Friday, May 15, 2026

Jim Nugent

Jim Nugent is the Founder & Publisher of Global Golf Post. He has worked in golf media for more than a quarter century, and he is a frequent guest on Golf Channel and numerous golf talk radio shows across the country. He covers the amateur game on a global basis. He resides in Glenview, Illinois.

Articles by Jim Nugent

Profile of a Pro: Kyle Bauer

Golf excursions create lasting bonds

ead professionals at private golf clubs in America perform many functions. They play, teach, merchandise the golf shop, hire and supervise a staff, and sometimes lend a friendly ear to a golfer after a bad day on the course. Occasionally, as in the case of Kyle Bauer, head professional at the Glen View Club in Golf, Illinois, they serve as full-fledged travel planners. Bauer’s journey to the Glen View Club began during his junior year at Illinois State University. He worked two summers in the mid 1990s for Illinois Golf Hall of Fame professional Tim O’Neal at North Shore Country Club in Glenview, Illinois. During that time he became intrigued with the business of golf and decided that this would be his career path. Upon graduation, he became a seasonal assistant professional in the Chicago area and in Florida before returning to North Shore in 2001 as the lead assistant to O’Neal. He landed his first head professional job in 2003 at Sand Ridge Golf Club near Cleveland, Ohio, where he stayed for three years. Chicago beckoned him back, and Bauer accepted the head professional job at the prestigious Glen View Club in 2006 and has served that club’s membership ever since. Bauer’s best practice While at Sand Ridge, Bauer organized a member trip to Bandon Dunes. He and a fellow professional from the Chicago area organized a 32-person member trip to the Oregon resort for a Ryder Cup-style competition. The bonds Bauer created with the members who made the trip were a light-bulb moment. After he took the job at Glen View, he elevated his travel planning to a higher level. In even-numbered years, he leads a trip to Bandon Dunes, often using private aircraft to accommodate as many as 64 players. In odd-numbered years, his annual member trip, […]

Developer sells Cabot Cape Breton

Deal includes Cabot Links, Cabot Cliffs and French resort

anadian golf developer Ben Cowan-Dewar has sold the crown jewel of his Cabot Collection, Nova Scotia’s Cabot Cape Breton, to Canadian businessman John Bragg. Cabot Cape Breton is home to acclaimed golf courses Cabot Links and Cabot Cliffs. Also included in the sale is Cabot Bordeaux, a 36-hole luxury resort in southwest France that Cowan-Dewar purchased in July 2024. A source close to the situation described the transaction as a “necessary cash infusion.” Sources also confirmed that, as part of the deal, Bandon Dunes developer and early Cabot Links investor Mike Keiser sold his interest in the business. Cowan-Dewar did not respond to GGPBiz requests for comment. Bragg, described as one of Canada’s wealthiest men, is the CEO and founder of the Bragg Group. His Nova Scotia-based Oxford Frozen Foods operates one of the largest fruit farms in the world, with more than 12,000 acres dedicated to growing blueberries. He is also developing the River Philip Golf Resort in Nova Scotia, a four-season operation with an 18-hole golf course, hiking trails, and river fishing. Cabot Links, designed by Rod Whitman, opened to rave reviews in 2012. It was joined in 2015 by the Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw-designed Cabot Cliffs. In subsequent years, Cowan-Dewar developed or acquired multiple courses under the Cabot Collection umbrella. The collection includes the Coore and Crenshaw-designed Point Hardy Golf Club at Cabot Saint Lucia, a 375-acre luxury resort and real-estate development in the Caribbean that opened in December 2023. It is unclear what prompted the Cabot Cape Breton sale, but multiple sources believe that Cabot Saint Lucia has caused financial difficulties for Cowan-Dewar’s enterprise. Real-estate sales have been sluggish in recent years, and home buildout has been problematic on this small island, according to the sources. Thus far, only the Nova Scotia-based news website The […]

Data dispute

PGA Tour, Darrell Survey at odds over equipment-count arrangement

The Darrell Survey, which since 1932 has provided data that enables golf equipment companies to make claims about professional golf tour equipment usage is in a dispute with the PGA Tour, one that could bring an end to a decades-long business arrangement. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

Crude awakening

How the Middle East conflict could affect golf

While increased gas prices are among the most obvious consequences of the current conflict Middle East conflict, the golf industry could see increased prices on everything from golf balls to course maintenance. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

A step ahead

FootJoy’s FitLab offers custom shoe-fitting experience

In much the same way custom-fit golf clubs and balls can elevate a player's game, FootJoy says its mobile FJ FitLab can do the same with footwear, using 3D scanning to find the right combination of size and construction for any golfer. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

Trick of the light?

Ball tactic prompts TaylorMade to sue Callaway

Disputes between golf ball manufacturers are common, but they rarely wind up in court. An ongoing skirmish between TaylorMade and Callaway Golf might be the exception. On Jan. 15, TaylorMade filed a lawsuit against Callaway in U.S. District Court in San Diego. In the 24-page document, TaylorMade claims that “Callaway engaged in and, on information and belief, is still engaging in a coordinated marketing campaign to mislead consumers and retailers to believe that Callaway’s golf balls have superior overall quality and performance to other golf balls, including TaylorMade’s golf balls, based on nothing more than how the balls appear under an ultraviolet (“UV”) light. Callaway, its agents, and representatives have conducted misleading UV light demonstrations in which they disparage TaylorMade’s golf balls, including by calling them ‘mud balls,’ and by falsely asserting that TaylorMade balls have uneven paint/coating coverage and poor quality control, leading to poor performance.” The suit further states that “TaylorMade recently obtained a video demonstration representative of Callaway’s misinformation campaign from one of Callaway’s sales pitches made by a Director of Golf of a golf club pro shop, who is also a Callaway Sales Agent, and his subordinate at the club. Upon information and belief, Callaway Sales Agents received tutorial(s) or other instruction/information directly from Callaway on how to promote Callaway golf balls using a UV light, as depicted in the video that TaylorMade obtained.” Lawsuits in the golf ball space are typically the last resort after negotiations to resolve a dispute break down. … most golf ball disputes that relate to alleged false advertising are matters handled by the Federal Trade Commission rather than the U.S. court system. A TaylorMade representative issued the following statement: “Callaway is conducting an advertising campaign that overstates the performance of its own golf balls and disparages the performance of TaylorMade […]

Great expectations

High demand fuels optimism for golf industry in ’26

There is a lot going on in the golf world in 2026 so to help make sense of it, GGPBiz reached out to industry analyst Casey Alexander to get his take on increased participation among recreational golfers, tariffs, ball rollback, and more.

‘Cautious optimism’ for golf courses

Rising costs a concern amid strong demand

Numbers indicate that 2025 will likely be another record-setting year for rounds played at U.S. golf courses. But Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, knows that there are many factors that could alter that positive trend. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

Battle royal

Dispute over proposed TaylorMade sale heats up in Korea

dispute triggered by the proposed sale of equipment maker TaylorMade Golf by its majority owner took a new turn with the owner, Korean private equity firm Centroid Investment Partners, threatening to pursue expulsion of Seoul-based apparel company F&F Co. Ltd. as a TaylorMade investor, according to a report published Monday by eDaily, a Korean economic news outlet. Centroid, which bought TaylorMade from American private equity firm KPS Capital Partners for $1.7 billion in 2021, and F&F, which helped finance the deal and is believed to own nearly 50 percent of the company, have been at odds since early this year when Centroid first signaled it would consider selling the brand, contrary to its previously stated plans to take TaylorMade public. Centroid’s latest move, undertaken in tandem with other limited partners, according to the eDaily report, comes in response to F&F’s opposition to a sale – the apparel maker believes the terms of the 2021 acquisition grant it a right of first refusal to match the highest offer to buy TaylorMade and own the business outright, and a consent right that includes the right to block any transaction. Centroid is considering seeking expulsion of F&F as an investor to protect the interests of its other limited partners should F&F’s efforts to block a sale intensify, according to the report. A provision in the TaylorMade investment fund’s articles of incorporation allows shareholders to pursue expulsion of an investor in court for causes that include failure to fulfill investment obligations, misconduct and unauthorized representation, the report said. It added that an expelled investor will be refunded only 50 percent of its investment capital, with the payment potentially delayed until after the fund is liquidated. But because expelling investors against their will can adversely impact their financial interests so significantly, Korean courts apply strict […]

The coaching difference

Invited’s David Pillsbury champions member-retention key

Invited is the largest owner and operator of private clubs and golf courses in North America, so who better than CEO David Pillsbury to discuss with GGPBiz the booming business of private golf clubs. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

Handicap home run

USGA/AGA Community program benefits state associations

Since 2021, a joint strategy between the USGA and state golf associations (AGAs) has not only increased the number of golfers with a handicap index, but has created a welcome revenue stream for the AGAs. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

TaylorMade on the block?

Owner considering sale of equipment maker

The owner of TaylorMade Golf could be interested in selling the equipment maker, but a sale wouldn't come without its share of complications.

Building momentum

KemperSports' Steve Skinner excited for the future

As CEO of KemperSports, which manages more than 140 golf courses, private clubs, sports venues and destination resorts nationwide, Steve Skinner has helped navigate a generational shift in how golf is experienced.

Magical journey

Tennant shows that her game can travel

As Lara Tennant was registering to play in the British Senior Women's Amateur, she noticed that the Scottish and Irish senior women’s amateurs were to be played in consecutive weeks before the British. So of course she thought: “Why not play them all?" Our Jim Nugent has the story.

‘Simply amazing’

Mary Legg Capouch elevates game in Louisiana and beyond

Mary Capouch's love for golf began early and has never waned, with more than 40 years of service as a volunteer, rules official, multiple USGA committees, and currently as president of the Louisiana Golf Association. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

The most interesting woman in golf?

Auburn’s Ami Gianchandani emerges as elite college player, company CEO

Ivy League grad, outstanding golfer, or company CEO, Ami Gianchandani, a unicorn in college golf, checks all the boxes.

Danielle Carrera driven by a dream

Rare is the young golfer who dreams of one day running a golf tournament as opposed to competing in it, but such was the case with Butterfield Bermuda Championship director Danielle Carrera.

Joining an exclusive list

Kim Paez is the latest woman to beat the men

When Kim Paez entered the Southwest PGA Championship against an all-male field, her goal was a top-five finish. She achieved that and more by becoming only the fourth woman to win a section title against men. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

A joyous journey

FSGA initiates successful women’s golf buddy trip

Buddy trips among golfers are nothing new. But the Florida State Golf Association took the next logical step when it organized its first women's buddy trip to Ireland.

Show on the road

FSGA initiates successful first women’s golf buddy trip

Buddy trips among golfers are nothing new. But the Florida State Golf Association took the next logical step when it organized its first women's buddy trip to Ireland. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

Forging forward

Donna Hoffman revels in construction of Women On Course

Building on an idea designed to lure women into fishing, Donna Hoffman is connecting more females to golf through Women On Course.

In search of solutions

Missy Crisp dedicates herself in service to the game

Missy Crisp will tell you that she got much more from golf than she gave. The game will push back on that statement; golf has been indelibly enriched by her lifetime of service.

Leading pioneer

Jackie Endsley breaks barriers as major championship director

Jackie Endsley's career has been wide and varied, including stints with the NCAA and the NBA. But the irresistible pull of golf won out, leading to her current position as director of the KPMG Women's PGA Championship.

New age

State golf associations see success with lowered mid-am age requirement

Women golfers have been slipping through a gap between college and mid-amateur players. State associations are trying to close that gap by reducing age requirements. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

A burgeoning community

Donna Hoffman revels in construction of Women On Course

Building on an idea designed to get more women fishing, Donna Hoffman is connecting more and more women to the game of golf through Women On Course. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

Susan Hess builds Golftini from the ground up

Frustrated by a lack of fashionable golf wear for women, Susan Hess did what any self-motivated stay-at-home mom would do – she started her own apparel company. Golftini is now a leading women's apparel brand.

Whole new ballgame

AGA’s Women’s Amateur Championship an important step forward

The Amateur Golf Alliance saw a need in elite-level women's golf and has filled that need with the Women's Amateur Championship. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

Fashion forward

Susan Hess builds Golftini from the ground up

Frustrated by a lack of fashionable golf wear for women, Susan Hess did what any self-motivated stay-at-home mom would do - she started her own apparel company. Golftini is now a leading women's apparel brand. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

Courtney Trimble guides women into golf industry

After a long career as a player and college coach, Courtney Trimble started Fore Hire as a way to bring former female college golfers into the golf industry.

Opening doors

Courtney Trimble guides women into golf industry

After a long career as a player and college coach, Courtney Trimble started Fore Hire as a way to bring former female college golfers into the golf industry. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

Imperative progress

USGA strives to elevate women’s game

The USGA continues to move forward with promoting and elevating women's golf, and it starts with being willing to shake things up a bit. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

TaylorMade Golf Sold To South Korean Consortium

Quietly last week, while Nelly Korda, Mone Inami, Lydia Ko and Aditi Ashok captured the consciousness of the golf world at the Tokyo Olympics, the TaylorMade Golf Company changed hands. Our Jim Nugent has the story.

Dartmouth Golf Elimination A Sad And Shocking Story (update)

One day after a GGP+ story publicized the illogical elimination of the men's and women's golf programs at Dartmouth College, the school reinstated the programs. Read the original story, along with an update.

History Infuses Birmingham’s National Senior-Junior Stewardship

John Birmingham, who passed away Thursday, was a steadfast leader of the National Senior-Junior Championship with a long history in amateur golf. His story, originally posted on Jan. 8, 2019, is republished today to honor him.

Converting Rainsuits To PPE

It turns out that, if necessary, golf rain suits can be pressed into service as personal protective equipment for the world’s front-line caregivers. Our Jim Nugent has the story of how golf-industry folks stepped up to help.

USGA Officials Happy With Rules Despite PGA Tour Complaints

If USGA CEO Mike Davis and his very capable rules colleague Thomas Pagel were the least bit concerned about some of the issues that have arisen in the professional game so far, it was not evident in San Antonio, writes Jim Nugent. “Change for some people isn’t as easy as it is for others,” Davis said.

Jones Cup Bolsters Its Mid-Amateur Presence

The Jones Cup, the season opener for significant amateur tournament play that started on Friday, has a larger contingent of mid-amateur players this year than in the recent past. Jim Nugent reports on the return of the career amateur, led by 2018 U.S. Mid-Amateur champion Kevin O'Connell, to Ocean Forest Golf Club.

The USGA’s Walker Cup Quandary

Six potential players for the U.S. Walker Cup team turned down an invitation to a recent practice session. Post publisher Jim Nugent, a close observer of the amateur scene, looks at the problems the USGA faces in team selection for the prestigious amateur competition with Great Britain and Ireland.