In golf travel news this week are items from Myrtle Beach, Pebble Beach, Hammock Beach and more. I’ve got beach on the brain right now.
Tickets Go On Sale for 30th Hootie and the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am on Monday, February 16
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Tickets for one of golf’s most popular and enduring charity events, the Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am, will go on sale Monday, February 16, at 10:00 a.m. This year’s pro-am is a milestone event, celebrating 30 years.
The event will be hosted on Monday, April 13, at The Dye Club at Barefoot Resort.
To help celebrate the 30th anniversary, organizers will be giving away prize packs to 30 lucky fans who will be randomly selected on the day of the event. Additional details for the giveaway will be shared via the tournament’s social media channels in the coming weeks.
General admission tickets, available for purchase through House of Blues and Ticketmaster, are $30 plus fees. Children 12 and under will be admitted free when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
All general admission tickets must be picked up at Will Call, either prior to or on the day of the event. Spectators will be required to present their general admission ticket to board tournament shuttle buses.
Now entering its 30th year, the Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am has built a reputation as one of the longest-running and most successful celebrity charity events in the game. The tournament annually attracts a star-studded field of professional golfers, athletes, actors, and musicians, all coming together in Myrtle Beach to support meaningful charitable causes.
Celebrities and professionals participating in this year’s event will be announced in the coming weeks via HootieGolf.com. Over the past three decades, the tournament has welcomed an impressive list of participants, including Arnold Palmer, Marcus Allen, Michael Waltrip, Anthony Anderson, Samuel L. Jackson, Craig Melvin, Ric Flair, and Jim Cantore, among many others.
Proceeds from the Monday After the Masters benefit the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation, which supports educational initiatives for children in South Carolina, as well as the South Carolina Junior Golf Foundation through a fully funded endowment. Since its inception in 1994, the event has raised nearly $10 million for charity.
Additional event details and celebrity announcements will be released closer to tournament week. For more information, visit HootieGolf.com and follow the event on social media: Facebook (@MondayAfterTheMasters) and Instagram (@MonAfterMasters).
Pebble Beach Company and Gil Hanse reveal plans for The Links at Spanish Bay
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF. (February 17, 2026) – Pebble Beach Company and Hanse Golf Course Design (“HGCD”) today released their plans to transform The Links at Spanish Bay, one of four championship courses at Pebble Beach Resorts. After the last round is played on March 17, 2026, the comprehensive redesign will elevate the course’s quality of experience to rival its illustrious neighbors along Pebble Beach’s famed 17-Mile Drive.
Under the guidance of Gil Hanse, Jim Wagner, and the HGCD team, who have taken inspiration from the Monterey Peninsula’s other iconic courses, the 38-year-old Spanish Bay will be entirely reworked to take full advantage of its stunning coastal setting. The finished product will be more fun, playable, and strategic for all golfers, while also better suited to challenge today’s elite player. Some of the key changes will include:
- Relocating several green sites, including the current 14th and 18th holes, creating room for an entirely new par-three that will replace the current 13th hole
- Expanding putting greens by ~40% and completely resurfacing to provide smoother, more receptive targets and variety for hole locations
- Replacing the rough in the green surrounds with low-cut turf to offer more recovery options
- Widening fairways by ~30%, repositioning fairway bunkers, and adjusting contours to make the playing corridors more forgiving and strategic
- Repositioning and redesigning tee complexes to open sight lines and options, reduce forced carries, and elicit excitement at each hole. In total, the forward tees will be ~500 yards shorter (4,705 total) and the championship tees ~375 yards longer (7,115 total) with the par changing from 72 to 71
- Redesigning the cart path system to better blend into the landscape
The course’s year-round conditioning and sustainability will be improved with new drainage and irrigation systems, 12% less irrigated turf, and three more acres of environmental habitat area.
“Working on a project like this is a golf course architect’s dream,” said Hanse, President and Lead Designer of HGCD. “The Spanish Bay site is one of the best we’ve seen for golf, one where all your senses are stimulated by the crashing Pacific surf, and we are excited by Pebble Beach Company’s commitment to creating another extraordinary golf experience on the Monterey Peninsula. This opportunity truly brings out the golf fan in me as much as the designer.”
Added David Stivers, CEO of the Pebble Beach Company, “We are highly confident in the HGCD team and their ability to transform Spanish Bay into a ‘must play’ course for any golfer visiting Pebble Beach. We have seen a brilliant vision emerge from the planning stages and look forward to watching it take shape over the coming year.”
The new Spanish Bay will be a crown jewel in Pebble Beach Resorts’ portfolio of world-renowned public courses, alongside Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, the Tiger Woods-designed 9-hole short-course, The Hay, and the historic Del Monte Golf Course. The new course will open to the public on April 17, 2027, just ahead of the 127th U.S. Open being played at Pebble Beach Golf Links for a seventh time. Bookings on the new course are currently available through Pebble Beach Resort Reservations.
Construction updates and documentary content will be shared throughout the process on Pebble Beach’s website and social channels. For general information about Pebble Beach Resorts, visit www.pebblebeach.com or follow Pebble Beach on Facebook and Instagram.
Golf reservations can be made by visiting pebblebeach.com or calling 800-654-9300.
Hammock Beach Golf Resort and Spa Completes Ocean Course Bunker Renovation Enhancing Championship Play
Palm Coast, Fla. (Feb. 5, 2026) – Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, an oceanfront resort just south of St. Augustine that stretches along a mile of unspoiled private cinnamon sand beach on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, has completed a comprehensive bunker renovation on its acclaimed Jack Nicklaus Signature Ocean Course, further elevating the championship-caliber playing experience for members and resort guests. The $800,000 project modernized all bunkers across the course while preserving its iconic coastal design and playability.
Led by Troon and MacCurrach Golf Construction, one of the golf industry’s most respected builders, the multi-month renovation introduced Capillary Concrete bunker technology, advanced liners and premium angular sand across all 18 holes. These enhancements significantly improve drainage, consistency, durability and aesthetics, delivering firmer playing conditions and superior performance year-round.
Troon helped manage the project, bringing its deep expertise in golf course agronomy and construction to every phase of the renovation. Founded as an agronomy-focused organization, Troon provided strategic oversight to ensure the project met the highest standards of quality, playability and long-term sustainability.
Ron Despain of Troon was intimately involved from start to finish, working closely with the resort and construction team to ensure the project was delivered on time and on budget while maintaining the integrity of the Ocean Course’s original design intent.
In conjunction with the bunker renovation, the resort also completed a full renovation of the Ocean Course practice chipping green. The enhanced short-game area now mirrors on-course conditions, offering golfers a more realistic and elevated practice environment that supports skill development and tournament-level preparation.
“This renovation reflects our continued commitment to delivering an exceptional golf experience,” said Brad Hauer, club general manager at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. “The upgraded bunkers enhance both playability and presentation, ensuring the Ocean Course remains a premier destination for golfers of all levels.”
Throughout the renovation process, Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa carefully managed course access to minimize disruption, keeping the Conservatory Course fully open and maintaining select play on the Ocean Course. With the project now complete, golfers can enjoy uninterrupted access to the fully refreshed course.
The grand resort presents an exceptional choice of culinary offerings, legendary golf – including the Jack Nicklaus Signature designed Ocean Course and the Tom Watson Signature designed Conservatory Course – additional resort play of tennis and pickleball and Yacht Harbor for boating excursions and wellness, fitness and spa selections, all among nine swimming pools with countless activities. The resort boasts coastal elegance among its 275 guestrooms and suites, spacious condominiums, signature homes and well-appointed public areas offering unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean.
For reservations or more information, please visit hammockbeach.com. To follow along on social media, visit Facebook at @HammockBeachResort, Instagram at @HammockBeach or YouTube at @HammockBeach with #lifeathammockbeach.
Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, True Blue Golf Club Ranked Among Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Courses
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — Two of the Myrtle Beach area’s most celebrated golf courses have once again earned national recognition.
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Golf Club were both ranked among Golfweek’s Top 100 Resort Courses, an honor unveiled in the magazine’s 2026 Ultimate Guide to Golf edition. The recognition places both courses among an elite group of destination layouts recognized for design, conditioning, and overall golf experience.
Caledonia, Mike Strantz’s first solo design, was the Grand Strand’s highest-rated course, reinforcing its reputation as one of America’s most memorable courses.
“Being ranked among America’s top 100 resort courses is a testament to the genius of Mike Strantz and the tireless work of staff at both courses,” said Bart Romano, PGA, Director of Operations for Caledonia and True Blue. “Caledonia and True Blue offer two very different experiences, but both are rooted in bold design, unforgettable settings, and a commitment to delivering a memorable round of golf.”
Designed by the late Strantz, Caledonia and True Blue have become cornerstones of the Myrtle Beach golf landscape. Caledonia is revered for its timeless Lowcountry charm, oak tree-lined fairways, and its unforgettable visuals, while True Blue delivers a modern contrast with expansive waste areas, bold greens, and a layout that rewards creativity.
Golfweek’s rankings are based on evaluations by a nationwide panel of course raters who rate layouts based on criteria including routing, memorability, conditioning, and overall enjoyment. Being ranked among the Top 100 Resort Courses in America underscores the enduring appeal of both designs in an increasingly competitive golf travel market.
“Mike Strantz believed golf should be an experience, not just a scorecard,” Romano said. “This recognition is a testament to that philosophy and to the teams who continue to protect and elevate his vision.”
Together, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and True Blue Golf Club continue to serve as must-play courses in the game’s most popular destination, proof that inspired design and thoughtful stewardship stand the test of time.
The top 100 ranking adds to an impressive list of accolades for both designs. Golfweek also ranked Caledonia and True Blue among golf-rich South Carolina’s top 5 public courses, and Golf Magazine has consistently included Caledonia among the nation’s top 100 public layouts.
For more information on tee times, stay-and-play packages, or the latest news from each course, visit www.CaledoniaGolfandFishClub.com, www.TrueBlueGolf.com or CaledoniaGolfVacations.com.
Oklahoma’s The Club at Forest Ridge Will Become a Fully Private Country Club in November 2026
Tulsa’s premier club experience readies for its next chapter.
ALPHARETTA, GA – Bobby Jones Links (BJL), one of the golf industry’s fastest growing club management companies, proudly announces that The Club at Forest Ridge in Broken Arrow, OK, after a year of tremendous growth and investments in top-tier member amenities, will transition into a fully private country club, effective Nov. 1, 2026.
The award-winning property known for its upscale lifestyle amenities and premier surrounding master-planned community, has been developing an ever-improving and alluring array of member amenities by elevating its customer service, indoor racquet sports, the pool, dining, and clubhouse. And locals have definitely taken note with 100 new members joining the club in 2025 to be a part of one of the most dynamic club experiences in the region.
“Over the past decade, we have executed a deliberate transformation of The Club at Forest Ridge to transition it into one of the premier private clubs in Oklahoma. Our recent amenity enhancements, coupled with our partnership with Bobby Jones Links delivers the curated member experiences our members expect and deserve, and has driven rapid membership growth over the past year. That momentum confirmed the time is right to transition to a fully private membership, enabling us to deliver a more elevated, dynamic, and exclusive experience,” said CEO Davis Robson. “This is a defining moment for the club, our team, and our members. The pride in what we’ve built and the excitement for what’s ahead are at an all-time high.”
With an expertly maintained 18-hole, Randy Heckenkemper-designed championship golf course, two spacious clubhouses, exquisite Southern style dining, an exclusive private social club called The Ridge Club (featuring a state-of-the-art fitness facility, resort-style pool, six lighted tennis courts, pickleball, newly opened indoor climate controlled racquets dome, and private member events), and luxury leisure amenities throughout the property, The Club at Forest Ridge boasts one of the most attractive membership offerings in Oklahoma.
NEW LEADERSHIP FOR PRIVATE CLUB’S NEW ERA
To help lead The Club at Forest Ridge into its exciting next phase, Bobby Jones Links has announced the appointment of new General Manager Cody Lack.
Lack, a 24-year Class A PGA of America Golf Professional with 30 years of experience in the golf industry, has worked in seven states throughout his career, including more than 13 years of overseeing full-facility operations. The Oklahoma native says he first played Forest Ridge in the early 2000s.
“Seeing how this incredible property has grown, I’m very excited for the opportunity to be part of something special at Forest Ridge,” Lack said. “It’s a place that’s rich with culture and amenities and it’s in an ideal location. Add to that the outstanding facilities and the sports, entertainment, food and beverage and lifestyle amenities are second to none for members and guests. The Forest Ridge team is very talented and has created a one-of-a-kind family atmosphere.”
Lack plans to instill a team-first culture, with the common goal of providing “unbelievable” hospitality and lifestyle for members and guests.
“I want to get to know the team and members, and get familiar with their expectations,” he says. “And to find out everybody’s Why: Why they’re there, what they’re trying to achieve, and the members’ expectations and concerns. I want to absorb as much as I can, gather a full understanding of everything, and first make sure that we achieve the expectations of our ownership in the right way. That will be done through a lot of communication, meetings and working together. I want to make sure the members see that we’re making strides to improve everything.”
Since its opening in 1989 on land that was once a working cattle ranch, The Club at Forest Ridge has served as the centerpiece of the flourishing Forest Ridge master-planned community in Broken Arrow, OK. For almost four decades, Forest Ridge has offered top-tier golf and dining experiences with resort-caliber amenities and levels of service. And starting November 1, the club will become private.
“We’re thrilled to have Cody fill the role of general manager at Forest Ridge,” says Amy Buchanan, vice president of revenue management at BJL. “He’s well-versed on the golf and food-and-beverage parts of the business, has executive skills, and a good executive level background. He comes to us very well rounded, to manage a property the size, scope, and vision of The Club at Forest Ridge. Most importantly, he brings a renewed leadership to our team.”
Lack was handpicked for the general manager position to help the team curate ideal and responsive member experiences for the entire family. “Today’s private clubs have to be dynamic and offer amenities and program for members of all ages and interests. Cody has been successful in his career transitioning properties – that experience is invaluable to us as we move through this transition to being private,” says Ken Nicholas, vice president of operations at BJL.
The property was recognized in the Golfer’s Choice Awards from Golfpass (a division of Golf Channel, the Golfpass Golfer’s Choice Awards are the culmination of more than 300,000 reader votes). The Club at Forest Ridge was singled out as having “Top 25 Off-Course Amenities.” The Forest Ridge residential development was voted “Best Subdivision” in the Tulsa Parade of Homes from 2019-2024 and “Best Residential Development” by Tulsa World in the 2019 “Best in the World” Contest.
For more information, visit BobbyJonesLinks.com
Cutalong at Tributer Resort Receives Multiple Awards in Golf Inc’s Golden Fork Competition
Mineral, VA — Cutalong at Tributer Resort, a Reef Capital Partners development along the shores of beautiful Lake Anna, in Central Virginia, has received multiple awards in Golf Inc’s 2026 Golden Fork Competition. The honor highlights Coopers Bar & Restaurant, which placed 3rd in both the New Private F&B Facility and Food Programming categories.
Coopers, which was the only F&B facility to be honored in two categories, made its debut alongside the opening of the new clubhouse, marking a defining milestone in the evolution of the luxury destination golf development – Cutalong at Tributer Resort. As the first completed amenity, the clubhouse—anchored by Coopers—sets the tone for the community, blending panoramic golf-course views with thoughtfully designed gathering spaces where members and resort guests come together to create memorable experiences.
“Having Cutalong at Tributer Resort recognized by Golf Inc. as part of the Golden Fork Awards is a tremendous honor for the club, our members, and team,” said Ian Sikes, General Manager at Cutalong at Tributer Resort. “The award is a testament to the vision of our F&B team, the dedication to hospitality and service displayed daily by Cutalong’s staff, and the support from club membership.”
Coopers’ food and beverage program is a celebration of the region’s culinary heritage, built around seasonality. Menus highlight fresh seafood and indigenous, pasture-raised meats, with a commitment to sourcing that sets the club apart — including receiving daily deliveries of premium fresh seafood.
One Golf Inc. judge said, “Fresh regional seafood, heritage meats, seasonal menus, and crafted cocktails show a consistent emphasis on technique and ingredient integrity.”
The wine program, curated by a Master Sommelier alongside a Level 2 expert, also offers a thoughtful balance of boutique producers and iconic Napa Valley selections. A seasonally rotating cocktail menu complements the experience, reimagining timeless recipes with modern techniques and creative flair.
Central to the culinary identity is an in-house bakery, where fresh breads, pastries and desserts are crafted daily from scratch using time-honored methods and premium ingredients. Together, the program delivers a refined, yet welcoming dining experience rooted in flavor and artistry.
“Coopers has quickly become a defining part of the Cutalong Tributer member experience because it offers far more than exceptional food; it fosters genuine connection and community,” said Dave Medina, Director of Food and Beverage at Cutalong Tributer Resort. “From weekend brunches and curated Chef’s Table dinners to Master Sommelier–guided wine tastings and enhanced happy hours, every experience is thoughtfully designed with our members in mind. Our chef-driven menus, creative programming, and partnerships with local producers like Lost Barrel Brewery reflect an innovative, member-first spirit. That same creativity led to our custom draft beer, The Cut Lager, a 2025 Virginia Bronze Medal winner. At Coopers, members don’t just dine. They connect, celebrate, and feel at home.”
The Golf Inc. Golden Fork Awards, which were recently announced in the January/February 2026 issue, once again celebrate the excellence in golf club food-and-beverage design and programming, honoring the industry’s most innovative culinary experiences worldwide. Judges evaluated creativity, menu design, signature dishes and drinks, use of fresh and local ingredients, and overall guest experience.
As Golf Inc. noted in announcing this year’s winners, “From traditional American fare to a diverse array of international offerings, this year’s winners display a robust assortment of innovative menus and beautiful dining spaces.”
With the opening of the award-winning Coopers and the clubhouse, Reef Capital Partners continues to expand offerings, further establishing the resort as one of the nation’s most desirable destination golf communities. Whether playing a round on the nationally acclaimed golf course, enjoying the amenities, or relaxing lakeside, Cutalong at Tributer Resort provides an exceptional blend of leisure, luxury, and community.
For more information about Cutalong at Tributer Resort, please visit Tributer.com.
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