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2023 U.S. Open Recap: 7 Takeaways Including Wyndham Clark, Rory McIlroy, Elite Golfer Dads, & More…

What a wild week at Los Angeles Country Club as Wyndham Clark won the 123rd U.S. Open for his first major title and hot takes littered the landscape until the very end. Let’s get right to my TOP 7 takeaways from it all.
1. It had undoubtedly been a breakthrough campaign for Clark
He won the Wells Fargo Championship and has established himself as a high-level talent, even before this week.
That’s great, but it usually takes a few spins around a major leaderboard before a player is ready to win one, yet Clark hadn’t finished better than T-75 in six previous starts. I interviewed him after each of the first three rounds for the U.S. Open Radio broadcast, and what struck me each time was a confidence that bordered on nonchalance, as if he’d challenged for majors a dozen times before and it wasn’t really a big deal anymore.
Not gonna lie: That insouciance toward it all had me thinking he was going to crash and burn when the real spotlight shined on him, as the bright lights of a Sunday back-nine have withered many confident players before him.
That never happened, though. Clark was able to maintain that steely demeanor, even in the most high-pressure moments. It’s something that most players who haven’t won a major usually struggle with in their first few attempts — and something that some multiple major winners still struggle with.
To me, that was the most impressive thing about this victory. It never appeared like the situation was too big for him. Apparently, because it wasn’t.
2. This was the scouting report for Clark
For those who hadn’t paid too much attention to him until this year: His two best clubs in the bag have always been driver and putter, which can be a deadly combo if he’s even just field average with his irons.
Well, that’s all changed this year. His approach play has been his greatest strength, though it’s not like his driving and putting have gotten any worse. This week, he ranked second off the tee and fourth in putting (while only 49th with his irons), but the biggest difference was his short game around the greens.
On at least three to four occasions, it looked like Clark was potentially looking at bogey, only to hit a pitch shot stone dead next to the hole and save par.
For the tourney, he ranked third in strokes gained around the greens.
Think about it this way: It’s not a stretch to suggest that if two of those chip shots run 8-10 feet past the hole and he misses the putt, he loses by a stroke instead of winning by one. It all accounts for a very fine line, but that short game kept him on the right side of it.
3. If you’re scoring at home, it’s been a rough stretch for Rory McIlroy
That’s now three straight Sundays when McIlroy was in the lead or close to it, but couldn’t get it done when it mattered most.
And while you’re doing such scoring, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that it’s been nine years since his last major victory. I’m not sure I have a great explanation for any of it — and I don’t think he does, either. This one is going to sting for a little while, as he had every chance to take control of the tournament and could just never wrestle it away from Clark.
The biggest mistake was a bogey on the par-5 14th hole after getting incredibly lucky with an embedded ball ruling. But this underscored the fact that nearly every single putt looked good for about 97% of its journey, only to take a late turn at the hole and fail to drop.
It recalled the final round of last year’s Open Championship. He was leading that one instead of playing from behind, but he couldn’t get a putt to drop at the Old Course, either. That has to be bitterly frustrating for him. If he weren’t hitting the ball well or couldn’t get into contention, that’s one thing.
But to get there and not make anything on the greens has to make him feel like he’s snakebitten once again like the golf gods are somehow conspiring against him.
4. Here’s the good news for Scottie Scheffler:
After a few brutally poor putting performances — he lost strokes on the greens in five of his previous six starts entering this week — he actually gained 0.20 strokes per round at LACC.
For those who believed that just a slightly above-average week with the putter would yield a title for the tee-to-green master, that didn’t happen this week. Not that the logic is flawed, he just didn’t hit the ball as well as he did in his most recent start at Muirfield Village, ranking “only” third in that tee-to-green stat.
What I can tell you is that for as much as the rest of the world is vividly aware of his flatstick troubles lately, Scheffler is well aware himself, tinkering with different models and sizes throughout the past week.
I don’t know if he’s ever going to be the best putter in the game — in fact, I’m pretty sure he won’t — but I do think he’ll improve soon. And when he does, watch out. He now has three straight top-three finishes, five straight top-fives, and 17 straight top-12s.
If that putter gets warm — not even hot, just warm — he’ll start turning those close calls into more wins in a hurry.
5. This U.S. Open lacked a buzz, because, well, it lacked spectators – Period
That was one of the underlying plotlines this week, anyway. (As my colleague Bob Harig said, “Golf but quieter.”)
That isn’t wrong by any means, but like some other sweeping declarations about this event, it deserves an explanation. The biggest issue is that the North Course was built more than a century ago – and for private play, not in hopes of someday hosting one of the world’s biggest tournaments.
The WM Phoenix Open isn’t a massive party just because the locals show up; it’s a massive party because it’s set up to be a massive party. If you build it, they will come, so to speak. They didn’t build it that way at LACC, which is understandable.
The fans who were here often couldn’t get too close to the action, just due to the topography of the land. With greens leading directly to tee boxes and barrancas guarding much of it, there’s just nowhere to put the people. And with limited tickets available, from what I witnessed this was mostly a country-club crowd, which makes some sense, considering walk-in ticket prices were going for $300.
Most events will see a decent amount of beer-swilling, frat-bro, mashed-potatoes fans who are there to make their presence known. Everybody at this one looked like they’d had a tee time earlier that morning.
And then there’s this – and I mean this from a non-LA guy who was shocked every night by how long the GPS said it would take to get back to a hotel that was five miles away: The traffic is an absolute nightmare. If you’ve got a chance to leave early and save 90 minutes of your life, I imagine you’d do it rather than wait out the final pairing by the 18th green.
None of this belies the lack of buzz, but trying to place blame on one particular party is trickier than it appears.
6. Some folks on social media suggested I should rip LACC North
For being unworthy of a major championship following a pair of 62s in the opening round and no scores in the 80s. Just as for Erin Hills six years ago.
My answer: We have to separate the course from the setup. While we can all agree that the USGA set up this week’s host venue too cautiously to start the week, leading to those low scores, we can similarly agree that by week’s end, it proved inherently worthy of having this event.
I fell in love with LACC the first time I walked around on Monday. It’s subjective, sure, but I never felt close to that way about Erin Hills. Seeing a bunch of red numbers on the leaderboard shouldn’t be a reason to bash a U.S. Open course, just the way it’s been maneuvered for a certain round.
That said, those who did (properly) bash the early-round setup probably don’t understand just how fine the line is between “a little too easy” and “way too penal.” Without a championship of this magnitude on this course previously, there was little background info on the best way to approach it. (And for all the talk on why LACC played to such a low scoring average early, the easiest explanation might be that the world’s best players don’t miss from inside 10 feet on perfect greens. Make those surfaces poa annua and we’d see a whole lot more shorties bumping around the hole.)
We do need to give the USGA credit, though. Sure, the weather cooperated, but the week concluded with a U.S. Open-worthy track that provided a terrific stage for this event, even if the winning score wasn’t something over-par like this tourney of a generation ago.
7. On this Father’s Day, a shoutout to not just all the dads out there
Imagine being given the free pass to play golf all morning and THEN turn around watch the final round all afternoon and evening, but a special nod to those who have the best gig in the game. More on this below…
I’ve had this conversation with colleagues on a few occasions and again this weekend, but there’s one specific faction of golf insiders who has things better than anyone else.
The players? Sure, they’re rich and get to play golf, but there’s tons of pressure and disappointment on a regular basis.
Swing coaches? Caddies? Same deal: They’re all one decision away from looking for the next job.
Media members? Hell no, trust me.
Instead, the best “job” is that of an Elite Golfer Dad. I’m telling you, some of the friendliest people in the game are the likes of Gerry McIlroy, Scott Scheffler, and Rod Fowler. They’ve all got a nice tan, they tag along to play golf at the nicest clubs, they’re all super proud of their sons, and they all get to hang out at tournaments cheering them on.
That’s not to suggest the moms aren’t just as great, if not more so, but the carefree demeanor of the dads in a world where everyone else is worrying about something always makes me envious of just how good they’ve got it.
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The Mental Game of Golf: Mastering the Psychology Behind Lower Scores
It’s a scenario every golfer knows intimately: you’ve just striped a perfect drive down the middle of the fairway, only to follow it up with a chunked iron shot that barely advances the ball. Frustration mounts, your focus shatters, and the rest of the hole—and perhaps the round—unravels. While we often blame our swing mechanics for these inconsistencies, the true culprit frequently lies between our ears. Research consistently shows that the mental game accounts for a staggering 70-90% of performance in golf . Yet, despite its monumental importance, studies reveal that only about 14% of golfers regularly practice their mental skills .
This article is designed to change that. We will explore the critical role of psychology in golf, break down the most common mental errors that sabotage your scores, and provide you with professional-grade techniques and practical drills to build an unshakeable mental game. By the end, you will have a clear roadmap to not only lower your handicap but also to find more joy and resilience on the course.
Why the Mental Game is Your Most Important Club
In golf, a quiet mind is a powerful asset. Your mental and emotional state directly influences your physical capabilities. When you are calm, focused, and confident, your body is relaxed, and your swing can flow freely and naturally. Conversely, when you are anxious, angry, or distracted, your muscles tighten, your coordination suffers, and your swing mechanics break down. This isn’t just a feeling; it’s a physiological reality. Negative emotions trigger a fight-or-flight response, which is fundamentally at odds with the fine motor control required for a successful golf shot .
A 2025 systematic review on mental fatigue in golf further highlights this connection. The research found that prolonged mental exertion during a round directly leads to a decline in performance, affecting everything from driving distance and iron accuracy to, most significantly, putting . Every decision, every calculation, and every moment of frustration depletes your cognitive resources, making it harder to execute shots as the round progresses. Mastering the mental game is therefore not just about thinking positively; it’s about efficiently managing your mental energy.

The 5 Mental Mistakes Costing You Strokes (and How to Fix Them)
Based on extensive analysis of amateur golfers, sports psychologists have identified several recurring mental errors. Here are five of the most common, along with strategies to overcome them, adapted from the work of mental game coach David MacKenzie .
Mental Mistake Description The Fix 1. Analyzing Your Swing Constantly dissecting your mechanics on the course, trying to “fix” your swing mid-round. Trust the swing you brought. The course is for playing, the range is for practicing. Focus on your target and let your body execute. If you need a swing thought, use a simple rhythm cue like “one-two-three.” 2. Obsessing Over Score Tying your emotional state to your score on every hole, leading to a rollercoaster of feelings. Focus on the process, not the outcome. Your goal for each shot should be to execute your routine flawlessly. The score will take care of itself. 3. Negative Self-Talk Berating yourself after a bad shot, which lowers confidence and increases tension. Become your own best caddy. After a poor shot, offer yourself the same encouragement you would a friend. Develop a post-shot routine that involves acknowledging the feeling, taking a deep breath, and moving on. 4. Vague Targeting Aiming for a general area like “the fairway” or “the green” instead of a specific point. Pick the smallest possible target. Top professionals aim at incredibly precise spots, like a specific tree branch or a single blade of grass. This sharpens focus and improves accuracy. 5. Neglecting Your Routine Lacking a consistent pre-shot and post-shot routine, leading to inconsistent mental preparation and reaction. Make your routine your primary goal. A well-defined routine is your mental armor against pressure. It ensures you are committed to every shot and can handle any outcome.
Building an Unshakeable Mental Game: Pro-Level Techniques
Top professional golfers are masters of the mental game. They employ specific techniques to stay focused, confident, and resilient under immense pressure. Here are a few you can incorporate into your own game.
The Power of a “Pre-Shot Creation”
Instead of a rigid, robotic pre-shot routine, think of it as a “pre-shot creation.” This concept, inspired by the approach of players like Tiger Woods, reframes the process as an artistic and imaginative one . Rather than just going through the motions, you should feel the shot, engage your senses, and become genuinely interested in the unique puzzle each shot presents. This fosters a state of deep presence and curiosity, quieting the analytical mind.
Tiger Woods worked extensively with navy psychologist Dr. Jay Brunza early in his career, developing what he called “game training.” Woods emphasized the importance of bringing attention to “THIS SHOT in THIS moment” and described feeling the shot in his fingers rather than relying solely on visualization. At his best, Woods found a way to be immensely interested in each shot, playing from a position of curiosity rather than anxiety .

Mastering Your Mind: Awareness Over Control
One of the biggest paradoxes in golf psychology is that trying to control your thoughts often backfires. Telling yourself “don’t hit it in the water” only makes the water a more prominent feature in your mind . The key is not to suppress negative thoughts but to change your relationship with them through mindfulness and awareness. Acknowledge the thought without judgment, and then gently guide your focus back to your target and your breathing. The best players don’t have fewer negative thoughts; they are simply more skilled at not letting them take over.
Research shows that the average person has approximately 70,000 thoughts per day, with more than two-thirds being negative . The difference between elite golfers and amateurs is not the quantity of negative thoughts but how they respond to them. Elite players have developed the skill of awareness—noticing thoughts without becoming entangled in them—allowing the thoughts to pass like clouds in the sky.
Breathe Like a Champion
Breathing is one of the most powerful and simple tools for managing your physiological state. When you feel pressure mounting, your breathing becomes shallow and rapid. By consciously slowing it down, you can signal to your nervous system that it’s time to calm down. A popular and effective technique is Box Breathing:
1.Inhale slowly for a count of four.
2.Hold your breath for a count of four.
3.Exhale slowly for a count of four.
4.Hold your breath for a count of four.
Repeating this cycle just a few times can significantly lower your heart rate and reduce muscle tension, allowing you to approach the shot from a state of calm focus .

The Science Behind Mental Training
Recent research validates what professional golfers have known intuitively for decades. A brain training study conducted with UCLA Golf demonstrated remarkable results: participants increased their greens in regulation by 12% and decreased three-putts per round by 9.7%. Perhaps most impressively, these improvements were sustained eight weeks after the training concluded . This demonstrates that mental skills, like physical skills, can be trained and improved with consistent practice.
A 2024 neuroscience study revealed that expert golfers exhibit distinct brain activity patterns during successful putts compared to unsuccessful ones. The research emphasized that mental preparation—not just physical technique—is the key differentiator between making and missing putts . This finding underscores the importance of developing a consistent mental routine before every shot.
Putting It Into Practice: Drills for a Stronger Mind
Improving your mental game requires consistent practice, just like your swing. Here are a few drills you can incorporate into your routine:
Pressure Putting Drill: Place three balls at 3, 6, and 9 feet from the hole. You must make all three in a row to complete the drill. If you miss, you start over. This simulates pressure and forces you to focus on your routine for each putt. As you improve, increase the difficulty by adding more balls or extending the distances.
Mindfulness on the Range: During your practice sessions, take a few moments between shots to simply be present. Feel the grip in your hands, notice the breeze, and listen to the sounds around you. This trains your ability to stay in the present moment, which is essential for peak performance on the course.
Post-Round Journaling: After each round, take five minutes to write down one thing you did well mentally and one mental challenge you faced. This builds self-awareness and helps you identify patterns in your mental game. Over time, you will notice recurring themes that you can address in your practice.
Target Practice with Consequences: On the range, pick a specific target for every shot—not just a general area. If you miss your target, perform a small penalty like five push-ups or hitting the next shot with your opposite hand. This adds consequences to your practice, making it more similar to on-course conditions where every shot matters.
Key Takeaways for Your Next Round
As you prepare for your next round, keep these fundamental principles in mind:
Trust over control. The more you try to consciously control your swing, the more tension you create. Trust the swing you have practiced and let your body execute naturally.
Process over outcome. Make your pre-shot routine your primary goal for every shot. When you focus on executing your process flawlessly, good scores follow naturally.
Awareness over suppression. You cannot eliminate negative thoughts, but you can change your relationship with them. Notice them, acknowledge them, and gently return your focus to the present moment.
Precision over generality. Always pick the smallest possible target. This sharpens your focus and gives your subconscious mind a clear objective.
Compassion over criticism. Treat yourself with the same kindness and encouragement you would offer a playing partner. Negative self-talk only compounds mistakes and drains your confidence.
Conclusion
The journey to mastering the mental game of golf is ongoing, but it is one of the most rewarding pursuits in the sport. By understanding the profound impact of your mind on your performance, recognizing common mental errors, and consistently practicing proven psychological techniques, you can unlock a new level of consistency, resilience, and enjoyment on the golf course. Remember, the next time you step onto the tee, your most powerful tool isn’t in your bag—it’s in your head. The difference between a good round and a great round often comes down to how well you manage the six inches between your ears.
Start small. Pick one technique from this article—perhaps developing a consistent pre-shot routine or practicing Box Breathing before important shots—and commit to it for your next three rounds. Track your progress, notice the changes, and gradually incorporate additional mental skills into your game. The mental game is not a quick fix, but a lifelong practice that will serve you well both on and off the course.
References
[1] NeuroTrackerX. (2023, December 1). Why Golf Performance is 90% Mental.
[2] McCarthy, P. (2025, November 8). The Mental Game of Golf: Pro Secrets You Haven’t Heard Before.
[3] Colorado Senior Golfers’ Association. The Brain Game – Spring Edition.
[4] McCarthy, P. (2025, November 8). The Mental Game of Golf: Pro Secrets You Haven’t Heard Before.
[5] Pan, X., et al. (2025). Mental fatigue in golf: A systematic review. PLOS ONE.
[7] Mind Caddie. (2025, November 9). Tiger Woods’ Mental Strategies.
[9] MyTPI. Mental Game: Brain Training Study With UCLA Golf.
[10] PsyPost. (2024, August 15). Golf: New neuroscience study reveals the secrets of better putting.
Golf, often perceived as a male-dominated sport, has seen numerous women defy norms, break barriers, and challenge the status quo. These pioneering women have not only made significant strides in the game but have also played a crucial role in reshaping the sport’s landscape. This article delves into the impressive careers of some of these groundbreaking women in golf, highlighting their incredible achievements and the enduring impact they’ve had on the sport.
Babe Didrikson Zaharias: The Woman Who Redefined Golf
Named “Woman Athlete of the Half Century” by the Associated Press in 1950, Babe Didrikson Zaharias is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable athletes in history. Her golfing career was nothing short of extraordinary.
Triumph Against the Odds
Despite facing resistance from the golfing establishment for her flamboyant personality and style of play, Zaharias refused to be sidelined. She won a staggering 10 LPGA major championships and 41 LPGA tour events, setting stage records and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Paving the Way for Others
Zaharias also co-founded the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), creating more opportunities for women in professional golf. Her tenacity and resilience inspired countless women to pursue their golfing aspirations, forever changing the face of the sport.
Nancy Lopez: A Beacon of Inspiration
Nancy Lopez is another trailblazing woman in golf. A child prodigy, Lopez first made waves in the golfing world when she won the New Mexico Women’s Amateur at just 12 years old.
A Stellar Career
Lopez turned professional at the age of 21 and quickly established herself as a dominant force in women’s golf. She won 48 LPGA Tour events, including three major championships, and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1987.
Inspiring Future Generations
Lopez’s impact extends far beyond her impressive record. She is widely respected for her sportsmanship, dedication, and spirit, and her success has inspired many young girls to take up golf.
Annika Sorenstam: Shattering Glass Ceilings
Annika Sorenstam is widely considered one of the greatest female golfers of all time. The Swedish star boasts an astounding 72 LPGA Tour victories, including 10 majors.
Making History
In 2003, Sorenstam made history by becoming the first woman in 58 years to compete in a PGA Tour event. This monumental moment not only put the spotlight on women’s golf but also challenged the gender divide in the sport.
Championing Women’s Golf
Post-retirement, Sorenstam has remained a powerful advocate for women’s golf. Through the Annika Foundation, she works to provide opportunities for young female golfers and promote the sport at the grassroots level.
Conclusion: The Legacy of These Trailblazing Women
The contributions of Zaharias, Lopez, and Sorenstam to golf are immeasurable. They’ve not only shattered records and broken barriers but also opened doors for countless women in the sport. Their legacies serve as a testament to the power of determination, talent, and hard work. They have reshaped the world of golf, proving that the fairway is no longer just a man’s domain.
These women have paved the way for the next generation of female golfers, who continue to push boundaries and redefine the sport. As we celebrate these pioneering women, we look forward to seeing more women rise, conquer, and leave their own mark on the fairways.
Today, women in golf continue to make strides, thanks in part to the trail blazed by these pioneering women. Let their stories inspire you to break barriers in your own field, whatever that may be. Because when it comes to achieving greatness, the most important shot in golf, as in life, is the next one.
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Sustainability in Golf: The Future of Eco-Friendly Greens
Read about the environmental impact of golf courses.
Golf, a sport often associated with pristine, manicured greens and lush landscapes, isn’t historically perceived as eco-friendly. However, with growing concerns about climate change and sustainability, the golf industry is steadily transitioning towards more sustainable practices. This article will explore how golf courses around the world are becoming greener and more eco-friendly while maintaining their appeal to golf enthusiasts.

The Environmental Impact of Golf Courses
Golf courses traditionally use extensive resources, including water, pesticides, and fertilizers, which can have detrimental effects on the environment.
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- Water Usage: Maintaining the verdant landscapes of a golf course requires enormous amounts of water. This is particularly concerning in regions where water scarcity is a significant issue.
- Pesticides and Fertilizers: To keep golf courses lush and free of pests, large amounts of chemicals are often used. These substances can seep into the ground, polluting water sources and harming local wildlife.
- Habitat Disruption: Golf courses often displace natural habitats, upsetting local ecosystems and reducing biodiversity.
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Green Initiatives in Golf: Sustainability on the Fairways
Recognizing the environmental impact, many golf courses are now implementing sustainable practices to reduce their ecological footprint.
Water Conservation
Water conservation is a significant focus in eco-friendly golf course design. Methods employed include:
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- Recycled Water: Many golf courses are now using recycled water or rainwater for irrigation, significantly reducing the use of freshwater resources.
- Drought-resistant Grass: Some courses are opting for drought-resistant varieties of grass that require less watering.
- Irrigation Technology: Advanced irrigation systems can efficiently distribute water, minimizing waste.
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Reducing Chemical Usage
Reducing the use of harmful chemicals is another crucial step towards sustainability in golf. This can be achieved through:
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- Organic Fertilizers and Pesticides: Many golf courses are switching to organic alternatives, which are less harmful to the environment.
- Integrated Pest Management: This approach focuses on long-term prevention of pests through biological control and habitat manipulation, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
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Preserving Local Habitats
Golf courses are increasingly being designed to coexist harmoniously with local ecosystems. This involves:
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- Preserving Natural Features: Instead of altering the landscape to fit the course, designers are now incorporating existing natural features into the design.
- Creating Wildlife Habitats: Some golf courses are creating habitats for local wildlife, promoting biodiversity.
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Case Studies: Sustainable Golf Courses Around the World
There are several golf courses worldwide that serve as excellent examples of sustainability in the industry.
- Pebble Beach Golf Links, USA: This renowned golf course uses recycled water for irrigation, reducing its freshwater use by 50%.
- St Andrews Links, Scotland: Known as the “Home of Golf”, St Andrews Links has implemented an extensive environmental management plan, including water conservation, habitat protection, and the use of organic fertilizers.
- Vineyard Golf Club, USA: This golf course in Massachusetts is one of the first to become fully organic, using only organic fertilizers and pesticides.
The Future of Sustainable Golf
The golf industry’s move towards sustainability is not just about eco-friendly practices on the course. It’s also about educating players and visitors about the importance of sustainability, thus promoting a culture of environmental consciousness.
While the transition to greener practices may be challenging, the benefits are immeasurable. Sustainable golf courses not only help protect the environment, but they can also enhance the playing experience, offering golfers the chance to play their favorite sport while surrounded by thriving, natural landscapes.
In conclusion, as awareness of environmental issues continues to grow, the question of “how green can the greens get?” is being answered by golf courses worldwide. Through innovative practices and a commitment to sustainability, the future of golf looks set to be greener than ever. As players, supporters, and enthusiasts of the sport, we can all contribute to this positive change by supporting golf courses that prioritize sustainability and by advocating for green practices within the golfing community.
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