Monday, March 10, 2025

Cobra Golf Releases Cobra x Palm Tree Crew DS Adapt Drivers

COBRA Golf, a leader in golf club innovation, has once again teamed up with DJ Kygo and Palm Tree Crew to create the latest limited-edition DS-Adapt PTC drivers. 

Inspired by the friendship between Rickie Fowler and Kygo, the new drivers feature a striking Neon Nights colorway and navy crown with a Palm Tree alignment icon. The limited drivers come in LS, X, and MAX-K models.

Sunday, March 9, 2025

Srixon Strikes Again as Rio Takeda Claims Second LPGA Victory in Commanding Fashion

Wasting no time making her presence felt on the LPGA Tour, Srixon staffer Rio Takeda, delivered a spectacular performance on Sunday to secure her second LPGA title in commanding fashion at the Blue Bay LPGA.

Finishing at 17-under par, Takeda capped off her victory with a scorching 8-under final round to pull away from the field and win by six strokes with ease. 

Friday, March 7, 2025

Fujikura and AJGA Partner to Empower The Next Generation of Golfers

Fujikura is passionate about growing the game of golf and making it accessible to players of all backgrounds and skill levels. For over a decade, they’ve had the privilege of partnering with the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), an organization dedicated to fostering the next generation of talent.

And today Fujikura is thrilled to announce the continuation of their partnership with the AJGA, reaffirming our commitment to supporting junior golfers through 2025 and beyond.

Under Armour Signs Amateur Golfer Kieron van Wyk

Under Armour just added another rising star to its golf roster—23 year old golfer Kieron van Wyk. 

Van Wyk made history as the first amateur to win an Advocates Professional Golf Association (APGA) Tour event and has solidified himself as one of the top collegiate golfers. As the first golfer to receive P-1 status in the NIL era, he’s continued to dominate, earning the First Team All-CAA honors three years in a row. 

What TPC Sawgrass Looks Like on a Golf Simulator

In just a few weeks, all eyes will be on the infamous 17th island green at TPC Sawgrass during THE PLAYERS Championship.

Here’s how it goes for me and likely many of your readers: We watch one of the best golfers in the world hit it into the water and, like clockwork, someone says, “C’mon! I could hold that green!” A heated debate ensues. We decide we need to play the course ourselves to test the theory.

Shot Scope New Customizable PRO X Laser Rangefinder Now Available

Shot Scope, an industry leader in golf GPS and shot tracking technology, announces its new PRO X laser rangefinder is now available for consumers online, at retail locations, golf courses, and private golf clubs throughout North America.

The new Shot Scope PRO X customization program allows golfers, golf courses, or corporations to utilize the custom design plate for personalization of course logos, or company brands. PRO X can also be the perfect gift for member-guest events or tournament prize packages.

NGF Short Game: Golf’s Course Correction is Over

Over the past two years, the total number of open and operating golf courses in the U.S. is virtually unchanged.

Even with the game’s post-pandemic trajectory and notable participation and play gains in recent years, it is a departure from the supply correction that the U.S. golf market has experienced for much of the past two decades. Since 2022 there’s actually been a net gain in the number of facilities (+6) and courses (+17).

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

XXIO Prime Lineup of Driver Woods Hybrids and Irons Announced

Inspired by Japan’s traditional performing arts, cultural beauty, and strength, the all-new XXIO Prime seamlessly blends elegance with the latest premium technologies for powerful performance. The XXIO Prime line is crafted to enhance the golfer’s experience, providing easier to swing clubs with better distance, control, and speed performance in an ultralightweight design.

“The design elements for this generation of Prime are our best ever with an expanded sweet spot in the Woods to help with distance gains, and upgrades in the Irons that should excite a wide variety of players, especially those that are struggling to maintain speed in their golf swing,” said XXIO Vice President, Chuck Thiry. “At XXIO we are 100% committed to the needs of Women and Seniors.  If you want more power without the extra effort but desire to maintain control throughout the set, Prime is what you’re looking for.”

Vokey SM10 Wedge Review - PGAPappas and Carl’s Golfland Winner Guest Review

Every single time I visit Bloomfield Hills, MI. I have the most absolutely perfect time.  I have family here.  I usually play The South Course at Oakland Hills CC (the first host of the Play With Pete Invitational by the way).  And by the time I'm getting ready to return home I'm already looking forward to coming back.

One of my last visits to Bloomfield Hills however my time here became even more fun.  I was covering the U.S. Junior Am for the week and stopped in Carl's Golfland for the first time as it was just up the road from OHCC.  And WOW I did not know what I was missing.

Club Champion Iron Fitting Review (Cary, NC) - PGAPappas Winner Guest Review

You probably know the expression, "Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern."  And a Club Champion fitting is an absolute pattern of excellence.  You've heard me tell you about how thorough, extensive, and beneficial a CC fitting is.  Hundreds of thousands of golfers every year get fit at Club Champion and learn firsthand it's an extraordinary fitting unlike anything else they've ever experienced.

And you can now add the winner of my 12 Days of Christmas Club Champion iron fitting giveaway to this growing list of players who are entirely fulfilled by their triumphant fitting results and ultimate custom equipment build.  Bubba (@BuhBuhBakes) on X/Twitter was fit at Club Champion - Cary, NC, and calls his fitting "A game-changing experience," saying he now has irons that he's "truly confident in and excited about."

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Titleist Introduces Vokey WedgeWorks 44F Pitching Wedge

Titleist introduces the new Vokey Design WedgeWorks 44F pitching wedge, designed for players who prefer the performance and profile of a Vokey pitching wedge but require a stronger loft to properly gap their set.


The current lowest-lofted wedge in Vokey Design’s SM10 lineup is the 46-degree F Grind, which many players game in place of their iron set pitching wedge. The SM10 46.10F pitching wedge, or even 48.10F for some, offers different performance benefits than a set pitching wedge, namely improved spin control from the rough and turf interaction from the fairway. Many prefer the profile of a Vokey pitching wedge at address as well.

FootJoy Releases the New HyperFlex

FootJoy, the #1 Shoe in Golf, has been the #1 shoe on the PGA Tour for 80 consecutive years because of a singular dedication to the game of golf and a relentless commitment to performance innovation, style, comfort and quality.

As part of FootJoy’s continued commitment to innovation, the brand is introducing radical updates to the successfulHyperFlex line of golf shoes. Finely tuned to empower the athletic golfer, the new HyperFlex is a powerhouse of comfort, traction and performance. 

Precision and Slope Have Gone Ultra-Compact with Bushnell Golf’s New A1-Slope Laser Rangefinder

Bushnell Golf, the industry leader in laser rangefinder technology and distance measuring devices, is proud to unveil the A1-Slope, its latest breakthrough in the distance measuring device category.

Designed to empower golfers with unmatched accuracy including Slope compensated distances, the ultra-compact A1-Slope delivers precise distance readings in a sleek, modern package that is as reliable as it is easy to carry.

The Watersound Club Team Announces the Opening of Its Newest Course, The Third, Designed by Golf Legend Davis Love III

The Watersound Club® team proudly announces the official opening of The Third, a premier 18-hole championship course designed by golf legend Davis Love III and his team at Love Golf Design for the prestigious Watersound Club private membership club. Spanning acres of green in Panama City Beach, FL, The Third enhances the exclusive club's world-class offerings, bringing its total to 54 holes of championship-level golf. Named in homage to its designer and as a nod to its place as the club’s third course, it delivers a dynamic new playing experience to the region. 

Starting March 20, The Third will be available for play, not only to members, but also to guests of Camp Creek® Inn.The luxurious 30A hotel boasts a Member for a Stayprogram, which treats guests to Northwest Florida’s most sought-after, otherwise private, amenities and championship-caliber courses during their stay. The Third is the latest of several recent demand driven expansion projects, including Watersound Camp Creek® amenities, featuring a state-of-the-art wellness center, tennis and pickleball courts, a sprawling pool complex and three dining venues, as well as Watersound Club Sporting Preserve, a 15-station sporting clays course.

Indian Wells Golf Resort Announces Players Course Renovation

Indian Wells Golf Resort – the world-class golf, vacation, culinary and events destination located in the picturesque Coachella Valley – announces the official groundbreaking of the much-anticipated renovation of its celebrated Players Course on March 5.

Led by distinguished golf course architect John Fought and his team, the renovation will see multiple holes rerouted – most notably the ninth, 17th and 18th holes. Currently a par 72, the Players Course will transform to a par of 71 and will feature two exciting new finishing holes. The par-3 No. 17 and par-4 No. 18 holes are currently the only two holes on the south side of the Whitewater Wash running through the property. The project will see both moved across the waterway to join the bulk of the golf course on the north side.
 
Additionally, the par-5 ninth will be shifted closer to the clubhouse to improve access to food and beverage amenities at the turn. The project will also feature 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 excited that one of the country’s best public golf courses is about to become even better,” says Robin Graf, general manager of Indian Wells Golf Resort. “It’s been a pleasure working with Fought and his team to realize the incredible possibilities for this project, and we can’t wait to welcome our residents and guests from around the world to experience the new design later this year.” 
 
Originally redesigned by Fought in 2007, the Players Course has routinely ranked among the top public-access golf courses in the country.  The structural changes planned will enhance the playability of the renowned course while also preparing the layout for its future role as host of elite professional golf championships.
 
“We are looking forward to enhancing one of the great municipal golf courses in the U.S.,” says Fought. “The Players Course will become a true championship layout that will test the best players in the game as well as provide a wonderful experience for golfers of all skill levels.” 
 
Indian Wells Golf Resort is set to host the 2024 Epson Tour Championship from Oct. 3 – 6 as their top players compete for status on the LPGA Tour at the finale of the season-long “Race for the Card.” The championship will take place on the Players Course with hopes to host future championships once the renovation project is completed in 2025. 
 
Indian Wells Golf Resort is also preparing to open its much-anticipated new restaurant, Kestrel. Born from the creative mind of celebrity chef Richard Blais, Kestrel is located on the top floor of the clubhouse and will officially open for business this fall. 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 and follow on FacebookInstagram.

FlightScope Launches The Planning Tool

FlightScope, the global leader and pioneer in tracking and analyzing sports performance data, is pleased to announce the launch of the FlightScope Planning Tool, an innovative application designed to help golfers strategically prepare for any course by predicting shot outcomes based on personal performance data and environmental conditions.

Powered by FlightScope’s patented Environmental Optimizer, the Planning Tool calculates carry distances for up to three days in advance, using shot data and local weather forecasts for any golf course worldwide. By factoring in real-time environmental conditions, golfers can make informed club selections and strategic decisions before stepping onto the course.

Andrew Green Begins Work on Firefly Courses

Storied Development, in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital, is excited to share progress on Firefly, a 700+ acre luxury golf and residential community taking shape in Spring Hill, Tennessee, just 30 miles south of Nashville. Following the official groundbreaking in December 2024, construction is now well underway on Firefly’s centerpiece: an 18-hole championship golf course and a 9-hole short course, both designed by acclaimed golf course architect Andrew Green, the first original design of his award-winning career.

Green is renowned for his masterful restorations of historic courses, including Scioto, Congressional, Inverness, Oak Hill, East Lake, and notably, Interlachen Country Club. His restoration of Interlachen not only reclaimed the original Donald Ross design but also recently earned ‘Best Renovation’ honors from Golf Digest in 2025.

Monday, March 3, 2025

Pine Valley Golf Club to Host 2044 Walker Cup Match

This past weekend at the United States Golf Association’s Annual Meeting, the USGA announced the following championship updates: Pine Valley Golf Club will host the 2044 Walker Cup Match; Stu Francis named USA Captain, 2025 Men’s World Amateur Team Championship; Kendra Graham named USA Captain, 2025 Women’s World Amateur Team Championship; and Meghan Stasi named 2026 USA Curtis Cup Captain.

The venerable Pine Valley Golf Club, in Pine Hill, N.J., will host its fourth USGA championship, having previously hosted the 1936 and 1985 Walker Cup Matches. The renowned venue will also host the 2034 Curtis Cup Match.

New PING Scottsdale Putters Offer Feel Forgiveness and Custom Fitting

Nine highly forgiving models engineered with a face insert influenced by athletic-shoe technology comprise the new Scottsdale putter family, PING CEO & President John K. Solheim announced today.  

The Scottsdale Craz-E, Prime Tyne 4, Prime Tyne C, Oslo 3, Anser, Anser 2D, Anser 4, B63 and DS72 are available for pre-order at PING authorized retailers around the world beginning today. The U.S. MSRP for each putter is $270. A SuperStroke grip is standard on all models.

The Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort Hole By Hole Review - PWPICopperhead

When the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort hosts the Play With Pete Invitational on March 13th it will be the first time PWPI is held on an annual PGA Tour stop track.  And?  It gets even more compelling.

PWPICopperhead will be played exactly one week before the Valspar Championship.  So players and live-stream viewers alike will see Copperhead at its most dangerous with Tour conditions and a Tour setup.  It will present an authentic PGA Tour challenge and PWPICopperhead players will be measured.

Turtleson Introduces the Riviera Collection

Turtleson, creators of striking, sophisticated apparel for discerning customers who appreciate exceptional style and wearability, today unveiled the Riviera Collection for Spring ’25. Designed to reimagine Turtleson’s classic designs with fresh colors, refined fits and the understated elegance of the French Riviera, each piece in the collection is crafted for individuals who appreciate polished style with a touch of adventure.

The Riviera Collection effectively blends timeless inspiration with contemporary innovation, ensuring that every piece meets the needs of the modern gentleman – on the golf course, in the office or on a weekend getaway. The key story, however, is a new refinement of Turtleson’s classic polo, which after extensive research is now built with a structured collar that holds its shape without collar stays or uncomfortable rigidity. The design also features a modernized placket for a cleaner look, and tailored sleeves for improved ease of movement. The result – the most comfortable, versatile, and sophisticated polo Turtleson has ever produced.

PUMA Golf x Arnold Palmer Collection Honors The King with a Contemporary Twist

Arnold Palmer was known as The King for a lot of reasons, but for true fans it was as much about his charisma and style as it was his incredible talent on the links. As such, the latest installment of the PUMA Golf x Arnold Palmer collection is designed to capture Arnie’s iconic style with a contemporary twist for both men and women.

The new PUMA Golf x Arnold Palmer Collection men’s line features a mix of bold and subtle graphics complemented by tasteful colors that allow for a great variety of looks. The understated elegance of Arnie’s umbrella is juxtaposed with vibrant floral patterns in some items, while others feature a playful “tea time,” pattern complete with the makings of Arnold Palmer drinks. Tipped jacquard polos also offer impressive detail that those with a sharp eye will appreciate, while a color palette that includes the likes of Zen Blue, Pale Pink, and Deep Navy, inspire both the excitement and the calm of the quickly approaching Spring weather. 

Driven with Style: Cobra Golf x Arnold Palmer Limited Edition DS Adapt Drivers

There’s no golfer in the history of the sport that embodies the combination of spectacular style and performance more than the KING, Arnold Palmer. From driving greens to piloting jets around the world, Arnie was a high-octane competitor that always looked as good as he played.

In honor of the KING, COBRA Golf is offering new, limited-edition Arnold Palmer DS-Adapt drivers. Complete with Arnie’s iconic umbrella logo pattern on the two-tone crown and sole as well as special edition shaft and headcover, the new limited-edition driver is available in three DS-Adapt models - LS, X, and MAX-K. 

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Golf Statesman and Course Developer Mike Keiser to Receive USGA’s Bob Jones Award

The United States Golf Association (USGA) will present its highest honor, the Bob Jones Award, to Mike Keiser during U.S. Open Championship week in Pittsburgh this June. Presented annually since 1955, the award recognizes those who personify the character, sportsmanship and respect for the game as its champion namesake.

“What inspires us about Mike is his love for what is pure and good about the game, his investment in golf that’s open to the public, his drive to promote recreational golf and the joy he feels when he plays – and those strong connections have never wavered,” said Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA, who made the announcement at the USGA’s Annual Meeting at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club this weekend. “We’re grateful for the example he’s set, which pushes the entire industry to think bigger.”