Author: Golf Post

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European Tour

DP World Tour: Rory McIlroy wins fourth Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Rory McIlroy wins Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Rory McIlroy wins Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy won a record-breaking fourth Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour as he successfully defended his title on a dramatic afternoon at Emirates Golf Club.

The Northern Irishman claimed a maiden Rolex Series crown at this event 12 months ago but came into the weekend ten shots back before a stunning third-round 63 put him into the final group on Sunday.

He then turned a two-shot deficit into a four-shot lead with six holes to play before a bogey on the 13th gave the chasing Adrian Meronk and Cameron Young a glimmer of hope.

Full Leaderboard for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Rory McIlroy wins in Dubai “where everything started”

“It’s a great start to the season”, McIlroy said after his win. “I started well last year with the win here. A couple of little things still to work on but these weeks are great. You learn a ton from them and obviously great to get the competition and come out on top as well.”

He went on to reminisce about his history with the event. “Just to think like 18 years ago, and what it meant to come here and play in this event, to be sitting here, you know, having won it four times, and all the great experiences that I’ve had in Dubai and the friends that I’ve met and everything sort of along the way, it’s always been a place where I come back to and reminisce about my career because I really feel like it’s where everything started.”

“So it’s amazing to sit here. The first Desert Classic, I took a media credential and I walked inside the ropes to follow Tiger and Ernie and Thomas Bjorn, and then just to think about even the arc of that: Thomas Bjorn was my Ryder Cup Captain; I ended up buying Ernie Els’s house; I’ve become really good friends with Tiger Woods. It’s just amazing to think back on the last 18 years and sort of where I find myself.”

Meronk and Young came short

Pole Meronk cut the lead to one as he signed for a 71 but McIlroy held his nerve down the stretch and carded a 70 for a 14 under par total and a one-shot win.

American Young finished with a 74 to sit at 12 under, two shots clear of Canadian Aaron Cockerill, Spaniard Pablo Larrazábal and Chilean Joaquin Niemann.

The win takes McIlroy past Ernie Els’ hat-trick of Desert Classic victories and hands him his third Rolex Series triumph, having won three of the last five blue riband events.

He also becomes just the second player to successfully defend this title after Stephen Gallacher lifted the Dallah Trophy in 2013 and 2014 and makes it six wins in Dubai with his two victories at the DP World Tour Championship.

The 34-year-old has started the defence of his Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex crown with a runner-up finish and a win as he looks to become Europe’s Number One for a sixth time, moving to the top of the Rankings for the 2024 title and the International Swing.

Dane Nicolai Højgaard, Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura, China’s Li Haotong and Australian Adam Scott finished five shots off the lead.

(Text: DP World Tour)

Categories
Europe Travel

Camiral Golf & Wellness: Spain’s No.1 among World’s Top 20 Golf Resorts

Stadium Course at Camiral Golf & Wellness (Photo: Jacob Sjöman)
Stadium Course at Camiral Golf & Wellness (Photo: Jacob Sjöman)

As it prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2024, Camiral Golf & Wellness has continued its reign as Spain’s No.1 Golf Resort in the new World Top 100 Golf Resorts, published by Golf World. Part of the European Tour Destinations network, the resort formerly known as PGA Catalunya, has risen in the new listing, placing 17th, reinforcing its position as a must-visit destination for discerning international golf travellers.

The Camiral Golf & Wellness at the gates of Girona

Golf World’s Top 100 Resorts editor, Chris Bertram, said: “Camiral Golf & Wellness has been one of Europe’s leading golf destinations for over two decades, but it is now so much more than ‘just’ one of the best places on the continent to play the game. Its two world-class golf courses and the two onsite hotels – the uber-stylish and luxurious Hotel Camiral and the beautiful LAVIDA – and the amenities they boast, have turned it into a first-class contemporary leisure and wellness resort that is attracting an ever-increasing number of international customers.”

Tour Course at Camiral Golf & Wellness. (Photo: Jacob Sjöman)

A recent investment in sustainability, which will help reduce water consumption on both the Stadium and Tour courses by 35%, includes the implementation of a more drought-and heat-resistant turf variety, a reduction in irrigated areas, and a study to update the resort’s irrigation system with the latest water-saving technology.

It is the latest action that has helped Camiral Golf & Wellness also earn a place in the inaugural ‘Green 100’ listing by Today’s Golfer magazine, in association with GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, recognising the most sustainable golf venues in Europe.

Commenting on this latest global accolade, David Plana, Camiral Golf & Wellness CEO, said: “For more than two decades, we have sought to offer guests and residents the finest resort experience in Spain, and this has been duly confirmed by the new World Top 100 Golf Resorts listing. As we welcome our landmark 25-year milestone, we continue to invest to elevate the visitor, resident and member experience. During 2024, projects will include the renovation of our Clubhouse at the beginning of the year, the implementation of a Trackman range in our Golf Hub, as well as continued work around the resort to ensure that we are operating sustainably – all demonstrating our long-term commitment to being a leading international golf and wellness destination.”

The 5* Hotel Camiral at Camiral Golf & Wellness. (Photo: Jacob Sjöman)

Beyond the fairways, Camiral Golf & Wellness offers many sport and leisure facilities, a wide range of dining experiences and luxurious wellbeing treatments at the state-of-the-art Wellness Centre, where guests indulge in treatments from whole-body cryotherapy to holistic massages.

Located just outside the gastronomic city of Girona and just one hour from Barcelona, Camiral Golf & Wellness is a world-class retreat for golfers, sports enthusiasts, wellness retreat seekers and their families.

Text: Camiral Golf & Wellness

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Highlights Tours

Luke Donald Named 2025 European Ryder Cup Captain

Luke Donald named captain for the 2025 ryder Cup at Betpage Black in New York. (Photo: Getty)
Luke Donald named captain for the 2025 ryder Cup at Betpage Black in New York. (Photo: Getty)

Luke Donald has been named as the European Captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York.
 
The 45 year old Englishman returns to the role having led Europe to a 16½ – 11½ victory against the United States in the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy, earlier this year.

Luke Donald takes on second Ryder Cup Captaincy

He will become Europe’s first repeat Captain since Bernard Gallacher performed the role in three consecutive Ryder Cups, in 1991, 1993 and 1995.  
 
Donald will be aiming to become only the second Captain to lead Europe to victories both home and away, following Tony Jacklin who achieved the double at Muirfield Village in Ohio in 1987, retaining the Ryder Cup following his team’s victory two years previously at The Belfry, in England, in 1985.
 
Donald said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have been given the chance to lead Team Europe in the Ryder Cup once again. Great opportunities don’t come along very often in life and I’m a great believer that when they do, you need to grab them with both hands – this is one of these moments.
 
“I’ve been fortunate as a player to have had many amazing times in the Ryder Cup over the years and so to add being a winning Captain to that, to form bonds with the 12 players like we did in Italy and to get the result we did, was very special indeed.
 
“The Ryder Cup means so much to me, so to be Captain again and have the chance to create more history by becoming only the second European Captain to win back-to-back is exciting.

Luke Donal will be European Ryder Cup Captain at Bethpage Black

“There is no question that being a Captain away from home is a tough task. But I have never shied away from challenges throughout my career and it is precisely the kind of thing that motivates me. I can’t wait to get another 12-strong team to Bethpage in 2025.”
 
Guy Kinnings, Executive Director – Ryder Cup, said: “Luke was a superb Captain in Rome and we are delighted that he will be returning to the role for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York.
 
“He demonstrated clear, calm and meticulous leadership skills in Rome, and all those qualities will be big assets again for Luke and Team Europe as they take on the considerable challenge of trying to retain the Ryder Cup against a strong US Team backed by passionate support in New York.”
 
Donald featured as a player in the last European Team to win on American soil at Medinah Country Club in 2012 when he led José María Olazábal’s side out in the singles, securing the first blue point on the board in one of the most famous comebacks in the history of the biennial contest.
 
In total, he represented Europe in the Ryder Cup four times as a player, being part of a winning team on all four occasions, contributing 10½ points from his 15 matches.
He then served as a Vice Captain in 2018, under Thomas Bjørn, and Pádraig Harrington in 2021, before becoming Captain for the first time at the 2023 contest in Rome.
 
Donald also has an impressive in individual playing career having been World Number One for a total of 56 weeks, while in 2011 he became the first player in history to top the money lists on the European Tour (now the DP World Tour) and the PGA TOUR in the same year.

(Text: Ryder Cup Europe)

Categories
International

Apes Hill Barbados Makes It A Formidable ‘Foursome’ At The World Golf Awards

Apes Hill in Barbados wins four trophies at the World Golf Awards. (Credit: Azalea)
Apes Hill in Barbados wins four trophies at the World Golf Awards. (Credit: Azalea)

Apes Hill Barbados was a star performer at Monday’s World Golf Awards in Abu Dhabi, with the Caribbean resort and residential community winning in four categories, including ‘World’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue’ and ‘World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’.

The venue’s critically acclaimed new golf course was also named the best in both Barbados and the Caribbean, completing an impressive quartet of wins.

The 10th annual World Golf Awards ceremony was hosted at the exclusive Radisson Blu Hotel Yas Island and Yas Links Abu Dhabi. With the event rewarding excellence in the golf tourism market, Apes Hill Barbados’ success is yet more recognition for one of the world’s most exclusive and luxurious golf destinations.

The ceremony brought together industry leaders from more than 65 nations across Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, North America and Oceania.

A long-standing staple of the Caribbean golf scene, Apes Hill Barbados has undergone an extensive transformation since investment from Canadian entrepreneur Glenn Chamandy in 2019. Legendary architect Ron Kirby was entrusted with overhauling Apes Hill’s original golf course and the new-look, par-72 layout reopened to rave reviews at the end of 2022. The award-winning design was Kirby’s final work before he passed away in August.

Upon opening, the layout was commended for its fun factor and playability for all levels of golfer and singled out as one of the sport’s most aesthetically pleasing new courses. Kirby’s design makes full use of native Barbadian flora and rockery, and is enhanced by views that – from 1,000ft above sea level – stretch across the Caribbean Sea and out to the Atlantic Ocean.

Meanwhile, earning the title of ‘World’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue’ is testament to the success of the resort’s ambitious real-estate development. Apes Hill is home to an eclectic range of properties and lifestyle amenities to suit the needs of any resident, each favouring a contemporary and luxurious design that blends effortlessly into the Caribbean landscape.

Complementing the championship course is the Performance Centre – a state-of-the-art facility packed with the latest technology and equipment to develop every aspect of a golfer’s game – further establishing Apes Hill as the Caribbean’s leading destination for passionate players.

Meanwhile, a short par-three course – named Little Apes – is in development for families and more casual players, while a ‘19th hole’ island-style par three, based on the iconic 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass, is nearing completion.

The World Golf Awards also recognised the pioneering sustainability efforts carried out across Apes Hill’s 475-acre resort with the ‘World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’ honour. Most notably, Apes Hill’s championship golf course is irrigated exclusively with recycled rainwater from a 58-million-gallon reservoir, drastically reducing resort-wide water usage. Turf and vegetation is carefully selected and maintained to reduce the need for fertilisers and other harmful chemicals, leading to the resort receiving prestigious Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf certification in 2023.

Away from the fairways, Apes Hill is committed to farming livestock and growing fresh ingredients – including crops, herbs and fruit – on-site, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem.

Sunil Chatrani, executive chairman of Apes Hill Barbados, said: “We are honoured to be recognised in multiple categories in the most prestigious awards in our industry.

“Together with Ron Kirby, we set out to build one of the best experiences in golf, and recognition as the best course in not only Barbados, but the whole Caribbean, means a great deal to us as we strive to establish one of the region’s leading destinations.

“Ron’s passing in August was felt by all who he touched the hearts of at Apes Hill Barbados – and the wonderful golf course he created has left a lasting legacy on the island of Barbados. We would like to dedicate these awards to Ron’s life.

“We are also very pleased to see our sustainability work recognised, while our relatively new real estate offering being named the best in golf so early into this project is proof of the unique work we are doing to build a true community.”
Press release written by The Azalea Group

Categories
Europe

The Dunas Course At Terras Da Comporta Makes It Double At The World Golf Awards

Rodrigo Ulrich, Terras da Comporta director of golf, with the two trophies at the World Golf Awards. (Credits: James Hogg (Golf Course on the left), Azalea)
Rodrigo Ulrich, Terras da Comporta director of golf, with the two trophies at the World Golf Awards. (Credits: James Hogg (Golf Course on the left), Azalea)

The Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta has announced its place on the global stage in style after being crowned as the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’ and ‘Europe’s Best New Golf Course’ at the World Golf Awards 2023.

The par-71 layout near Lisbon claimed the prestigious accolades less than five months after its soft opening, with Terras da Comporta director of golf Rodrigo Ulrich on hand to receive the awards when the winners were unveiled at the prize-giving ceremony in Abu Dhabi on Monday evening. (October 23)

With the event rewarding excellence in the golf tourism market, Terras da Comporta’s success is significant recognition for Europe’s most talked-about new design projects. The ceremony brought together industry leaders from more than 65 nations across Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, North America and Oceania.

UIrich said: “We’ve been very excited about this project for many years. It’s incredibly satisfying to be finally open for play, and to see so many golfers enjoying what is a spectacular course, both in terms of its location and its design”.

“It’s a great thrill and honour to receive two such respected awards, which are hopefully the first of many, because the course is going to get even better as it settles and matures. We’re looking forward to welcoming golfers from all over the world.”

Situated one hour south of Lisbon, the layout has been created over 84 hectares of natural, sandy terrain on the coast in a secluded setting on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve. The first course to have been created in mainland Europe by acclaimed architect David McLay-Kidd, the course opened to the public for play for the first time at the start of June.

McLay-Kidd, whose other famous designs include Bandon Dunes, Queenwood, Beaverbrook, Machrihanish Dunes and the Castle Course at St. Andrews, first visited the site in 2008, but the project experienced a series of delays, including a global pandemic and a worldwide recession. However, Vanguard Properties, the owners of Terras da Comporta, are optimistic about what the future holds and Portugal’s largest real estate developer has exciting plans for the site.

“The project may have a long history, but this is just the beginning”, said José Cardoso Botelho, CEO of Vanguard Properties. “Golfers will travel from far and wide to come and play here. It has put Terras da Comporta firmly on the map as a new golf destination, but there’s more to come – much more”.

Vanguard Properties took ownership of the development in 2019 and the site features two large developments: Torre, comprising 365 hectares of land and where a second course designed by Sergio Garcia and José María Olazábal is being built (set to follow in 2025), and Dunas, which occupies around 1,011 hectares.

Complementing The Dunas Course will be a new clubhouse and golf academy. Away from the fairways, an array of lifestyle activities will be available including horse-riding, wellness, tennis, padel, pickleball and many other sports, with a wide range of plots for hotels, tourist and residential condominiums also on offer.
Press release written and distributed for Terras da Comporta by Azalea

Categories
European Tour PGA Tour

New Membership Opportunities outlined for PGA Tour Members on the DP World Tour

Since 2021, the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour have been in a Strategic Alliance. (Photo: Getty)
Since 2021, the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour have been in a Strategic Alliance. (Photo: Getty)

The DP World Tour today announces new membership opportunities for PGA TOUR members in its 2024 season, a further illustration of the strength of the relationship between the two Tours through the existing Strategic Alliance.

DP World Tour 2024: Two new memberships

The opportunities fall into two categories: (i) Full membership of the DP World Tour available for players who finish in positions 126 to 200 on the 2022-2023 FedExCup Fall Points List; or (ii) Affiliate Membership of the DP World Tour available to any other PGA TOUR Member when participating in any Race to Dubai ranking tournament in the 2024 season. Affiliate Members and Non-Members will now automatically appear on a new ‘Non-Member Race to Dubai Points List’ following the first tournament where they earn points.

This list will see players accrue Race to Dubai Points and, based on their points, can see them potentially qualify for (a) the DP World Tour play-offs in 2024 and (b) the season-ending Bonus Pool in 2024 if they have played four or more counting tournaments outside the Majors, in line with the current DP World Tour Member regulations.

Should they choose to additionally take up Affiliate Membership, this will give them the potential to earn full ranked membership of the DP World Tour in the following season if their final ranking qualifies them.

PGA TOUR Members who take up Full Membership (Option (i) above) will play from a newly created Category 12 in the 2024 DP World Tour Exemption Category list. Only five players from this category can play in a DP World Tour event in any given week.

To access this category, eligible players must join the DP World Tour as members by Wednesday, December 20, 2023, to compete in tournaments in the 2024 calendar year, but by Wednesday November 22, 2023, if they want to compete in any of the 2024 season tournaments scheduled for November or December 2023.

Consequence of the Strategic Alliance between DP World Tour and PGA Tour

These initiatives – which were discussed and ratified by the DP World Tour’s Tournament Committee – follow on from the one announced last year that will see the leading ten players on the 2023 Race to Dubai (not otherwise exempt) earn PGA TOUR cards for the 2024 season – these cards being ranked after the top 125 finishers on the 2022-2023 FedExCup Fall Points List.

David Howell, Chairman of the DP World Tour’s Tournament Committee, said: “When we announced our Strategic Alliance with the PGA TOUR in November 2021, one of the prime objectives was to give as many opportunities as possible to members of both Tours, and this is another perfect example of how this is working.

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the DP World Tour, said: “Our Ten Cards initiative will give the opportunity for DP World Tour members to excel on the PGA TOUR next season and this new membership opportunity announced today will give PGA TOUR members the chance to do exactly the same on our Tour. I am excited at the possibilities.”

(Text: European Tour Group Communications)

Categories
Panorama

Ivor Robson Passes Away Aged 83

Ivor Robson, pictured at The 144th Open at St Andrews in 2015, has died aged 83. (Photo: The R&A)
Ivor Robson, pictured at The 144th Open at St Andrews in 2015, has died aged 83. (Photo: The R&A)

Ivor Robson, a man with one of the most distinctive voices in golf, has died at the age of 83.

Ivor Robson, Voice of The Open

He was the official starter at The Open for 41 years and his passing has been met with an outpouring of affection from players and golf administrators alike.

He also acted for over 40 years as the DP World Tour’s official starter with his ‘on the tee’ message delivered in his cultured brogue at famous golf venues around the globe.

Ivor sent the world’s best players on their way in a wonderful career – from Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods, from Arnold Palmer to Seve Ballesteros, from Tom Watson to Rory McIlroy.

Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said, “We are deeply saddened to hear of Ivor’s passing. As official starter at The Open for over 40 years, his voice was instantly recognisable and synonymous with the Championship for players and millions of golf fans worldwide.

“He was popular and well respected among all golfers who played in The Open and I know that they will share in our sadness at this news. On behalf of all of us at The R&A, I would like to convey our heartfelt condolences to his wife of 61 years, Lesley, and the Robson family.”

It was in 2015 when he announced his retirement, working at The Open at St Andrews for the final time, before making his emotional final announcements when the curtain came down on the DP World Tour season in Dubai in November 2015.

“It is a great honour to be the official starter for the greatest championship in the world”

Ivor said at the time, “It has been a wonderful career. It’s been a great honour. The way I have been treated by players, officials, sponsors… thank you all very much.”

A much-loved resident of Moffat in Dumfries and Galloway, Ivor was born in England in 1940 and began his remarkable career at The Open in 1975 at Carnoustie. He went on to earn the admiration of the best players in the world, sending players off from the 1st tee with his famous words and a hearty grin.

“To the professionals, it has been great fun being here with you,” he added in 2015. “We have had lots of banter and it has been wonderful. You are a credit to the professional game. And to the spectators, thank you for your wonderful support over the years.”

For 41 stagings of The Open, it was one voice, Ivor’s voice, that marked the time.

He didn’t miss a championship or a tee time going back to 1975 and was also well known for avoiding a toilet break as much as he could between matches teeing off.

Having worked at his 40th Open at Royal Liverpool in 2014, The 144th Open the following year was Ivor’s last.

When he took to the tee at 6.32am on the opening Thursday over the Old Course it marked the beginning of a final championship for the iconic 1st tee announcer.

“I feel you can’t go on forever and if you’re going to step off there’s no better place to do it than here,” he said. “I’ve had some nice ones but this is special, St Andrews. It is just magnificent.”

Ivor said he would miss many things about working at The Open but mostly it was the people. “Being involved, being a part of a team,” he said. “I’ll miss that a lot but it’s time to go.”

A fiercely private man who enjoyed playing when he could at his beloved Moffat Golf Club, he was also a proud Rolex Ambassador.

Looking back to his Open career, he added, “It is a great honour to be the official starter for the greatest championship in the world. I’m privileged and immensely proud. They were all very special.”

Text: The R&A

Categories
Highlights Tours Ladies Tours

Solheim Cup 2023: Pedersen and Sagstrom put Crucial Point on the Board

Emily Pedersen and Madelene Sagstrom at the 2023 Solheim Cup. (Photo: Getty)
Emily Pedersen and Madelene Sagstrom at the 2023 Solheim Cup. (Photo: Getty)

Emily Pedersen and Madelene Sagstrom kept the much-needed momentum of Team Europe’s 2023 Solheim Cup campaign on Saturday afternoon going, putting a crucial point on the board. Both players reflected on the day, indicating their satisfaction with their play and the newfound energy in the European team.

Emily Pedersen: “We backed each other up”

Pedersen emphasized the enjoyment she experienced playing alongside Sagstrom, saying, “It was a lot of fun. We backed each other up, playing pretty solid golf all the way around.” A 10-under result highlighted the duo’s superior gameplay, with each complementing the other perfectly, especially when one faced difficulties.

The team’s unity was pivotal following a frustrating start, with Sagstrom stating, “We all knew that good golf was in us.” The team collectively managed to reset their mindset after an initially disappointing performance on Friday morning, and the subsequent sessions have seen a more resolute and coherent European team. Pedersen echoed this sentiment, feeling proud of the team for “picking ourselves up” and maintaining a positive mindset.

Solheim Cup 2023: Team Europe turned the tide

The duo credits the team’s mental toughness for turning the tide after the initial setbacks. Pedersen had a personal moment of resolve after hitting a remarkable 3-wood on the 11th, committing to a more decisive and aggressive approach. This unwavering belief in their abilities and the motivational push from their captain, Suzann, played a crucial role in the team’s reinvigorated performance.

Madelene Sagstrom: “The past is in the past”

Sagstrom highlighted the importance of focusing on the present and learning from past mistakes, saying, “the past is in the past. All we can focus on is what we’re doing this afternoon and today.” Both players agreed on staying present and not tracking the scoreboards, focusing primarily on their matches and maintaining a constant aggressive approach.

Both players harmonized well in their strategies and club selections, offering mutual support and complementing each other’s playstyles. Sagstrom remarked, “Emily and I play extremely similar. It was a different feeling for me today. It was great.” The mutual understanding and alignment in strategies marked a different yet fruitful experience for both players.

Their meticulous preparation, unyielding spirit, synergy, and focus on the present moment propelled them to deliver a pivotal point for Team Europe, setting the stage for an intriguing finale at the Solheim Cup.

Livescoring for the 2023 Solheim Cup

(This article was created with the help of AI)

Categories
Highlights Tours

Solheim Cup 2023 – Leona Maguire: “Mission accomplished”

Charley Hull and Leona Maguire at the 2023 Solheim Cup. (Photo: Getty)
Charley Hull and Leona Maguire at the 2023 Solheim Cup. (Photo: Getty)

In a compelling show of skill and partnership, Team Europe’s Leona Maguire and Charley Hull dominated Saturday afternoon, leaving no room for the Americans to claw back, reinforcing Europe’s presence on the 2023 Solheim Cup leaderboard.

Solheim Cup 2023: Interview with Leona Maguire and Charley Hull

Leona Maguire showcased great reverence and respect for opponents Nelly Korda and Ally Ewing, acknowledging their prowess from previous encounters. “We knew we had to bring our A games this afternoon. So, just played really solid and didn’t really give them a chance to fight back at all,” reflected Maguire on the scintillating performance she delivered alongside Hull.

Charley Hull echoed her partner’s sentiments, citing the harmonious synergy and the composed demeanor they both share as crucial elements in their match play. “I’m not really a player that gets the crowds going like this or big fist pumps, neither is Leona, and we kind of just jell and do our own thing and we work well together,” said Hull, pleased with putting more blue on the board.

The mutual admiration between the pair was evident, with Hull labeling playing alongside Maguire as an “honor” and applauding her “unbelievable” play. Maguire reciprocated, expressing her anticipation for this pairing, “I think this was a pairing, me and Charley, I’ve been looking forward to for awhile.”

Despite a slightly rough morning, Maguire managed to recalibrate, reinforcing her determination and focus for the afternoon session. Maguire and Hull’s refreshing chemistry and alignment in approach were critical in maintaining control, and their performance was a testament to their resilient spirit and unwavering fight.

Leona Maguire: “Mission accomplished”

The match’s strategic significance was not lost on them. “Suzann was pretty clear of what our job was today, so mission accomplished so far, and we’ll go cheer on the rest of the girls and hopefully they can bring it home,” Maguire stated, underscoring the influence their match could have on the subsequent groups.

Team Europe’s Captain, Suzann Pettersen, had evidently set clear expectations for the duo—attaining a point was paramount. The succinct directive resonated with Maguire, “Come out, get your point, simple as,” was the order of the day, one that they successfully fulfilled, subduing the Americans from the get-go.

Charley Hull, despite struggling with a neck sprain, dubbed a “facet sprain,” displayed remarkable resilience, adapting her swing and continuing to display high levels of energy and gameplay. Her exemplary courage, coupled with Maguire’s relentless pursuit of excellence, fortified Team Europe’s standing.

As Team Europe extends its grasp on the Solheim Cup, the camaraderie and relentless spirit showcased by Leona Maguire and Charley Hull have not only fortified the morale within their ranks but have also painted the leaderboard with more shades of blue, promising an exciting showdown as the tournament progresses.

Livescoring for the 2023 Solheim Cup

(This article was written with the help of AI)

Categories
Highlights Tours Ladies Tours

Solheim Cup 2023: Team Europe catches up in the Fourballs

Team Europe playing catch up in the fourballs at the 2023 Solheim Cup. (Photo: Getty)
Team Europe playing catch up in the fourballs at the 2023 Solheim Cup. (Photo: Getty)

All four fourball matches on Friday afternoon at the Solheim Cup 2023 were hard contested. While Team Europe secured itself 3 of the 4 possible points, Team USA will still take the lead with a total of 5 points into Saturday.

Livescoring for the 2023 Solheim Cup

Solheim Cup 2023: Fourball Matches

Match 5 – Rose Zhang/Megan Khang (USA) tied Gemma Dryburgh/Madelene Sagstrom (EUR)

The United States held the lead from the jump, going 1-up after the first hole. It stayed a 1-up USA advantage through three before Madelene Sagstrom birdied No. 4, deadlocking the match for another hole. Then, Rose Zhang birdied No. 4 just to find the match tied once again after another European birdie on 6. Megan Khang put the Americans back in the lead, where it stayed until being knotted up after 12. The Europeans took their first lead of the match thanks to another Sagstrom birdie but quickly found themselves tied again after 15. Gemma Dryburgh looked to give Europe the edge again after holing out from the fiarway on 16, but Zhang sunk a clutch birdie putt to keep the match dormy. A round of pars on 18 kept the score that way, securing a half point for each squad.

“Halves are huge. I think from past Solheims, you forget how important halves are,” said Khang when asked about how important the half-point was for the team. “But, you know, obviously we’d love to get a full point, but Madelene and Gemma played really well and it was a fun match, honestly. Shots were exchanged, a couple tap-ins here and there from both teams, and again, both clutch putts from both, like, Gemma, Madelene, and everyone in the group.”

Match 6 – Georgia Hall/Leona Maguire (EUR) def. Lexi Thompson/Lilia Vu (USA) – 1 up

After losing each of their foursomes matches this morning, Georgia Hall and Leona Maguire took the Solheim Cup stage again, this time paired together for fourball. The duo stayed even with Americans Lexi Thompson and Solheim Cup rookie Lilia Vu through the first three holes. Hall birdied hole No. 4, giving Europe the 1-up lead for the next nine holes. On 14, Thompson drove the green on the short par 4 and sunk an eagle putt to knot the match. Not for long, though, as the Europeans once again reclaimed the lead and held it for Nos. 15 and 16 before Vu birdied hole 17, tying it up just before the final hole. Coming down to the wire, Maguire chipped in for an impressive birdie and the Americans could not match it, giving Europe their first full point of the event.

“I think our games complement each other really well,” Hall said about why her and Maguire make good partners. “Leona’s short game, as you saw, is phenomenal. I think having a short iron into some holes that gives us maybe a bit more of an aggressive play. But we get on really well, and I think we know each other’s games pretty good. Yeah, it’s nice to be undefeated.”

Match 7 – Jennifer Kupcho/Allisen Corpuz (USA) tied Maja Stark/Emily Kristine Pedersen (EUR)

The U.S. Team took the early 1-up lead thanks to a birdie from Jennifer Kupcho. Her and partner Allisen Corpuz stayed comfortably in the lead through five of the first six holes until Maja Stark tied the match with a birdie on No. 7. America reclaimed the lead on 8 and held it for the next three holes until Emily Kristine Pedersen aced hole No. 12, using her 7-iron to earn just the second hole-in-one in Solheim Cup history and first since Vice Captain Anna Nordqvist made one in 2013. The celebration did not last long with Kupcho adding another birdie on No. 13, giving the U.S. the lead through 15 where Europe tied it up once again. After an even 17, the teams took to No. 18 with the match on the line. Corpuz applied the pressure, sinking a birdie putt to give America the chance before Stark stared down a birdie putt of her own, sinking it and halving the match. 

“Yeah, I mean, I made a lot of birdies. She made a lot of birdies. They made a couple of really good shots holing out. So it was a good match. We played really well,” said Kupcho of the match. 

Match 8 – Carlota Ciganda/Linn Grant (EUR)def. Angel Yin/Ally Ewing (USA) – 4 and 2

In front of her home crowd, Spaniard Carlota Ciganda and her frouball partner Linn Grant earned a decisive win over Angel Yin and Ally Ewing. Ciganda birdied hole one, giving the Europeans their first lead of the day. That lead gradually grew as the matches went on, thanks to low scores by Ciganda and Grant on No. 4, which pushed the lead to two. Yin birdied No. 6, bringing the lead within one. It would stay that way for the next four holes until a Grant birdie on 11 and another Ciganda birdie on 14 put the Europeans 3-up. They finished 4&2 thanks to a pair of birdies on 16, giving Europe their second full point of the day. 

“I was just embracing it and having fun. I think the atmosphere on the first hole, it’s amazing. I’m so happy that we get to play here in Spain. It’s very special for me. I think, yeah, we played great. I feel very comfortable with Linn. She’s an amazing player. I really like how she is on the course and I think that we played a really good four-ball and we were in control all the time. Hopefully, we can keep it the same tomorrow,” said Ciganda. 

(Text: LPGA Communications)