Scott Kramer

Golf is witnessing a shift toward sports technology, driven by an increasing consumer desire for actionable, athletic intelligence.

As a sportswriter in Irvine, Calif. back in 1991, I got the opportunity to play a brand new course called Pelican Hill Golf Club in neighboring Newport Beach.

It's nice to be heard. In my home, that doesn't happen a lot. Until this week. That's because I've been trying out a new LG TV that's armed with

Northern Michigan, spanning Petoskey to Harbor Springs, stands out as a premier golf destination, lauded for its stunning, Lake Tahoe-like landscapes and exceptional courses. The region's perfect summer weather, with mild temperatures and late sunsets, allows for extensive play, attracting nearly 2 million annual visitors, with 15-20% being golfers from across the US, particularly from hotter states. Due to high demand, lodging must be booked well in advance. Notable courses include The Alpine at Boyne Mountain, offering championship views; Bay Harbor Golf Club's Links/Quarry, with Lake Michigan vistas and unique quarry holes; the historic Belvedere Golf Club; and The Heather at The Highlands, a revered Robert Trent Jones, Sr. design. Beyond golf, the area provides diverse activities like water sports, dining, and cultural experiences, making it a fun and relatively affordable alternative to other golf destinations.

Sunriver Resort near Bend, Oregon, stands out as a luxurious, rustic family retreat and a premier golf destination. It boasts three outstanding championship courses and an exceptional par-3 layout. Crosswater, the marquee course, offers stunning views, frequent water hazards, and pristine conditions, while being incredibly walkable. Meadows, a former PGA Tour Champions host, provides varied play and will host the 2027 US Adaptive Open, with bunkers being softened for accessibility. Woodlands is a family-friendly course with mountain vistas and enhanced playability. The Caldera Links par-3 is perfect for all skill levels, playable in about an hour. Beyond golf, Sunriver features diverse dining, a renovated spa, and extensive outdoor activities like biking, all set amidst breathtaking natural scenery.

Moped-style ebikes are all the rage right now. According to reports, sales of this category recently have been growing by more than 40 percent

Finding the right golf shoes for comfort and sustained energy throughout your round is crucial. Recent innovations offer advanced features to keep feet energized from the first tee to the 18th green. Puma's Ignite Elevate 2 provides responsive foam and a waterproof, breathable upper with stability features. Adidas's CODECHAOS 27 offers cleatless traction, heel support, and a Boost midsole for all-day energy. True's Antigravity Pro boasts a Pebax Superfoam and aggressive cleated outsole for tour-level performance and fatigue reduction. Alma Mater's Beta Longwing, inspired by running shoes, features nitrogen-infused foam and unique cleat-free traction for comfort and power transfer. Duca del Cosma's Rimini combines a waterproof bootie with a flexible, grippy outsole, while Payntr Golf's Reserve Classic Tour RS focuses on aggressive swing stability with a waterproof membrane and responsive spikes. These options prioritize comfort, stability, and all-weather performance.

Black Desert Resort in Ivins, Utah, offers a unique golf experience, surprising visitors with complimentary amenities like lunch and a mandatory forecaddie. The Tom Weiskopf-designed course, his final layout, presents visually deceptive challenges amidst breathtaking scenery. Lush fairways contrast dramatically with red rock mountains and ancient black lava beds, creating a "Mars-meets-Hawaii" aesthetic. Despite its 7,486-yard length and strong winds, the 3,000-foot elevation aids play on wide fairways and undulating greens. Beyond golf, the resort boasts 447 rooms, a 15,000 sq ft spa, and diverse dining, with future plans for a water park and more family-friendly attractions. This PGA Tour stop blends luxury with a truly unforgettable landscape.

WRITE OF CENTER I saw a T-shirt with a portrait of George Washington, wearing sunglasses; the caption said, “It Ain't Treason If You Win.”

Major League Baseball's new ABS Challenge System is creating significant buzz and drama this season. This controversial yet entertaining technology allows players to challenge umpire ball/strike calls using Hawk-Eye cameras and a personalized 2D strike zone. Teams receive two challenges per game, retaining successful ones. While aiming for accuracy and entertainment, the system has sparked debate, especially regarding its 2D strike zone versus a traditional 3D interpretation. Umpires are both validated and humbled, with about half of challenged calls overturned. Developed over seven years to improve game pace and accuracy, MLB is content with its current use, with future tech focusing on checked swings.