Despite record buzz at the U.S. Women’s Open, slow play frustrations resurfaced. (Photo: Getty)
At first glance, this year’s U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills offered all the hallmarks of a breakthrough moment for women’s golf. “I think if women’s golf was a stock, you’d buy it because it’s what’s driving our game forward,” declared USGA CEO Mike Whan. “The first thing they would say about the future is the future of the game looks more female than it’s ever looked in 100 years. That’s an exciting time.”
It’s a sentiment shared by many, and rightly so. The talent pool has never been deeper, the storylines more compelling, or the athleticism more evident. Yet amid all the deserved optimism, an all-too-familiar issue once again cast a long shadow: pace of play.
Despite years of dialogue and supposed reforms, slow play remains a thorn in the side of the women’s game. And at Erin Hills, it reached a boiling point. Several groups took well over three hours to complete just nine holes, grinding the tournament to an excruciating crawl and drawing criticism from fans, media, and players alike.
This isn’t a new dilemma. The LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour have both faced mounting pressure to tackle the problem, especially in marquee events. But for all the promises of change, the pace at the U.S. Women’s Open suggested that the message hasn’t quite landed.
No one embodied the frustration more than Charley Hull. Paired with the ever-methodical Lexi Thompson, Hull’s irritation was plain to see—and she didn’t try to hide it.
She was seen walking off greens before her group had finished, heading straight to the next tee box, even sitting down in the rough in silent protest. Her body language spoke volumes—and quickly went viral.
Hull’s exasperation echoed the concerns of fellow star Nelly Korda, who has also been vocal about the need for stricter enforcement. And while tournament officials have introduced new policies in recent seasons, those guardrails were evidently missing in Wisconsin.
The stakes are high. Women’s golf is enjoying a long-overdue surge in popularity, and moments like Erin Hills should be showcasing the sport’s brilliance—not bogging it down with marathon rounds and player frustration. The USGA and its partners must act decisively. Because if women’s golf is indeed on the rise, it cannot afford to trip over the same stumbling block again and again.
Let the headlines be about the birdies, not the bottlenecks.
Sergio Garcia returns to the DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Sergio Garcia is officially back in the fold. The former Masters champion has settled his outstanding fines related to unapproved appearances on LIV Golf, clearing the path for a long-awaited return to the DP World Tour.
Garcia, 45, has been absent from European Tour competition since his sudden withdrawal from the 2022 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Now, nearly two years on, the Spaniard is slated to tee it up at two high-profile events: the BMW International Open in Munich this July, and his national Open, the Open de España, later this autumn.
Sources close to Garcia confirm that additional starts are on the horizon, as the veteran eyes a late push for Ryder Cup consideration. Though he narrowly missed out on qualifying for the U.S. Open, Garcia remains motivated to meet the minimum eligibility requirements necessary for a potential Captain’s Pick.
With Team Europe set to defend the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in September, Garcia’s renewed presence on the DP World Tour could prove timely—not just for his own ambitions, but for European hopes in hostile territory.
An Overview of New Golf Resorts in America. (Photo Source: Freepik)
Stepping onto brand-new turf is a quiet thrill. Fresh paint on the tee markers, unblemished greens, and grand openings that still smell of pine all promise stories you will brag about later. Across the country, a lively wave of new golf resorts is turning that first-tee buzz into a full travel trend.
Every trend needs headliners. Early reviews are already debating which properties deserve the title of best new golf resorts and why their architects seem to have skipped sleep in pursuit of perfection.
Why 2025 Is Shaping Up as the Year of Fresh Fairways
Industry insiders point to an unprecedented cluster of golf course openings in the next eighteen months. Several will debut with festivals that mix live music and junior clinics, making the grand opening ticket feel like an amusement park pass for golfers.
Magazines are teasing preliminary rankings, and chatter suggests at least three layouts could top the lists of best new golf courses 2025. This is thanks to daring green contours and bunker shapes that look sculpted more by artists than bulldozers.
For those of us who travel with clubs, the calendar for golf travel 2025 looks like a buffet. Want ocean spray on every iron shot? A Carolina retreat has you. Prefer mountain air that grants a bonus ten yards of carry? Colorado is ready to kneel at your swing altar.
One thing is certain. Several properties are already positioning themselves among the top golf resorts in the United States, flaunting cliff-side par threes and spa menus loaded with sports therapy treatments.
Scorecard of Rising Resorts
All these pins on the map can blur together, so here is a quick reference for golfers plotting that next buddies trip or anniversary escape. Each destination below plans to welcome guests within the coming year.
Critics predict that at least two of these layouts will stake early claims to the honor of best new golf courses once players and panelists finish their first lap.
Resort
Location
Why It’s Worth the Detour
Cabot Citrus Farms
Brooksville, Florida
Two championship tracks weave through fragrant former orange groves, giving every swing a citrus backdrop.
Omni PGA Frisco Fields Ranch
Frisco, Texas
The home base of the PGA of America features twin 18-hole layouts, a lighted short course for night matches, and a massive putting green.
RainDance National Resort
Windsor, Colorado
High-plains elevation adds free yardage to your drives, while wide fairways and canyon edges keep shot-making fresh.
Black Desert Resort
Ivins, Utah
Jet-black lava rock and red-cliff vistas frame emerald fairways, pairing dramatic scenery with spa-level comfort.
Pinehurst No. 10
Pinehurst, North Carolina
The newest Sandhills route glides through wiregrass and mining-era dunes, delivering a bold modern twist to a storied town.
The Lido at Sand Valley
Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Meticulous re-creation of a lost golden-age masterpiece lets golfers test template holes like Redan and Biarritz.
Sedge Valley at Sand Valley
Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Heathland-style design favors creative ground play across firm, fast turf bordered by rugged native vegetation.
Plan Your Perfect Tee-Time Adventure
Smart planning turns a new layout into a lifelong memory. Start by matching the course personality with your own. For many travelers hunting new golf resorts, the decision begins with knowing whether you flourish on firm links or lush parkland corridors.
Jet lag plus back-to-back rounds can siphon energy, so block one afternoon for the spa or pool. Resorts celebrating recent golf course openings often bundle unlimited replay rounds into their packages, perfect for golfers chasing redemption without a second greens fee.
An unexpected treat in between golf games is the themed casino corner. Online entertainment lovers can enjoy a variety of slots, from popular American titles like Extra Chilli free play. Demo versions of slots are a real godsend: you can play risk-free, test out the mechanics, bonuses and graphics before committing to something more serious. Perfect for getting to know the game.
Early spring and late autumn usually deliver quieter tee sheets and friendlier rates. Time your trip right, and you might sample a future classic before it tops the lists of best new golf courses in 2025, when the flags are still crisp from the packaging.
Five-Star Comfort on the Green
After a successful day of birdie hunting, few things matter more than a resort that truly understands recovery. If you keep a checklist of the best new golf resorts, you know that steam rooms, orthopedic mattresses, and fresh shoe spikes can be as satisfying as a well-struck wedge.
New Golf Resorts in America For Family and Friends. (Photo Source: Freepik)
The newest entrants in the luxury golf resorts USA category spare no expense on hammam-style steam rooms, plush bedding, and attendants who tighten spikes while you eat.
That devotion to detail is why many of these properties already rank among the top golf resorts in the United States, even before their second season begins.
Fresh Fairways You Will Want on Your Bucket List
If your clubs are begging for a new adventure, you are in luck. A handful of American venues are rolling out flawless turf and scenery so captivating that you may pause mid-swing just to stare. Booking now locks in your golf travel 2025 calendar before tee sheets fill.
These openings mix classic design principles with modern comforts so you can chase birdies by day and gourmet desserts by night. Many new golf resorts in the USA even add lighted short courses for evening matches.
Cabot Citrus Farms in Florida lets you roam through sweet-scented groves on two full courses, plus a quirky par three loop. It’s no surprise the routing already appears on shortlists of best new golf courses for players who love bold bunkering and fast greens.
Omni PGA Frisco Fields Ranch in Texas feels like a playground for every skill level, featuring twin championship tracks, a lighted ten-hole short course, and a putting green that looks like spilled emerald paint across the prairie.
RainDance National Resort in Colorado delivers altitude-boosted drives across wide fairways that feel forgiving until a crafty canyon edge demands focus.
Final Thoughts
The newest class of American golf destinations is imaginative and inviting. Architects blend environmental sensitivity with strategic flair, hoteliers layer comfort into every fairway view, and playful diversions keep the energy high long after the last putt drops.
With new golf resorts always opening in America, you and your buddies will find a course, hotel, and luxury facilities to meet your budget and location.
Isaac Rowlands during his world record over 182 holes. (Photos: The Grove)
After 182 holes, 53 miles on foot, 35 lost balls and 8,000 calories burned, 25-year-old Isaac Rowlands has broken the Guinness World Record for the World’s Longest Golf Marathon which he played in the Arctic Circle’s midnight sun – raising more than £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in the process.
Word record to raise money for cancer support
Battling four hours of heavy rain at the start and playing non-stop for 32 hours, the Assistant Pro from The Grove in Hertfordshire completed his extraordinary feat to beat the previous record of just under 31 hours at Lofoten Links in Norway, the world’s most northerly links course, regularly ranked among the best in the world and one of the most picturesque courses on the planet. The previous record was also set at Lofoten Links back in 2022.
The challenge was inspired by Isaac’s own brush with cancer as a teenager, and the physical and emotional effort poured into the campaign is set to give him international recognition with a place in the record books.
The 25-year-old Cambridge native and former captain of the Cambridgeshire County Golf team joined The Grove back in 2022, before taking his PGA studies and joining the Pro team in October 2023. After completing the successful record attempt, Isaac said: “It was both exhausting and exhilarating. Playing a course as incredible as Lofoten Links was a true privilege, and being able to contribute to such an important cause made the experience even more rewarding.
“I had a Lymphoma scare when I was 19, for which I had many tests and two operations until I was given the all-clear. Throughout the whole process, Macmillan provided unwavering support. I would want others in the same situation to continue to get this level of support when going through such a difficult time.
“I have seen for myself the amazing work Macmillan does for people, and I want to raise awareness of their care and dedication. Thank you to my friends and colleagues at The Grove and Lofoten Links for helping me make this happen, it’s an experience I’ll never forget. Donations are still welcome on his dedicated Just Giving page.
Isaac Rowlands supported by The Grove
Support from back home helped him through months and months of training and preparation. Joel Westwell, Director of Golf at The Grove, said: “We were very proud at The Grove to support Isaac, while many of us were envious of him playing in such an incredible golf course. Although millions of us love playing golf, this was a seriously physical challenge, and we have supported him in every way we could to ensure a successful world record attempt. I would urge everyone to give generously for such an amazing cause.”
In 2023, The Grove celebrated its 20th anniversary, securing its reputation as a premier golf and lifestyle resort in the UK. The resort is particularly known for its inclusivity and was awarded as England’s best golf hotel in 2024.
Charlie Woods wins Team TaylorMade Invitational. (Photo: Getty)
Charlie Woods won his first title at an American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournament on May 28, 2025. The 16-year-old won the Team TaylorMade Invitational at Streamsong Resort (Black Course) with a total score of 15 under par (70, 65, 66) and defeated some of the best young players in the USA, including Miles Russell, Luke Colton, Tyler Watts, Willie Gordon and Phillip Dunham. In the end, his lead was three strokes.
Strong final round secures victory for Charlie Woods
Charlie Woods put in an impressive performance, especially in the final round. With a 66 (-6), which included eight birdies and four closing pars, he secured the title. He had already consolidated his lead in the second round with a 65 (-7). Woods, who is currently ranked 606th in the AJGA rankings, defeated four of the top five players in the field to mark a milestone in his young career.
This is Charlie Woods’ first AJGA victory in his fifth event. His best result to date was a tied 25th place at the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley in March 2025. The son of Tiger Woods has already attracted attention on other occasions, such as at the 2024 PNC Championship, where he played with his father and caused a stir with his first ace in a top tournament. He also tried his hand at the US Open Qualifier 2024, but was eliminated.
A special moment was the decisive putt to win, which underlines Charlie Woods’ calm style compared to the usual jubilant poses of his father Tiger Woods:
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The US Open is the third major of the year - Source: Pexels
It is that wonderful time of the year. With two majors down, we now move our attention to the Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania for the 125 th US Open. All majors draw in the crowds, but the US Open has a particular buzz about it. Maybe it’s because the last four events have been decided by just a single stroke. It could all go down to hole 72 once again.
Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler have picked up a major apiece so far in 2025 and the competition is set to be high for the third major of the year. You may want to read some offshore sportsbook reviews to find out where to place your bets on the event. But we are here to give you all the information you will need for who to back to win the title.
The action kicks off on Thursday 12 th June, promising four days of intense golf action – and featuring the best golfers on the planet. It is always one of the real highlights of the season and the Oakmont Country Club is sure to put on a show as it hosts its first US Open since 2016. Here are some of the favorites to win.
Scottie Scheffler
Ranked number one in the world and with three career majors to his name, Scottie Scheffler is the out-and-out favorite to win the US Open this year. If he is to do so, he will have completed three-quarters of the ultimate grand slam – and the way he is playing this year, it will take something very special to stop him.
Scheffler waited until the third round of the PGA Championship last month to make a break for the lead and handled his nerve after a tricky front nine of the final round to win by five strokes. He has burst onto the scene since turning professional only a few years ago and is now relishing the chance to further etch his name in the history books.
Rory McIlroy
One golfer who might be able to reign in Scottie Scheffler’s trophy haul is Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irish golfer has recently become the first European to achieve the grand slam, of course, and he will be more than keen to stoke up the intriguing rivalry between him and the current world number one.
McIlroy won his only US Open title way back in 2011 but is still only 36 and will travel to Oakmont, Pennsylvania full of confidence. He was able to navigate the nerves of a playoff to take the Masters, which came after his second PGA Players Championship earlier in the year. It feels as though McIlroy is currently enjoying a very successful second wind.
Xander Schauffele
Last year was more than memorable for Xander Schauffele, as he became the first golfer since 2018 to win multiple majors in the same season. The American has just had to relinquish his PGA Championship reign to Scottie Scheffler but has previously stated that he thinks it will be Rory McIlroy who will be playing pressure-free since that golfer’s grand slam exploits.
Although those two will be the favorites to claim the US Open this year, Schauffele’s own title aspirations should not be ignored. It has been a relatively quiet start to 2025, however, with no top ten finishes on the Tour and a T8 his best major result of the year. Title-winning experience can play its part though, so Schauffele has to be considered one of the major challengers.
Bryson DeChambeau
Much has been written about his analytical approach to the sport and his meticulous club selection, but one thing Bryson DeChambeau has in his favor over many of his competitors for the upcoming US Open is that he knows what it takes to win the title. In fact, he is the reigning champion and is looking for a hat-trick of US Open titles after claiming his first in 2020.
Although DeChambeau has been playing well this year, he only recently managed his first LIV Golf win of the year – but that might be perfect timing for the American. With McIlroy playing so well, DeChambeau will take comfort from the memory of last year’s US Open triumph, where he won by one stroke after trailing with just four holes to go.
Jon Rahm
He is something of a forgotten man when it comes to debating potential majors champions. Jon Rahm was routinely one of the favorites to win titles a few years ago, as he battled with the likes of Scheffler and McIlroy, claiming the Masters in 2023. He had previously made the US Open his first major triumph at Torrey Pines in 2021.
But a move to LIV Golf seemed to deflate the Spanish golfer, with a string of poor performances at majors and other tournaments. He didn’t even play in last year’s US Open because of a foot injury, after looking below par throughout 2024. His form at Quail Hollow was very encouraging, however, and maybe now is the time for Rahm to show his undoubted talent once again.
The title might go down to the last hole once again – Source: Pixabay
Long Shot Chance
The beauty of this sport is that it is not always the number one ranked player who wins the titles. Golfers have come from nowhere to win majors and four rounds of intense competition can throw up the unlikeliest of champions. Patrick Cantlay is hardly an unknown, with nine professional wins to his name, but he is what you would consider a long shot to win the US Open.
The main thing in his favor is that he is a huge fan of the event. His best performance in a major was a T3 in last year’s US Open – and has consistently done well at the event. Add to that his impressive form this year and Cantlay might be one of the best long shot picks for the 2025 US Open.
Will Zalatoris addresses his fans in a post about his surgery. (Photo: Getty)
Will Zalatoris, the talented 28-year-old, recently released a health update on his recurring back problems. After an intense season in which he struggled with pain and instability, he opted for surgery to improve his quality of life and athletic career. In this article, we shed light on the background to his injury and how it progressed.
Will Zalatoris has been plagued for a long time
Will Zalatoris’ back problems began back in spring 2023, which were alleviated with disc surgery. He made his comeback at the Hero World Challenge at the end of 2023. However, the symptoms worsened again over time, which led him to find a solution with his medical team this spring. After the PGA Championship, he was diagnosed with a recurrence of two herniated discs through an MRI.
“I’m happy to say that I woke up feeling good.”
After detailed discussions with his medical team, Zalatoris decided to undergo further surgery under the guidance of Dr. Michael Duffy at the Texas Back Institute. It was not an easy decision, but it was necessary for his long-term health and performance on the golf course.
Following the successful operation, Zalatoris expressed optimism about his health on his Instagram profile: “I’m happy to say that I woke up feeling good.” He emphasized the importance of focusing on his recovery as well as the support of those closest to him. “Thank you to my team, friends and family for being there for me throughout this journey.” Looking ahead, Zalatoris is looking forward to returning in the fall, both to the game of golf and to public life. “Looking forward to seeing everyone in the fall!!”
Bryson DeChambeau at the Indy 500 (Photo: Instagram.com/@brysondech)
Professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway shortly before the famous Indy 500 race, as documented in his Instagram post. Among other things, he took part in a ride in a two-seater IndyCar and did not miss the opportunity to show off his own drives on the track.
The LIV Golf Final in Indianapolis
The visit could be connected to the LIV Golf Tournament, which will take place 30 kilometers northeast of the Indianapolis Motor Speeday. The LIV Golf Indianapolis Tournament is the season finale of the 2025 LIV Golf League and will be held August 15-17, 2025 on the Championship Course at The Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield. This Pete Dye-designed golf course was chosen for its high-quality facilities. The tournament is expected to attract top players such as Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm and others and is expected to have an economic impact of 21 to 29 million dollars on the region. It will feature intense individual and team competition as well as fan activities and entertainment.
Jack Nicklaus and Rory McIlroy at the 2023 Memorial Tournament. (Photo: Getty)
Almost the entire elite of the PGA Tour will be competing in this week’s Memorial Tournament presented by Workday in Muirfield Village. However, one particularly prominent name is missing from the list of participants: Rory McIlroy has opted out of the signature event organized by Jack Nicklaus. The tournament host is surprised that McIlroy did not inform him in advance, but does not hold it against the Northern Irishman.
Jack Nicklaus: “It’s just his call”
Rory McIlroy recently realigned his tournament calendar: Less focus on the USA, but more starts at national Open tournaments around the globe. As he has committed to the Canadian Open next week, followed by the US Open, McIlroy is taking a break from the Memorial Tournament. It is already the third signature event of the season that he has skipped. Instead, he has played a number of tournaments with a rather weaker field of participants, giving them additional attention and is now making more international appearances.
Jack Nicklaus, host of the Memorial Tournament, self-confessed Rory fan and long-time supporter of the Northern Irishman, only found out about his withdrawal in the middle of last week. As he admitted at the pre-tournament press conference, he was a little caught off guard by the news: ““Yeah, it surprised me,” Nicklaus said. “But guys have got schedules and got things they do. And I haven’t talked to him for him to tell me why or why not. It’s just his call.”
Even though Nicklaus would have been delighted to welcome McIlroy to Muirfield Village, he was understanding: “I don’t hold anything against Rory for that. He did what he likes to play. I know he likes to play so many in a row. He likes to play the week before a U.S. Open. And so he, that’s what he’s doing. So, you know, I really don’t have a comment on it. It’s very difficult, very difficult. I mean, I’m a big Rory fan, I always have been. I’m sure that I will remain that way. I just, I was a little surprised, yes.”
Rory McIlroy spoke big words about a more global future for golf at the start of 2024 – now he is putting his money where his mouth is. His tournament calendar for 2025 looks much more international than in previous years. The Northern Irishman wants to play less in the USA and focus more on tournaments that have fallen into oblivion for many professionals, especially national Opens with a long history.
Rory McIlroy: From Oakmont to Portrush
Right at the start of the summer, the first of several national championships gets underway: Rory McIlroy plays the Canadian Open, followed by the U.S. Open in Oakmont as the third major. The Travelers Championship in Connecticut is then on the agenda before things get more international – the Scottish Open on traditional links soil, followed by the Open Championship in July. However, the tournament at Royal Portrush is closer to a home game than almost any other.
This will be followed by the hot phase of the FedEx Cup play-offs in the USA. It remains to be seen whether Rory McIlroy will play all three stages. He already hinted in advance that he might miss the first event in Memphis. After that, his focus will clearly shift back towards Europe and Asia.
Finale in Asia and Australia?
September takes McIlroy to the Irish Open at the K Club – another building block in his “National Open” strategy. The flagship event of the DP World Tour, the BMW PGA Championship in Wentworth, follows immediately afterwards. After that, he will probably be part of the European Ryder Cup team. And then comes a special highlight: McIlroy’s first participation in the DP World India Championship in New Delhi – a completely new tournament that will be held for the first time in 2025.
The DP World Tour Playoffs will follow in November and December – and then another National Open date: the Australian Open at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Rory McIlroy returns to a place where he has not played for over a decade – this time with a two-year contract in his pocket. The tournaments in India and Australia are part of the “Back 9” phase of the DP World Tour and lead directly to the final in Dubai, which McIlroy also plans to play in.
Rory McIlroy’s schedule moving forward: National Open National Open (Oakmont 😉) Travelers National Open (His national) Open Championship FedEx Playoffs National Open (Irish) DPWT Flagship Ryder Cup India Championship (brand new) DPWT Playoffs National Open (Aussie) — Sean Zak (@Sean_Zak) May 21, 2025
