Champion Hills Names Nick Auten Head Golf Professional

(HENDERSONVILLE, N.C.) — Champion Hills Club has announced the hiring of Nick Auten as its new Head Golf Professional, bringing more than 25 years of experience at some of the country’s most respected golf clubs to the private Tom Fazio–designed community.

Nick Auten

Auten joins Champion Hills after most recently serving as Director of Golf at Lake Hickory Country Club, where he led golf operations and member programming for the past two years. Prior to that, he spent nine years as Head Golf Professional at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, home of the season-ending PGA Tour Championship.

A North Carolina native widely regarded as a relationship-driven leader, Auten is known for building strong connections with members, mentoring staff, fostering collaboration, and delivering high-quality golf experiences. His leadership style and operational background align closely with Champion Hills’ commitment to service, excellence, and a premier member experience.

“To come back to the mountains of North Carolina and join a club like Champion Hills - one I’ve admired for years - is a tremendous opportunity, and I’m excited to help elevate the membership experience,” Auten said. 

Champion Hills partnered with Troon, the world’s leading golf management company, during the search process. Troon assisted with candidate evaluation and industry insight, helping ensure a strong alignment between the club’s culture and leadership experience.

Auten steps into his role as Champion Hills – home to one of America’s top 50 residential courses - continues to build on its reputation as one of the premier private golf clubs in the nation.

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit www.ChampionHills.com or call (828) 696-1962.

Should AimPoint Be Banned in Golf? The Growing Debate Over Slow Play, Worn Greens, and the Future of Putting

Golf has spent the last several years searching for ways to speed up play, from reduced time limits on shots to penalties for chronic slow players. Yet one of the game's most controversial pace-of-play issues continues to unfold on the greens: AimPoint.

The green-reading system has become increasingly common on professional tours and among elite amateurs, but it's also become one of the most criticized routines in golf. Detractors argue it slows down rounds, damages putting surfaces, and creates an unnecessary spectacle. Supporters counter that it's simply another legal skill players have learned to master.

With pace of play once again under the microscope, it's fair to ask: Should AimPoint be banned?

What Is AimPoint?

AimPoint Express is a green-reading method that relies on players feeling the slope beneath their feet before selecting a starting line. Golfers typically walk around the hole, straddle the putting line, feel the gradient through their feet, hold up several fingers to gauge the break, and then step into their putt.

The system has helped numerous PGA Tour professionals become better putters and has been taught worldwide for years.

But critics argue that the process often takes too long.

Does AimPoint Slow Down Play?

One of the biggest complaints is time.

Studies examining professional golf have found that the average PGA Tour player takes roughly 35 to 40 seconds to play a putt. Players using extensive AimPoint routines can push that time closer to 50 seconds or more, particularly on longer or difficult putts. While an extra 10 to 20 seconds may seem insignificant, multiplied across 18 holes and four players, the delay can add several minutes to every round.

On television, viewers frequently watch players circle the hole, straddle the putting line multiple times, feel the slope with their feet, consult their fingers, then repeat portions of the routine before finally pulling the trigger.

Former players, broadcasters, and fans have increasingly questioned whether the routine has become excessive.

The Wear Around the Hole

Beyond slow play, superintendents have voiced concerns about turf damage.

AimPoint encourages golfers to repeatedly stand near the cup while feeling the slope with their feet. During a tournament week, dozens or even hundreds of players may gather in nearly identical locations around each hole.

That concentrated foot traffic creates additional stress on already vulnerable putting surfaces.

Areas immediately surrounding the hole can become:
Flattened or compacted
More susceptible to spike marks
Faster to wear during hot or dry conditions
Less consistent for players putting later in the day

While normal putting also creates traffic, critics argue AimPoint intensifies the problem because players intentionally spend extra time standing in the same areas around every cup.

Why Players Like It

Despite the criticism, AimPoint isn't without merit.

Many players believe it provides:
More accurate green reads.
Greater confidence over breaking putts.
A repeatable system that removes guesswork.
Better performance under pressure.

For professionals competing for millions of dollars, any legal advantage is difficult to ignore.

That's why many instructors continue teaching the method.

Should Golf Ban It?

A complete ban would likely prove controversial.

Golf has always allowed players to gather information before making a stroke. Reading grain, walking around the hole, crouching behind the ball, and consulting yardage books are all accepted parts of the game.

Instead of banning AimPoint outright, governing bodies could focus on limiting how it's used.

Possible solutions include:
Establishing a maximum amount of time allowed to read any putt.
Restricting repeated straddling of the putting line.
Limiting the number of times players can feel the slope around the hole.
Enforcing existing pace-of-play policies more consistently.
Encouraging players to begin reading putts while others are putting rather than waiting for their turn.

These changes would preserve the system while discouraging excessively long routines.

The Bottom Line

AimPoint itself may not be golf's biggest pace-of-play problem, but it has become one of its most visible.

Every extra second spent reading greens adds up over four rounds of tournament golf, and repeated foot traffic around the cup can contribute to additional wear on putting surfaces.

Rather than outlawing the system entirely, golf's governing bodies may be better served by enforcing quicker routines and encouraging players to be more efficient. Doing so would preserve the benefits of AimPoint while addressing the concerns of fans, broadcasters, tournament officials, and golf course superintendents alike.

As golf continues searching for ways to make the game faster and more enjoyable, the debate over AimPoint is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

Viktor Hovland Outduels Scottie Scheffler in Playoff to Win Travelers Championship

Viktor Hovland added another memorable chapter to his PGA Tour career by capturing the Travelers Championship on Monday morning, defeating Scottie Scheffler with a birdie on the first playoff hole to claim his eighth career victory.

Hovland finished regulation at 21-under-par 259, the lowest 72-hole score of his PGA Tour career, before edging the world's No. 1 player in the extra session. The win also made Hovland the first golfer from Norway to capture the Travelers Championship and improved his record to 5-1 when holding a 54-hole lead on the PGA Tour.

Scheffler, who forced the playoff after another steady performance, settled for his 14th career runner-up finish and fourth of the 2026 season. Despite narrowly missing another victory, Scheffler continued to cement his remarkable consistency, extending his streaks to 35 consecutive top-25 finishes and 78 straight made cuts while maintaining his lead atop the FedEx Cup standings.

Collin Morikawa made the biggest charge of the final round, firing a dazzling 9-under 61 to finish alone in third place at 20 under. The round matched the lowest score of his PGA Tour career, equaling the 61 he posted during the 2023 Tour Championship. Morikawa came within a shot of forcing the playoff and nearly completed what would have been the largest come-from-behind victory in Travelers Championship history.

Fresh off his major championship victory, Wyndham Clark tied for fifth as he attempted to become the first player since Scheffler in 2024 to win on the PGA Tour the week immediately following a major title. While he fell short, Clark continued his strong run of form with another top-five finish.

Patrick Cantlay added another impressive result at TPC River Highlands, tying for 14th to extend his streak of nine consecutive top-15 finishes at the Travelers Championship. Defending champion Keegan Bradley also finished tied for 14th in his bid to become the tournament's first back-to-back winner since Phil Mickelson accomplished the feat in 2002.

The week ultimately belonged to Hovland, whose clutch play in the playoff capped one of the strongest performances of his career and added another signature victory to an already impressive résumé.

River Place Country Club Completes First Phase of Major Renovation, Unveils Elevated Member Spaces and New Wellness Hub

Transformation reflects Arcis Golf’s commitment to creating an exceptional lifestyle experience at this premier Texas Hill Country club

(DALLAS, Texas) — River Place Country Club has completed the first phase of a major two-phase renovation that reimagines how members dine, train, unwind, and connect.

The multi-million-dollar investment from Arcis Golf—the second-largest owner and operator of golf facilities in the United States, with a portfolio of 88 private, resort, and daily-fee properties—introduces upgraded dining and social spaces, a dramatically expanded two-story fitness center, restorative amenities, and an enhanced retail experience. Together, the improvements strengthen River Place’s position as a premier club for active, healthy living in the Texas Hill Country.  The company also owns and operates Onion Creek Club and Twin Creeks Country Club in the region.

Inspired by the humble grandeur of the Hill Country, the reimagined clubhouse blends the timelessness of natural hardwoods, rich leathers, and forged iron with modern touches of bold color and graphic pattern to reflect the distinct heritage and identity of Austin.  Every element of the design creates a clubhouse that exudes a relaxed luxury in keeping with Arcis Golf’s identity as a premier hospitality and lifestyle brand. 

“Our vision is to create clubs that become an extension of our members’ lives,” said Blake Walker, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Arcis Golf. “Today’s private club experience is about much more than exceptional golf. It’s about creating places where families gather, wellness becomes part of everyday life, friendships grow, and memories are made naturally. Our investment at River Place reflects that vision and our long-term commitment to delivering one of the premier private club lifestyles in Central Texas.”

The fully redesigned 19th Hole features new furnishings and a lounge area, giving adult members a comfortable, inviting place to gather. The expansive cocktail menu emphasizes craftsmanship, with drinks made from fresh ingredients, house-made syrups, and fresh-squeezed juices. An extensive bourbon and tequila selection, including small-batch pours and rare selections, complements an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and welcoming.

Led by a new executive chef and supported by completely modernized kitchens, the club’s culinary program highlights fresh, regional flavor through partnerships with local farms, regional ranches, and artisanal bakeries. Lunch and dinner menus feature Texas-inspired small plates, salads, health-conscious choices, taqueria selections, handhelds, and entrées, supplemented by themed dinners and social gatherings.

At the heart of the club’s commitment to an active lifestyle, the Wellness Hub sets a new standard for what a club fitness experience can be. The expansive two-story training facility features dedicated strength and cardio zones engineered for performance, a large functional fitness rig, and purpose-built weight-training areas designed to meet members wherever they are in their fitness journey. A boutique Pilates studio—six reformers, virtual class kiosks, and programming that rivals the best standalone studios — sits alongside a refined yoga studio built for mobility, intentional movement, and mental clarity. Members also have access to two elevated amenity spaces: the Recovery Suite, featuring NormaTec compression boots, red light therapy, and a zero-gravity massage chair; and an expansive Finnish sauna and the Frost Locker cold therapy space, just steps from the locker room.

The club is also introducing Wellness+, an exclusive health and performance program that combines advanced biomarker testing, expert-led training, and premium recovery therapies into a single integrated offering. Designed for members seeking a more personalized approach to health and performance, Wellness+ provides deeper insight into individual health markers while supporting performance, recovery, and vitality.

Additional enhancements include a reimagined and rebranded Lifestyle Shop with an elevated retail experience. The new location creates a stronger first impression for members and guests while supporting an upgraded shopping experience.

River Place’s family-centric amenities include a vibrant aquatic setting anchored by a Junior Olympic swimming pool, providing inviting areas for relaxation and fun during Austin’s warm season. For racquet enthusiasts, the club offers eight tennis courts, two ghost-lined pickleball courts, and a new tennis center with a deck overlooking three courts. With food-and-beverage service and sweeping views, the venue enhances River Place as a destination for play, instruction, and community.

Golf remains central to the River Place lifestyle, with a course that winds through steep canyons, elevated tees, and sweeping Hill Country views. Thoughtfully integrated into the natural landscape, the course delivers a playing experience that is both visually striking and extremely memorable. A full calendar of play and instruction underscores the club’s commitment to player development.

This fall, an updated arrival experience, lobby, family restaurant, and Great Hall will round out the transformation, adding a more connected setting suited for year-round use. The new design will include rustic oak flooring, warm wood ceilings, new custom furnishings, an expanded executive boardroom, pre-event function space, and two personal workspaces for members.

An industry leader in inventive programming and lifestyle amenities that complement exceptional golf offerings, Arcis Golf has invested more than $175 million over the past four years in property upgrades, new amenities, personnel, training, and systems to create extraordinary experiences and forge emotional connections with members and guests. The company has received numerous honors, including recognition on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies in America.

For more information, visit arcisgolf.com.

Why Do Golf Clubs Have Grooves?

Golf clubs have grooves primarily to improve control, not to make the ball spin more by themselves. Their biggest job is to maintain consistent contact between the clubface and the ball, especially in less-than-perfect conditions.

Here's how they work:

They channel away moisture and debris. If there's water, grass, or sand between the ball and the clubface, grooves help move it aside, allowing the face to grip the ball more consistently—similar to how tire treads help maintain traction on a wet road.

They improve spin from the rough. From a clean fairway lie, most of the spin comes from friction between the clubface and the ball. But in the rough, blades of grass can get trapped between the two. Grooves give that grass somewhere to go, allowing the club to generate much more spin than a smooth face would.

They help with stopping power. Higher-spin shots—especially with wedges—stop more quickly on the green. That's why professional golfers can hit a wedge that lands and checks up almost immediately.

They increase consistency. Grooves help produce more predictable launch, spin, and distance, especially in wet weather or from imperfect lies.

Why wedges have deeper grooves than irons

Wedges are designed for shots where spin and precision matter most, so they typically have:
- Wider, deeper grooves
- More aggressive face texture (within the rules)

Long irons, on the other hand, are designed more for distance than maximum spin.

Why the rules changed

United States Golf Association and The R&A introduced stricter groove regulations in 2010 for elite competitions because modern grooves allowed players to generate too much spin from the rough. The new rules reduced that advantage, making accuracy off the tee more important again.

In short: Grooves don't magically create spin. They help preserve the friction between the ball and the clubface by clearing away water, grass, and debris, which leads to better control, more consistent spin, and more predictable shots.

Nicole Felce Earns Low PGA of America and LPGA Professional Honors at 2026 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

Felce Claims Honor in Second Major Appearance

(CHASKA, Minn.) - In only her second KPMG Women’s PGA Championship appearance, Nicole Felce earned Low PGA of America and LPGA Professional Honors Sunday at Hazeltine National Golf Club.

Only three PGA or LPGA Professionals have made the cut since the PGA of America partnered with the LPGA in 2015 for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Felce, the PGA/LPGA Assistant Golf Professional at Countryside Country Club in Clearwater, Fla., is the first to earn the honor since Jimmin Kin’s 2019 performance at Hazeltine. Jennifer Bermingham made the cut in 2016 at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Wash.

Felce is the lone member of the Corebridge Financial Team of eight PGA of America and LPGA Professionals to make the weekend. Corebridge Financial Team members earned a spot in the field by way of the 2025 LPGA Professionals Championship and the 2026 PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship. Felce finished fourth in the LPGA Professionals Championship to make her second-consecutive KPMG Women’s PGA Championship appearance.

Felce, a North Florida PGA Section Member, fulfilled her dream of playing the weekend at a Major Championship with a stellar 2-under performance on Saturday to make the cut on the number. Finishing 11-over with rounds of 75-70-81-73 — 299, Felce is grateful for the honor to compete.

“It’s really, really special to be here,” Felce said after her round. “Making the weekend was my goal this week, so to have done it and just to soak it all in and to have played along with the world's best was really special and really amazing and really humbling.”

It was a tale of two nines for Felce’s final round. Beginning the round on hole-10, she found back-to-back bogeys on 11 and 12, birdied 13 and then doubled 16. She turned it around on her back nine with birdies on the par-4 4th and 7th holes. She finished the day 1-over par.

Felce, a dual member of the PGA of America and LPGA, was proud to respond well Sunday after a poor-scoring performance on Saturday, but considers the entire week one of the best of her life.

“Honestly, the fans made it super memorable. Just to have the PGA and the LPGA also here and everyone here supporting meant a lot to me. I'm really honored to be a part of two great organizations.”

In May 2025, she became an LPGA Class A Member and then was elected to Class A Membership with the PGA of America in February 2026. Felce competed at LPGA Q-School in the summer of 2022 in Palm Springs, Calif., and earned partial status on the Epson Tour during the 2023 season. 

She returns to work at Countryside CC Tuesday, but with aspirations to play on Tour she will also prepare for Q-School in September.

“I'm going to Q-School this fall, so ultimately the goal is to play on Tour. That's my main goal. I am glad I got my certifications under my belt, so I always will have that, but definitely want to be on Tour.”

Ironhorse Golf Club Completes Practice Facility Enhancement Project

(Leawood, Kansas) – Ironhorse Golf Club in Leawood, Kansas recently completed a comprehensive renovation of its practice facility, marking the club’s most significant upgrade since 2022. The Practice Facility is open to the public daily and includes practice range, putting green, short game area, and a three-hole par-3 course.

The practice facility enhancements aim to provide golfers with an improved practice environment and include several key features:

- Installation of new irrigation and drainage systems to enhance turf health and playability.

- Restoration of contours to support effective drainage.

- Relocation and reshaping of targets for a more dynamic practice experience.

- Addition of three synthetic green targets designed for partial wedge shots.

- Installation of new target poles to aid in shot alignment.

- Regrassing of 6.5 acres of disturbed surface area to ensure consistent turf quality.

- Renovation of the cart path area, including widening the path, adding a traffic loop, designating parking stalls, and improving the walk-up to the range tee.

“The continued support of from the City of Leawood has been amazing. Guest feedback has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic, and we are excited for enhanced features,” said Ironhorse Golf Club General Manager Ryan Eckroat.

These improvements are part of Ironhorse Golf Club’s ongoing commitment to providing top-tier facilities for guests. The practice facility renovation follows the club’s 2022 upgrades, which included a Grille renovation, kitchen expansion, restroom remodeling, front entry and lobby enhancements, new flooring, and updated furniture in the Grille and lobby areas. Additionally, last spring, the club replaced all synthetic turf tee lines with new mats and introduced new Club Car golf cars.

Vista 154, the Club’s event space, opened in 2017 and is located adjacent to the clubhouse. The venue hosts large events, including weddings, receptions, graduation parties, business meetings, post golf tournament receptions as well as the annual State of the City for the City of Leawood. 

Looking ahead, Ironhorse Golf Club has plans to install a new irrigation system throughout the course within the next 12 months, to further enhance course conditions and the golf experience.

Owned by the City of Leawood and managed by Troon Golf, Ironhorse Golf Club is widely recognized as one of the top public golf facilities in the Kansas City metro area. For more information on Ironhorse Golf Club, visit www.ironhorsegolf.com or call 913-685-4653.