Mountain Lake Completes Construction Phase of Golf Course Restoration Project

Tyler Rae-Led Multi-Million Dollar Restoration Set to Open in Early November; Will Feature Distinctive Characteristics Found in Seth Raynor’s Original Design

(LAKE WALES, Fla.) – Mountain Lake, the prestigious gated community nestled in Central Florida’s lake district, announces that the construction phase of the golf course restoration project has been completed and the re-opening remains on schedule for early November.

Vermont-based NMP Golf Course Construction Corp. served as general contractor for the project. Mountain Lake selected NMP for its expertise in recreating the character and charm of early 1900s golf course design while delivering a course that performs seamlessly with modern maintenance practices.

The multi-million dollar restoration project, led by renowned golf course architect Tyler Rae, began on April 20 and focuses on three key components: the complete reconstruction and redesign of all putting surfaces, strategic design enhancements to every hole drawn from archival photos and newly uncovered historic information, and the meticulous repositioning of bunkers.

All 18 putting surfaces have been fully reconstructed and restored, with the greens’ infrastructure modernized for superior drainage and playability. The previous greens were built in the early 2000s as part of a redesign project and were nearing the end of their functional life. The materials in the subsurface layers of the putting surfaces have gradually hardened over time, which has limited drainage. Now, each new green replicates the sizes, shapes and distinctive characteristics shown in historical photographs, and are sprigged with TifEagle Bermuda grass.

Guided by extensive historical research—including Raynor’s original sketch of the first nine holes that opened for play Jan. 1, 1917, aerial photographs and drawings from the 1920s and 1930s, and ground level photographs—the design enhancements crafted by Rae and his design team have been completed and are now in the grow-in phase.

Like the putting surfaces, the restoration project modernized and improved the bunkers. The updates will help manage the rising costs of repairs and maintenance, and reduce washouts during heavy rainfalls or abnormal conditions. Some bunkers were also repositioned on several holes to mirror what was found from historic photos.

“We are thrilled to announce that the construction phase of our renovation project is now complete, and we are one step closer to the highly anticipated reopening of the golf course,” says General Manager and Chief Operating Officer Eric von Hofen. “It’s been a pleasure following the progress made by our partners at NMP, and their exceptional work is one of the main reasons that we remain on track to reopen in November.”

“Standing on the course and seeing the transformation of an already top-tier club, I can only imagine how much higher Mountain Lake will rise. It was truly a blessing to be part of such an all-star team and to help lovingly restore this Seth Raynor gem,” says Darryl Barlett, Senior Manager and Chief Development Officer, NMP Golf Construction.

Leading up to the November opening, Mountain Lake’s agronomy team will focus on the grow-in process of the grasses throughout the golf course, especially around the greens. Superintendent Brad Quackenbush and his team will also finish relandscaping across several areas of the golf course with native trees, grasses and indigenous plants. These thoughtful plantings will add rich texture, depth and natural beauty to the overall golf experience.

“We have been very pleased with how the project has transpired from an agronomy standpoint and look forward to seeing the golf course visually improve with each passing day,” Quackenbush says. “The careful planning and dedicated work by our team are really starting to show, and we’re excited for members and guests to experience the enhanced playing conditions and overall character of the course when we open in November.”

Founded in 1915 and designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., Mountain Lake encompasses more than 1,000 acres of rolling hills and pristine lakes. The community offers sweeping panoramic views of Central Florida’s landscape and the neighboring Bok Tower Gardens. This secure, private enclave features an exceptional collection of historical residences designed by legendary architects for some of the nation’s most prominent families. Today’s homeowners serve as dedicated stewards, preserving the timeless exteriors while thoughtfully updating the interiors.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Colony House serves as the community’s elegant social hub.  It offers sophisticated dining in its 1916-era rooms,  casual poolside cookouts,  a fitness center, library, 37 guest suites and full-service concierge support. Croquet lawns lie just steps away, with a racquet sports facility bordering the first fairway. Mountain Lake also features a private shooting range nestled within a historic clay mine on the community’s edge.

For more information visit www.mountainlakeflorida.com.

Ahead Debuts Five Innovative Ornamentation Techniques

New Decoration Options Bring Fresh Texture, Detail and Craft to Headwear, Apparel

(NEW BEDFORD, Mass.) – Ahead is introducing five new ornamentation techniques, giving customers fresh ways to add texture, dimension and craft to their logos on headwear and apparel. The techniques span labels, patches, plates and badges, each intended for different applications and audiences.

Silicone Printed Woven Labels

Last season, Ahead introduced a merrowed-edge version of this look. This new silicone printed woven label offers a more refined, sophisticated alternative, finished with a delicate triple-run stitch tack down.

The new woven label is now available on apparel as well as headwear – a strong option for pieces such as the Stiles, which can take on a new look through art.

For headwear only, Ahead is also offering a “Sneaker Style” tack down: the label is sewn down on two sides only, leaving the other two open, much like the label on a sneaker tongue. It’s a playful, unexpected detail built for today’s more casual golfer.

AeroPlate

AeroPlate updates the AeroFlex look with a fully tonal treatment and cut-out lettering – a bold, modern option that pairs well with AeroSphere or any Modern Trend cap.

SuedeSoft

SuedeSoft is a debossed microsuede patch, sewn down with a tonal zigzag stitch. It comes in a full library of colors and gives headwear an upscale, country-club feel. Ahead is also launching SuedeSoft samples on apparel to round out the collection.

Harwich

Harwich pairs a cross-stitch look with frayed-edge cotton twill and typographic detailing, which is a natural fit for the new pigment-dyed Grenada or the distressed Coda.

Silicone Badge… Now with Counter Forms

Ahead first launched the silicone badge at the January 2026 PGA Show. The new counter form option adds open “holes” within the design, a fresh twist on a decoration built for lightweight, performance-driven headwear.

“These five techniques all come down to the same idea: giving customers more ways to bring their brand to life through ornamentation,” said Mark Kliethermes, Senior Creative Director, Ahead. “Whether it’s the detail in a woven label or the texture in a suede patch, we wanted options that hold up when seen close up and are also recognizable from a distance.”

For more information on Ahead’s latest collections, visit aheadweb.com. To shop online, head to aheadusashop.com.

Troon Announces Partnership With Oasis at Death Valley and Furnace Creek Golf Course

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) – Troon, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce a partnership with the Oasis at Death Valley and The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley, a luxury resort and golf course located in the heart of Death Valley National Park in Furnace Creek, California. As part of the relationship, Troon Golf, the resort and daily-fee management division of Troon, will provide agronomy and sales and marketing advisory services for the golf course.

The Oasis at Death Valley, situated 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas, is comprised of two distinct resort experiences: The Inn at Death Valley and The Ranch at Death Valley. The Inn, a historic AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel built in 1927, offers elegant rooms and private casitas in a tranquil setting. The Ranch provides a more casual, family-friendly environment, serving as the hub for outdoor activities and relaxation. Guests can choose from seven dining options, ranging from fine dining to casual eateries.

The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley, an 18-hole, par-70 layout, is renowned for its unique desert golf experience. Set at 214-feet below sea level, it is the lowest-elevation golf course in the world and one of the few courses located inside a national park in the United States. The course's history dates back to 1927 when it began as a three-hole layout. In 1968, William F. Bell, Sr. designed the full 18-hole course, and in 1997, Perry Dye led a major renovation and redesign. Palm and tamarisk trees frame the fairways, and majestic mountains are visible from all areas of the course. The course has been recognized as one of "America's 50 Toughest Courses" by Golf Digest.

As part of the partnership, Troon Access members can play, save, and earn points at Furnace Creek Golf Course. Stay-and-play packages, including unlimited golf opportunities, are available for guests seeking a comprehensive desert golf experience.

“The Oasis at Death Valley is a beautiful property and Furnace Creek is a distinctive golf experience,” said Kris Strauss, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Troon. “We look forward to working with the property and introducing more golfers to this bucket list destination.”

For more information on the Oasis at Death Valley and Furnace Creek Golf Course, visit www.oasisatdeathvalley.com.  The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley is a registered trademark of Xanterra Parks & Resorts, Inc.

Travis Club Officially Opens Beau Welling-Designed Golf Course for Member Play

The Crown Jewel of Austin’s Premier Private Lake Community, New Championship Layout Adds to Legacy of Texas Hill Country Golf

(Spicewood, Texas) – Travis Club, Austin’s newest 1,500-acre private, master-planned community, announces that member play has officially begun on its world-class Beau Welling-designed golf course. Over Labor Day weekend, nearly 160 members had their first opportunity to experience the stunning layout routed along Lake Travis.

Taking advantage of the extraordinary Hill Country setting, the par-71 course features dramatic elevation changes, stunning hilltop panoramas and holes nestled against the shoreline. Stretching more than 7,300 yards from the back tees, it offers a strategic yet highly playable experience for golfers of all skill levels through multiple teeing options and thoughtfully designed shot values.

“Opening this course marks a defining moment for Travis Club and for the many talented people who brought our vision to life,” said Leisha Ehlert, CEO of Travis Club. “Beau Welling and his team created a course that feels as though it has always belonged here, shaped by the land, connected to the lake and designed to be enjoyed for generations. Hearing our members say it exceeded even their highest expectations was the greatest validation we could have received.”

Member Praise

Early feedback from members includes:

“The golf course is truly exceptional—with stunning views, a fun and challenging layout, and an experience that keeps you coming back,” said Founding Member Sean Toney. “Combined with outstanding service that goes above and beyond, I’m proud to be a Founder of this club.”

“Travis Club is as advertised—a one-of-a-kind golf experience on one of the best courses in the country,” said Bryce Huett. “We can’t wait to spend our lives in this amazing community on the lake.”

“What Travis Club brings to the Lake Travis community is truly exceptional,” said Charbel Dahdah. “The breathtaking Hill Country and lake views are thoughtfully designed into the golf course to create an experience that even the most seasoned golfers will appreciate. Our family is excited to be part of Travis Club and to watch this remarkable community grow.”

Welling and his team at Beau Welling Design (BWD) created a course that blends seamlessly into the natural landscape while emphasizing creativity, variety and memorable risk-reward opportunities. Interdisciplinary firm Hart Howerton led the community’s master planning, architecture, and landscape architecture, shaping the broader residential and amenity experience across the property.

“The site for Travis Club offers a truly incredible setting for golf. With the rolling topography and dramatic landscape along Lake Travis, the golf experience we were able to choreograph is full of drama at every turn,” said Welling. “We had a fantastic canvas, but also a great ownership group who gave us the opportunity to create a special experience rooted in thoughtful, strategic design that rewards both smart decision-making and creativity. While the course offers plenty of challenge for skilled players, we worked hard to make it remarkably playable and enjoyable for golfers of all levels. The Travis Club was as rewarding and fun a project as we could have hoped for, and we believe that will translate into the experiences members and guests have there.”

The golf course is supported by an expansive practice facility with natural-grass teeing areas, dedicated putting greens and short-game areas, professional instruction and two strategically located on-course comfort stations.

Beyond golf, Travis Club features 10,000 feet of Lake Travis frontage and access to more than 65 miles of open water. Existing and planned amenities include Duke’s and The Tree Bar, the community’s casual lakefront social hub; more than 30 miles of private hiking and biking trails; lake recreation and a future private marina and Boat Club; and the Peninsula Club, with lakefront dining, family and adult pools, a Family Barn, playing fields, racquet and sport courts, and lawn games.

The community’s central Club Campus is planned to include the Golf House, main Clubhouse, and a Fitness & Wellness Center. Event lawns and gathering spaces throughout the property will support a year-round calendar of member programming, while the 24/7 attended Gatehouse provides security, guest assistance and a welcoming sense of arrival.

The Golf House, which will include the future Golf Shop, a restaurant and bar, outdoor dining terrace, day lockers, training facilities and Trackman-equipped hitting bays, sits alongside the club’s expansive practice area and is scheduled to open in spring 2027.

Every aspect of Travis Club has been carefully considered to preserve the site’s natural and scenic resources. With a thoughtfully crafted and low-impact approach, the golf course and infrastructure are designed to minimize disturbance and integrate into the natural contours of the land across 1,500 acres. This same level of intention extends to the amenities, which have been conceived with responsibility and sustainability in mind. Travis Club’s goals extend beyond establishing the premier private club in the Texas Hill Country. It aspires to set the standard for golf course design excellence throughout Texas.

Momentum continues to accelerate within the community, as the club has officially surpassed 190 homesite sales, with construction underway on nearly 20 homes and more than 40 in design review. The first completed residences will debut this fall. To accommodate buyers seeking immediate turnkey options alongside custom sites, Travis Club has expanded its selection of available spec homes. Prospective owners will also soon have an elevated way to discover the community as the new on-site Sales Gallery will offer an immersive front-row seat to the club’s ongoing progress.

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit travisclubaustin.com. Follow Travis Club on Instagram @travisclubaustin.

Oldfield Golf Club Completes $1.1 Million Bunker Renovation Project

Major golf course investment enhances playability, consistency and long-term sustainability while restoring architectural character to the Greg Norman-designed Lowcountry course

(OKATIE, SOUTH CAROLINA)  – Oldfield Golf Club has completed a comprehensive $1.1 million renovation of the bunkers on its Greg Norman-designed golf course, marking one of the Club’s most significant recent investments in the long-term quality, sustainability and playability of the golf experience. Construction began May 19th and was completed August 7th. Oldfield celebrated the project’s completion with a Bunker Renovation Re-Open Event on Saturday, August 22, welcoming members back to the golf course for an 18-hole, two-person competition and an opportunity to experience the fully completed course.

The project addressed aging infrastructure and years of sand contamination, drainage challenges and washouts that had increasingly affected bunker consistency and maintenance. The renovation focused not only on improving day-to-day playing conditions, but also on creating a more sustainable bunker system capable of performing through the challenging weather conditions of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

The project was divided into three phases of approximately three weeks each, allowing portions of the golf course to remain available for member play while work progressed. Southeastern Golf served as the golf course contractor and completed all construction, drainage, shaping and sod work. The project was managed by Oldfield Director of Agronomy Thomas Davis, working in collaboration with Norman Golf Course Design and with support from Troon’s Design and Development team of experts.

“This project was about much more than putting new sand in our bunkers,” said Oldfield Director of Golf Mark Reilly. “We wanted to address the underlying infrastructure, create a bunker system that performs more consistently and restore the bunkers to their original architectural character. The finished product has made an immediate difference, both visually and in how the course plays.”

A defining feature of the renovation is the installation of EcoBunker on all greenside bunkers, creating distinctive stacked-sod faces reminiscent of traditional links golf. The treatment strengthens the architectural character of the bunkers while introducing a visual element closely associated with the style of golf found throughout Great Britain and the courses of The Open Championship.

The bunker floors utilize a Capillary Concrete and mesh hybrid system, designed to combine structural stability with improved drainage. The system helps maintain the integrity of bunker faces while allowing water to move efficiently through the bunker floor, helping reduce washouts, contamination and standing water while providing more consistent playing conditions following significant rainfall.

The project also significantly reduced Oldfield’s overall bunker footprint. More than 114,000 square feet of bunker area was reduced by nearly 50 percent, allowing Norman Golf Course Design and the project team to retain the strategic and visual impact of the bunkering while creating a more sustainable footprint for long-term maintenance.

Particular attention was given to restoring the visual character of the bunkers while maintaining the strategic intent of the original golf course. Rather than fundamentally changing the layout, the project sought to strengthen bunker definition, restore architectural features that had diminished over time and better integrate the bunkers with the surrounding Lowcountry landscape.

“From an agronomic standpoint, we wanted to build something that would perform as well below the surface as it looks above it,” said Oldfield’s Director of Agronomy Thomas Davis. “Reducing the overall bunker footprint, improving the drainage infrastructure and incorporating the capillary concrete, new liner and EcoBunker systems gives our team a much more sustainable product to manage. Most importantly, it should allow us to provide our members with greater consistency following the heavy rainfall and challenging weather conditions we experience in the Lowcountry.”

“Oldfield has always been a golf course that feels connected to the land around it,” Reilly added. “The live oaks, native areas, marshes and views of the Okatie River are a tremendous part of its identity. Any investment we make in the golf course has to respect that. We believe this project improves the golf experience while enhancing what makes Oldfield special.”

Designed by Greg Norman Golf Course Design and opened in 2000, Oldfield winds through moss-draped live oaks, broad Lowcountry savannas, freshwater and saltwater ponds and along the marshes of the Okatie River.

The 2026 bunker project represents a major step in Oldfield’s continued stewardship of the golf course as the Club evaluates the long-term needs of an increasingly mature golf property. The investment combines modern bunker construction technology with architectural elements intended to preserve and enhance the character of Norman’s original design.

“Our responsibility is to think beyond the condition of the golf course today,” Reilly said. “We have to make thoughtful investments that protect the experience our members enjoy now while ensuring Oldfield remains an exceptional golf course for generations to come. The bunker renovation is an important part of that effort.”

Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon, manages golf operations and agronomy, the Equestrian Center, Sports Club, Outfitters Center, food & beverage, and membership marketing, as well as Oldfield’s community association. For additional information about Oldfield Golf Club, visit www.Oldfieldsc.com.

Shot Scope LM1 Makes Strong Market Impact, Now Fully Stocked Nationwide

First affordable launch monitor continues its industry disruption as new stock hits the shelves.

(Edinburgh, Scotland, UK) – Shot Scope, an industry leader in performance-driven golf technology, announces continued momentum for its LM1 Launch Monitor following a meteoric debut earlier this year.

The LM1 was sold out for the first six months of production, having instantly disrupted the launch monitor space with a first-of-its-kind affordable unit. The compact LM1 has been Shot Scope’s most sought-after product of 2026 and is now fully stocked and available at top golf retail partners across the country.

“The response to the LM1 has exceeded our expectations. Selling through the first half of the year demonstrated just how strong the demand was, and having the product fully stocked at leading retail locations across the country now gives even more golfers the opportunity to experience what makes the LM1 so valuable,” said David Hunter, CEO of Shot Scope.

The LM1 has quickly established itself as a standout option for golfers looking for an easy-to-use, affordable launch monitor without sacrificing the data that matters most. Priced at $200, the radar-based LM1 delivers key performance metrics including carry distance, total distance, ball speed, clubhead speed, and smash factor, providing golfers with meaningful feedback during practice sessions at home or on the range.

Its compact size, simple setup, and easy-to-read display have helped make the LM1 particularly appealing to golfers who want reliable distance data without the complexity or cost of more advanced launch-monitor systems.

“Recording more than one million shots every month with the LM1 is an incredible milestone, and one we’re extremely proud of,” said Hunter. “It’s a testament to how quickly golfers have embraced the LM1 and made it part of their practice routine. We set out to make launch-monitor technology simple, accessible, and genuinely useful for golfers of all levels, and seeing more than one million shots being recorded month after month shows just how strongly the LM1 is resonating with golfers.”

The LM1 was designed to put practical launch-monitor technology within reach of a broad range of golfers. Rather than overwhelming users with extensive data, the device focuses on essential performance metrics that can help golfers better understand their distances, improve practice sessions, and make more informed decisions about their equipment and game.

LM1 customers are thrilled with their purchase and the performance:

“It’s just as advertised…easy to set up/use, accurate swing data, lightweight and portable…and all for just $200!” – William Z, Camillus, US

“Gave me the consistent information needed to pinpoint my yardage and swing speed. This is an excellent product at an excellent value.” – Paul K, Salt Lake City, US

“What a solid, user-friendly, reliable tool. Reliable feedback and lots to learn about my swing!!” – Amy R, Phoenix, US

With inventory now fully replenished, golfers can find the LM1 at leading golf retailers nationwide, including Dick Sporting Goods, PGA Tour Superstore, Golf Galaxy, Worldwide Golf Shops, Playbetter, Carl’s Golf Land, as well as through Shot Scope’s website.

For more information on the LM1 visit: https://shotscope.com/shop/products/golf-launch-monitors/lm1-launch-monitor/.

Xplor Golf & Club Research Reveals Rapid AI Adoption Across the Golf & Club Industry

New research from Xplor Golf & Club, home to Clubessential, foreUP, and BlueGolf, explores how golf and club professionals are using AI today, and where they see the greatest opportunities ahead.

(ATLANTA, GA) – Xplor Golf & Club, which brings together Clubessential, foreUP, and BlueGolf, today announced the release of From AI Curiosity to Critical Advantage, a new guide designed to help private clubs, golf course operators, and tournament organizations identify where artificial intelligence can create meaningful value and where people should remain firmly in the loop.

The guide arrives as AI moves from an emerging concept to an increasingly important consideration across the industry. Xplor Golf and Club’s 2026 research found that respondents are actively exploring how AI could fit into their organizations, with reporting and analytics emerging as one of the clearest areas of near-term opportunity. As adoption grows, the question is shifting from whether AI belongs in golf and club operations to where it can solve real problems, what teams should trust it to do, and where human judgment still matters.

The guide helps organizations answer those questions by breaking down predictive, generative, and agentic AI, exploring where the industry sees near-term value, and providing a two-minute assessment to evaluate AI readiness.

“The real opportunity with AI isn’t flashy features. It’s solving real operational pain points,” said Stacy Zak, Vice President of Product Management at Xplor Golf & Club. “Because when you combine ideas like the agentic engine with the AI capabilities emerging across the platform, you begin to see something much bigger take shape.”

One of those opportunities is simple: giving teams time back.

Across private clubs, golf facilities, and tournament organizations, AI could reduce time spent searching systems for information, compiling reports, drafting routine communications, and repeatedly answering common questions. That can create more capacity for the work that requires people: acting on insights, building personal connections, preparing memorable experiences, and making decisions that require judgment.

For a private club, that could mean less time rewriting routine member communications and searching for information, and more time anticipating member needs and creating personal experiences. For a golf course, it could mean less time pulling together reports and more time using the numbers to make decisions across a busy operation. For a tournament organization or golf program, it could mean less time compiling event information and answering routine questions and more time preparing for the next event and supporting players.

The research suggests golf and club leaders are taking a practical approach to that opportunity. When asked where AI could create the most value over the next 12 months, more than half of respondents selected reporting and analytics, pointing to a desire for better intelligence before greater autonomy.

“AI should never replace the relationships that define this industry,” said Scott Strong, President of Xplor Golf & Club. “Used well, AI can help preserve that human side of hospitality by giving the people who deliver it better intelligence and more time to spend where it matters most.”

The guide also explores what it takes to become AI-ready, from understanding what information an organization already has and how well it is connected to protecting sensitive information and avoiding new data silos. A two-minute AI readiness assessment helps readers evaluate whether the information they rely on is integrated with their business management system.