Erik Matuszewski

Tiger Woods' third course, the Legacy Course, at Diamante Cabo San Lucas, is set to open in Q1 2027. This exclusive 18-hole course anchors the new private Legacy Club, limited to just 250 families, offering premier real estate starting at $2 million. Conceived as an "oasis in the desert," the course features Mexico's most extensive golf water system, including five lakes and numerous waterfalls, plus a dramatic man-made dune ensuring privacy. Legacy Club membership, with a $300,000 initiation fee and $60,000 annual dues, provides access to multiple courses and a 16-acre practice facility. Forthcoming amenities include a Beach Club and fitness facility, creating a world-class, highly exclusive golf and residential experience in Cabo.

Acclaimed golf architect Gil Hanse is set to restore Bermuda's historic Mid Ocean Club, Charles Blair Macdonald's only international design. Ranked 44th globally, this project follows Hanse's successful restorations of other Macdonald masterpieces. Earth moving begins Fall 2027, with a late 2028 reopening, after a significant clubhouse renovation. Hanse, who first visited 40 years ago, considers Macdonald a "Mount Rushmore" architect, making this a profound honor. Research for the restoration includes a newly discovered 1926 film believed to feature Macdonald on the course. Hanse aims to faithfully restore Macdonald and Seth Raynor's original vision, preserving the club's legacy and enhancing environmental habitats.

Vermont's Stowe Country Club has completed a major redesign by architect Beau Welling, transforming it into a premier golf destination. Set on a former dairy farm with Green Mountain views, the project establishes Stowe as a top 36-hole experience alongside The Mountain Course at Spruce Peak. The comprehensive renovation included reconstructing all greens and tees, reshaping fairways, modernizing bunkers, and upgrading irrigation systems. This initiative, part of a broader vision for Stowe as a four-season resort, also saw the club transition to a private facility. The redesign, which began over a decade ago and expanded post-pandemic, aims to honor the course's history while enhancing playability, strategy, and aesthetics for future generations.

12 resort golf facilities across Hawaii have collaborated to launch Play Hawaii Golf, an initiative aimed at elevating the state as a top global golf destination.

Candyroot Lodge, a new public destination golf property in South Carolina's sandhills, will begin preview play for its first 18-hole course on October 28. Designed by Mike Koprowski with an "extreme minimalism" approach, the course offers a $175 day-pass for unlimited golf, select food, and a welcome pouch. Passes go on sale September 8, with daily access capped at 40 golfers from Wednesday to Sunday. This development is significant as most new South Carolina golf projects are private, aligning with proprietor Ethan Oberman's focus on accessibility. A full public opening is slated for Spring 2027, with plans for three more 18-hole courses and a Michelle Wie West-designed Par 3 course.

Erik Matuszewski, Contributor From Ty Webb and Roy McAvoy to Happy Gilmore and Will Ferrell's Lonnie “The Hawk” Hawkins, the golf industry has its share of memorable fictional characters.

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.