California Golf + Travel Fall 2026 by California Golf + Travel

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CALIFORNIA GOLF + TRAVEL MAGAZINE

CONTENTS

FALL 2026 VOLUME 30, ISSUE 4

Honoring Excellence Southern California PGA Award Winners

Advocating for Golf Protecting Access to Public Tee Times

12 A New Stage for Golf Grass League Brings Fresh Energy to Team Competition

16 Stewart Hagestad An Amateur by Choice

FALL 2026

TUCSON

Desert Golf & Sonoran Flavor

20 Tucson Getaway Desert Golf & Sonoran Flavor

26 Fall Fashion

FALL 2026

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STEWART HAGESTAD An Amateur by Choice

Fresh Styles for the Fairway Spirits Three Ways to Mix It Up with Matíari

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA Celebrating Excellence in Golf

FALL FASHION Fresh Styles for the Fairway

SPIRITS Three Ways to Mix It Up with Matíari

On the Cover: Arizona National Golf Club Photo By: Tom Prince

Visit us online at calgolfnews.com, Instagram @calgolftravel, facebook.com/calgolfnews

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2026 Southern California PGA Section Award Winners GOLF NEWS

he Southern California PGA Section is honoring a distinguished group of PGA Professionals whose leadership, dedication and service have made a lasting impact on the game and their communities. This year’s Section Award winners represent excellence in the profession and a commitment to supporting fellow professionals and growing golf throughout Southern California. Wood Ranch Golf Club will host the SCPGA Presidents Dinner, where the honorees will be celebrated for their accomplishments and contributions to the game SCPGA Golf Professional of the Year Blake Jirges, PGA Coto De Caza Golf & Racquet Club Awarded for overall performance as a Golf Professional and for leadership, service, and promotion of the game of golf. Also considered are the overall performance at their facility, the level of service to the Southern California Section and the Association as well as their image as a Golf Professional. SCPGA Eddie Merrins Teacher & Coach of the Year Geoffrey Dean, PGA PGA West – Private Golf Courses Awarded for excellence in golf instruction and coaching along with overall performance as a Golf Professional. Promotion of golf, use of teaching aids, involvement in junior golf activities, teaching techniques, and articles published are some of the criteria considered for this

Geoffrey Dean, PGA

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Blake Jirges, PGA

award. Recently renamed to the Eddie Merrins Teacher & Coach of the Year in honor of the late Eddie Merrins, a true legend of the game and longtime PGA Professional at Bel-Air Country Club. “The Little Pro” was 91 when he passed away in 2023. SCPGA Tom Addis III Professional Development Award Nikki Prichard, PGA Arrowood Golf Course Bestows special recognition for a PGA Professional for outstand-

Nikki Prichard, PGA

ing service and contributions to developing and improving educational opportunities for the PGA Golf Professionals in Southern California. In 2020, this award was renamed to honor SCPGA and PGA of America Past President, Tom Addis III, PGA. SCPGA Bill Strausbaugh Award Jack Allen, PGA The Farms Golf Club Presented to a PGA Professional who, by their day-to-day efforts, have made significant contribu-

Jack Allen, PGA

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David Kulla-Mader, PGA

tions through the mentoring of PGA Professional’s employment. The award also considers the integrity and character of the PGA Professional, their service to the Association, and their involvement in community and charitable organizations. SCPGA Player Development Award David Kulla-Mader, PGA Westchester Golf Course The Player Development Award is designed to recognize a PGA Professional for extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development. This award considers the PGA Professional’s growth of the game leadership commitment at the Section and National levels and the impact of their efforts at their facility. SCPGA Assistant Golf Professional Award Cavin McCall, PGA The Santaluz Club Awarded for overall performance as a Golf Professional in leadership, service, and promotion of the game of golf. This Professional reflects the qualities and image that promote the PGA Professional to their members and their facility.

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SCPGA Youth Player Development Award Heather King, PGA Emerald Isle Golf Course Bestows recognition to a PGA Golf Professional who is a leader in junior golf. This Professional reflects the image and qualities that juniors can emulate and provides opportunities for juniors to learn and play golf.

SCPGA Partner of the Year Award Antigua Awarded to the partner that has significantly and consistently supported the Southern California PGA throughout the year. SCPGA Clubfitter Award Glenn Hansen, PGA Twin Lakes Golf Course

Glenn Hansen, PGA

Cavin McCall, PGA

Heather King, PGA

Tony Chavez, PGA

This award bestows recognition to a PGA Golf Professional who is an expert in the field of club fitting. Some of the considered criteria for this award are promoting club fitting at their facility, helping both PGA members and associates further their knowledge on the effects of properly fitted equipment. SCPGA Patriot Award Tony Chavez, PGA Los Serranos Country Club Bestows recognition to a PGA Professional who personifies patriotism through the game of golf and demonstrates unwavering commitment and dedication to the men and women who have valiantly served and protected the United State of America. SCPGA Golf Course of the Year Award Industry Hills Golf Club Awarded to the facility that has significantly and consistently supported the Section on all levels (hosting tournaments and events, Chapter and Division support, community outreach and support, etc.), and encourages growth in the game of golf throughout the year. SCPGA Merchandisers of the Year

Industry Hills Golf Club

California Golf + Travel

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Clint Whitehill, PGA

Private Category: Clint Whitehill, PGA La Jolla Country Club Public Category: Justin Hight, PGA Santa Barbara Golf Club Resort Category: Chris Caballero, PGA PGA West – Stadium This award recognizes those PGA Professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf and retail at their facility and in the Section. SCPGA Patrick Rielly President’s Award John McNair, PGA J.C. Resorts This annual award is selected by the current SCPGA President to recognize someone for their outstanding contributions to the Southern California PGA. SCPGA Honorary Life Members Todd Yoshitake, PGA Todd Keefer, PGA Ross Fisher, PGA Honorary Life Member recognition is recognition of an individual who has shown incredible support for the Southern California PGA and its Members during their career.

Justin Hight, PGA

Chris Caballero, PGA

John McNair, PGA

Todd Keefer, PGA

Todd Yoshitake, PGA

Ross Fisher, PGA

The Southern California Section was established in 1924, and today it consists of over 2,000 golf Professionals working at over 450 facilities within the Section. The mission of the Southern California Section (SCPGA) mirrors the purpose of the PGA of America: To promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry. For more information on the Southern California PGA, visit scpga.com, follow @scpga on Instagram, X, and find us on Facebook.

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GOLF NEWS

CALIFORNIA PASSES LAW (AB 1954) CRACKING DOWN ON MUNICIPAL GOLF TEE TIME BROKERS

hose who played public golf in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties in 2024 remember the public outcry about 3rd party intervenors capturing large tranches of municipal tee times, selling them at premium rates, and scooping up the differences for themselves. In response, many of the municipal systems adopted reservation policies to counter their activity, but as the Los Angeles Recreation and Park Department pointed out in its letter of support for AB 1954, “relying solely on internal administrative measures to counter those seeking to profit from Los Angeles’ commitment to affordable, accessible public recreation is not a sustainable solution. Without stronger legal protections, these efforts remain vulnerable.” Sponsored by the California Alliance for Golf (CAG) and authored by Assembly member Chris Ward (D-San Diego), AB 1954 gives Los Angeles and all of California’s cities and counties that “stronger legal protection.” Titled the “Protecting Access to Reservations Act” or “PAR” Act, AB 1954 makes it an unfair business practice for a third-party golf 10

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reservation service platform to list, advertise, promote, sell, or transfer golf reservations for a golf course owned by a local public agency without written authorization from the golf course owner or operator – and allows the aggrieved owner or operator to seek legal relief from violators. “Public golf courses belong to the public, and residents shouldn’t have to compete with brokers buying up tee times just to turn around and sell them at inflated prices,” wrote Assemblymember Chris Ward in the press release he issued when Governor Newsom signed the bill into law. “AB 1954 puts an end to this unfair practice and helps ensure local residents, seniors, students, and families can continue accessing the public courses their communities support.” California is home to more than 220 publicly owned golf courses. Though only 1/4th of the state’s courses, they host roughly 45% of the golf played in the state, support roughly 85% of the state’s developmental golf programs, and provide the sites that make high school golf teams and programs possible. In short, they are the game’s growth

engine. Protecting equitable access at affordable rates is indispensable to their ability to continue playing that role. Multiple municipalities that went on record in support of AB 1954, among them San Diego, the City of Los Angeles, the County of Los Angeles, San Clemente, and Thousand Oaks, as well as did a large number of statewide municipal organizations, among them the League of California Cities, the California Association of Recreation & Park Districts, the California Special Districts Association, and the California State Association of Counties. Their support was key to getting AB 1954 over the finish line. “Advocacy is not just about reacting to troublesome bills and regulations,” said CAG Executive Director Craig Kessler. “It is also about using the organs of public policy to make the game a better experience for the 3.5 million Californians who play and love golf.”

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GOLF NEWS

GRASS LEAGUE: BUILDING A NEW STAGE FOR COMPETITIVE GOLF Born from a different vision of what competitive golf could be, Grass League is giving talented players a stage and fans a new way to experience the game.

rofessional golf has never had more money, more technology or more ways to watch. Yet for thousands of talented players, one problem hasn’t changed: finding a meaningful place to compete. Grass League believes there is room for something different. Two-person teams. Franchises representing cities around the country. High-stakes competition on par-3 courses. Music, food, fans close to the action and, at its home in Arizona, golf played under the lights. But behind the entertainment is a more important story about why Grass League was created in the first place. A DIFFERENT IDEA FOR GOLF The story began in Arizona with four friends and passionate golfers: Jake Hoselton, Jimmy Hoselton, Connor Riley, and Pete Wilson. They loved golf, but they didn’t necessarily identify with everything 12

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surrounding traditional golf culture. They were also fascinated by the people behind the scenes and in 2019 created Grass Clippings, originally as a golf lifestyle brand built around that perspective. That same year they staged the first Grass Clippings Open. The idea was straightforward: create serious competition without making the experience feel overly serious. There was music, food, entertainment and a relaxed atmosphere surrounding a par-3 tournament. Something clicked. Players could feel pressure over shots that mattered while spectators could experience golf differently. Instead of trying to recreate traditional tournament golf, the founders began wondering whether par-3 competition could become its own product. There was another influence much closer to home. Jimmy Hoselton had pursued professional golf and experienced firsthand the financial reality facing players outside the game’s major tours: travel expenses, entry fees and hotel bills can easily exceed what a player earns even when he plays well.

The founders saw an enormous pool of talented professionals and elite amateurs with compelling stories but few opportunities for fans to ever know who they were. Grass League could give some of them a stage. WHY PAR-3 GOLF? The choice of par-3 golf wasn’t simply about making tournaments shorter. The founders recognized that many of golf’s most memorable moments happen from 150 yards and in, a great iron shot, a pressure-filled chip, or a putt with something riding on it. Eliminating the driver also changes who can compete. Distance becomes less dominant, opening the door to different ages, backgrounds and types of players. To fully explore the idea, Grass Clippings needed its own home. In 2023, the group entered a longterm partnership with the City of Tempe to operate Rolling Hills Golf Course. The property was transformed into Grass Clippings Rolling Hills, including lights that allow the entire 18-hole par-3 course to be played at night.

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It became the home of what Grass League calls high-stakes par-3 golf. The league has since evolved into a structured competition with franchises, player rosters, prize money, season-long points and a championship. In 2026, 11 franchises are competing, and the league also uses a qualifier and draft to create another pathway for players to earn their way onto rosters. It is professional golf borrowing a little from traditional team sports without abandoning the competition that makes golf compelling. TAKING THE SHOW TO CALIFORNIA That vision came to California in September when Grass League staged its second Summer Grind at Goat Hill Park in Oceanside. Few courses could have been a better fit. 14

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The municipal course was nearly lost to redevelopment before John Ashworth and a grassroots community effort helped save it. Today Goat Hill embraces the philosophy “World Class, Working Class,” creating an accessible golf environment that includes opportunities for juniors and a culture far removed from the exclusivity sometimes associated with the game. Grass League and Goat Hill are different stories, but they share a similar belief: golf can be highly competitive without losing its sense of community and fun. At the Summer Grind, each of Grass League’s 11 franchises sent five two-player teams into the 36-hole competition. And the players delivered. David Bradshaw and Parker Reddig of the Scottsdale Strikers finished at 20-under par, closing with a finalround 12-under performance to win the championship. Bradshaw’s story illustrates exactly why the Grass League concept is interesting. The 43-year-old West Virginian has spent much of his professional career fighting for opportunities. He has won the West Virginia Open 12 times, competed on PGA Tour Cana-

da and PGA Tour Latinoamérica and made 10 PGA Tour starts. He never became a household name. But he can still play. Grass League gave him another stage on which to prove it. That may ultimately be one of the league’s most compelling ideas. Golf doesn’t have a talent shortage. It has a stage shortage. Grass League is trying to build another one. The 2026 season concludes December 4–5 with the GL Championship back at Grass Clippings Rolling Hills in Tempe. Eleven franchises will compete for the season title under the lights at the place where the concept found its home. How large Grass League ultimately becomes remains to be seen. But its founders aren’t simply shortening golf or adding music to a tournament. They’re experimenting with who gets to compete, how fans experience the game and what competitive golf can look like outside its traditional boundaries. And sometimes, new ideas in golf don’t begin on golf’s biggest stages. Sometimes they begin with a few friends, a par-3 course and the belief that there has to be another way.

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STEWART HAGESTAD

Stewart Hagestad: A The Southern California standout has built one of the great amateur résumés of his generation, not because professional golf wasn’t an option, but because Hagestad chose a different path.

or most elite young golfers, the path seems predetermined. Receive quality instruction, excel in junior golf, compete collegiately, test yourself against the best amateurs in the country and, if you’re good enough, turn professional. Stewart Hagestad chose a different route. The Newport Beach native and USC graduate, whose early golf development began at Big Canyon Country Club, has built one of the most impressive amateur résumés of the modern era. He has won three U.S. Mid-Amateur Championships, competed in the Masters and U.S. Open, and represented the United States six times in the Walker Cup. Yet Hagestad has never made the move to professional golf. And that decision is an important part of his story. When Hagestad graduated from USC in 2013, he didn’t believe his game was good enough to justify turning professional. Having competed alongside future professionals, he understood just how high the standard was. “The boys that play on tour are all such impressive players, and I feel I made the right decision,” Hagestad told AmateurGolf.com in 2021. “Turning pro isn’t for everyone.” Instead, Hagestad pursued a career in business and finance while continuing to compete as an amateur. His development as a golfer, however, began years earlier with considerable dedication and the guidance of accomplished instructors. Among those who influenced his early development was legendary golf instructor Jim Flick, widely regarded as one of the game’s great teachers. Between 2007 and 2009, Hagestad received instruction from Flick at the TaylorMade Kingdom in Carlsbad, California. He also spent part of his junior golf years at the International Junior Golf Academy in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he continued developing the skills that would eventually take him to USC. 16

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d: An Amateur by Choice

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STEWART HAGESTAD

Through hard work, competitive experience and quality instruction, Hagestad’s game continued to improve. In 2016, he won his first U.S. MidAmateur Championship, defeating Scott Harvey on the 37th hole at Stonewall in Pennsylvania. The victory earned him an invitation to the 2017 Masters, where he became the first invited U.S. Mid-Amateur champion to make the cut, earning the Silver Cup as the tournament’s low amateur. Suddenly, the golfer who had decided against professional golf had proven he could compete on one of the game’s biggest stages. Still, his thinking didn’t change. Hagestad has repeatedly explained that he loves competitive golf but also wants a life beyond the game. He continued pursuing opportunities in business and finance while earning an MBA from USC’s Marshall School of Business. Rather than allowing golf to define his entire life, he found a way to pursue professional interests while remaining competitive in amateur golf’s biggest championships. 18

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That balance makes his accomplishments even more remarkable. Hagestad added U.S. Mid-Amateur victories in 2021 and 2023, giving him three national titles. Only fourtime champion Nathan Smith has won more. He has also qualified for five U.S. Opens, making the cut in 2022, and twice reached the quarterfinals of the U.S. Amateur Championship. Then there is the Walker Cup. Hagestad’s selection for the 2026 matches at Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland marked his sixth consecutive appearance representing the United States, an extraordinary achievement in an event traditionally dominated by college stars preparing for professional careers. The 2026 matches ended in a narrow 13½–12½ victory for Great Britain and Ireland, but Hagestad added another singles victory to his remarkable Walker Cup record. His California connections make the story particularly meaningful for local golf fans. He grew up in Newport Beach, played collegiate golf at USC and made his Walker Cup debut at Los Angeles Country

Club in 2017. Eight years later, he helped the United States win again at Cypress Point. Perhaps the most interesting part of Hagestad’s career is that he has demonstrated there is more than one definition of success in golf. Professional golf offers money, recognition and the opportunity to compete against the world’s best. Hagestad chose something different: a life that combines professional ambitions away from the course with competition at the highest levels of amateur golf. Years ago, he explained his philosophy simply: “I’d rather try to be good at lots of things in life.” That decision hasn’t diminished his golf legacy. It may ultimately be what defines it. Three U.S. Mid-Amateur championships, six Walker Cup appearances, five U.S. Opens and low-amateur honors at the Masters represent an extraordinary career by any measure. But Stewart Hagestad’s story isn’t really about a golfer who never turned professional. It’s about a golfer who discovered that he didn’t need to.

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GOLF & TRAVEL

Tucson Desert Golf, Sonoran Flavor and a Few Reasons to Stay Out Late

By DAVID WEISS ith championship courses framed by the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains, full-service resorts, memorable Southwestern cooking and enough desert hijinx to keep a foursome occupied between rounds, Tucson makes a compelling case for a chile-infused golf getaway for friends and family alike. Tucson has always struck me as a particularly appealing alternative to the more obvious golf destinations. Phoenix and Scottsdale have their share of marquee courses, highprofile resorts and well-appointed watering holes, but Tucson offers something a little different: a more relaxed Southwestern character, a landscape that grows more dramatic with every mile, and golf that feels inseparable from the desert itself. Here, the fairways wind among towering saguaros, rocky outcroppings and the rugged foothills of the surrounding mountains. The light

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changes by the hour, the sunsets can be spectacular, and even a mediocre round has a way of looking better against the John Ford, Hollywood western backdrop. For a group of friends looking to escape for several days of golf, good food and the occasional competitive grudge match, Tucson makes a persuasive argument for packing the clubs and the required sunscreen. Winter and spring are the prime golf seasons, when daytime temperatures are generally comfortable and the desert is at its most inviting. The region’s resort scene also makes it easy to build a trip around a single home base, although the variety of courses is good enough to justify an oversized SUV and a little cultural exploration. GOLF IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOUNTAINS Two courses associated with management gurus Troon Golf are natural starting points for a Tucson

Arizona National

itinerary: Arizona National Golf Club and El Conquistador Golf & Tennis. Each offers a different interpretation of the Sonoran Desert, and both deserve consideration when assembling a dream golf package. Arizona National, tucked into the foothills northeast of the city, is the sort of course that reminds you why desert golf can be so visually arresting. Dramatic elevation changes, natural arroyos and rocky desert terrain frame the holes, with the surrounding mountains providing an imposing backdrop. It is a course that rewards thoughtful positioning as much as brute force. A well-struck drive is satisfying; a well-placed one can be even more valuable. Farther north in Oro Valley, El Conquistador offers a substantial amount of golf in one location. Its 45 holes comprise the Conquistador and Cañada championship courses, along with the nine-hole Pusch Ridge layout, which operates seasonally. The courses offer contrasting experiences, from rugged desert scenery to more parkland-style holes, giving a group the opportunity to mix things up over several days. Another essential stop is Starr

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Pass Golf Club, a 27-hole Arnold Palmer Signature facility in the Tucson Mountains. The setting is wonderfully theatrical, with desert vegetation crowding the margins and mountain views unfolding throughout the round. The club’s three nines allow for different combinations, while the adjoining resort makes post-round relaxation a must. The prickly pear margarita is a good place to start. Arriba! Then there is Ventana Canyon, one of the region’s signature golf addresses. Its two Tom Faziodesigned championship courses, the Mountain and Canyon, occupy a striking stretch of the Catalina foothills. The Mountain Course delivers the kind of dramatic desert golf that looks wonderful in photographs but demands attention from every club in the bag. The Canyon Course offers its own distinctive routing through the terrain. Either is worthy of a place on a serious golfer’s itinerary, and playing both makes a strong case for staying on property. For a trip lasting four or five days, I’d mix these courses rather than attempt to play every round at the same club. Tucson rewards variety,

PHOTO BY: PATRICK KOENIG

Tubac Golf Resort & Spa Arizona National Clubhouse

PHOTO BY: THOMAS PRINCE

nal

#3 Mountain Course at Ventana Canyon

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GOLF & TRAVEL

Starr Pass Golf Club and the differences in elevation, vegetation and routing make each outing feel like a fresh experience. WHERE TO CHECK IN JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa For golfers who like their accommodations to be part of the vacation rather than merely a place to sleep, Starr Pass is a strong contender. Set amid the Tucson Mountains, the resort combines access to the adjoining golf club with multiple pools, a lazy river, spa facilities and expansive desert views. It’s particularly well suited to groups who appreciate having somewhere to unwind without having to leave the property. Loews Ventana Canyon Resort and The Lodge at Ventana Canyon Ventana Canyon offers two lodging options in a spectacular foothills setting. The full-service Loews resort provides a conventional luxury-resort experience, while the more intimate Lodge at Ventana Canyon has spacious suites and direct appeal for golfers who prefer a quieter atmosphere. With 36 holes nearby, it’s an excellent choice for a golf-first trip. Tubac Golf Resort & Spa Ready for a completely unique 22

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change of pace? About 45 minutes south of Tucson, Tubac Golf Resort & Spa is a tranquil Southwestern retreat steeped in history and surrounded by the scenic Santa Rita Mountains. Developed on the historic Otero cattle ranch, the property blends Spanish Colonial architecture, hacienda-style accommodations and contemporary resort comforts. Its 27 holes of championship golf gained Hollywood fame as a filming location for Kevin Costner’s 1996 movie Tin Cup. Beyond the fairways, guests can enjoy the full-service spa, inviting swimming pools and Stables Ranch Grille, housed in the former ranch stables. Nearby Tubac’s art galleries and boutiques add cultural appeal, making this distinctive hideaway an appealing choice for golfers seeking relaxation, character and a slower pace of life. The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa La Paloma adds another attractive option in the Catalina foothills, with a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed golf facility, extensive pools, a spa, tennis and pickleball. An indoor Topgolf Swing Suite provides a fun alternative when the group wants a little friendly competition without committing to another full round.

Omni Tucson National Resort & Spa On the city’s northwest side, Omni Tucson National is another golf-centered resort worth considering. Its Catalina and Sonoran courses offer two distinct playing experiences, while the spa, swimming pools and on-site dining make it easy to settle in for several nights. The resort’s golf pedigree adds appeal for anyone who enjoys playing a course with a tournament history. Those looking for a different kind of hotel experience might consider Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, a historic property in the Catalina foothills with gardens, casitas and mountain views. It doesn’t need a golf course on the premises to earn a place on the shortlist; the setting and dining make it a compelling base for a group willing to drive to its rounds. TUCSON’S OTHER CONSIDERABLE PLEASURE: EATING Tucson’s food culture is a destination in its own right, shaped by Sonoran Mexican traditions and a regional agricultural heritage. After a day of golf, that means plenty of opportunities to move beyond the familiar steakhouse-and-sports-bar

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El Conquistador routine. Sonoran hot dogs and street tacos are a must, but options for memorable dining abound at every price-point. For a dinner that feels distinctly local, Tito & Pep serves contemporary Southwestern cooking with mesquite-fired flavors. The menu encourages sharing, making it a good choice for a foursome that wants to sample a few dishes and compare notes on the day’s most embarrassing shanks and forgettable triple-bogeys. For something more traditional, El Charro Café Downtown is a Tucson institution, known for Sonoran-style Mexican food and a long local history. It is an appealing stop for lunch or dinner when the group ventures downtown. The legendary carne seca is sun-dried Angus beef grilled with green chiles and onions. For a more polished evening, The Grill at Hacienda del Sol combines an upscale dining experience with mountain and city views. Time a reservation for sunset if possible; the setting is part of the attraction. BEYOND THE FAIRWAYS Even the most committed golf buddies occasionally need a day—or at least an afternoon—away from the course. Fortunately, Tucson provides several diversions that don’t require anyone to develop a sudden interest 24

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in wellness emporia or shopping. Start with Saguaro National Park, where the towering cacti create one of the American Southwest’s most recognizable landscapes. Scenic drives and hiking trails offer an easy way to experience the desert beyond the cart path. The park’s two districts flank the city, so you can choose the one that best fits your itinerary. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is another worthwhile excursion, combining botanical gardens, wildlife exhibits and natural-history interpretation. It offers a useful introduction to the ecosystem that golfers spend their days traversing, including the wildlife that occasionally makes an appearance beside a fairway. For a change of scenery, take a drive toward Mount Lemmon. The route climbs from desert terrain into cooler mountain country, with sweeping views along the way. It’s an especially welcome option if the group wants a break from the sun or a scenic lunch outing. Man cannot live by golf alone, though it does sound appealing, no? And if nobody is ready to put the golf clubs away, there’s always a little extra competition at a resort pool, a tennis court or an indoor golf simulator. In a golf-buddy group, these activities can be as critical as the for-

mal itinerary: they give everyone a chance to socialize without worrying about handicaps, lost balls or who owes whom a drink. Less fisticuffs, more laughter is always a good thing. THE FINAL WORD Tucson’s appeal lies in its balance. The golf is substantial enough to satisfy serious players, the resorts make a multi-day stay comfortable, and the surrounding desert provides a sense of place that isn’t easily replicated elsewhere. Add a restaurant scene with genuine regional character and enough outdoor diversions to fill the hours between tee times, and the result is a destination that works for more than just a weekend of golf. I’d plan four nights, schedule three or four rounds, reserve one evening for a memorable dinner and leave a little room for improvisation. In Tucson, a golf vacation doesn’t have to be an exercise in moving from tee time to tee time. The desert, after all, is worth looking at—even when you’re not trying to hit a ball over it. And p.s., if you do wind up hitting that $5 Titleist into the cacti, remember that various ornery critters are awaiting your stroll through the sand – scorpions and rattlers would love to say hello, so bid your ball goodbye and take the penalty strokes. Caveat emptor!

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FASHION

A New Name Making Its Way Into Golf

here’s a new name making its way into golf shops, clubs and golfers’ bags — iDAKA. (pronounced “eye-DUH-kuh”) Founded by apparel industry veteran Steve Pirring, iDAKA is built around four simple principles: Fit. Feel. Function. Finish. The emerging golf brand is creating modern essentials designed to perform on the course. The product getting the most attention may be the one that started it all: the iDAKA Moccasin Golf Glove. Constructed from premium cabretta leather, the Moccasin was designed around something every golfer understands — feel. Softness, grip and connection to the club were paramount, along with the small details that can separate a good glove from a great one, and people are noticing. In 2026, the Moccasin earned Best Newcomer honors in MyGolfSpy’s Most Wanted Golf Glove testing, scoring 9.3/10 while competing alongside some of the biggest names in golf. The recognition didn’t stop there. After extended on-course testing, MyGolfSpy later named the Moccasin an Editors’ Choice, praising its comfort, feel, grip and construction.

“Golfers have plenty of choices. If we’re going to ask someone to try iDAKA instead of a brand they’ve worn for years, the product has to earn that decision. We obsessively listen to the consumer — what they like, what they don’t and what they want next — and use that feedback to make sure we deliver. That’s how we approach everything we make.” — Steve Pirring, Founder & CEO, iDAKA For a young independent company, that recognition has helped accelerate what was already happening at the grassroots level. iDAKA is expanding into golf shops and clubs around the country while building a head-to-toe collection of performance polos, layering pieces, headwear and accessories. The goal isn’t to be the biggest brand in golf, it’s to build a focused collection of products golfers genuinely want to wear and use — products that feel considered, perform at a high level and bring a fresh point of view to the game. And for iDAKA, it all starts with the glove. With its first major product already earning two national honors from MyGolfSpy, iDAKA may still be a new name to many golfers. But if the Moccasin is any indication, it may not stay that way for long. Visit www.iDAKA.golf to see the latest in modern golf essentials. 26

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FASHION

BRINGING PERSONALITY TO THE FAIRWAY

Inspired by Women,

Designed for Women, Loved by Women With expressive prints and a focus on women, this California brand brings a fresh perspective to golf apparel. A single paisley print might seem like a small beginning. For Acegolfs, it became the starting point for a women’s golf apparel brand built around a simple idea: what you wear on the course should reflect who you are. Founded in California, the brand pairs colorful, art-inspired designs with the practical considerations of golf clothing. Its approach gives women an opportunity to express their personal style while choosing apparel developed with the game in mind. The message behind the collection is direct: “Make the fairway your runway.” It captures the playful spirit of a company encouraging women to bring their individuality to golf, whether they favor an eye-catching pattern or a coordinated look for a day with friends. That personality comes through in the brand’s imagery. Vibrant tropical prints, expressive color combinations and animal patterns create a lively visual identity. Behind the visual appeal, Acegolfs emphasizes technical perfor-

mance, inclusive sizing and UPF 50+ sun protection. These features address considerations that extend beyond appearance, giving golfers more to think about when selecting their next outfit. For a sport played outdoors over several hours, apparel has a practical role. Fit, coverage and comfort deserve attention alongside color and design. Acegolfs brings those priorities into its

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brand message while keeping its fashion sensibility firmly in view. Its emphasis on inclusive sizing also reflects an understanding that women’s golf serves a broad audience. Golfers bring different tastes, body types and experiences to the course, and a wardrobe should leave room for that variety. At its heart, the brand’s story is about making golf feel personal. A favorite print can become part of a player’s identity, while matching outfits can add a little fun to a group outing. Those details belong to the experience of enjoying the game, too.

As Acegolfs celebrates its third anniversary, that original paisley print remains a fitting symbol of its direction: start with something distinctive and build around the women who wear it. For golfers who enjoy bringing color and personality to their time outdoors, Acegolfs offers an introduction to a brand with a clear point of view. Its invitation is simple: dress for the game, express yourself and enjoy the company along the way.

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SPIRITS

Three Ways to Mix It Up with

MATÍARI

Additive free and made with 100 percent Weber blue agave grown in Jalisco, Mexico, Matíari Tequila offers two distinct expressions. Its Blanco features bright agave, citrus, herbal and pepper notes, while its Reposado rests for three months in American oak barrels previously used for bourbon, developing notes of roasted agave, vanilla and gentle spice. These three recipes showcase both styles—from the refreshing Blood Orange Paloma and citrus-forward Matíari Margarita to the Brave Bull, a rich combination of reposado and coffee liqueur. Whether you prefer bright and bubbly or bold and smooth, there’s a cocktail here to suit your taste. BLOOD ORANGE PALOMA 2 oz. Matíari Blanco ¼ oz. Liquid Alchemist Blood Orange Syrup ½ oz. simple syrup ½ oz. fresh lime juice 3 oz. Fever-Tree Pink Grapefruit Soda Add tequila, syrups and lime juice to a glass filled with ice. Top with grapefruit soda, stir gently and garnish with a lime wheel.

Blood Orange Paloma

Brave Bull

BRAVE BULL 2 oz. Matíari Reposado 1 oz. coffee liqueur 1 dash orange bitters Build in a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Stir and garnish with an orange peel. MATÍARI MARGARITA 1½ oz. Matíari Blanco 1½ oz. fresh lime juice 1 oz. fresh orange juice ¼ oz. agave nectar Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake and serve over fresh ice in a glass rimmed with sea salt. 30

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Blood Orange Paloma

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