Landscapes Golf Management Selected to Manage Wild Ridge, Mill Run Golf Courses in Eu Claire, Wisconsin

Landscapes Golf Management has been selected to manage Wild Ridge and Mill Run golf courses at the Wild Ridge Golf and Event Center in Eau Claire, Wis.

The engagement was awarded based on Landscapes Golf Management’s stellar record of producing healthy business returns for similar courses nationwide.

Primed to advance Wild Ridge and Mill Run’s status as the area’s premier public golf and event venue, Landscapes Golf Management is focused on enhancing service levels, programming and turf conditions alongside modern-day marketing, including new golfer loyalty programs.

"In light of the retirement of our general manager and food-and-beverage manager, our RFP Review Committee embarked on a nationwide search for a third-party operator to help us build on our success the past two decades," said Darin McFadden, President of the Wild Ridge Golf and Event Center ownership group.  “Landscapes Golf Management delved deep into our business needs and presents the most promising opportunity to achieve our objectives and elevate our business to new heights.”

“We are primed to hit the ground running,” said Tom Everett, President of Landscapes Golf Management.  “Our primary objective is to show the community the utmost in golf course, event and overall social and recreational enjoyment while serving as a business driver for Wild Ridge Event Center ownership.”

An 18-hole, links-style layout that provides the only true championship golf experience in Western Wisconsin’s Chippewa Valley, Wild Ridge presents five sets of tees from 5,200 to 7,000-plus yards.  Golfers are wowed by spectacular views, dramatic elevation changes, incredible sunsets from the clubhouse overlooking the back nine and abundant wildlife, including deer, turkeys and eagles.

Mill Run has been a favorite for golfers of every age and ability for more than 35 years.  Built in a quiet, park-like setting, the layout is rife with strategically placed bunkers and hazards, and subtly breaking greens to challenge better players and provide reprieves for others.  Golfers love the walkability from 4,750 to 6,100 yards, getting in their required exercise time and again.

Wild Ridge and Mill Run boast one of the Chippewa Valley’s only full-length natural grass tee practice range with nine target greens, two practice greens and a chipping green with sand bunker.  PGA instructors are known throughout the community to rapidly help improve their students’ games.

Banquet facilities include a ballroom with indoor seating for up to 300 guests and floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views of the golf course, an event patio also overlooking the course and an outdoor site specifically for weddings and other ceremonies.  The range of catering includes menus from casual to exquisite, and almost every other accoutrement imaginable makes weddings, business meetings and special occasions memories for a lifetime.

Hideki Matsuyama Shines on Sunday, Takes Hero World Challenge in Playoff

Delivering a sizzling Sunday finish, Srixon staffer Hideki Matsuyama captured the Hero World Challenge in a playoff, earning his second career title at the event and marking his first appearance since 2018.

Matsuyama closed the week at 22-under par, including an impressive 8-under 64 on Sunday, before winning in a playoff with a decisive approach shot that he stuck inside five feet to set up the victory.

Matsuyama’s world-class precision was on full display throughout the tournament. He tied for first in Strokes Gained: Total (9.7), finished top 10 in Approach, and dominated the field in Strokes Gained: Around the Green (1st) and Scrambling (1st), getting up-and-down on 18 of 20 chances. This balanced, high-level performance powered Matsuyama to the top of an elite field and delivered his second win of the season and his 12th PGA TOUR victory overall.

Matsuyama trusted a full lineup of Srixon and Cleveland Golf products throughout the week, including:

- Srixon ZXi LS 9.5° Driver

- Srixon Z-Forged II Irons (4i-9i)

- Cleveland Golf RTX 4 Forged Wedges (48°, 52°, 56°, 60°)

- Srixon Z-STAR XV Golf Ball

From precise iron play to steady driving and elite wedge play, Matsuyama once again displayed the trademark consistency that has shaped his career, alongside his trusted equipment.

This week also featured strong performances across Team Srixon, including top-five finishes by Sepp Straka and J.J Spaun, further highlighting the dominant presence Srixon players have had on leaderboards all season.

For more information on Srixon, visit us.dunlopsports.com/srixon.

Kā‘anapali Awarded Indigo Sports Facility of the Year, West

West Maui’s outstanding performer was recognized during the 2025 Troon Global Leadership Conference

Kā‘anapali Golf Courses on Maui has been named the Indigo Sports’ Facility of the Year, West Region for outstanding operational performance and service excellence at Troon-affiliated facilities. The accolade was announced during the 2025 Troon Global Leadership Conference Classic held Nov. 18–20 in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“With so many exceptional facilities across Troon’s vast portfolio, we were incredibly honored,” reflected Karl Reul, General Manager, Kā‘anapali Golf Courses. “This was a team win for our dedicated staff, loyal locals, repeat guests and hospitality partners who contributed to this award.”

In 2023, the island of Maui and state of Hawai‘i were forever changed. The largest natural disaster in state history tragically left thousands of residents temporarily homeless, including employees of Kā‘anapali Golf Courses, destroyed businesses and much of the historic town of Lahaina.

Two years later, the Facility of the Year, West Region award represents a tremendous comeback, not only for Kā‘anapali, but also the Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Association, West Maui community and Troon Hawai‘i.

Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, annually hosts the Global Leadership Conference. Under the theme “Building Greatness With Purpose” the 2025 Conference featured keynote speakers, special guests (including 2025 U.S. Open Champion JJ Spaun), group training sessions and company updates. In total, more than 520 Troon Associates attended the conference including managers from 209 Troon-affiliated facilities.  Indigo Sports is part of the Troon family of brands that also includes Troon Golf, Troon International, Troon Privé, ICON Management, CADDIEMASTER and Cliff Drysdale Tennis.

Notable features contributing to Kā‘anapali’s award included:

- Increased rounds and revenue YoY, almost back to pre-fire capacity.

- Events and Operations Team: Led by Sherrie Golden, Chris Smallmon and Susan Havens, had tremendous outside the box thinking and success with course buyouts for corporate group events, corporate and social team building, range events and more.

- Agronomy: Led by Kirk Bender, the overall quality of course conditions have substantially improved, especially on Royal Kā‘anapali.

- Charity: Over 30 fundraising events have been held, including notable events for Kapiolani Women and Children’s Hospital, Annual Children’s Miracle Network, Maui Hotel & Lodging Association Charity Walk fundraising events, Hawai‘i Food and Wine Festival with Roy Yamaguchi, the Hawai‘i Ag and Culinary Alliance and Lahainaluna High School events.

- Junior Programming: The First Tee – Hawai‘i, Lahaina Junior Golf Association, U.S Kids Golf, Hawai‘i State Junior Golf Association and Operations 36.

- Education: Host STEM-like training for keiki to showcase Hawai‘i-based job opportunities, and serve as the host course for two local high schools (at no cost).

- Tournaments: Marquee events include the annual Kā‘anapali Classic by OUTRIGGER (hosted by University of Hawai‘i Men’s Golf), Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational (hosted by University of Hawai‘i Women’s Golf), Southwest Maui Invitational Golf Championship and upcoming 2026 Big West Women’s Golf Championship.

We have 11 places to stay, 45 dining options and two shopping centers, yet Kā‘anapali Golf Courses play a critically important role in offering outdoor recreation and fun that our guests keep coming back to,” described Shelley Kekuna, executive director of the Kā‘anapali Beach Resort Association. “As authentic experiences and eco-conscious travel continues to rise, our golf courses are primed to successfully serve kamaʻāina, residents and guests for decades to come.”

“Our golf course management team has shined in financial organization, while expertly navigating shifting business and political volumes,” remarked Michael Rock, senior vice president and head of asset management for Host Hotels & Resorts. In addition to owning Kā‘anapali Golf Courses, Host’s Hawaiian portfolio includes three resorts on Maui and two on O‘ahu. “Their continued commitment to building deep community relationships has been invaluable.”

Hawai‘i’s first planned resort, a model for resorts around the world, boasts 11 hotels, two championship golf courses, world-class dining and shopping. Kā‘anapali is a 45-minute drive from Maui’s main airport, Kahului Airport (OGG), and 10-minute drive from Kapalua Airport (JHM).

Indian Wells Golf Resort Announces Grand Reopening of the Players Course

Dec. 2nd Ribbon-Cutting Celebrates Renovation Project by John Fought Design

Indian Wells Golf Resort – the world-class golf, vacation, culinary and events destination located in the picturesque Coachella Valley – announces the reopening of its acclaimed Players Course for residents and resort guests following a comprehensive renovation led by acclaimed architect John Fought.

The new-look Players Course will be showcased to the public following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 2. Headlining the most notable changes to the golf course is the redesign of the 9th, 17th and 18th holes. Previously separated from the rest of the golf course by the Whitewater Wash, the par-3 No. 17 and par-4 No. 18 holes have been relocated to the north side of the wash to streamline the dramatic home-stretch of the layout that played host to the 2024 Epson Tour Championship. Additionally, the par-5 ninth is now closer to the resort’s clubhouse to improve access to food and beverage amenities at the turn.

The project also featured a “refresh” of the bunkers, tee boxes and greens on each hole to ensure a consistent and exceptional playing experience. Off the course, part of the renovation project includes a new fire-access road that will allow fire trucks and other heavy vehicles to traverse the wash between the clubhouse and the heart of the Players Course.

“We are beyond excited to showcase our fantastic new Players Course to the golfing world,” says Robin Graf, general manager of Indian Wells Golf Resort. “Our Indian Wells residents and resort guests will quickly discover that one of the heralded municipal courses in both California and the U.S. is now even better thanks to the incredible vision and expertise of John Fought and his team.”

Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, was proud to partner with the Indian Wells City Council and the resort management team to negotiate the contractor agreement, oversee all consultants, manage budgeting and billing to stay within budget and help coordinate construction schedules to ensure timely project completion.

Originally designed by Fought in 2007, the Players Course has routinely ranked among the top public-access golf courses in the country. The structural changes made during the renovation will enhance the playability of the renowned course while also preparing the layout for its role as host of elite professional golf championships.

“The Players Course has been among the top golf courses in California ever since we first broke ground here in 2007, and we had the opportunity to not only refresh the entire golf course, but also to complete our original vision of the layout,” says Fought. “It’s been a pleasure to return to one of my favorite golf courses and one that I have many fond memories of, and I’m confident that the renovated Players Course will create new memories for golfers for many years to come.”

Indian Wells Golf Resort recently hosted the 2025 season-ending “Race for the Card” Epson Tour Championship contested this year on its exceptional Celebrity Course, from Oct. 2 – 5. The championship was contested on the Players Course in 2024 and is due to return as the host of the championship in 2026 following the renovation.

Indian Wells Golf Resort also now showcases its new critically-acclaimed restaurant, Kestrel. Born from the creative mind of celebrity chef Richard Blais, Kestrel is located on the top floor of the clubhouse and opened in late 2024. With a menu inspired by Blais’ take on fresh California cuisine, the new restaurant and bar is the perfect setting for a night out or elevated post-round fare.

For more information about Indian Wells Golf Resort, www.indianwellsgolfresort.com.

Salgados Golf Club Named World’s Best Golf Course Renovation 2025 by the World Golf Awards

Salgados Golf Club part of Algarve Marriott Salgados Golf & Spa Resort has been named the World’s Best Golf Course Renovation 2025 by the World Golf Awards – the leading authority that identifies and rewards excellence in golf tourism. The 12th annual World Golf Awards were announced in Madeira, Portugal on November 13.

This inaugural award is a first in its category and was designed to recognize comprehensive achievements and impact from a renovation project, with benchmark criteria including such factors as: scope of work, completion time frame, meeting budget parameters, and overall facility financial impact from pre-project to post-project. 

Salgados Golf Club’s €3.2 million facility renovation took place over four months, from November 2024 through February 2025, and included the installation of a new Rain Bird irrigation system across all 18 holes, a full bunker refresh, levelling and returfing every tee complex, and the construction of a new par-3 island green signature hole.  Completion of the intensive scope of work, on time and under budget, led to the nomination, which was further strengthened by the 29% growth in sales since reopening. 

“Highgate Portugal has been reinvigorating the golf and hospitality experiences at Salgados since 2023,” said Jon Schauder, Troon Executive at Salgados Golf Club. “This recognition by the World Golf Awards is an exciting acknowledgement of the Highgate Portugal and Troon collaboration, which springboards Salgados into its next chapter and further cements it as a favorite destination in the Algarve.”

Ben Thomas, COO of Highgate Europe, added, “Having Troon organize and lead these projects was a critical component in achieving success with our investment and ensuring our guests would have a well-planned and thought-out product for years to come.  The process and execution were efficient with money well spent; the deliverables speak volumes to the capabilities of Troon and their work with our Highgate Portugal team.”

Located on the Algarve coast near Salgados Beach and Salgados Lagoon Nature Reserve, the 18-hole Salgados Golf Club sits among a stellar selection of on-site Highgate Portugal accommodation options, which recently joined the esteemed Marriott Hotels & Resorts portfolio in 2025: Algarve Marriott Salgados Golf Resort & Spa; Marriott Residences Salgados Resort, Algarve; and Westin Salgados Beach Resort, Algarve.  All properties have benefited from redesigns and refurbishments across their accommodation, public spaces and food and beverage outlets to offer the exceptional amenities synonymous with Marriott locations.

Troon was appointed by Highgate Portugal to oversee golf operations, course agronomy along with sales and marketing efforts at Salgados Golf Club in 2023. 

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

Western Golf Association Raises $1.2M for Caddies at 2025 Green Coat Gala

The Western Golf Association (WGA) hosted its 14th annual Green Coat Gala presented by Peter Millar on Friday, Nov. 7, raising over $1.2 million to help send deserving caddies to college through the Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF). 

More than 315 supporters attended the black-tie affair at The Peninsula Chicago. All proceeds support the Evans Scholarship, a prestigious full housing and tuition college grant offered to golf caddies. 

The evening featured special guests Jim “Bones” Mackay and John Wood—both longtime PGA TOUR caddies turned broadcasters. 

“It’s incredible how far the profession of caddying has come,” said Mackay. “I’m just blown away by what it has done in the lives of thousands of young people through the Western Golf Association. It’s an absolute honor to be here tonight.”

Steve Sands, veteran on-air personality and tower announcer for NBC and Golf Channel, held a fireside chat with Mackay and Wood, where they touched on their caddying careers, memorable moments and how the caddie-golfer partnership has evolved.

The evening also included the induction of Evans Scholar alumnus and business executive Frank Polizzi into the Caddie Hall of Fame, recognizing his use of caddying as a steppingstone to professional success and his dedication to supporting youth caddies.

A native of Chicago, Polizzi caddied at Oak Park Country Club in River Grove, Illinois, and earned the Evans Scholarship to the University of Illinois. He is the founder of Mass Marketing Insurance Group. A longtime supporter of youth caddying, Polizzi has funded the Eastern Caddie Academy since its inception in 2018 and has committed significant time and resources in support of the Evans Scholars Program at the University of Illinois, where the chapter’s two Scholarship Houses are named in his honor. 

Guests also heard from featured Evans Scholar Lilly Varner. She recently graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in political science. Varner caddied at Rose City Golf Course in Portland as part of the EAGLE Caddie Program. She shared the story of her family’s experience with housing instability and how caddying and the Evans Scholarship put her on a new path. 

“Caddying opened the door to a new community I didn’t realize I needed,” said Varner. “School distracted me from the reality of being homeless, but the golf course gave me not only a way to earn money to take some of the burden off my mom—but also hope and excitement for the future. I am forever grateful to my Evans community for offering the stability and security I needed.” 

Currently, a record 1,260 Evans Scholars are enrolled at 27 universities across the country, and more than 12,575 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr.

“For deserving caddies across the country, like Lilly, the opportunities that a college education can provide are more critical than ever,” said WGA Chairman Steve Colnitis. “Because of our generous supporters, the success of this year’s Gala will allow us to reach more young people with the life-changing opportunity of the Evans Scholarship.”

The 2025 Green Coat Gala event co-chairs were Tim and Stacey Cavanagh, Mike and Sharyl Mackey, Terry and Eileen McCann, and Mick and Karen O’Rourke.

The National Golf Course Owners Association announces 2026 Award Winners

The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) is pleased to announce the winners of the association’s annual awards. This year, the NGCOA added three new categories to its annual awards program to recognize and honor public and daily-fee facilities and other outstanding member courses for their unique contributions to the golf course industry. 

“One of the best parts of my role is notifying our award winners,” said Cathy Harbin, President of the NGCOA Board of Directors. “These individuals and facilities have a passion for our industry, provide first-class experiences, and encourage and inspire others — today we get to turn the spotlight on them. It is an honor to be the one to tell them that their commitment to golf has been recognized.”

This year’s winners will be recognized throughout NGCOA’s Golf Business Conference 2026, being held January 19-21, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. Visit GolfBusinessConference.com for event details. Click here to view a list of past NGCOA award winners.

“Each of these award recipients represent the very best of what NGCOA membership stands for,” said Rachel Carter, Senior Director of Membership at the NGCOA. “Our community is one of our most valuable member benefits, and these honorees consistently operate at the highest level—setting standards of excellence that inspire and elevate fellow owners and operators nationwide. 

The 2026 NGCOA Awards and Winners

The NGCOA Jemsek Public Course of the Year award, named after the late Joe Jemsek (widely regarded as the “Patriarch of Public Golf”), recognizes a privately owned, daily fee golf facility that exemplifies excellence in operations, community impact, and contributions to the game of golf. The recipient of this award will be a model for the industry, demonstrating a strong financial foundation, exceptional employee culture, and a deep commitment to both its community and the sport.
- Erin Hills Golf Course, Erin, Wisconsin

The NGCOA Municipal Course of the Year award recognizes a municipally owned golf course that sets the standard for excellence in public golf through exceptional management, outstanding customer and community service, and thoughtful contributions to growing the game of golf. This facility serves as a model for how municipal golf can deliver high-quality experiences both on and off the golf course in a financially sustainable manner. This facility also demonstrates resourcefulness in using the NGCOA Municipal Operators Community for benchmarking KPI’s and leveraging the professional community for idea sharing and problem-solving.

- Osprey Point Golf Course, Boca Raton, Florida

The NGCOA Resort Course of the Year award honors a resort golf course that delivers an exceptional experience across all facets of operation—from turf management to guest engagement—while also contributing meaningfully to the growth and vitality of the game of golf. The recipient of this award will exemplify excellence in resort-level golf experiences, setting the bar for service, design, and industry leadership.
- Walt Disney World Golf, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

The NGCOA Don Rossi Award is given for significant and long-lasting contribution to the NGCOA:
- Barbara Searle, Director of Membership, National Golf Course Owners Association 

The NGCOA Paul Porter Award recognizes an NGCOA member who left an enduring mark on a national or international affiliate through the highest level of commitment, service and leadership.
- Elaine Gebhardt, Executive Director, New England Golf Course Owners Association

The NGCOA also recognizes and thanks the NGCOA Awards Committee, whose thoughtful evaluation and dedication ensure that the accomplishments of our members are honored with the care and rigor they deserve. Awards programs like this one play an essential role in trade associations: they highlight exemplary achievement, reinforce best practices, and shine a light on leaders whose work strengthens the entire industry.