Golf News

Personal Touches are Key to Standing Out in Today’s Daily Fee Golf Course Market

Marc Hall September 28, 2026

Golf News

With more people playing public golf than in previous generations, daily-fee golf courses have an opportunity to engender a unique kind of customer loyalty. While private clubs rely on familiar culture, member fees and dues to bolster revenue, public courses across the nation must employ programming and allegiance-driving techniques to keep their fair share of happy and engaged golfers. Perched on Charleston Harbor’s edge with views of Fort Sumter, Patriots Point Links might seem like a course that uses its visibility and prime waterfront location as its calling card, but growing its business requires more than a picturesque location. Managed by Bobby Jones Links, the facility has had its hurdles, and General Manager Brad Parker is tackling them head-on. Parker, a Buffalo, New York native who has been at the helm for 14 years, sees the 1979 Willard Byrd design as a solid layout that a renovation could truly elevate. Currently, the strategy for driving revenue centers on aggressive pricing and unique amenities that distinguish the club from other daily-fee operations.

Since the pandemic, the club has leaned into dynamic pricing. While many courses rely on third-party algorithms like GolfNow, Parker prefers a more manual, intuitive approach to managing the tee sheet. Everything is handled in-house. Parker, who also oversees regional operations for BJL, adjusts rates several times a week based on demand, local events, and the weather forecast. These aren’t minor tweaks; he moves the needle by $15 to $20 at a time. If play remains steady, Patriot’s Point holds steady. Post-COVID, the integrity of the rate has been remarkable. Growth over the last three years has been significant.

Retaining loyal customers, though, has never been an exact science. Parker and his team have employed some distinctive personal touches to stand out in the hearts and minds of golfers. He says the feel of the club is enhanced by offerings like warm cookies in the winter and pancakes that Parker flips himself on a Blackstone griddle outside the clubhouse. Since the facility lacks a full kitchen, they’ve had to use some creativity with the local menu. Without a hood for cooking, the snack bar now uses air fryers and hot boxes to serve fried chicken sandwiches. They’ve also found a winner in a frozen Transfusion machine that serves up a local rarity that moves quickly during sunny rounds. The results are tangible and well worth noting: roughly $450,000 in annual snack bar revenue against 38,000 rounds. That averages out to about $12 to $14 per golfer at the turn. Instruction and the lighted range, open until 9 p.m., are also key contributors to success. On the digital front, new social media director Lillian Stackhouse, who has a Disney background, uses drone footage among other strategies to grow the club’s online presence. Parker trusts her creative mindset to help keep the brand fresh. In 2019, revenue sat at $2.5 million. Today, projections are on pace for $4.8 million. Doubling the top line in six years is a significant milestone for the property.

The future could hold even more for this venerable Lowcountry mainstay. Patriot’s Point’s owners have explored the viability of a future golf course renovation with a vision to push the course into the Top 100 rankings. That plan would also call for taking strategic advantage of the prime, scenic locale and incorporating a premium stay-and-play component – an alluring notion in a coastal market already known for legendary golf travel opportunities. Throughout his 17-year tenure at Bobby Jones Links, Parker has valued the autonomy and support provided by BJL. Having worked with other management firms, he notes that this partnership has been a “really good ride.” He likes that he can call for help and get challenged or backed up when needed. It’s a culture of direct access rather than corporate layers.

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

Shot Scope Partners with Women’s Golf Day

Joanne Miller September 9, 2026

Golf News

Shot Scope delivers accessible golf improvement to women and girls globally.

Golf News: Shot Scope Announces Partnership with Women’s Golf Day to Empower Golfers Through Technology and Data.

West Palm Beach, Florida and Edinburgh, Scotland: Shot Scope, a leading golf technology brand dedicated to helping golfers improve their game through innovative tracking, GPS, and performance analytics, is proud to announce a new partnership with Women’s Golf Day (WGD).

The partnership brings together two organizations committed to making golf more accessible, engaging, and rewarding for golfers of all skill levels. Through the collaboration, Women’s Golf Day and Shot Scope will highlight the role technology can play in helping women better understand their games, build confidence, and enjoy their time on the course.
“Women’s Golf Day brings the golf community together around one shared mission: to introduce more women and girls to the game and create opportunities for them to stay and thrive in it. By working collectively with the governing bodies, golf facilities, industry organizations, and individuals, we can create more opportunities and ensure a stronger, more vibrant future for the game. Our goal is that woman and girls feel engaged, empowered and supported and discover and enjoy golf with the resources and community they need to make the game part of their lives,” said Elisa Gaudet, Founder of Women’s Golf Day. “Shot Scope shares our passion for growing the game and empowering golfers with tools that make their golf experience more meaningful. We’re excited to partner with a brand that understands the value of data, innovation, and making improvement fun.”

Shot Scope’s technology provides golfers with detailed insights into their performance, helping players identify strengths, understand areas for improvement, and make more informed decisions on the course.

“Shot Scope is thrilled to partner with Women’s Golf Day and support its mission to grow participation and create more opportunities for women in golf,” said Lyndsey Whitefield, Head of Marketing at Shot Scope. “We believe that access to the right technology and information can give golfers greater confidence in their game. Together with Women’s Golf Day, we look forward to introducing more women to the benefits of using data to play, practice, and enjoy golf.”

As part of the partnership, Women’s Golf Day and Shot Scope will explore opportunities to engage golfers through data, educational content, product experiences, and initiatives designed to demonstrate how technology can support golfers throughout their journey.

Shot Scope recently launched “The Women’s Game by the Numbers,” a new eBook exploring the data behind women’s golf and providing practical insights to help women golfers better understand their performance. Drawing on Shot Scope’s performance data, the eBook highlights key trends, statistics, and opportunities for improvement, giving golfers the knowledge and confidence to make more informed decisions about their game. The resource reflects Shot Scope’s commitment to making performance data accessible, relevant, and valuable to more women golfers.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a more enjoyable and informed golf experience for the WGD golf community—one where everyone has the resources, encouragement, and opportunities they need to participate and thrive.

Find out more about Shot Scope: Shot Scope

Find out more about Women’s Golf Day: Women’s Golf Day

Read the Shot Scope ebook “The Women’s Game by the Numbers”: The Women’s Game by the Numbers – Shot Scope

About Women’s Golf Day

Women’s Golf Day (WGD) is a global movement that Engages, Empowers, and Supports women and girls playing golf and learning the skills that last a lifetime. WGD is the fastest-growing female golf development initiative. Held annually around the world, Women’s Golf Day brings together new and experienced golfers for opportunities to learn, play, and connect while celebrating the game and its community. This weeklong celebration is May 25 to June 1, 2027. Golf courses register with WGD and host their own WGD event during this week. These one-day, four-hour events have occurred at over 2,000 locations in 85 countries since its inception in 2016 and have introduced thousands of new golfers to the sport.
All are welcome to participate in Women’s Golf Day, except where prohibited by law. Women’s Golf Day does not discriminate against anyone on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_Golf_Day

Socials: @womensgolfday

About Shot Scope

Shot Scope Technologies www.shotscope.com, founded in 2014 and headquartered in Edinburgh Scotland, offers a range of industry-leading products that are designed to help golfers improve their game. From on course products such as GPS devices and laser rangefinders, to launch monitors and their innovative shot tracking devices, Shot Scope have a product for every golfer. Shot Scope products have collected over 460 million shots and been used by hundreds of thousands of golfers worldwide, who enjoy lifetime free updates and no subscription fees – helping them to save an average of 4.1 strokes.
The team consists of technology experts, golfers, and a former Walker Cup player who are passionate about driving game improvement and enjoyment through the most expansive and accessible lineup of golf products on the market.

Tiger Woods Accepts Reckless Driving Plea

Ted Odorico September 2, 2026

Golf News

Golf legend avoids jail time in deal over Florida arrest.

The 15-time major champion avoids jail time in Florida court, accepting a severe 5-year license suspension while raising fresh questions about his future in professional golf. Golf icon Tiger Woods walked into the Martin County Courthouse in Stuart, Florida, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, to resolve criminal charges stemming from his latest vehicular incident. Accompanied by girlfriend Vanessa Trump and a legal team, the 50-year-old legend accepted a last-minute plea agreement with the State of Florida.

The March Incident: What Brought Him to Court

The court appearance stems from a March 27 rollover crash on Jupiter Island near Woods’ home. While driving a Land Rover, Woods clipped a truck towing a trailer on a residential road, causing his SUV to flip onto its side. Though Woods escaped without major physical injuries and registered a 0.00 on a breathalyzer test, officers at the scene noted slurred speech and failed field sobriety tests. Furthermore, deputies found hydrocodone pills in his pocket and charged him with DUI with property damage after he refused a urine sample.

The Plea Deal: Pros and Cons

Under the deal approved by the judge, prosecutors dropped the formal DUI charge in exchange for Woods pleading guilty to reckless driving and refusing a lawful test.

. Pros for Woods: Avoids a criminal DUI conviction on his record, avoids jail time, and brings closure to a months-long legal saga.

. Cons for Woods: The judge imposed a strict 5-year driver’s license suspension alongside a $1,000 fine. The court delivered a stern warning: any violation of the driving ban results in immediate jail time.

Special Treatment or Standard Procedure?

The outcome has sparked sharp debate online and among legal analysts regarding fairness in the justice system:

. Critique of Leniency: Critics argue that dropping a DUI charge following a high-speed rollover crash involving property damage and prescription medication reflects preferential treatment afforded to ultra-wealthy figures who can deploy elite defense teams.

. Defense of Fairness: Legal experts note that for a first-time chemical refusal without an elevated blood alcohol reading (and no injuries to third parties), plea reductions to reckless driving are relatively common first-offense outcomes under Florida county diversion frameworks. However, the 5-year license suspension is considerably harsher than the standard 6-to-12 months typically handed down to first-time reckless driving offenders.

Impact on his Future and the PGA Tour

This settlement clears his immediate criminal exposure, but his standing on the course remains uncertain. Following the crash, Woods took a formal leave of absence to seek inpatient medical treatment.

The PGA Tour and PGA of America have traditionally treated off-course personal legal issues under their “Conduct Unbecoming of a Professional” policies. While the Tour has historically avoided public suspensions for first-time driving offenses—preferring internal counseling or private fines—Woods’ status as a Tour director and public ambassador creates unprecedented scrutiny. Both governing bodies are expected to allow Woods to return to competition when physically and personally ready, provided he adheres to his rehabilitation programs.

MLB Pitcher Tyson Ross Swaps Baseballs for Wedges

Joanne Miller August 14, 2026

Golf News

The former All-Star finding his groove on the golf course.

Even though Berkeley, California native Tyson Ross earned his way to become a National League All-Star pitcher in 2014, he still may not be considered the most accomplished person in his family. His father is a respected pediatrician, while his mother an emergency-room nurse. The Ross family has always been tight knit, though, so success was perhaps inevitable. While Tyson and his younger brother Joe – also a Major Leaguer – grew up playing baseball, Tyson went on to pitch at UC Berkeley, where he excelled with the Golden Bears.
Drafted by the Oakland Athletics in 2008, Tyson made his MLB debut in April 2010 and impressively struck out his first batter — future Hall of Famer Ken Griffey, Jr. He then spent parts of three seasons between the A’s and their triple-A affiliate Sacramento, posting an 11–5 record and 128 strikeouts in one standout season. In November 2012, he was traded to the San Diego Padres, a move that transformed him.

In 2014 – his All-Star season – Tyson notched a 13–14 record alongside an outstanding 2.81 ERA and 195 strikeouts across 195⅔ innings. The following year, he led the league with 33 starts, struck out a career-high 212 batters, and earned his second consecutive Padres Pitcher of the Year award. Unfortunately, his rising momentum stalled in 2016 when he underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, requiring rib removal.

In the comeback and latter phases of his playing career, he pitched for the Texas Rangers, the Padres again, as well as the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers before retiring—closing out a 10-year MLB career with a 44–70 record, 4.04 ERA, and 816 strikeouts.

But rather than fade quietly into retirement, he finished his degree in American Studies at UC Berkeley while working as a Special Assistant in Player Development for the Los Angeles Dodgers – a team he still works for. He also founded Loyal to My Soil, a nonprofit delivering free baseball and softball clinics in underserved Bay Area youth communities. These camps are led by former college and pro players and include coach training sessions and recovery clinics. Tyson has also become a mental health and performance advocate, partnering with a self-care studio to lead workshops for young athletes on recovery, meditation and resilience. Always the family man, he’s married and has two sons plus a rescue dog. In 2020, as protests ignited following high-profile police killings, he helped establish The Players Alliance aimed at improving diversity in baseball. His own nonprofit builds on that mission, bringing the joy of baseball to kids who might not otherwise have access.

He recently shared more about his story and how he enjoys giving back to the community – especially through golf.
What initially sparked your love for golf?

I started golfing as a kid. My dad’s two loves were coaching me and my brother in baseball and playing golf. So he got me out on the course early. I wasn’t patient. I played until I was about 13, and then kind of stepped away from the game and just focused on playing baseball for a long time. And I came back in 2017. I was coming off a rehab year – just had a major surgery. My career kind of fell off, and I decided to pick up golf figuring I needed to suck at something other than baseball right now. And that’s when I kind of fell in love with it. It was the camaraderie of getting out there with some friends, the constant challenge of trying to improve. It reminded me a lot of pitching, except I didn’t have a lifetime of experience, and I was basically starting at zero.

What translates from being an elite baseball player to becoming a more competitive golfer?

So many things. Baseball is a rotational sport, and so is golf. This ability to have some hand-eye coordination from my youth translates to the game, but the mental side of the game is something that I really enjoy. And that’s the part of baseball that I really loved – the ability to try and repeat your best effort over and over again. When you do something bad, how quickly can you bounce back from your mistake? Pitching and golf are really similar in those ways, and that’s something that I really enjoy. I wish I was better at it, but it makes me appreciate the game, just because even though I shank a shot, I can still recover. It’s not how good my best shot is, but how bad my worst ones are that determines exactly the day on the course.

Is it easier to find the strike zone or the fairway?

Strike zone. And a lot of times the batter helps bail me out and chase something. But getting off the tee is definitely the bane of my existence in golf right now, and it’s hard to slow down when you’re big and strong and you know you can hit it far, but it’s more about placement and distance.

What is Loyal to My Soil?

It’s a charity program I started during COVID. Essentially, we go around and host free camps for kids in underserved communities. Baseball and softball are the primary focus. I grew up in Oakland, California, playing youth baseball in the community. We had a great network of people, parents giving back, older kids umpiring, kids playing pick-up baseball on the side, having rundowns, watching other kids play. It was just kind of like a central hub in the community. And that league really died off. And a lot of pay-for-play sports have taken over. So I just wanted to give kids an opportunity, regardless of financial income or your parents, to get out and play the game, learn to love it, and build a community. We host a big annual golf tournament. It will be held November 3 this year at The Club at Ruby Hill in Pleasanton, California. If anyone wants to join us, it’s a lot of fun.

What drew you to TRUE linkswear, and what do you appreciate about the brand and the people there?

I’m a sneakerhead. I love shoes. Growing up, I had a big Jordan collection. I thinned it out, but I still have some. When I got into golf, of course, I saw Nike had Jordans with a bunch of spikes on the bottom, and I bought a bunch of them. I looked ridiculous on the course shooting over 100 with these $200 sneakers on and they weren’t very comfortable. And so part of my journey in athletics and training, I found the value of natural footwear, whether it’s wide toe boxes or zero drop. And I just came across TRUE back in the day, probably around 2020. I bought a couple pairs. And I was like, dude, these are amazing – the comfort, the style, the ability to wear on and off the course. It was just something that was really cool. It was a startup brand. And I was loyal. TRUE was kind of in that same branding scheme, if you will. And I just fell in love with the brand. Then they started rolling out clothing, which surprisingly fit me – I’m 6’6” tall and weigh 280 pounds, and golf apparel isn’t made for people my size. But I found things that worked and it was just a perfect fit.

When you’re watching PGA Tour pros on TV, what’s your biggest takeaway from seeing those guys perform at their peak level? And how do you associate that as a professional athlete?

I have such a deep appreciation for how easy they make it look. The elite of the league, whether you’re watching the NBA or baseball up close or golf on TV, their misses are so minimal. And even if they do miss, they’re able to have a safe miss. And so I think watching some of the times you hear things miked up in little clips, and I really appreciate their process of how they approach a shot, what they’re looking at, how they determine what they’re trying to do, and all the factors that go into it. And then to see them execute. Whereas I get a bad read on a rangefinder and just take a hack with my 7-iron. I know how big the gap is between how they’re playing the game and what I’m doing. But it’s pretty cool to see the pros do it, and it’s amazing.

How often do you play golf right now?

If I play four rounds a month, I’m in a pretty good spot. I’ve got two young kids at home, six and three and a half, and then I work in player development for the Dodgers. I fly all over the country and globe, really, working with different players. And actually when I’m on work trips, that’s my best bet for getting out and playing.

What’s your favorite golf memory so far?

That’s a good question. Two weeks ago, we went on a family vacation to Oahu, with my kids and then my parents. I played Ko Olina Golf Club with my dad and my six-year-old. Just the three of us, three generations hanging out in the cart. That was a good time.

Rumor is you’ve had a lot of funny golf miscue stories. Any you can share?

As I alluded to earlier, I played golf until I was about 13, and that’s when things ended. My sister had a soccer tournament in San Diego. My dad took me out golfing at the Omni La Costa Resort down there. And while unusual, San Diego had a little light drizzle that day, and I didn’t have a golf glove. I told my Dad I needed a golf glove. It’s wet. And he’s like, Hey, just shut up and hit the ball. So I take a swing, and the club slips out of my hand, flies down the fairway a bit and gets lodged up in a tree. That was the last time my dad took me golfing for a long time. But in a full-circle moment, I got married at like 32 at that same hotel. And our honeymoon suite overlooked that same fairway. And no, the club was not still up there.

Any long-term golf dreams?

Definitely to start playing more and take some golf trips with my friends. Right now, we all have young kids, and I’m traveling a bunch for work, so to be able to do a full golf vacation, like to St George, Utah looks really cool. My dad’s traveled all over the world. He went to Australia earlier this year for a week-long golf trip. He’s done St Andrews. He’s done all that stuff. I don’t need to go international but a weekend with the boys to get away and play some golf. And the par-3 course at Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri looks incredible. I’ve been seeing videos of that non-stop.

What would you like people to know about The Players Alliance?

It’s a fantastic group of current and former major league players, mostly of color, who are working to grow the game in their community. They’ve been doing tremendous work since its inception. They support programs like Loyal to My Soil with grant money and equipment, and it’s just a fantastic way of players taking charge and giving back to the younger generation.

Both of your parents got into medicine. Was that something you initially wanted to do, before you got into baseball?

I loved sports growing up. And obviously our home was a big medical household, so I figured I would blend in too. I was interested in sports medicine through high school. And I took the basic sports medicine class we had at Bishop O’Dowd High School. And then as my career went on, my natural curiosity allowed me to kind of look into different training modalities, and working with high-level physical therapists to try and be physically prepared and recovered to play my best. So I think having that medical background at home allowed me to see the game differently and really invest in my body along the way. But my sister followed my parents’ footsteps. She’s a pediatric doctor. I don’t think it’s genetic, I think she just worked incredibly hard.

Is Chasing Birdies the Quickest Path to Lower Scores?

Joanne Miller August 2, 2026

Golf News

Shot Scope data reveals the reality of amateur golf scores.

Very few things in golf are more satisfying than making a birdie. It means – despite how the rest of your round might be going – at least two things in your golf game went really well in succession. A birdie also always delivers a welcome dose of momentum to your scorecard.

So, a sensible key to lowering your handicap must be to simply make more birdies, right? Sure, but the reality is that, for most, that’s just easier said than done. According to Shot Scope data, 15 and 20 handicappers both make an unglamorous .36 birdies per round, just a little better than one birdie for every 54 holes played. Anyone in that handicap range expecting to make a birdie every time they go out should stay optimistic – and opportunistic – but realize it’s statistically only likely to happen approximately once every three rounds.

Even 10 handicappers average less than one birdie per round, .72 birdies per 18 holes. Our single-digit friends, the 5-handicap players, pick up the pace by averaging 1.26 birdies per round, which is just slightly better than five birdies for every 72 holes played.

Shot Scope data indicates that scratch golfers average an impressive 2.34 birdies holed per round, which is almost twice as successful as the 5 handicappers but well behind the PGA TOUR average of 3.72 (data collected throughout the 2025 PGA TOUR season).

The pros simply make breaking par look easy. World No. 1 player Scottie Scheffler led the TOUR by averaging 4.61 birdies per round in 2025. He dropped a staggering 350 birdies over the course of 76 rounds on his way to six wins, including two majors. A 15 handicapper would make about 27 birdies over that same stretch of play.

You might be thinking, “My gosh! It would take me 1,000 ROUNDS to make as many birdies as Scottie made in tournaments in 2025!” Close. It would likely take about 972 rounds for a 15 handicapper to reach the 350-birdie mark. Remember the TOUR’s “These Guys Are Good” slogan? The players we watch on TV and from the other side of the ropes play an entirely different caliber of golf than most of us. But don’t lose hope.

WHAT NOW?

Remember, we’re only talking about averages here. You’re plenty capable of multiple-birdie rounds and definitely able to increase the number of chances you have to make more birdies.

Hitting more greens would definitely give you more birdie opportunities. Scratch handicappers hit 55 percent of their greens in regulation (GIR). That percentage drops to 38 percent for 5 handicappers and 30 percent for 10 handicappers. For 15 and 20 handicappers, the GIR conversion rate drops to 24 and 17 percent, respectively.

Aim for the green center: Give yourself more birdie looks by boosting your approach-shot percentages.

There’s definitely a correlation to hitting more greens and scoring better, but the reality is recreational players of every skill are going to miss a lot of greens and don’t have a ton of time to work on becoming world-class ball strikers. You probably work for a living and don’t have 10 hours a day to improve your swing or to add 25 percent more distance and accuracy to your shots. What you can do is play smarter with your current skill set and work diligently on the deficiencies in your game.

Here are some tips:

. Hit your drives a distance and direction that lands in the most generous part of the fairway and away from hazards and other trouble.
. If you’re missing your driver both left and right consistently, take a lesson and try to narrow tendencies down to, at least, a one-way miss that you can play for and use to your advantage.
. Hit your drives to the side of the hole that gives you the clearest shot to the green (away from sand, water or other obstacles, when possible).
. To hit more greens, know the approach distances to the front, middle, and back of every green. The Shot Scope G6 GPS Watch is an amazing tool to help you own this data and play to the most accepting section of the green.
. Dial in your distance-control on wedge shots from 100 yards and in. Every time you can turn three shots into two, you’re chipping away at a better handicap.
. Become a better bunker player.
. Also, work on putts of every length and that break both left-to-right and right-to-left.
. Tracking your birdies for the season, and trying to beat a particular benchmark, can be fun. Or demoralizing.

What you’ll likely find is that the path to better scores isn’t as much about making more birdies as it is about making easy pars and avoiding disaster. Turning 10-foot par putts into three- or four-foot opportunities can go a long way. Keeping the ball in play versus chasing distance can help. Every player can have a better short game and getting better inside of 100 yards can be a lot of fun to practice.

All that said, the satisfaction of holing birdies will always be enticing. So, happy hunting!

Official Opening of the Wee Course at Harbor Shores

Kevin Frisch July 8, 2026

Golf News

Two Swings, Two Aces: Fireworks from Colin Montgomerie Headline Official Opening of the Wee Course at Harbor Shores Resort.

The new golf entertainment venue is open to everyone and designed to make golf more accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. Harbor Shores Resort celebrated the official opening of the Wee Course today in incomparable fashion. Course designer and World Golf Hall of Famer Colin Montgomerie took two swings and made back-to-back holes-in-one to celebrate the innovative nine-hole short course that is quickly becoming a centerpiece for golf, recreation, and community connection in Southwest Michigan.

Montgomerie spent the day at Harbor Shores, playing the course, walking it with guests and media, and playing alongside local youngsters from the area’s PGA Junior League and First Tee Benton Harbor programs. “I am blown away by everything to do with this and the details and vision involved with Jeff Fettig and his group to put this together and to ask me to help in the design, I am very honored and humbled,” Montgomerie said. “I have designed courses around the world, and to see this now in working order, the quality of everything is the big Harbor Shores course quality. It also gives opportunity to everybody, and without opportunity we don’t know the next Tiger Woods; where are they? Are they out there somewhere? Without opportunity, you don’t know. That is what the Wee Course is all about.” Montgomerie aced the third (43 yards) and the fifth (60 yards) holes as he walked with the media, talking about his vision and the ideas he incorporated into the course’s design.

“It was rather strange. We walked the first couple of holes and decided to hit a few shots. I grabbed one of Mr. Fettig’s clubs—a chipper—and figured I’d give it a try from about 60 yards. Somehow it found the hole. Then, incredibly, I did it again on the very next hole we played. Two hole-in-ones in the same day—it’s just unbelievable. When I arrived, 51 aces had been recorded on this course. Now there are 53.”

The five-acre, nine-hole pitch-and-putt course encourages fun and imagination for players of all levels.

The Wee Course is open to the public and is the latest addition to Harbor Shores Resort’s growing collection of golf experiences. The five-acre, nine-hole pitch-and-putt course encourages fun and imagination for players of all levels while remaining approachable for beginners, all in a relaxed environment that can be completed in under an hour. The Wee Course, which features nine holes ranging from 20 to 80 yards and a total yardage between 275 and 500 yards depending on tee selection, blends creativity, playability, and design inspiration from some of the most memorable green complexes found on Harbor Shores’ acclaimed Jack Nicklaus Signature Design course. Two sets of tee markers allow players to tailor the experience to their ability level. Longer tees introduce additional angles and strategic challenges, while forward tees create an inviting environment for juniors, families, and first-time golfers. Players can even choose to use only a putter from the forward tees, creating a unique and highly social experience. While golf is at the heart of the project, the vision for the Wee Course extends beyond the game itself. It was designed to be a gathering place where families, youth, friends, resort guests, and community members can connect through shared experiences in an environment that reflects the welcoming culture found in many golf communities across Scotland.

Two hole-in-ones in the same day—it’s just unbelievable.

Jeff Fettig, former chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corporation, a leading contributor through the Fettig Family Foundation, and the visionary behind the Harbor Shores expansion, said the project is already delivering on its original mission. “The Harbor Shores vision has always been to create a positive place for all in our community to enjoy. The Wee Course is the next part of realizing that vision,” says Fettig. “The goal of the Wee Course is to make golf accessible and affordable to everyone. The model is for golf to be the social gathering spot similar to most towns and communities in Scotland, and although it’s only been open for a short time, we are already seeing that happen.” That vision is evident throughout the broader golf entertainment experience surrounding the Wee Course. Adjacent to the short course is Highland Greens, a 15,000-square-foot putting course inspired by legendary putting venues at St. Andrews and Pinehurst. With lighting, music, gathering spaces, and food-and-beverage service from Monty’s Place, the area has quickly become a popular destination for both golfers and non-golfers, extending activity well into the evening. According to Harbor Shores Golf Club PGA, General Manager Joshua Doxtator, the response since the facility’s soft opening has exceeded expectations.

“Since the project was fully completed this spring, the Wee Course continues to gain momentum in the community,” says Doxtator. “The demand has been significant with leagues, Ladies Nights, private events, and most importantly, grandparents, parents, and kids enjoying time together. The response from our resort guests staying in our on-site villas has also been overwhelming. They have access to the course, the putting green, and the firepits, right out their front door.” Community engagement remains a central component of the project. Programs such as First Tee Benton Harbor, PGA Junior League and local youth golf initiatives already use the facility, reinforcing Harbor Shores’ long-standing commitment to creating opportunities through golf.

“We’ve seen a tremendous number of kids playing the course,” continues Doxtator. “Our PGA Junior League has weekly practices, and The First Tee of Benton Harbor utilizes the facility in its programming. In our short time open this season, our commitment to being accessible and affordable to all has held true, and I’m excited about the many events we have planned this year.” Affordability has also been a key consideration from the outset. Pricing begins at $30 for nine holes, $40 for 18 holes, and $50 for all-day access, including use of the putting course. Children under 12 play free with a paying adult, while juniors ages 13-17 receive discounted rates. Season pass options are also available. The opening of the Wee Course represents another milestone in Harbor Shores’ ongoing mission to expand access to golf while creating meaningful community experiences. By combining recreation, hospitality, and youth engagement, the project continues to advance the resort’s vision of using golf as a catalyst for connection and positive community impact.

About Harbor Shores Resort

Harbor Shores Resort is Southwest Michigan’s premier golf destination, anchored by its nationally acclaimed Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course along the shores of Lake Michigan. One of the country’s most notable examples of golf-driven community revitalization, Harbor Shores was developed through more than $900 million in strategic investment, transforming former industrial and environmentally challenged land into a vibrant destination for recreation, tourism, and economic growth. The championship course has hosted the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship six times between 2012 and 2024. Complemented by The Wee Course, the Inn at Harbor Shores, golf villas, and a variety of stay-and-play experiences, Harbor Shores delivers one of the Midwest’s most distinctive golf resort experiences. Visit https://www.harborshoresresort.com.

TRUE linkswear Limited-Edition Patriot Pack

Joanne Miller July 3, 2026

Golf News

Red, white, and blue colorways bring bold summer style to two versatile golf shoes.

Tacoma, Washington – TRUE linkswear (TRUE), creator of ultra-comfortable, modern golf footwear designed for walking on and off the course, releases a limited-edition Patriot Pack — a special collection with red, white, and blue colorways across two of the brand’s most popular silhouettes: the OG3 Pro and Knit Four.

Designed to stand out on the course while embracing the spirit of summer, the Patriot Pack pairs classic Americana styling with TRUE’s signature comfort-first performance. Featuring clean white bases accented with rich navy detailing and striking red highlights, each model delivers a fresh take on patriotic golf style without sacrificing functionality.

The OG3 Pro Patriot Pack brings a performance-driven edge to the collection, blending the timeless red, white, and blue palette with TRUE’s tour-level technology. Built on the brand’s Zero Drop platform, the OG3 Pro features a WanderLux® closed-cell PU midsole for high rebound cushioning and low compression support, helping golfers stay grounded while maximizing power transfer through the swing. The aggressive TPU outsole adds traction and stability, making it an ideal choice for players looking for confidence in every step.

The Knit Four Patriot Pack offers a more versatile and casual expression of the collection, pairing lightweight comfort with a bold patriotic aesthetic perfect for summer golf and beyond. Its breathable knit upper is complemented by navy and red detailing for a sporty, modern look that transitions seamlessly from the course to everyday wear. With its sock-like fit, enhanced durability, and all-day flexibility, the Knit Four continues to be one of TRUE’s most adaptable styles.

To give golfers a deeper look at the innovation behind the Knit 4, TRUE Director of Design, Jessa Barth, recently shared insights into the technology and design philosophy behind the model in a behind-the-scenes video.

You can check out the video here:

The Patriot Pack is available for a limited time while supplies last.

OG3 Pro MSRP: $199
Sizing: Men’s 7–12.5 (half sizes), 13–15 (full sizes)

Knit Four MSRP: $149
Sizing: Men’s 7–12.5 (half sizes), 13–15 (full sizes)

For more information visit for additional specs.

About TRUE linkswear

TRUE crafts naturally comfortable gear ready to perform from the links to the streets. As a collective, we aim to inspire each other to achieve camaraderie, wellness, and purpose in the pursuit of par. We’re a group of family and friends dedicated to sharing our passion and excitement for footwear and the game of golf with like-minded players. Born amid the rugged golf landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, we use only the finest and responsibly sourced materials to protect golfers from the elements and help them #enjoythewalk.

In keeping with its global ethos, TRUE’s current footwear portfolio includes seven core designs: ORIGINALS (OG), ALL DAY (AD), ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE (LUX2), ANTIGRAVITY (AG), TOUR PERFORMANCE (LUX), ASCENT (A+), and FUTURE STAPLES (FS). Each design is focused on sustainability, performance, and comfort with a modern, minimalist aesthetic appealing to professional golfers, dedicated amateurs, avid recreational players, and new golfers alike.

College Golf Experience Launches Committed Golf

Kevin Frisch May 5, 2026

Golf News

First-ever digital platform featuring exclusive content from College Coaches goes live.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — College Golf Experience (CGX), the leading college golf camp company exclusively endorsed by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA), announces the launch of Committed Golf, a groundbreaking digital platform delivering exclusive college golf coach content created for competitive junior golfers and their families, high school coaches, PGA and LPGA Professionals, and College Coaches.

Built to serve as the indispensable starting point for any young player interested in competing at the next level, Committed Golf provides unprecedented insight into the college golf landscape, the recruiting process, competitive junior golf, and game improvement—straight from college coaches themselves. It is the first platform created specifically to give families a clear, trustworthy roadmap to college golf, removing confusion and guesswork while equipping parents and players with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to navigate the journey with confidence and take control of a path that simply didn’t exist before.

While CGX revolutionized the junior golf space four years ago by connecting players and parents directly with college coaches through immersive, coach-led camps, CEO Joshua Jacobs recognized an unmet need long before the recruitment process begins.

“Prior to launching CGX, there was very little in-person access to college coaches and no opportunity to hear what coaches think and how they train their players on a grand scale,” said Jacobs. “If you’re a competitive junior golf family, high school coaches who want to improve their team and practice efficiency; a PGA or LPGA Professional who teaches competitive juniors; or a college coach looking to learn from their peers, Committed Golf gives access to real guidance, real perspectives, and real preparation—straight from college golf coaches.”

College coaches—who have long asked for ways to help families better understand the process—say the platform fills a major gap for families and puts them ahead of the game.
“When you’re out at junior golf tournaments, and other parents are talking about the recruiting process, they know just as little as you do,” said Brennan Webb, the Head Men’s golf coach at the University of Tennessee. “They’re all just guessing. And sometimes you get stuck with the loudest voice, which becomes the truth. Everyone who attends a CGX camp is ahead of the game because they took the time to attend, learn about college golf, and the recruiting process from College Coaches. Now, with Committed Golf, juniors and families can take the on-site camp experience with them anytime, anywhere on their devices.”

Committed Golf, through a subscription model, offers one-of-a-kind access to content created by the same experts, college coaches who are evaluating junior golfers every day, making scholarship offers, and building rosters covering every stage of the college golf journey.

Families can search by coach, program, or topic and immediately access content on how coaches discover players, what they look for on film, how to communicate effectively during the recruiting process, what academic profiles matter at different program levels, and how to evaluate fit beyond rankings. In addition, the platform covers practice planning, course management, coaching drills, and the mental side of performance — giving players and families a smarter, more informed path to the next level. For example: A junior golfer may search “how to practice” and pull up the video below from Northwestern men’s coach Pat Goss explaining how to schedule range time and practice effectively with drills. https://youtu.be/dxNixlvc3sY

A popular strategy in golf today is tracking stats to determine how far a player can carry a specific club. It’s not just about what the range finder might say; as women’s Kentucky coach Golda Borst explains in the video below, a key method is to track stats and distances effectively. https://youtu.be/MCuPFbB5MfA

For players and parents unsure where to start, the platform also offers several predefined topics to explore, such as “Recruiting Process,” “Course Management,” “Putting Drills,” and “How to Communicate with Coaches.”

Committed Golf is continuing to evolve and grow with the families it serves, explains Jacobs.
“We are already working on future integrations with The Universal Golf Rankings (TUGR) to pair a player’s competitive data with personalized content recommendations based on their recruiting profile, as well as incorporating rankings, statistics, hard and soft goods, suggested content via an AI algorithm, and including more instruction, live seminars, forums, further equipping families to make smarter decisions about tournaments and player development investments.”

Erika DeSanty, the Head Women’s Golf Coach at Princeton University, is excited for families and junior golfers to learn from some of the very best coaches in the game.
“Committed Golf gives families something they’ve never truly had before: clarity and confidence in a process that often feels overwhelming,” said DeSanty. “Junior golfers and parents gain direct insight from College Coaches—not only into player development and recruiting expectations, but into how academics, admissions, and long-term fit shape every opportunity. When families understand how excellence in the classroom and on the course work together, they’re empowered to pursue the right path, not just the next step.”

Together, CGX, The Universal Golf Rankings (TUGR), and now Committed Golf create a fully integrated ecosystem of access, analytics, and education. It’s designed to elevate the entire junior golf journey, providing clear, honest insights into a player’s pathway and development while helping families make smarter, more informed competitive and financial decisions.

About Committed Golf

Committed Golf is the first digital platform built exclusively to help junior golfers and their families understand the path to college golf. Featuring exclusive content from more than 300 college coaches, the membership platform delivers trusted insight into recruiting, player development, practice planning, and the mental side of performance. Designed to remove confusion and guesswork, Committed Golf equips parents, players, coaches, and teaching professionals with the knowledge, tools, and resources to navigate the college golf journey with clarity and confidence—creating a smarter, more informed path to the next level. Visit: committedgolf.com

About College Golf Experience (CGX)

College Golf Experience (CGX) was founded in 2021 with the exclusive endorsement of the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA). CGX connects junior golfers and parents with college coaches through immersive camp experiences focused on exposure, education, and preparation. Camps feature college-style practice, play, seminars, and one-on-one time with coaches. CGX is dedicated to helping families better understand the college golf landscape and find their right fit. Visit: collegegolfx.com

GolfForever’s First 28-Day Fitness Challenge

Marc Hall April 29, 2026

Golf News

GolfForever’s First 28-Day Fitness Challenge Drives Strong Member Engagement.

Aspen, Colo. — GolfForever, the industry-leading at-home golf fitness and wellness system designed to help everyday golfers move better, play better, and enjoy the game pain-free late into life, announced that its February 2026 GolfForever Fitness Challenge drew nearly 1,000 participating members, far exceeding expectations and prompting plans for additional challenges later this year.

The February Challenge was created to help golfers prepare their bodies for the season ahead, turning the offseason anticipation into an opportunity to build strength, mobility, and consistency. Designed to keep members motivated and accountable, it gave golfers a simple, structured way to build momentum alongside a like-minded community while reinforcing habits that support long-term performance.

“We didn’t know what to expect when we put the challenge out there,” said Jon Levy, GolfForever SVP of Brand and Communications. “We had never engaged our membership with a formal challenge or monitored their activity in this way before. To see nearly 1,000 golfers sign up was an exciting indicator of how engaged our members are, and how motivated they are to improve their bodies and games for the upcoming season.”

As part of the Challenge sign-up process, GolfForever surveyed participants prior to the start to better understand the program’s impact. Among a subset of 399 respondents who reported using GolfForever an average of two times per week or more, 98.5 percent reported noticeable improvements in their physical ability to swing a golf club, including gains in range of motion, flexibility, strength, and endurance.

During the Challenge, increased engagement led to additional reports of improvement and hundreds of positive messages from participants. One enthusiastic GolfForever user whose story stands out is 79-year-old Gene Merchant, who committed himself to one hour of exercise four to five days a week even before the 28-day challenge began. He used the Challenge period to share his enthusiasm and results. “This GolfForever system seems to work the core and the whole body very well. After five or six months, I started to notice a real difference in my game. I was driving the ball up to 40 yards longer. My average driving distance had dipped down to about 190 yards and after the GolfForever workouts, I’m now able to drive it 230 yards.”

Following the success of the February Challenge, GolfForever will double down on current plans to integrate these success markers directly into the core user experience, spurred by powerful stories shared by members who moved out of chronic pain and back onto the course. “It’s very clear our members are motivated by goals and measures of progress,” Levy noted. “So, that’s exactly what we’re going to give them more of in their daily GolfForever experience.”

Moving forward, the company’s focus will be on providing members with enhanced tools to quantify and manage their personal progress, such as enhancing the onboarding strength and flexibility test; new quantitative and qualitative feedback loops to help users measure their progress over time; and a function allowing users to adjust their personalized programs based on their evolving fitness levels.

“This challenge showed us the impact our mission has on people,” Levy said. “GolfForever members will soon better understand the tangible value and measurable progress they see in their bodies and on the golf course.”

For more information about GolfForever, visit golfforever.com.

About GolfForever

GolfForever is a comprehensive, smart at-home training system that takes a science-based approach to maximizing performance by improving flexibility, core strength, balance, and rotational power. The first golf-specific home training program to embrace the approach of home exercise equipment paired with streaming instruction, GolfForever takes it one step further by customizing each golfer’s exercise routines just for them, based on a proprietary strength and flexibility test users take when starting. The result is a product and program that is safe, highly effective for any golfer and proven to work, as evidenced by a pilot study that saw users who used GolfForever three days per week for 30 days gain an average of 26 yards with their driver.

With exercise routines designed by some of the top PGA Tour trainers and orthopedic experts in the U.S., GolfForever users can expect to swing and perform their best – with a pain-free body – for as long as they play the game. It is used by more than 1,000 PGA Tour and LPGA Tour players, and thousands of everyday golfers alike. Founded in Aspen, Colorado in 2019 by Dr. Jeremy James, a leading specialist in chronic back pain and co-author of the Younger Next Year Back Book, GolfForever is the ideal companion to expert golf instruction. For more information, go to GolfForever.com or download the new mobile application on the Apple Store for IOS or Google Play for Android.

Champions Retreat Golf Club Reimagines the Club Experience with Multi-Million-Dollar Transformation

Ted Odorico April 26, 2026

Golf News

Phase One Delivers New Dining Venues, Culinary Upgrades, and Refreshed Amenities; Course and Practice Facility Enhancements Underway for Fall 2026 Completion.

Evans, Georgia (April 23, 2026) — Champions Retreat Golf Club—the only property in the world featuring individually designed courses by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player—has completed the first phase of a multi-million-dollar campus transformation. Phase One delivers reimagined dining, social, and hospitality spaces. including three newly conceived venues within the Grille House. Phase Two golf course and practice facility upgrades are underway and targeted for completion this fall.

Acquired by Arcis Golf in 2023, Champions Retreat is taking a significant step forward in enhancing the member and guest experience while honoring the club’s deep connection to championship golf and Southern hospitality.

“With this first phase of renovations, we’re not just updating spaces—we’re creating a sense of place that honors our heritage and elevates every moment on property,” said Blake Walker, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Arcis Golf. “This is only the beginning, as we look ahead to even greater enhancements in the months to come.”

At the heart of the recent renovations is the Grille House, reintroduced as three distinct and imaginatively designed venues.

The upstairs of the Grille House has been reborn as Three Kings, a members-only speakeasy honoring Nicklaus, Palmer, and Player. Designed to evoke a classic, prohibition lounge, Three Kings is approached via a hidden stairway entrance. This gathering place is designed to promote post‑round conversation and camaraderie.

Three Kings, a members-only speakeasy honoring Nicklaus, Palmer, and Player

A newly renovated Private Dining Room will serve as an intimate extension of the main dining area in the Grille House. The space features custom-built wine displays, showcasing extraordinary collections of wine, plus increased seating.
Downstairs, the Champions Room now serves as the primary dining and bar area. The fully reimagined Champions Room is themed around the club’s rich architecture and heritage, with custom-designed trophy display cabinets lining the walls.

Downstairs, the Champions Room now serves as the primary dining and bar area. (Dining & Bar area)

Nearby, The Barn has been redecorated with furnishings and an atmosphere that can accommodate any special occasion with a variety of exciting culinary options. The Barn kitchen remodel will commence this summer, and upon completion will offer an open space “culinary laboratory” and a new bar in the pre-function and private dining spaces.

Beyond dining, a new concierge and cottage check‑in area in the Locker House welcomes arriving members in a luxury setting, befitting a private club with both local and national members. Champions Retreat opens to the public one week each spring, offering outside guests a rare opportunity to play its golf courses and partake in distinctive hospitality.

For most of the year, club life revolves around the Foursquare, a collection of well-appointed cottages and gathering spaces. The club offers 84 rooms in 14 unique cottages consisting of four- and eight-bedroom ensuite configurations for use by members and guests.

Phase Two

While the current renovations mark a major milestone, Champions Retreat’s evolution is far from complete. Phase Two extends beyond the clubhouse, focusing on the golf course, practice facilities, and expanded outdoor amenities to enhance daily member play and championship-hosting capabilities. Course updates include bunker renovations across all three nines; major improvements to the practice facility and short‑game area; and the addition of new putting greens, including a warm‑up putting course north of The Barn.

Golfers can also look forward to a Trackman‑equipped driving range with covered hitting bays, a new halfway house serving both on‑course players and practice‑facility guests, and an indoor racquet sports facility. Together, these investments underscore Champions Retreat Golf Club’s ongoing commitment to honoring the game’s traditions while continually delivering southern hospitality in a superior setting for members and guests.

To learn more about Arcis Golf, visit arcisgolf.com.

About Arcis Golf

Arcis Golf is a premier owner and operator of 88 private, resort, and daily fee courses in the United States. Arcis Golf continues to transform its portfolio of clubs into inclusive, lifestyle hubs with dynamic programming and unrivaled amenities. Golf and country clubs are elevated to levels of excellence designed to exceed the needs and expectations of families, friends, members, and guests of all ages. The Company is also known for innovative management, with a best-in-class leadership team committed to enhancing service levels and reinventing the modern club experience. Headquarters: 8343 Douglas Avenue, Ste. 200, Dallas, TX 75225. Phone: (214) 722-6000. Website: arcisgolf.com.

Press Release by: Karen Moraghan, Hunter Public Relations

email: kmoraghan@hunter-pr.com