Kawonu Golf Club Completes Grassing of Championship Course

Milestone brings major course construction to a close as private, golf-only club prepares for spring 2027 opening

(Greenville, SC) – Kawonu Golf Club has completed grassing across all 18 holes of its championship course, bringing major course construction to a close as the private, golf-only club moves toward its spring 2027 opening.

The milestone comes approximately 16 months after Kawonu broke ground in April 2025. With sodding, seeding and sprigging finished, Director of Agronomy David Barrett and his team will guide the course through the remaining grow-in period, establishing and maturing the turf ahead of opening.

“This is a major milestone for Kawonu and represents more than a year of work across the entire course,” said Scott Ferrell, founding partner of Kawonu Golf Club. “To reach the point where all 18 holes are fully grassed is a tremendous accomplishment and a credit to Andrew, David and everyone who has had a hand in bringing the course to this stage. We’re incredibly pleased with where it stands today and look forward to watching the course continue to mature.”

Course architect Andrew Green designed Kawonu to follow the natural contours of the land, routing holes through rolling terrain, open meadows and mature hardwood forest. That approach has guided each phase of construction, with an emphasis on preserving the character of the landscape while shaping a course that feels cohesive and enduring.

“At this stage, the character of the course is coming through in a new way,” said Green. “You can see how the routing, shaping and natural features of the property work together from one hole to the next. The land has guided the design from the beginning, and seeing the course reach this point reinforces what made this property such a compelling place for golf.”

Barrett and his team will spend the coming months gradually adjusting mowing heights and maintenance practices as the turf develops. Barrett brings more than two decades of experience at top-ranked clubs, including Congaree Golf Club, and has worked closely with Green throughout construction on decisions ranging from grass selection and irrigation to the maintainability of individual slopes and playing surfaces.

“We can now begin to dial in the conditioning of the course,” said Barrett. “For us, that means developing firm, consistent playing surfaces and greens that are true, with the right balance of speed and firmness. Those conditions are built over time, and the coming months give us the opportunity to make incremental improvements every day as the turf matures.”

Kawonu remains on track for a spring 2027 opening. In addition to the 18-hole championship course, plans for the property include a golf house, main clubhouse, on-site lodging and Tuck’s Cabin, a fishing cabin overlooking the 10-acre lake at the center of the front nine.

Situated on more than 290 acres of rolling meadows, hardwood forests and Reedy River frontage, Kawonu is the first private, golf-only club developed in the Upstate in more than 30 years.

For more information about Kawonu Golf Club, visit www.kawonugolfclub.com.

Storied Development Announces Opening of Firefly’s Championship Golf Course, Nine-Hole Short Course

Middle Tennessee Community Celebrates Milestone Along with Impressive Homesite Sales and Strong Construction Momentum on Club Amenities

(Spring Hill, Tenn.) – Firefly, a new 700-acre luxury golf community located 30 minutes south of Nashville and developed by Storied Development in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital, announces the openings of its 18-hole championship golf course and nine-hole short course, both of which were designed by acclaimed architect Andrew Green and represent the first original designs of his award-winning career. The course openings come amid strong and sustained demand for Firefly’s real estate offerings, including nearly 150 homesites sold since 2025, and faster-than-expected construction of the first three club amenities, Fieldhouse, Golf Shop and Outpost, turning Firefly’s vision for a top multigenerational golf community into a reality.

“Opening Firefly’s golf courses over this Labor Day weekend is a defining moment for our members and the culmination of years of vision, collaboration and exacting work,” said Mark Enderle, Storied Development partner. “Andrew Green and his team have created something timeless and truly of this land. The conversion of more than 4,000 sales inquiries into 350-plus property tours shows how strongly families believe in the community taking shape around this extraordinary golf experience.”

Set across Middle Tennessee’s rolling countryside, Green’s walking-friendly core course layout follows the land’s natural movement and places a premium on strategic angles, thoughtful shot-making and contour-rich green complexes. Stretching from more than 7,300 yards to 4,860 yards, the championship course challenges accomplished players while remaining playable for golfers across all levels.

“Firefly represents the opportunity every architect hopes for, the freedom to study a remarkable piece of land and let its character guide the golf,” said Andrew Green, Firefly course designer. “Our goal was to create a course that feels discovered rather than imposed, with strategy and variety that reward thoughtful play while remaining welcoming to all golfers.”

The nine-hole short course – with holes ranging from 70 to 210 yards – extends that philosophy in a more flexible format, giving players the opportunity to experience a broad range of scoring shots, practice with different clubs, and enjoy the game in less time. The wider golf campus also includes an expansive practice field, three short-game greens, a large 18,000 sq. ft. putting green and a full-service teaching facility with Trackman technology, two indoor/outdoor hitting bays and a SAM putting lab.

Construction of Firefly’s first three amenities, Fieldhouse, Golf Shop and Outpost, is moving quickly. Designed by SWABACK, a well-known architecture, planning, and design firm, they remain on track for opening in spring 2027.

“Firefly is a great example of what can be achieved when patient capital, experienced development leadership and a singular vision come together,” said Jeff Laliberte, Partner, Wheelock Street Capital. “The opening of Andrew Green’s exceptional courses, strong homesite sales, and progress on the amenity buildings reinforce the long-term value of our investment as Firefly’s broader member experience takes shape. We couldn’t be more excited about the future of Firefly.”

Buyer momentum has continued through Firefly’s second phase of homesite sales, with fewer than 30 homesites remaining across Phases I and II. The current offering includes a limited selection of golf-frontage, creekside, and green-space homesites connected by planned trail networks.

Once complete, Firefly will offer an extensive collection of luxury amenities beyond golf, including a clubhouse, fitness center, family club, adult and family pools, bowling alley, golf simulators, interactive game room, multisport court, music hall and STEAM/STEM learning center. A racquet club will feature tennis, padel and indoor pickleball courts. Homesites are priced from $700,000 to more than $2 million, with home construction expected to begin in 2027. For more information, visit www.fireflyliving.com.

Ecco Golf Introduces BIOM® C5 Premium

(SALEM, NH) — Building on the success of the ECCO GOLF BIOM C5, launched earlier this year, ECCO GOLF has introduced the BIOM C5 PREMIUM, the latest high-performance model in the brand’s BIOM performance franchise.

Combining proven performance technologies that made BIOM C5 an instant standout with elevated materials, refined craftsmanship and the highest level of fit precision, the BIOM C5 PREMIUM has been created for golfers who demand the very best.

The BIOM C5 PREMIUM blends cutting-edge stability, premium ECCO Performance leather and the luxury aluminium BOA® Fit System dial to deliver exceptional comfort, control, and confidence in every condition. Built on ECCO's renowned BIOM® NATURAL MOTION® platform, the shoe brings golfers closer to the ground for enhanced stability and natural movement, while introducing a more sophisticated and premium interpretation of the BIOM C5 silhouette.

Crafted from premium ECCO Performance Leather, developed in ECCO's own tanneries, the BIOM C5 PREMIUM introduces a striking new expression of performance golf footwear. Its clean, uninterrupted upper, sculpted athletic profile, and premium detailing create a bold, contemporary silhouette that stands apart both on and off the course. The result is a shoe that delivers the technical performance serious golfers expect, wrapped in a distinctly elevated and sophisticated design.

The shoe features GORE-TEX SURROUND® waterproof technology, providing complete protection from the elements, alongside 360-degree breathability to keep feet dry and comfortable in all weather conditions. Below, the ECCO E-TTS outsole delivers top-class performance stability and multi-directional traction across every part of the course.Together, these technologies provide confidence, control, and comfort in wet, dry, sandy, and muddy conditions.

Engineered for golfers who demand the highest standards of performance, the BIOM C5 PREMIUM incorporates precision side stabilisers and the ultimate metal BOA® Fit System. Delivering micro-adjustable precision fit and effortless adaptability throughout the round, the BOA® system allows golfers to fine-tune comfort and performance whenever needed, while the premium metal dial further reinforces the shoe's elevated look and feel.

Powered by ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology, the BIOM C5 PREMIUM provides a soft, flexible, and durable foundation that mirrors the natural shape of the foot. Its anatomical construction delivers exceptional cushioning, support, and stability, promoting natural movement while maintaining comfort from the first tee to the final green.

“The BIOM C5 was an important addition to our performance range and was immediately embraced by golfers looking for a modern combination of comfort, stability, and control,” said Timo Vollrath, Head of Global Marketing at ECCO GOLF. “With BIOM C5 PREMIUM, we’ve taken that platform even further. By combining our most advanced performance technologies with premium materials, refined craftsmanship, and a striking contemporary design, we’ve created a shoe that delivers on every level. It’s built for golfers who want uncompromising performance but who also appreciate premium aesthetics and exceptional attention to detail.”

Designed to perform at the highest level in every condition, ECCO GOLF BIOM C5 PREMIUM combines innovative comfort, advanced traction and premium Scandinavian craftsmanship in a package built for golfers who refuse to compromise.

ECCO GOLF shoes are worn around the world by Thorbjørn Olesen, Aaron Rai, Thomas Bjørn, Erik van Rooyen, Lydia Ko, Lin Xiyu, and Freddy Schott, among others. For further information about ECCO GOLF, visit golf.ecco.com.

Why You Should Give Them a Try

If you’re looking for a golf shoe that combines serious performance with a premium, everyday look, the ECCO GOLF BIOM C5 PREMIUM deserves a closer look. The combination of ECCO Performance Leather, GORE-TEX SURROUND waterproof protection, the BIOM NATURAL MOTION platform and the precision BOA Fit System gives this shoe a compelling mix of comfort, stability and adjustability. I also like that it doesn’t look overly technical—it has a clean, athletic design that can easily transition from the golf course to the clubhouse. For golfers who value comfort over 18 holes but don’t want to sacrifice traction, support or style, the BIOM C5 PREMIUM looks like a shoe worth trying.

ESPN & ION to Bring WTGL to Fans Across the United States

Inaugural WTGL Season to Launch Sunday, Nov. 8 From SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

(ORLANDO, Fla.; BRISTOL, Conn.; and CINCINNATI) — TMRW Sports in partnership with the LPGA, today announced multiyear U.S. media rights agreements with ESPN and Scripps Sports/ION to bring WTGL, the new women’s team golf league, to fans starting with the inaugural season this fall. WTGL will launch Sunday, Nov. 8 from SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. The announcement was made today by Rosalyn Durant, executive vice president, programming and acquisitions, ESPN; Adam Symson, president and CEO of The E.W. Scripps Company; and Rufus Hack, president, golf, TMRW Sports.

WTGL will air across two national sports leaders with complementary strengths:

• ESPN, the leader in sports coverage, which served as the U.S. media rights partner for the first two seasons of TGL presented by SoFi, is the industry leader in women’s sports coverage, with more live events, original programming and dedicated storytelling across its platforms than any other media company. WTGL matches and shoulder programming will air across ESPN platforms (ABC, ESPN, ESPN2), giving the new league a premier sports media home with broad national reach across linear, streaming and digital channels.

• ION gives the new league a consistent broadcast presence on a multi-platform network available free over the air to every television home in America. WTGL joins ION’s top-tier women’s sports lineup that includes the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and Major League Volleyball (MLV), reinforcing ION’s role as a national destination for women’s sports. ION, The E.W. Scripps Company’s national sports and entertainment network, reaches more than 128 million households nationally.

• Full WTGL Season 1 schedule, commentators, and production details will be announced prior to the start of the season.

"We are genuinely excited to be the home for WTGL as it launches its inaugural season this fall," said Durant. "Bringing WTGL to fans across ESPN platforms continues our ongoing commitment to growing and elevating women's sports, supports our belief in the momentum of women’s golf and reflects our confidence in TMRW Sports' vision for engaging fans in new ways."

 “WTGL is a compelling addition to ION’s signature women’s sports lineup, bringing fans a new national stage for women’s team golf,” said Symson. “With world-class athletes, an innovative team format and a high-energy technology-driven environment, WTGL will bring fans up close to women’s golf to connect more fans with the players and competition shaping the future of the game. We look forward to helping WTGL reach audiences nationwide through consistent, accessible national distribution on ION, the home for women’s sports.”

“Together, ESPN and ION provide a bold, modern stage for the best players in women’s golf and the ideal overall stage for WTGL," said Hack. "As we build toward the start of WTGL’s inaugural season this November, this partnership gives us and the LPGA a tremendous platform to bring the world-class skill, personalities and competitive spirit of these athletes to fans across the country.”

• As previously announced, WTGL includes 25 dynamic and talented LPGA stars including major champions, Solheim Cup winners, Olympians, legends of the game, an LPGA Hall of Fame member and emerging stars who are ready to showcase women’s team golf and bring new fans to the game.

• WTGL features five teams (Atlanta Drive GC, Boston Common Golf, Los Angeles Golf Club, Motor City Golf Club, New York Golf Club) competing in a round-robin regular season where every match carries postseason implications, building to the Playoffs: single-elimination Semifinals and a best-of-three Finals. Like the best team sports, the format is simple to follow — two teams enter, and two hours later, one team leaves the winner.

• WTGL is backed by TMRW Sports and Trybe Ventures, the league’s lead capital partner, co-founded by soccer legend Alex Morgan. Trybe Ventures’ investor group includes some of the most accomplished women in sports, including Morgan, Mia Hamm, Abby Wambach, Aryna Sabalenka, Hilary Knight, Diana Taurasi, Napheesa Collier, Nneka Ogwumike and Breanna Stewart.

Tour Edge Introduces All-New Exotics Milled Wedge Series Featuring Three Purpose-Built Bounce Profiles

New groove and bounce technologies help golfers take control of contact, flight and spin

(BATAVIA, IL) – Tour Edge Golf, a leader in high-performance golf equipment for 40 years, announces its all-new Exotics Milled Wedge Series. The new line delivers total control of contact, flight and spin while optimizing bounce profile for golfers based on their swing profile and course conditions.

The Exotics Milled Wedge Series will be available worldwide at retail and at touredge.com beginning Sept. 14, 2026, with a suggested retail price of $119.99. 

At the center of the engineering of this lineup is the TriGrind Sole, a three-part sole design engineered to promote cleaner turf interaction and greater versatility around the greens. A chamfered leading edge helps reduce digging at turf entry, while a flatter sole with reduced camber promotes crisp, consistent contact. Heavy trailing-edge relief increases versatility, allowing golfers to execute a wider variety of shots around the green.

To help golfers optimize flight performance, the Exotics Milled Wedge Series offers a complete range of loft and bounce combinations that can be tailored to individual launch characteristics, swing profiles and playing conditions. Three distinct bounce profiles—Low Bounce (LB), Mid Bounce (MB) and High Bounce (HB)—provide targeted solutions for a variety of players:
- LB: Designed for firm turf, tight lies and shallow attack angles, with a heel-relief grind that promotes a more open face at impact.
- MB: The most versatile sole, built for mixed course conditions and neutral swing deliveries.
- HB: Engineered for softer turf, fluffy sand, and steeper attack angles to help resist digging.

The Exotics Milled Wedge Series features 17 total loft and bounce configurations. The MB profile is available in lofts ranging from 50° to 60°, including left-handed offerings in 52°, 56° and 60°. LB and HB models are offered in 54°, 56°, 58° and 60° lofts.

Precision CNC-milled SuperSpin™ grooves feature maximum USGA-conforming groove depth and face roughness, combined with steeper groove walls, sharper radii and tighter edge tolerances to create exceptional surface friction and spin performance in both wet and dry conditions.

“We were extremely pleased with the results of our wet-wedge testing when compared to the two top-selling wedges on the market,” said Matt Neeley, Vice President of R&D for Tour Edge. “The performance validated the effectiveness of our new groove geometry and increased groove volume, delivering the spin consistency golfers need in all playing conditions.”

Each Exotics Milled Wedge is crafted from soft 304 stainless steel to provide a responsive feel at impact. A durable triple-chrome plated finish helps preserve groove integrity over time while reducing glare at address. The stock configuration includes a KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 115g shaft and a Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 Black grip.

“Throughout my career, we’ve designed and produced wedges that both Tour players and amateurs love and trust,” said Dave Glod, CEO and lead designer. “This lineup takes that commitment to a new level, and I can’t wait for more golfers to discover Tour Edge as a true wedge destination.”

True Spec Golf Becomes Proud Club Fitting Partner of Sun Devil Men’s Golf

Unique new deal pairs Arizona State, home of one of the premier programs in college golf, with the global leader in custom club fitting

(SCOTTSDALE, AZ) — True Spec Golf , the global leader in custom club fitting and club building, today announced that they have partnered with the Arizona State University Sun Devil Men’s Golf team for the 2026-2027 season. The deal, which includes True Spec’s full range of custom club fitting services, as well as a substantial NIL contribution, is the first partnership of its kind.

In addition to the Tour-level club fitting experience True Spec provides, every player on the Sun Devil men’s roster will receive ongoing tune-ups for loft and lie, gap analysis and regripping.

As a business headquarted in Scottsdale, True Spec will also support their hometown university golf program with a meaningful NIL contribution that will be used to compensate participating ASU student-athletes.

“Scottsdale is our home and we heard the call to provide support from Sun Devil Nation,” said Scott Anderson, President of True Spec Golf. “We’re a Valley business through and through, and it gives us a tremendous amount of pride to invest our resources into the ASU golf program and in essence become an extension of their team.”

Anderson added: “Our club fitting services will undoubtedly give ASU players a competitive edge, but it was equally important to support the athletes directly through their Sun Angel Collective, given the enormous personal sacrifice and hard work that goes into competing at so high a level.”

“We are so grateful to True Spec Golf for stepping up like this and supporting our program, both with their world-class club fittings and with their incredibly generous NIL contribution,” said Matt Thurmond, Head Coach of the ASU Men’s Golf team. “We’re an elite program with a long history, but the competition increases every year, so having a local business like True Spec make this kind of investment in our team is invaluable, both for the current crop of players and for the recruitment of future players.”

Consistently ranked by GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest as one of America’s top club fitters, True Spec’s master fitters are the nation’s undisputed leader in luxury club fitting. True Spec utilizes a brand-agnostic club fitting matrix of more than 70,000 club head and shaft combinations from every major equipment manufacturer, which enables True Spec’s master club fitters to find the best equipment to improve a player’s game. Each club is custom built at True Spec’s Scottsdale headquarters to the exact specifications derived from the club fitting process.

To learn more about True Spec’s new partnership with Arizona State, visit https://truespecgolf.com/tsg-asu/.

PAYNTR Golf Introduces CHEF RX RS, Developed with PGA TOUR Star Min Woo Lee

Created, designed and wear-tested with Lee, the premium performance model combines tour-level stability, responsive cushioning and unmistakable style

(PORTLAND, Ore.) — PAYNTR Golf announced the launch of the CHEF RX RS, a new premium performance golf shoe created, designed and extensively wear-tested in collaboration with PGA TOUR star and PAYNTR Golf ambassador Min Woo Lee.

Built to complement Lee’s explosive athleticism, powerful swing and distinctive personal style, the CHEF RX RS represents another true athlete-led addition to PAYNTR Golf’s growing footwear lineup following the brand’s launch of the Eighty Seven SC with Jason Day. Lee worked closely with the brand’s product team throughout the development process, providing feedback on the shoe’s fit, stability, traction, responsiveness and aesthetics.

“I wanted a shoe that felt locked in and responsive when I’m swinging at full speed, but I also wanted it to look clean, premium and different from anything else out there,” said Min Woo Lee. “This was a true collaborative process with the PAYNTR Golf team, and we kept testing and refining the shoe until every detail felt right. The CHEF RX RS gives me the stability, comfort and traction I need to go after it while still representing my personality and style. I’m excited for golfers to experience our creation on the golf course.”

The CHEF RX RS is engineered from the ground up to help golfers maximize their connection to the course. A PMXSpeed PLT propulsion plate allows players to harness ground reaction forces more effectively, while the TPU outsole and Fast Twist insert system deliver multidirectional traction and stability throughout the swing.

“Min brings tremendous energy, creativity and authenticity to everything he does, and we wanted the CHEF RX RS to embody those same qualities,” said Mike Forsey, Co-founder and President of PAYNTR Golf. “This was a highly collaborative process from beginning to end. His feedback helped us create a shoe that meets the demands of one of the game’s most dynamic players while delivering the comfort, stability, propulsion and performance benefits golfers at every level expect from PAYNTR Golf.”

Underfoot, a PMXNITROGEN+ footbed provides lightweight, responsive cushioning designed to maintain its performance over the life of the shoe. A PMXFOAM midsole, finished with a mock-leather welt, creates a balanced combination of cushioning, support and refined styling.

The upper is constructed with PRIMEASIA full-grain leather, delivering premium support, flexibility and lightweight performance. Laser perforations enhance engineered breathability, while PAYNTR Golf’s WATERPROOF+ breathable membrane is fused to the lining and sealed with a waterproof bottom gasket to provide protection in changing course conditions. An engineered full-length knit tongue and integrated booty construction wrap the foot for a customized, secure fit, providing the lockdown and stability required during the golf swing without sacrificing lightweight, breathable comfort.

“Every detail of the CHEF RX RS was considered through the lens of how Min Woo moves, generates power and expresses himself on the course,” said Michael Glancy, Co-founder and Creative Director of PAYNTR Golf. “From the initial concepts through the final wear-testing process, we worked to balance premium craftsmanship with the technical performance he requires in competition. The result is a modern, athletic yet classic silhouette that feels distinctly Min Woo Lee while remaining unmistakably PAYNTR Golf.”

Key performance features of the CHEF RX RS include:
- PRIMEASIA full-grain leather upper and overlays for premium, lightweight support and flexibility.
- Laser-perforated upper for engineered breathability.
- WATERPROOF+ breathable membrane, fused to the lining and sealed with a waterproof bottom gasket.
- Engineered full-length knit tongue and booty construction for customized foot lockdown, maximum stability and breathable support.
- TPU outsole with Fast Twist insert system for multidirectional traction throughout the life of the shoe.
- PMXNITROGEN+ footbed for lightweight, responsive cushioning.
- PMXFOAM midsole with mock-leather welt for comfort, support and premium styling.
- PMXSpeed PLT propulsion plate designed to help golfers harness ground reaction forces more effectively.

The CHEF RX RS will carry an MSRP of $240 and will be available beginning September 1 at PAYNTRGolf.com, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, PGA TOUR Superstore and select retailers nationwide.

The White/Black/Copper colorway will be offered in men’s sizes 8–14 in regular and wide widths. The Black/White/Copper colorway will be available in men’s sizes 8–14 in regular width. 

Company website: www.payntrgolf.com.