Spring-ing forward
+ California classic gets freshened up; A grand Lowcountry retreat; Bookmarked — Rickie Fowler, a friend lost, snakes and strangers; PSA: Don't forget to set your clocks ahead.
THE STARTER
🏌️ Jon Rahm came to the rescue of seven LIV players and a caddie who were stuck in Dubai as the war in Iran was exploding. Rahm organized a private jet to pick up the players, who drove 280 miles to Oman, and flew them to Hong Kong in time for this week’s LIV event. Who was more relieved: Rahm or the plane’s passengers?
🏌️ Rory McIlroy called the arrangement the DP World Tour made with LIV players to return to the tour “a really good deal” and seemed bewildered that Rahm didn’t agree to the terms. Is McIlroy right? Should Rahm have taken the deal?
🏌️ The Arnold Palmer Invitational is one of the PGA Tour’s “signature” events and has but 72 players in the field. Think Palmer would have approved of limited-field elite tournaments?
🏌️ Jim Furyk made his television debut on Golf Channel in the booth for the Arnold Palmer Invitational, alongside Terry Gannon. Furyk was one of the most careful with his quotes as a player. What are the chances he will say anything memorable on air?
🏌️ John Daly II made his PGA Tour debut this week at the Puerto Rico Open, where he shot 2-under 70 in the first round and channeled his inner dad by forgoing practice and heading to the beach. Wonder if a cocktail was involved?
🏌️ Sebastian Munoz whiffed a one-inch par putt in the first round of LIV Golf Hong Kong but still turned in a 5-under 65. The putter appeared to bounce over the ball when he attempted the tap-in. Should he have lined it up?
🏌️ Luke Donald was named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain for the third time, as he will lead the team at the 2027 matches at Adare Manor. Could it be that all of Europe’s captain candidates went to LIV?
🏌️ Did you know that Boston Common Golf is the top seed for the TGL playoffs that begin March 17? Did you want to know?
🏌️ Legendary football coach Lou Holtz died this week at age 89. But golf was his other passion. He said winning the 2005 Member-Member at Augusta National was his “greatest accomplishment.” Think Holtz out-talked the other team in his foursome each day of the tournament?
:: Mike Purkey
FEATURES
BOOKMARKED
Good reads that are sometimes about golf, but not always.
📖 ‘He carries that torch’: Why Rickie Fowler is this year’s Arnie Award winner
The six-time PGA Tour winner has been a big supporter of youth-oriented charitable causes and 'thinks about the game holistically instead of just what it can do for him.'
:: Jaime Diaz | Golf Digest | 03.02.2026 | Read
📖 He wanted to be a golfer. He trained to be a monk. He became a writer
When the spirit moved him, Colman wrote about the game, always with unfailing logic and a light touch.
:: Michael Bamberger | Golf.com | 03.02.2026 | Read
📖 What 40 years in crisis rooms taught me
Lessons from boardrooms, emergency calls, and the moments when everything is on the line.
:: Dan McGinn | The Future We Already Know | 02.25.2026 | Read
📖 The stranger secret: how to talk to anyone – and why you should
Forget fear of public speaking. A lot of people now shy away completely from speaking to anyone in public. But if we learn to do this it’s enriching, for ourselves and society.
:: Viv Groskop | The Guardian | 02.24.2026 | Read
📖 Rattlesnakes at my door
A nonfiction account of an American crime.
:: Elsa Pearl | Oxford America | 02.19.2026 | Read
BUSINESS
THE FIRST CALL
Week in Review: The industry’s names, news and notables making headlines. | Read
This week’s editions: Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday
Industry press releases | Industry press release videos | TFC / PR Newswire feed
Golf Industry Job / Internship Board
LIFESTYLE
THE STYLE LINKS
New for spring, FootJoy’s iconic Pro/SL shoe returns with input from its tour pros. The shoe features a bold new look, and has insane performance features like a Ztec upper for structure and support, and an all-new outsole for superior traction and improved ground connectivity.
:: Janice Ferguson | IG: @janiceferguson_thestylelinks
19TH HOLE
“Course of Life” podcast co-host Alex Lauzon closes each episode with the guest sharing a favorite 19th hole food and beverage experience.
Austin Klug, a senior pitcher for Purdue University: “At home I get a chicken bacon ranch wrap every time with some french fries and a diet or cherry Coke.”
:: Alex Lauzon | Co-host of “Course of Life” podcast
HOME FRONT
Palmetto Bluff | Bluffton, South Carolina
Listing: 11 Headwaters Road.
Stats: 24.05 acres | 7,311 square feet | 7 bedrooms | 8 bathrooms, 1 1/2 bath.
Price: $8,995,000.
About: With the debut of Anson Point, the newest 18-hole course at Palmetto Bluff, this Lowcountry residential golf community has entered an exciting new chapter. Designed by noted architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the course opened in January 2026 and reflects a deep reverence for the land and history of the region. Named for British naval explorer Admiral George Anson, the design winds naturally through maritime forests and native terrain, embodying the duo’s celebrated minimalist philosophy of shaping the game around the land rather than reshaping the land to fit the game. A rediscovered quarry — softened by decades of nature — became a defining feature of the routing, reinforcing the course’s sense of discovery and timeless connection to place.
Just minutes away sits 11 Headwaters Road, a remarkable family compound nestled within the secluded Headwaters enclave of Palmetto Bluff. Set on more than 24 private acres overlooking the May River, the property offers exceptional privacy surrounded by protected wetlands, maritime forest and tranquil waterways. One of only 10 estates in this gated enclave, the property features lush gardens, outdoor living spaces and a private covered dock. The estate includes a main house, guest house and carriage house, designed for both grand entertaining and peaceful retreat. In the main residence, a soaring two-story great room anchors the home with reclaimed pine floors, exposed beams and a dramatic tabby fireplace. The open kitchen features a large quartz island, six-burner gas range and adjacent wine cellar, while an expansive screened porch with grilling area overlooks the grounds. The first floor is dedicated to a luxurious primary suite with private patio access, dual walk-in closets and separate baths. Additional bedrooms, guest suites and office spaces are thoughtfully arranged throughout the home. Despite its secluded setting, the estate remains close to Palmetto Bluff’s three acclaimed courses — May River Golf Club, the innovative Crossroads Golf Course at Palmetto Bluff, and the newly unveiled Anson Point.
Home Front Archives | Read
ARCHITECTURE
DESIGN NOTES
California’s Pelican Hill gets a Brian Curley refresh
Pelican Hill Golf Club has embarked on an extensive renovation of its acclaimed North and South courses under the direction of architect Brian Curley of Curley-Wganer Golf Design.
Set along the dramatic Newport Coast in Southern California’s Orange County, approximately 40-50 miles south of Los Angeles, Pelican Hill, which is an amenity of The Resort at Pelican Hill managed by Marriott International, has long been regarded as one of the finest 36-hole golf resorts in the country. Designed by Tom Fazio and opened in the early 1990s, both courses are lauded for their sweeping Pacific Ocean views, strategic design and year-round playability amid more than 300 days of sunshine.
This marks the first major refresh at Pelican Hill since a “two-year re-perfection” effort led by Fazio in 2005. The upcoming project will focus primarily on bunker restoration and realignment, tee expansion and leveling, and improvements to green surrounds.
Curley, a Pete Dye protege and veteran designer who began his career nearly 40 years ago with Landmark Land Company, brings deep experience in world-class resort and tournament venues to the project. His global portfolio includes more than 150 courses across Asia, the Middle East and the United States — among them being Saudi Arabia’s first island golf course, Shura Links, which opened in 2025.
“These are two fantastic, expertly designed golf courses that have aged gracefully,” Curley said. “But as with any golf course, time and play take their toll. This renovation will refresh the features, address turf health impacted by maturing trees, and ensure the best possible playing experience for years to come.”
The construction will be carried out by McDonald & Sons, a respected course construction firm with more than 40 years of experience on renowned venues including Congressional Country Club, Baltusrol Golf Club, Interlachen Golf Club and the Inverness Club.
Work began in November 2025, with an anticipated 50-week construction and grow-in period. To maintain access for guests, nine holes will be closed at a time, ensuring that 27 holes remain open throughout the process. Renovations began on the South course, followed by the North course, with completion expected in late 2026.
While the majority of the work will focus on restoring existing features, Curley noted that selective enhancements will elevate the visual and strategic appeal of the layouts.
“We intend to make thoughtful adjustments to the visuals and backdrops, enhancing the already spectacular setting,” Curley said. “It’s an honor to build upon Tom Fazio’s legacy and ensure Pelican Hill remains one of the most beautiful and enjoyable golf experiences anywhere.”
The restoration of both courses builds on a longstanding relationship between Marriott and Curley, who designed two courses for the hospitality brand — Shadow Ridge in Palm Desert, California, and Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Arizona — in collaboration with Nick Faldo. The Pelican Hill Golf Club also further burnishes Marriott’s growing portfolio of golf properties, which consists of dozens of acclaimed championship courses around the world.
These course enhancements are part of a larger, year-long renaissance at The Resort at Pelican Hill that will thoughtfully transform its iconic spaces.
Design Notes Archive | Read