NEWS

Bethpage Driving Range is Breaking the Municipal Mold.

Bethpage State Park's driving range is now among the busiest municipal ranges in the world, hitting roughly 750,000 balls a month across just 24 bays — a turnaround credited to Managing Partner Kelley Brooke, who runs Bethpage Black alongside Harbor Links and Montauk Downs. Rather than accept the industry assumption that public facilities simply lack demand, Brooke used ball-tracking and operations tools (Inrange, SelectPi, and Cover the Tees) to spot exactly when and where bays sat empty, then restructured operations around that data. The approach has now delivered the same result at three facilities, with a fourth, Pine Ridge Golf Club, set to launch by summer's end.

Golf Driving Range Automation: Infrastructure Challenges Beyond Robotic Ball Picker

Golf facilities eyeing robotic ball-picking automation often focus on the robot itself — but the bigger cost driver is usually infrastructure. Traditional automated systems typically require underground construction: concrete pits, buried conveyors, and drainage work that drive up costs, extend timelines, and add long-term maintenance and flooding risks.

Wayrobo's WayPick 2 takes a different approach with a modular, above-ground unloading platform that installs directly on turf, asphalt, or concrete — no excavation required. That flexibility lets facilities choose their own workflow: simple manual basket transfer, a fully automated above-ground pipeline, or integration alongside existing underground systems.

 

BUSINESS

Wittek Golf’s EzCutter 3.0 On Sale

For the entire month of August, Wittek Golf is discounting its innovative battery-powered hole cutter. The EZ Cutter 3.0 is a battery-powered golf hole cutter that changes cups in approximately 8 seconds – setting a new standard in golf course maintenance. No manual coring, no greenskeeper fatigue, just clean, consistent, professional-quality holes on every green. The EZCutter 3.0 comes in both DeWalt and Milwaukee models with your choice of clay or sand blades.

Trackman Announced as Partner to the 2026 Solheim Cup

Trackman, the world’s leading developer of radar and optical tracking technology for use in golf performance analysis, has been announced as the Official Ball Tracking & Simulator Supplier of the 2026 Solheim Cup, staged at Bernardus Golf, from 7-13 September, 2026. Along with Trackman, the Solheim Cup is proud to welcome new Partners to the 2026 edition, including E-Z-GO, TUMI and Creative Technology & Roe Visuals (CT&ROE).


Next Round Expands Partnership with Club Champion to Complete Global Rollout

Next Round, a leading trade-in platform powering upgrades for pro shops, club fitters and retailers worldwide, and Club Champion, the nation’s leading premium club fitting and building company, recently announced the expansion of their partnership into the United Kingdom, completing Next Round’s integration across every Club Champion market worldwide. The UK launch is powered by Next Round’s new partnership with Golf Clubs 4 Cash, one of the UK’s largest buyers and sellers of pre-owned golf equipment, and marks the completion of Next Round’s global network of local trade-in partners.

Celebrating 20 Years, Youth on Course Announces 11th Annual 100 Hole Hike™

Youth on Course – the nonprofit organization providing youth with access to life-changing opportunities through golf – today announced the 2026 schedule for the 100 Hole Hike fundraising initiative. Now in its 11th season, the 100 Hole Hike will span the country as well as return to iconic and community-focused golf venues in California and Florida. The 2026 Youth on Course 100 Hole Hike season spans 28 sites nationwide, highlighted through its flagship events.

Nespresso Named Preferred Partner of Troon

Troon Partners Network, a division of Troon®, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, today announced Nespresso, a premium brand known for innovative coffee machines and high-quality coffee capsules, as the company’s newest preferred partner. Through a multi-year partnership, Nespresso will be provided with a suite of marketing assets to connect their products and brand with Troon’s mass global golf audience, including golf facility operators through the placement of coffee machines and capsules at designated facilities across the country.

TRAVEL

Double the Fairways. Double the Reward.

There’s never been a better time to experience one of golf’s most legendary destinations. Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa is rewarding golfers with double the resort credit when they book the TPC Experience or Stadium Package by August 31.

Branson Golf Destination Reaches New Heights

Branson, Missouri has long entertained visitors with a mix of iconic and ever-growing attractions, from lakes and live entertainment theatres to family-friendly venues including Silver Dollar City theme park. Now, world-acclaimed golf is increasingly luring guests to Middle America’s most popular destination. Branson Golf has again invigorated its portfolio this summer with the opening of Big Cedar Lodge’s astounding new 2-acre Top of the Rock Putting Green & Putting Course on July 4, expanding the destination’s portfolio to 12 distinct golf experiences while earning widespread national acclaim in Golfweek’s latest course rankings.

Saddle Up Or Tee Off: Otero Ranch Brings An All-Inclusive Dude Ranch To Historic Arizona Golf Resort

Southern Arizona’s historic Otero Ranch will open Nov. 15, 2026, presented by True Ranch Collection in partnership with Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. Enjoy exclusive dude ranch adventures like horseback riding or hiking amid the lush Santa Cruz River valley, tee off on the resort’s 27-hole championship course, explore the artist town of Tubac or the historic Tumacácori Mission, and relax at a resort reminiscent of a Spanish village with luxurious Southwestern-style lodging, dining and a full-service spa. All-inclusive rates start at $450 per person per night based on double occupancy with a minimum three-night stay required.

 

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