A Golf Oasis in Death Valley
In a literal oasis within the largest national park in the lower 48 states is a golf experience like no other. More than 60 miles away from the nearest town and more than 200 feet below sea level sits the Furnace Creek Golf Course in Death Valley, Calif. Open to the public, it’s the world’s […]
Golf’s State-of-the-Industry – Where Were We Before COVID-19?
The big picture view of golf has been understandably clouded by the crisis at hand: Thousands of courses in various parts of the country are still temporarily shut down due to the coronavirus, memorable golf trips to incredible getaway destinations are on hold, and operations often look quite different in places where the game goes […]
Architecture 101: Routing
I am a dinosaur when it comes to computer-aided design, still clinging to pencils (and usually golf pencils, at that), erasers, and sheets of tracing paper when sketching out a golf course. I wear out erasers, and when working directly on a topographical map I sometimes wear out the map. The first stage of course routing […]
Questions: European Tour CEO Keith Pelley
Keith Pelley, the chief executive of the European Tour, thinks the pro game needs to speed up for the digital age, marvels at his players’ respect for one another, and wishes the media weren’t so negative. And yeah, he’s a Canadian. _____________________ Q. Was there any resistance from the players to a Canadian taking over […]
How Can You Spot Fake Clubs?
What are the risks of shopping for clubs online, and how do you ensure you’re not buying fake clubs? Here is a guide.
The Real Cost of Hosting a USGA Event
Hosting a USGA National Championship can bring a club notoriety and prestige—along with a major financial headache During the PGA Tour’s Valspar Championship this past March, Innisbrook Resort owner Sheila Johnson sipped on a cocktail at a media reception when her phone buzzed. After checking the incoming e-mail message, a smile creased her faced. She […]
The Untold Story of Golf Course Shapers
Though they prefer to remain out of the spotlight, you often read about them. Highly skilled and invariably obsessive about the quality of their work, their role on the typical golf course construction site has evolved greatly in recent years to the point where they are now considered more than just simple earth-movers, but rather […]
Ben Wright: Buttered and Bunkered
Of all the great golfers I have seen in more than half a century of covering the game, I believe the best never to win a major was the majestic Irishman Christy O’Connor Sr. A two-time winner of the European Tour’s Order of Merit (1961, ’62) and a member of the Great Britain and […]
The Best Golf Layering Pieces
As we get closer to the end of the golf season in many parts of the world, thankfully some of the biggest brands in the sport have gear that can help you extend your season—no matter where you live. From base layers to vests, pants, and pullovers, just because the temperatures are dropping that doesn’t […]
American Dream Courses: Northeast
The Northeast is the home of old golf in America—where guest passes are prized like Willy Wonka’s golden tickets. But for every secluded Devereux Emmet, Walter Travis, Alexander Findlay, or Willie Campbell design there are plenty of excellent public courses anyone can play. This is our version of the American Dream—really good golf where everyone […]
