Author: Johanna Lakämper

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Panorama

Speechless: Nobody expected this answer from Lydia Ko

Lydia Ko at the 2022 Palos Verdes Championship. (Photo: Getty)
Lydia Ko at the 2022 Palos Verdes Championship. (Photo: Getty)

Lydia Ko finished the Palos Verdes Championship in California on the shared third place. On the fourth and final day, it was noticeable that she had to be treated by her physiotherapist during the round. Her problem area: her back. Jerry Foltz of the news portal Golf Channel asked the 25-year-old after her round about the cause of this treatment.

Lydia Ko: “Honesty it is”

For Lydia Ko, there was a very simple answer to this question. However, she completely upset her interview partner with her honest explanation. He lost concentration and had no choice but to end the interview with a simple “thank you.” The South Korean woman’s words, “It’s that time of the month. I know the ladies watching are probably like, yeah, I got you. So, when that happens, my back gets really tight, and I’m all twisted. It’s not the first time that Chris has seen me twisted, but it felt a lot better after he came. So, yeah, there you go.” When Foltz didn’t know a response to Ko’s statement, she followed up with a laugh, “I know you’re at a loss for words Jerry. Honesty it is.”

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Panorama

150th Open Championship expects more spectators than ever before

They are still empty: the spectator stands at the 150th Open Championship. (Photo: Getty)
They are still empty: the spectator stands at the 150th Open Championship. (Photo: Getty)

From July 14 to 17, 2022, the Open Championship will take place in St. Andrews. For the 150th time, the world’s best golfers will compete for the Major title. After the tournament had to be cancelled altogether in 2020 due to the Corona pandemic and was still held under tightened conditions last year, attendance figures are expected to break records in this year’s edition.

150th Open Championship: “Extraordinary demand from fans”

The previous attendance record for the Open Championship in Scotland was 239,000 in 2000, when Tiger Woods won his first European Major title here. That record is set to become history in this anniversary year. There is no shortage of demand in any case. “The 150th Open at St. Andrews will be a major event for golf, and that is clearly reflected in the extraordinary demand from fans,” announced Martin Slumbers, the R&A’s chief executive. More than 1.3 million fans are said to have applied for the popular tickets. 290,000 of them are expected to get the chance to be up close and personal at the event.

Fostering enthusiasm among young fans

Golf is known to be a sport where the older generations are most likely to be found. Attracting young talent and promoting youth sports also plays a role in the last Major of the year. Out of a total of 290,000 tickets, 20 percent of the tickets will be given to under-25s, including 20,000 free tickets for under-16s.

The R&A is already in talks with the Scottish Government and its health advisors in view of the high visitor numbers, in order to be able to offer the greatest possible security during Major week. Martin Slumbers is confident and full of anticipation: “We really appreciate their passion and enthusiasm for the Open and look forward to setting a new attendance record, far exceeding the previous best set in 2000.”

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PGA Tour

Phil Mickelson signs up for PGA Championship and Saudi opener

Phil Mickelson is keeping all his options open. (Photo: Getty)
Phil Mickelson is keeping all his options open. (Photo: Getty)

The first tournament of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series kicks off in less than a month, and it will feature 15 golfers from the top 100 in the world rankings. This was reported by Sport Illustrated, citing a statement from LIV Golf. Among the 15 players is probably Phil Mickelson, who despite increased criticism in recent months wants to keep open the chance to participate in the first event in London. But that’s not the end of Mickelson’s return to tournament golf. The defending PGA Championship champion would like to start his comeback to the PGA Tour at this very tournament.

Phil Mickelson’s return to the tournament stage

Phil Mickelson is planning his return to the PGA Tour after withdrawing from all upcoming tournament starts for the time being in February as a result of heavy criticism. His proximity to the LIV Golf Invitational Series (formerly the Saudi Golf League) repeatedly brought him into the negative media spotlight last year, but now he wants to make his comeback and will start at the PGA Championship. Mickelson won the second major of the golf season last year. But his start at Southern Hills Country Club is not enough for Mickelson. At the same time, he applied for a permit to play in the first Saudi League tournament in June. A statement from his agency said, “We have also applied on his behalf for clearance to play in the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational in London from June 9-11. This request meets the April 25 deadline set by the PGA Tour to participate in a competitive Tour event.” It is unclear at this time whether he will take advantage of this release, but he wants to keep all options open, the statement added.

15 players from the top 100 will compete in London

According to Sports Illustrated, 14 other players from the top 100 in the world rankings are taking advantage of the 30-day period before the start of the tournament. The names of those players remain non-public and are subject to confidentiality agreements, according to a spokesperson for the LIV Golf Invitational Series. So far, about 70 players have registered for the event, but with a planned field of 48 players, not all professionals will be able to compete. It remains to be seen how and according to which criteria the field of participants will finally be put together. It also remains to be seen how the PGA Tour will handle future Saudi Tour events on American soil. At this point in time, the PGA Tour does not want to issue any permits for participation in these events. This would affect at least two of the eight tournaments, with the tournament in Portland in early July, as well as other events at Trump National Golf Club and the scheduled team finale at Trump National Doral in Miami in late October.

Daly pleads for merger of tours

John Daly sees a simple solution to the eternal back-and-forth between LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman and PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan. Daly is calling for the Saudi Tour and the PGA Tour to merge. To him, he says it’s the easy solution and also a great opportunity for golf. “I mean, you want to keep golf going and keep it strong, and the foundation of the European Tour and the foundation of the Asian Tour and the Australian Tour and all the tours and our tour the players have built through a lot of great sponsors that we’ve had. I just think it would be really good if they could work together instead of competing against each other.” He himself has not been offered a starting spot on the new tour, but he likes the concept and sees a great opportunity in the increase in prize money.

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Panorama

In the PGA Championship field: Next major for Tiger Woods?

We can continue to hope to see Tiger Woods at the PGA Championship. (Photo: Getty)
We can continue to hope to see Tiger Woods at the PGA Championship. (Photo: Getty)

It took over a year for Tiger Woods to be capable of full tournament participation again. In February 2021, the legend nearly lost his right leg. Whether he would ever be able to play golf again was unclear for a long time. His participation in the PNC Championship together with his son Charlie raised hopes. Then, shortly before the US Masters in 2022, the surprise: Tiger will be competing! His participation in the first Major of the year should not be the last. Recently, it was officially announced that Woods is on the list of participants in the PGA Championship in May.

Tiger Woods: “Only the big events”

It has been clear to Tiger Woods for some time that he will probably never play another full tournament season on the PGA Tour. The car accident has affected his right leg too much. Woods’ participation in the Masters showed that while he struggled and limped on the highly demanding terrain toward the end, he is perfectly capable of handling a four-day tournament again. His Masters participation, in which he made the cut and finished tied for 47th, solidified his plans for the future: “I’ll never play a full schedule again, just the big events.”

Last afternoon, the PGA Championship released the list of participants for the 104th PGA Championship at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma, May 19-22. Lo and behold, Tiger Woods is one of the announced participants.

St. Andrews is especially close to Woods’ heart

While it was not 100 percent certain for Tiger Woods whether he will compete in the PGA Championship, it was clear to him that he will definitely travel to St. Andrews for the British Open in July: “The tournament is something that is very close to my heart. It’s my favorite golf course in the world, so I’ll be there.” The fact that the golf course is a particularly flat course with no slopes to speak of will definitely suit Woods.

However, Tiger Woods already seems to have largely recovered from his start at the particularly strenuous Augusta. We can still hope for a participation in the PGA Championship at Southern Hills. Phil Mickelson, who withdrew from the public eye for weeks, is also on the official list of participants in the PGA Championship.

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Panorama

Greg Norman wants to participate in the 150th Open Championship

Greg Norman as a participant in the 150th Open Championship? (Photo: Getty)
Greg Norman as a participant in the 150th Open Championship? (Photo: Getty)

Greg Norman has been causing quite a stir as CEO of the LIV Golf Invitational Series for several months. He wants to organize a tournament series that is in direct competition with the world’s major tours: PGA and DP World Tour. In doing so, he also doesn’t shy away from “luring” as many big-name players as possible onto his tour, triggering a major controversy. Now he is making headlines again – but not with his LIV Golf Invitational Series.

Greg Norman wants to return to the Open Championship after 13 years

Greg Norman wants to return to tournament action in 2022. After ten years of not participating in professional sports, he wants to compete for a title again. And not just any title. At the age of 67, Norman wants to compete in the 150th Open Championship in world-famous St. Andrews.

His last tournament in which he played for world ranking points was ten years ago. The last major he played was even 13 years ago: the Open Championship 2009 in Turnberry. Nevertheless, there is no better time for Greg Norman to play one (last) time, as he assures in an interview with New Corp: “I think I can still do it. It’s the 150th, I’m a former Open champion. I love St. Andrews. If there’s one time I would consider going back and teeing off one last time. Maybe it’s this one.” He said he is currently in the process of filling out the entry form.

It remains questionable whether he will get an exemption

One fact appears to jeopardize his participation: Greg Norman, at 67, is outside the age limit of 60 set by the Open Championship. The probability that the Australian will receive a playing permit from the R&A is therefore rather low. The only alternative for Norman would be to qualify for the Major via an Open qualifying tournament. The aforementioned disputes in which Greg Norman currently finds himself will make his plans even more difficult for the 67-year-old.

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PGA Tour Champions

After months of recovery: Steve Stricker returns to the Champions Tour

Comeback: Steve Stricker will play on the Champions Tour next week. (Photo: Getty)
Comeback: Steve Stricker will play on the Champions Tour next week. (Photo: Getty)

These have been tough months for Steve Stricker. After leading the U.S. Ryder Cup team to victory last year, a mysterious illness struck Stricker. The 55-year-old suddenly suffered from a wide range of symptoms: from cough and sore throat to jaundice and an inflammation of the heart. The consequences of these strains were extreme: Stricker could not eat solid food for a long time and lost about 25 pounds. Now the golfer announced his return to the Champions Tour.

Steve Stricker fought against a mysterious disease outbreak

Steve Stricker has had an illness record to show for it since last fall, and it’s not without its challenges. After his Ryder Cup victory as captain of the U.S. team, things went downhill for the then 54-year-old. A mild cough was followed by a high fever and an allergic reaction to a medication. Shortly thereafter, Stricker was informed of very poor liver values and cardiac arrhythmias. His health deteriorated rapidly, while doctors were at a loss as to the cause of this. Stricker spent eleven days in the hospital, after which he felt “like an 85-year-old man.” His doctors announced he would be in rehabilitation for months.

Comeback on the Champions Tour

After Stricker was unable to eat solid food for a while and going to the bathroom had been a challenge for him, a former golf coach suggested he not return to professional sports and take it easy. For Stricker, that wasn’t an option: “That’s not my style, you know? I like to work at things.” For Stricker, one thing was certain: he would return to the Champions Tour. Next week’s Insperity Invitational is expected to be the time, and the twelve-time PGA Tour winner and seven-time Champions Tour winner announced his participation. In Houston, he will be competing for prize money of more than 2 million euros. We will find out in the coming week how well his comeback is going and whether his body can already withstand the rigors of a professional tournament.

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Panorama

Tennis star Ash Barty at unique tournament series with other sports icons

Former tennis No. 1 Ashleigh Barty is one of the sports stars at the new Icons Series. (Photo: Getty)
Former tennis No. 1 Ashleigh Barty is one of the sports stars at the new Icons Series. (Photo: Getty)

In addition to the new edition of The Match, a new and very special tournament series is about to start: The Icons Series. Led by Fred Couples and Ernie Els, two teams of true sports legends will compete in match play over 10 holes. The first event will be held from June 30 to July 1 at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey.

Icons Series with “Mount Rushmore of the World’s Greatest Athletes”

And the line-up of the unique spectacle is already impressive. A “Mount Rushmore of the world’s best athletes,” is what Icons Series CEO, Thomas Brookes, calls it. Twenty-four sports icons will compete in two teams, one for the U.S. under captain Fred Couples, while Ernie Els leads the team with the rest of the world. While some team members are still waiting to be revealed to the public, the four players per team already announced show the class of athletes we will be dealing with in this series.

Competing for Team USA:

  • Michael Phelps – The most successful Olympic athlete of all time with 28 swimming medals, including 23 golf medals.
  • Michael Strahan – Hall of Fame professional football player, two-time Super Bowl champion with the New York Giants
  • Oscar De La Hoya – boxing legend with 11 world titles from six weight classes
  • Ben Roethlisberger – two-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers

Competing for Team Rest of the World (also abbreviated ROTW):

  • Canelo Alvarez – King of pound for pound boxing who won world titles in four different weight classes
  • Ash Barty – The former world No. 1 tennis player and three-time Grand Slam winner, including the Australian Open in 2022
  • Pep Guardiola – One of the most successful soccer coaches of all time, winning 2 Champions League titles as well as multiple Spanish and English league championships
  • Harry Kane – The dynamic captain of the English national team and three-time winner of the Golden Shoe award

For special sensation causes the participation of Ash Barty, who declared last month mi only 25 years, that she retires from tennis. However, she still swings the golf club diligently and won a golf tournament in Brisbane shortly after this announcement.
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Barty expressed pride in her latest sporting venture: “I’m excited to be part of the Icons Series and I hope through my participation in the series that we can encourage more women and girls to participate in golf around the world,” she said. “The series is also a great opportunity for athletes to have an impact on local community and charity projects in each of the host destinations.”

“It’s such a unique opportunity to have fun, test yourself and compete against the world’s greatest athletes in a sport that we are all so passionate about. I can’t wait to experience Liberty National and learn from our iconic captain, Ernie Els.”

Liberty National Golf Club was designed by US Open Champion Tom Kite and golf course designer Bob Cupp. It hosted the 2017 Presidents Cup, as well as the Northern Trust as the first of the PGA Tour FedExCup Playoff tournaments. Additional destinations in the worldwide series are planned in Australia, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Bitter disappointment after unbelievable par

Dylan Frittelli unknowingly made a costly mistake. (Photo: Getty)
Dylan Frittelli unknowingly made a costly mistake. (Photo: Getty)

Bizarre moments in the fourth round of the RBC Heritage: Dylan Frittelli’s ball got stuck in a tree at the edge of the fairway on the par-4-6. Literally standing under the ball, he played the ball onto the fairway with his driver and subsequently saved par. On Twitter, Frittelli wrote, “I thought this would be the greatest par of my life.”

Rejoiced too soon

However, Frittelli was hit with a hefty penalty. Two penalty strokes went to the account of the South African. The penalty was based on Rule 10.1c, which provides information on the correct execution of a stroke. Frittelli’s mistake: He stood frontally to his line of play, so that he placed his feet to the left and right of it. “The player must not make a stroke from a stance with a foot deliberately placed on each side of, or with either foot deliberately touching, the line of play or an extension of that line behind the ball. The term line of play in this rule includes only the actual line of play without reasonable distance on either side.”

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PGA Tour

Morgan Hoffmann: Comeback after diagnosis of muscular dystrophy

With a big grin: Morgan Hoffmann is back on the PGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)
With a big grin: Morgan Hoffmann is back on the PGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)

It’s been five years since Morgan Hoffmann, U.S. professional golfer, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. This disease is a genetic defect in which muscle metabolism is impaired, leading to gradual muscle loss. For about three years, Morgan Hoffmann was no longer able to compete on the PGA Tour. His search for alternative cures to combat the previously incurable disease led Hoffmann and his family to Costa Rica. His therapy, he says, included urine therapy, a diet of hundreds of grapes a day, powerful hallucinogens, and lots of meditation and surfing.

As if nothing had happened: Return to the PGA Tour

On April 14, 2022, the time had come: After a break of 923 days, Morgan Hoffmann felt ready to compete again on the PGA Tour. A medical exemption enabled him to regain his Tour card with three starts. His first round was something to behold. He played even par with three birdies and three bogeys: “I felt great. The first tee shot wasn’t as nerve-racking as I thought it would be. I had a great group. It was easy keeping it light out there. We played fast, which was nice. The game didn’t feel anywhere near as bad as I thought it was, so it was pretty exciting.” With a big smile on his face, Hoffmann adds, “It felt like two minutes ago I was out here.”

The only thing Hoffmann is not satisfied with is his drives: “My putting felt great. I’m really confident. Hit all my lines today pretty much. Just a couple of misreads and mis-speed, that were a little slower than what I practiced, I guess. I’m driving it really short. So I’d love to have a little bit more speed.”

Two different worlds

From the jungles of Costa Rica back on the PGA Tour scene – a night and day difference. Morgan Hoffmann seems to like the change: “It was pretty surreal, a lot different than the lifestyle I’ve been living the last 2 1/2 years, and having people cheer your name out there, it’s very special.” Hoffmann also wants to use this media attention to raise awareness about his illness and the natural health and wellness center he is currently building in Costa Rica.

For now, however, Hoffmann’s focus is on the RBC Heritage. With his score of even par after Round 1, he is currently tied for 71st place and has a real chance of making the cut, provided he plays a good round on Day 2.

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Panorama

Thumbs up: Bryson DeChambeau reports after successful surgery

Bryson DeChambeau: Despair at the 2022 Masters is followed by confidence after surgery. (Photo: Getty, Instagram/@brysondechambeau)
Bryson DeChambeau: Despair at the 2022 Masters is followed by confidence after surgery. (Photo: Getty, Instagram/@brysondechambeau)

Bryson DeChambeau injured his left hip as well as his left wrist while playing ping pong during the Saudi International in February 2022. As a result, DeChambeau was forced to drop out of two tournaments and missed the cut several times as he apparently failed to properly heal his injury. Disappointment also followed at the Masters at the beginning of April: After it had initially been said that DeChambeau would return to the first major of the year 100 percent fit, he still seemed to have had problems with his wrist and failed to make the cut. There was now no getting around surgery.

Bryson DeChambeau wants to play “at golf’s highest level” again

The injury in Bryson DeChambeau’s wrist involves the hamate bone, a carpal bone. Following the surgery, which was performed by renowned hand surgeon Dr. Thomas Graham, DeChambeau reached out on Instagram and Twitter with an update.

In his statement, the 28-year-old expressed his usual confidence. He is looking forward to playing at the highest level again in the coming months. DeChambeau seems to want to forget the past few weeks: “I made attempts to play through this injury at three recent events, including the Masters, but this is typically an injury that requires surgical treatment. Through continued discomfort from the fracture, it has caused me to alter my grip and swing, resulting in my inability to compete at golf’s highest level. This has not been easy physically and mentally for me.”

DeChambeau faces hard work ahead

Bryson DeChambeau also wrote that he will now take enough time to recover so that he can return to his usual form afterwards: “Thank you to my family, team, partners, and supporters during this tough stretch but I am excited to work hard to get back competing soon.”

It doesn’t look like DeChambeau will compete at the PGA Championship in May 2022 due to the length of time his wrist will take to heal. A return by the US Open in June 2022 would be desirable for the golfer.