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Women’s Golf Day celebrated its 10th anniversary from May 27 to June 3, 2025, engaging golf enthusiasts across 85 countries. Founded by Elisa Gaudet, this initiative promotes a welcoming environment for women and girls in golf, enhancing their experiences. Events included lessons and social gatherings, with professional golfers sharing insights. With nearly one-third of recreational golfers being women in the U.S., Women’s Golf Day continues to inspire and invite more participants into the sport, fostering community and empowerment.

Women’s Golf Day Celebrates a Decade of Empowerment

What a week it has been! Women’s Golf Day (WGD) recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, and it turned out to be a grand affair spanning an impressive 85 countries around the globe. The festivities took place from May 27 to June 3, 2025, bringing together golf enthusiasts and newcomers alike in a bid to make golf more accessible, fun, and inviting for women and girls.

Creating Connections Through Golf

This initiative started back in 2016, founded by the passionate Elisa Gaudet, with a goal to keep female golfers engaged and enhance the overall experience of golfing for women. The concept is simple yet powerful: create a welcoming environment that encourages women and girls to embrace the sport. Hundreds of locations and teaching professionals across the world joined the mission this year, hosting events that included two hours of lessons for those just starting and two hours of socializing for all attendees. It’s all about creating connections, not just with the game but also with each other!

Fun at the Club Car Event

One of the standout occasions this year was the event held at the Club Car. An impressive 200 women participated and enjoyed various golf activities. With notable LPGA professionals like Oneda Castillo and Allisen Corpuz lending a helping hand, the event was a joyous celebration of female empowerment in sports. Castillo, known as the third African American woman to be recognized as a master professional in the sport, shared insights on crucial skills during the event, particularly how putting can enhance a woman’s performance in mixed-gender environments.

The Social Aspect of Golf

Oneda Castillo has long been an advocate for promoting golf as a social game that builds bridges across generations, strengthening the bonds between families and friends. Meanwhile, Allisen Corpuz, who recently clinched victory at the U.S. Women’s Open, engaged attendees with a lunch and learn session that delved into the mental aspects of the game and the importance of effective practice setups.

A Georgia Golf Hall of Famer Takes the Stage

Another highlight was the engaging clinic led by Laura Coble, a Georgia Golf Hall of Famer and former Augusta University Lady Jags golf coach. With an enthusiastic turnout of over 100 women of varying skill levels, the Augusta event was filled with energy, excitement, and rigorous challenges designed to motivate and inspire participants. Coble emphasized the fantastic potential of golf as a means for networking and social interaction while acknowledging the remarkable growth of women’s golf in recent years.

Indeed, recent statistics have revealed that women now account for nearly one-third of recreational golfers in the U.S., with a significant 39% of beginners identifying as female and 35% of junior golfers being young girls. This participation surge showcases how WGD has grown, successfully encouraging more women to step up, swing their clubs, and join a community that values athleticism and camaraderie.

The Future Looks Bright

The spirit of Women’s Golf Day is all about opening doors and creating opportunities for women and girls to enjoy golf in a fun and welcoming setting. It has successfully increased participation rates, engagement levels, and interest in the sport. With enthusiasm running high, the hope is that this movement continues to thrive, inviting even more women to experience the joy of golf.

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Town commissioners in Ocean Isle Beach are deliberating a proposal for a new 18-hole shipwreck-themed mini golf course near Town Hall. Backed by Apterra Infrastructure Capital, LLC, it aims to attract families with features like a waterfall and pond area. Concerns arise over town infrastructure, traffic, and noise levels, especially during peak tourist seasons. Community feedback has been mixed, with some fearing the course may alter the town’s unique character. A decision is expected in April regarding this new recreational opportunity.

Exciting Proposal for a Mini Golf Course in Ocean Isle Beach

In a lively discussion that has the community buzzing, town commissioners are currently mulling over a proposal for a brand new 18-hole shipwreck-themed mini golf course. The anticipated location for this fun-filled attraction is right around the corner from Town Hall, specifically at 110 Causeway Drive. This could be the perfect spot for families and friends looking to enjoy a day on the green!

What’s on the Table?

The masterminds behind this exciting venture are Apterra Infrastructure Capital, LLC. Their vision includes a mini golf course that would feature exciting elements such as a waterfall, a scenic pond area, and a massive, lifelike shipwreck. Sounds like a *real adventure*, doesn’t it? Adding to the charm, smaller props would be distributed all through the course, creating a vibrant environment for both young and old.

Parking and Clubhouse Plans

To accommodate visitors, the proposal includes approximately 50 parking spaces and plans for a clubhouse where players can relax and refuel after a fun round of golf. The excitement doesn’t end there; the developers have hinted at the possibility of adding another 18 holes in the future, although that would depend on board approval at a later date.

Concerns from Town Commissioners

While the idea of a new mini golf course might sound delightful to some, not everyone is on board. Commissioner Tom Athey raised concerns about whether the town has the infrastructure to support another business. Ocean Isle Beach already has two mini golf courses, so the worry is that another might push the limits of what the town can handle.

Traffic and Noise Woes

A big concern is how this course could impact the town’s traffic and noise levels. With the potential to accommodate up to 72 players at one time, Fridays and Saturdays could become especially crowded. Residents are worried that the influx of traffic will resemble the hectic environment of surrounding beach towns, leading to increased congestion during peak tourist seasons.

Community Feedback

Next Steps and Future Plans

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River Oaks Golf Club will close on October 31, 2024, marking the end of an era as it transitions from a beloved golfing destination to a residential area with nearly 600 homes. The 27-hole course, opened in 1987 and designed by Gene Hamm, has been cherished by golfers for decades. As the redevelopment begins, the club plans to host memorable events to celebrate its legacy while the golf community adjusts to the upcoming changes.

Big Changes Ahead for River Oaks Golf Club

The scenic River Oaks Golf Club is gearing up for a monumental change as it prepares to close its doors on October 31, 2024. Golf enthusiasts may want to take one more swing at their favorite course before it transitions from a beloved golf destination to a bustling residential area.

Out with the Old, in with the New

The picturesque 27-hole golf course, known for its stunning design by famed architect Gene Hamm, has been a cherished spot for local golfers since it opened back in 1987. In 1991, the club expanded by adding the Bear nine holes, allowing even more players to enjoy a round of golf. However, as we zoom toward the end of October next year, it has been announced that this beautiful green space will soon be redeveloped into nearly 600 single-family homes.

The redevelopment comes as Chris Manning of Chris Manning Communities took over the remaining 18 holes of the club in February 2024. Since then, Manning has been busy navigating the necessary permitting and approvals with Horry County and state officials, with expectations to kick off development on 370 lots by fall. It’s a significant step that’s sparking mixed feelings among residents and avid golfers alike.

What’s Next for Golfers?

Despite the impending closure, River Oaks remains dedicated to maintaining a top-notch golfing experience until the very last day. Under the management team led by Scott Taylor, the course has kept its standards high, with enticing features like recent sodding of four greens using the Sunday ultradwarf Bermudagrass. Players can rest assured that their final rounds at this beloved club will be just as enjoyable as the many rounds they’ve played before.

River Oaks Golf Club has long been regarded for its affordable green fees, drawing players from all around. Over the years, it has also been home to a variety of charity golf tournaments, making it a significant player in supporting local causes. In fact, a major fundraiser benefiting the Folds of Honor Foundation is on the horizon, featuring 41 teams eager to hit the fairway one last time together.

To celebrate the club’s legacy, Taylor is in the works to organize memorable events and tournaments over the upcoming months, inviting players to honor their fond memories. Several staff members have been at River Oaks for over a decade, displaying a strong commitment to the course and its community as they stick around until the very end. However, local golf instructors will need to regroup and find new venues after River Oaks closes its doors.

Traffic, Development, and Growth

The transformation of River Oaks Golf Club is no solitary endeavor. It follows the earlier redevelopment of the Bear nine, which closed in September 2021 and was sold to Manning. He benefitted handsomely from this transaction, selling it to Mungo Homes for $9.5 million after acquiring it for a mere $3 million. Now, as Manning gears up to develop 220 lots on the Bear property, it sets the stage for increased demand—and traffic—on River Oaks Drive, which is slated for expansion from two to four lanes in the future.

Manning’s interest in golf course redevelopment isn’t new. He has successfully owned and revamped other golfing properties, and the ongoing high demand for land development in Horry County continues to influence his decisions. It’s a clear sign that while the golf course may be closing, a new chapter of adaptability and growth is just beginning.

Last Call for Golf Lovers

As the clock ticks down to the closure of River Oaks Golf Club, both nostalgia and excitement fill the air. While many golfers enjoy the course’s well-kept greens and fairways, the shift towards new homes opens a new chapter for the community. Get ready for some events to commemorate fond memories on the course—and be prepared for traffic to pick up as new families arrive in the area! This transformation may mark the end of a golfing era, but it also promises the beginnings of a vibrant neighborhood.

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Golfweek has announced its 2025 rankings, revealing that Crystal Downs in Frankfort has once again topped the list of Michigan’s private golf courses. This stunning course, designed by Alister MacKenzie, has remained a favorite among golfers and boasts a timeless design that continues to attract players from all over. The rankings also include other exceptional courses like Oakland Hills and Kingsley Club, but Crystal Downs maintains its prestigious No. 1 status for the second consecutive year.

Golfweek’s 2025 Rankings: Crystal Downs Still at the Top!

Golf enthusiasts, get ready to update your bucket lists! Golfweek has just revealed its rankings for the top private golf courses in Michigan for 2025, and for the second year in a row, Crystal Downs in Frankfort has claimed the title of the No. 1 golf course! This stunning course, completed back in 1933, is not only a favorite among locals but is also featured among the top 50 golf courses globally, according to Golf.com. That’s pretty impressive!

A Look Back at Crystal Downs

The Top Five Courses in Michigan

1. Crystal Downs, Frankfort
2. Oakland Hills (South), Bloomfield Township
3. Kingsley Club, Kingsley
4. Dunes Club (nine holes), New Buffalo
5. Franklin Hills, Franklin

More Top Courses

6. Lost Dunes, Bridgman
7. Meadowbrook, Northville
8. Orchard Lake Country Club, Orchard Lake
9. Indianwood (Old), Lake Orion
10. Barton Hills, Ann Arbor
11. Wuskowhan Player’s Club, West Olive
12. True North, Harbor Springs
13. Bloomfield Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Hills
14. Point O’Woods, Benton Harbor (tied)
15. LochenHeath, Williamsburg (also tied and new to the rankings)

Your Next Tee Time Awaits!

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