GBR Friday | Golf’s Sustainability Shift: Inside the Industry’s Push to Redefine Water Use, Policy, and Public Perception
Every Tuesday and Friday Morning, We Bring You the Ten-Minute Summary of What Happened Last Week in the Golf Industry While you Were Golfing.
Good afternoon, GBR community,
Hope you all are doing well.
Today, we’re diving into a powerful shift in how golf tells its story.
Water, climate, and public perception are quietly reshaping golf. Today´s report explores how the game is adapting—and why its environmental story matters as much as the one on the leaderboard.
Industry
Circuits
Equipment
Must Read and Watch
Just for Paid Subscribers: Why Golf’s Cleanest Story Is Just Beginning
1. INDUSTRY
REGISTRATION OPENS FOR 2025 PGA BUYING SUMMIT AT OMNI PGA FRISCO RESORT
Registration is now open for the 2025 PGA Buying Summit, taking place July 28–30 at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort and the Home of the PGA of America. The mid-season summit is designed to connect PGA of America Golf Professionals and golf industry buyers through a comprehensive business development, education, and networking schedule across the state-of-the-art PGA Frisco campus. The event kicks off July 28 with 13 expert-led education sessions, including:
8 sessions focused on teaching, executive management, and golf operations at the Professional Development Center
5 sessions on retail and sales strategies led by industry experts at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort
The invitation-only ONE2ONE Buying Appointments for curated, one-on-one meetings between VIP buyers and select brands
Following the education sessions, the July 29–30 ballroom exhibits will feature more than 150 emerging and established global brands showcasing their Spring 2026 apparel lines, accessories, and cutting-edge golf products. Attendees can also enjoy premium evening events:
July 28 – Welcome Reception & Fashion Show at the Omni Pavilion
July 29 – Summer Jam Golf Festival with live music, complimentary golf, brand activations, and community networking across the PGA District.
Registration is open for PGA Professionals, golf buyers, industry executives, and golf-related media; You can sign up to attend here.
GOLF VX ANNOUNCES NEW BOSTON LOCATION, CONTINUING U.S. FRANCHISE EXPANSION
Golf VX has announced the opening of its second U.S. franchise—Golf VX Boston—set for a grand opening in June 2025. Building on the success of its 2024 Arlington Heights launch, the expansion underscores Golf VX’s aggressive growth strategy through its Play Golf VX franchise program. The Boston venue will feature the company’s flagship T2 simulator, offering auto-tee technology, AI-powered swing analysis, and access to over 380 global courses. Visitors can expect a full-service indoor golf destination with flexible event programming, leagues, PGA-certified instruction, and premium food and beverage services. Franchisees benefit from a multi-revenue model, including bay rentals, pro shop sales, and private events, backed by Golf VX’s operational support. More information on the Golf VX franchise model can be found here.
THE REVENUE CLUB LAUNCHES AI-POWERED MARKETING SYSTEM FOR GOLF CLUB CLIENTS
The Revenue Club, a leading business growth agency for UK and Irish golf clubs, has unveiled a new AI-driven marketing system called ‘Marshall’ to enhance service delivery across its network of 250 client clubs. Developed in collaboration with German automation specialists Wemakefuture, the system uses multiple integrated technologies to generate high-quality, timely marketing content for email and social media campaigns. Overseen by Matthias Kunz, Head of AI & Automation at wemakefuture, Marshall is already producing impactful results, with content tailored to reflect the unique branding and tone of a wide range of golf venues. Co-Director Rob Corcoran and Digital Marketing Manager Dan Ferrie noted the significant improvements in marketing quality and capacity, marking a step-change in how golf clubs—from municipal courses to Top 100 venues—engage with their audiences online. More information on The Revenue Club’s new Marshall system can be found here.
DAR GLOBAL AND TRUMP ORGANIZATION TO LAUNCH LUXURY GOLF DESTINATION IN QATAR
Dar Global has partnered with The Trump Organization to develop Trump International Golf Club, Doha—an ultra-luxury golf and residential project within the expansive Simaisima development, located 40km north of Qatar’s capital. Spanning 790,000m², the project will feature an 18-hole golf course, a clubhouse, and premium beachfront villas with views of the course. Set within the eight million square metre Simaisima masterplan, which Qatari Diar leads under the Qatar Investment Authority, the broader development will also include a 650,000m² theme park, a yacht marina, beach club, and diverse hospitality, cultural, and retail offerings. The project marks The Trump Organization’s debut in Qatar, with executives from both companies promising a destination defined by prestige, excellence, and high-end coastal living. More information on Trump International Golf Club, Doha, can be found in Andrew Mills and Federico Maccioni’s article in Reuters.
2. CIRCUITS
AS U.K. POLITICS FRACTURES, TRUMP’S PUSH TO BRING THE OPEN TO TURNBERRY RAISES LEGAL ALARMS IN U.S.
The prospect of the Open Championship returning to Trump Turnberry has resurfaced, intertwining the worlds of golf and geopolitics. Recent reports indicate that former President Donald Trump has been actively lobbying UK officials to consider his Scottish resort for the 2028 tournament. This initiative aligns with a broader strategy to strengthen ties between the UK and the current US administration.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), responsible for organizing the Open, has acknowledged discussions regarding Turnberry. While logistical challenges remain, including infrastructure and accommodation capacities, R&A CEO Mark Darbon stated, "It's a course we'd love to return to at some point." More in The Guardian: Whitehall officials ‘pushing for the Open to return to Trump-owned Turnberry’.
However, the potential return to Turnberry is not without controversy. Ethics experts have raised concerns that hosting the Open at a Trump-owned venue, especially with possible public investment, could violate the US Constitution's emoluments clause, which prohibits federal officials from receiving benefits from foreign governments without congressional approval. More details can be found in the April 28 edition of the Financial Times: How far can Reform and its brand of populism go in the UK?
These developments come amid significant political turbulence in the U.K. In the May 1 local elections, both the ruling Labour Party and the opposition Conservatives suffered notable defeats. Reform UK, led by Trump ally Nigel Farage, made striking gains—particularly in working-class regions disillusioned with mainstream parties. Farage, a longtime Trump supporter, has embraced many of the U.S. president’s slogans, rally styles, and hardline stances on immigration. TIME Magazine – Callum Sutherland: How Trump’s Influence Was Felt at the Local Elections in England.
Farage’s surge—and Trump’s growing influence in British politics—adds a new layer of complexity to the question of Turnberry. What was once a matter of golf course logistics is now entangled in a web of domestic politics, international diplomacy, and questions of constitutional ethics.
As the R&A considers future venues, one thing is clear: a return to Turnberry would no longer be a neutral sporting decision—it would be a statement.
OWGR CHAIRMAN SAYS LIV GOLF HAS YET TO REAPPLY FOR WORLD RANKING POINTS
LIV Golf has not submitted a new application to the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), according to chairman Trevor Immelman. Immelman’s announcement comes after a story from Sportico.com, claiming that negotiations were progressing between LIV Golf and OWGR officials. You can read highlights from the Sportico.com article, which we covered in Tuesday’s GBR newsletter, here. Speaking Thursday, Immelman clarified that although he has had introductory conversations with LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil—including a meeting during the Masters—the league has yet to initiate the formal process required for consideration. “They have not put any application in,” Immelman stated, describing reports of "serious discussions" as “an interesting choice of words.” LIV’s original application was denied in October 2023 due to concerns over the league’s closed structure and overlapping team and individual scoring formats, and was officially withdrawn in May 2024.
Currently featuring 54 players across 13 fixed teams and two wild cards, LIV Golf offers minimal entry points, including a single spot via its promotions event and one through the Asian Tour’s International Series. With OWGR points still used to help determine major championship fields, the issue remains central to LIV’s long-term competitiveness. While the U.S. Open and British Open have introduced new paths for LIV golfers like Joaquin Niemann, Immelman reaffirmed OWGR’s open-door policy, stating, “Our process is not to go chasing tours… If the LIV Golf League is wanting to be part of the OWGR, then they need to go ahead and put another application in.”
The exclusive reporting came from Scott Soshnick and Kurt Badenhausen of Sportico, who broke the story on the morning of April 29: LIV Golf in Advanced Talks to Secure World Rankings Point.
The Associated Press article can be viewed here: World ranking chair Trevor Immelman says LIV has not reapplied and ‘the ball is in their court’
NASCAR’S STEVE PHELPS, TAYLORMADE’S DAVID ABELES LINKED TO PGA TOUR CEO SEARCH
The PGA Tour’s search for a new CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises has reportedly included NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps and TaylorMade President and CEO David Abeles as potential candidates, according to Sports Business Journal. Phelps, who was promoted to his current role at NASCAR on March 31, is considered a key figure within the racing series, and it remains unclear whether he has any interest in leaving so soon after his elevation. Abeles, who has led TaylorMade since 2014, is another name under consideration as the Tour explores leadership with fresh perspectives. Current Commissioner Jay Monahan will continue in his role, serve on the Tour’s policy board as a director, and participate in the CEO search committee. Josh Carpenter and Adam Stern’s article in Sports Business Journal can be viewed here.
TURKISH AIRLINES NAMED OFFICIAL AIRLINE PARTNER OF 2025 RBC CANADIAN OPEN
Golf Canada has announced a multi-year partnership with Turkish Airlines, naming the global carrier the Official Commercial Airline Partner of the RBC Canadian Open. The 114th edition of Canada’s National Men’s Open Championship will take place June 4–8, 2025, at TPC Toronto (North Course) at Osprey Valley in Caledon, Ontario, with 500 FedEx points up for grabs for the winner. As part of the partnership, Turkish Airlines will introduce a premium Turkish Airlines Lounge on-site, offering fans a high-end viewing experience infused with authentic Turkish hospitality and cuisine. The airline will also launch a national contest for a trip to Istanbul and continue its global golf initiatives, including the return of the Turkish Airlines Open on the DP World Tour and its amateur Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup. With nearly six million Canadian golfers, the partnership underscores Turkish Airlines’ broader commitment to fostering international connections through sport. More information on the partnership can be found at the RBC Canadian Open website.
KC GLOBAL MEDIA SECURES LIVE BROADCAST RIGHTS FOR LIV GOLF ACROSS ASIA
KC Global Media has partnered with LIV Golf to broadcast all remaining tournaments of the 2025 season live to more than 94 million homes across 19 Asian countries. Following broadcasts of events in Singapore, Miami, and Mexico City, the partnership continues with LIV Golf Korea presented by Coupang Play, held May 2–4 at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon. Coverage will air on AXN Asia, under the newly launched AXN Sports programming block, which marks KC Global Media’s first foray into live sports content. This agreement represents LIV Golf’s largest regional broadcast partnership to date and helps LIV Golf reach more golf fans across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Taiwan, India, and beyond. More information on the new deal between KC Global Media and LIV Golf can be found here.
3. EQUIPMENT
TAYLORMADE RELEASES LIMITED-EDITION RORS PROTO IRONS INSPIRED BY MCILROY'S MASTERS WIN
TaylorMade has announced a limited-time public release of its Rors Proto irons—the same custom-forged set used by Rory McIlroy in his recent Masters victory. Available from May 1 to May 15 and priced from $1,499.99, the irons feature a multi-step forged 1025 carbon steel construction, a horizontally-milled channel for precise weighting, and McIlroy’s signature 16-groove TW2 face design for enhanced spin. While McIlroy plays ultra-strong Project X 7.0 shafts, buyers can customize their sets to suit individual specifications. Each set will include four colored hosel dots to commemorate McIlroy’s career Grand Slam, with orders closing on May 15. The Rors Proto irons are only available as a custom order from TaylorMade’s website.
4. MUST READ/WATCH
TOUR PROS USE DIFFERENT CLUBS FROM AMATEURS. THEY MIGHT LOOK THE SAME, AND THE MARKETING WILL CONVINCE YOU THEY ARE THE SAME. However, the reality is different. What are the differences, and could amateurs use the same clubs found on tour trucks? Kris McCormack provides fascinating insight between tour-only equipment and retail equipment in his piece for Golf.com
5. JUST FOR PAID SUBSCRIBERS
CHANGING THE CONVERSATION: GOLF’S CLEAN EVOLUTION AND THE INDUSTRY’S PUSH TO TELL ITS STORY
It’s a picture-perfect morning on Capitol Hill. Amid the buzz of Washington, D.C., a coalition of golf industry leaders strides into the halls of Congress armed with facts and figures that might surprise the skeptics. Golf isn’t just about leisurely rounds and scenic greens – it’s emerging as an unsung hero of environmental stewardship. From reducing water use to providing wildlife habitat, the game has a clean story to tell—‘green’ being a term increasingly avoided in industry language due to its association with greenwashing narratives.
This feature explores how the golf industry is transforming its image by championing eco-friendly practices and lobbying to spread the word.
What’s Inside This Report
How golf is adapting to climate pressure—and reshaping its public image.
How golf cut water use by nearly 30%—and what made it possible.
Why the 2018 Farm Bill matters for turfgrass innovation.
The surprising ecological value of golf courses.
Inside the USGA’s $30 million “15/30/45” conservation plan.
Why “brown is okay” is becoming the new course standard.
How lobbying and storytelling are changing minds in Washington.