Atlas Golf and Performance Center opens later this week at 17445 W. Bluemound Road in Brookfield, joining a dense cluster of indoor hitting bays, outdoor ranges, club fitting services, and lesson studios along the street. Owner Jeb Vachuska, previously the pro at Wanaki Golf Course, positions the facility as the area's first members-only venue, offering 24-hour access to seven Trackman bays and a dedicated teaching bay. This addition intensifies competition on a road already packed with golf amenities, potentially reshaping local practice options for enthusiasts.
Standing Out in a Crowded Corridor
West Bluemound Road hosts PGA Tour Superstore and Golf Galaxy for indoor ball striking, Storm’s Golf Range for outdoor sessions, Club Champion for custom fittings, and GolfTEC for instruction. Vachuska differentiates Atlas with exclusive membership perks, including round-the-clock entry unavailable elsewhere nearby. Until memberships fill, three bays remain public-facing from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., bookable by anyone, while the rest operate continuously for subscribers. A 1,000-square-foot chipping and putting zone complements the setup, and local instructors plan to book space for lessons, prioritizing member needs.
Drive, Chip and Putt Evolves with Time Incentives
Online registration opened for 2026-27 Drive, Chip and Putt qualifiers at DriveChipandPutt.com, targeting boys and girls ages 7-15 in a free program run by the Masters, USGA, and PGA of America. Local events start May 2 across 353 U.S. sites, advancing top performers through subregional and regional stages to national finals on April 4, 2027, before the Masters. Whistling Straits hosts a regional qualifier on Sept. 12. Suamico's Hallie Fisch represents Wisconsin in the Girls 12-13 national finals this April at Augusta National. A new pace-of-play bonus awards half-points for shots under 40 seconds, capping at three extra points per competitor, addressing observed delays like AimPoint green-reading. Masters Chairman Fred Ridley flagged such issues last year, hinting at time limits now realized in this youth initiative.
Pro Connections and Collectible Draws
Former Marquette teammates Hunter Eichhorn and Tyler Leach drew pairing in consecutive Korn Ferry events, including The Panama Championship where both made cuts alongside Cole Sherwood. University of Wisconsin's Sam Anderson placed T-11 there. On eBay, etched Masters tumblers invite bids from $10 with free shipping, appealing to collectors of pristine logo glassware. Wisconsin duos like Mick Smith and Jamie Christiansen earned 11th in the PGA Senior-Junior event at 21-under, claiming $2,500. Eric Popovich, after 34 years pursuing PGA Class A status, partners with Michael Grossman on Performance Golf Academy at Pin High Golf Center in Mequon, blending instruction with advanced tech. Viewership surged for The American Express, with Golf Channel averaging 515,000 over four days—up 124%—despite NFL competition on Sunday's 617,000-viewer final round. Phil Mickelson skips LIV Golf's first two 2026 events for family reasons.
