Top 5 Golf Course Stories to Watch Ahead of 2026

As we eagerly count down to 2026, Golfweek is highlighting the top stories that have captured the attention of golf enthusiasts. Our focus today is on the most talked-about golf courses from around the globe. Here are the top five golf course stories, as selected by our readers:

1. Historic Illinois Golf Course Set to Reopen

After a seven-year closure, the Rock Island Arsenal Golf Course, Illinois’ second-oldest course dating back to 1897, is ready to welcome golfers once again. Set along the Mississippi River, this iconic course will reopen on April 26, featuring nine of its most historic holes.

2. Closure of Cedar Ridge Golf Course in Pennsylvania

A poignant chapter has closed as Cedar Ridge Golf Course in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, has permanently shut its doors. Founded by Vietnam veteran Dennis Seymore over three decades ago, the course transitioned from a nine-hole layout to 18 holes but recently sold its land to a farmer.

3. Golfweek’s Best Public-Access Courses for 2025

Planning a golf getaway or seeking the best public courses in your state? Golfweek has unveiled its annual rankings of the best public-access golf courses for 2025. These selections are based on evaluations from our nationwide network of expert raters, ensuring a reliable guide for your golfing adventures.

4. Controversy at Michigan Golf Course Over Beaver Control

A recent decision by officials at Leslie Park Golf Course in Michigan has stirred up social media outrage. In an effort to address flooding caused by beaver activity on the course, local authorities opted to eliminate the beaver population, a move classified as necessary due to their status as a nuisance animal in the state.

5. Renovations Underway at Toftrees Resort Golf Course

Toftrees Resort in State College, Pennsylvania, is set to undergo a significant renovation of its golf course, originally designed by Ed Ault in 1969. Architect Jim Nagle has been brought on board to enhance the course, which will coincide with broader renovations of the resort managed by Shaner Hotel Group. Initial design work is expected to commence soon.

Stay tuned for more updates on golf courses and other thrilling developments in the world of golf as we approach 2026!