3 Best Public Golf Courses in North Carolina You Can Play for $100 or Less

Hyland Golf Club

North Carolina is one of the best golf states in the country, but you don't necessarily need to spend $200, $300 or more to play a memorable course.

From the Sandhills to the Charlotte area, there are public-access courses that combine strong architecture, interesting layouts and reasonable green fees.

After looking at current 2026 rankings, course information and published rates, here are three North Carolina public golf courses worth putting on your list if your budget is $100 or less.

1. Hyland Golf Club — Southern Pines

• (910) 692-6400

Typical 2026 rate: About $90-$95

If you're heading to the Pinehurst/Southern Pines area and don't want to pay resort-course prices, Hyland Golf Club deserves a look.

The 18-hole public course in Southern Pines was designed by Tom Jackson and stretches to 6,723 yards. Golf Digest lists it as a public course and gives it a 3.8/5 panel rating.

More importantly for this list, current published pricing puts Hyland at $90 on weekdays and $95 on weekends in the pricing data available for 2026.

That's significant because you're playing in one of America's greatest golf destinations without automatically paying resort-level prices.

Hyland also offers the type of Sandhills setting golfers travel to North Carolina to experience: pine trees, rolling terrain and a layout that requires thoughtful shot-making.

Why play it: Pinehurst-area golf without a Pinehurst Resort price tag.

2. Rocky River Golf Club — Concord

Rocky River Golf Club

Typical 18-hole rate: $66-$86

Just outside Charlotte, Rocky River Golf Club offers a completely different experience from the Sandhills courses.

Designed by Dan Maples, the 18-hole public course stretches to nearly 7,000 yards and winds through rocky hills and natural wetlands. Golf Digest currently lists the course as public with a listed rate of $86.

Published rate information puts public 18-hole play at approximately $66 Monday through Thursday, $76 on Friday and $86 on weekends and holidays.

That's a pretty compelling combination of price and pedigree.

And there's a bonus for sports fans: the course sits near Charlotte Motor Speedway, so you can actually see and hear the racing facility during portions of the round.

Why play it: A legitimate championship-style layout for considerably less than $100.

3. Tot Hill Farm — Asheboro

Tot Hill Farm

• (336) 857-4455

Potential rate: From about $75

This might be the most intriguing course on the list.

Tot Hill Farm is another Mike Strantz creation, and if you've played Tobacco Road, you know Strantz wasn't interested in building boring golf courses.

Tot Hill Farm opened in 2000 and features dramatic elevation changes, unusual angles, rock formations and some truly memorable holes. Golf Digest describes it as a daring collection of holes and notes that the course has undergone significant improvements in recent years.

Current golf information lists green fees starting around $75, although pricing can vary by date and tee time, so you'll want to verify the exact rate before booking.

That's what makes Tot Hill especially interesting for a golfer on a budget. You're getting Mike Strantz architecture without necessarily paying the premium associated with some of the state's better-known destination courses.

Why play it: If you like dramatic golf courses with personality, Tot Hill Farm may be the most memorable round of the three.

What About Tobacco Road?

Tobacco Road is the obvious omission.

It's one of North Carolina's most highly regarded public-access courses, and the 2026 North Carolina public-course rankings have it near the top of the state's daily-fee options.

The problem is the $100 cutoff.

Current pricing information shows Tobacco Road ranging from approximately $75 to $150, depending on the date and circumstances.

So, yes, you can potentially find a round for $100 or less. But I wouldn't describe it as a reliably sub-$100 course.

That's an important distinction if you're actually planning a golf trip around a firm $100 budget.

The Bottom Line

If you're looking for North Carolina golf that won't blow through a $100 budget, these three give you very different experiences:

Hyland Golf Club gives you Sandhills golf near Pinehurst.

Rocky River Golf Club gives you a highly regarded public course near Charlotte.

Tot Hill Farm gives you the Mike Strantz experience at a potentially very reasonable price.

And if you can stretch your budget or find the right tee time, Tobacco Road is another course worth investigating.

One final warning: golf-course pricing changes by season, day of week, tee time and dynamic pricing. Always check the course's current rate before booking, especially if $100 is a hard ceiling.

SuperStroke Brand Ambassadors Jackson Koivun, Wyndham Clark and Patrick Cantlay Celebrate a Team USA Presidents Cup Triumph

16 out of 24 Presidents Cup players used SuperStroke putter grips while Clark and undefeated Koivun used SuperStroke on all 14 clubs.

(Wixom, MI) – SuperStroke, the No. 1 Putter Grip in golf and the leader in innovative Tour-proven golf grip technology, congratulates Brand Ambassadors Jackson Koivun, Wyndham Clark, and Patrick Cantlay, who helped the United States team earn a 17 – 13 come-from-behind victory in the biennial Presidents Cup matches.

Koivun – the 21-year-old PGA TOUR rookie and reigning 3M Open champion, who plays with a Zenergy Pistol 1.0 putter grip and 13 SuperStroke Crossline 2.0 Full Cord club grips – helped the U.S. team earn 2.5 points by going undefeated, winning one and halving one Fourball match and winning his crucial Singles match 2-UP on the final day of competition.

Clark – the reigning U.S. Open champion, uses 13 SuperStroke REVL Player Cord club grips on his clubs and a SuperStroke Zenergy Tour 3.0 17” putter grip – earned one point for the U.S. team in the five matches he played, going 1-4-0 despite putting up excellent putting statistics throughout the week.

Cantlay, an eight-time winner on the PGA TOUR who uses a Zenergy Flatso 1.0 putter grip, earned two points for Team USA, including a full point for his 2 & 1 Singles victory.

Clark (+3.2), Koivun (+3.11), and Cantlay (+0.78) were among the week’s leaders in Strokes Gained: Putting.

The United States team’s come-from-behind win marks the largest final-day comeback to secure the Presidents Cup. It also clinched the Americans’ 11th straight trophy with their overall record improving to 14-1-1 across 16 editions of the biennial matches.

SuperStroke Brand Ambassador Sungjae Im played admirably in five matches for the International Team, going 2-2-1 while using a Zenergy 1.0PT putter grip. Im won his Singles match convincingly, closing out his opponent on the 17th hole by a 3 & 1 margin.

In all, 16 out of 24 Presidents Cup participants were using SuperStroke’s putter grips and seven of the top 10 performers in Strokes Gained: Putting category were using SuperStroke putter grips. Koivun and Clark had SuperStroke grips on every club in their bags.

“SuperStroke congratulates the U.S. Team, including brand ambassadors Patrick Cantlay, Wyndham Clark, and Jackson Koivun, on a thrilling Presidents Cup victory,” said SuperStroke Vice President of Marketing Ryan Harris. “Seeing Jackson go undefeated in his first Presidents Cup was electrifying while exceptional play by Patrick and International Team member Sungjae Im – and 16 of the 24 players using SuperStroke Zenergy putter grips in the competition – was incredible.”

Hundreds of top professional golfers trust SuperStroke grips. In 2025, SuperStroke users won 66 tournaments on golf’s major tours, including 25 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, for a total of more than $68 million in first-place prize money in those events.

SuperStroke’s putter grip line is a product of relentless innovation, fueled by feedback from more than 600 tour pros. From signature shapes and sizes to cutting-edge materials, SuperStroke delivers unprecedented features into every putter grip while connecting golfer and putter like no other product on the market.     

For more details on SuperStroke’s range of innovative golf grips and to keep up with the latest news from the company, visit https://superstrokeusa.com.     

California Bans Tee-Time Brokers From Reselling Municipal Golf Course Reservations

California is taking aim at a practice that has frustrated golfers trying to get tee times at some of the state's busiest municipal golf courses.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation prohibiting third-party brokers from advertising, selling or transferring tee-time reservations at publicly owned golf courses without written permission from the course operator.

The new law comes after a controversy in Los Angeles involving brokers who were accused of using online booking systems to secure desirable tee times and then reselling those reservations to golfers at significantly higher prices.

According to the Los Angeles Times, some brokers were charging as much as $40 in booking fees for tee times at Los Angeles municipal courses. The practice became particularly controversial because golfers already faced difficulty getting reservations through the normal booking system.

How the tee-time scheme worked

The issue became widely known in 2024 after golf influencer Dave Fink brought attention to what was happening at Los Angeles-area municipal courses.

Brokers were allegedly using online systems to grab tee times as soon as they became available. Those reservations were then advertised on social media and other platforms, including the Korean messaging app KakaoTalk, with customers paying additional fees to obtain the coveted times.

Following Fink's reporting and videos, the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks announced an investigation into the practice.

The controversy wasn't simply about golfers paying a little extra for convenience. The concern was that people who wanted to play their local public courses were competing against third parties that were securing tee times for the purpose of resale.

And this isn't a small issue in terms of the number of courses potentially affected. California has more than 200 municipally owned golf courses, according to Assemblymember Christopher M. Ward, who authored the legislation.

California's new law targets the resale

Under the new legislation, third-party brokers cannot advertise, sell or transfer reservations at publicly owned golf courses unless they have written consent from the course operator.

Ward said public golf courses are intended to serve the communities that support them and argued that residents shouldn't have to compete with brokers purchasing tee times and reselling them at inflated prices.

The legislation represents a significant response to the debate over how public golf courses should manage increasingly limited tee-time inventory.

For golfers, the issue is bigger than California. Online tee-time booking has become an increasingly important part of the public-golf experience, and the ability to quickly secure popular times can have a major impact on who gets to play and how much they pay.

What about the brokers?

The controversy also has a legal history beyond the tee-time issue.

The Los Angeles Times reported that two tee-time brokers were arrested and charged in 2025 with failing to report $1 million in income to the IRS. One of those brokers, Ted Kim, defended his actions at the time, saying he was simply booking tee times for himself and did not believe he was doing anything illegal.

The new California legislation specifically addresses the resale of municipal-course reservations rather than simply making the act of booking a tee time through an online system illegal.

That distinction matters. The law is aimed at preventing third parties from turning public-course tee times into a resale business without authorization from the course operator.

Why this matters for public golf

Municipal golf courses are designed to provide public access to the game, and tee-time availability can be especially important for local golfers who don't have access to private clubs.

When desirable tee times disappear almost immediately after becoming available, golfers can understandably question whether they're competing against other players or against automated systems and commercial brokers.

California's new law doesn't eliminate the basic problem of limited tee times. Popular municipal courses can still be difficult to book, particularly during weekends and peak playing periods.

What it does is establish a clear restriction on one particular practice: buying or securing public-course tee times and then reselling them without the course operator's written permission.

How this affects you

If you play municipal golf in California, the new law could make it easier to understand who is legitimately selling or transferring tee times and who isn't. It does not guarantee that you'll suddenly have an easier time getting a Saturday morning tee time, but it does prohibit unauthorized third-party resale of reservations at publicly owned courses. For golfers outside California, the bigger question is whether other states or municipalities will consider similar rules as tee-time demand and online booking technology continue to evolve.

Golf Bunker Rake Rule: Should the Rake Go Inside or Outside the Bunker?

If you’ve ever played golf with someone who insists that a bunker rake must be left outside the bunker, there’s a good chance this debate has come up.

But what does the USGA actually say?

The answer might surprise you: There is no Rule of Golf requiring bunker rakes to be placed either inside or outside the bunker.

However, the USGA does have a recommendation.

The USGA recommends putting the rake outside

According to the USGA, bunker rakes should generally be placed outside the bunker and away from areas where they could interfere with play.

That's a recommendation, though, not a Rule of Golf.

So if your home course keeps its rakes inside the bunkers, that's perfectly permissible. The course's Committee can establish its preferred rake-placement policy.

Why does the USGA prefer rakes outside?

There are a couple of reasons.

One is that a rake sitting inside a bunker can create a potentially difficult situation if a golf ball comes to rest against it.

Under the Rules, a rake is a movable obstruction. If you move the rake and your ball moves, you generally have to replace the ball. But if the ball won't stay in its original position because of the slope of the bunker, things can get considerably more complicated.

There's another consideration: where golfers leave the rake inside the bunker.

Players will often leave it along the edge of the bunker, where it can potentially stop or deflect a ball and leave the next player with a difficult lie.

The USGA has specifically noted that keeping rakes outside the bunker can reduce those potential problems.

But there isn't a universal answer

This is the part that gets lost in the debate.

The USGA acknowledges that there isn't a perfect answer.

A rake outside the bunker can potentially deflect a ball into the bunker. A rake inside the bunker can affect a ball that lands in the sand.

Maintenance also matters. Some courses prefer rakes inside bunkers because it makes mowing around the bunker easier, while other courses prioritize keeping them outside and out of play.

So the best rule for golfers is pretty simple:

Follow the course's preferred rake placement.

If the course doesn't specify where the rakes should go, the USGA's recommendation is to put them outside the bunker, in a location where they are least likely to affect play and are still accessible to other golfers.

So, inside or outside?

USGA recommendation: Outside.

USGA Rule requirement: Neither.

The Committee at the golf course gets to decide.

And now I'm curious: Where do you think bunker rakes should go?

Horseshoe Bay Resort’s Private Summit Rock Clubhouse Recognized in Golf Inc.’s “Clubhouse of the Year” Honors

Sweeping Hill Country views, timeless architecture and thoughtful design shine as the private clubhouse is lauded for naturally inspired touches.

(HORSESHOE BAY, TX) – Horseshoe Bay Resort, part of the Crescent Hotels & Resorts Latitudes collection, is proud to announce its Summit Rock Clubhouse, the luxurious and thoughtfully designed gathering space for the private 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Summit Rock course, was awarded second place in Golf Inc. Magazine’s Clubhouse of the Year competition.

Set atop a majestic elevation of rocky Texas Hill Country, the Summit Rock Clubhouse was inspired by the local architecture, specifically the historic German farmhouses endemic to the region. The design has created a focal point that feels both timeless and contemporary, establishing a strong visual identity for the Summit Rock members while remaining authentically rooted to the iconic surrounding Hill Country.

“It’s a tremendous honor to have the Summit Rock Clubhouse awarded in Golf Inc.’s Clubhouse of the Year competition,” says Horseshoe Bay Resort’s Managing Director Randy Zupanski. “Our ownership, Summit Rock members, and staff feel a great sense of pride each time they enter this incredible gathering venue. The elevated, luxury design touches are awe-inspiring yet still provide a warmth and sense of home while taking great advantage of light and the expansive views of the Summit Rock course and miles and miles of amazing Hill Country panoramas.”

An artful collaboration between clubhouse architects Three Architecture, interior design firm Murphy Cramer Design, and construction contractors Jacob White Construction, the clubhouse conveys the sophistication expected of a premier private club while avoiding excessive ornamentation. The architecture relies on proportion, material authenticity and careful detailing to create a sense of permanence, warmth and understated luxury.

The Summit Rock Clubhouse’s public spaces were positioned to maximize views and natural light, while service and support functions were integrated discreetly. The resulting design minimizes unnecessary circulation, supports efficient building operations and creates a clear organizational structure for members and staff.

“The ideal golf clubhouse — as an idea — has a particularly tricky needle to thread: It needs to be enticing and alluring enough to draw people in but not overshadow the golf course itself,” the Golf Inc. editors said in the announcement of the 2026 Clubhouse of the Year winners. “The winners of our 2026 Clubhouse of the Year competition achieved that ideal in spades, while still delivering world-class facilities that would make the Hulk green with envy. The overwhelming sentiment from this year’s slate of winners was the idea that a clubhouse should be welcoming and inviting. The design ethos writ large was to encourage members and guests to linger and enjoy the atmosphere, furnishings and amenities. In a sense, the clubhouse should be somewhere you want to spend the time just as much as your own home.”

Golf Inc. editors went on to say the clubhouses showcased in the Clubhouse of the Year Awards excel at complementing the natural golfing environment, providing socially centric spaces, displaying aesthetic and functional excellence and importantly, solving operational and revenue-generating realities necessary for long-term financial feasibility.

“The vision for the Summit Rock Clubhouse was to create a gathering place that was deeply connected to the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and to celebrate the region’s rich Texas German heritage. Drawing inspiration from the warmth, craftsmanship, and timeless character of Hill Country German farmhouses, the design interprets these influences through a contemporary lens,” said Geoffrey Cramer, AIA/Partner of Murphy Cramer Design. “With carefully framed views of the course beyond, the interiors feature a thoughtful palette of natural materials, handcrafted details, refined textures, and a curated mix of furniture and artwork that create an authentic, welcoming environment that feels uniquely connected to its surroundings.”

One of the finest and most highly ranked golf courses in Texas, Summit Rock is the private, members-only golf course at Horseshoe Bay Resort. A Jack Nicklaus Signature design, Summit Rock opened in the fall of 2012. The 7,246 yard, par-72 layout covers stretches 200 spectacular acres. The course showcases the natural Texas terrain in both a lower expanse of pastureland framed by mature Texas live oaks and a majestically elevated and rugged section that showcases sweeping views of Lake LBJ and the surrounding Hill Country. An expansive practice facility complements one of the most exquisitely manicured courses in the state. The course features 007 Creeping Bentgrass on the greens, 419 Bermudagrass on the fairways and tees, with Buffalograss accents used in the naturalized roughs.  

Visit www.hsbresort.com for more information.

Max a Mandel Municipal Golf Course Named Best in Texas Under $75

(Laredo, Texas) – Max A Mandel Municipal Golf Course in Laredo has been recognized as “The Best Golf Course Under $75 In Texas” by MyGolfSpy, a leading authority in golf equipment testing and reviews.

MyGolfSpy Senior Editor Sean Fairholm stated, “A regulation-length course must offer an 18-hole rate of $75 or less during the heart of its normal golf season… The goal was to find genuinely compelling architecture, scenery, conditioning, or character at a price that keeps the course within reach of ordinary golfers.”

Designed by Robert Trent Jones II and owned by the City of Laredo, ‘The Max’ spans 270 acres of rugged Texas terrain. The course features four holes along the Rio Grande River and six that navigate deep arroyos. Fairholm noted, “Arroyos, mature mesquite trees, and substantial elevation changes distinguish it from the state’s flatter municipal courses while its remote location helps preserve its exceptional value.”

“We’re thrilled to be recognized by MyGolfSpy as one of the top golf courses in Texas,” said Max A Mandel Municipal Golf Course General Manager Jeremiah Cabrera. “Our team is committed to providing an exceptional golf experience at an affordable price.”

MyGolfSpy is an independent digital media company dedicated to golf equipment and the game of golf. Often described as the “Consumer Reports of golf,” its core goal is to provide data-driven, objective reviews on golf clubs, balls, and gear.

Opened in 2012, the golf course is named after Max A. Mandel, a Laredo banker and civic leader whose family donated the land for the project. The Max is annually ranked among the top public golf courses in Texas and is recognized as one of the best municipal golf courses in the U.S.

Indigo Sports, a Troon company, oversees golf operations, agronomy, and sales and marketing for the daily-fee golf facility. For more information on Max Mandel Municipal Golf Course, visit www.golfthemaxlaredo.com or call (956) 726-2000.

Egypt Valley Country Club Embarks on Major Golf Course Renovation

C.W. Golf Architecture leads comprehensive bunker and course enhancements across the club’s 36-hole Ridge and Valley course

(ADA, Mich.) — Egypt Valley Country Club (EVCC) has begun a significant renovation of its 36-hole golf facility, marking the first major update to the Ridge and Valley courses since they opened in 1990-91.

Led by golf course architect Christopher Wilczynski, principal and lead designer of C.W. Golf Architecture (CWGA), the project includes a comprehensive bunker renovation and targeted grading and shaping improvements throughout both courses. Construction began in August 2026 and is scheduled for completion by mid-November, with the club targeting a spring 2027 reopening.

The renovation includes the addition, rebuilding and removal of bunkers, with an emphasis on improving their visibility and strategic relationship to the golf holes. Many of EVCC’s existing bunkers feature relatively flat sand floors and grass faces, with surrounding landforms obscuring the sand from view. New flashed sand faces and reshaped bunker perimeters will create a stronger visual connection from tee to green.

The project will also soften some of the bolder shaping around several greens. Additional grading improvements are planned for Ridge No. 2 and Valley Nos. 14 and 16 to improve sightlines, maintenance and playability.

“Bunkers have an enormous influence on how golfers see and interpret a hole,” said Wilczynski. “By making the sand more visible, we can give players a clearer sense of the strategy in front of them and create a more engaging experience from tee to green. The work is intended to bring renewed character to the courses without losing the qualities that make Egypt Valley distinctive.”

EVCC is also undertaking a complete rebuild of its golf course irrigation system as part of the project.

“This is a project our membership has been looking forward to for a long time, and it’s exciting to see years of planning become a reality,” said Kyle Lundy, general manager of Egypt Valley Country Club. “Beyond the physical improvements, this is about ensuring that Egypt Valley continues to provide an exceptional golf experience for the next generation of members and their families.”

CWGA’s relationship with Egypt Valley dates to 2016, when the firm was retained to develop a comprehensive architectural master plan for the Ridge and Valley courses. Approved in 2017, the plan has since guided improvements including strategic tree removal and a renovation of the club’s practice driving range completed in late 2023.

Wilczynski also brings a connection to the courses’ original architect, having worked for and alongside Arthur Hills for nearly 20 years. Although he was not involved in the original design of Egypt Valley, his firsthand experience with Hills provides a deep understanding of the design principles and architectural approach that shaped the Ridge and Valley courses.

Golf course construction is being completed by Aspen Golf Construction of West Virginia. Michael Kuhn and Associates is responsible for irrigation design, with Thielen Turf Irrigation handling irrigation installation. Representing EVCC during construction is Jeff Holmes, the club’s longtime golf course superintendent, who retired from that role in late 2025 and is serving as construction manager for the renovation. Golf Course Superintendent Joel Larsen is helping execute the project while overseeing day-to-day management of the courses.

Egypt Valley traces its history to 1921, when it was founded as the Masonic Country Club. It became Green Ridge Country Club in 1931. More than half a century later, members voted to sell the original property and build a new club and golf facility on a rolling 357-acre site east of Grand Rapids. The Ridge and Valley courses officially opened in 1990-91.

Bernardus Delivers Historic 20th Edition of the Solheim Cup on the Global Stage

Netherlands’ first Solheim Cup welcomes 80,000 spectators as Bernardus becomes the first venue to stage the PING Junior Solheim Cup and Solheim Cup on the same course 

(Noord-Brabant, Netherlands) — For a few unforgettable days, Bernardus became the stage for the world’s leading golfers from Europe and the United States, surrounded by tens of thousands of passionate fans on the course and many more following from home. 

Held from 11–13 September, the tournament placed Bernardus in front of a global audience and concluded with Team Europe reclaiming the trophy following a dramatic 15–13 victory over the United States.

The event attracted approximately 80,000 spectators from 40 countries, creating an unforgettable atmosphere throughout the week. 

At the centre of the occasion was Bernardus’ Kyle Phillips-designed championship course, which delivered a strategic and compelling match-play test for the world’s leading players.

The course was presented to an excellent standard throughout the competition and remained resilient following heavy rain on the final morning. Its water features, strategic bunkering, contoured greens, and changing wind conditions contributed to memorable moments across all three days.

Several international media outlets highlighted the presentation and resilience of the course following Sunday’s heavy rain, alongside the atmosphere, spectator experience, and match-play drama created across Bernardus.

The week also marked the first time that the PING Junior Solheim Cup and Solheim Cup were staged on the same golf course, bringing together emerging players and some of the leading names in the women’s game at Bernardus.

Robert van der Wallen, owner of Bernardus, shared: “By hosting the Solheim Cup at Bernardus, we brought women’s sport at the very highest level closer to a broad audience, both in the Netherlands and beyond. In doing so, we are helping to grow the appreciation of women’s sport, encouraging people to get active themselves, and inspiring young athletes to dream bigger. In this way, we are investing in both sport and society.”

Beyond the action on the course, Bernardus introduced new experiences designed to bring the tournament closer to audiences in the Netherlands and around the world.

The Home of Bernardus brought the venue into the Fan Village through Bernardus wines, merchandise, and interactive activities. Bernardus Solheim Cup Radio also delivered the first dedicated live radio service in the competition’s history, covering every match across the PING Junior Solheim Cup and Solheim Cup for spectators and international listeners.

Sabine Riezebos, General Manager of Bernardus, said: “The Solheim Cup was the result of several years of preparation and an enormous collective effort. We are extremely proud of how Bernardus was presented throughout the week and of the experience created for visitors. The tournament may have finished, but its impact will remain, and we look forward to welcoming golfers and guests from around the world.”  

The Solheim Cup became the most significant event hosted at Bernardus since the destination opened in 2018. What began several years ago as a dream to bring the competition to the Netherlands became a historic week that placed Bernardus before audiences around the world.

From the atmosphere surrounding the first tee to Maja Stark’s eagle and Jennifer Kupcho’s unforgettable putts, the tournament created moments that will remain part of the venue’s story.

With the crowds now departed, golfers can experience the same fairways and greens for themselves through Bernardus’ day-membership concept, which offers unlimited golf for the day alongside access to the venue’s wider facilities.

The Solheim Cup may be over, but the course where history was made is ready to welcome its next visitors.

To find out more about Bernardus Golf, visit: www.bernardusgolf.com | https://bernardusgolf.com/day-member | https://bernardusgolf.com/golf-packages/

Ugly Rabbit Golf Launches With a Simple Message for Everyday Golfers: Play Ugly. Have Fun.

New golf lifestyle brand turns bad shots, good friends and an unlikely connection into a brand built for golfers who don’t take themselves, or their scorecards, too seriously.

(GRAND RAPIDS, MI) – Golf can be beautiful. It can also be really, really ugly.

The shank into the woods. The three-putt. The drive that somehow finds the other fairway. The round where nothing works, except the laughs, the people you’re playing with and the realization that you’re still lucky enough to be out there.

That’s the golfer Ugly Rabbit Golf was built for.

The new golf apparel and lifestyle brand founded by Tim Havens, Chief Brand Officer and Brian Darling, CEO, officially launched its online shop September 27, following the inaugural Ugly Rabbit Golf Outing at Morrison Lake Golf Club in Saranac, Michigan, on September 26.

The inaugural outing brought 32 golfers together for an afternoon that offered a fitting introduction to the brand itself: good golf was welcome, but a good time was the priority.

Its philosophy fits comfortably into four words:

Play Ugly. Have Fun.

“Life can be ugly. Golf is ugly. How do you deal with the challenges? How do you deal with adversity? How do you find the fun or the silver lining in the trials?” said Darling. “You’re going to hit bad shots. What do you do when you’re done with it? Next one.”

That philosophy may now have a name and a logo, but the idea behind Ugly Rabbit started with Havens.

A designer with a seemingly endless stream of apparel concepts, Havens had been developing the foundation for a golf brand that felt playful, bold and recognizable rather than another overly serious golf label. He called it Ugly Rabbit.

What he didn’t have yet was an actual “Rabbit.”

That part of the story starts, appropriately enough, nowhere near a golf course.

Darling, an IT operations professional by day, longtime golfer and self-described people person, had earned the nickname “Rabbit” inside an online stock-trading community through a running joke that began when another member responded “Roger” to one of his messages. Darling replied that his name was Brian.

The response: Nope. You’ve got a new name.

Sure enough, Roger became Rabbit. And Rabbit stuck.

Not long after, Darling saw Havens post a blue rabbit-patterned golf polo on LinkedIn. Obviously, Darling wanted one.

What Darling discovered was that the shirt was part of the concept Havens had already been building. Havens had the idea and creative direction. Darling already happened to be “The Rabbit.”

Naturally, a conversation followed.

“By the end of the Google Meet, we were partners,” Darling said.

Sometimes business plans are carefully engineered. Sometimes the rabbit just shows up.

BUILT FOR THE REST OF US

Ugly Rabbit enters a golf apparel market filled with premium labels, but Havens and Darling aren’t interested in competing over who can take golf most seriously. They’re building for the golfer who loves the game without needing the game to define them.

The weekend player. The municipal-course regular. The buddy-trip golfer. The parent squeezing in 18 holes when life allows it. The player who may never threaten par but absolutely knows how to have a great Saturday.

“If you’re not playing golf for a living, you’re playing it for recreation,” Darling said. “It’s supposed to be fun. Don’t let a bad shot or some adversity ruin your day, your time with your friends or your time outdoors.”

The personality may be irreverent, but the founders aren’t treating the product itself as a joke.

Ugly Rabbit’s polos pair the brand’s distinctive rabbit-driven designs with moisture-wicking fabric, breathable ventilation, 4-way stretch and UPF 50 protection. Made from an 88% polyester and 12% spandex blend, the performance details were intentional from the beginning. The initial collection also includes headwear, with additional products and a women’s collection in development.

For Havens, that balance between personality and product is important. Ugly Rabbit can have fun with golf without treating what it makes as an afterthought.

“I could probably come up with 50 new designs a day if Brian let me,” said Havens. “He’s usually the one reminding me that we actually have to sell them. That balance works for us. I get to push the creative side, Brian pushes the business side, and somewhere in the middle is Ugly Rabbit.”

Unlike brands conceived in a conference room and introduced after months of carefully orchestrated buildup, Ugly Rabbit has been developing largely in public. Havens remains the creative force behind the brand, while Darling has taken the concept and run with its business development, relationships and public-facing growth.

Together, that balance helped move Ugly Rabbit from an idea to its first inventory in a matter of months, fueled largely by the founders themselves and early enthusiasm from golfers who encountered the brand before its official launch.

RELATIONSHIPS BEFORE TRANSACTIONS

The unconventional way Ugly Rabbit came together has also influenced how the founders want it to grow.

Instead of treating every interaction as a sales opportunity, Darling sees relationships with golfers, creators, courses and complementary emerging brands as part of the foundation for what comes next.

“You can have a great product, but this thing is going to be built on the back of the relationships that we build,” Darling said. “The product will only take you so far. It’s who you know. It’s who you can talk to. It’s about being relatable.”

That approach is already creating opportunities.

Before today’s official launch, Ugly Rabbit had begun conversations around creator collaborations, podcast appearances, events and potential relationships with complementary direct-to-consumer golf companies.

The thinking is straightforward: find brands speaking to the same golfer without competing for the same sale, then figure out how both companies can help one another.

It’s an approach that fits a company that itself came together through a relationship rather than a traditional business plan. And while the opportunities surrounding Ugly Rabbit are growing quickly, the founders keep returning to the same reason the company exists in the first place.

Golf is supposed to be fun.

“I’m having so much fun doing this,” Darling said. “If I can talk to people about Ugly Rabbit, how it got started and what we’re trying to build all day long, I would. I want to make Ugly Rabbit mainstream.”

With 32 golfers gathered at Morrison Lake Golf Club for its inaugural outing, Ugly Rabbit officially put that philosophy into practice. The first chapter started exactly where it should have, on a golf course, surrounded by people having a good time.

Website: UglyRabbitGolf.com

Instagram: @uglyrabbitgolf

BirdiLens GV1 Golf Smart Glasses Bring the Course Into View

The AR golf glasses bring hole maps, yardages, hazards, and AI-assisted putting guidance from the BirdiLens app into a heads-up display

The information a golfer needs changes as the round evolves. The BirdiLens GV1 Golf Smart Glasses keep that information within view, from hole layout off the tee to putting guidance on the green.

GV1 connects to the BirdiLens app to bring selected course information into a bright heads-up display controlled by voice or touch. “A phone may already hold the information a golfer needs, but reaching for it can interrupt the rhythm of the shot,” said George Wang, Founder and CEO of BirdiLens. “GV1 brings that information into view when it is useful, helping golfers check what they need and keep the round moving.”

Keep the Course in Sight

From the tee, GV1 displays the hole layout, key yardages, and carry distance for nearby hazards. As the golfer moves down the fairway, the view shifts to distances to the front, center, and back of the green. Through the BirdiLens app, golfers can access course data for more than 40,000 courses worldwide.

Full course maps, settings, and detailed round information remain available in the BirdiLens app, while GV1 provides key information at a glance.

Voice commands and touchpad controls let golfers switch between views without repeatedly reaching for the phone, while voice-based score entry keeps the app out of the way throughout the round.

With up to 2,000 nits of brightness, the display remains visible in bright outdoor conditions. Golfers can control when the heads-up display appears, hide it before the swing, or turn it off entirely when it is not needed.

Guidance Through the Green

On the green, GV1 extends the same heads-up experience to putting. In the BirdiLens app, proprietary range technology measures the distance from the ball to the hole. AI Putting then combines that measurement with green slope and direction data to generate a suggested putting path for display on GV1.

Designed to Wear Like Golf Eyewear 

BirdiLens

At 43 grams, GV1 is designed to wear more like everyday eyewear than traditional smart glasses. A die-cast magnesium-aluminum front frame keeps the structure lightweight and rigid, while flexible beta-titanium temples help create a comfortable, low-profile fit.

The temples and pure-titanium nose pads can be adjusted independently to accommodate different head shapes and fit preferences. Weight is distributed across the nose and ears to help the glasses stay stable while walking the course, setting up over the ball, and moving through the swing.

For golfers who wear prescription lenses, GV1 uses a two-layer optical structure. The display optic remains sealed and aligned inside the frame, while an optional magnetic prescription lens can be attached or removed without disturbing the display system.

GV1 is also rated IP65 for dust and water resistance, adding protection for regular outdoor use.

Now Available

The BirdiLens GV1 Golf Smart Glasses are now available. Learn more about the product, features, and availability at BirdiLens.com.

What are the Worst Golf Courses in Each State (North Carolina)?

Tanglewood Park

North Carolina is one of America's great golf states.

From Pinehurst and Southern Pines to the Outer Banks, Charlotte and the mountains, golfers have hundreds of public courses to choose from.

But not every course gets glowing reviews.

I looked at golfer ratings and reviews on GolfPass, Tripadvisor and other current golf-review sources to find three North Carolina courses that stand out for particularly low ratings and recurring complaints.

The goal wasn't simply to find three random courses with a bad review or two. I looked for courses with a meaningful history of golfer feedback and, importantly, made sure they are still operating and available for public play in 2026.

Here's what I found.

1. Tanglewood Park Reynolds Course — Clemmons

GolfPass rating: 2.2/5 from 373 reviews

If you're looking strictly at GolfPass's overall rating and review volume, the Reynolds Course at Tanglewood Park is one of the clearest candidates for this list.

GolfPass gives the public 18-hole course just 2.2 out of 5, with particularly low marks for conditions, value and pace of play. Only 10.4% of GolfPass reviewers recommend the course.

The biggest criticism is course conditioning.

GolfPass reviewers have complained about poor tee boxes, thin or nonexistent grass in fairways and rough, questionable greens and long rounds. One 2024 reviewer described the course as having barren areas and said a round was taking so long that his group left before finishing.

Tripadvisor tells a somewhat more nuanced story. The Reynolds Course currently carries a 3.5/5 rating from 15 reviews, but recent reviews have also raised concerns about the condition of the greens and fairways. A 2024 reviewer described the greens as rough and weedy, while another complained about dirt tee boxes and barren fairways.

It's worth emphasizing that Tanglewood is not a forgotten or abandoned golf course.

Quite the opposite.

The official Tanglewood golf site confirms that the Reynolds Course remains an 18-hole public course and continues to offer tee times. Current posted rates are $39 Monday through Friday and $45 on weekends and holidays.

That makes the Reynolds Course an interesting case: the layout and history of Tanglewood are considerably better regarded than the GolfPass rating would suggest, but golfers have repeatedly focused on conditioning and pace of play.

GolfPass rating: 2.2/5

GolfPass reviews: 373

Tripadvisor: 3.5/5, 15 reviews

Public play: Yes

Stonebridge

2. Stonebridge Golf Club — Monroe

GolfPass rating: 2.6/5 from 350 reviews

Stonebridge Golf Club in Monroe is another course where the difference between the layout and the day-to-day playing experience shows up clearly in the reviews.

GolfPass gives Stonebridge an overall rating of 2.6 out of 5 from 350 reviews. The most striking numbers are the category scores: conditions, value and pace of play each score just 1.9/5, while the layout scores a much stronger 4.8.

In other words, golfers generally don't seem to hate the golf course's basic design.

The complaints tend to focus on the experience surrounding it.

One GolfPass reviewer described the layout as nice but criticized the greens and value. Another review praised the course and staff while complaining about drainage and wet conditions.

Tripadvisor is considerably more positive. Stonebridge currently has a 4.1/5 rating from 26 reviews, although a March 2025 reviewer described the course as overpriced and said it wasn't as good as it had been several years earlier.

That difference between GolfPass and Tripadvisor is important.

Depending on the platform, golfers are seeing a very different picture of Stonebridge.

The course is unquestionably still operating. Its official website currently lists tee times, golf-shop hours and 18-hole play, and the club was still conducting leagues and other golf activities in 2026.

So while the GolfPass number puts Stonebridge near the bottom of the state's currently operating courses with substantial review histories, the Tripadvisor experience is much more favorable.

GolfPass rating: 2.6/5

GolfPass reviews: 350

Tripadvisor: 4.1/5, 26 reviews

Public play: Yes

Olde Liberty

3. Olde Liberty Golf Club — Youngsville

GolfPass rating: approximately 2.8/5 from 450 reviews

Olde Liberty Golf Club is perhaps the most interesting course on this list because recent reviews suggest that the course is in the middle of a significant improvement effort.

GolfPass's rating is reported at approximately 2.8/5 from 450 reviews, placing it well below the average for North Carolina golf courses.

The complaints are familiar: fairways, tee boxes, bunkers and overall conditioning.

But there is an important twist.

Recent 2026 reviews indicate that the course is improving.

Golfers have praised the condition of the greens and noted ongoing bunker work, while others continue to criticize the fairways and tee boxes. One recent reviewer described the fairways as being in poor condition, while another said the new ownership was making noticeable improvements.

Other recent reviews are considerably harsher. On 18Birdies, golfers in 2026 have complained about poor fairway conditions, aging carts and the overall condition of the course.

At the same time, some golfers are seeing a course that is clearly headed in a different direction.

That makes Olde Liberty less of a simple "bad golf course" story and more of a course-under-construction/improvement story.

The course remains open. Current listings show an 18-hole facility with daily-fee public access, tee times and practice facilities.

GolfPass rating: approximately 2.8/5

GolfPass reviews: approximately 450

Recent 2026 reviews: Mixed, with substantial criticism of conditions but also reports of improvement

Public play: Yes

A final warning about the ratings

Online golf ratings can be misleading.

A course can have a terrible year because of weather, aeration, drainage problems, renovation or staffing issues. A course with six reviews can also have a dramatically different rating from a course with 350 or 450 reviews.

That's why I wouldn't necessarily call these the three "worst golf courses" in North Carolina.

They're better described as three currently operating North Carolina courses with unusually low ratings and/or recurring negative feedback on major golf-review platforms.

And that's an important distinction.

For golfers looking for a tee time, it's also worth checking the most recent reviews before making the drive. Conditions can change considerably from season to season.

Bottom line: If you're searching for the lowest-rated currently operating public-access golf courses in North Carolina, Tanglewood's Reynolds Course, Stonebridge Golf Club and Olde Liberty Golf Club deserve a place on the conversation.

Sun Mountain Expands 2026 Apparel Collection

New outerwear, layers and everyday essentials combine all weather performance with style and versatility beyond the course

(MISSOULA, Montana) – Sun Mountain Sports has introduced its new 2026 apparel collection for men and women, expanding its range with new jackets, vests, layering pieces, hoodies and everyday essentials designed for the changing conditions of golf.

The collection provides comfort, protection and freedom of movement through cooler temperatures, sun, wind and rain, with colors and styling that give the pieces versatility well beyond the course.

“Sun Mountain continues to evolve as a brand, but our focus remains the same: committed golfers,” said Grant Lordan, Sun Mountain senior director of marketing and brand strategy. “One of the things that makes golf so great is that the elements are always part of the experience. We’ve spent 45 years understanding what golfers expect from the products they use, and we’re bringing that same thinking to how we evolve our apparel offerings. That means comfort and freedom of movement on the course, along with the style and versatility to wear those pieces well beyond the round.”

Among the new 2026 styles are the Torren Jacket and Vest, Motcha Q-Zip, Soltra Sun Hoodie and Payton Hoodie for men and women.

The men’s collection also adds the Kelson Full-Zip Jacket and Vest, Larevo Jacket and Vest, Peak Full-Zip Jacket and Vest, TQR Standard Hoodie and TQR Standard Pocket Crew. New women’s offerings include the All Day Vest and TQR Standard Crew.

The new collection of rain, cold, sun, and comfort pieces reflects Sun Mountain’s TQR Standard – Trust, Quality and Reliability – which has guided the company since 1981.

For more information, visit SunMountain.com.

Troon Selected to Manage Los Lagos and Ebony Hills Golf Courses in Edinburg, Texas

(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 Los Lagos Golf Course and Ebony Hills Golf Course for the City of Edinburg, Texas. Indigo Sports, a Troon company, will oversee golf operations, agronomy, food and beverage, as well as sales and marketing for the two municipal golf facilities. The strategic partnership aims to enhance the quality of life for local residents, boost municipal tourism, and stimulate economic growth across the Rio Grande Valley.

Los Lagos Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course designed by Robert Von Hagge, opened in 2001. The par-72, 7,188-yard links-style layout features 11 acres of lakes, Bermuda grass tees and greens, and is recognized as one of the top public courses in the region. Additional amenities at Los Lagos include a lighted driving range, a short game area with a putting green, chipping area and practice bunker. The clubhouse is home to the Putter’s Grill and a golf shop.

Ebony Hills Golf Course, established in 1927, is a 9-hole course designed by John Bredemus. Spanning 3,022 yards with a par of 35, the course is named for the ebony trees lining its fairways and offers a shorter, more casual round. Crews are currently constructing a two-story building that will include a new golf operations hub on the first floor, a golf cart storage facility and a workforce resource center and conference spaces on the second floor. The building is scheduled to open in the summer of 2027.

"This partnership with Troon is a hole-in-one," said City of Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa. "The history of golf in Edinburg is very special, and there's a lot to it. It's more than recreation; it's family, it's community, and it's economic development. Golf in Edinburg is a pastime that's been woven through the fabric of our own history."

"We are equally as excited as the city to be involved in this partnership and to bring these golf courses to the level of quality that the residents deserve and expect," said Troon Vice President of Operations Jeff Thomasson. "Our sales and marketing mechanisms will be brought to bear. We will drive an immense amount of interest and participation at both facilities."

Troon is the largest operator of municipal golf facilities in the U.S., managing over 150 courses. The company's relationships with municipalities are structured through management agreements, lease agreements, or a combination of both, tailored to each municipality's needs. Troon is also the leading employer of PGA professionals.

For more information on Los Lagos and Ebony Hills Golf Courses, visit www.cityofedinburg.com/community/golf_course.

How This Public Golf Course Doubled Revenue With Dynamic Pricing, Cookies and Pancakes

Personal touches are key to standing out in today’s daily fee golf course market

With more people playing public golf than in previous generations, daily-fee golf courses have an opportunity to engender a unique kind of customer loyalty. While private clubs rely on familiar culture, member fees and dues to bolster revenue, public courses across the nation must employ programming and allegiance-driving techniques to keep their fair share of happy and engaged golfers.

Perched on Charleston Harbor's edge with views of Fort Sumter, Patriots Point Links might seem like a course that uses its visibility and prime waterfront location as its calling card, but growing its business requires more than a picturesque location. Managed by Bobby Jones Links, the facility has had its hurdles, and GM Brad Parker is tackling them head-on.

Parker, a Buffalo, New York native who has been at the helm for 14 years, sees the 1979 Willard Byrd design as a solid layout that a renovation could truly elevate. Currently, the strategy for driving revenue centers on aggressive pricing and unique amenities that distinguish the club from other daily-fee operations.

Since the pandemic, the club has leaned into dynamic pricing. While many courses rely on third-party algorithms like GolfNow, Parker prefers a more manual, intuitive approach to managing the tee sheet.

Everything is handled in-house. Parker, who also oversees regional operations for BJL, adjusts rates several times a week based on demand, local events, and the weather forecast. These aren't minor tweaks; he moves the needle by $15 to $20 at a time.

If play remains steady, Patriot’s Point holds steady. Post-COVID, the integrity of the rate has been remarkable. Growth over the last three years has been significant.

Retaining loyal customers, though, has never been an exact science. Parker and his team have employed some distinctive personal touches to stand out in the hearts and minds of golfers. He says the feel of the club is enhanced by offerings like warm cookies in the winter and pancakes that Parker flips himself on a Blackstone griddle outside the clubhouse. Since the facility lacks a full kitchen, they've had to use some creativity with the local menu.

Without a hood for cooking, the snack bar now uses air fryers and hot boxes to serve fried chicken sandwiches. They've also found a winner in a frozen Transfusion machine that serves up a local rarity that moves quickly during sunny rounds.

The results are tangible and well worth noting: roughly $450,000 in annual snack bar revenue against 38,000 rounds. That averages out to about $12 to $14 per golfer at the turn.

Instruction and the lighted range, open until 9 p.m., are also key contributors to success. On the digital front, new social media director Lillian Stackhouse, who has a Disney background, uses drone footage among other strategies to grow the club's online presence. Parker trusts her creative mindset to help keep the brand fresh.

In 2019, revenue sat at $2.5 million. Today, projections are on pace for $4.8 million. Doubling the top line in six years is a significant milestone for the property.

The future could hold even more for this venerable Lowcountry mainstay. Patriot’s Point’s owners have explored the viability of a future golf course renovation with a vision to push the course into the Top 100 rankings. That plan would also call for taking strategic advantage of the prime, scenic locale and incorporating a premium stay-and-play component – an alluring notion in a coastal market already known for legendary golf travel opportunities.

Throughout his 17-year tenure at Bobby Jones Links, Parker has valued the autonomy and support provided by BJL. Having worked with other management firms, he notes that this partnership has been a “really good ride.”

He likes that he can call for help and get challenged or backed up when needed. It's a culture of direct access rather than corporate layers.

Resources are just a phone call or email away. At BJL, you can reach anyone in any department immediately -- a level of transparency Parker hasn't found elsewhere. And, for the long term, this daily-fee property has found a formula to keep its team and its clientele coming back for more.

Stonetree Golf Club Completes Multi-million-dollar Renovation in Novato, California

(Novato, California) – StoneTree Golf Club in Novato, California, has completed a comprehensive multi-million-dollar renovation, improving playability and accessibility for golfers of every skill level. The project ran from November 2025 to April 2026 with minimal disruption to the daily member experience.

A new set of “green” tees, positioned ahead of the existing “white” tees, was introduced to better accommodate new golfers, juniors, and seniors. The broader renovation also included a full bunker overhaul (roughly 10 bunkers removed, 10 relocated, and 10 rebuilt in place), tee box work on 75 percent of holes, and a full irrigation system upgrade.

The renovation was designed to improve course conditions overall: the new bunkers make maintenance more efficient, and the upgraded irrigation system improves turf firmness and speed while reducing water use. The changes aim to make the course more accessible, ensuring that while low-handicap players will still be challenged, high-handicap players will have more forgiving shot options since bunkers that were primarily in play for high-handicap golfers have been removed to improve pace of play.

“Our goal was to create a more enjoyable and accessible experience for all golfers. So far, average pace of play has decreased by about 10 minutes to 4 hours, and the lower handicap is still seeing the course as the challenge it was before while the higher handicap is seeing an easier and more enjoyable round of golf” said Bay Club Chief Customer Officer Ryan Burke. “These enhancements reflect our commitment to providing top-tier facilities and a welcoming environment for all members and their guests, regardless of their golf abilities.”

StoneTree Golf Club, established in 2000, is an 18-hole championship course designed by Johnny Miller, Sandy Tatum, Jim Summers, and Fred Bliss. The course spans 132 acres of pristine greens, shaded oak groves, and rolling hills in Marin County. Operated as part of the Bay Club’s Marin campus, it offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. In 2014, Bay Club acquired StoneTree, which had previously operated as a public golf facility. Throughout its ownership, Bay Club has invested capital including building a 27 acre, state-of-the-art driving range and practice facility from land acquired through the County of Marin. As part of membership at StoneTree, members receive access to the greater Bay Club community including top athletic, fitness, and sport facilities.

The renovation underscores Bay Club’s dedication to maintaining high-quality facilities and enhancing the golf experience for its members and guests.

For more information about StoneTree Golf Club, visit www.bayclubs.com/clubs/stonetree. 

Zinkand Golf Design Completes The Scurry at Chechessee Creek Club

New 12-Hole Course Opens for Member Play With a Bold Ground Game, Strategic Options and One Very Unusual Golf Course Feature

(CHARLOTTE, N.C.) – Zinkand Golf Design (ZGD) – led by golf course architect David Zinkand and his more than 25 years of experience designing, managing and shaping projects in the field – has completed The Scurry, a new 12-hole course at Okatie, South Carolina’s Chechessee Creek Club. The course opened for member play on September 1.

Rather than using length to create difficulty, The Scurry relies on angles, contours, hazards and choices. Short par 4s and par 3s unfold through a Lowcountry landscape of live oaks, wetlands and native vegetation, while expansive areas of low-mown turf surrounding the greens create a ground game that can reward creativity just as readily as precision.

“The course is really about options,” said Zinkand. “You can challenge a hazard and create a better angle, play away from trouble and accept a more difficult approach or use the contours around the greens to your advantage. We wanted those decisions to be fun for every player, regardless of ability.”

For Chechessee, bringing the concept to life was as much about the collaborative process as the finished product.

“Working with Dave and the entire Zinkand Golf Design team has been a terrific experience from the beginning,” said Bill Kennedy, general manager of Chechessee Creek Club. “They understood what we wanted The Scurry to become and brought a tremendous amount of creativity and thoughtfulness to the project. Our members’ feedback to the course has been incredibly positive; they’re having fun with the variety of shots and options.”

Construction on The Scurry began in Spring 2025. The finished course provides Chechessee Creek members with a compact alternative to the club’s existing 18-hole Coore & Crenshaw-designed course, creating opportunities to expand on a day’s golf with another dozen holes or play a meaningful round when time is limited.

The opening five holes form a par-3 loop that moves through a continuous expanse of turf. Its generous playing corridors make the loop approachable for beginners, higher-handicap players and younger golfers, while changes in length, orientation and green design continue to test accomplished players.

The remaining seven holes turn up the strategic pressure without abandoning The Scurry’s emphasis on playability. The sixth is a short par 4 where players decide how much of the live oaks along the inside of the fairway they want to challenge. The seventh requires a carry over wetland to a high green, with an aggressive line rewarded.

At the eighth, the golf course crosses another wetland before arriving at a punchbowl green framed by a large front bunker. The ninth follows with a tightly bunkered, domed green, while the 10th presents a gracefully contoured target with a pronounced false front. The 11th offers plenty of room from the tee but uses the bunkering configuration to create multiple strategic choices. The final hole is a par 3 played over native vegetation to a green tucked into a towering pine grove.

Throughout The Scurry, ZGD used the ground surrounding the greens as an extension of the putting surface. Bumps, ridges and spines can feed balls toward pins, repel them from targets or provide recovery routes.

“The low-mown areas allow the ground to become part of the strategy,” said Zinkand. “Sometimes the contours help you and sometimes they don’t. They create opportunities to use imagination rather than simply hitting another conventional pitch or chip.”

The course also places an unusual emphasis on the landscape beyond the playing surfaces. ZGD, guided by one of its three stated strategic principles (genius loci, or sense of place), preserved and incorporated native Lowcountry vegetation while creating varied habitats and ground formations intended to increase ecological diversity and reinforce the site’s natural character.

That approach culminates in one of The Scurry’s most distinctive features: a carnivorous plant bog beside the eighth tee. ZGD excavated a cavity, installed an impermeable liner and an outlet to regulate moisture, then planted the bog with pitcher plants, Venus flytraps and other moisture-dependent species.

“It is definitely something golfers don’t expect to see on a golf course,” said Zinkand. “But it fits the character of the site and the experience we wanted to create. There are a lot of moments where the natural landscape is doing something interesting, and the bog is probably the most memorable.”

The result is a course designed to feel distinctly of its place while offering a different kind of challenge from the club’s existing 18 holes.

For more information about ZGD, visit zinkandgolfdesign.com or @zinkandgolfdesign on Instagram.

Scotty Cameron Introduces Limited-Edition Phantom OC Spec III Putters

(CARLSBAD, Calif.) — Scotty Cameron introduces the new limited-edition Phantom OC Spec III putters, pairing all-black configurations and high-contrast sightlines with the low-torque Phantom 5 and 11R OC designs.

Scotty Cameron OC (Onset Center) putters combine low-torque performance with exceptional feel and feedback, promoting a square-to-the-path delivery while keeping golfers connected to the putting stroke. “Onset Center” refers to the putter’s shaft position, which is set back of the putter head’s leading edge (Onset) and in line with its center of gravity (Center) to help minimize torque and simplify the putting stroke.

The new Scotty Cameron Phantom OC Spec III mallets are named after the highly optimized Spec III performance builds in the automotive world, where all components and modifications operate harmoniously to produce ultimate performance. Both models are equipped with a glare-free, durable PVD black finish as well as three high-contrast sightlines to help lock in alignment and frame the golf ball at address. A custom black mid-size Matador grip and a black steel shaft round out the limited-edition all-black setup.

New Scotty Cameron Spec III OC putters will be in golf shops beginning October 1.

MODEL OVERVIEW

Phantom 5 OC Spec III

A longstanding favorite of Scotty Cameron’s mallet head shapes across the worldwide professional tours, the Phantom 5 is a modern wingback design with a compact profile. The Phantom 5 OC Spec III model delivers low-torque performance with a black PVD finish and three high-contrast sightlines to frame the golf ball and lock in start lines. This model benefits from Scotty Cameron’s full-face Studio Carbon Steel (SCS) insert with chain-link face milling for a softer sound and feel off the face.

Phantom 11R OC Spec III

Scotty Cameron's Phantom 11R is a stable, high-MOI mallet with a tour-inspired rounded shape. The new Phantom 11R OC Spec III delivers low-torque performance with a black PVD finish and three high-contrast sightlines to frame the golf ball and lock in start lines. This model leverages Scotty’s chain-link face milling for a responsive, soft feel at impact.

The Phantom 11R OC Spec III is available as a left-handed option as well.

SPECS

Available lengths: 33, 34, 35 inches

Loft: 3.5 degrees

Lie angle: 70 degrees

Shaft lean: 1 degree

Dexterity: RH (Phantom 5 OC Spec III, Phantom 11R OC Spec III), LH (Phantom 11R OC Spec III)

FAQs

Are OC models zero-torque putters?

OC putters are low torque, as the act of putting introduces some amount of torque, no matter the design. Compared to other Scotty Cameron offerings, OC putters deliver the lowest torque design for a square-to-the-path delivery.

What kind of golfers would benefit most from OC?

OC putters will best fit players looking to minimize face rotation and feel a straight-back-and-through stroke. Design elements like minimal shaft lean (one degree), familiar head shapes from the Phantom family, and a conventional grip style (tapered mid-size Matador) help facilitate a smooth transition from more traditional putter setups.

How do OC putters maintain feel and feedback?

A priority throughout the OC design process was to mitigate loss of feel and feedback. OC putters feature a slightly stiffer shaft that complements the 15-gram heavier head weights and maintains flex properties that preserve the feel of the clubhead. The Phantom 5 OC Spec III’s SCS insert and Phantom 11R OC Spec III’s full-face chain-link milling pattern provide a familiar soft feel off the face at impact, and a tapered mid-size Matador grip offers a comfortable connection to the stroke through the hands.

AVAILABILITY

Scotty Cameron Phantom OC Spec III putters are now available for pre-sale on Titleist.com and will be landing in golf shops in limited quantities on October 1. MAP: $800

Epson Tour Championship Returns to Indian Wells Golf Resort Next Week

(INDIAN WELLS, CA) — The City of Indian Wells is proud to continue as the presenting sponsor of the Epson Tour Championship for the third consecutive year in 2026. The Epson Tour's season-ending showcase event will take place on the newly redesigned Players Course at Indian Wells Golf Resort the week of September 28 - October 4, 2026.

As the final tournament of the year, after the conclusion of the championship, the top 15 finishers on the Epson Tour's season-long "Race for the Card" will earn their LPGA Tour cards for the 2027 season. Exciting changes to the tournament format this year include the field being limited to the top 80 players on the Race for the Card standings, and the 72-hole championship will now feature a no-cut format. The total purse will be $250,000, with the winner earning $100,000, a first in the 46-year history of the tour.

In addition to attending the Epson Tour Championship, golf fans have a rare opportunity to be part of the action during the official Pro-Am held on Wednesday of tournament week, playing the course alongside a future LPGA Tour star.

"As a premier golf destination, we are excited to once again welcome the Epson Tour Championship to Indian Wells," said Dr. Toper Taylor, mayor of Indian Wells. "The Epson Tour brings some of the most talented professional women golfers to our community and provides an incredible opportunity for residents, visitors, and golf fans to experience championship-caliber competition right here in Indian Wells."

"Indian Wells has become the perfect stage for the Epson Tour to crown its season, and we couldn't ask for a better partner in the City of Indian Wells," said Jody Brothers, GM of the Epson Tour. "The newly redesigned Players Course gives our athletes a true championship test, and the backdrop of the Coachella Valley creates an unforgettable setting for the final push toward LPGA Tour cards. This is where dreams are realized, and there's no place we'd rather do it."

For more information on the Epson Tour Championship, visit www.epsontourchampionship.com. For more information about the City of Indian Wells, visit www.CityOfIndianWells.org.