Golf is Supposed to be Fun

 For many golfers, achieving lower scores is about more than hitting longer drives or making spectacular shots—it's about avoiding bogeys and big numbers that add up quickly. Minimizing mistakes is often the simplest way to play better and enjoy each round more. Here’s how you can approach your game with intention and consistency to make fewer bogeys and keep your scorecard clean. Play Smart, Not Bold One of the quickest ways to lower your score is by playing smarter. Avoid risky shots that could lead to trouble; instead, aim for high-percentage targets. On approach shots, prioritize hitting the middle of the green rather than attacking the pin. This gives you a chance at par without the added risk. Stay Calm Under Pressure Bogeys and big numbers often result from trying to "save" a hole after an errant shot. Instead, take a step back and assess your options. If you’re in the rough or near a hazard, play conservatively to get back in play rather than attempting a hero sho...

Private golf clubs have long been seen as exclusive havens for dedicated golfers, but in recent years, membership numbers have declined, and clubs are facing challenges in retaining and attracting members. Several factors contribute to the difficulties surrounding private club memberships today. High Cost of Membership The cost of joining and maintaining a private club membership can be a significant barrier for potential members. With initiation fees, monthly dues, and other expenses, membership costs often become prohibitive, especially for younger professionals and families with tighter budgets. The high financial commitment can make membership feel inaccessible to many who may otherwise be interested in joining. Changing Demographics and Preferences The younger generations—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—often prioritize flexibility and variety over long-term commitments to a single club. Unlike older generations, who may value a club’s exclusivity and tradition, younger golfers...

Bunker construction on a golf course is more than just sand and placement—it affects everything from maintenance and drainage to the golfer’s experience. Here’s an overview of some common bunker construction types used on Midwest golf courses. Billy Bunkers Developed for enhanced drainage, Billy Bunkers have become a popular choice on Midwest courses with fluctuating weather. These bunkers use a unique drainage system under a layer of gravel and specialized liner to keep water from pooling in the bunker. After heavy rain, Billy Bunkers dry out more quickly than traditional bunkers, minimizing downtime and maintenance costs. The consistent sand depth also provides golfers with a more predictable experience. Liner-Based Bunkers Liner-based bunkers typically incorporate fabric or rubber liners beneath the sand to prevent contamination and aid in drainage. These liners create a barrier between the sand and the soil below, keeping out debris, stones, and roots. For Midwest courses, liners h...

 D.A. Weibring is a name that stands tall in golf, not just for his successes on the PGA Tour, but also for his impact off the course. While Weibring won five PGA Tour titles, his contributions as a golf course architect have left an enduring legacy, most notably with the design of TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. Weibring’s connection to the John Deere Classic and the Midwest runs deep. Born and raised in Quincy, Illinois, he brought his local knowledge and passion for the region to the design of TPC Deere Run. In the late 1990s, when the PGA Tour needed a new home for the John Deere Classic, Weibring was a natural fit to lead the project. His vision was to create a challenging yet accessible course that would honor the landscape of the Midwest, while still being enjoyable for both pros and amateurs. Today, TPC Deere Run is a renowned stop on the PGA Tour and a course synonymous with Weibring’s name. Beyond his course design, Weibring’s business acumen has been just as impr...

  For today’s blog post, we sat down with Jinyoung Yun or as she would prefer, “Jinny”, a standout college golfer for the Illinois State Redbirds, to discuss how she manages to consistently post low scores in tournament play. Jinny is known for her mental toughness and strategic play, so we were eager to get her insights on how she approaches the course. Q: What’s the biggest key to shooting low scores in tournaments? Jinny : "I think it starts with course management. Knowing when to be aggressive and when to play it safe is a big factor. I spend time before the tournament studying the course layout, noting where the hazards are, and identifying which holes I can attack and where I need to play more conservatively. My goal is always to give myself birdie chances on the easier holes while minimizing bogeys on the tougher ones." Q: How do you stay calm under pressure when every shot counts? Jinny : "I focus on controlling what I can control. In tournaments, i...

Golf has always had a loyal following, particularly among those who play regularly and follow the sport. However, it’s not always been easy for the game to engage casual fans or attract a younger, more diverse audience. Netflix’s new documentary series Full Swing seems to be changing that, bringing a fresh, modern perspective to the sport and increasing engagement across the board. The series offers an in-depth look at the lives of professional golfers on the PGA Tour, providing viewers with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of elite golf. It does much more than just show highlights of tournaments—it gives viewers insight into the personal stories, challenges, and triumphs of some of the best golfers in the world. This humanizes the players and makes the sport more relatable, offering viewers a new way to connect with the game. As discussed in this GolfWRX article , Full Swing could be a turning point for golf’s popularity. It draws comparisons to Netflix’s Drive to Surv...