Erik Matuszewski

NHL star Jack Hughes, fresh off an Olympic gold medal, and his brothers Quinn and Luke, have become investor-partners in "The Underground," an exclusive private golf society co-founded by Mark Wahlberg. This unique golf community offers members premium, precision-manufactured golf balls and exclusive gear. The Hughes brothers, avid golfers, were drawn to the company's focus on high-performance equipment. The Underground differentiates itself with limited product supply and a members-only model, attracting a high-profile clientele including athletes and celebrities. Membership starts at $2,800 annually, reflecting its exclusive cachet. Wahlberg believes this model represents the future of golf, appealing to a younger, more dynamic audience.

The 12-hole Par 3 course at Tobacco Road plays across 7 1/2 acres and winds through the pine trees.

Erik Matuszewski, Contributor A new short course – The Matchbox -- is debuting Aug. 1 at Tobacco Road in North Carolina's Sandhills and it might just be a trend-setter in the golf world.

Golf management leader Troon has acquired Bobby Jones Links, significantly expanding its portfolio by adding 34 facilities across 13 states. Bobby Jones Links will maintain its current branding and leadership, with co-founders Whitney Crouse and Steve Willy continuing in their roles, while benefiting from Troon's enhanced resources, expertise, and marketing support. This strategic move further solidifies Troon's position as the largest U.S. golf facility manager, building on a history of successful acquisitions. Both companies expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, with Bobby Jones Links anticipating a greater impact and Troon committed to fostering the brand's prosperity. The acquisition integrates additional talent and resources into Troon's extensive global golf and hospitality operations.

Acclaimed golf course architect David McLay Kidd, known for Bandon Dunes and Nanea, is returning to Hawaii to renovate Turtle Bay's Arnold Palmer Golf Course on Oahu's North Shore. Starting late 2026, the phased, 3-4 year project aims to refine the 50-year-old course's conditioning and strategy for the new North Shore Club, a 20-residence oceanfront community. Kidd describes the work as "highly targeted tactical," focusing on fixing routing issues and enhancing playability while ensuring continuous member access. Environmental improvements include reduced turf and better cart path design. The reimagined course, a cornerstone of the private club, will also be accessible to Ritz-Carlton guests, transforming an "antique" into a top-tier experience.

While bucket-list spots like Bandon Dunes and Pinehurst dominate headlines, these under-the-radar golf destinations offer multiple great courses worth the trip.

New Hampshire's Omni Mount Washington pairs a historic Donald Ross golf course with a Gilded Age hotel, mountain views, skiing, and 27 holes near the Presidential Range.

Black Gold Golf Club in California will be the first U.S. facility to use Golf District's new Price Point technology.

Renowned golf architect Tom Fazio, who counts nine original course designs among Golf Digest's ranking of the Top 100 U.S. courses , is taking his craft to a new medium.

Erik Matuszewski, Contributor Could South Dakota, which is tied for the third-lowest population density of any state in the continental U.S., really become the nation's next hot spot for destination golf?