Cobbs Creek Foundation and Lincoln Financial celebrate grand opening of Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek

(Philadelphia, Pa.) – The Cobbs Creek Foundation and Lincoln Financial today celebrated the grand opening of the Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek and launched the first full season of golf since the Cobbs Creek Foundation began revitalizing the historic course.

Joined by elected officials, business leaders, community members, and executives from Lincoln Financial, leadership from the nonprofit Cobbs Creek Foundation cut a ribbon on the 42,000 square-foot Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek. The three-story complex houses a driving range and golf entertainment center, The Little Horse Tavern restaurant, retail pro shop and 200-person event and community space.

“We are thrilled to bring to life our partnership with Lincoln Financial on the new Cobbs Creek Golf and Education Campus and to welcome visitors from across the city and region to the Lincoln Financial Center,” said Jeffrey Shanahan, president of the Cobbs Creek Foundation. “We thank our partners at Lincoln Financial for their investment in this community. Their commitment ensures that the Cobbs Creek campus will be a beacon of education, life-changing opportunities, and environmental stewardship.”

"For more than 120 years, providing financial protection and security for our customers and their families has been central to Lincoln Financial’s mission — and that commitment extends to strengthening the communities where we live and work,” said Ellen Cooper, Chairman, President and CEO of Lincoln Financial. “We are proud to support the Cobbs Creek Foundation’s work to expand access and opportunity across Philadelphia. Through our partnership with TGR Foundation, we are bringing financial literacy and economic empowerment programs to the next generation. As a founding partner, we are honored to be part of this effort and to call this city our home.”

Lincoln Financial became a founding partner of the nonprofit Cobbs Creek Foundation in March 2025, a strategic alignment that will further the restoration of the historic campus as well as the development of community education, networking and mentorship opportunities – reflecting a shared, long-term commitment to the Philadelphia community through increased access to innovative programs and world class facilities.

Together with its partners, Cobbs Creek Foundation is building Philadelphia’s newest amateur and professional sports venue — one rooted in excellence, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to giving back to the community. As one of the first founding partners in this initiative, Lincoln Financial is leading the way in this groundbreaking private-public partnership in sports and education, bringing together mission-driven organizations committed to expanding access, opportunity, and community impact in West Philadelphia.

In addition to naming the Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek, the company has also partnered with TGR Foundation to develop a new financial wellness program, Money Moves. This program is designed for students in grades 4-12 and their families to build real-world money management skills through topics such as budgeting, entrepreneurship, investing and more. Powered by Lincoln Financial, the program will launch in July at the Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek and be available at all TGR Learning Labs starting with the 2026-2027 academic year.

The Smilow Woodland TGR Learning Lab, which opened in April 2025, provides free, year-round educational opportunities for local youth in grades 1-12, including STEAM courses, academic support, college prep and career-connected learning experiences.

The Q School short course, now open to the public, is an entry point for golfers of all ages and abilities and is designed to introduce new players to the game, while also creating a venue for accomplished players to hone their iron play and short game.

The Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek opened in December 2025 as the first golf amenity reopened to the public since the golf course closed in 2020. The new building’s state-of-the-art amenities include:

- A double-decker golf practice facility equipped with Toptracer technology and food and beverage service to all 68 bays. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with walk-ins welcome.

- The Little Horse Tavern, an elevated and approachable neighborhood restaurant and bar.

- A retail pro shop featuring Cobbs Creek apparel, gear and other items for golfers and Cobbs Creek history enthusiasts.

1916 by Fitler Club, a 200+ person community event/banquet space on the top floor. Named after the year the Cobbs Creek Golf Course originally opened, this space is available for meetings, corporate and community events.

“The Lincoln Financial Center at Cobbs Creek is a place for us to gather, reconnect and enjoy time together, but it’s much more than that,” said Chris Maguire, chairman of the board of the Cobbs Creek Foundation. “More importantly, it will generate revenue to begin transforming this golf course into a unique self-sustaining destination where golf serves as the engine powering opportunity, education, and community impact for generations to come.”

The Cobbs Creek Foundation is raising $180 million to restore and revitalize the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course, with the remainder of the project set to open in phases. The Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner-led restoration of the 18-hole championship course is underway with an opening planned for 2027, and the nine-hole Karakung course set to open in 2028.

The Cobbs Creek Golf Campus is managed by Troon, the global leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services.

Michigan’s “Dog Tracks”: The Three Lowest-Rated Golf Courses Drawing Player Ire

Brookside Golf Course

Michigan is widely celebrated as a golfer’s paradise, home to more than 850 courses and multiple layouts ranked among the best in America. But for every pristine fairway along Lake Michigan’s bluffs, there are a few courses that have earned far less flattering reviews.

While no official statewide “worst-of” list exists, a combination of user-review platforms, golfer feedback, and documented complaints reveals a trio of courses that consistently land at—or near—the bottom of the ratings.

1. Brookside Golf Course

A lesson in patience—and frustration

Few complaints sting more than wasted time, and Brookside has become synonymous with painfully slow rounds. One widely cited review describes players waiting over two hours on just six holes before walking off the course entirely.

Golfers point to poor pace-of-play management and overcrowding as the primary culprits. While layout and design rarely draw harsh criticism, the overall experience—long waits on every tee box—has dragged its rating down significantly.

2. The Classic at Otsego Club

The Classic at Otsego Club

A stunning design undone by conditions

On paper, The Classic at Otsego Club should be a gem. The routing and natural landscape have even earned praise from seasoned players. But according to repeated golfer feedback, poor maintenance has overshadowed its potential.

One golfer summed it up bluntly in an online discussion:

“It was like playing in a farmer’s field.”

Reports of patchy fairways, damaged greens, and inconsistent upkeep have turned what could be a destination course into a cautionary tale. The gap between design quality and actual playing conditions is what lands it firmly among Michigan’s worst-rated.

3. Loggers Trace Golf Course

Infamy through word-of-mouth

Loggers Trace

Loggers Trace has developed a reputation less through formal rankings and more through golfer chatter and media mentions, including videos labeling it “the worst golf course in Michigan.”

Common criticisms include uneven course conditions, inconsistent maintenance, and a layout that many players find confusing or poorly marked. While not universally condemned, its recurring appearance in “worst course” conversations suggests a persistent reputation problem.

A State of Extremes

The contrast is stark. Michigan boasts elite venues like Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club and Crystal Downs Country Club, which regularly earn national acclaim. Yet the state’s sheer volume of courses means quality can vary widely.

In many cases, the difference between a top-tier course and a bottom-tier one isn’t architecture—it’s maintenance, management, and player experience.

Final Word

Calling any course “the worst” is inherently subjective. Conditions change, ownership shifts, and renovations can revive even the most criticized layouts. But for now, Brookside, The Classic at Otsego Club, and Loggers Trace stand as cautionary examples: in golf, as in life, execution matters just as much as design.

Sedona Golf Resort Completes Enhancement Project

(Sedona, Ariz.) – Sedona Golf Resort in Sedona, Arizona recently completed a four-month, $400,000 golf course enhancement project. The project, which began in January, focused on updating the irrigation system and bunkers across the 37-year-old property. Sedona Golf Resort’s agronomy team oversaw the planning and management of the project with Henderson, Nevada-based Pro-Turf International executing the work.

During the project, a total of 39 greenside bunkers were rebuilt, while five-and-a-half bunkers were eliminated. The refreshed bunkers were refilled with 1,200 tons of premium Arizona 50/50 bunker sand, which has an off-white color. Crews also replaced the irrigation system’s eight-inch mainline (that was originally installed in 1988) on holes 11 and 13, and reconfigured irrigation lines on the practice range tee and on holes five and nine.

“The irrigation system upgrades will allow us to have more consistent irrigation cycles each night, which ultimately supports turf health to provide firmer and faster conditions,” said Sedona Golf Resort General Manager Jeremy Hayman. “Between the refreshed bunkers and improved conditions, golfers will definitely notice the enhancements.”

Owned by the Arizona Hideaway Collection and managed by Troon Golf, Sedona Golf Resort opened for play in 1988. The 6,646-yard, par-71, Gary Panks-designed course is set in the heart of Sedona’s red rock landscape and is renowned for its dramatic elevation changes and views of the surrounding red rock formations.

For more information on Sedona Golf Resort, visit www.sedonagolfresort.com.

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.