Golf Travel News January 24, 2026

In golf travel news this week are items from Champion Hills, The Omni Golf Collection, Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, Myrtel Beach and Castiglion del Bosco.

Champion Hills Ranked No. 47 on Golfweek’s List of America’s Top 200 Residential Courses

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — Champion Hills, the acclaimed Tom Fazio-designed private club nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, has been ranked No. 47 on Golfweek’s 2026 list of America’s Top 200 Residential Golf Courses, reaffirming its status as one of the nation’s premier mountain golf communities.

The ranking also positions Champion Hills as North Carolina’s highest-ranked year-round residential course, a distinction that reflects both the enduring quality of Fazio’s design and the club’s ability to deliver championship-caliber golf across all four seasons.

Often described as Tom Fazio’s mountain masterpiece, Champion Hills features dramatic elevation changes, strategic shot values, and holes carved naturally into the area’s native landscape. Routed through hardwood forests and rolling mountain terrain, the course offers sweeping views, constant variety, and an intimate connection to its surroundings.

“Champion Hills is a place where great design and a great member experience go hand in hand,” said Heather Myers, the club’s director of membership and marketing. “Tom Fazio’s layout is perfectly suited to the mountains, and our staff takes great pride in creating an environment our members truly enjoy. While our primary focus at Champion Hills is on our members’ experience, it’s very gratifying to earn this type of national recognition.”

Golfweek’s rankings are compiled by a panel of hundreds of experienced raters who evaluate courses based on design integrity, memorability, conditioning, variety, and overall playing experience. Champion Hills’ consistent presence near the top of state and national rankings reflects its reputation among both members and golf course raters as one of America’s premier private communities.

Located just minutes from downtown Hendersonville and less than 30 minutes from Asheville, Champion Hills combines world-class golf with a commitment to an active lifestyle. The club’s residential community is known for its welcoming atmosphere, walkable neighborhoods, and access to hiking, racquet sports, dining, arts, and outdoor recreation, all without sacrificing year-round playability.

With its latest Golfweek ranking, Champion Hills continues to serve as a benchmark for residential golf in the Carolinas and beyond, as the timeless Tom Fazio design remains as compelling today as when it first opened.

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit www.ChampionHills.com or call (828) 696-1962.

The Omni Golf Collection Honored by Golfweek

Ten Omni Courses Named in Golfweek’s Prestigious ‘Top 200 Resort Courses in the U.S.’

DALLAS, TX (January 20, 2026) – Omni Hotels & Resorts – the official hotel partner of the PGA TOUR and PGA of America – announces that 10 courses in its impressive Golf Collection were ranked in the prestigious “Top 200 Resort Courses in the U.S.” list in Golfweek’s “Ultimate Guide to Golf Course Living and Great Escapes” 2026 issue.

With 28 golf courses (including multiple short courses) spanning 12 resorts across the U.S., the Omni Golf Collection features designs by some of the golf’s most celebrated architects of the last 100 years including Donald Ross, A.W. Tillinghast and William Flynn from the “Golden Age of Architecture” in the 1920s, to modern-day masters like Tom Fazio, Gil Hanse, Beau Welling, and Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. This recognition underscores Omni’s ongoing commitment to offering world-class golf experiences across both historic and contemporary landscapes.

Showcasing the breadth of Omni’s golf portfolio and reinforcing its position as a leader across both historic and modern golf destinations, the resort courses honored by Golfweek are:

The Cascades Course at The Omni Homestead Resort & Villas (No. 31)
Fields Ranch East at Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Villas (No. 49)
The North Course at Omni La Costa Resort & Villas (No. 56)
The Old Course at Omni Bedford Springs Resort & Villas (No. 78)
Fazio Canyons at Omni Barton Springs Resort & Villas (No. 81)
Fields Ranch West at Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Villas (No. 90)
The Old Course at at The Omni Homestead Resort & Villas (No. 152)
Mount Washington at Omni Mount Washington Resort & Villas (No. 160)
Barton Foothills at Omni Barton Springs Resort & Villas (No. 171)
Oak Marsh at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Villas (No. 186)

“Golf has become an integral part of our business model, and we are thrilled that 10 of our courses across the U.S. were honored by Golfweek,” says Spencer Cody, Corporate Director of Club and Golf for Omni Hotels & Resorts. “Golf is the perfect vehicle to create a sense of community as well as providing great places to spend time with family while enjoying a complete luxury resort experience here at Omni.”

Since 2016, Omni has invested more than $250 million into its golf properties including projects currently in progress. These substantial financial commitments include Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa just outside Dallas that opened in Spring 2023 in conjunction with the new headquarters of the PGA of America. The property features two world-class layouts: major championship venue Fields Ranch East designed by Gil Hanse and Fields Ranch West designed by Beau Welling. Hanse and his team also spearheaded the renovation of the new North Course at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, host venue of the NCAA D1 Women’s and Men’s Championships from 2024 through 2028.

Welling also led the Oak Marsh course renovation at Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa which opened in late 2024 to rave reviews. Additionally, at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Villas, each of its four acclaimed courses have undergone major renovations in the past few years. Its Fazio Canyons course will host the PGA Tour’s Good Good Championship this fall on Nov. 9 – 15.

For information or to book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com/destinations/golf or call 1-800-The-Omni.

Rising Sun Golf Course at Mountain Sky Guest Ranch Debuts in Top 100 of Golfweek’s Resort Course Rankings

Rising Sun Skyrockets to No. 94, One of Two Montana Courses on List

(EMIGRANT, MT) – Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, one of the nation’s only all-inclusive dude ranches featuring championship level golf, announces its Rising Sun Golf Course achieved top-100 status in its debut in Golfweek’s Top Resort Course Rankings.

Golfweek’s “Ultimate Guide to Golf Course Living and Great Escapes 2026” ranked Rising Sun at 94th in its “Top 200 Resort Courses in the U.S.” rankings, tied with SentryWorld in Wisconsin and the Osprey Meadows Course at Tamarack Resort in Idaho. Designed by Johnny Miller, Rising Sun was one of two Montana courses listed in these prestigious rankings, and one of six U.S. courses debuting in the top 100. Courses finishing just above Rising Sun tied at 90th include Wolf Creek in Nevada, the Fields Ranch West Course at Omni PGA Frisco in Texas, BoothBay Harbor in Maine and The Preserve in Mississippi. Ranking 97th was the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort in Florida.

Mountain Sky Guest Ranch owner Arthur M. Blank added Rising Sun Golf Course to his AMB West portfolio of properties in 2011 as an exclusive golf opportunity for ranch guests. Located in the shadows of Emigrant Peak, the par-72, links-style layout showcases the Absaroka Mountain Range and incorporates the natural rolling hills and grasses found in Paradise Valley. Rising Sun is also the first golf course in Montana to become a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International.

Golfweek’s team of course raters determine the publication’s annual course ranking lists. Each year, the panel evaluates courses, grading each nominated layout based on 10 criteria. According to Golfweek, “[the raters] also file a single overall rating on each course. Those overall rankings on each course are averaged, then each course is ranked against other courses.

Late in 2025, Rising Sun completed an extensive enhancement project to the bunkers. Spearheaded by Davis Love III’s Love Golf Design, the project included the removal of 10 bunkers, while adding 30 more. The existing bunkers were modified and updated for improved drainage and edged using the Eco Bunker system creating sod walls typically seen throughout links-style courses in Scotland and Ireland. Heritage Links began working on the bunker enhancement project in mid-March and completed work in September. Throughout the process, Rising Sun remained open.

Rising Sun will soon be open to guests of Auster at Dome Mountain, the newest property in the AMB West portfolio due to open in Fall of 2026. For more information on Auster visit www.auster.com.

For more information on Rising Sun Golf Course: www.mountainsky.com/activities/golf.

About Mountain Sky Guest Ranch
Mountain Sky Guest Ranch first opened as a dude ranch in 1929 in Paradise Valley, Montana. After visiting the ranch for many years as a guest, Arthur M. Blank purchased Mountain Sky in 2001, making it the first of four Montana properties now included in the AMB West portfolio of properties.

Mountain Sky encompasses 10,767 acres and provides a curated guest ranch experience with all-inclusive packages for five- and seven-night stays. Featuring a renowned horse program including daily morning and evening rides, weekly meal rides, and opportunities to experience cattle work and team penning, Mountain Sky provides an authentic Western experience in a stunning setting. Guests also enjoy gourmet cuisine, a world-class wellness center and pool, a popular kid’s program, archery, clay shooting, guided hiking, wagon rides, fly fishing and much more. Learn more at www.mountainsky.com.

About Auster at Dome Mountain

Auster at Dome Mountain is a year-round retreat in Paradise Valley, Montana, opening in fall 2026. As part of owner Arthur M. Blank’s AMB West portfolio of properties, the destination features 20 cabins, dining, coffee, and community spaces along the Yellowstone River and just 20 minutes from Yellowstone National Park.

Surrounded by Emigrant Peak and the Absaroka Mountain Range, it offers a modern yet welcoming place to stay, gather, and connect in one of Montana’s most scenic landscapes. Auster at Dome Mountain serves both travelers and locals alike, while staying true to its values of stewardship, community, and authenticity.

About AMB West
AMB West Holding Company, also referred to as AMB West, is comprised of Arthur Blank’s guest and working ranches in Paradise Valley, Montana. The AMB West portfolio of businesses includes Mountain Sky Guest Ranch, West Creek Ranch, Paradise Valley Ranch and Auster at Dome Mountain. AMB West melds the missions of guest ranching, philanthropy, non-profit convening, working ranch lands and conservation to achieve best in class hospitality and stewardship practices. AMB West associates work alongside The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation helping to strengthen communities across the state of Montana. Learn more at www.ambwest.com.

A Bold New Standard: King’s North at Myrtle Beach National Reopens After Transformational Renovation

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — King’s North at Myrtle Beach National, one of Arnold Palmer’s most recognizable designs, has completed a sweeping, two-year renovation that redefined the playing experience. Led by acclaimed architect Brandon Johnson, the project delivers a golf course that is bolder, more strategic, and more visually striking, positioning King’s North among the best public courses in South Carolina.

Completed in two phases – front nine renovations in the summer of 2024 followed by the back nine in 2025 – the transformation went beyond cosmetic upgrades. Fairway corridors were restored, greens and surrounds were reimagined, and strategic intent was sharpened throughout the layout. The result is a course that feels familiar in spirit, while providing players a new experience.

“Golfers who have played King’s North before are going to be blown away by how different it plays,” said Johnson, who worked alongside Arnold Palmer for 17 years and now leads Brandon Johnson Golf Course Design. “This wasn’t about small tweaks. We leaned into bold ideas – restoring width, creating new angles, and building green complexes that reward creativity and thought. Every hole now asks a question.”

Free of residential development and routed for walkability, King’s North offers an experience that appeals to elite players while remaining fun and playable high handicappers.

The renovation also included selective vegetation removal to reveal long views across the property and better showcase the land’s natural movement. Greens were expanded and reshaped, surrounds were rebuilt to encourage ground play and recovery options, and hazards were repositioned to heighten both risk and reward. Collectively, the changes create a course that is more dramatic and strategically engaging from the first tee to the final putt.

“King’s North has always been special, but this renovation takes it to another level,” said Steve Mays, president of Founders Group International, Myrtle Beach National’s parent company. “The changes are big, bold, and intentional. We genuinely believe King’s North now belongs in the conversation with the best courses in Myrtle Beach and the state of South Carolina.”

Johnson noted that while some improvements are immediately obvious, others will reveal themselves over multiple rounds. “The course has greater depth now,” he said. “The more you play it, the more you will appreciate what’s there.”

The renovation respects Palmer’s original vision while presenting it through a modern lens, one that reflects how today’s golfers play, think, and experience the game.

“If Mr. Palmer were standing on the first tee today,” Johnson said, “I think he’d recognize the soul of the course and be proud of how far it’s been pushed.”

More broadly, the rebirth of King’s North reflects Founders Group International’s continued investment in excellence, ensuring its most iconic courses remain compelling and nationally respected.

Founders Group International owns 21 Myrtle Beach-area courses and has completed more than a dozen major renovation projects in recent years, including Grande Dunes, Pine Lakes, Pawleys Plantation, and TPC Myrtle Beach, with additional renovations planned across its portfolio.

Golfers can now experience a fully reimagined King’s North, where bold visuals, strategic shot-making, imaginative greens, and classic Palmer-style risk-reward define a course that feels both timeless and entirely new.

For more information or to book a tee time, visit MyrtleBeachNational.com.

Castiglion del Bosco makes highest new entry in Golf World Top 100 World Resorts

– Castiglion del Bosco debuts at #53 in the Golf World Top 100 World Resorts

– Recognised as one of the leading single-course resorts in the Top 100

– Highest new entry in the global ranking

(Montalcino, Italy – December 24, 2025) – Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany, has been named the highest new entry in the newly published Golf World Top 100 World Resorts, debuting at #53 and earning the ranking’s maximum 20/20 score for accommodation.

The luxury resort, which features a private Tom Weiskopf golf course reserved exclusively for resident hotel guests and club members, is one of the leading single-course resorts in the ranking and one of only 13 continental-European resorts to feature inside the global top 60.

Chris Bertram, Editor of the Golf World Top 100, said: “This is a notable new entry for a spellbinding Tuscan resort, whose presence in the ranking enhances the Top 100 immeasurably. The accommodation is not bettered in the entire list; I cannot believe a guest would not be charmed by it. But don’t overlook the golf, because the Tom Weiskopf design is one of the finest in Europe.”

Castiglion del Bosco stands apart for its rare blend of world-class hospitality, private golf and 900-years of history embedded in the landscape of the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia.

At the heart of the 2,000-hectare estate lies The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, Italy’s only private golf club. The golf course is the only Continental European design of the late Tom Weiskopf (1942-2022), 16-time PGA Tour winner, 1973 Open Champion and revered golf course architect.

David Waters, General Manager of The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, commented: “Being recognised among the finest resorts in the world for both golf and hospitality is a tremendous affirmation of the unique experience Castiglion del Bosco offers and affirms our position as one of the world’s premier destinations.

Our recent multi-million-euro enhancement has elevated the playing standards of our Tom Weiskopf course to new heights, placing it firmly among the best-presented layouts in Europe. Combined with the refined elegance of the Rosewood experience, we are proud to represent Tuscany on the world stage, and to welcome guests to a resort where luxury, heritage and world-class golf come together so perfectly.”

The resort’s Rosewood hotel features 42 suites arranged around an ancient borgo and medieval castle ruins, complemented by 11 beautifully restored Tuscan farmhouses. Guests enjoy access to an award-winning Brunello di Montalcino winery, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, an immersive cookery school and a serene spa.

Nicola Migheli, Managing Director of Castiglion del Bosco, A Rosewood Hotel, added, “Earning best accommodation within a global ranking is a remarkable recognition of our team’s craftsmanship and the unique character of Castiglion del Bosco.

Our ambition has always been to create a retreat where the essence of Tuscany is expressed through authentic hospitality and the understated luxury for which Rosewood is known. To be acknowledged among the world’s leading golf resorts not only reflects the strength of our offering, but also the passion with which we welcome every guest.”

For more details on Castiglion del Bosco, A Rosewood Hotel, please visit:

For more details on The Club at Castiglion del Bosco, please visit:

VIDANTAWORLD MEXICO OPEN MOVES TO FALL, TRANSFORMING PGA TOUR STOP INTO A SIGNATURE DESTINATION EXPERIENCE

Día de Muertos, World’s First Luxury Theme Park, Cirque du Soleil Elevate Championship Week in Puerto Vallarta

VALLARTA-NUEVO NAYARIT, Mexico, Jan. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This fall, championship golf arrives at VidantaWorld amid one of Mexico’s most spectacular seasons. The VidantaWorld Mexico Open returns October 29–November 1, 2026, transforming a PGA TOUR stop into a destination-wide experience where Día de Muertos celebrations, a newly opened luxury theme park, Cirque du Soleil performances, and a 2,500-acre oceanfront resort converge for an unforgettable week on Mexico’s Pacific coast.

The new timing aligns the tournament with Mexico’s Día de Muertos season, infusing championship week with color, atmosphere, and celebration while offering travelers a rare opportunity to experience PGA TOUR competition alongside one of Mexico’s most meaningful traditions.

Set within VidantaWorld’s expansive 2,500-acre luxury resort destination, the tournament unfolds across a landscape defined by expansive pools, more than a mile of pristine Pacific beachfront, award-winning spas, headline entertainment, and elevated dining experiences—creating one of the most immersive and distinctive settings on the PGA TOUR calendar.

Adding to the destination’s appeal is VidantaWorld’s BON Luxury Theme Park—the world’s first luxury-focused theme park scheduled to open ahead of the tournament. Designed as a low-density, hospitality-forward experience, BON will feature eight immersive themed lands featuring more than 20 attractions, full-service dining venues, and live entertainment.

During tournament week, the opening of BON expands the overall guest experience, offering guests a dynamic mix of leisure and entertainment beyond the fairways—without detracting from the championship competition at the center of the event.

The destination experience is further elevated by Cirque du Soleil LÚDŌ, a permanent aquatic production and dinner show that opened in December. The show blends world-class acrobatics, immersive storytelling, and elevated dining within a custom-built theater, adding another marquee entertainment element to championship week.

“Our goal is to deliver a tournament that meets the highest competitive standards while offering an environment that reflects where the modern PGA TOUR is headed,” said Iván Chávez, executive vice president, Grupo Vidanta. “The scale and variety of experiences at VidantaWorld allow this event to function as both a premier competition and one of the TOUR’s most compelling destination stops.”

The 2026 VidantaWorld Mexico Open will feature a 132-player field competing for 500 FedExCup points and a share of a $4 million purse.

Since joining the PGA TOUR schedule in 2022, the Mexico Open has played a growing role in positioning Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit as premier international travel destinations, reaching audiences in more than 200 countries and territories through global broadcast coverage.

Broadcast coverage of the VidantaWorld Mexico Open 2026 will include Golf Channel, NBC, and the PGA TOUR World Feed.

To book or explore VidantaWorld experiences, contact your travel advisor, visit VidantaWorld.com, or call 1-855-227-5685.

About VidantaWorld
VidantaWorld represents the most ambitious hospitality and entertainment initiative in decades—a visionary collection of luxury vacation experiences designed to elevate the legacy theme-park destination. Built around an unwavering commitment to quality over volume, VidantaWorld is created to be “The Best of All Possible Worlds.”

With locations in Nuevo Vallarta and Riviera Maya, guests discover theme-park thrills without the endless lines; entertainment immersed in nature; the culinary excellence of the finest premium cruises; and wide-open beaches without the congestion or parking hassles. Seamlessly integrating a world-class luxury theme park with five-star resort hospitality; breathtaking Cirque du Soleil productions; exquisite dining; spectacular pools; award-winning spas; and championship golf – all within secure, car-free resort campuses wrapped in natural beauty – VidantaWorld stands as a next-level destination poised to deliver happiness, service, relaxation, and fun for generations to come.

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