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MICKELSON’s Tiny Gesture Makes Big Impact
It’s hard to keep track of all the ways Phil Mickelson has captured our attention over the years. Just this last spring, we watched a 50-year-old Phil compete in the 2021 PGA Championship. He surprised everyone when he managed to stay ahead of the pack, then sank an amazing recovery shot on hole 5. So Phil.
Then there was the touching moment he shared with a young fan who sat in a wheelchair. He passed the boy as he was headed to the next hole and stopped to hand the child his golf ball. So Phil.
That ball is now sitting on a dresser in Statesboro, Ga. Everybody who comes to visit Kyler Aubrey, the ball’s owner, wants to see it.

Koepka said hi to Kyler that day, too. In September, on the Wednesday of the Tour Championship at East Lake, in Atlanta, Koepka invited Kyler on to the practice range. He asked Kyler what kind of music he likes.
“Drake,” Kyler said, tapping on his iPad. He has cerebral palsy, among other profound challenges. He’s not verbal.
Kyler typed out the names of his favorite Drake songs.
“Yep, I like those songs, too,” Koepka said.
In a supportive gesture, Koepka wore a shirt that was designed by the rapper. Later that day, he even went up to see how Kyler was doing after he sank a putt during the event. He walked over to Kyler and said, “You having fun? Anybody come over and say hi?”
Kyler wrote on his iPad, “Dustin. Rory.” He touched a button so his written words would become speech. Koepka leaned in so he could hear the response.
Kyler got into Drake, and other musicians, not through an older sibling, as many people do, but through his kid brother, Jordan. Jordan could tell you all about “Statesboro Blues,” both the Allman Brothers version of it and the Blind Willie McTell original. Jordan played football and soccer. He died after falling from a moving vehicle in the summer before his senior year at Statesboro High. That was in 2015. He was 17.
Kyler has a sister, Sloan, who played on the boys’ golf team in high school, worked summers at the Forest Heights Country Club, in Statesboro, and is now a sophomore at Mercer University, in Macon. It was one of Sloan’s golf friends, familiar with the Ocean Course, who suggested the 5th green as a good place for Kyler to watch the action.
Kyler’s parents — Josh, a sportswriter for the Statesboro Herald, and Penny, a special education teacher — have logged many miles, pushing Kyler’s wheelchair across various PGA Tour courses. But Kiawah and its sandy paths presented different challenges. “Drunk people are very helpful,” the father will tell you. “But they may not push you in the right direction.” Cold beer followed the warm sun at the PGA this year.
Kyler is 29. Starting when Kyler was 2, his father would strap him into his golf cart and they’d go around the course at Georgia Southern University. Kyler’s first tournament was at Hilton Head in 1999, the only year Tiger played the event. Kyler got Tiger’s signature and was off to the races.
Given that some of his movements are restricted, Kyler does not have a typical golf clap. He even invented his own to show his support at events by gently pat his hand with his fist. Kyler is a familiar face to PGA Tour pros and has interacted with many of the golfers in the past. He even received tickets to take his father to an event that were gifted by Rory McIlroy.
When Justin Rose won the Payne Stewart Award this year, he spoke about the enduring value of small gestures. He remembered Payne tossing him a ball at Royal St. George’s in 1993. Arnold Palmer was the king of the small gesture — flirty winks, bespoke autographs, handshakes with a shelf-life of forever. You’ll still hear people say, “Arnold was my hero.” Phil’s got some Arnold in him. With all that he had going on just then, Phil saw a kid in a wheelchair — Kyler looks like a kid — and gave him his game ball, fresh off a birdie. “Thanks for bringing me some luck,” he told Kyler. Kyler was screaming — a guttural grunt — through his joy.
But the real heroes here, of course, are the Aubreys, carrying on, despite their daily hardships and the struggle that must shroud them, even on the best of days.
That Sunday at Kiawah was right up there. Kyler was wiped out by the time he got home. Still, he got out his iPad and tapped out a message. Every word for him is work.
Golf ball.
Meet Phil.
Thank you Daddy.
This article originally appeared on Golf.com.
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When Golf Meets Supercars: The World Series of Golf Takes Over Skip Barber’s Mexico Resort
World Series of Golf partners with Skip Barber Racing for a two-year luxury sports series at Gran Reserva, Mexico – where championship golf meets supercars starting April 2026.
Picture this. You’re standing on the 18th green at Gran Reserva, Mexico, finishing a round of championship golf with the World Series of Golf’s signature betting format still buzzing in your veins. The sun’s dropping low. Your heart’s still racing from that final putt.
And tomorrow? You’re driving a McLaren on Skip Barber’s brand-new racetrack.
Two Sports, One Unforgettable Weekend
The World Series of Golf just announced something we’ve never seen before. A two-year partnership with Skip Barber Racing School that transforms their new Mexican resort into the ultimate luxury sports destination. It’s not just golf. It’s not just racing. It’s both, wrapped into an experience that redefines what a sporting weekend can be.
Starting in April 2026, Gran Reserva becomes ground zero for a completely new kind of event.
Year One: The Foundation
The first year lays the groundwork. You’ll compete in the World Series of Golf championship using their patented tournament format – the one that adds poker-style betting mechanics to traditional stroke play and turns every hole into a strategic showdown. High stakes. Real tension. Golf the way it was meant to be played.
But here’s where it gets interesting. While you’re playing, Skip Barber’s building their racetrack right there on the property. You’ll see construction crews working on what will become one of North America’s most anticipated racing circuits. State-of-the-art simulators give you a taste of what’s coming, letting you experience the thrill of motorsports between rounds.
VIP receptions. Celebrity appearances. Curated culinary showcases that match the caliber of the competition. It’s an invitation-only event designed for people who expect excellence and aren’t willing to settle for anything less.
Year Two: The Payoff
Then 2027 hits. The track is finished. And suddenly you’re not just imagining what it’s like to drive a supercar at speed – you’re actually doing it.
McLaren. Ferrari. Mercedes. Lamborghini. Take your pick and put it through its paces on a circuit designed by people who’ve spent over 50 years teaching professional racers how to extract every ounce of performance from a machine. Skip Barber doesn’t mess around when it comes to motorsports education, and this track reflects that pedigree.

You’ll stay in exclusive luxury accommodations at Gran Reserva, network with athletes and industry leaders, and experience both golf and racing at the highest possible level. All in one place. All in one unforgettable weekend.
Why This Matters
Michael Berg, CFO of Skip Barber Racing School, called it perfectly: “Guests will see the racetrack under construction during our first event and then drive world-class vehicles on it the following year.”
That’s the hook. You’re not just attending an event. You’re watching it evolve. You’re part of the story from day one, and by year two, you’re living the payoff.
Robert Davidman, CEO of the World Series of Golf, added this: “This partnership unites golf and motorsports in an elevated format that caters to international fans seeking competition, luxury, and adventure.”
Competition. Luxury. Adventure. Three words that sum up what makes this special.
Why Sponsors Are Paying Attention
Here’s what makes this different from every other golf tournament trying to get your marketing dollars.
The World Series of Golf’s patent-protected format keeps spectators glued to every shot. Shot-by-shot wagering. Antes that double every three holes. Strategic decisions that matter as much as swing mechanics. It’s golf designed for television, and television designed to keep people watching.
Add Skip Barber Racing to the mix and you’ve got something networks actually want to cover. Over 40 hours of TV coverage. More than 15 million media impressions. Five million-plus social media reach. This isn’t a local tournament hoping for some local news pickup. This is a broadcast-ready event with an audience that’s already paying attention.
The demographics tell the rest of the story. You’re reaching affluent golf enthusiasts who also appreciate high-performance automobiles. International travelers who think nothing of flying to Mexico for a weekend of luxury sports. Decision-makers and industry leaders who network at VIP receptions and actually have the authority to sign deals on the spot.
Title sponsorship gets you naming rights, eight playing positions, and premium TV exposure throughout the broadcast. But even smaller packages deliver value. Hole sponsors get exclusive on-course branding and social media mentions for ten grand. Golf cart wraps guarantee TV and photo exposure because every shot of the tournament includes your brand.
The opportunities are limited by design. Only 18 hole sponsors. Three presenting sponsors. One title sponsor. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Want the details? Check out the full sponsorship packages at wsg.golf/sponsorship.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t your typical golf tournament. It’s not your standard track day either. It’s something entirely new – a two-year luxury sports series that gives you the best of both worlds and raises the bar for what a sporting experience can deliver.
Year one plants the seed. Year two delivers the harvest. And whether you’re attending as a player or partnering as a sponsor, you’ll be there for both.
For player inquiries, contact events@skipbarber.com. For sponsorship opportunities, reach out to sponsorship@wsg.golf. These events are strictly invitation-only, and opportunities won’t last long.
Golf and supercars. Mexico and motorsports. The World Series of Golf and Skip Barber Racing School.
This is going to be something special.
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Empowering the Next Generation: The Impact of Youth Golf Programs on Shaping Future Golfing Stars
As we tee off into the 21st century, golf, the age-old sport of precision and patience, is witnessing a remarkable transformation.
The Rise of Youth Programs: Unleashing the Potential of Next-Gen Golfers
As we tee off into the 21st century, golf, the age-old sport of precision and patience, is witnessing a remarkable transformation. The sport, once considered a domain of the mature and affluent, is now attracting a younger demographic like never before. The driving force behind this shift? The rise of youth golf programs.
These youth-oriented initiatives are not only making golf more accessible to younger generations but are also nurturing the next wave of golf superstars. So, grab your clubs, and let’s explore how these programs are changing the face of golf and paving the way for next-gen golfers to take center stage.

The Emergence of Youth Golf Programs
In the past, golf was often perceived as a sport for the elite, with limited opportunities for young players to learn and develop their skills. However, the landscape has dramatically changed in recent years, thanks to the emergence of youth golf programs.
These programs are designed to introduce children and teenagers to the sport, provide them with necessary training, and help them develop their skills. From local clubs offering golf lessons for kids to national organizations like The First Tee and PGA Junior League, these initiatives are making golf more accessible to younger generations.

The Impact of Youth Programs on the Golf Industry
Youth golf programs have had a profound impact on the golf industry, contributing to its growth and diversification. Here’s how:
- Increasing Participation: Youth programs have significantly boosted golf participation rates among young people. According to the National Golf Foundation, more than 2.5 million kids aged 6-17 played golf on a course in 2019, a 20% increase from 2011.
- Creating Diversity: Youth programs are also making golf more diverse. They are reaching out to children from different socio-economic backgrounds, providing them with opportunities to learn and play golf.
- Developing Talent: These programs are proving to be a breeding ground for future professionals. Young golfers like Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, and Lexi Thompson, who were part of youth programs, have gone on to make their mark in the professional arena.
- Skill Development: These programs provide kids with comprehensive golf training, helping them develop technical skills like swing mechanics, putting, chipping, and bunker play. They also focus on strategic aspects like course management and decision making.
- Character Building: Golf is not just about technique; it’s also about character. Youth programs emphasize life skills such as honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, and perseverance – values that are integral to golf and life in general.
- Competitive Exposure: Youth programs also provide young golfers with competitive exposure through tournaments and leagues. This exposure helps them understand the competitive nature of the sport, learn to handle pressure, and develop a winning mentality.
How Youth Programs are Nurturing Next-Gen Golfers
Youth golf programs are making significant strides in nurturing the next generation of golfers. Here’s how:

The Bright Future of Youth Golf
The rise of youth golf programs has set the stage for a promising future. As more and more young people take up the sport, we can expect to see a new generation of golfers who are not only technically sound but also carry the values and spirit of the game.
Moreover, the increasing participation of young golfers is likely to infuse fresh energy and excitement into the sport, making it more appealing to spectators and sponsors alike.
In conclusion, the rise of youth golf programs is a game-changer. It’s not just about creating a new generation of golfers; it’s about shaping the future of golf itself. So, whether you’re a parent, a young golfer, or a golf enthusiast, it’s time to embrace these programs and support the next generation in their journey towards golfing excellence.
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Unveiling the Mystique: The Enigmatic World of Secret Golf Societies
The Secret Golf Societies: Uncovering the Game’s Hidden ClubsGolf, often viewed as a gentleman’s sport, has a fascinating and sometimes mysterious allure. Beyond the lush greens and meticulously maintained courses lie secret societies, cloaked in tradition and exclusivity. These hidden clubs, often within golf’s highest echelons, have a captivating allure, creating an enigma that both…
The Secret Golf Societies: Uncovering the Game’s Hidden Clubs
Golf, often viewed as a gentleman’s sport, has a fascinating and sometimes mysterious allure. Beyond the lush greens and meticulously maintained courses lie secret societies, cloaked in tradition and exclusivity. These hidden clubs, often within golf’s highest echelons, have a captivating allure, creating an enigma that both charms and perplexes the sport’s enthusiasts. So, let’s delve into the enticing world of secret golf societies and uncover the game’s concealed clubs.
The Intrigue of Secret Golf Societies
The allure of secret societies is not a new phenomenon. The idea of a select group, privy to certain exclusive information and practices, has fascinated people for centuries. In golf, this fascination extends to secret golf societies, clubs within clubs that only welcome the select few.
These secret societies often have their own rules, traditions, and rituals, all of which contribute to their mystique. They are not your regular golf clubs; they are societies that cherish tradition, exclusivity, and most importantly, the love for the game.

Unveiling the Augusta National Golf Club
Perhaps the most famous “secret” golf society is the Augusta National Golf Club. With its Magnolia Lane entrance and green jacket tradition, the Augusta National is more than just the home of The Masters. It’s a private club steeped in tradition, where membership is by invitation only.
The club was founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts in 1932. Its exclusivity is legendary; the membership list is kept secret, and it’s reported that there are less than 300 members at any one time. The club didn’t admit its first black member until 1990 or its first female member until 2012. While its historical policies have often been controversial, the Augusta National’s allure remains undiminished.

The Ancient and Royal Golf Club
In Scotland, the birthplace of golf, lies the Ancient and Royal Golf Club of St. Andrews. This club, founded in 1754, holds the distinction of being the oldest golf society in the world. The members of this club are known to play by the original 13 rules of golf, enhancing its historical appeal.
The Outpost Club
The Outpost Club is a more modern addition to the list of secret golf societies. Founded in 2011, it’s a national golf society based in the United States. They don’t own any golf courses; instead, they organize events at various courses around the country. Membership is by invitation only, and the club’s emphasis is on camaraderie and enjoying the game in its purest form.
The Seminole Pro-Member
Often considered one of America’s most exclusive golf societies, the Seminole Pro-Member is a yearly tournament that combines amateur golfers with professional players. The tournament, held at the Seminole Golf Club in Florida, is renowned for its exclusivity. The list of past participants reads like a who’s who of golf, including legends like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.
Why the Secrecy?
The question arises – why the secrecy? Why are these clubs so exclusive? The answer lies in the traditions of the game. Golf is a sport steeped in history and tradition. The exclusivity and secrecy of these societies preserve the traditions of the game, passing them on to future generations.
Moreover, the exclusivity also provides a unique golfing experience. The meticulously maintained courses, the camaraderie among members, and the opportunity to play the game in its purest form – these factors contribute to the allure of these secret societies.
In Conclusion
Secret golf societies, with their exclusivity and rich traditions, add a layer of intrigue to the game of golf. They preserve the sport’s history, uphold its traditions, and provide an unparalleled golfing experience. While they may be shrouded in mystery, their contribution to the game is undeniable. Whether it’s the Augusta National Golf Club, the Ancient and Royal Golf Club, or the Outpost Club, these societies embody the spirit of golf. They remind us that golf is more than just a sport. It’s a tradition, a lifestyle, and for many, a passion.
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