EQUIPMENT
Hit Straighter & Play Better
Hireko Golf is excited to highlight the expansion of the Orlimar Escape HL Series with the Escape HL Mini Driver, giving golfers a versatile alternative to a traditional driver when control and accuracy are the priority. Combining the distance of a driver with the control of a fairway wood, the Mini Driver delivers distance, versatility, and confidence from the tee or fairway. The Escape HL Mini Driver features a compact 300cc titanium head with a draw-biased design that helps promote a square clubface at impact for straighter drives. Additional back-toe weighting enhances forgiveness, while the streamlined shape helps reduce drag and promote increased clubhead speed.
Wilson Golf Expands Zero Torque Range With New Women’s Putters
Wilson Golf has expanded its acclaimed INFINITE™ Zero Torque putter lineup with the launch of two new women’s models – ‘The 606’ and ‘Lakeview’ – bringing the proven stability and consistency of its Zero Torque technology to dedicated 33-inch configurations. At the core of both models is Zero Torque technology, with the center of gravity precisely positioned so that the shaft axis passes directly through it. This ensures the putter applies virtually no torque to the hands during the stroke, minimizing face rotation and helping the putter remain square to the target for longer. The result is enhanced stability, improved start-line accuracy and greater overall consistency, giving golfers increased confidence over every putt. Both putters are engineered with 1 degree of forward shaft lean to promote proper hand positioning, helping golfers deliver a square face through impact while maintaining a natural feel.
VA Composites Launches the SYNYSTR HL.
VA Composites, Inc., announced the release of SYNYSTR High Launch, the newest member of the SYNYSTR family. Built on the same high-modulus construction and progressive bend philosophy that made the original SYNYSTR a favorite of high-swing-speed players, SYNYSTR High Launch re-profiles that platform for flight — delivering effortless height and carry without giving up the stability and control the SYNYSTR name is known for. The original SYNYSTR is a tip-stiff, low-to-mid launch design engineered for players who generate their own launch and need a shaft that holds its line. SYNYSTR High Launch answers a different question: what about the player with a strong, aggressive swing who still fights a low, weak ball flight?
BUSINESS
Bushnell Golf Introduces Enhanced Green Books Providing Unmatched Course Strategy
Bushnell introduces the revamped Bushnell Golf Green Book, a highly accurate green reading and yardage guide designed to help golfers read greens, plan approach shots, and play with greater confidence. Built on renowned course mapping data from GolfLogix, the first innovators to introduce handheld GPS to the golf industry, Green Books are supported by one of the most expansive and continually updated course libraries worldwide. This data is integrated and refined to meet Bushnell Golf's performance standards, ensuring consistent accuracy across all maps.
Galvin Green Looks to Nature With Latest Concept Collection Drop
Premium high-tech golf apparel brand Galvin Green is taking its CONCEPT collection in a bold nature-inspired direction for Autumn/Winter 2026 with CONCEPT: Modern Roots, a distinctive drop inspired by the raw power and quiet strength of the forest. Designed for the modern golfer, the collection brings together contemporary silhouettes, expressive detailing and performance-driven fabrics to create pieces that move effortlessly between the golf course, the city and the natural world.
Five Iron Golf Continues International Expansion with New Madrid Location
Five Iron Golf, the global leader in indoor golf and entertainment, today announced the upcoming opening of Five Iron Golf Madrid, the brand’s second location in Spain as the company continues its international expansion. Located at Calle Francisco Silvela 63 in Madrid’s Salamanca district, the approximately 14,500-square-foot venue will feature 12 Trackman golf simulators, two bars, two dining areas and a private Members Lounge, creating a destination where guests can play, practice, socialize and host events. The venue will also include Formula 1 racing simulators, interactive darts and flexible spaces designed for everything from casual outings to corporate gatherings and private celebrations. Five Iron Golf Madrid
Aug Outside the Ropes: Have We Reached “Peak Pricing” in Golf?
In a little over a decade, the golf industry has swung from zero pricing power — heavily discounting pre-COVID amid a supply/demand imbalance — to considerable latitude, as demand swelled to over 540M US rounds in ’25 while supply kept shrinking. Operating costs rose too, with a real Capital Expenditures (CapEx) backlog to work through. But after 6 years of catch-up pricing, the question now on the intelligent operator’s and astute industry stakeholder’s lips is, “Where do we stop, or level off, for longer-term prosperity?” In today’s world, the knee-jerk answer is “let’s ask AI.” The problem: there’s no public training data, structure or history for our artificial co-workers (Claude, ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, etc.) from which to form an “opinion”. Pellucid is one of fewer than 5 entities in the industry with the raw data — and even we found it seriously flawed and in need of standardization.
ESPN & ION to Bring WTGL the New Women’s Team Golf League From TMRW Sports and LPGA, To Fans Across the U.S.
TMRW Sports in partnership with the LPGA, today announced multiyear U.S. media rights agreements with ESPN and Scripps Sports/ION to bring WTGL, the new women’s team golf league, to fans starting with the inaugural season this fall. WTGL will launch Sunday, Nov. 8 from SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. The announcement was made today by Rosalyn Durant, executive vice president, programming and acquisitions, ESPN; Adam Symson, president and CEO of The E.W. Scripps Company; and Rufus Hack, president, golf, TMRW Sports.
NGCOA Partners with másLabor to Solve Seasonal Labor Shortages
The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), the trade association dedicated exclusively to U.S. golf course ownership and operations, today announced a partnership with másLabor, the nation’s leading provider of H-2B seasonal staffing solutions. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to solving the labor shortages that golf facilities nationwide confront every season — shortages that threaten course conditions, member experiences and the economic health of the communities that golf supports.
Indoor Golf Alliance to Host Free Webinar on Turning Empty Bay Hours Into Recurring Revenue
The Indoor Golf Alliance today announced a free live webinar, “How to Make More Money From the Bays You Already Have,” addressing one of the fastest-growing challenges facing indoor golf operators: how to earn more without raising hourly rates in an increasingly crowded market. The session takes place Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 9 a.m. PT / 10 a.m. MT / 11 a.m. CT / 12 p.m. ET. The webinar will be presented by Sameer Gupta, Co-Founder of Evenplay, and hosted by the Indoor Golf Alliance.
PEOPLE
GHMG Expands Leadership Team with Lance Sabella as Partner, Launches New Concierge Club Advisory Service
GHMG, one of the golf industry’s leading management consulting firms, announces that respected private club executive Lance Sabella, CCM, ECM, has joined the firm as a partner. Sabella will expand GHMG’s executive consulting capabilities while leading the launch of the GHMG Concierge Club Advisory Service, a first-of-its-kind, retainer-based platform providing private clubs with ongoing access to senior-level operational expertise, strategic guidance and leadership support.
2026 Payne Stewart Award Recipient Notah Begay III Joins Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort
One week after receiving the PGA TOUR’s 2026 Payne Stewart Award, four-time PGA TOUR winner Notah Begay III has joined Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort as its Founding Ambassador & Strategic Advisor. The Albuquerque native and longtime NBC Sports and Golf Channel analyst will advise Turtleback Mountain Golf & Resort leadership on golf, the guest experience and the long-term direction of the New Mexico golf and resort destination. As Founding Ambassador & Strategic Advisor, Begay will participate in selected golf and resort activities, strategic discussions, major events and media initiatives.
Association of Golf Merchandisers Announces 2026 College Scholarship Recipients
The Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) has named six recipients of its 2026 College Scholarship Program, continuing more than two decades of support for students pursuing careers in the golf industry. Each recipient receives a $1,000 award.
COURSES
Storied Development Announces Opening of Firefly’s Andrew Green-Designed Championship Golf Course and Nine-Hole Short Course
Firefly, a new 700-acre luxury golf community located 30 minutes south of Nashville and developed by Storied Development in partnership with Wheelock Street Capital, announces the openings of its 18-hole championship golf course and nine-hole short course, both of which were designed by acclaimed architect Andrew Green and represent the first original designs of his award-winning career. The course openings come amid strong and sustained demand for Firefly’s real estate offerings, including nearly 150 homesites sold since 2025, and faster-than-expected construction of the first three club amenities, Fieldhouse, Golf Shop and Outpost, turning Firefly’s vision for a top multigenerational golf community into a reality.
Kawonu Golf Club Completes Grassing of Championship Course
Kawonu Golf Club has completed grassing across all 18 holes of its championship course, bringing major course construction to a close as the private, golf-only club moves toward its spring 2027 opening. The milestone comes approximately 16 months after Kawonu broke ground in April 2025. With sodding, seeding and sprigging finished, Director of Agronomy David Barrett and his team will guide the course through the remaining grow-in period, establishing and maturing the turf ahead of opening.
Marriott Golf Academy: Two Ways to Elevate Your Golf School Experience
Take your game to the next level at Marriott Golf Academy while enjoying added value with two exciting golf school promotions. Whether you prefer complimentary lodging or a TaylorMade shopping spree, there is a reason to make your next golf school a true getaway. Spend your days working with world-class instructors, then relax poolside, recharge in your guest room, or upgrade to a spacious villa when available. Standard guest rooms are included, with 1- or 2-bedroom villa upgrades and additional nights available for purchase at special rates, subject to availability. TaylorMade Golf School Promotion
🎙️ FEATURED PODCASTS
The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast at The Landings Savannah
The Traveling Golf Diva Podcast host Doris Muscarella welcomes Doug and Barbara Ramey, members of The Landings Golf & Athletic Club, for an insider’s look at the Savannah golf lifestyle—from championship golf and beautifully maintained courses to fitness, wellness, dining, recreation, friendships and an active social community. Doug and Barbara share why they chose The Landings as their home and what life is really like beyond the fairways. LISTEN
Kevin Kalner Talks the StubHub of Golf on Tech Caddie
A recent episode of the Tech Caddie podcast features Kevin Kalner, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Golf District, joining host Mike Hendrix to discuss how a StubHub-style secondary marketplace is helping golf courses recover lost revenue, extend their booking windows, and bring true price discovery to tee times for the first time.
In the episode, “Golf District’s StubHub-Style Tee Time Marketplace, with Co-CEO Kevin Kalner,” Hendrix and Kalner explore how Golf District looked outside the golf industry — straight at the billion-dollar ticketing world — to solve golf’s long-standing perishability problem WATCH
Presidents Cup preview, falling in a water hazard with Mark Zecchino: The Road to French Lick Ep. 13
Mark Zecchino of Golf Talk Canada, PGA Tour Sirius XM Radio and PGA Tour Live joins Ryan Ballengee and Brendan Sweeney from the Myrtle Beach World Amateur. He previews the Presidents Cup, Geoff Ogilvy redesigning the host Medinah No. 3. He tells great stories about his call of fellow Canadian Nick Taylor's putt to win the RBC Canadian Open to end a 70-year drought. Then he talks about his time falling in the water hazard on No. 16 at the Dye Course at French Lick while shooting his series "Off the Hozzle." WATCH
What the Presidents Cup captains got right (and wrong) with their picks
In this week's edition, the guys discuss the six captain's picks made by Presidents Cup captains Brandt Snedeker and Geoff Ogilvy, applauding some bold moves while criticizing others as they look ahead to the biennial competition at Medinah later this month. WATCH