Kirby Smart’s Competitive Edge Extends to Golf as The Rose Emerges Near Georgia Campus

(ATHENS, Ga.) — For University of Georgia football coach Kirby Smart, competition is more than a philosophy — it’s a way of life.

The architect of Georgia’s recent football dynasty has built his career on an obsession with winning, a trait that dates back to childhood. Family members recall his intense competitive streak becoming so pronounced that board games were effectively banned in the Smart household.

That same drive has fueled Georgia’s rise to the top of college football, producing multiple national championships and SEC titles. But away from the sidelines, Smart has found another outlet for his competitive nature: golf.

“It's what my career was built on,” Smart said. “I love competing, and I love winning.”

Golf has long attracted highly competitive personalities, and Smart is no exception. While he describes himself as an average golfer who maintains a 12 handicap, he embraces the sport’s constant challenge and imperfections.

“The imperfection — that’s what I love about golf,” Smart said. “You never play a perfect round.”

Now, golf is becoming an even bigger part of Georgia’s athletic ecosystem through The Rose, a new private golf club under development just minutes from campus.

The project is the vision of brothers Nick and Dimitri Cassini, former Georgia golfers who dreamed of creating a world-class golf destination in Athens. After years spent in real estate development and extensive travel to some of the world’s premier golf clubs, the brothers purchased farmland outside the city and began transforming it into a destination unlike any other in the state.

Designed by architect Tripp Davis, The Rose is intended to be a nationally recognized golf club with a membership that extends far beyond Georgia alumni. Every detail, from course design to hospitality offerings, has been carefully curated by the Cassinis, whose goal is to create an elite golf experience while giving back to the community that helped shape their lives.

The club has already attracted attention from prominent Georgia football figures, including NFL quarterback Matthew Stafford. A former Bulldogs star, Stafford says Smart’s competitive reputation extends well beyond the football field.

“We’ve been on some duck hunts together, on the golf course together, and Kirby doesn’t like to lose — at anything,” Stafford said with a laugh.

Beyond golf, The Rose could play an increasingly important role in Georgia athletics. In an era defined by NIL opportunities, donor engagement and recruiting advantages, Smart sees value in a destination that brings alumni, supporters and potential contributors together.

“It's great when you get a place that people can go out and have fun, enjoy, relax and socialize,” Smart said. “Sometimes that ties in more energy, more enthusiasm toward the program.”

For Smart, golf provides a rare opportunity to step away from the daily demands of coaching while still fostering the relationships that help sustain a championship program.

And for the Cassini brothers, The Rose represents something larger than golf: a lasting legacy in Athens.

As Georgia football continues to chase championships, The Rose may become another unexpected asset in the Bulldogs’ pursuit of staying on top.

Tiger Woods Selected for New Championship Course at Tributer Resort in Lake Anna, Virginia

New Chapter is Underway as Reef Capital Partners Reimagines the Community into a Premier Destination Centered on Golf, Hospitality, and Waterfront Living

(MINERAL, Va.) — Tributer Resort, a premier golf and residential destination by Reef Capital Partners along the shores of Virginia’s Lake Anna, today announced plans for a new private, 18-hole championship golf course by Tiger Woods’ TGR Design. The project further expands TGR Design’s portfolio of world-class golf destinations and is the second championship golf experience at Tributer Resort.

The TGR Design course will offer a distinct core layout designed to showcase the property’s dramatic topography and striking natural landscape. Routed through rolling farmland, mature hardwood forests, and pine groves overlooking Lake Anna, the course will be defined by strategic shot values, distinct variety across expansive vistas, and a powerful connection to the land.

Measuring 7,310 yards from the championship tees, the course will challenge elite players while remaining highly playable and engaging for golfers of all skill levels. Strategy, creativity, and thoughtful decision-making define the experience, as players move through generous fairways, strategically placed hazards, and undulating greens that reward precision, adaptability, and imagination.

“A balanced mix of uphill and downhill holes, shifting perspectives, and natural landforms will ensure no two holes feel alike, creating a course that feels organic in its movement and varied in its demands,” said Bryon Bell, President at TGR Design. “Lake Anna provides a remarkable setting for championship golf, and we’re excited to see this design come to life in a way that fully reflects its sense of place.”

The new TGR Design course joins Cutalong Golf Club, Tributer Resort’s existing private golf experience. Inspired by National Golf Links of America and the strategic principles of golf’s Golden Age architects, including C.B. MacDonald, Donald Ross, and Alister MacKenzie, the course received recognition from Golf Digest in 2023 as one of the Top 5 Best New Private Courses in the United States. Complementing the golf offering is the Shenandoah Green, a lighted 18-hole putting course designed as a lively social and entertainment venue adjacent to the clubhouse. Overlooking the 1st tee and 18th green, the clubhouse serves as the heart of the community, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces with sweeping panoramic views of the course. It is home to Coopers, the resort’s signature dining venue and golf shop, creating a central gathering place for members, homeowners, and guests.

“This new course announcement represents a major milestone in the evolution of Tributer Resort and reinforces our commitment to building a premier golf destination at Lake Anna,” said Ian Sikes, General Manager of Tributer Resort. “Together with our existing offerings, this addition brings a new level of excitement and distinction to the club and community.”

Beyond golf, Tributer Resort is evolving into a premier lifestyle and residential destination led by Reef Capital Partners. The current residential collection includes homesites, 7 golf villas, and 8 cottages, which are all member-owned yet accessible to select guests through Stay & Play reservations. Once complete, the resort will have 22 villas and 34 cottages with an architectural style that marries traditional Virginia design with contemporary comfort.

The four-bedroom Golf Villas, now available for purchase, feature spa-inspired en-suite baths, open-concept living areas, and private terraces overlooking the course, enhanced by oversized windows and elevated finishes. The two-bedroom Golf Cottages feature chef-inspired kitchens, spacious living and entertaining areas, and welcoming outdoor porches. Homesites range from one-third to two-thirds of an acre with golf course views, cul-de-sac settings, and a prime location near the main entrance and golf village.

Two membership options are now available, offering priority access to the golf course and an expanding collection of current and future amenities. Once complete, the community will include nearly 900 residences, additional chef-driven dining spaces, sports courts, wellness amenities, pool and lakeside recreation, trail systems, and curated outdoor experiences designed to create a year-round resort environment rooted in golf, hospitality, and waterfront living.

“As we continue to expand Tributer Resort, our vision is to create a vibrant, enduring community where resort amenities are seamlessly integrated into everyday life,” said Jared Lucero, CEO of Reef Capital Partners. “This next phase brings together thoughtfully designed residences, elevated amenities, golf, and world-class recreation. Our focus remains on building lasting value and a community designed for generations to gather, explore, and belong, reimagining Virginia hospitality through a modern resort experience.”

For more information on Tributer and to inquire about real estate and memberships, visit https://www.tributer.com/. 

Desert Highlands Announces Men’s Locker Room Renovation Project

Multi-Million Dollar Upgrades to Include Refreshed Locker Room and Bathroom Areas, Modernized Bar, Accordion Doors Connecting Indoor / Outdoor Areas 

(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) – Desert Highlands – the original home of The Skins Game and an acclaimed luxury golf club and community in the stunning Sonoran Desert of North Scottsdale – announces renovation work has begun to its men’s locker room.

PHX Architecture and Hatch Design Group, who completed the renovation of the women’s locker room and golf pro shop late last year, and also designed the award-winning Jack’s, will lead the multi-million dollar updates to the men’s locker room. Slated to be completed by the end of 2026, the renovation project will elevate the daily experience for the members.

The men’s locker room renovation project will center on five key enhancements to elevate the member’s experience while honoring Desert Highlands’ traditions and heritage:

- The men’s grille and lounge will be reimagined as a more open and inviting gathering space. Updated finishes, furnishings and design elements will create a comfortable environment for dining, socializing, and connecting with fellow members.

- The addition of the Nicklaus Room will introduce a distinctive new experience within the men’s locker room. This intimate fireside lounge will pay tribute to Desert Highlands’ legacy as the world’s first Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course while providing a refined setting for conversation and relaxation.

- The locker room will be thoughtfully reimagined to enhance the member experience. Elevated finishes, improved lighting, upgraded amenities, and refined design details will create a more sophisticated and welcoming environment while preserving the traditions that make the space special.

- The wet areas, including showers, vanities and restroom facilities, will be fully modernized. Contemporary fixtures, premium materials, and upgraded finishes will enhance both comfort and functionality.

- The renovation will strengthen the connection between the indoor gathering spaces and the outdoor patio and golf course views. The result will be a more open, relaxed environment that embraces the Desert Highlands lifestyle.

Together, these enhancements will create a more elevated, comfortable and experience-driven destination for members while preserving the character, camaraderie and sense of community that define the Desert Highlands experience.

“Updating and improving our men’s locker room will make it more functional and inviting, and aligns with the Desert Highlands brand and quality expected at the club today and into the future,” says Desi Speh, Chief Operating Officer / General Manager at Desert Highlands. “This project, combined with last year’s golf shop and women’s locker room renovation, ensures that our core member spaces are consistent, cohesive and reflective of the Desert Highlands experience.”

Desert Highlands’ energetic lifestyle consistently draws discerning and active members – from tennis and pickleball enthusiasts to golfers, pet lovers and health and wellness enthusiasts. A full social calendar allows residents to fully enjoy this peaceful community. Desert Highlands finished 11th in Platinum Clubs of America’s Top-50 Golf Clubs in the U.S. rankings, and 54th in their world rankings.

This past November, the club completed a $9.8 million restoration project to its golf course. Spearheaded by Nicklaus Design Senior Designer Chad Goetz, the restoration project represents one of the most ambitious and rewarding undertakings in Desert Highlands’ illustrious history. Nicklaus Design collaborated with Heritage Links and the Desert Highlands Golf Course Maintenance team, led by Director of Agronomy Cody Horstman, on the restoration project, which included six major components: design enhancements to several holes, greens reconstruction, tee reconstruction, bunker reconstruction, desert de- and re-vegetation, and restoration of the turf found on the tees, fairways and rough.

Desert Highlands also recently completed a $2.5 million modernization of its golf shop and women’s locker room. The golf shop now features a redesigned layout with an expanded entrance and a relocated retail counter. Meanwhile, the women’s locker room boasts brighter finishes, a refreshed card lounge, upgraded vanity and wet areas, and a new self-serve comfort station that includes snack drawers, grab-and-go lunch options, wine on tap and a Pour-My-Beer tap system.

The club also recently updated its clubhouse and racquet club lounge. Set against awe-inspiring views of Pinnacle Peak and the unspoiled desert, Jack’s Backyard features numerous lounge areas, patio tables, cushioned fireside seating and two Bocce courts.

The breathtaking desert views were also enhanced at Ventana, Desert Highlands’ elevated dining experience, by incorporating large windows and open floor plans. The club’s 7,700-square-foot fitness center offers cutting-edge MATRIX equipment and design enhancements to several areas including the main floor and locker rooms.

Inside, the community provides residents peace of mind with a state-of-the-art security system, professionally trained security personnel, visitor control and access and other protection amenities. Among the acclaimed residential services that truly pamper residents and meet their specific needs are shipping and transportation assistance, pool and spa maintenance, home inspections and other customized services.

For more information: www.deserthighlandsscottsdale.com.

Celebrate 4th of July with BIG MAX

BIG MAX is helping golfers celebrate Independence Day with a fantastic offer this 4th of July. And with this being an extra special anniversary, BIG MAX is offering $50 off one of it’s best-selling award winning golf bags.

The Dri Lite Hybrid Tour 2 builds on the success of its predecessor, offering more storage, a refined design, and premium materials. With a truly hybrid design this ultra-lightweight bag is perfect for walking the course. A two point, padded shoulder strap, air channel technology and easy access pockets provide convenience and comfort, while water-resistance and the addition of SoftGuard PU material add protection from the elements.

But when you want a cart to take the strain, the bag offers a perfect ride through its dual-component floor and lowered stand that ensures the upper bag holder doesn’t interfere with connection to the cart or push cart. Detachable straps, eight spacious pockets and a leg lock mechanism complete the cart compatibility of this truly adaptable bag.

Coming in at just $229 this versatile design is incredible value that combines the practical, lightweight portability of the best stand bags, with the spacious solidity preferred by those who prefer to ride.

Check out the bag in four color options – including a patriotic Red, White & Blue, here: https://us.bigmaxgolf.com/products/dri-lite-hybrid-tour-2 

Offer runs from 27th June to the 5th July.

Country Club of North Carolina Invests $2 Million in Expanded Practice Facilities

The Country Club of North Carolina (CCNC) has begun a major $2 million renovation of its driving range and practice complex, a project designed to meet growing member demand for high-quality practice and instruction amenities.

Located in Pinehurst, N.C., the club has selected noted golf course architect Kris Spence of Greensboro to oversee the transformation. Spence, widely recognized for his golf course restoration work, previously led the acclaimed 2016 renovation of CCNC’s Dogwood Course, which later served as the host venue for the 2021 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

The practice facility upgrade was identified as a key initiative in the club’s recent strategic planning process, according to club leadership.

Construction began June 8 and is expected to take between eight and 10 weeks to complete. During that time, the driving range and practice areas will be closed, with members granted access to practice facilities at Knollwood Fairways in nearby Southern Pines.

“CCNC is fortunate to have a strong community of golfers who are committed to improving their game through quality instruction and practice,” said Jim Sutton, the club’s COO and general manager. “Like many private clubs, we have seen a significant increase in both usage and time spent at our practice facilities, and we expect that trend to continue in the years ahead. This capital investment will greatly enhance the practice experience for our members and provide lasting benefits for the club.”

The project will significantly expand and modernize the practice area. Plans include a reconfigured driving range with a 125,000-square-foot teeing ground—roughly 30% larger than the current facility—along with additional target greens, an expanded short-game practice area, improved turf conditions and a taller safety net.

Additional work will focus on regrading portions of the range, improving tee alignment and reshaping target greens to create a more effective and realistic practice environment.

“The main focus is on the safety and functionality aspects of the range,” Spence said. “We are trying to address infrastructure items on it, including agronomy, while also responding to concerns the club identified. We’re not looking to create a specific design theme, except within the short-game area.”

To better replicate on-course conditions, the renovated facility will feature both zoysia and Bermuda grass, matching the turf varieties found on CCNC’s Dogwood and Cardinal courses.

Founded in 1963, CCNC spans approximately 2,000 acres in the Sandhills region and has established itself as one of North Carolina’s premier private clubs. The club has hosted three USGA championships, including the 1980 U.S. Amateur and the 2021 U.S. Junior Amateur. Looking ahead, CCNC is scheduled to welcome the 2030 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship and the 2037 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship.

PGA Tour Unveils Major 2028 Overhaul: New Two-Tier System, Promotion/Relegation and Bigger Stakes

The PGA Tour is preparing for its most significant transformation in decades after approving a sweeping new competitive structure that will launch in 2028. Designed to create clearer pathways for players and more compelling storylines for fans, the revamped model introduces a two-tier system featuring promotion and relegation, larger signature events, and a reimagined postseason.

The changes, recommended by the Future Competition Committee and approved by both the PGA Tour Policy Board and PGA Tour Enterprises Board, were announced Tuesday ahead of the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands.

A New Era: Championship Series and Challenger Series

At the heart of the overhaul is the creation of two concurrent circuits: the PGA Tour Championship Series and the PGA Tour Challenger Series.

The Championship Series will serve as the tour's premier level, featuring up to 24 elite events each season, including 16 signature tournaments, The Players Championship, the four major championships, season-ending events, and team competitions such as the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup.

The Challenger Series will function as the primary pathway to the top tier, giving players opportunities to earn promotion through strong performance. Golfers who win twice on the Challenger Series will receive immediate elevation to the Championship Series.

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp described the new structure as a merit-based system that creates higher stakes and greater clarity throughout the season.

Signature Events Get Bigger

Under the new format, the 16 signature events will feature average fields of approximately 120 players, significantly larger than current signature event fields. Each tournament will remain a 72-hole stroke-play event with a cut after 36 holes to the top 65 players and ties.

Prize funds will remain substantial, with purses of at least $20 million per event.

The Championship Series season is expected to run from February through August.

Promotion and Relegation Become Reality

One of the most dramatic changes is the introduction of a true promotion-and-relegation system.

At least 90 players from the Championship Series points standings will retain their status for the following season, while 20 players will earn promotion from the Challenger Series.

Players who fall below the retention line will have one final opportunity to save their status through a new postseason "last chance" series consisting of four to six events in the fall. Those who fail to regain their standing will be relegated to the Challenger Series for the following season.

The move mirrors systems used in global soccer leagues and adds significant consequences to every event on the schedule.

New Points System Simplifies the Race

The PGA Tour will also implement a revamped points structure designed to place greater emphasis on victories, top finishes, and making cuts.

While major championships will continue to award enhanced points, the tour plans to create a more consistent system across both series to make season-long races easier for fans to follow.

Familiar Events, New Markets

Many of today's signature tournaments are expected to remain cornerstones of the future schedule, including:

AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am

Genesis Invitational

Arnold Palmer Invitational

RBC Heritage

Cadillac Championship

Truist Championship

Memorial Tournament

Travelers Championship

The PGA Tour is also targeting major metropolitan markets such as Boston, Denver, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., as potential hosts for additional Championship Series events.

Tour Championship Rotation Planned

The Tour Championship will remain at East Lake Golf Club through 2027 before beginning a rotation among some of the country's most exclusive venues.

Potential future hosts include Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey, Cypress Point Club in California, and Seminole Golf Club in Florida, while East Lake will continue to be part of the rotation.

International Expansion and Development Pathways

The revamped fall schedule will feature a limited number of elevated international tournaments co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour, providing additional opportunities for top players to compete globally.

Meanwhile, developmental pathways through the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Americas, PGA Tour University, and Q-School will remain in place as the tour continues to identify and develop future stars.

Tiger Woods Helped Shape the Future

The changes were developed by the Future Competition Committee chaired by Tiger Woods and featuring players including Patrick Cantlay, Adam Scott, Maverick McNealy, Keith Mitchell and Camilo Villegas.

Woods called the overhaul a long-term investment in the PGA Tour's future, saying the committee's goal was to improve the fan experience while creating a sustainable competitive model for players and partners.

If successful, the 2028 launch could represent the biggest structural shift in PGA Tour history, creating a system where every tournament carries greater significance and every player has a clearer path to the sport's highest level.

The 3 Worst-Rated Golf Courses in Montana: What Golfers Say About These Big Sky State Layouts

Rivers Bend

Montana is home to some of America's most spectacular golf destinations. Courses like Wilderness Club Resort, Old Works Golf Course, and Rock Creek Cattle Company routinely earn national praise for their scenery and design.

But not every course in the Treasure State receives rave reviews.

Finding truly "bad" golf courses in Montana is difficult because the state has relatively few courses and many enjoy strong local support. However, based on available golfer reviews, recommendation percentages, and player feedback, these three layouts have generated some of the lowest marks or most consistent criticism among Montana golfers.

1. Rivers Bend Golf Course (Thompson Falls)

Nestled along the Clark Fork River, Rivers Bend offers beautiful scenery, but golfer feedback has been sparse and largely unfavorable. On GolfPass, the course carries a recommendation percentage of 0%, with no positive reviews recorded in the site's rating index.

To be fair, the lack of reviews makes it difficult to draw sweeping conclusions. Still, when compared to many Montana courses that boast recommendation percentages above 90%, Rivers Bend stands out for the wrong reasons.

The course's remote location and limited visibility among traveling golfers have also contributed to its relatively low profile.

2. Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course (Red Lodge)

Red Lodge Mountain GC

Red Lodge Mountain Golf Course enjoys one of the most scenic settings in the state, sitting at the base of the Beartooth Mountains. Unfortunately, some golfers have reported conditions that fail to match the stunning backdrop.

In a discussion among golfers, one player described the course as being "run into the ground" and claimed it had "the worst greens in the state." While that's certainly one golfer's opinion, complaints about course conditioning have surfaced repeatedly in online discussions.

Most golfers agree the layout itself remains enjoyable, but inconsistent maintenance has hurt its reputation among players who expect premium conditions at a mountain resort course.

3. Eagle Bend Golf Club (Bigfork)

Eagle Bend

This inclusion may surprise some Montana golfers.

Eagle Bend is not a bad course by traditional standards. In fact, many golfers enjoy the facility. However, criticism often centers on value rather than design.

One golfer who traveled through western Montana rated Eagle Bend as the worst value among the courses he played during his trip, citing expensive green fees, average conditioning for a private club, and a layout that failed to justify the premium price. He gave the course a value rating of just 1 out of 5.

The reviewer noted that several holes felt ordinary compared to other Montana golf experiences and questioned whether the prestige matched the cost.

Again, many golfers would disagree with that assessment, but value complaints appear more frequently here than at many other highly regarded Montana courses.

A Word of Caution About "Worst" Lists

Unlike states with hundreds of public golf courses, Montana has only about 100 golf facilities statewide. Many courses are community-run operations serving small towns, making review samples much smaller than in golf-heavy states like Florida or Arizona.

As a result, a handful of negative reviews can have an outsized impact on a course's reputation.

The reality is that even Montana's lower-rated courses often deliver something special—whether it's mountain views, wildlife sightings, or a memorable small-town golf experience. In a state known for wide-open spaces and dramatic scenery, even the "worst" golf course might still offer a better backdrop than many highly rated courses elsewhere.

For golfers planning a Montana trip, the biggest challenge usually isn't avoiding bad golf—it's deciding which great course to play next.