Author: Golf Post

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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.

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

Categories
PGA Tour Champions

Champions Tour Live Blog: Padraig Harrington wins Hoag Classic 2024

PGA Tour Champions Hoag Classic 2024 Live Blog (Photo: Getty)
PGA Tour Champions Hoag Classic 2024 Live Blog (Photo: Getty)

Hoag Classic 2024 Live Scores

The Hoag Classic in the season 2024 is being played in Newport Beach, California, United States of America at the Newport Beach CC. The tournament starts at the Friday, 22nd of March and ends at the Sunday, 24th of March 2024.
The Hoag Classic is part of the Champions 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 Newport Beach CC plays at Par 71.

The Champions Tour plays as part of the Hoag Classic in California. With two victories by Ernie Els and a win by Retief Goosen in the last three editions, the tournament is currently firmly in South African hands.

Champions Tour live

The PGA Tour Champions, formerly known as the Senior PGA Tour and Champions Tour, is a professional golf tournament series designed specifically for golfers aged 50 and over. This tour offers a platform for experienced golfers who have already completed their regular career on the PGA Tour. The PGA Tour Champions is characterised by shorter tournaments, usually over three rounds instead of the usual four, and there is no cut so that all qualified players compete in the entire tournament.

The participants are often former PGA Tour players and Major winners, which gives the Tour a high level of competitiveness and prestige. The PGA Tour Champions allows fans to continue to see some of the most legendary names in golf in action. The Tour also includes unique team and match play events that differ from the usual PGA Tour formats.

Categories
Equipment

Full Hole Maps: Shot Scope presents new functions

The latest innovation on the wrist with Shot Scope. (Photo: Shot Scope)
The latest innovation on the wrist with Shot Scope. (Photo: Shot Scope)

Shot Scope, the golf industry leader in advanced GPS and shot tracking technology, has introduced a new feature called ‘hole maps’ to its market-leading X5 watch. This feature overlays individual data onto every hole through an interactive map view, allowing golfers to efficiently navigate the course using their own yardages. This innovation marks the first time players can access their personalized data mapped onto the current hole, enhancing their ability to tackle any course strategically.

David Hunter, CEO of Shot Scope, highlights the significance of this addition: “The addition of hole maps to the X5 is something existing users can really make use of, seeing how the bank of statistics they’ve already collected can be used to inform their round as they take on each hole.”

Shot Scope: “Full Hole Maps” on over 36,000 golf courses worldwide

These hole maps are available for free via a firmware update to any Shot Scope X5 user and provide detailed layouts of every hole, including distances to the pin and middle of the green. The X5 now serves as a comprehensive course guide on the wrist, tailored with individual data to assist in making key strategic decisions.

Furthermore, the X5’s full-color touchscreen display utilizes personalized data to access Performance-Average distances for a golfer’s three longest clubs, aiding in informed club selection off the tee. The zoom map and target line features help golfers find the perfect line off the tee, reducing the impact of blind tee shots and providing data that a laser alone cannot.

The new hole maps establish the X5 as a GPS golf watch with unmatched performance qualities, including automatic performance tracking and over 100 statistics, such as Strokes Gained. Real-time distances to all greens, hazards, and doglegs on over 36,000 preloaded courses worldwide ensure golfers have everything they need on their wrist while they play.

Priced at $299.99, the X5 is part of Shot Scope’s affordable high-tech GPS and performance tracking products, which have no subscription fees and offer free firmware updates. With these innovative features, Shot Scope continues to redefine the GPS watch category, connecting data and golfers to drive improvement on the course.

(Text: Shot Scope)

Categories
Equipment Uncategorized

Novelty: OGIO launches unique golf bag range

The new Aloha Fuse Bag by OGIO. (Photo: OGIO)
The new Aloha Fuse Bag by OGIO. (Photo: OGIO)

Spearheading an exciting 2024 collection, the Fuse Stand Bag is OGIO’s newest golf product, designed as a lightweight, bold and functional carry option for golfers of all ages and abilities.

As part of the range, OGIO is offering the eye-catching Hawaiian-themed Aloha Fuse bag, which sees the top section of the over mould hydro-dipped for water transfer printing, creating designs whereby no two bags are the same.

Infused with OGIO features such as the fit-disk carry system, rapid access pocket and three-ball silo, the Fuse Bag is available in a range of five subtle colourways.

The four other designs – Black Sport, Brush Stroke Camo, Graffiti Kaleidoscope, Navy Sport – feature new overmoulded tops, while all Fuse bags also come with a four-way full length divider top for traditional organisation of clubs and six front facing pockets, including a rapid snap access pocket.

Brush Stroke Camo – Hybrid. (Photo: OGIO)

Unique designs and modern technologies

Building on the success of the limited edition 2023 All Elements Silencer Cart Bag, OGIO has released seven new designs as part of its 2024 golf bag range as it reaffirms its trend for bold, classic and cool designs mixed with technology and functionality.

Featuring OGIO’s unique silencer technology, a premium 15-way moulded top that delivers a more efficient way of organising sets by easily locking each club into place to prevent noisy rattling and damage, the new limited-edition range of designs sees an array of new colourways introduced, including the green and blue Tiger Swirl and the black and white skater-styled Warped Checkers.

Tiger Swirl – Silencer. (Photo: OGIO)

The All Elements Woodē Hybrid Bag has also returned to the market in a range of fresh, distinct designs matching the bold and daring colours of the Silencer Cart Bag. The full waterproof bag features an eight-way top, waterproof shoulder straps and an insulated cooler pocket.

The perfect accompaniment for the 2024 golf bag range, OGIO kickstarted the year by releasing a range of premium golf accessories in four themes including towels and head covers for drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and putters.

Michael Birch expects “great success”

Michael Birch, OGIO sales and marketing manager EMEA, said: “OGIO has always looked to differentiate from the competition and constantly innovate, and these new products prove that is still very much the case.

“New OGIO products like our Fuse Stand Bag and limited-edition designs on some familiar, favourite products continue to move us in the right direction and we are confident that the 2024 golf bag range will be a great success.”

(Text: The Azalea Group)

Categories
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