unveils First Indoor Range at Golf Galaxy in San Antonio, Built in Partnership with Cover the Tees

(Dallas, Texas) — Toptracer, the world’s leading range technology, has announced the installation of its first indoor range experience at Golf Galaxy in San Antonio, built in partnership with Cover the Tees, the leading design and construction firm specializing in next generation driving range solutions.

The new, four-bay indoor range is powered by Toptracer technology, giving golfers another way to practice, play and experience their game through virtual courses, interactive training modes and fun competition for the whole family.

At a three-day grand opening event in San Antonio, local golfers experienced the new installation and participated in classic Toptracer games such as Long Drive, Closest to the Pin and more. In total, attendees hit over 4,200 balls over the course of the weekend across a variety of game modes. Attendees also had access to a Callaway Ball Fitting tool to help find the ball that’s optimized for their game.

With the new indoor range, San Antonio golfers will be able to reserve the bays by the hour for everything from individual practice to group outings. In addition, the indoor range allows customers to easily try out equipment, apparel and anything else they are interested in purchasing.

Peter Barry, Vice President of Global Sales at Toptracer, said: “We’ve seen firsthand how Toptracer transforms traditional driving ranges into dynamic social hubs, and taking that experience indoors was the natural next step. The enthusiasm in San Antonio during opening weekend proved that players want instant feedback and engaging game modes year-round, regardless of the weather.."

Matt Towell, Owner of Cover the Tees, said: “Collaborating with Toptracer inspired us to push the limits of how we design range concepts. Although our structures are typically built for municipal courses, private clubs, or golf resorts, this indoor version was the perfect vehicle to give customers a one-of-a-kind golf retail experience fusing technology and hospitality. The welcoming atmosphere of these non-traditional ranges provides more access to the game that helps grow the entire sport – that’s our ultimate goal.”

Ryan Bogosta, Vice President & GM at Golf Galaxy said: “Golfers today are craving immersive ways to experience the game and have fun practicing.  Installing Toptracer into our San Antonio location is an exciting way to serve that golfer. The experience bridges the gap between high-level club fitting, serious practice and casual fun, giving golfers in our community entirely new reasons to visit.”

Toptracer is poised to expand its indoor range footprint in the coming months. To learn more, visit Toptracer.com or golfgalaxy.com.

Pukka Introduces NovaTech, a New Standard in Performance Headwear

Premium performance fabric combines UPF 50 sun protection, versatile styling and expanded customization possibilities.

(FINDLAY, Ohio) – Pukka, a leading innovator in fully custom headwear, announces the introduction of NovaTech, a new performance fabric developed to bring greater versatility to its custom headwear offering. Featuring a poly/spandex construction with UPF 50 sun protection, NovaTech combines performance minded functionality with a broad palette of more than a dozen colors. NovaTech is available across a variety of silhouettes, including traditional hats, buckets and visors, giving customers new opportunities to incorporate technical materials into their headwear collections.

“NovaTech opens up new possibilities across our entire headwear collection,” said Mike Hiskey, Creative Director. “By combining technical performance with a current color palette and the versatility to work with any of our silhouettes, we’re giving customers more freedom to create exactly what they envision.”

The addition of NovaTech further expands Pukka’s growing library of performance fabrics, providing customers with more options to develop headwear tailored to their brand, audience and intended use.

NovaTech. Engineered For Every Round. Designed For Everywhere Else.

To explore NovaTech and Pukka’s extensive custom headwear offering, visit https://www.pukkainc.com/markets/golf/

America's Worst Golf Courses? Meet the Two Clubs That Landed at the Bottom of the Rankings

One Massachusetts golf course made headlines for its deteriorating conditions in 2025. In 2026, a Texas course took the dubious distinction in a new ranking.

Golfers will put up with a lot. A few missed putts, a bunker that seems to swallow golf balls and a three-putt from 10 feet are all part of the game.

But what happens when the course itself becomes the biggest obstacle to enjoying a round?

Two golf courses in the United States have drawn attention for all the wrong reasons, landing at the bottom of rankings that examine the country's least enjoyable places to play.

And while there is no official governing body that crowns America's worst golf course, these two facilities have become examples of what can happen when course conditions fall well short of golfers' expectations.

Leo J. Martin Golf Course: A Massachusetts Course in the Spotlight

Located in Weston, Massachusetts, Leo J. Martin Golf Course found itself under an uncomfortable spotlight in 2025 when MyGolfSpy identified it as the worst golf course in America.

The criticism centered on the condition of the course, including deteriorating turf, patchy fairways and greens that reportedly featured weeds, sand and dirt.

For golfers, those are not minor complaints. Course conditions can make or break an experience, particularly when players are paying for a round and expecting greens that roll consistently and fairways that provide a reasonable playing surface.

The attention also brought renewed focus to the course's future. Massachusetts officials discussed a proposed $5 million improvement plan, highlighting the financial commitment that may be necessary to restore a struggling golf facility.

The story is a reminder that a course's reputation can change dramatically when maintenance issues become impossible to ignore. It also raises an important question: Can investment and a renewed commitment to course conditions turn a negative story into a comeback?

Blackhawk Golf Club: Texas Takes the Unwanted Spotlight

In 2026, MyGolfSpy's ranking pointed to Blackhawk Golf Club in Pflugerville, Texas, as the worst golf course in America.

The publication's approach considered recent Google reviews, with eligibility criteria that included at least 100 reviews and an overall rating below 3.5. Reported complaints included dead grass, deteriorating greens and disappointing playing conditions.

The ranking also raised questions about value. When golfers pay green fees that can approach $60, they generally expect a course that is reasonably maintained and worth the price of admission.

Of course, online reviews are subjective. Weather, seasonal maintenance, expectations and individual experiences can influence a golfer's opinion. A low rating does not tell the entire story of a facility, its staff or the challenges it faces.

Still, when poor conditions repeatedly appear in reviews, operators have a reason to pay attention. In an increasingly competitive golf market, a disappointing experience can quickly become a public-relations problem.

What Makes a Golf Course the Worst in America?

There is no universally accepted formula for determining the worst golf course in the country. One publication might emphasize Google reviews, while another might focus on course architecture, maintenance, customer service or overall value.

That distinction matters. A difficult course is not necessarily a bad course, and an inexpensive municipal facility should not be judged by precisely the same standards as a premium daily-fee destination.

But golfers reasonably expect playable surfaces, safe conditions and an experience that reflects the price they pay.

For Leo J. Martin and Blackhawk, the negative attention could ultimately become an opportunity. Improvements to turf, greens and overall presentation can help restore golfer confidence, while honest communication about renovation plans can demonstrate a commitment to doing better.

For now, these two courses illustrate how quickly a golf facility can become known for its shortcomings rather than its strengths.

And if there's one thing every golf course operator should take away from their stories, it's this: Golfers might forgive a bad scorecard. They're much less likely to forgive a bad golf course.

Salgados Golf Club Launches Europe's First On-Course Drone Delivery Service

(Algarve, Portugal) – Salgados Golf Club is introducing Europe's first operational on-course drone delivery service. This innovative offering will allow golfers to order food and drinks, and have it delivered on the golf course via drone.

The new delivery is simple:
- Golfers message the club on WhatsApp and an AI concierge takes the order.
- The order is placed straight into Salgados Golf Club's point-of-sale system.
- Staff prepares the order and boxes the items for delivery.
- The order is picked up and flown by drone to the golfers on the course.
- Payments are processed directly through Salgados Golf Club's point-of-sale system, ensuring a seamless experience for the guest and business.

The drone and AI fulfillment network are operated locally under their own regulatory licenses and approvals for efficient and comprehensive coverage across the golf course terrain.   

"Integrating this unique delivery option and AI concierge technology enhances our ability to serve golfers efficiently and in a memorable way," said Jon Schauder, Troon Executive at Salgados Golf Club. "Advances in technology streamline the ordering process, allowing golfers to enjoy our service quickly via drone in addition to our buggy bar.”

“This service is yet another step by the team at Salgados Golf Club in their commitment to provide an incredible golf experience,” said Troon Senior Vice President Ricardo Catarino. “We congratulate Jon and his team on never resting on their past accomplishments and being willing to look at new ways to delight their guests.  Salgados Golf Club has always been a favorite play in the Algarve and it just keeps getting better and better.”

Located on the Algarve coast near Salgados Beach and Salgados Lagoon Nature Reserve, the 18-hole Salgados Golf Club is managed by Troon and sits among a stellar selection of on-site Highgate Portugal accommodation options: Algarve Marriott Salgados Golf Resort & Spa; Marriott Residences Salgados Resort, Algarve; and Westin Salgados Beach Resort, Algarve.  All properties have benefited from redesigns and refurbishments across their accommodation, public spaces and food and beverage outlets to offer the exceptional amenities synonymous with Marriott locations.

For more information on Salgados Golf Club, visit www.salgadosgolf.com.

Renovation Project of Practice Areas Completed at The Country Club of North Carolina

(PINEHURST, N.C.) – The renovation of the driving range and practice areas at The Country Club of North Carolina by Spence Golf Inc., under the direction of architect Kris Spence, is complete.

The project began on June 8, under the supervision of Spence’s lead associate Jim Harbin and was opened to the membership on October 9.

“CCNC is extremely pleased with the work of Kris Spence and Spence Golf, Inc., on the practice range and short game facility,” club president Charlie Rivers said. “The amenities of this critical area for our dedicated members are top-notch and also feel like home. Members and guests, either playing our courses, or trying to sharpen their games, will experience a fully new and revamped/rejuvenated facility.”

“I’m very confident that we not only accomplished all of our goal but most likely exceeded expectations on this project,” Spence said.  “The new short game area has great variety and will accommodate many more players and if there is a better practice tee and target green set up in the Sandhills I am not aware of it”

The main components of the renovation included changes to the size, alignment and levels of the practice range, additional target greens, a higher safety net, and a larger and more free-flowing short-game area. The entire facility was sodded with new grass.

A new single deck of 125,000 square feet (nearly three acres) was built for the practice range and resulted in eight to 10 more hitting stations.

To simulate the on-course experience for the members, 40,000 square feet of the tee is zoysia to match the fairway grass on the Dogwood Course and the remainder is Bermuda to match the fairway grass of the Cardinal Course.

Practicing players can now hit four well-defined target greens with sharper surrounds, ranging in size from 3,000-3,500 square feet. In addition, two smaller target greens of 1,000 square feet or less were built to accommodate ‘scoring club” practice.

The new short-game practice area have been expanded by 80 percent, according to Spence.

Both ends of the practice range now have the ability to accommodate synthetic mats for the winter season.