Tucked into 1,210 acres of rolling, sandy terrain in the Carolina Sandhills, a new haven for purists is taking shape. Candyroot Lodge, located an hour from both Charlotte and Columbia, South Carolina, has completed shaping on its first 18-hole course, designed by Mike Koprowski to celebrate the timeless art of ground-game golf.
With grassing underway, preview play officially launches Oct. 28. Access is intentionally intimate, capped at 40 golfers per day Wednesday through Sunday. For $175, “A Day at Candyroot” pass grants unlimited play, select food and beverages, a welcome pouch and a branded Stanley water bottle. A forecaddie is required but priced separately.
Golfers seeking early access can purchase passes on Candyroot’s website starting Sept. 8, with email subscribers receiving four hours of advance entry.
Master-planned by Hart Howerton, the retreat’s long-term vision includes four championship courses, a Michelle Wie West-designed par-3 course and restorative wellness experiences. But for now, the spotlight shines on its inaugural 18 — a sandy canvas ready for its first players.
AUTUMN ON THE VINEYARD
While summer on Martha’s Vineyard brings packed tee sheets and peak prices, autumn unveils the true charm of Farm Neck Golf Club.
Fresh off a comprehensive refurbishment by architect Mark Mungeam – honored by GolfInc as a 2026 Renovation of the Year – the historic public course shines brightest during the shoulder season. In September and October, green fees plummet, tee availability rises, and the island’s coastal weather remains idyllic.
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Spanning 425 acres with ocean views on 10 holes, the layout traded its old parkland vibe for a native sandplain grassland habitat. Replanted fescues and sedges transform from summer gold to vibrant shades of purple and cinnamon in the fall, framing firm, fast-playing fairways.
“The off-season golf and weather here have never been better,” says general manager Tim Sweet. “It’s just way more affordable compared to the high season.”
Beyond the course, shoulder-season visitors enjoy cheaper lodging, easy ride-shares, and island cultural events such as the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival in Vineyard Haven, Sept. 8-13. Days later, the focus shifts to live music during the Martha’s Vineyard Songwriters Festival, Sept. 17-20 at the historic Strand Theater in Oak Bluffs.
PUNTA MITA GOURMET & GOLF
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic returns Nov. 5-8 to Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, blending elite gastronomy with championship play across a private 1,500-acre peninsula.
This year’s milestone gathering features a star-studded culinary roster, including three-Michelin-star chef Mauro Colagreco, Hawaiian icon Sam Choy, and James Beard Award winner Christopher Kostow. Wine pairings will be guided by industry figures such as Argentine winemaker Laura Catena and Monte Xanic CEO Hans Bachoff.
On the fairways, participants will play Punta Mita’s two Jack Nicklaus Signature courses, Bahia and Pacifico, alongside Mexican golf legend Lorena Ochoa. New for 2026, the festivities launch Nov. 4 with “Poker & Paradise,” hosted by Ochoa and former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Larry Brown.
The weekend highlights include the two-round Punta Mita Golf Cup, an anniversary gala at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, and a farewell brunch overlooking the famed “Tail of the Whale” island green. Ticket packages start at $800.
