Author: Golf Post

Categories
European Tour

Ryan Fox wins the 2022 Seve Ballesteros Award 

Ryan Fox on his win at St Andrews. (Photo: Getty)
Ryan Fox on his win at St Andrews. (Photo: Getty)

Ryan Fox has won the 2022 Seve Ballesteros Award after being voted Player of the Year for last season by his fellow professionals on the DP World Tour.

The 36-year-old becomes the first New Zealander to win the prestigious award since Michael Campbell received the honour in 2005, and it comes after an outstanding season during which he won twice and finished in a career-best second place on the DP World Tour Rankings presented by Rolex.

Fox polled 50% of the votes cast in total by the DP World Tour members, with DP World Tour Rankings winner Rory McIlroy taking second place ahead of the 2022 U.S. Open Champion Matt Fitzpatrick in third.

The Kiwi was presented with the trophy by one of Seve’s sons Javier and his daughter Carmen, both of whom travelled to this week’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour – a tournament won by Seve himself in 1992 – to officially welcome Fox to the illustrious list of winners. 

Consistently good performances in the 2022 season

Fox started 2022 in fine style, picking up his second DP World Tour title at the Ras al Khaimah Classic in February before an emotional victory at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in St Andrews in October.

The 2016 Challenge Tour graduate dedicated his victory at the Home of Golf to the late cricketing great Shane Warne, whom he paired up with in the popular Pro-Am format on numerous occasions, including finishing runners-up together in the 2021 contest. 

In addition to his pair of victories, Fox showed remarkable consistency to notch up four second place finishes – at the Soudal Open, Dutch Open, Horizon Irish Open and the Nedbank Golf Challenge – as well as a further four top tens.  

His excellent form led to a meteoric rise up the Official World Golf Ranking as he climbed from outside the top 200 into the world’s top 50 for the first time, peaking at a career-best 23rd after his victory at the Old Course. 

The Player of the Year Award, named after the legendary Seve Ballesteros, last year amalgamated with the former Golfer of the Year award to become one singular honour voted for by the players, helping further commemorate the Spaniard’s incredible legacy.

Ryan Fox (center) next to Carmen and Javier Ballesteros. (Photo: Getty)

“It’s kind of surreal”

Fox said: “It’s probably not something that I expected ever in my career. I would like to say it’s something I dreamed of, but you look at those names on the trophy and I probably don’t count myself as one of those. That is pretty cool, and to have Javier and Carmen come out and present it made it even more special.  

“Last year I thought I had a chance but a few other guys played pretty well, Rory, Matt, Jon Rahm, especially at the end of the year.  So when Keith Pelley told me I was pretty shocked and obviously pretty chuffed as well. To have your peers vote for you makes it that extra bit special. 

“Obviously Dunhill Links was a big highlight for me last year, to win around the Home of Golf, it doesn’t really get any better. I shared the experience with Shane Warne for the previous four or five Dunhills that I played, and it was a bit sad without him there last year. To honour him that way made it even more special.

“Seve is such an icon of golf, and I’m a bit of a golf nut. I knew the history of Seve but probably didn’t quite understand then, growing up in New Zealand, quite the influence he had over here. It’s cool to hear the stories from some of the older guys that played with him, but to have my name on the Seve Ballesteros Award, it’s kind of surreal. It’s pretty cool to be part of a little bit of history in that regard.”

Javier Ballesteros: “He’s a fantastic guy”

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the DP World Tour, said: “Ryan’s form throughout 2022 was nothing short of outstanding. His two wins were undoubtedly the highlight, but to record a further eight top tens shows a remarkable level of consistency that clearly impressed his peers.

“Ryan is not only an immensely popular member of the DP World Tour, but also someone who cares deeply for the Tour as is illustrated by the valuable work he does, and the intelligent opinions he offers, as a member of our Tournament Committee.

“I also want to say thank you to Javier and Carmen Ballesteros for making the effort to travel to Dubai to present the award to Ryan. It meant a lot to him and to every one of us at the DP World Tour to have them there to represent their father.” 

Javier Ballesteros said: “Well, I’m very happy that Ryan got the award. I think it’s important that Ryan got it with two wins, and of course he played a full season on the DP World Tour.  It left me very happy,  considering he’s a fantastic guy as well. 

“For me, it’s very important and we are very proud to have our father’s name on this award. It’s a prize that is given by the players and to have his name on the award, it’s a very good way to keep his legacy alive.”

(Text: DP World Tour)

Categories
Ladies Tours Live Senior Tours

“ Return of the Champions ”

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation and the Hassan II Trophy Association, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, are organizing the 47th Hassan II Golf Trophy and the 26th Lalla Meryem Cup at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat from February 6 to 11, 2023.

47th Hassan II Golf Trophy

Legendary golfers will be starting off this PGA Tour Champions edition of the tournament – a highly anticipated event that will surely bring back many memories for tournament fans who have followed the Hassan II Golf Trophy since its creation.

Indeed, since the Hassan II Golf Trophy began under the initiative of His Majesty the Late King Hassan II in 1971, the tournament has attracted players from the World Golf Hall of Fame, including Billy Casper, Bob Tosky, Sam Snead, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Payne Stewart, Severiano Ballesteros, Vijay Singh, and Ernie Els, among other illustrious names. All of these world-class players have graced the fairways of the Red Course at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. 

This edition will welcome 66 golf legends who have won a total of nearly 200 victories on the American PGA Tour, including three major tournaments. To the great delight of spectators, this year’s slate will feature former Hassan II Golf Trophy winners such as Colin Montgomerie (in 1997), David Toms (in 1999), Roger Chapman (in 2000), and Santiago Luna, the record-holder of wins (1998-2002-2003). Also present will be Bernhard Langer, José Maria Olazabal, Retief Goosen, and Tom Lehman, all former participants in the Hassan II Golf Trophy.

The Lalla Meryem Cup

The Lalla Meryem Cup, which is part of the Ladies European Tour (LET) will bring together, on the Blue Course, the European elite of women’s golf. Among the 96 players expected, a record number of national participants is expected, headed by Ines Laklalech , winner of the Lacoste Ladies Open de France in 2022 and qualified for the LPGA for 2023, Maha Haddioui, who has represented Morocco on two occasions at the Olympic Games and Malak Bouraeda, first Moroccan to qualify for the US Women’s Open.

These two competitions will take place simultaneously on the same site, perpetuating a tradition of diversity established in 1993 by His late Majesty King Hassan II, illustrious founder of both tournaments.

Young people are also honored. A junior competition in the pro- am format is planned on the Green Course with young golfers from the First Tee program and professional players. First Tee, very popular in the United States, is a non-profit organization created in 1997, which has made it possible to understand and respond to many problems that characterize society by teaching life skills through the practice of Golf.

This event will, as usual, be open to the general public free of charge. Entertainment on the courses and catering areas as well as a playground will guarantee a complete experience for all visitors to discover golf through practice and play.

The significant efforts made by the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation and the Hassan II Golf Trophy Association for the success of these events attest to a desire to succeed and further promote the culture and practice of golf in Morocco.These competitions also reinforce the tourist attractiveness of the Kingdom as a golfing nation par excellence.

Categories
Equipment

Titleist Introduces New TSR2 & TSR3 Hybrids

(Photo: Titleist)
(Photo: Titleist)

The most played hybrids on the PGA TOUR since 2014, Titleist hybrids have always set the highest standard for performance and playability. The all-new TSR2 and TSR3 models – available for fittings and presale on Feb. 2 and in golf shops worldwide beginning Feb. 23 –continue to raise the bar with advancements and refinements that will benefit all players seeking long iron alternatives.

These new additions to the TSR metalwood family come in two distinct models: the TSR2 hybrid, which offers forgiving speed and performance, and the TSR3 hybrid, which delivers next-level precision and workability.

The TSR2 and TSR3 hybrids make their PGA TOUR debut this week at The American Express, joining a TSR metalwoods line that continues to gain momentum across the worldwide professional tours. The versatility and gapping options offered in the TSR hybrid lineup make for a seamless transition in players’ bags from TSR drivers and fairways.

“TSR2 and TSR3 hybrids offer players options at the top end of the bag,” said Tom Bennett, Principal Product Manager – Fairways & Hybrids. “Players can choose between the more classical shape and high launch of the TSR2 or the refined profile and adjustability of the TSR3. Both clubs provide a fast, forgiving, and high-launching long-iron alternative that gives the golfer the confidence to pull off any shot.”

TSR Hybrid Offerings:

TSR2: A high launching, mid-low spin, forgiving long-iron replacement, best-suited for players that deliver the club in a sweeping motion. An extended blade length, a deeper CG, and a reimagined sole shape bring even better forgiveness and improved turf interaction than its popular predecessors, all packed into a classic hybrid profile.

  • Features head weight adjustability (same as driver/fairway)
  • RH and LH Lofts: 18°, 21°, 24°


TSR3: A flatter trajectory, and a refined shape inspired by popular predecessors. Highly adjustable, featuring a new 5-position SureFit Adjustable CG Track System that allows players to dial in their ideal setup. Tailored to players seeking workability and precision, the TSR3 hybrid has a refined tour-inspired shape that gives players the confidence to hit any shot.

  • Enhanced 5-position SureFit CG Adjustability
  • Features head weight adjustability (same as TSR3 driver/fairway)
  • RH and LH Lofts: 19°, 21°, 24°

TSR Hybrid Performance and Technology:

  • Reimagined shaping and profiles: The TSR2 hybrids are classically shaped and have a slightly lengthened blade length, shifting the impact center further from the shaft, which increases face flex and results in more speed and forgiveness | TSR3 hybrids feature an iron-like hybrid profile inspired by popular predecessors, and a slight reduction in offset helps improve performance
  • Deeper, More Forgiving CG & High Inertia Body: In TSR2, Titleist engineers pushed the CG deeper while keeping it low, making high-launching and soft-landing approaches with maximum forgiveness even easier | TSR3 hybrids are more stable due to a higher inertia body, preventing deflection and twist when playing from difficult conditions
  • Faster Through the Rough: Added sole relief pockets on both TSR2 and TSR3 are designed to move the club faster through all rough conditions, heavy or light. Less surface area means less friction and less chance to drag or grab, also resulting in smooth turf interaction from the fairway.
  • Performance-Tuned Adjustability: With a refined 5-position SureFit Adjustable CG Track System, it is now easier than ever to dial in the exact setup you need in the TSR3 with a wider and more precise range of CG placements.
  • Player-Influenced Sound & Feel: Amazing sound and feel are paramount in the design of a superior golf club. Both hybrids have been tuned to deliver the acoustic and physical feedback each player needs to develop consistency and trust.

Availability and Price: Titleist TSR2 and TSR3 hybrids are available for fittings and presale on Feb. 2 and in golf shops worldwide beginning Feb. 23. | MAP: $299

Categories
Equipment

 Wilson Golf Introduces New Dynapower Club Range

Wilson Golf introduces New Dynapower Club Range. (Photo: Wilson)
Wilson Golf introduces New Dynapower Club Range. (Photo: Wilson)

 Nearly 70 years after Wilson Sporting Goods Co. redefined expectations around power and distance in iron play, Wilson Golf is introducing an all-new Dynapower range of Woods and Irons to present one of the most successful franchises in the game’s history to another generation of golfers.

Wilson Golf revitalises the Dyna-Powered legacy

Revitalising the Dyna-Powered legacy that revolutionised the game with game-changing weight distribution on its iron sets from 1956 onwards, the rebirth of the famous franchise as a modern classic includes the first Wilson Tour spec fully adjustable driver and distance inspired irons, plus fairway woods and hybrids. 

“We first changed the game of golf seven decades ago and it’s time to do it again,” said Tim Clarke, President of Wilson Golf. “Just like the original concept, these newwoods and irons are built with adding more power in mind, as we continue to innovate and deliver top-of-the-line products that raise the confidence of golfers at all skill levels. This time we’ve used advanced AI technology to redefine golf club power options and we’re extremely proud of this new line of Dynapower products and the impact they can have,” he added.

Wilson Dynapower Driver

The new Dynapower Driver is one of the most adjustable drivers ever created by Wilson andavailable in both Carbon and Titanium head options. It comes with a host of custom fitting combinations – from swing weight, flex, shaft, loft & lie – that enable golfers to find the perfect club off the tee, depending on preferred shot shape and ball flight. 

Employing advanced Artificial Intelligence methods, thousands of clubhead aesthetics were analysed using the same computer design process that produced the award-winning Wilson D9 wood range. Simulating a wide variety of data variations to produce the most effective design possible, it resulted in the deployment of exclusive PKR2 Technology on both Carbon and Titanium heads, providing a dynamic face thickness optimised over an extended area of the clubface for fast ball speeds and maximum forgiveness on off-centre hits. A new dynamic 6-way adjustable hosel enables fitters to make quick shaft changes, while golfers can benefit from easy one-click launch and spin adjustments.

“Research shows golfers hit 25% more GIR from the fairway, while around 60% of average 10-handicappers hit the green from 125-150 yards out, so that’s why the powerful new Dynapower Driver offers many golfers the best opportunity to post better scores,” said Jon Pergande, Manager of Wilson Golf Club Innovation based in Chicago. 

Aimed at the avid golfer looking to work the ball off the tee, the lightweight Carbon composite panels on the crown and sole, plus a 12g weight moves the Centre of Gravity low and forward creating a lower spinning driver head with neutral to fade ball flight tendencies.

Designed more at the aspirational player looking to maximise distance with a straighter ball flight, the Titanium head incorporates a 16g rear weight that produces a high MOI driver with a deep, rear Centre of Gravity delivering a forgiving higher launch angle with a neutral to draw bias.

Wilson Dynapower Irons

Engineered primarily for the aspirational 10+ handicap golfer, the Dynapower Irons – featuring a distinctive Wilson red tread for men and teal for women – have been designed to appeal aesthetically to single digit players looking for more distance and occasional mishit management in their game.

They feature variable thickness for each section of the face to make more of the clubface hot, especially the centre-to-toe area where approximately 85% of shots are hit.

“The face on the new Dynapower irons is the thinnest we’ve ever designed relative to the overall average thickness,” said Pergande. “The thinner topline, generous offset and a longer smooth hosel provides a pleasing look at address and the AI methods helped us to reposition weight to drive new solutions for both power and distance,” he added.

Using advanced Artificial Intelligence methods in designing irons for the first time – the same computer process used successfully with the Dynapower and D9 woods – thousands of clubhead data variations and aesthetics were analysed to produce the most effective and pleasing shape possible. The resulting design then incorporated the pioneering Wilson Power Hole 3.0 technology to deliver maximum ball speed across the face of each club.

The latest clubs from the brand with more Major wins in irons than any other (62) feature heel-to-toe weighting for a higher MOI and a lower centre of gravity design to deliver stability on off-centre hits that also fuels higher launch and steeper descent angles. 

Wilson Dynapower Fairway Woods and Hybrids

Designed using the same AI techniques as the Driver, the new Wilson Dynapower Fairway Woods and Hybrids feature a high MOI head design and advanced Tour-inspired shape for full confidence off the tee and deck. The stylish fairway woods incorporate a 12g rear weight that delivers a forgiving high launch angle and ball trajectory. Testing by Tour players during the development of the clubs has resulted in a flatter profile for a clean setup behind the ball. 

The Dynapower Hybrid features variable face thickness and internal weighting to position the Centre of Gravity low and back to produce an easy-to-launch ball flight that is more forgiving. The Tour-preferred flatter profile is also incorporated for confidence at setup.

For more information on the new Dynapower range and all Wilson Golf products, including woods, irons, wedges, putters, balls and accessories, visit www.wilson.com.

Categories
Equipment

Callaway Golf announces new Paradym Family of Woods and Irons

The new Callaway Paradym Series for woods and irons. (Photo: Callaway)
The new Callaway Paradym Series for woods and irons. (Photo: Callaway)

Designed for a complete shift in performance from unparalleled distance, forgiveness, and all-new product constructions, Paradym golf clubs will be available for pre-sale on January 20th, and available at retailers nationwide on February 24th.

Callaway Paradym Drivers

An industry-first 360 Carbon Chassis eliminates titanium from the body, so engineers can push weight and stability to the limit. The 360 Carbon Chassis promotes unprecedented weight redistribution for maximised distance, with a Triaxial Carbon crown and Forged Carbon sole that are 44% lighter than a titanium chassis. This massive weight saving is repositioned both forward to enhance ball speed, and toward the back of the clubhead for increased forgiveness.

To further increase ball speeds, the Company’s industry-leading A.I.-designed Jailbreak system enhances stability for faster ball speeds, while an all-new A.I. face optimisation enhances speed, launch, spin, and now downrange dispersion. Paradym is the first driver to utilise Callaway’s industry-leading Face Cup technology. The face cup is paired with a powerful, forged titanium face, a combination that provides higher energy transfer to the ball than a standard driver face insert.

Three models are available: Paradym is suited to a wide range of players, with Callaway’s best combination of distance, forgiveness, and adjustability. Paradym X is best suited for players who want exceptional forgiveness and a slight draw bias, and Paradym Triple Diamond is ideally suited for better players who want to work the ball.

Callaway Paradym Fairway Woods

This completely new construction eliminates weight from the body and repositions it for unprecedented gains in ball speed and MOI. The A.I.-designed Jailbreak Batwing Structure is pushed to the perimeter to stiffen the body, while allowing the face to flex for high ball speeds. Plus, every model has been uniquely designed with a specific player in mind to fully maximize their performance.

Three models are available: Paradym features progressive shaping, and it’s the most robust offering that fits a wide range of player types. Paradym X will fit players looking for our most forgiving shape with a high launch and a slight draw bias. And Paradym Triple Diamond is for stronger players who are looking for a penetrating ball flight with lower spin.

Callaway Paradym Hybrids

The first hybrid designed with Callaway’s A.I.-designed Jailbreak with Batwing Technology for high ball speeds. The Jailbreak Structure, a Tungsten Speed Cartridge and an A.I.-designed 455 Face Cup are all implemented for maximum distance. A Cutwave Sole design helps to improve the club’s performance through the turf, making this Callaway’s most versatile hybrid ever made. Two models are available: Paradym is for golfers who want a mid-sized, wood-shaped hybrid that’s long with excellent versatility and control, while Paradym X is built for maximum forgiveness and versatility.

Callaway Paradym Irons

A first in forging, the Paradym Shift Construction is designed to amplify speed and feel. Callaway’s industry-leading A.I. face technology is applied to a high-strength Forged 455 Face Cup, creating their most powerful forged iron face ever. Each face is uniquely optimised for more speed, higher launch, and increased spin consistency. The all-new Hollow Body design features Speed Frame construction for added stiffness to the body and support for the Forged 455 Face Cup. This unique construction is the catalyst that stabilises a thinner face for incredibly fast ball speeds.

The forged face and patented Urethane Microspheres deliver the ultra-soft feel and premium sound that discerning players demand, and internal tungsten weights are placed precisely to enhance launch conditions and improve speed on mis-hits. Two models are available: Paradym is designed for golfers who are looking for a players’ distance iron with a combination of consistently fast ball speeds, refined shaping, and premium forging. Paradym X is for players who are looking for an iron that’s incredibly long with premium forged feel.

(Text: Press release Callaway)

Categories
European Tour

Keith Pelley named Chairman of the International Golf Federation

Keith Pelley. (Photo: Getty)
Keith Pelley. (Photo: Getty)

The IGF was founded in 1958 and is the recognised International Federation within the Olympic and Paralympic Movement.

Keith Pelley wants to present golf as a “sport for all”

Pelley said: “I am very honoured to accept this important and prestigious role and I look forward to working with Annika and Antony Scanlon, the IGF’s Executive Director, as well as the individual member Federations and Tours, to continue to develop our sport globally. 

“I have always said that I believe golf is the most inclusive of all sports and the IGF, through its relationships with these member organisations and the Olympic and Paralympic Movement, undoubtedly has an important part to play in promoting this internationally and showcasing golf as a sport for all.”

Antony Scanlon, Executive Director of the IGF, said: “We are grateful for the leadership of Keith Pelley and Annika Sörenstam as we continue to encourage the international development of the sport of golf. 

“As two prominent members in the international golf landscape, Keith and Annika will bring extensive experience and knowledge to our overall strategy and we are thrilled to have them in these key roles. I also want to thank PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan for his tenure as the IGF Chairman and we’re delighted to have him continue on the Board moving forward.”

In August 2015, Pelley became the fourth Chief Executive in the 50 year history of the European Tour group, which incorporates the DP World Tour, the European Challenge Tour, the Legends Tour and the G4D Tour, and is the Managing Partner of the Ryder Cup in Europe.

During his time in the role, the Canadian has overseen a period of significant evolution through the European Tour group’s commitment to Driving Golf Further and its guiding principles of being innovative, inclusive and global.

This includes the introduction of the Rolex Series, a landmark partnership which saw DP World become the title partner of the group’s main Tour, and the creation of a global pathway system through partnerships with international Tours and an  operational joint venture with the PGA TOUR. The latter partnership also led to the Genesis Scottish Open becoming the historic first co-sanctioned event between the two Tours this summer. 

Pelley has also overseen a closer collaboration with the women’s game, including co-sanctioned events such as the Volvo Cars Scandinavian Mixed, and the introduction of the ground-breaking G4D Tour (Golf for the Disabled) in conjunction with the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA), of which he is a Board member. 

Prior to joining the European Tour group, Pelley was President of Rogers Media in Toronto where he was responsible for leading the overall operations of the company’s diverse portfolio. Before that, he was Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning at CTVglobemedia, President of Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium, President and CEO of the Toronto Argonauts Football Club and President of The Sports Network in Canada.

Sörenstam, who has 97 worldwide professional victories during her prestigious playing career, was re-elected for a second two-year term as IGF President, which she’ll serve from 2023-2024.

During her 15-year, Hall-of-Fame playing career, Sörenstam rewrote the LPGA and Ladies European Tour record books, won countless awards and changed the way women’s golf was played, viewed and covered. In 2007, she created the ANNIKA Foundation, which provides golf opportunities at the junior, collegiate and professional levels while teaching young people the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle through fitness and nutrition.

(Text: DP World Tour)

Categories
European Tour

The DP World Tour and BMW Group sign five-year partnership extension

Bernard Kuhnt (left) and Guy Kinnings (right). (Photo: BMW Group)
Bernard Kuhnt (left) and Guy Kinnings (right). (Photo: BMW Group)

The DP World Tour and BMW Group have signed an extension to their partnership that will see the leading premium automotive brand BMW remain an Official Partner, and the Official Car, of the DP World Tour until the end of the 2027 season.

As part of the agreement, BMW will also remain as Title Partner until 2027 of both the BMW PGA Championship – a Rolex Series event – and the BMW International Open, where it will remain the promoter of the tournament.

This partnership extension cements BMW as one of the Tour’s longest standing partners. The relationship dates back to 1989, when BMW ran and promoted the first BMW International Open in its hometown of Munich. BMW then became Title Partner of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in 2005.

BMW Group underpins position as global partner in golf

As an Official Tour Partner, BMW will benefit from highly visible branding and product placement at DP World Tour tournaments each season and across the Tour’s media and digital platforms. BMW will also enjoy access to the Tour’s premium hospitality services and Pro-Ams to create unique customer experiences. As Official Car of the DP World Tour, BMW will continue to supply its luxury high end and fully electric vehicles to the DP World Tour and make a valuable contribution to a sustainable tournament experience for players, staff and fans.

“The close collaboration with the European Tour group, which started back in 1989 with the inaugural BMW International Open, played an important role in the BMW Group becoming one of the most reliable and dedicated partners in international golf. We are delighted to continue along this successful path with the DP World Tour, and to bring innovative developments to both the sport and our events,” said Bernhard Kuhnt, Senior Vice President BMW Group Europe. “The BMW International Open and the BMW PGA Championship are tournaments that are very popular with golf fans and players alike, thanks to their long tradition and the excellent sporting and BMW brand experience. Based in two core markets in Europe, these events will form important pillars of our worldwide commitment to golf going forward.”

Guy Kinnings, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Commercial Officer of the European Tour group, added: “The BMW brand stands for luxury, innovation, and sportiness – all values that closely match our own and the Tour benefits significantly from partnering with such an iconic brand and respected partner of the game of golf. Over the last 33 years we have developed an extremely close working relationship that continues to drive strong value to BMW’s global engagement in sport. With this extended partnership, we will have ample opportunities to use the DP World Tour to showcase both their range of products and our collective leadership credentials in passion areas such as sustainability and technology innovation.

Together, we will also make sure that the BMW PGA Championship and BMW International Open keep innovating to elevate the fan experience and continue to be key moments on the sporting and entertainment calendars in Germany and the UK each year.” 

(Text: DP World Tour)

Categories
Uncategorized

McIlroy returns to the K Club for the Horizon Irish Open

McIlroy returns to The K Club for the Horizon Irish Open (photo: getty)
McIlroy returns to The K Club for the Horizon Irish Open (photo: getty)

World Number One and reigning Race to Dubai champion Rory McIlroy will return to the site of his first professional victory on Irish soil when he tees it up in the Horizon Irish Open at The K Club from September 7-10, 2023.

The four-time Major Champion secured a famous victory at the County Kildare venue in 2016 after producing a stunning birdie-par-eagle finish to win the island of Ireland’s national open by three strokes.

McIlroy ended a stellar season in style last month as he won the Race to Dubai for a fourth time – adding to his FedEx Cup triumph on the PGA TOUR – and reaching the rank of World Number One for the ninth time.

The Horizon Irish Open will form part of McIlroy’s final preparations for next year’s Ryder Cup in Rome and fans can now purchase tickets to see his return to The K Club here.

“It’s where I’ve had the most success”

“The Irish Open is a tournament that I grew up not just watching on TV but attending as a kid, seeing all my favourite players there over the years,” said McIlroy. “It’s always been such a well-supported event. I’ve had my fair share of support and great memories at that tournament and going back to The K Club, it’s where I’ve had the most success and I’m obviously excited to get back there.

“The atmosphere was electric during that final round in 2016 and I’m looking forward to seeing the fans out in force at The K Club once again.”

History was made at the Horizon Irish Open last year as Adrian Meronk became the first winner from Poland on the DP World Tour when he claimed the title at Mount Juliet Estates. First played in 1927, the Irish Open is one of the world’s most famous national opens, with Meronk adding his name to a list of former champions that includes Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo, Pádraig Harrington, Colin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal and Jon Rahm.

Fans are urged to secure tickets for the Horizon Irish Open well in advance as demand is high for the five-day festival of golf, starting with the Pro-Am on Wednesday September 6. Premium Experiences are also available for all for tournament days and can be purchased here.

(Text: European Tour Group Communications)

Categories
European Tour PGA Tour

DP World Tour, PGA Tour, Japan Golf Tour announce formal pathway

Top three JGTO finishers to receive DP World Tour membership
Top three JGTO finishers to receive DP World Tour membership

The DP World Tour and PGA TOUR jointly announced today a new landmark partnership with the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO) that will see the top three players on the JGTO Order of Merit earn membership onto the DP World Tour for the ensuing season, beginning with the 2022-23 campaign.

The formal pathway further enhances the existing global pathway system, as the leading 10 players on DP World Tour’s Race To Dubai Rankings [in addition to those already exempt] will earn cards on the PGA TOUR, beginning with the 2024 season, as part of the operational joint venture partnership between the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour announced in June.

“We are delighted to establish this formal pathway” – Keith Pelley (CEO, DP World Tour)

In addition to these new formal pathways, which also includes access to DP World Tour Qualifying School for leading players not otherwise exempt, the JGTO will work alongside the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR on other key business areas, including strategic development and commercial growth, as well as further discussion about future areas of collaboration and support. Among those is a continued commitment to the ISPS HANDA – CHAMPIONSHIP, which is set to make its debut on the DP World Tour schedule next April 20-23, 2023, at PGM Ishioka GC in Omitama, Japan.
 
Keith Pelley, Chief Executive Officer of the DP World Tour, said, “The Japan Golf Tour Organization has produced many incredibly talented players over the years, and we are delighted to establish this formal pathway as part of golf’s meritocratic system, defining clear routes for players from the other international Tours to earn status on the DP World Tour and potentially go on to play on the PGA TOUR.
 
“There are players from 34 different countries exempt on the DP World Tour in 2023 and, alongside our first tournament in Japan next April, today’s announcement further underlines our position as golf’s global Tour.”

Monahan sees the PGA Tour as “game’s highest stage”

Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR, said: “Japan has a long, storied history of producing world-class golf talent that deserves the opportunity to compete on the game’s highest stage, and today’s announcement is recognition of that. Over the past 30 years, 25 players have claimed at least one victory on both the PGA TOUR and Japan Golf Tour, including current Japan Golf Tour Chairman Isao Aoki, who in 1983 became the first Japanese-born player to win on the PGA TOUR when he holed out for eagle on the 72nd hole to win the Sony Open in Hawaii. His legacy continues today with eight-time JGTO winner Hideki Matsuyama and will now endure for years to come under this new pathway.”
 
Isao Aoki, Chairman of the Japan Golf Tour Organization, said, “We are proud of the rich tradition the Japan men’s golf tour has established over the last 40 years, and this development is the next step in the journey of our organization. Our players have made significant contributions to the global game since our tour’s inception in 1973, and we are excited that the next class of Japanese players will soon be able to reap the rewards that their predecessors helped create for them. We are looking forward to working with both the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour on the next era of professional golf development in Japan.”

(Text: European Tour Group Communications)

Categories
Equipment Products

TaylorMade P-Series: P-7MB – “The Ultimate in Shot Making”

Renewed TaylorMade P-Series P-7MB. (Credit: TaylorMade)
Renewed TaylorMade P-Series P-7MB. (Credit: TaylorMade)

The all-new P·7MB was designed for the best ball strikers in the world who demand surgical control and precision shot making. Each strike with P·7MB is sensory overload, delivering unfiltered feedback and best-in-class feel.

As a result of detailed fee dback from testing with Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa, P·7MB features a shorter blade length, brand new sole geometry, and progressive offset to create a minimalist profile that’s designed to control shot shape and trajectory.

TaylorMade P-Series: P-7MB – narrower sole, slightly more bounce

The sole of P·7MB is one millimeter narrower than previous, meaning TaylorMade engineers had to add slightly more bounce to the leading edge which creates a completely different sensation through the turf.

Total effective bounce is a combination of sole width and bounce angle, which engineers were able to perfect by increasing the bounce angle to keep the sole from getting caught in the turf.

“The narrower sole width of P·7MB is a direct result of testing and feedback from Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa and our TaylorMade Tour pros. Rory and Collin worked with us to identify the right sole geometry and bounce to match what they were looking for and we perfected that with P·7MB. Having two of the best players in the world being a driving force behind the design of this iron have us extremely excited to bring it to the marketplace.”
(Matt Bovee, Director, Irons Product Creation)

TaylorMade P-7MB: “blend of traditional muscle back with a contemporary look”

P·7MB is a seamless blend of traditional muscle back iron performance with a contemporary look and design. The shorter blade length of P·7MB allowed TaylorMade engineers to create an updated backbar using symmetrical geometry. This allows for more mass to be positioned directly behind the face to support the point of impact and elevate feel. This design creates a timeless look both in the playing position and in the bag. P·7MB also features the Compact Grain Forging and machined face and grooves that are also seen in P·7MC.

TaylorMade P-7MB Specifications, Pricing & Availability

P·7MC & P·7MB are available for preorder on December 6 and at retail beginning January 20, 2023 for an RRP of £165 / EURO 220 / SEK 2,286 / NOK 2,200 / DKK 1,643 / CHF 229 per iron. P·7MC & P·7MB are offered in 3-PW and come equipped with KBS Tour Steel shafts (X130g, S120g) as well as Golf Pride Z-Grip 360 in Grey/Black
Press Release by TaylorMade Golf