The annual Golf Writers Association of America Awards Dinner unfolded last week at Augusta Country Club, drawing prominent figures from golf's administrative and corporate spheres amid Masters preparations. Former Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny represented sponsor ISPS Handa, while Scottie Scheffler collected his 2025 Male Player of the Year honor with a gracious address. Representatives from the PGA Tour, PGA of America, and Augusta National mingled with local influencers, underscoring the event's prestige on the Wednesday before the year's premier golf gathering.
Wisconsin Contingent Shines at Prestigious Gathering
"Team Wisconsin" made a strong presence, with Sentry Insurance dispatching Danny Rainbow, Chris Hoerter, and John Gardner from its golf operations. Augusta National member David Kohler, chair and CEO of Kohler Co., attended alongside his wife Nina, joined by Whitefish Bay native John Lindert, honorary president of the PGA of America, and former GWAA president Gary Van Sickle. Longtime commentator Mark Rolfing, a Sentry brand ambassador, received the William D. Richardson Award for sustained contributions to golf, highlighting regional ties to the sport's elite circles. Milwaukee native Nick Piastowski earned top honors in the GWAA Short Feature category for his golf.com piece, while The Sweet Spot claimed the News/Game Story award for its 2025 Masters final-round account.
Augusta National Enforces Unyielding Property Protocols
Augusta National Golf Club maintains a strict no-cell-phone policy, even for past champions, as evidenced by Mark Calcavecchia's ejection last Tuesday after using his device on the grounds. The 65-year-old, a four-time Ryder Cup participant and 1989 Open victor, acknowledged the incident without complaint to Golfweek, respecting the club's authority. This discipline extends to all, with 40,000 daily visitors surrendering phones at entry gates; a separate lapse saw 2025 U.S. Mid-Amateur champion Brandon Holtz reprimanded by security for crossing a boundary rope to reach well-wishers, risking his badge in the process. Such measures preserve focus and tradition at a venue where digital distractions remain absent.
Public Golf Fees Rise with Surging Participation and Costs
Post-pandemic demand has driven record rounds on public courses, prompting peak 18-hole fees to climb about 25%, per National Golf Foundation data, aligning closely with 27% cumulative inflation. Operators wield unusual pricing influence yet mirror broader living costs rather than exceed them; for perspective, movie tickets have risen 75% and NFL event costs 50% over six years. Resort green fees have increased 36% since 2019, with over half now exceeding $100 in peak season, while municipal and daily-fee averages hold at $41 nationwide, up 27%.
Mascoutin Golf Club Ranks High in Golfer Reviews
Mascoutin Golf Club in Berlin secured fourth place among Midwest courses in GolfPass's 2026 Golfers’ Choice list, derived from GolfNow and GolfPass user feedback. It trails The Jewel in Lake City, Minnesota; Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois in Urbana; and Sandy Pines Golf Club in DeMotte, Indiana, ahead of Chippewa Golf Club in Doylestown, Ohio. These rankings complement GolfPass's national Top 50 public courses, warm-weather selections, and state-by-state honors, reflecting golfer preferences amid growing course accessibility.
eBay Spotlights Masters Memorabilia and Local Updates
A new, unopened 2026 Masters 1,000-piece puzzle depicting the 15th green and grandstands commands $84 or best offer on eBay, originally retailed at the event's merchandise building. Brief notes include Green Bay Packers coach Matt LeFleur's Masters visit with Skokie Country Club's Gideon Traub, sightings of Jason and Travis Kelce, and Kenosha's Cameron Huss aligning with Redvanly apparel. Fond du Lac's David Brandenburg and Jim VanHerwynen marked 30-year tenures in golf operations, while Kenosha Country Club welcomed Stewart Boynton as general manager and Blackwolf Run's original Pete Dye holes reopened alongside Whistling Straits' Irish Course. Atlanta's John A. White Golf Club advances a $30 million facility for the 40-year-old National Black Golf Hall of Fame.
