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Highlights Tours

US Masters 2024: Scottie Scheffler and The Secret to Winning Majors

Scottie Scheffler carded a flawless 66 on the first day of The Masters 2024. (Photo: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler carded a flawless 66 on the first day of The Masters 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Quite a few people believe that this 88th Masters has already been decided after the world number one made a captivating start on a difficult afternoon with unpredictable gusts of wind and conjured up a bogey-free 66 (-6) on the green. Thanks to his two victories and a second place before the first major of the year, Scottie Scheffler was already the heavy favourite at Augusta National Golf Club; the odds have been completely even since yesterday. The 27-year-old is not even in the lead.

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The Only Way to Masters Success is Through Scottie Scheffler

And it’s not as if he didn’t have any problems yesterday either. Scheffler had to get out of difficult positions several times, especially in Amen Corner, and still managed to reach 13 greens in regulation thanks to his outstanding shotmaking. “Scottie is just incredibly efficient,” said playing partner Rory McIlroy after his own round of 71: “His ability to avoid bogeys is the secret to winning majors and major golf tournaments.” There are still 54 holes to play and disaster lurks around every bend at Augusta: But it is already clear that the only way to the Green Jacket is through Scottie Scheffler. And he also has a beard again.


By Michael Basche

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Highlights Tours

ANGC Chairman: “We Support the Decisions That Have Been Made As They Have Addressed the Impact of Distance”

Fred Ridley, chairman of the August National Golf Club. (Photo: Getty)
Fred Ridley, chairman of the August National Golf Club. (Photo: Getty)

“Government statement”: Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, addressed a few things at the traditional media event ahead of the 2024 US Masters that don’t just concern the AGNC or the first major of the year. And above all, he made it clear that the grandees in green are completely and almost enthusiastically behind the USGA and R&A’s decision to curb ball flight distances. “For almost 70 years, the Masters was played at just over 6,900 yards. Today the course measures 7,550 yards from the markers, and we may well play one of the tournament rounds this year at more than 7,600 yards. I’ve said in the past that I hope we will not play the Masters at 8,000 yards. But that is likely to happen in the not too distant future under current standards”, explained Ridley on the distance debate. “Accordingly, we support the decisions that have been made by the R&A and the USGA as they have addressed the impact of distance at all levels of the game.”

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Augusta Chairman supports golf ball rollback at The Masters 2024

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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Golf Digest (@golfdigest)

He also indicated that Augusta would also support other related rule changes such as minimum driver lofts and others. He also warned the PGA Tour, where they had spoken out against a rollback of the ball: “Well, assuming that these regulations are adopted by the PGA Tour and the other tours, and I certainly hope they will be, I think were they not adopted it would cause a great deal of stress in the game, which it doesn’t need right now.”

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These statements cannot be overestimated. The success and importance of the Masters have made Augusta National Golf Club an authority without whose support nothing would work in golf. Accordingly, everyone listens when the club boss comments on such topics. Or as Ridley emphasised: “I would go back to really what I believe is one of the key parts of the mission of the club and that is to serve the game of golf.”

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Highlights Tours

Skipping the ball at the Masters Tournament – here’s how!

Skip it and then in with it - the guide to taking an extra tenner off your flight partner! (Photo: Getty)
Skip it and then in with it - the guide to taking an extra tenner off your flight partner! (Photo: Getty)

The practice rounds before the start of the first major of the golf year are usually accompanied by countless spectators. The players are free to decide whether and how they take part in the practice rounds, but most of them logically take the opportunity to sound out the course once again before the Masters Tournament begins. As Augusta National, perhaps the most exclusive club in the world, is not always playable for everyone, even for the professionals, very few miss out on the chance of a dress rehearsal. And towards the end of the round, a special appetiser awaits that the players won’t miss, even without spectators.

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Martin Kaymer and Jon Rahm with chip-in at the Masters Tournament

The highlight of the dress rehearsal is the 16th hole. Here the players traditionally try to let the ball flit over the pond of the almost 160 metre long par-3 and then get up the bank onto the green. Martin Kaymer achieved an extraordinary feat in 2012: it felt like 25 taps over the pond and then in it goes! A hole in one of the “once in a lifetime” variety – and the crowd goes wild.

Jon Rahm performed this feat in November 2020 without a spectator – but the video went around the world.

Skipping the ball in style

The fact that Rahm and Martin Kaymer have mastered such a shot is not surprising. But the question is how you can take an extra ten from your flight partner in the next round if you do the same to Martin Kaymer – well, perhaps at least as well. Kelly Rohrbach and Blair O’Neal show you how to do it in the GolfDigest service.

So: long iron or hybrid – the main thing is low loft – then open up the stance and the clubface a little and, most importantly, hit the ball first. Balls that are hit fat rarely make it over the water. A flat punch swing does the rest and before you know it, the reward is secured in the clubhouse.

Flicking balls like at the Masters Tournament- here’s how

Bryson DeChambeau explains the science behind it. The ball has to hit the water at an angle of around 30°, he explains. His theory: the spin of the ball creates a higher water density under the ball than above it. If the ball hits the water with enough force, it will then orientate itself in the direction of the lower water pressure and bounce back up.

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Panorama

Club de Golf La Cañada Elevates Golf Experience with Enhanced Buggy Fleet

More Golf Cards are added in the fleet of La Canada Club the Golf. (Image: Instagram/@lacanadaclubdegolf)
More Golf Cards are added in the fleet of La Canada Club the Golf. (Image: Instagram/@lacanadaclubdegolf)

Club de Golf La Cañada in San Roque, Spain, renowned for its elevated position in the golf-enthusiast-rich community of Guadiaro, is ensuring that players can navigate the course with even greater ease and comfort by enhancing its fleet of buggies. Golfers can now make their way through the 18 holes aboard a modern buggy, simply by opting for this service when they reserve their tee time. The convenience of a smooth ride is at the players’ fingertips, promising an upgraded and leisurely golfing experience.

More Golf Cards For Even More Comfort

This latest addition is intended to complement the picturesque course, often regarded as a jewel on the Costa del Golf, and cater to golfers of all levels seeking a pleasant round in the midst of the Mediterranean landscape. The availability of a reliable and comfortable buggy fleet not only adds a touch of luxury but also underscores the club’s commitment to providing the best for its members and guests. Whether you’re looking to protect your energy for the perfect swing or just relish a breezy transition from hole to hole, Club de Golf La Cañada’s buggies are poised to deliver.

Beyond the practical benefits, the option to ride in style highlights La Cañada’s dedication to elevating the overall golfing experience, ensuring that visitors can indulge in the area’s natural beauty without compromising on comfort. With the aim of delivering exceptional service and fostering a memorable round of golf, Club de Golf La Cañada’s initiative is set to attract both local players and international visitors to the vibrant greens of Spain’s prestigious Sotogrande region.

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Panorama

Lee Harpin Makes Return to North Wales Golf Club as PGA Professional

The beautiful link course of the North Wales Golf Courses. (Image: Instagram/@northwalesgolfclub)
The beautiful link course of the North Wales Golf Courses. (Image: Instagram/@northwalesgolfclub)

In a move that’s set to bolster the instructional prowess at North Wales Golf Club (NWGC), the club has just announced the return of Lee Harpin as a PGA golf professional. Lee, a familiar and respected figure in the golfing community, is set to reprise his role in mentoring and training at the club. His homecoming is not just a boost for the club’s coaching team but also for members and guests who are keen to enhance their game under his guidance.

North Wales Golf Club: “Welcome Back Lee Harpins”

Lee Harpin’s return is certainly cause for celebration among the club’s staff and members. His previous stint at NWGC laid down a legacy of excellence and a commitment to the sport that is still fondly remembered. Lee will be integrating his extensive knowledge and experiences with the existing coaching crew, led by Richard, to create a dynamic and comprehensive coaching environment. With a focus on developing players’ skills and helping them to achieve their full potential, Lee’s role will be integral to the continued success of the club’s training offerings.


With the promise of renewed vigor in the club’s instructional programs, both novices and seasoned players at NWGC can look forward to reaping the benefits of Lee’s expertise. His approach to teaching, characterized by a combination of traditional techniques and innovative methods, promises to keep the training modules fresh, challenging, and effective. The announcement has definitely stirred excitement and now, with Lee back on the green, the future of golf looks even brighter at the North Wales Golf Club.

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European Tour

Guy Kinnings Takes Over as European Tour Group CEO

Guy Kinnings takes over as European Tour Group CEO. (Photo: Getty)
Guy Kinnings takes over as European Tour Group CEO. (Photo: Getty)

Guy Kinnings officially begins his new role as the European Tour Group’s Chief Executive Officer today, Tuesday April 2, 2024. 

Kinnings, who succeeds Keith Pelley, has been the European Tour Group’s Deputy CEO, Chief Commercial Officer and Executive Director – Ryder Cup since 2018, and now becomes only the fifth person in the CEO position since the Tour was established in 1972. 

Guy Kinnings: “A shift in our sport to a more global mindset”

He said: “Today is a very proud day for me and my family. It is a real privilege to become the Chief Executive of the European Tour Group and it is a responsibility I do not take lightly. 

“Our Tour has such a wonderful history, and I am delighted to have this opportunity to help shape the next exciting phase in its evolution. 

“I have been working closely with our players, our Board, our partners and our staff over the past six years and I feel we have a great opportunity to look forward and to focus on unity and alignment in the game. There has been a shift in our sport to a more global mindset and that is something, as golf’s global Tour, that we welcome. 

“We have a widely recognised international footprint, stemming from 50 years of building relationships and staging tournaments in many different countries and continents and this allows us to appeal to golf fans from a wide variety of different backgrounds and demographics. We very much look forward to continuing that.”

Eric Nicoli, Chairman of the European Tour Group, said: “This is a hugely significant day for the European Tour Group as a whole and on behalf of the entire Board, I am delighted to welcome Guy to the role of CEO.

“He is vastly experienced, is hugely respected throughout the golf industry and has strong relationships right across our sport. Our deliberate and purposeful succession planning will ensure a seamless transition in our leadership at this pivotal time in the evolution of the men’s professional game.

“We are looking forward to working closely with Guy to take advantage of the opportunities that await us, and to take our Tour to even greater heights on behalf of the entirety of our membership.”

Ryder Cup and Strategic Alliance as previous accomplishments

Kinnings has been an influential figure in golf for more than three decades. A law graduate from University of Oxford, he left Freshfields law firm to join IMG’s legal team in London in 1989 and moved to its golf division in 1991 where he worked with some of the world’s leading players in the professional game. 

He went on to become IMG’s Senior International Vice President and Global Head of Golf, leading the company’s worldwide golf business comprising both clients and events, as well as managing its key relationships with all governing bodies and brands involved with the sport. 

He joined the European Tour Group prior to the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in France and as Executive Director – Ryder Cup, he has overseen the growth of the biennial contest’s Worldwide Partner programme. 

Kinnings also had overall responsibility for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome – the most successful edition to be staged in Europe – as Luke Donald’s European Team defeated the United States 16½-11½ at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. 

As Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Commercial Officer, he also oversaw the growth of the Tour’s commercial operation.  

Alongside the Board and the Executive Leadership Team, he helped to secure the Strategic Alliance with the PGA TOUR in 2020 which has helped grow the DP World Tour prize funds to record levels. He was also central to the ground-breaking agreement for DP World to become the title partner of the main Tour at the start of the 2022 season.  

Kinnings becomes the fifth Chief Executive of the European Tour Group, following John Jacobs (1972-1975), Ken Schofield (1975 – 2004), George O’Grady (2005-2015) and Keith Pelley (2015-2024).

(Text: European Tour Group)

Categories
Equipment

Golf Pride Announces The Honorary Starter Limited Edition Grip

The new special edition Golf Pride Masters grip. (Image: Golf Pride)
The new special edition Golf Pride Masters grip. (Image: Golf Pride)

Golf Pride, an industry leader in golf performance equipment, is celebrating the annual trip to Augusta, GA with the unveiling of its 2024 Honorary Starter grip, a commemorative version of the MCC Plus4™ that is available through select retailers beginning April 8. Golf Pride has a long and storied history of success in Augusta with its first victory coming in the 1967 tournament. Over the last 56 years, Golf Pride has been trusted by the hands of 43 champions, including an unprecedented run of 17 consecutive victories between 1987 and 2003.

Golfers Favorite Grip In A New Masters Look

Golf Pride’s MCC collection is the most widely used golf grip in the world. This is true at the amateur level as well as all professional tours across the globe. In fact, MCC will be trusted by many of the athletes competing in the 2024 tournament. Golf Pride expects to be in the hands of at least 80% of players in Augusta with MCC representing 30% of those players.

As such, this grip is designed to evoke the prestige, lore and mystique of the tournament and pays homage to the success of both Golf Pride and MCC over the years in Augusta. As with all MCC Plus4 models, it is a hybrid golf grip designed with a larger lower hand section that simulates four additional wraps of tape to encourage lighter grip pressure, reduced tension, and increased speed.

“The first major championship of the season is here and we are proud to have been trusted by the hands of so many past champions in the event’s storied history,” says James Ledford, President of Golf Pride. “The legends who have chosen our grips over the past 60 years are a testament to the innovation, quality and longevity of our brand. The Honorary Starter pays tribute to the past while utilising the modern technology that has made Golf Pride the most recognisable grip brand in the world.”

The 2024 limited edition design will be available in both standard and midsize.

About Golf Pride

Since its founding in 1949, Golf Pride has become synonymous with the highest quality performance equipment in golf. Today, from its Global Innovation Center (GIC) in Pinehurst, NC, Golf Pride continues to lead in grip innovation by continuing to obsess over the only connection between our golfers’ hands and the club. That’s why more than 80% of the world’s highest performing golfers choose Golf Pride. For professionals, top amateurs and recreational golfers of all skill levels, Golf Pride sets the standard – in performance and design. To learn more about Golf Pride, go to golfpride.com.

Text: Golf Pride

Categories
Live

PGA Tour Live Blog: Peter Malnati wins the Valspar Championship 2024

PGA Tour: Valspar Championship Live Blog (Photo: Getty)
PGA Tour: Valspar Championship Live Blog (Photo: Getty)

Valspar Championship 2024 Live Scores

The Valspar Championship in the season 2024 is being played in Palm Harbor, Florida, United States of America at the Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course). The tournament starts at the Thursday, 21st of March and ends at the Sunday, 24th of March 2024.
The Valspar Championship is part of the PGA Tour in the season 2024. In 2024 all players competing for a total prize money of $8,400,000.
The course for the tournament at Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course) plays at Par 71.

The PGA Tour remains in Florida. After the Players Championship, the tour will once again play on the east coast of the United States as part of the Valspar Championship, which was founded in 2000.

PGA Tour live

Through the Golf Post Live Blog you can follow all results on the PGA Tour live. Alongside the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour), the PGA Tour is the world’s largest tournament series in men’s professional golf. The tour attracts prize money that is just as high as the level of the international elite that comes together at quite a few of the tournaments. The annual highlights of the season are the four major tournaments (co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour), the Players Championship and the final FedExCup playoffs, which conclude the season every year. Signature events were created for this purpose. These include the three FedExCup playoff tournaments, The Sentry, the invitational tournaments (Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational and Memorial Tournament) and four other tournaments, which can change annually.

The PGA Tour has gained its importance primarily through its ability to retain top players through the attractiveness of the tournaments and the size of the prize money, which has risen steadily in recent years. The FedExCup is the American equivalent of the European Race to Dubai, with players collecting points throughout the season until the FedExCup winner is crowned in three tournaments in August. The FedExCup playoffs consist of three tournaments: the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the BMW Championship and the final Tour Championship. The winner of the Tour Championship also becomes the winner of the FedEx Cup and secures the record jackpot of 25 million US dollars.

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European Tour

DP World Tour Live Blog: Jesper Svensson wins Porsche Singapore Classic

Swede Jesper Svensson wins the Porsche Singapore Classic 2024 of the DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Swede Jesper Svensson wins the Porsche Singapore Classic 2024 of the DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)

Porsche Singapore Classic 2024 Live Scores

The Singapore Classic in the season 2024 is being played in Singapore, Singapore at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club. The tournament starts at the Thursday, 21st of March and ends at the Sunday, 24th of March 2024.
The Singapore Classic is part of the DP World Tour in the season 2024. In 2024 all players competing for a total prize money of $2,500,000.
The course for the tournament at Laguna National Golf Resort Club plays at Par 72.

The DP World Tour is playing its first Asian Swing tournament with the Porsche Singapore Classic. The first hole-in-one vehicle from Porsche on the DP World Tour in Asia will be up for grabs at the start of the new title partnership.

DP World Tour live

Through the Golf Post Live Blog you can follow all results on the DP World Tour live. The DP World Tour is the top golf league alongside the PGA Tour. Originally started on the European continent, it now includes tournaments all over the world. With events in Asia, Africa, Australia and the Middle East and partnerships with the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour has a truly global reach. The official name of the organization is PGA European Tour and the DP World Tour is headquartered at the Wentworth Club in Virgina Water, England.

In the 2024 season, a total of 45 tournaments will be held in over 25 different countries. This versatility and the many different venues are what make the tour so appealing to golfers. The prize money is slightly lower on average than on the neighboring PGA Tour and ranges between 1.2 million dollars and 10 million dollars (DP World Tour Championship).
Since 2009, the official money ranking of the DP World Tour has been the “Race to Dubai“. This includes all relevant tournaments (including the major tournaments) from a season for the ranking. The overall winner of the Race to Dubai receives a five-year playing license on the DP World Tour, the Harry Vardon Trophy and bonus prize money of six million US dollars.

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LPGA Tour

LPGA Tour Live Blog: Nelly Korda wins in California

Nelly Korda wins on the LPGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Nelly Korda wins on the LPGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)

Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship 2024 Live Scores

The FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship in the season 2024 is being played in Palos Verdes Estates, California, United States of America at the Palos Verdes Golf Club. The tournament starts at the Thursday, 21st of March and ends at the Sunday, 24th of March 2024.
The FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship is part of the LPGA Tour in the season 2024. In 2024 all players competing for a total prize money of $2,000,000.
The course for the tournament at Palos Verdes Golf Club plays at Par 71.

The LPGA Tour plays in California. The tournament has had four different names since it was founded in 2018 and since this year the tournament has been held as the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship.

LPGA Tour live

The LPGA Tour is the largest tournament series in women’s professional golf. Most events are held in the USA, but the tour also has a global focus, for example with a strong Asian swing.
Five major tournaments are organised on the women’s tour: the Chevron Championship, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the U.S. Women’s Open and, in cooperation with the Ladies European Tour, the Ricoh Women’s British Open and the Evian Championship.

In addition to the LPGA Tour, there is also the second-tier Symetra Tour, which can be used to qualify for the next season of the big tour. Similar to the men’s tour, there are also qualifying tournaments, the annual Qualifying School, where you can earn the right to play on the LPGA Tour, the Epson Tour or neither, depending on your ranking.

The LPGA is the oldest continuing women’s professional sports organisation in the United States. It succeeded the WPGA (Women’s Professional Golf Association, 1944-1949). The LPGA was founded in 1950 by 13 founding women. Alice Bauer, Patty Berg, Bettye Danoff, Helen Dettweiler, Marlene Hagge, Helen Hicks, Opal Hill, Betty Jameson, Sally Sessions, Marilynn Smith, Shirley Spork, Louise Suggs, and Babe Zaharias.