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LPGA Tour

Inbee Park: “Definitely wanting to win another Evian Championship.”

Inbee Park looking forward to a second win at Evian Golf Club, and also starting engines for The Olympics.

July 21, 2021

Inbee Park

Evian-les-Bains, France

Evian Resort Golf Club
Press Conference

THE MODERATOR: We’re going to get started with Inbee Park. Welcome back to the media center for the Amundi Evian Championship. Here with Inbee Park, appearing in her 13th event of the LPGA season, a win at the Kia Classic and six other top-10 finishes. Here she’s making her 11th appearance at the Evian Resort Golf Club with a victory at the 2012 Evian Masters. Welcome back, Inbee. We all missed being here last year. How good of a feeling was it to see Lake Geneva and to see all the beautiful sights here in Evian.

INBEE PARK: Yeah, it was really great to be back here and I didn’t know until I came here how much I missed this place. It is so beautiful. Obviously the weather was just amazing the last three days, and the golf course is in really, really good shape. Hopefully the weather just holds on until Sunday so we play this beautiful golf course for all four days.

Yeah, like I said, really great to be back here in a beautiful place. Didn’t think that I missed it this much, but as soon as I arrived here at the hotel, at the golf course, and just the view of the venue here is just amazing.

THE MODERATOR: You mentioned the course; our lead rules official is saying this is the best he’s ever seen it and that’s amazing considering how much rain it’s received over the past two months. You’ve had a couple days to see the golf course, reacquaint yourself. How does it look out there for this championship week?

INBEE PARK: Yeah, it is probably the best I’ve seen. I think after they did the renovation this is definitely the best condition I have seen this golf course. The first day when I did the practice round it was a little bit soft, but today I played the pro-am in the morning and it was firming up nicely.

In the next couple days without the rain, I think the course is going to play firm and fast, which is how we want to play this golf course.

The greens are very tricky still, whether they’re slow or fast. You’re always going to struggle on these greens trying to read the putts. There’s a lot of slopes on these greens, so you’ve got to be careful of that, and the rough is thick, so you have to be in the fairways and you have to be putting well.

THE MODERATOR: Beyond the winning moment from 2012, what are the biggest moments you remember from that week here in 2012 when you won?

INBEE PARK: Well, I remember because that was the second win of my LPGA Tour career and the first win traveling with my husband. It was a very special moment.

Out of all the like 20 wins I’ve done with my husband, this is definitely the first one and the best one because it was the first one.

It has a really special place in my heart, and just the moment — I felt like that week I putted so well on these greens. I felt like I struggled a lot on these greens over a few years before heading into 2012 Evian, but somehow 2012 the putting was just working really well. I was trying to work out why, but still couldn’t figure out why the putting in 2012. Hopefully another year of putting like that in 2012.

THE MODERATOR: What is it with you and your putting? Has that always been a strength of your game.

INBEE PARK: I think so. I think my putting has been — always been above average. I have been having these years that I was putting really, really good, and then I had the years that I’m putting above average but not as good as other years, but I think my putting always has been really good, I think, overall.

I definitely have those weeks where I don’t putt well at all, but that’s normal with putting. I don’t try to be too greedy with the putter. When I try to be too greedy with the putter, you’re not making many putts. Just trying to be very calm and very nice to my putter so it works. Sometimes I put a good stroke on it and it doesn’t go in. Sometimes I put a bad stroke on it and it goes in.

You just don’t know. It’s golf. Especially putting is just something that I still can’t figure out.

THE MODERATOR: You can’t figure it out but you have it and you can’t explain it. It’s a strange thing.

Q. You did win the Evian Masters in 2012 but what would it mean to get a win here and add another major title? Do you feel any pressure to add that to your resume?

INBEE PARK: That is definitely one thing I’ve always wanted to do. I definitely won in 2012 but it wasn’t a major. It became a major, they redid the golf course, and we’re playing a little bit different of a golf course. Obviously becoming a major, definitely wanting to win another Evian Championship. Yeah, this year I think would be a really good year to do it, as well, coming into the Tokyo Olympics and obviously the course is in really, really good shape.

I really want to play well on this type of a golf course. Yeah, it’s really going to come down to putting because I played the pro-am the last couple days and a practice round, still can’t exactly figure out every putt. Sometimes it breaks a lot more than I think and sometimes it just breaks the other way.

Just trying to learn the greens. I did homework for the last three days and hopefully that pays off for the weekend.

Q. You mentioned the Olympics; what is the anticipation level for these Olympics as you hope to defend your gold medal? You said this is what has kept you playing is the opportunity to play in Tokyo. What are you feeling as you get ready for this week?

INBEE PARK: Well, I think it has been definitely a big motivation of mine going to 2021 Olympics. I was able to achieve my goal and qualify for the spot.

Yeah, really excited to be going to the second Olympics of my career, and I feel like I’m in a little better shape than I was in 2016, so I feel a little better.

Yeah, just really, really excited. I know it’s going to be a little bit different, obviously, with the COVID, but I still think Olympics is Olympics, and yeah, we’re just going to have a lot of fun.

Q. You talked about 2016 and your injury, and I think that story and that comeback is one of golf’s great stories. What was it like that year of 2016 wanting to play, not knowing if you could, taking the time off and then, oh, hello, I’m going to come win gold?

INBEE PARK: Yeah, that was probably the most mysterious thing that I’ve probably ever done in my whole entire career. Still can’t figure out how. I worked really hard to play in 2016 Rio Olympics.

A little different preparation to 2020 Tokyo because 2016 I probably took two, three months off before heading into the Olympics and just worked on my game, no competition at all.

But this year I feel good, no injuries, so I am just playing the tournaments before so I can get the good feel of competition.

It’s going to be hard to beat the last one for sure, but hopefully this way works, as well.

Q. What are your plans over the next week? When do you head to Tokyo and what your plans from there?

INBEE PARK: Yeah, I go back to Korea after this week and then leave to Tokyo on Saturday.

Q. Continuing on the Olympics question, in all of the victories that you’ve had in your career, how do you rank the Olympics with the majors? Which would be more important to you?

INBEE PARK: I think for the rareness of it, the Olympics is definitely number one. I have seven majors and one Olympic gold. For the rareness, I’d say the best accomplishment I ever had is the gold medal.

Q. Is there one in all these accomplishments that really stands out outside of the Olympics?

INBEE PARK: 2013 was a very special year for me, winning the three majors in the same year. I can’t really tell you one of that, but I think just that year, just that whole entire year was just a very special year for me with the three majors.

Q. Any special preparation other than playing a lot this time that you’re doing, and have you played in Japan before?

INBEE PARK: I have played in Japan about two to three years in Japanese Tour in and out a little bit. Not full time, but I have played about 10 events every year for about three years, so I am familiar with the Japanese golf courses, and I have played on many of their golf courses.

Q. Have you played the Olympic course?

INBEE PARK: No.

Q. This time a year ago was so strange; I know you said you didn’t realize how much you missed it until you got back, but can you put into context kind of where we were a year ago right now and certainly where we need to still be having our masks but feel like we’re somehow getting back to normal?

INBEE PARK: You know, I thought it was coming back to normal, especially the last couple of months or so when everything was just calming down. Then this delta virus came in, and in Korea we’re having the most cases ever in the last couple years.

We thought we were going the right direction, and then now it feels like it’s going backwards. I know it’s going to be a very tough battle for everybody, and hopefully we all get together and get through this.

Q. Following from the Olympics, of course three years’ time the Olympics will be in France, in Paris. Can you see yourself playing in that?

INBEE PARK: Well, I can tell you that I didn’t see myself playing in 2020 Tokyo, but I am here, so I don’t know. Maybe 2024 in Paris. It is definitely a beautiful place and a place I always wanted to go.

Yeah, I mean, it would be nice, but I don’t know if I’ll be there. I’m not sure.

Q. You play quite a lot of golf, obviously, in the buildup to this, I take it you’re going to play the Women’s Open, as well, at Carnoustie. What’s your schedule like after that? Are you going to put your feet up a bit or carry on playing as often as this?

INBEE PARK: Yeah, I think I’m going to play this one and the Olympics and the British Open, and then I’ll take probably three, four weeks off after that.

Q. Going to the Olympics and talking about the gender equality between the men’s side of the game and the women’s side, do you feel that the Olympics puts the two sides on equal footing, and if so or if not, why? What are your thoughts on that?

INBEE PARK: You mean the competition level?

Q. For the competition, for the golf, for the overall experience.

INBEE PARK: Well, I think for my perspective, I think the Olympics is definitely the venue and definitely the place that I really want to experience. I think most of the girls probably think like that. But I don’t know, like the men’s, I’ve seen the news that a few of them pulled out of the Olympics, and I know definitely they have a lot more schedule than we do, and sometimes everyone’s choice could be different.

Yeah, I think the level, the field that we’re getting, I think the women’s field definitely gets — I guess if you — let’s say 60 girls have qualified, then probably 58, probably like more than 90 percent is going to stay or want to compete. Out of the men’s maybe just a little less percentage than that.

Yeah, I think the level of getting involved is probably a little less.

Q. But when you’re on-site, is it pretty much — it seems to be the same, the men’s week and the women’s week as far as the atmosphere and experience?

INBEE PARK: I think it is actually probably the most equal golf tournament that we’ll ever see, definitely. The PGA TOUR events and LPGA events, there’s definitely some gap of difference, but Olympics is definitely — I felt like it was the same week.

Q. What did you do during the COVID period? Were you practicing or training or did you create another hobby, another interest to occupy yourself and get away from the COVID stress?

INBEE PARK: I think in the first month or so I kind of took some time off from golf. After that I started practicing and training because I didn’t know when we were going to come back and play.

Nothing like new hobby or anything, I just lived a normal life, just training and practicing.

Q. And resting up?

INBEE PARK: And resting. In Korea. I spent most of the COVID time in Korea.

Q. Do you have a good luck charm or a fetish that helps you win all these majors and that is really key to you when you’re going to play in the Olympics and everywhere else?

INBEE PARK: My dog, Rio. He’s a golden retriever, and I got him after I won the gold in Rio Olympics. Since then Rio has been my most precious thing and most lucky — the best lucky charm I’ll ever have.

Q. What are your thoughts about the media coverage for the Olympics; is it equal?

INBEE PARK: I think it is very similar and very fair. As a woman’s perspective I think it is definitely the best week.

THE MODERATOR: You mentioned your husband earlier; you always have your small group that you’re with, you have Gi, you have Brad, you have So Yeon, your best friend. Has that been important to you throughout your career to have that group with you and maybe your home space when you’re on the road?

INBEE PARK: Yeah, we have a new person in our group, Danielle Kang, as well, and she would be feeling sad if we left her out. But yeah, it is always great to have good company like that. This is — the LPGA Tour traveling and just eating meals by yourself is just so miserable. No matter how good a golf you play, I don’t think you’re going to be feeling too happy. It’s always great to have some good people around me like that. Yeah, I’m very lucky.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you so much, Inbee. Good luck this week. We’ll see you out there.

Press Release by ASAP Sports

Categories
LPGA Tour

Lydia Ko: “It’s a place where I’ve had a lot of good memories.”

The Amundi Evian Championship 2021 / Lydia Ko: Getty Images

July 20, 2021
Lydia Ko
Evian Resort Golf Club
Quick Quotes

Q. Lydia, got to be a good feeling to finally be back here in Evian. How are you doing right now?

LYDIA KO:

Yeah, obviously we missed it last year, so definitely good to be back. It’s a place where I’ve had a lot of good memories, so, yeah, weather is beautiful and hopefully it stays that way the rest of the week.

Q. I obviously know what they are, but in your voice tell us some of the great memories you got here.

LYDIA KO:

My final round here the year that I won in ’15 is probably some of the best golf that I’ve played. You know, I think when I was out of position I played smart and I finished really strong with a couple birdies in my last two holes.
So, yeah, in general, I used to be an Evian ambassador, so I feel like I have that connection with Franck and Jacques, and obviously Rolex is obviously a huge supporter of this event, so hopefully do them proud.

Q. You finished up the first practice round. We’ve had of a lot rain here over the last week, but how is the course looking?

LYDIA KO:

I thought it was going to be really wet after seeing the email about how much rain this course is kind of received, but it’s actually pretty dry considering.
I just don’t know how much — like what extent the rain was. It’s drier than some time we’ve dominate come who are is looking pretty pure.

Q. How is your game feeling right now?

LYDIA KO:

I had so much fun playing with Danielle last week. I had a couple not-so-good shots that kind of put us out of contention on this Friday.
But, no, hopefully that gives me good momentum coming here and just enjoy it and see what happens.

Q. And we’re in for a busy couple weeks. Here, Olympics, AIG. How are you going to be managing your time?

LYDIA KO:

Yeah, going to take next week off, go home it Orlando for a few days and then I’ll be doing Olympics and the two Scottish events and have a pretty big break after that. Yeah, this is an important and big stretch for me.
So just making sure that I’m physically feeling good as well as mentally.

Press Release by ASAP Sports

Categories
Amateur Tours

Junior Ryder Cup Cancelled

2018 Ryder Cup - Junior Ryder Cup GolfSixes

JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE PGA OF AMERICA AND RYDER CUP EUROPE

The PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe today jointly announced the cancellation of this year’s Junior Ryder Cup due to ongoing travel issues for the European Junior Ryder Cup party. The match was scheduled to take place at Blue Mound Golf & Country Club in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, from September 20-21.
 
We are deeply disappointed for the talented young athletes on both sides of the Atlantic who were working hard to earn a place in this wonderful match. First played in 1997, the contest between six boys and six girls from the United States and Europe, all aged 18 years and under, will return in Italy in 2023. 
 
The PGA of America will welcome U.S. Junior Ryder Cup team members to Whistling Straits for an exhibition match on Wednesday, September 22. The team will also be introduced at the Ryder Cup Opening Ceremony and invited to watch Friday’s Ryder Cup competition.
 
The 43rd Ryder Cup will take place from September 21-26 at Whistling Straits in Kohler, Wisconsin. Plans remain on course to hold the contest with full spectator attendance and under the guidance of public health authorities.

Interview transcript by the European Tour Communications

Categories
Apparel

Galvin Green launches second installment of “Gameday” collection

Galvin Green Gameday Collection

Leading golf apparel brand Galvin Green has built on its award-winning ‘GameDay’ Part One range with the introduction of a 2021 Part Two collection inspired by the uncompromising precision of computer-generated technologies, matched with long-lasting garments that offer exceptional performance in all weather conditions.

Designed for golfers by golfers, the collection includes a host of new products for men, women and juniors – including an array of INSULA™ sweaters made 100% from recycled plastic bottles that recently won a prestigious global Sports Technology Award for Sustainability.

Designs inspired by uncompromising precision and featuring new Golf Green colour tone

Adopting a scientific approach to the latest styling, Galvin Green designers magnified pixels in complex technical patterns to produce complete creations that merge precise elements into pure performance. They also took the opportunity to create a new Golf Green colour tone that features throughout the collection, highlighting the brand’s exclusive focus on golf and its commitment to a ‘Greener’ future.

“It’s in our DNA to do things by design and at pixel level there is a carefully calculated choice built into every detail of our clothing,” said Designer Batur Raza Muhammad. “Once zoomed out, we’ve produced a series of stunning garments that will give golfers the feel-good factor along with pure performance in all playing conditions. We believe these bright and bold designs will prove particularly popular with our ever-growing fan base of younger golfers.

“With the creation of the Golf Green tone, we wanted to establish an iconic colour to reflect our strong environmental credentials and hopefully, become as synonymous with the game of golf as Racing Green is with British motor racing,” he added.

Galvin Green compromises with the world’s needs and wears Eco-friendly

Combining the most advanced fabrics available from around the world with the Science of Excellence, each garment offers comfort and style both on and off the course. Around 70% of the collection is now produced using environmental Bluesign® approved fabric or certified by OEKO-TEX® 100 to cover thread and buttons as well as fabric. Labels and packaging also come in eco-friendly formats.

New to the wide range of men’s GORE-TEX waterproofs is the ABE jacket. Constructed from Bluesign® approved fabric, the jacket is 100% waterproof and windproof, while remaining extremely breathable. Available in three sleek colourways including Sharkskin, the jacket features a lightweight mesh lining and repositioned side seams for optimum comfort. In the popular GORE-TEX Paclite™ style, the lightweight APOLLO full-zip jacket now comes in Golf Green among seven colour choices.

Galvin Green 2021 Part Two collection

In the men’s versatile INTERFACE-1™ range, the fully windproof hybrid LUCAS jacket with a water repellent finish now comes in five colour options, including Golf Green.

An addition to the INSULA™ sweater eco-generation range, the DAMIAN offers additional padding on the shoulders and back for extra warmth made from 100% recyclable polyester from Thermore®. The sweater is extremely breathable, while maintaining a warming effect #3 – the highest level of warmth in the category. It comes in both Navy and Black options.

Headlining the vibrant VENTIL8™PLUS shirt range, the MAC, MADDOX and MARSHALL styles showcase the inspiration behind the range, with innovative pixel designs in bright and bold colours. The shirts provide UV 20+ protection and come in a Quickdry stretch fabric for improved comfort. Other new styles are the MARCO and MORTON.

A new ETHAN vest with a pixel print has been added to the SKINTIGHT™ thermal base layer range.

Galvin Green seeks the quality versus comfort balance.

New to the women’s GORE-TEX range, the ANYA lined jacket is made from Bluesign® approved fabric. The extremely lightweight and windproof jacket is treated with environmentally friendly PFC (EC) Free water repellency and 100% waterproof. It features two front pockets, one inside chest pocket, plus a two-way zipper and adjustable cuffs for greater comfort. Available in Grey and Navy colour options.
An expanded INTERFACE-1™ range of windproof and water-repellent jackets and bodywarmers includes a super-soft, extremely breathable LESLIE jacket, with shaped sleeves for easy movement and a level #2 warming effect. The jacket comes in a standout White/Silver colour combination.
The attractive DOLLY sweater joins the INSULA™ range, offering style and comfort in equal measure, thanks to the super-soft and stretchy quick dry fabric that allows complete freedom of movement, while remaining both warm and breathable.
Additions to the VENTIL8™PLUS shirt range include the stylish MAIA that offers golfers UV 20+ protection and comes in Blue Bell/White and Navy/White. The new PETRA shorts round out the collection, providing female golfers with an alternative to the popular skirt, skort and trouser ranges.
The comprehensive selection of accessories includes more caps, belts and unisex visors, plus the ever-popular functional rain hats and snoods.
An expanded junior collection features the new REINE windproof jacket and a trendy INTERFACE-1™ hoodie ROBBIE.
Press Release by Galvin Green

Categories
Highlights Tours

New Super Premium gin brand named Official Supplier and Licensee of the 2023 Ryder Cup

Old Tom Gin will be the official Gin supplier of the Ryder Cup 2023. (Photo: Ryder Cup Europe / Background: Getty Images)
Old Tom Gin will be the official Gin supplier of the Ryder Cup 2023. (Photo: Ryder Cup Europe / Background: Getty Images)

Old Tom Gin 1821, a new and exclusive luxury gin brand, has been named as an Official Supplier and Licensee of the 2023 Ryder Cup which will take place at Marco Simone, in Italy, from September 29 to October 1, 2023.

Founded by entrepreneurial father and son duo, Giorgio and Gino Cozzolino, Old Tom Gin 1821 was created in St. Andrews, the recognised ‘Home of Golf’, and distilled using the finest Sicilian oranges with hints of ginger, juniper and cardamon. The ‘Super Premium’ gin symbolises a harmonious marriage between Giorgio’s Italian homeland and his love for the Scottish town, where he has resided for the last six years.

Old Tom Gin to be provided at prestigious venues

Having already attained credibility within the high-end drinks market, Old Tom Gin 1821 is set to become the gin label of choice for consumers at prestigious venues and iconic sporting events worldwide, affirmed by this early sponsorship deal. In the build-up to golf’s greatest team contest, consumers can enjoy the stylish packaging and limited-edition decanter-style bottle which incorporates the official Ryder Cup branding and a certified Bohemian crystal stopper.

Giorgio Cozzolino said: “We wanted to create a leading, Super Premium gin brand synonymous with quality and sophistication, and we believe we have successfully achieved that with the launch of Old Tom Gin 1821.

“Having introduced a cosmopolitan, indulgent drinks product to market that we are confident will become a timeless classic, we are keen to begin growing our wider lifestyle brand with additional products that will attract and indulge the premium demographic.

“We are extremely thrilled to be an Official Supplier and Licensee of such a renowned sporting event so early on in our journey – and one that’s so close to our hearts. This achievement is purely representative of the quality of Old Tom Gin 1821 and we are excited for what lies ahead.”

Ryder Cup Director: “We are delighted”

Guy Kinnings, European Tour Deputy CEO, Ryder Cup Director and Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Old Tom Gin 1821 to the sponsorship family of the Ryder Cup.

“As well as being recognised as one of the world’s greatest sporting contests, the Ryder Cup also rejoices in blending the rich history and traditions of golf with the future of the game, which is why the association with a company which links together the spiritual home of our sport in Scotland to our next home venue in Italy, is so fitting.

“We also continually reference the growing commercial appeal of the Ryder Cup and the fact we are able to announce this latest partnership some two and a half years in advance of the contest itself, simply reinforces that fact.”
Press Release by European Tour Communication

Categories
Europe

Exclusive golf club in France’s Loire Valley now offers 46 world-class holes

Gil Hanse on his newly designed course at the Les Bordes Golf Club (Photo: theazaleagroup.com)

GIL HANSE-DESIGNED NEW COURSE DEBUTS AT LES BORDES

Exclusive golf club in France’s Loire Valley now offers 46 world-class holes

12 July, 2021: The gift-wrapping has been taken off Les Bordes’ eagerly awaited New Course, with architect Gil Hanse taking time out from his busy schedule to unveil his first golf-course design project in continental Europe at the start of this month.

Hanse travelled from his home in America to France’s famous Loire Valley to give his personal seal of approval to the new layout, hitting the inaugural tee shot prior to members flying in from across the world to experience his new creation.

In direct contrast to Les Bordes’ Old Course, the New Course features a more traditional heathland style. When combined with the 10-hole short course – the Wild Piglet, also created by Hanse and opened in 2020 – members of Les Bordes Golf Club will receive one of the greatest golfing experiences in the world.

Hanse comments on the project and his love for France

Hanse said: “We’ve never built anything in continental Europe and we wanted to make sure that our first project was going to be something special, and Les Bordes gave us that opportunity. I have always loved visiting France, and to have the chance to create this course and leave a lasting legacy in such a beautiful part of the world makes me particularly proud.

“The golf facilities at Les Bordes are on a par with anywhere else in the world. When you consider the variety and contrast of the Old and New, the originality and quality of design coupled with the Wild Piglet and Himalayas putting green, across the board there are outstanding facilities for serious golf and fun golf – and there are very few places who can say that.

“One of the challenges that we were excited to accept was to have the chance to build a golf course on the same estate as (the Old Course), a course that has been ranked as the best in Europe.

“There are elements of a number of golf courses (in the New Course) including a lot of the great heathland courses around London and Paris. I think that I am always influenced by Pine Valley, which is very near to my home, and I think that some of the scale of National Golf Links is apparent out there too. If you roll all of those into one, I think that’s a pretty good recipe.

“With the three golf courses and the amenities that are already in place and the ones that are coming, I can’t see how Les Bordes won’t be considered one of the finest golfing destinations in Europe or in the world.”

Set 90 minutes south of Paris in France’s magical Sologne Forest, the New Course fits harmoniously into its surroundings, with the fairways blending seamlessly into the natural vegetation and trees, and maximum care and attention was taken by Hanse and his team to clear the location and preserve the natural environment.

Featuring large bunkers, subtle elevation changes and incredible green complexes, the layout measures 7,211 yards from the back tees but, in contrast to the Old Course, is expected to play shorter than its overall length due to the firm and fast playing conditions.

Jack Laws, director of golf at Les Bordes, said: “The opening of the New Course is a significant landmark in the history of Les Bordes and the culmination of many years of hard work from Gil and his team, and everyone here on the estate.

“The New Course is an outstanding golf course with truly exceptional architecture. It’s incredibly exciting what Gil has achieved here, and its addition means that our members and guests will be in the enviable position of being able to enjoy two world-class, but very different golfing experiences.”

The opening of the New Course headlines three years of investment at Les Bordes, developing a community where all family members have endless possibilities for fun and adventure. Completed on-site amenities include natural swimming lakes and pools, beaches, watersports, go-karting, fishing, equestrian, petting farm and biking and walking trails.

Future investment plans include an announced partnership with Six Senses for the transformation of the 19th century ‘Chateau Bel Air’ into a luxury hotel and spa, a village square with shops and restaurants and a variety of residential homes in various styles, as well as an equestrian centre, an organic farm, an art gallery and outdoor amphitheatre.

Press release written and distributed on behalf of Les Bordes by Azalea

Categories
European Challenge Tour

Manley triumphs in Austria to secure third Challenge Tour title

Stuart Manly wins the Challenge Tours Euram Bank Open. (Photo: Getty Images)

Stuart Manley claimed his third Challenge Tour title in dramatic fashion after recording a birdie on the last hole to secure a one-stroke victory at the Euram Bank Open.

The Welshman had three holes to play this morning after the third round was suspended on Saturday night due to thunderstorms and heavy rain and trailed 54-hole leader Matias Honkala by one stroke.

After playing his first nine holes in level par after two birdies and a double bogey, he made his move at the turn after posting four consecutive birdies from the tenth hole. Tied for the lead with Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson on the par three 18th tee, he fired his tee shot to 15 feet and rolled the putt in for an 18 under par total and his third victory on the Challenge Tour.

The 42-year-old, who last won on the Challenge Tour in June 2018 at the Hauts de France Golf Open is delighted to be back in the winners’ circle once again.

“It feels amazing,” he said. “It’s been a tricky year with an injury just before South Africa, I almost thought the season was going to be over and to be here now with the winner’s trophy is amazing.

“I could feel the adrenaline pumping (on the 18th). I chose a six iron, I had 200 yards – a six iron doesn’t quite go 200 yards – but I thought just hit it firm and hit it harder, the adrenaline will take over. It landed right by the pin and went about 15 feet past, so it was a great opportunity. I knocked it in and I’m over the moon.”

Manley who has played at Golfclub Adamstal many times admits that it is suited to his game but says that he had to be patient throughout in order to have the outcome that he did.

“I had to have patience and really good management on my game,” said Manley. “I didn’t hit it amazing, but I hit it pretty solid. I made a lot of putts, my chipping was spot on, everything was pretty good I didn’t hit in trouble all week, so just the patience and short game was really good.

“The golf course is amazing, probably the most scenic golf course I’ve ever played and the condition it was in today after we had all that rain yesterday was amazing, so yeah I really like the golf course.”

“It is tough, physically more than anything, I got off the golf course just before nine o’clock and then you’re trying to find a restaurant to eat and then you need your sleep and your rest but then you have to be back at the golf club for about six this morning..”

Ferguson recorded his fourth top-four finish of the season with his runner-up result, matching his performance at this event in 2019.

In a share of third on 16 under par were South African Oliver Bekker, ranked fifth on the Road to Mallorca Rankings, and Honkala.

Hinrich Arkenau of Germany finished fifth on 15 under, with Chase Hanna and Federico Maccario sharing sixth place after rounds of 66.

With his victory, Manley jumps to 20th place on the Road to Mallorca Rankings after his third event of the season. Spain’s Santiago Tarrio still leads on 110,993 points, with Frenchman Julien Brun and German Marcel Siem occupying second and third place, respectively.

The Road to Mallorca continues next week in Italy, with the Italian Challenge at Margara Golf Club, from July 22-25.

Categories
Highlights Tours

Louis Oosthuizen: “You can’t be thinking about bad rounds when you start the next one. You’ve got to shake that off quickly”

Louis Oosthuizen during his first round of the British Open 2021. (Photo: Getty Images)

MIKE WOODCOCK: We’d like to welcome clubhouse leader and former Open Champion, Louis Oosthuizen into the interview room. Louis, great round of 64 today, 6-under par. You got into a great rhythm there in seemed, obviously played very well. What are your thoughts on today’s round?

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: Yeah, probably in my mind the perfect round I could have played. I didn’t make many mistakes. When I had good opportunities for birdie, I made the putts. So yeah, just a very good solid round.

Q. Since you won The Open in 2010 you’ve had a remarkable record of nearly winning other majors. Except when a person like me mentioned it, does that play on your mind at all?

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: It gives me confidence going into majors knowing that I’m still competing in them and I’ve still got chances of winning. But yeah, once the week starts, I need to get that out of my mind and just focus on every round and every shot.

But it definitely puts me in a better frame of mind going into the week.

Q. Given that, how long does it take you to get past a near miss like you had at the PGA a couple months ago?

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: Yeah, it depends if you lost it or someone else beat you. I think in both of those I was beaten by better golf at the end there. It takes a little while, but it’s sort of — you have to get over it quickly, otherwise it’s going to hold you back to perform again.

But yeah, I tried to take a few days and just try and forget about it and see if I can get myself ready for the next one.

Q. You’ve got an uncanny ability to bounce back, whether it’s bouncing back from a bogey with a birdie afterwards or whether it’s bouncing back from a tough loss at a tournament with another excellent showing and another run at the title. What do you feel is the secret to your resiliency and your ability to not let those prior things frustrate you?

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: I don’t know. No, I don’t know. I feel if you do the work that you feel you should have done to get ready for a tournament and you left everything sort of out on the course, then there’s not much more that you can do.

I always try and — I do get upset on shots if I hit bad shots and things like that, but I try and always be at the best mindset for the next golf shot and the next tournament or the next round.

I try and not think too much of mistakes that you make on the golf course. I try and focus on every time hitting the best shot that I can hit, and I feel that’s the only way you can sort of go forward in this game.

Louis Oosthuizen is questioned on the strategy of the course and how his experienced caddie can be beneficial.

Q. Just wondering, can you talk a little bit about the strategy of playing this golf course? Obviously there’s quite a lot of strategy involved in playing it well, and the role your caddie is playing in formulating that strategy, being the experienced man there in Colin Byrne.

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: Yeah, I think number one, on this golf course it’s hit the fairway. You’re not going to be able to do much from the rough here or the fairway bunkers. Coming into this week driving the ball good is key. If you aren’t comfortable with a driver around this golf course, then don’t be scared laying further back, as long as you can get in the fairway.

Colin has been great on the bag. He’s got so much experience and helps me to be focused on what I want to do and take the shot on, the shot that I see.

I think out here in windy conditions like this, you need to be — you need to go on what you feel the whole time. It is difficult for the caddie to see what you think you want to do, so it’s great that he gives me a lot of confidence in trying to play the shot I want to play.

Q. I know it’s a tough start there, but you had seven straight pars to begin your round. How were you feeling at that point standing on the eighth tee and did you feel like there was any chance you were going to shoot 64?

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: Yeah, seven pars, I think I probably would have taken seven pars again. I’ve learnt over the years playing major championships that patience is the key thing, and even if you make bogeys, know that a lot of people are going to make bogeys.

I was just very patient. I was trying to just hit my shots and didn’t really hit anything close enough to make birdies those first few holes, and then all of a sudden just made two good putts on 8 and 9 and got the ball rolling. It happened quickly, but you still need to put yourself in those positions, and I felt definitely the last 10, 11 holes I gave myself a lot of opportunities.

Q. You said earlier in the season how you’ve been working on your putting game, that that’s something you wanted to sharpen up and obviously it’s been paying huge dividends. We’ve seen you make some insanely great putts over the past few months. I was wondering what specifically you worked on or what you did to get that game up to the level that it’s at right now.

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: Yeah, most of the work I’ve done was on routine, going back to a few things that I’ve done early in my career. I think the main thing is sticking to the putter — I’ve been with that putter for a long time now, and just try and — every time I go out and do a bit of work on the putting green to just do the same work and the same drills and the same things and get into a really good routine on practice and when I get on the golf course.

You know, it’s paid off for me.

Q. You had two guys that are well known playing links golf in your pairing and they didn’t really have a very good day. Does that distract in any way, shape or form from how you’re trying to get around your 18 holes?

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: No, it didn’t. Playing with them, I didn’t really feel like they played poorly. They just — again, around this golf course, if you’re just out of position off the tee, you’re going to find it difficult to give yourself opportunities for birdies.

I just think it’s so marginal to be good off the tee and have opportunities to try and get close to the holes for your second shots. But no, it doesn’t distract me at all.

Looking at their score afterwards, I didn’t feel like they played — I thought they both were maybe level or 1-under par, and I saw they were just over par, but I didn’t really feel like they played poorly.

Q. You mentioned that you’ve stuck with the same putter now for a while. Were you previously changing every week, and if so, what happens to the naughty putters? Where do they go?

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: Yeah, I’ve got a bag there at home that I might just throw in a river someday.

Yeah, I went through a stage where I changed a lot of putters. Every week we were trying something. I realised quickly that there’s no way to find any consistency in putting if you do that.

Yeah, I found one that I really like the look of, and I sort of worked on it. There were tournaments where I felt my stroke wasn’t great, and I felt like I was working on a few things, and I would actually change that putter then for just on the round. I didn’t want to have any bad memories of that putter being not good on the day.

You know, going through all of that and sticking with it has really helped me a lot.

Q. Going back to when you say you take a few days off after something has gone wrong and you forget about it, what is your secret to forgetting a bad round?

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: I don’t know. Just forget about it. You can’t be thinking about bad rounds when you start the next one. You’ve got to shake that off quickly.

I think anyone playing professional sport can tell you that you’ve got to have a really short memory. You’ve got to just go on and work hard again and see if you can do better the next time you go out.

Q. Do you go fishing?

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: No, just spend time on the farm with the family, with the kids, and just get my head away from golf completely.

Q. Do you get on your tractor?

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: Always. I’m always on the tractor, don’t worry. I don’t need to play good or bad to be on the tractor.

Q. Do you try to remember good rounds tomorrow, or do you try to put that aside, as well?

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: No, good rounds you always try and remember. I mean, I think when you’re going through a spell where you want to try and figure a few things out, I would always go back and look at videos of when I played really well, look at good rounds I’ve played or when I know I’ve done good things on the golf course. That really helps you to see yourself play well again and to look at a few certain things, whether it’s a movement in your swing on something you were doing on the greens.

But I love going back and watching good rounds and just get some confidence from that.

Q. What model putter is it that you’re so in love with right now?

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: Man, I hope I don’t get this wrong. I think it’s the Voss — it’s the Ping. Obviously Ping, and it’s the Voss. Yeah.

Q. If you were to win a second major title, do you think that would accelerate your decision to retire and head back to the farm, or do you think it would push you to try to get a third and fourth and maybe keep playing for much longer?

LOUIS OOSTHUIZEN: No. While I’m playing, while I’m competing in the game of golf, I will be playing.

MIKE WOODCOCK: Louis, very well played today and best of luck the rest of the week.

Interview transcript by asapsports.com

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Rory Mcllory: “Yeah, it was a tricky afternoon”

Rory McIlroy during his first round of the British Open 2021. (Photo: Getty Images)

Q. Rory, thanks for joining us. Birdie at the last there. You must be happy with that finish.

RORY McILROY: Yeah, really happy with that finish. Yeah, it was a tricky afternoon. The conditions got pretty rough there in the middle of the round. The wind got up and I made a few bogeys in a row, so sort of said to myself at the turn if I could get back to even par for the day I would be happy.

To birdie the last hole and get back to even par, yeah, it’s nice to finish like that. Looking forward to getting back out there tomorrow.

Q. Well played. Nice birdie at the last. What was the biggest challenge out there today? The pace of the greens seemed to be something that troubled quite a few players. I know you left quite a few putts out there short today. Maybe that was something that troubled you.

RORY McILROY: Yeah, the greens have been slow. The whole transition of coming back to Europe and putting on these greens, I felt they were slow in Ireland, slow last week in Scotland, and they’re slow this week again.

It was Patrick left a lot short, so did Cam, I so did. I put extra weight in my putter this week to try to help that, to try to counteract the slow greens. My pace was a bit better than in practice. I was leaving some woefully short the last couple days.

The extra weight in the putter helped a little bit. Yeah, it’s just so hard. The wind was so strong and you get a putt that’s back into the wind, you really have to give it a belt to get it to the hole.

Q. And just the final birdie, how much does that mean to you? Obviously big difference being level par mentally to 1-over.

RORY McILROY: Yeah, more mentally than anything else. Obviously one shot closer to the lead. Yeah, just to battle back — I was 2-over through 7 after getting off to a good start. To battle back and shoot even par, play the last, whatever it is, 11 holes in 2-under, I was pretty pleased with that in those conditions.

Interview transcript by asapsports.com

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Bryson DeChambeau: “The driver sucks”

Bryson DeChambeau during his first round of the British Open 2021. (Photo: Getty Images)

Q. +1 for the opening round, but you only hit four fairways from 14. Despite that obviously not looking great, you must take a lot of heart that you’re still +1 and still in with a shout despite kind of wayward drives. If you straightened those up, you certainly must think you must be contending by the end of the week.

BRYSON DECHAMBEAU: Yeah, and that’s what I said yesterday or a couple days ago. If I can hit it down the middle of the fairway, that’s great, but with the driver right now, the driver sucks.

It’s not a good face for me and we’re still trying to figure out how to make it good on the mis-hits. I’m living on the razor’s edge like I’ve told people for a long time. When I did get it outside of the fairway, like in the first cut and whatnot, I catch jumpers out of there and I couldn’t control my wedges.

It’s quite finicky for me because it’s a golf course that’s pretty short, and so when I hit driver and it doesn’t go in the fairway, it’s first cut or whatever, or it’s in the hay, it’s tough for me to get it out on to the green and control that.

but when it’s in the middle of the fairway like I had it on 18, I was able to hit a nice shot to 11 feet and almost made birdie. It’s kind of living on the razor’s edge, and if I can figure out how to make that driver how to go straight and figure out the jumpers out of the rough, it would be awesome. I just can’t figure it out. It’s forever.

Q. When you’re dealing with that kind of thing with the driver, are you going to be having somebody working on that now? Did you not realise that during the practice round? What’s the dynamic of that, and how difficult is that to change in mid-stream during a tournament?

BRYSON DECHAMBEAU: I’ve realised this for years now. This has happened since 2016-17 when players stopped drawing it. There’s not very many golfers that draw it anymore. It’s not because of spin rate. Everybody thinks it’s — we’re at 2000, 1800 spin or whatever. It’s not.

It’s literally the physics and the way that they build heads now. It’s not the right design, unfortunately, and we’ve been trying to fix it and Cobra has been working their butt off to fix it, we just haven’t had any results yet.

Interview transcript by asapsports.com