Golf Travel News Roundup September 22, 2025
In golf news this week are items from Nemacolin, Titleist, Kings North Crystal Mountain and Toptracer.
Nemacolin Voted #15 on Golf Digest’s “America’s 75 Best Golf Resorts” List
Farmington, Pennsylvania – Nemacolin, Pennsylvania’s premier luxury golf resort destination, is proud to announce that a group of 1,500 Golf Digest panelists voted the luxe 36-hole mountain golf destination #15 on the list of “America’s 75 Best Golf Resorts.”
The Golf Digest article announcing the 75 Best rankings explains “The global competition among golf resorts continues to accelerate with the popularity of golf. It’s dizzying but exciting to reflect on the development happening both at golf’s most popular destinations and also new ones popping up. We’re living in a moment where it’s never been better to be able to travel to these destinations—both iconic or new and modern—to enjoy the varied golf that we’re blessed with in this country. The toughest part? Choosing where to travel to next.”
The 1,500 rankings panelists, all of them avid golf travelers, were tasked with scoring any resort they have visited to play golf in the past five years on a scoring system of 1 (awful) to 10 (perfect). Nemacolin was selected in the upper 20 percent of the 75 esteemed properties honored in this ranking.
The Mystic Rock course, home of the PGA TOUR’s 84 Lumber Classic from 2003 to 2006, was also ranked 64th on the Golf Digest’s ‘America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses’ list and 11th on the publication’s “Best in Pennsylvania” rankings. The inimitable Shepherd’s Rock course was ranked 21st on the “Best in Pennsylvania” list.
Being home to two standout Pete Dye-designed golf courses and three distinctive luxury hotels — Falling Rock, The Chateau, and The Grand Lodge, all which earned the prestigious AAA Five Diamond designation in 2025 — sets Nemacolin apart and resonates uniquely in the minds of golf travelers.
Around every corner, Mystic Rock charms and beguiles golfers like few golf courses can. The hole designs are imaginative. They ask the golfer to use creativity, brawn sometimes, and problem solving throughout. The everyday conditions on this layout, and its sister course Shepherd’s Rock, are pristine enough to hold a tour event at a moment’s notice.
Shepherd’s Rock, constructed by Dye and his associate Tim Liddy and opened in 2017, is a different kind of enigma. It features more generous landing areas off the tee but tougher approach shots and absolutely vexing greens. While Mystic Rock hits home with a gripping variety of holes a shot values, Shepherd’s Rock does the same in a ruggedly beautiful natural setting with a quirkier flow and fun pace.
“We are extremely honored that Nemacolin has been named 15th among the ‘America’s 75 Best Golf Resorts’ by Golf Digest,” said Nemacolin’s General Manager of Golf & Grounds Operations Chris Anderson. “We see every day what a special destination this is for both invigorating luxury travel and bucket-list-caliber golf, but to have such a distinguished expert panel recognize the quality and allure Nemacolin offers is meaningful and greatly appreciated.”
Before taking on Pete Dye’s challenges at Mystic Rock and Shepherd’s Rock, one might consider a lesson or tune-up with all the state-of-the-art toys inside The Nemacolin Golf Academy. This golfer’s indoor dreamscape features four spacious, customized hitting bays which can open up to the 25-station driving range that sits adjacent to two short-game practice areas and a large putting green. The Golf Academy, which also features a dedicated, 1,000-square-foot putting room, is optimized for expert golf training and club fitting.
Until you have experienced the eclectic wonders of this larger-than-life resort nestled in the Allegheny Mountains (about one hour southeast of Pittsburgh), it’s simply hard to describe. Imagine a wonderland where one could spend their days luxuriating with world-class spa treatments, relaxing with afternoon tea, admiring breathtaking works or fine art, and taking in a hands-on Italian Cooking Class. Then, another guest could play 36 holes a day of championship Pete Dye-designed golf and use their off time to take a challenging ropes course, go whitewater rafting, jeeping, or clay-target shooting. After all that, they can have a world-class dining experience followed by a visit to The Casino at Nemacolin or enjoying a signature Whiskey Tasting or a fine cigar in The Hardy Room.
At Nemacolin all of that good living is possible in one 2,200-acre footprint, just waiting to be discovered. And adored. But never forgotten.
To learn more about the incomparable golf vacation experience at Nemacolin, visit Nemacolin.com/golf.
NOW OPEN: TITLEIST AND PINEHURST UNVEIL ON-CAMPUS FITTING AND RETAIL EXPERIENCE
PINEHURST, N.C. (Sep. 10, 2025) – Titleist, the #1 ball in golf and the game’s leading performance equipment brand, and Pinehurst, the cradle of American golf, announce the official opening of the Titleist Shop at Pinehurst, an immersive fitting and retail experience located just steps from Pinehurst No. 2’s iconic 18th green.
Titleist’s first U.S. retail destination offers extensive golf ball and golf club fitting capabilities along with a wide range of Titleist products and Shop-exclusive offerings –– including Titleist’s most advanced on-demand golf ball customizer, allowing golfers to instantly add their personal touch to the #1 ball in golf.
Known locally as the Titleist Shop at Padgett Center, the Shop is located at the former Don Padgett Learning Center on Pinehurst’s main campus, surrounded by the main clubhouse, No. 2’s 18th green, No. 4’s first tee, Thistle Dhu putting course, The Cradle short course and Maniac Hill, Pinehurst’s historic driving range, one of the game’s very first practice ranges.
“Pinehurst represents everything that golfers love about this game,” said Jeremy Stone, Titleist’s Senior Vice President of Golf Ball Marketing & U.S. Sales. “This is such a meaningful setting, shaped by historic championships and generations of golfers creating memorable experiences, and we’re grateful to be able to enhance the journey of dedicated golfers at Pinehurst.”
“Pinehurst has always been where golfers connect with the soul of the game, and our partnership with Titleist takes that connection to a new level,” says Pinehurst Resort’s Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Eric Kuester. “The Titleist Shop at Padgett Center combines Pinehurst’s history with Titleist’s innovation, giving our guests an unmatched experience in one of golf’s most iconic settings.”
INSIDE THE SHOP
Central to the Titleist Shop experience are comprehensive golf ball and golf club fitting capabilities and resources, leveraging Titleist’s full product lineup and fitting tools – including the proprietary Golf Ball Fitting App and Vokey Wedge Fitting App – in combination with Pinehurst’s state-of-the-art practice facilities. The Shop is also equipped with an indoor TrackMan-powered fitting bay, allowing for year-round fittings regardless of weather conditions.
Golfers visiting the Titleist Shop at Pinehurst will also have access to:
• Titleist’s family of golf ball and golf club product offerings, including Pro V1, Pro V1x and Pro V1x Left Dash models with every play number from 00-99 and an extensive collection of Titleist golf club configurations.
• The most advanced on-demand Titleist golf ball customizer, giving them the opportunity to add a custom logo or personalized text on their golf ball of choice, which will then be printed accordingly on site and in real time. The library of logos includes 11 unique Pinehurst logo designs, which are accompanied by custom Titleist and Pinehurst co-branded packaging. A new Putter Boy-inspired AIM (Alignment Integrated Marking) design is also available on select models.
• An exclusive Pinehurst-inspired Scotty Cameron headcover, specially designed for the Shop, which is available with the purchase of a Scotty Cameron putter.
• A wide range of Shop-exclusive Pinehurst-branded Titleist golf gear, including hats, golf bags and accessories such as valuables pouches and yardage book covers
• In-shop club repair services, allowing for on-site re-gripping, loft and lie checks and other club tune-ups.
Renovation of King’s North at Myrtle Beach National on Track for Early October Reopening
Myrtle Beach, S.C. – Phase 2 of the highly anticipated renovation of King’s North at Myrtle Beach National is progressing on schedule. Led by architect Brandon Johnson, the acclaimed layout is slated to welcome golfers back for an early October reopening.
Johnson completed the front-nine redesign in the summer of 2024, and the Arnold Palmer original closed again on May 26, 2025, for the renovation of the back nine.
Drawing on his 17 years with the Arnold Palmer Design Group, Johnson is enhancing King’s North’s rugged aesthetic while reimagining its greens and surrounds. The result will be a course that offers golfers more strategic options on approach and recovery shots, in addition to striking new visuals.
“Players will discover familiar features that now stand out more prominently, both aesthetically and strategically,” Johnson said. “At the same time, several green surrounds have been completely reconfigured to introduce new challenges and greater variety.”
Among the highlights are significant updates to holes 10, 13, 15 and 16, where golfers will see dramatic changes in how the greens and surrounding areas play and appear. Johnson’s vision will also come to life most vividly on two of King’s North’s most prominent holes:
● The island-green par-3 12th – Johnson has expanded the putting surface and modernized the iconic “SC” bunkers, breaking them into seven distinct traps that still clearly form the letters.
● The par-4 18th – Once home to more than 40 bunkers, the hole will now feature fewer but equally impactful hazards, complemented by a green nestled against a linear pond edge on the right and a massive kicker slope on the left.
“One of the things that will be fun for players is seeing what’s brand new, what feels very similar, and what remains exactly as they remember it, but with a fresh look alongside the new elements,” Johnson added.
Founders Group International (FGI), which owns King’s North and 20 other Myrtle Beach-area courses, has fully backed Johnson’s vision.
“We have given Brandon free rein to renovate King’s North, and we were thrilled with the results on the front nine,” said FGI President Steve Mays. “We are equally excited about what’s taking shape on holes 10 through 18 and can’t wait to welcome golfers back to one of Myrtle Beach’s best courses.”
FGI has made significant capital investments across its 21-course portfolio, including recent work at Grande Dunes, Pine Lakes and TPC Myrtle Beach. With nearly a dozen renovations completed in recent years and more underway, the company continues to raise the bar for golf in the Grand Strand, cementing its place as the region’s premier course operator.
For more information on King’s North, visit www.MyrtleBeachNational.com.
Crystal Mountain kicks off fall with a full slate of activities and a new wellness challenge
THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. (September 23, 2025) – It’s officially fall, and Crystal Mountain has a full slate of activities, amenities, and events lined up for the season, including a new rucking event. While there are plenty of winter enthusiasts looking forward to skiing and snowboarding this time of year, this colorful stretch before the snow flies is the perfect opportunity to witness the beauty of the changing seasons in northern Michigan.
One of the most popular ways to view the fall foliage is via a chairlift. The quiet ride to the top is relaxing, and the view overlooking four counties of vibrant fall foliage is unimaginable. A fall Scenic Chairlift Ride is an experience any adventurer, photographer, or nature lover will not soon forget.
For those who prefer to be on the ground, miles of bike trails and a serene hike through the Michigan Legacy Art Park offer an immersive experience among the towering, colorful trees. Golfers can enjoy the crisp autumn air while playing on one of the resort’s two championship golf courses, the Betsie Valley and the Mountain Ridge, both set against a tapestry of treelined fairways. For even more thrill, Michigan’s only Alpine Slide offers a unique and exhilarating way to take in the scenery. All of these activities, plus a scarecrow walk, pumpkin carving, and more, are available during Fall Fun Weekends (Oct. 11-12, 18-19, 25-26) at Crystal Mountain.
Day visitors are more than welcome to purchase passes and tickets for each of the activities. Those staying the night at Crystal will receive complimentary access to the Scenic Chairlift Rides, Michigan Legacy Art Park, and the Indoor Pool & Peak Fitness Center. Hot Lodging Dates are available nearly every day in October, offering up to 25% off select lodging accommodations.
This fall also marks the debut of the Aevitas Medical Longevity Challenge on October 25. While it is considered a ruck-style event, participants are not required to wear a weighted vest. Both the 6-mile route and the more beginner-friendly route will feature interactive stations with members of the Aevitas team to test stamina, mental toughness, and inspire healthy living.
“The varied elevation—from gentle trails to more challenging summit climbs—allows us to create a comprehensive course that tests and builds the functional fitness patterns most predictive of healthy aging,” said Spencer Couturier, Aevitas Medical Advisor. “Participants can experience everything from steady-state cardio on flatter sections to power and strength challenges on the inclines, while the natural terrain engages stabilizing muscles and proprioception in ways that gym-based fitness simply cannot replicate.”
Registration for the Longevity Challenge is open now through October 24. Participants staying at Crystal Mountain are eligible for a 15% lodging discount.
Fall events at Crystal Mountain
Other local events for fall enthusiasts include the Benzie County Fall Festival (Oct. 4), the Frankfort Film Festival (Oct. 15-19), and the Frankfort Fall Festival Craft Fair (Oct. 11). Nearby attractions to consider to enhance an autumn adventure day include Point Betsie Lighthouse, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and Arcadia Overlook.
Toptracer Announces Global Challenge and Fan Experience at 2025 Ryder Cup
Golfers Around the World to Compete for Prizes; Local Fans to Experience No. 1 Range Technology
(Dallas, Tex.) September 22, 2025 — Toptracer, the world’s number one range technology and official range technology of the PGA of America, announces a virtual Global Challenge on Bethpage Black that will take place at partner ranges around the globe from Sept. 22 – Oct. 5 along with Tournament Range onsite and the “First Tee Experience” at Rockefeller Center.
For the most anticipated Ryder Cup in recent memory, Toptracer is ready to bring the famous Black Course at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York to golf fans around the world for the toughest global challenge yet. The competition will be “closest to the pin” on the revered par-3, No. 8. Prizes will include a limited edition swag bag (up to $200 in value) and players can participate by visiting their local Toptracer range found here: https://toptracer.com/locations/.
“Not every golf fan will have the privilege to attend the Ryder Cup in person this year, so we are honoured to bring one of the toughest tests in golf to them,” says Scott Blevins, General Manager at Toptracer. “The Americans and Europeans will put forth their best efforts to win the cup, so we hope golfers around the world will join in on the competition and experience Bethpage Black on the best range technology.”
For those making the trip to New York for the action, there will be two ways to experience the world’s No. 1 range technology. First, golf fans can enter a “long drive” contest at Toptracer’s “First Tee Experience” at Rockefeller Center in Midtown from Sept. 24 – 28. This experience will be open to the public and free to play.
Next, fans onsite at Bethpage State Park will be able to follow each team’s practice performance at the Tournament Range. By scanning a QR code from the convenience of their seats, spectators can follow each player’s carry distance, ball speed, curve and more.
“Creating experiences that bring golf fans closer to the players and the momentous spectacle that is the Ryder Cup is something we are very proud of,” continues Blevins. “It will no doubt be the biggest week in golf for 2025 and Toptracer is privileged to provide numerous ways for everyone around the world to get involved.”
Toptracer, a longtime partner of the PGA of America, is the most trusted range technology for PGA Professionals in North America. As host of the Ryder Cup, the PGA of America is proud to have Toptracer as the official range technology for their Tournament Range onsite at Bethpage State Park and facilities across the United States.
For more information and full rules for the competition head to https://toptracer.com/globalchallenge.
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