Looks like Justin Thomas and Will Zalatoris had no trouble keeping up with Adam Sandler’s antics. | @justinthomas34
That’s what I call a hole-in-one. ICYMI: “Happy Gilmore 2” recently dropped on Netflix, and you may have noticed some familiar faces. Louisville’s own Justin Thomas, a top 10 golfer in the Official World Golf Ranking, makes a cameo alongside Will Zalatoris, Scottie Scheffler, and other famous sports stars. (No spoilers on whether Thomas beats Adam Sandler in a match.)
The local pro has been busy in LOU, too. Last week, Thomas hosted the ninth annual Justin Thomas Junior Championship at Harmony Landing Country Club in Goshen. Check here for the results — who knows, a future LOU legend may have already teed off.
And Thomas isn’t just playing the hometown hero on screen. He recently helped unveil a new inclusive playground in St. Matthews, an initiative by Kentucky’s Dream Foundation.
So, feeling inspired to hit the greens and channel your inner Happy? Here are 24 local golf courses to bookmark.
Events
Events
Tuesday, Aug. 5
Ribbon Cutting | 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. | 502 Hemp at Logan Street Market, St. Matthews | Free | Celebrate the opening of this Louisville company’s second shop.
Wednesday, Aug. 6
Shakespeare in Dance: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” | Wednesday, Aug. 6-Sunday, Aug. 10 | 8 p.m. | C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater | Free | See members of the Louisville Ballet put on a magical rendition of this fantasy rom-com.
Thursday, Aug. 7
Artist Talk with Victoria Ahmadizadeh Melendez | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Speed Art Museum | Free | Join an intimate artist talk with Victoria Ahmadizadeh Melendez, the first recipient of the Adele and Leonard Leight Glass Art Award, as she shares insights into her newly commissioned installation.
Jazz Thursdays at NuLu | Thursday, Aug. 7 | 7-10 p.m. | Whiskey Thief | Free | Visit this tasting room for live jazz + classic cocktails at this weekly event.
Friday, Aug. 8
Sunflowers & Sips: A Buzz-Worthy Paint Party | 6 p.m. | A Purposeful Ponte Studio | $35 | Bring your gal pal along for this sip + paint ladies night out, where you’ll paint a sunflower mason jar — supplies are included, but BYOB.
Shane Gillis Live | 8 p.m. | KFC YUM! Center | $47+ | Laugh the evening away with this stand-up comedian who’s been featured on late-night shows like “SNL.”
Hard Times Collective announced it will close Sunday, Aug. 17. On Instagram, they shared, “More info soon, but ultimately this is a good thing for me and the business.” While we wait for more details, stop by to support and shop the vintage store on East Washington Street.
Biz
Gray Media is acquiring Block Communications’ television broadcast division — including Louisville’s WDRB and WBKI — for $80 million. The sale also includes stations in Illinois and Ohio. Gray, which already owns WAVE in Louisville, expects to finalize the deal in Q4, aiming to expand its Midwest presence and market reach. (WDRB)
Plan Ahead
Get ready to carve out some fun. This year’s Jack O’Lantern Spectacular runs Oct. 2-Nov. 2 at Iroquois Park. This year’s theme, “Jack’s Pun-King Trail: A Trailway of Wordplay,” features over 5,000 pumpkins carved with clever puns and wordplay. Tickets go on sale Sept. 1. (WLKY)
Edu
Sullivan University President Tim Swenson was placed on administrative leave yesterday, following reports of downsizing, job cuts, and the sale of its only residence hall. Glenn Sullivan, son of the university’s founder, has been named acting president, according to The Courier Journal. No further details were provided. (Courier Journal)
Community
Recycling heads up. The Bowman Field recycling drop-off site will be closed for paving August 8-11. For now, folks can use alternate nearby locations — service is expected to resume Monday, Aug. 12. On the trash side, Waste Collection crews remain on a summer schedule through August 29, meaning pickups may occur earlier than usual.
Trending
A Louisville coffee shop is going viral for its spooky season vibes. A TikTok by @anoctobersunday racked up over 6 million views, spotlighting Witches Brew — a Clifton neighborhood spot serving pumpkin spice lattes and autumnal charm year-round. The video has apparently drawn flocks of fall lovers to the shop. (Courier Journal)
Outdoors
Do you know what Kentucky’s most dangerous snakes look like? Identifying copperheads, rattlesnakes, and water moccasins could help save you in an emergency, and officials are offering guidance on how to recognize those with a deadly reputation. (LEX 56)
Sports
Cornerback Rodney Johnson Jr. is the Louisville defense’s best-kept secret. Get game coverage, analysis, insights, interviews and more from local experts of the Louisville Cardinals with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Number
20%. That’s how much you can save on our self-service ad portal thanks to our Countdown to Q4 special. Hurry — it only runs until the end of the month. Use code AUGUST20 at checkout to secure your discount.
Louisville’s craft beer may not be as well known as its bourbon, but that doesn’t mean its not worth a sip. | Photo courtesy Gravely Brewing
With 20+ local breweries crafting daily, Derby City’s beer scene is thriving. And with National IPA Day coming up this Thursday, Aug. 7, here’s your guide for where to raise a glass.
Against the Grain Public House | This award-winning brewery is Louisville’s first brewer-owned brewery with two locations in the city. ATG sells beers around the world, but you can grab one in the original location on Main Street (located in Louisville Slugger Field), where they use a 15-barrel tower brewhouse.
Akasha Brewing Company | This taproom in NuLu was started by two home brewers with 25+ years of brewing experience. Stop by to sip suds, play board games, and enjoy outdoor seating. It’s home to Fehr’s XL, a brew with plenty of local history.
Atrium Brewing | Opened in 2020, this Shelby Park brewery is known for milkshake IPAs + pastry beers. It’s the full-time home to the Red Top Dogs — a food truck serving gourmet hot dogs.
A go-to pair of running shorts to get you through hot summer workouts. This pair is under $20, has a built-in liner, and stays secure around hips thanks to a thick elastic waistband.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Howdy, friends. I’m a sucker for a good IPA. And as a North Carolinian, this Thursday I’m reaching for a Hazy Pitch from Hi-Wire Brewing, though a milkshake IPA from Atrium Brewing sounds just as refreshing. Either way, I hope you choose to enjoy something cold.