NEWS

LPGA Tour’s Riviera Maya Open Winner Was Playing a Graphite Design Tour AD FI-6 Stiff

Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts, Inc. announced today that the winner of the LPGA Tour’s Riviera Maya Open at Mayakoba event, held in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, was playing a Graphite Design Tour AD FI-6 Stiff flex wood shaft in her TaylorMade Qi4D Driver. The champion claimed her 18th career win after posting a 4-day score of 68, 67, 68, 69 for a total of 17 under par, winning by 4 strokes.

Additionally, the winner of the PGA TOUR Champions Regions Tradition event, held in Birmingham, AL, was playing a Graphite Design Tour AD XC-6 X-Stiff wood shaft in his Ping G440 MAX Driver, claiming both his second PGA TOUR Champions major and fourth win of the 2026 season.

NGF Short Game: Travel’s Expanding Golf Economy Impact

The growth in golf travel isn’t just a surge in demand — it’s reshaping how golfers engage with the game and one area in which the industry is creating value.

Each of the past four years has seen record or near record levels of Americans hitting the road to play golf: over 12 million annually from 2022 to 2025. That’s up 49% compared to recent pre-Covid levels and about 10% above the comparable stretch in the mid-2000’s prior to the Great Recession.

And over the past 12 months entering spring of 2026, the momentum has hit new heights.

 
 

BUSINESS

PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Introduces Golf to Local Youth & Careers to Student-Athletes

The PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship, presented by Chase and Kohler Co., provides more than a high-level championship experience for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Universities and other minority-serving institutions. Annually, the Championship introduces local youth to the game and connects collegiate athletes to industry leaders and career pathways in and around the $102 Billion golf industry.

NGCOA Launches Exclusive New Member Benefit: The 2026 NGCOA Member Golf Study

The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), today announced the launch of a powerful new exclusive member benefit: the 2026 NGCOA Member Golf Study, a comprehensive financial and operational benchmark report available at no cost to participating NGCOA members. The study is developed in collaboration with Greenlight Advisors and powered by the GolfClubBenchmarks.com platform.

Scaling up: The challenges and triumphs behind BooYaa Golf’s global growth

For BooYaa Golf, the expansion has been fast, deliberate, and at times, uncomfortable. What started as a South African golf apparel business has moved into Europe, North America, Australasia, Asia-Pacific, and parts of Africa in a relatively compressed window. The result is momentum, but also a level of operational pressure that few brands ever experience this early. “Rapid growth is exhilarating,” says Johan van Greune, Group CEO of BooYaa Golf Global. “But it tests you everywhere.” The early phase of expansion exposed just how quickly complexity multiplies when a business crosses borders.

Why is SAM PuttLab so different?

SAM PuttLab is the industry standard for professional putting analysis and training. Designed for coaches, club fitters, and players, it combines easy setup and fast calibration with highly accurate data capture and powerful analytics. From detailed stroke breakdowns to customizable reports and advanced fitting protocols, SAM PuttLab provides everything needed to elevate putting performance. SAM PuttLab is the world’s most accurate and comprehensive putting analysis and training system. It uncovers even the smallest details of a player’s stroke and turns them into clear, actionable insights. Assessing both technique and consistency creates a truly individualized performance profile.

PEOPLE

Malcolm DeMille Continues a Storied Tradition with the Regions Tradition Trophy

At the PGA TOUR Champions Regions Tradition, Malcolm DeMille Inc.’s signature artistry shone through, with a handcrafted trophy that elevated a truly championship-worthy performance. Stewart Cink delivered a poised closing round, finishing with a 3-under 69 to capture his second major title of the year on the PGA TOUR Champions and further cement his standout 2026 season. Cink’s victory was celebrated with the stunning Regions Tradition trophy—an elegant 10.25-inch-tall jug cup, finished in nickel plate with polished highlights. 

Shade Headwear Names Adam Piratzky National Sales Lead

Shade Headwear, industry-leading innovator and only premium, truly custom, private label headwear supplier, names industry veteran Adam Piratzky as National Sales Lead. Adam began his career in operations for the Tiger Woods Foundation and PGA Tour, eventually shifting to operations and management at clubs across Florida, Illinois (Chicago), and Wisconsin. A natural salesman and seasoned merchandiser, he jumped at the opportunity to switch to the selling side of the industry when he joined Bridgestone Golf in 2020.

Troon Welcomes New Chief Human Resources Officer

Troon®, the leader in providing golf and club-related leisure and hospitality services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Deane Ilukowicz as the company’s new Chief Human Resources Officer. Ilukowicz will lead Troon’s global human resources team, supporting the company’s 35,000-plus associates across 45 states, 40 countries and multiple brands. She will office at Troon’s corporate headquarters in Scottsdale, Ariz. Ilukowicz has 30-plus years of experience in building and transforming global HR organizations that enable growth, operational excellence, and strong culture.

UST Mamiya Announces Jose Miraflor Joins Company as Vice President of Aftermarket Sales

UST Mamiya is pleased to announce the appointment of industry veteran Jose Miraflor as Vice President of Aftermarket Sales. In this role, Miraflor will lead the company’s aftermarket sales strategy, strengthening relationships with key partners, expanding market presence, and driving continued growth across North America and global channels. Miraflor brings a wealth of experience in the golf industry, with a proven track record in product marketing, brand development, and sales leadership. Known for his deep understanding of the golf industry and consumer behavior, he has played a pivotal role in shaping premium golf equipment.

New and Returning KW88 Gift Award Winners Celebrated at TPC Scottsdale

The KW88 Gift Award, created to honor the extraordinary legacy of golf legend Kathy Whitworth, celebrated both new and returning recipients during activities surrounding the Carlisle Arizona Women’s Golf Classic at TPC Scottsdale. The presentation recognized five outstanding 2026 recipients, along with previous honorees whose continued success reflects the mission of the award.

COURSES

Escalante Golf Acquires Nationally Ranked Hawks Ridge Golf Club

Escalante Golf – a boutique owner and operator of luxury golf properties across 17 states – has acquired Hawks Ridge Golf Club in Ball Ground, Georgia. Since opening in 1999, Hawks Ridge has been regularly ranked among the country’s Top 200 Modern Courses by Golfweek and Georgia’s best courses by Golf Digest. This June, Hawks Ridge will be one of 10 U.S. courses to host final qualifying for the 126th U.S. Open Championship, marking the ninth time it has been selected for this honor.

Discover Golf at Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Perched above the Pacific along one of Central America’s most breathtaking coastlines, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, offers a golf experience shaped by landscape, design, and quiet luxury. Set within Peninsula Papagayo, the resort provides access to an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature course that flows seamlessly between lush tropical forest and sweeping ocean views. Each hole follows the natural contours of the land, where elevation, coastal breezes, and dramatic scenery create a round that is both challenging and deeply immersive.

Bonita Bay Club Membership Approves $110 Million Clubhouse Transformational Project

Bonita Bay Club, Florida’s largest member-owned private golf club, will embark on a landmark $110 million clubhouse project, marking a significant milestone in the Club’s ongoing evolution. Approved with strong member support, the new clubhouse, which will be built in two phases on the club’s 2400-acre main campus, reflects a commitment to enhancing the Club’s facilities and prepares for future growth. The planned 140,000-square-foot clubhouse has been designed in a Florida coastal style to elevate the members’ experience while improving operational efficiency and staff work environments.


Keswick Hall to Host 2026 U.S. Open Qualifier

Keswick Hall—the distinguished 600-acre luxury boutique resort in Virginia Wine Country—announces that its Pete Dye-designed Full Cry at Keswick Club golf course will serve as a local qualifying site for the 2026 U.S. Open Championship on May 12. This event marks a continuation of Keswick Hall’s commitment to competitive golf, having previously served as a U.S. Open qualifying site in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The 18-hole qualifier represents the initial stage for players hoping to advance to the 126th U.S. Open Championship at Long Island’s Shinnecock Hill Golf Club.

 

Now Hiring: Experienced Independent Golf Sales Reps Spirit Jersey® Golf 

Following an incredibly successful launch, we are expanding our best-in-class national sales rep network. If you’re a relationship-driven closer with strong green-grass connections, this is your chance to add a high-demand, category-creating product to your bag. If you’re qualified and want to be part of something new, exciting, and growing fast, let’s connect. APPLY

DrinkTanks is looking for independent sales representatives to help drive its continued growth and expansion.

DrinkTanks® is expanding its sales in key regions and seeks experienced golf-focused sales executives for Ohio, Tennessee/Kentucky, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Utah/Colorado, Iowa/Nebraska, East Pennsylvania/West Virginia and South East Florida. APPLY

Director of Custom Design & Installation – The Indoor Golf Shop

We are hiring a Director of CDI to lead and scale our Custom Design & Installation division. This is a high-ownership leadership role responsible for operational execution, team development, margin performance, and cross-functional alignment across every installed project.

You will oversee three functional teams — Project Management, Installation, and Design — comprising 15+ team members across multiple concurrent projects and geographies.  APPLY

Golf Course Superintendent – Walt Disney World Golf Club

Work at Disney: Are you looking to be part of a company that will stand the test of time, create opportunities for you to grow, and to have fun? Walt Disney World Resort, home to the happiest place on Earth, is seeking a talented Golf Course Superintendent to join our team and lead efforts to maintain and enhance the golf course experience for our guests. This position will be part of a growing company with a portfolio of private, public, and resort courses throughout the U.S. We offer cross-facility training, scholarships, and opportunities to participate in The American Express (PGA TOUR) at PGA WEST or The Ford Championship (LPGA) at Whirlwind Golf Club. APPLY

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