NGF Short Game: Is Golf Trapped between Loyalists and Future Growth

Over the past few months, NGF has been exploring the concept of loyalty in golf, including a surprising disconnect between industry self-perception and customers’ actual experience, plus what it’ll take to build more meaningful connections. Today, we take the conversation a step further by examining a more fundamental challenge: the narrow conceptualization of who plays golf and why.

It begins with something as innocuous as stock photography, where a look at the most downloaded “golfer” images reveals startling uniformity: middle-aged white men, dressed neatly in their pressed khakis and polos, captured swing posing – perfect form – against pristine backdrops.

Five Iron Golf Celebrates Women’s Golf Month with Free Play in June

Five Iron Golf is making it easier — and more fun — than ever for women to engage with golf this June. Aligning with the golf industry’s official Women’s Golf Month, the brand’s expanded initiative builds on its success celebrating women during Women’s History Month in March. This year’s campaign offers more ways for women to connect with the sport, from complimentary play and social gatherings to partnerships with some of golf’s leading voices and communities.

At the center of the celebration is Golf Digest Woman, Five Iron Golf’s presenting partner for Women’s Golf Month. Together, they’re shining a spotlight on opportunities for women to discover, enjoy, and grow their connection to the game.

First Tee Welcomes Jim Nantz as Honorary Chair

First Tee, a youth development organization that enables kids to build character through the game of golf, announced that acclaimed CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz will serve as its new Honorary Chair. The news comes as the youth development organization celebrates First Tee Week nationwide, a campaign to recognize coaches and their impact on participants and their communities.

Nantz, whose distinguished broadcasting career spans more than four decades, becomes the third Honorary Chair in First Tee’s history, following President George W. Bush (2011-2024) and President George H.W. Bush (1997-2010). As Honorary Chair, Nantz will help promote First Tee’s purpose and expand its reach to empower even more young people.

NBC Sports Will Present Nearly 100 Hours of U.S. Women’s Open Coverage

NBC Sports will present nearly 100 hours of comprehensive coverage of the 80th U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally from Erin Hills Golf Club in Erin, Wis., next Thursday, May 29, through Sunday, June 1, across NBC, USA Network, GOLF Channel, and Peacock.

This year’s U.S. Women’s Open field is once again led by World No. 1 Nelly Korda, who has finished inside the top 30 at all seven of her LPGA Tour starts this season but is still in search of her first win of 2025 and her first U.S. Women’s Open title. Yuka Saso is the defending champion, capturing her second U.S. Women’s Open last year at Lancaster Country Club, defeating fellow Japanese player Hinako Shibuno by three shots. Current World No. 2 Jeeno Thitikul finished in a tie for sixth last year.

125th U.S. Open Championship - Final Qualifying Storylines

U.S. Open Final Qualifying begins on Monday, June 2, at 10 sites (nine in the U.S., one in Canada).

Final qualifying is conducted over 36 holes. Here are the locations and players to keep your eye on.

USGA Gives Fans More Ways than Ever to Follow the Action from the 80th U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally

Fans will be able to follow the U.S. Women’s Open Championship Presented by Ally like never before thanks to a comprehensive suite of digital offerings that will immerse audiences in the action at Erin Hills, in Erin, Wis., from May 29-June 1.

“We’re thrilled to provide fans with an exceptional level of access to this year’s championship through a number of innovative digital offerings that are sure to bring golf fans closer than ever before to the action at Erin Hills,” said Jon Podany, USGA chief commercial officer. “We’re especially excited to announce the debut of drone tracing technology, which will be utilized for the first time ever in any women’s golf broadcast. These expansive offerings will provide fans across the world the opportunity to engage in the U.S. Women’s Open.”

USGA Announces Tee Times for 80th U.S. Women’s Open Championship Presented by Ally

The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced tee times for the first two rounds of the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open Championship Presented by Ally, Thursday (May 29) and Friday (May 30), at 6,829-yard, par-72 Erin Hills.

The U.S. Women’s Open is a 72-hole, stroke-play competition. A field of 156 players will play 18 holes of stroke play on May 29 and 30, after which the field will be reduced to the low 60 scores and ties. Those players making the cut will play 18 holes on May 31 and June 1. If there is a tie upon the completion of 72 holes, a two-hole aggregate playoff will immediately follow. 

Cobra Golf x Chipotle Release Limited Edition Foil Wrapped Burrito Headcover

COBRA Golf, a leader in golf club innovation, is partnering with Chipotle to launch a limited-edition foil-wrapped burrito head cover and golf ball shag bag. The collaboration is driven by COBRA golfer and longtime Chipotle superfan, Max Homa. He will debut the burrito-inspired head cover at the upcoming Memorial Tournament in Dublin, OH.

Homa, known for his fantastic ball-striking and fun sense of humor, joined the COBRA team at the beginning of the year. He went through extensive equipment testing when joining the team and fell in love with COBRA’s DS-Adapt driver with FutureFit33 technology as well as the cutting-edge 3D Printed Tour irons. A popular character both on and off the course, Homa, alongside COBRA and Chipotle, is helping bridge the gap between golf culture and lifestyle through this unique collaboration.

Callaway Golf Announces Limited Edition Elyte Sandstorm Drivers

Quell the Storm and Ride the Thunder. Callaway Golf is reloading their Elyte series of drivers with the limited edition Elyte Sandstorm.

Desert Camo has shaped military history and Elyte Sandstorm salutes the brave men and women of our Armed Forces with three Elyte Sandstorm drivers.

Muirfield Village Golf Club: Back-9 Hole By Hole Course Review - The Memorial Tournament

We're continuing with my Muirfield Village Golf Club course review with a hole by hole look at the Back-9 now. 

 

As you probably know from my Front-9 review, we'll be looking at all views on the course from the tee box, fairway, around the green, and on the green for each hole. 

Muirfield Village Golf Club: Front-9 Hole By Hole Course Review - The Memorial Tournament

It's name gives a nod to the game's origins, where the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers composed golf's original 13 rules.  It's design draws inspiration from Augusta National and Bobby Jones. And everywhere you look it has designer Jack Nicklaus' influence all over it. 

 

It's of course the prestigious Muirfield Village Golf Club.  And I'm taking you inside the ropes during the Memorial Tournament to walk the course with me for a hole by hole look at every tee shot, every second shot, every approach, every green, and every hazard.  Trust me, you've never seen Muirfield Village like this before. 

2025 US Women’s Open Fact Sheet

The 2025 US Women’s Open kicks off tomorrow from Erin Hills Golf Course.

Erin Hills will be set up at 6,829 yards and will play to a par of 36-36–72. The yardage for each round of the championship will vary due to course setup and conditions. 

A Top Golf Destination for Father’s Day, Summer & Fall: Old Greenwood at Lake Tahoe

If golf, family fun, and breathtaking mountain views are on the radar for Father’s Day, summer, or fall, then Old Greenwood at Lake Tahoe is the spot to check out!

Nestled in the stunning beauty of North Lake Tahoe, this Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, managed by East West Hospitality, offers the ultimate combination of world-class golf, luxury lodging, and family-friendly amenities — all just a stone’s throw from Truckee and Northstar. 

Club Champion Driver Fitting Review (Shenadoah, TX) - PGAPappas Winner Guest Review

"Promises Made.  Promises Kept."  This could be another motto for a Club Champion fitting in addition to their "Better Fit. Lower Scores" motto.  Because when you're fit by a Club Champion Master Fitter you're going to see absolute results.  And often times the results will be extraordinary like they were for the winner of my recent Club Champion Driver Fitting and Custom Built Driver Giveaway.

Jeff (@Jeff17Black) on X/Twitter was fit at the Shenandoah, TX studio and gained 10+ more carry yards (20+ more total yards) along with much better consistency and tighter dispersion.  Jeff called his experience "absolutely amazing," and says he "will definitely be going back for additional other equipment fittings in the future."

Former USGA Executive Director David Faye Recipient of 2025 ASGCA Donald Ross Award

Few people have done more to showcase public golf than David Fay. During his 21-year tenure as the executive director of the USGA, David Fay changed the landscape of the U.S. Open by bringing the national championship to public courses around the country and showcasing the game’s accessibility and popularity as a game for all to enjoy.

His contributions make him a worthy recipient of the 2025 ASGCA Donald Ross Award. The organization’s highest honor recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to the game of golf and the profession of golf course architecture. Fay will receive the Donald Ross Award during the American Society of Golf Course Architects Annual Meeting in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on Oct. 27.

Srixon Kicks Off Its Biggest Golf Ball Deal of the Year

SRIXON®, a global leader in golf ball innovation, is rolling out its biggest ball promo of the year: Buy 2, Get 1 Free on select Srixon golf balls. This limited-time offer begins May 22, 2025, and runs through June 15, 2025, giving golfers the perfect opportunity to stock up for the season.

This exclusive promotion applies to in-line Srixon golf balls sold in dozens, including the premium Z-STAR Series models trusted by Srixon’s Tour Staff and amateurs alike. When customers purchase any two dozen of the same model, they’ll receive a third dozen free – delivering exceptional value without compromising performance.

PXG Announces Stars and Stripes Collection

PXG, the American brand founded by United States Marine Corps Vietnam veteran Bob Parsons, continues its tradition of honoring patriotism and performance with the launch of its 2025 Stars & Stripes Capsule Collection. This special-edition lineup is a salute to performance, style, and American golf culture.

Launching with the summer season, the Stars & Stripes Capsule aligns with some of the most celebrated moments in American golf. From Memorial Day to Fourth of July, major championships to international team events, it’s built to be a statement-making staple all season long.

Odyssey Ai ONE Milled One Wide T CH Putter Review - PGAPappas Guest Review

Odyssey Golf has been the Number 1 Putter on the PGA Tour for the last 14 years and the Number 1 Putter on the DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, and Champions Tour for the last 21 years.  This year the Odyssey Reign is continuing its dominance as the Number 1 putter on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, and Korn Ferry Tour.  And remarkably more than half of all Odyssey putters in play are from the new Ai ONE putter family.

The recent winner of my Odyssey Ai ONE putter giveaway chose the Ai ONE Milled One Wide T CH model, and John (@Just_Hacking) on X/Twitter says he "truly loves this putter," and it's going to be in his bag "for a long, long, time."

Kawonu Golf Club Names David Barrett as Director of Agronomy

Kawonu Golf Club, an invitation-only private club near Simpsonville, has named David Barrett as its director of agronomy. A respected veteran of the industry with over 20 years of experience at top-ranked courses, most recently Congaree Golf Club, Barrett will oversee the day-to-day maintenance, operations, and long-term agronomic strategy for Kawonu’s championship course.

In addition to leading all aspects of course performance, including turfgrass care, irrigation systems, environmental practices, and agronomy team development, Barrett is charged with collaborating closely with renowned architect Andrew Green throughout the course build to ensure seamless execution from construction to grow-in. The club held a groundbreaking event in April.

The Pines Course at The International Opens for Member Play

The International – New England’s preeminent 36-hole, “pure golf” private club – will open its new golf course, The Pines, for member play on June 6th.

To mark the occasion, the club is planning a number of special activities. They include celebratory menu items, merchandise giveaways, a Friday afternoon barbecue for the grounds team and a Saturday evening reception for members. The reception will be highlighted by a “fireside chat” with Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, founders of the world-renowned golf course architecture firm Coore & Crenshaw.