Thursday, August 29, 2024

Apes Hill Barbados Resort the Ultimate Caribbean Experience

The resort’s 18-hole championship golf course, designed by renowned golf architect Ron Kirby, recently debuted at No. 72 on Golfweek’s 2024 “Top 100 International Courses” list. This prestigious recognition affirms Apes Hill’s commitment to providing an exceptional experience for both residents and visitors.

Golf enthusiasts at Apes Hill are treated to a course that not only challenges their skills but also offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. Perched 1,000 feet above sea level within 475 acres of natural terrain, the course is a masterpiece of design and sustainability. 

Motocaddy Electric Caddy Fleets Give Clubs a Power Boost

Motocaddy, the world’s leading electric caddy brand, is blazing a trail by supporting a rapidly growing list of golf clubs and resorts across North America with an extra income stream through its reliable and game-changing electric caddy rental fleets.

With an increasing number of golfers now choosing to walk around the course, the award-winning Motocaddy products are the ‘most satisfying’ way to transport clubs around the course, with around half of owners wishing they’d made the switch sooner according to independent research*.

Keegan Bradley Claims Victory at BMW Championship

Longtime Srixon staffer Keegan Bradley captured his first win of the season at the BMW Championship on Sunday, propelling himself up 46 spots in the FedExCup rankings. This triumph marks Bradley’s seventh career PGA TOUR title and second at this event.

Despite being the last man in the field at the BMW Championship, Bradley quickly found himself at the top of the leaderboard after an impressive 6-under 66 on Thursday and never let up. 

PROTOCONCEPT GOLF Announces Partnership with Pro’s Choice Shafts

PROTOCONCEPT GOLF, the renowned luxury Japanese golf club manufacturer, has partnered with Pro’s Choice Shafts, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Graphite Design Inc.

The alliance unites two leading golf component companies to collectively provide the best performing golf equipment on the market today.

First Topgolf Opens in Iowa in September

Modern golf entertainment leader Topgolf announced today it will open its first venue in Iowa, Topgolf Des Moines, on Sept. 6.

This is Topgolf’s 101st global outdoor venue.

Tamarack Resort has unveiled the Osprey Meadows Following RTJ Renovation

Tamarack Resort has unveiled the Osprey Meadows 18-hole championship golf course, following a renovation by Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects (RTJ II) and highlighted by a unique 19th Gambler’s Hole.

While mountain, meadow and lake views remain, the resort and the original course architects from RTJ II reimagined the layout to enhance the playability for members and resort golfers. The course’s picturesque terrain spans lake, streams, meadows, and wetlands, flanked by aspens and stately ponderosa pines.

New PXG Allan Putter Feels Like Magic but it’s Physics

The new PXG® AllanTMPutter is a marvel of modern engineering, putting the laws of physics in motion with the introduction of Zero Torque BalanceTMTechnology.

This game-changing design, supported by an innovative multi-material, S COR filled, hollow body construction and Precision Weighting Technology, delivers unmatched stability with the eye-catching look and feel of a modern PXG mallet putter.

East Lake Golf Club Set to Shine After Course Restoration

East Lake Golf Club, renowned for its historic significance and contributions to the community, is thrilled to announce its grand reopening following an extensive course restoration by designer Andrew Green.

This landmark event marks a pivotal moment in the club’s storied history and paves the way for a vibrant future for the club, the membership and the surrounding East Lake neighborhood.

Bobby Jones Group to Manage The Silos at Granada Farms

Bobby Jones Links (BJL), the golf industry’s leading client-centric, boutique management company, proudly announces that it is now managing Granite Falls, N.C.’s The Silos at Granada Farms. The 1976 Tom Jackson-designed layout that sits on rolling countryside in the Foothills of North Carolina presents risk and reward shot making opportunities for golfers of all skill levels.

“Bobby Jones Links embraces a direct, roll-up-your-sleeves approach to managing golf properties that is helping us scale more effectively as we improve the guest experience at this property,” said Silos Owner Brandon Lee, who also owns the nearby BJL-managed Player’s Ridge Golf Course. “Having two courses in close proximity means we are able to make a noticeable difference in the day-to-day experience for our members and guests as we optimally utilize our equipment, staff, and resources. BJL brings a depth of knowledge that helps us put goals and ideas into action plans. When it comes to breathing new life and a stronger, more vibrant culture to a property, BJL’s seasoned perspective is very valuable.”

Dye Designs Group Completes Redesign at Colorado Copper Mountain Resort

Dye Designs Group (DDG) – proud contributor to the Dye family’s golf course architecture legacy for more than 30 years – has completed the redesign of four new holes on the Copper Creek Golf Course at Colorado’s Copper Mountain Resort.

Holes 12 through 15 were completely reimagined by Cynthia Dye McGarey, DDG’s principal architect, and her son, Matt McGarey, the firm’s senior design associate. The project brief also included repositioning tee boxes on the 16th hole and creation of a new back tee on No. 18. Copper Creek, originally designed by Pete and Perry Dye, opened for play in 1986.

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

PGA TOUR FedExCup Playoffs Conclude at TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club

The PGA TOUR FedExCup champion will be crowned at the TOUR Championship this weekend.

The top 30 players in the standings compete in the final event of the season at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Ga., Thursday-Sunday across NBC, GOLF Channel and Peacock.

Tommy Bahama X Club Car Special Edition Now Available

Club Car®, a leading manufacturer of golf, utility, and personal transportation vehicles, and Tommy Bahama, the iconic lifestyle brand known for its relaxed sophistication, are thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated “Tommy Bahama x Club Car Special Edition Onward Car” is now available for ordering.

This exclusive collaboration brings together the best of two beloved brands. These special edition Onward vehicles are built with the quality, reliability and safety Club Car is known to build while showcasing the vibrant, island-inspired lifestyle that Tommy Bahama embodies for every adventure.

Thursday, August 22, 2024

PXG 0311 P and XP GEN7 Irons, Black Ops Irons, and Sugar Daddy III Wedges Fitting Review

To say PXG is coming out guns blazing with their new 0311 P and XP GEN7 irons (and really the Black Ops irons and Sugar Daddy III wedges as well) would be a massive understatement.  Some of the things I experienced during my recent fitting literally made me raise my eyebrows in awe and say out loud, "WOW."

Even my fitter Dustin (who knows my game from previous PXG fittings) was impressed with some of the things I was experiencing.  And quite frankly the 0311 P and XP GEN7 irons, new Black Ops irons, and Sugar Daddy III irons performance all had me so impressed that I can honestly say this new line of clubs is trailblazing with bona fide improvements over previous gens.

2024 AIG Women's Open - The Old Course at St. Andrews Official Players Yardage and Green Book

The AIG Women's Open kicks off today on The Old Course at St. Andrews.  It marks the 24th playing of this event as a major championship and only the third time it has been held at The Home of Golf.

One of the great things about being credentialed for major championships is I get to share things with all of you that you might not otherwise get to see or learn about.  And like I have each of the last five Open Championships, I've got the official players yardage and green books from the 24th AIG Women's Open at St. Andrews.  These are the exact same yardage and green books players will be using this week to share with all of you.

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Breakthrough Golf Technology Announces Iconic Stability Tour and Stability One Shafts in White Colors

Breakthrough Golf Technology announces that the iconic Stability Tour and Stability One shafts, previously available in a blackout design, are now also available in white by popular demand.

The Stability® Tour Putter Shaft is one of the best-selling putter shafts of all time for a reason. This premium putter shaft features a streamlined, slim look that tapers to a 13% reduction in the shaft diameter. It offers a soft feel and will match the balance point and flex profile of steel with 30% more carbon fiber for crisp, responsive sound and control. The Stability Tour shaft fits any putter, regardless of make, model, or bend profile.

Igloo Releases Golf Inspired Cooler Collection with TravisMathew

Igloo, the world’s leading cooler brand, teamed up with TravisMathew, the premium golf and lifestyle apparel brand, to release an exclusive collection of coolers and drinkware. As Igloo’s first-ever golf-inspired collaboration, this assortment, available today, includes two all-new soft coolers created specifically for golfers, along with a KoolTunes® cooler with speakers, Playmate® cooler and stainless steel can — each blending classic design elements of both brands.

“There is no better brand alignment for Igloo’s first foray into the golf category than with TravisMathew, one of the leading, most reputable golf performance apparel brands out there. Our shared goal of advancing active outdoor lifestyles drove our collaborative designs, and we can’t wait for people to get their hands on these exceptional coolers and drinkware,” said Josh Militello, President of Igloo/Dometic Mobile Cooling at Dometic.

Hideki Matsuyama Triumphs at FEDEX St. Jude Championship

Srixon staffer Hideki Matsuyama secured his second win of the 2024 season at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, capturing his first FedExCup playoff victory and 10thPGA TOUR title overall.

Matsuyama, utilizing a combination of Srixon and Cleveland Golf clubs, displayed exceptional control over his game at the challenging TPC Southwind. Armed with Z-Forged II Irons and RTX4 Wedges, he led the field in proximity to the hole and first in strokes gained total for the week (12.785).

Mizuno Announces JPX 925 Hot Metal Irons Family

Mizuno Golf proudly announces the release of its highly anticipated JPX925 Hot Metal Iron family, an extraordinary advancement in golf club engineering. This new lineup, built on the successful foundation of its predecessors, promises exceptional distance, unmatched feel, and unrivaled fitting options.

JPX represents the restless, pioneering spirit that flows through every product Mizuno creates. It provides a platform to innovate, challenge convention, and question what has come before — ensuring each JPX Series advances the modern golfers in every facet of play.

Original Penguin Unveils Summer Fall Collection for Men and Women

Original Penguin, a division of Perry Ellis International, is proud to announce the launch of its Summer/Fall 2024 Golf Collection for men and women. This collection combines timeless fashion with cutting-edge performance technology, ensuring golfers look and feel their best both on and off the course.

The Summer/Fall 2024 Golf Collection features a variety of innovative designs, fabrics, and technologies tailored to meet the needs of today’s golfers. Each piece is crafted with the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and style, drawing inspiration from the brand’s rich heritage while embracing contemporary trends. The collection includes performance polos, versatile outerwear, and stylish bottoms, all designed to provide maximum comfort and mobility.

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Titleist GT Drivers and Fairway Woods FIRST LOOK - A Titleist GT2, GT3, and GT4 Fitting Review

Coming into my Titleist GT driver and fairway woods fitting I was probably more excited than any previous Titleist fitting I've had.  I told you all about all the new tech in the GT line of drivers and woods just over a week ago.  And the chance to finally hit these and see if they lived up to the hype had my adrenaline spiking.  Or so I thought.

The GT lineup actually overdelivered on the hype and my adrenaline continued to rise throughout my fitting.  And I'm not merely talking about liking one model more than the other.  All three GT driver models and both GT fairway wood models legitimately improved ball speed, distance, forgiveness, control, and playability.  There's also a more satisfying and livelier feel at impact with all GT drivers and fairway woods.

Friday, August 16, 2024

Duca del Cosma Positano Golf Shoes Review - PGAPappas Giveaway Winner Guest Review

It's been a little more than five years since I introduced many of you to the Duca del Cosma brand.  And nearly to a person every one of you has raved about Duca del Cosma, calling them some of the best golf shoes you've ever worn.

This guest review comes from Andrew (@Drew_Be_Do on X) and he says new Duca Positano are "luxurious, feel like I [am] wearing nothing on my feet, [and] the quality of other shoes "doesn't even compare to the Duca top quality."

New 100 Percent Waterproof Fabric Headlines New Apparel from Galvin Green

The latest hi-tech golf apparel collection being introduced today by premium brand Galvin Green includes the most innovative rain gear line-up headlined by a new fully waterproof PFC-free fabric offering a super soft feel and best-in-class stretch designed specifically with serious golfers in mind.

The new Part Two range of fully waterproof jackets and pants is spearheaded by four pieces crafted from the highly breathable Pertex® Shield Stretch fabric in a long-lasting three-layer construction, which includes the brand’s stretchiest ever jackets – the AMES and AMY for men and women golfers respectively.

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Callaway Apparel Announces New 2024 Summer Fall Collection

Callaway® Apparel, developed by global fashion leader Perry Ellis International, is thrilled to announce the launch of its highly anticipated Summer/Fall 2024 Collection, designed to offer a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and style for both men and women golfers.

This latest collection embodies Callaway Apparel’s commitment to innovation and excellence, featuring state-of-the-art fabrics, modern designs, and vibrant colors that are set to redefine golf fashion.

Golf Pride Celebrates 75th Anniversary by Thanking Loyal Consumers and Partners

Golf Pride, an industry leader in innovation and golf performance equipment, is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a special offer to thank the golfers and retail partners who helped cement Golf Pride as one of the most trusted brands in golf.

For a limited time, anyone who purchases eight or more Golf Pride grips at participating retail locations is eligible to receive complimentary installation.

ECCO GOLF Sweeps Olympic Podium as All Three Medalists Wear ECCO Shoes

ECCO GOLF is delighted to announce that all three medalists in the Women’s Olympic Golf event competed in Hybrid ECCO GOLF shoes, marking a special moment for the brand.

ECCO GOLF ambassador Lydia Ko, wearing ECCO GOLF Tray, secured the gold medal with a birdie at the 72nd hole, adding a sparkling jewel in the crown of a truly spectacular career. Her Olympic gold adds to silver and bronze medals won at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, respectively. It also means that she is the latest player to enter the LPGA’s coveted Hall of Fame.

Club Champion Makes the Inc. 5000 List of Fastest Growing Companies

Club Champion has been named to the Inc. 5000 list, celebrating the fastest-growing private companies in America. The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s independent, entrepreneurial businesses.

“One of the greatest joys of my job is going through the Inc. 5000 list,” says new editor-in-cheif Mike Hofman. “To see all ofthe intriguing and surprising ways that companies are transforming sectors, from health care and AI to apparel and pet food, is fascinating for me as a journalist and storyteller. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, as well, for growing their businesses fast despite the economic disruption we all faced over the past three years, from supply chain woes to inflation to changes in the workforce.”

Monday, August 12, 2024

Callaway Golf Announces New Apex Ai200, Apex Ai300, and Apex Ti Fusion Irons

Today Callaway Golf, one of the industry’s leaders in equipment design, performance, and innovation, has announced their new line of Apex Irons. 


This announcement is led by Apex Ai200 and Apex Ai300 offerings with performance that stands alone.  These are the only irons with a forged body and forged Ai Smart Face for distance, feel, and exceptional spin control.

Saturday, August 10, 2024

New Zealand’s Lydia Ko Completes Gold Medal Mission at Paris Olympics

New Zealand’s Lydia Ko can now boast a complete set of Olympic medals after adding the missing gold medal to her collection Saturday at Le Golf National. Rounding out the podium were Germany’s Esther Henseleit with silver and China’s Xiyu Lin with bronze.

The 27-year-old Ko, who started the day tied for the lead, fired a 1-under 71 in the final round to finish at 10-under 278. Her lead stretched to as much as five shots after turning in 2-under 34, but she opened the door to the rest of the field following a double bogey at the par-4 13th. Ko rebounded with four straight pars before dropping a birdie at the last, not only securing the gold medal but also the elusive final point she needed to secure entry into the LPGA Hall of Fame.

FootJoy Pro SLX BOA Golf Shoes Review - PGAPappas Guest Review

This guest review is from Chuck (@chpar453 on twitter) on his new FootJoy Pro SLX BOA Golf Shoes.  Chuck won these shoes as a listener in my PGAPappas Podcast with BOA Senior Director of Biomechanics and Research, Dan Feeney

And suffice to say, Chuck likes these a lot.  Chuck says the Pro SLX are "the most stable golf shoes I have ever worn."  It was also his first time wearing BOA and he now says, "I will not wear another golf shoe without BOA going forward."

Friday, August 9, 2024

USGA Announces Tee Times for 124th U.S. Amateur Championship

The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced tee times for the first two rounds of the 124th U.S. Amateur Championship, Monday (Aug. 12) and Tuesday (Aug. 13), at 7,552-yard, par-72 Hazeltine National Golf Club and at 6,804-yard, par-70 Chaska Town Course, in Chaska, Minn.




The U.S. Amateur consists of 36 holes of stroke play on Aug. 12 and 13, after which the 312-player field will be reduced to the low 64 scorers. Six rounds of match play begin on Aug. 14and the championship concludes with a 36-hole championship match on Aug. 18, starting at 7:15 a.m. CDT. The U.S. Amateur champion receives a full exemption into the 2025 U.S. Open Championship, 2025 Open Championship, and a likely invitation to the 2025 Masters Tournament. 



Lydia Ko, Morgane Metraux Locked at the Top Ahead of Final Round at Paris Olympics

New Zealand’s Lydia Ko boosted her bid to complete the full set of Olympic medals as she moved into a share of the lead with Switzerland’s Morgane Metraux after the third round of the women’s golf competition.


The two-time major winner appeared set to hold the outright lead with one day to play until surprise act and playing partner Metraux produced an eagle at the par-five 18th to join her at 9 under after 54 holes. 

Adidas Tour360 24 Golf Shoes Review - PGAPappas Guest Review

Here's another great guest review from a winner in my recent PGAPappas Adidas Golf Giveaway.  This one comes from Ty (@over7par on X) on his new Adidas Tour360 24 Golf Shoes.

Ty owns a lot of golf shoes so he's a bit of an expert by his own admission.  And he says the Tour360 24 might be "the best golf shoes he's ever worn."

Thursday, August 8, 2024

124th U.S. Women's Amateur - Meet the Quarterfinalists

We’re down to the final eight players in the US Women’s Amateur.


Here’s a closer look at the quarterfinalists.

Talley, Davis, Malixi, Marin Among Final 8 at Southern Hills

The longest day of play at the 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur featured a mix of runaway wins and tightly contested matches as both the Rounds of 32 and 16 were held on Thursday at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla.

Eight players have emerged from the pack, including a pair of quarterfinalists from last year’s championship, a rising star (who’s only a high school sophomore) and five of the top-10 seeds from stroke play. 

PXG Adds New, Ultra Forgiving Game Improvement Black Ops Irons to Its Celebrated Irons Lineup

PXG rounds out its irons offering with the official release of PXG® 0311® GEN7 Irons and all-new game-improvement PXG Black Ops® Irons. The game-changing lineup, which features technology and performance taken to the limit, is now available through PXG Stores, over the phone, and online.

Founded in 2013, PXG notably changed the irons game with the introduction of PXG 0311 Irons. The hollow-body, injection-molded irons ushered in a new era of clubs that prioritized feel, forgiveness, and fit for golfers at every level of the game.

New Sugar Daddy III Wedges Introduce Sole Options for Every Playing Condition

PXG, a global research and development company dedicated to creating the world’s finest golf equipment and apparel, has introduced all-new PXG® Sugar Daddy® III Wedges. Expertly crafted, these meticulously 100% milled wedges boast a precise construction, an innovative wide groove pattern, and three sole designs to grant ultimate control and accuracy in any playing condition.

“From first look, it is obvious that Sugar Daddy III Wedges are something special—the craftsmanship is impeccable,” PXG Founder and CEO Bob Parsons stated. “From the first swing, there is no doubt that these babies will get you up and down from any lie and in any condition. They are sweet!”

Switzerland’s Morgane Metraux Rides Record 28 to Second-Round Lead at Le Golf National

Switzerland’s Morgane Metraux charged out of the gates on Thursday at Le Golf National, recording an Olympic nine-hole record of 8-under 28 and hung on through a bumpy 2-under back nine to seize the lead after Round 2 of the Olympic women’s golf competition.


After starting her day with a birdie at the first, the 27-year-old Metraux went on a tear, starting with an eagle at the par-5 third and then reeling off three straight birdies on Nos. 4-6. She capped her front nine with her second eagle of the day, dropping a putt from 15 feet, 7 inches to turn in 28 and record the best nine-hole score in both the men’s and women’s Olympic golf competitions to date.

124th U.S. Amateur Championship Inside The Field

There are 312 golfers in the 2024 U.S. Amateur Championship field.


 Here’s a closer look.

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Home favourite Céline Boutier stars to Lead After Day One at Le Golf National

Céline Boutier delighted the home crowds with an opening 7-under 65 that handed her a three-shot lead at the Olympic women’s golf competition.  

With big galleries gathered for the first round at Le Golf National on Wednesday, world No. 7 Boutier was inspired as she recorded eight birdies and one bogey to make a dream start in her medal pursuit. Her total equalled the lowest first-round score at the Olympics, matching efforts by Ariya Jutanugarn in 2016 and Madelene Sagstrom at Tokyo 2020. 

NGF Mid-Year Rounds Update: Peak Play Numbers

At the midway point of 2024, U.S. rounds are trending 2% ahead of the midyear total from 2023 — a year during which more rounds of golf were played at U.S. courses than any time in history.

It might seem like a modest year-over year change, but the bigger picture reveals the demand for recreational golf continues to reside in record territory. And the numbers continue to reinforce that the industry is enjoying a “new normal” when it comes to play.

124th U.S. Amateur Championship Fact Sheet

Hazeltine National will be set up at 7,552 yards and will play to a par of 36-36–72. 


Chaska Town Course, which will serve as the stroke-play co-host course for the two rounds of stroke play, will be set up at 6,804 yards and play to a par of 35-35–70. (NOTE: Yardages subject to change.)

Medalist Advances, Defending Champion Falls as Top Seeds Shine in Round of 64

Two rounds of stroke play weren’t enough to decide the match-play bracket for the 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla.

The action on Wednesday teed off with a 20-for-10 playoff, the largest in U.S. Women’s Amateur history, which lasted just two holes but did extend two hours. Only one of the playoff winners – University of Southern California’s rising sophomore Bailey Shoemaker – advanced from the opening Round of 64 to Thursday’s Round 32.

3’s Expanding into Charlotte with the Purchase of Course in Indian Trail

3’s, the innovative new concept in golf entertainment that combines accessible Par-3 golf with cutting-edge hospitality, has purchased an existing par-3 course in Charlotte, North Carolina for its latest location. Pebble Creek Golf Course in Indian Trail will undergo extensive renovation, bringing the 3’s concept of fun, food and par-3 golf to one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States. 

An opening of the new 3’s Charlotte location is planned for the latter half of 2025. 

USGA Invests in Record Number of Internships

Recognizing a growing interest in golf-related careers, the USGA is helping funnel emerging talent to a broad range of job opportunities that exist in the game.


In total, the USGA supported 323 interns in 2024 – a number that is nearly equal to that of the USGA’s current full-time workforce – reflecting the organization’s focus on career development to foster a stronger, more welcoming game. As part of that commitment, the USGA directed recruiting efforts toward reaching individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and communities. 

New PXG 0311 P and 0311 XP GEN7 Irons Tech Story and Testing

I told you last week that new PXG GEN7 irons, Black Ops irons, and Sugar Daddy III wedges are coming.  And I'll have a fitting soon and give you all the details on how each of these new clubs perform.

This article however is a deep dive into the new PXG tech and testing of the GEN7 irons (I'll have similar articles for the Black Ops irons and Sugar Daddy III wedges) because these truly might be the most advanced irons PXG has designed to date.  PXG is saying these are the greatest leap forward in irons technology and performance in PXG history.

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Women's Olympic Golf Competition Notes

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics mark the third Games golf has been contested since it was reintroduced in 2016.


Prior to 2016, women’s golf was contested in the Olympics twice in the early 1900s (1900 and 1904).

V1 Sports Launches Brand New V1 COACH App

V1 Sports, the pioneer in swing video analysis solutions for coaches and athletes, has introduced its latest coaching app, V1 COACH.

The brand new iOS and Android app adds new AI features to golf’s leading swing video analysis tools, which are designed to save coaches time and energy in managing their business, allowing them to focus more on developing strong player relationships and delivering world-class instruction.

Hog Heaven in Oklahoma: Arkansas Standout Marin Medalist

Tuesday marked the conclusion of stroke play at the 124th U.S. Women’s Amateur and marked the hottest day of the year in Tulsa, Okla., with temperatures hitting 104 degrees just after 4 p.m. local time. Players not only faced the challenge of a USGA setup on a course known for its difficult test and even tougher greens, but the relentless sun pushed those in the afternoon wave through an intense test of endurance and skill. 

But as the championship enters the 64-player match play portion of the event at Southern Hills Country Club, it’s clear the cream has risen to the top. Twelve of the 13 top 25 players in the World Amateur Golf Ranking/WAGR® who entered the week survived the cut, with the last – Amanda Sambach – currently in the playoff for the remaining spots in match play. The top 10 after stroke play includes two USGA champions in Asterisk Talley and Kiara Romero, an Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion in Anna Davis, the highest ranked player in the field in Zoe Campos and the reigning champion of the Women’s Amateur Championship conducted by The R&A in Melanie Green. 

USGA Opens U.S. National Development Program Grant Application for 2025

The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced that the U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) Grant Application is now open for 2025. Launched last year, the program aims to mitigate barriers of cost to promising junior golfers who demonstrate both financial need and the potential to progress through the USNDP pathway. 

“The future of competitive American golf not only depends on our ability to identify and nurture our country’s next generation of top talent, but to also invest in those athletes,” said Heather Daly-Donofrio, USGA managing director of player relations and development. “There are countless golfers with the talent and ambition to compete at the highest level but need help bridging the financial gap, and we’re thrilled to offer that support and be a resource for many exceptional young people as they pursue their dreams.