Author: Laura Gailus

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European Tour Uncategorized

Sergio Garcia’s Return to the DP World Tour: A Step Towards the Ryder Cup

Spaniard Sergio Garcia wants to fulfil his dream of returning to the Ryder Cup by rejoining the DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Spaniard Sergio Garcia wants to fulfil his dream of returning to the Ryder Cup by rejoining the DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)

Sergio Garcia is making a fresh start on the DP World Tour. The Spaniard, who set European Ryder Cup records, wants to play his way back into the world elite – with a clear goal in mind: to return to the European team for the 2025 Ryder Cup in Bethpage.

Garcia’s DP World Tour retirement prevents participation in the Ryder Cup

Following his retirement from the DP World Tour in May 2023, Garcia’s career in Europe appeared to have stalled after sanctions were imposed on him and other LIV golf players. Participating in LIV Golf events in the Saudi-backed series without authorisation led to significant consequences: hefty fines, tournament bans and the loss of his Ryder Cup eligibility. But Garcia has decided to turn over a new leaf. Over a million pounds in fines have been paid, the conditions accepted – the door to returning as a member of the Tour has been opened.

DP World Tour confirms re-entry

The official re-entry was confirmed by a DP World Tour spokesperson. His return is therefore a done deal, even if Garcia will not be able to officially take part in DP World Tour events again until the 2025 season. This return marks a decisive step in Garcia’s plan to qualify for the Ryder Cup again – a goal that has always played a special role in his golf career.

With 28.5 points, Garcia is the most successful player in the history of the European Ryder Cup. His name is synonymous with passion and success in one of golf’s most prestigious duels.

Ryder Cup comeback: a rocky road

However, this path will not be easy. Results from LIV golf tournaments in which Garcia continues to play do not count towards the European Ryder Cup ranking. This means that he will have to impress with strong performances in majors and on the DP World Tour – or hope for a wild card. Garcia proved in 2024 that he is still playing at the highest level: A win at Valderrama and six top-five finishes in 14 LIV events earned him third place in the individual rankings.

But for the Ryder Cup, only what happens on the DP World Tour counts. The decision is in the hands of captain Donald, who has made it clear that all players with membership have an equal chance.

More familiar faces on the DP World Tour 2025

With Sergio Garcia’s return, the DP World Tour 2025 will also welcome some other familiar faces from the LIV Golf League. In contrast to Garcia, who was the only one not active on the DP World Tour at the same time, the returnees include Ryder Cup stars such as Tyrrell Hatton, Jon Rahm and Thomas Pieters as well as up-and-coming talents such as Adrian Meronk and Joaquin Niemann.

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European Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Johannes Veerman and Billy Horschel in Dubai

DP World Tour Tee Times: Johannes Veerman and Billy Horschel set to tee off at the DP World Tour Championship. (Photo: Getty)

The DP World Tour Championship is set to take place on the prestigious Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As the centerpiece of the DP World Tour, this tournament features a challenging par-72 course and a substantial prize fund of $10 million, attracting the tour’s top players for the season finale.

Defending champion Nicolai Højgaard of Denmark returns, aiming for a strong finish after a season marked by ups and downs. Television coverage will be broadcast daily on Sky: Thursday through Saturday starting at 8:00 a.m., and on Sunday beginning at 7:30 a.m.

DP World Tour Tee Times

Johannes Veerman, a prominent American golfer, will begin his campaign at 9:10 a.m. from Tee 1. Joining him are Daniel Brown from England and Alex Fitzpatrick, also representing England.

Billy Horschel stands out as another key American figure in the upcoming rounds. He will tee off at 12:25 p.m. from Tee 1, accompanied by Rasmus Højgaard from Denmark and Rory McIlroy representing Northern Ireland.

Round Start Time Player 1 Player 2 Player 3
Round 1 09:10 Johannes Veerman (USA) Daniel Brown (ENG) Alex Fitzpatrick (ENG)
Round 1 12:25 Billy Horschel (USA) Rasmus Højgaard (DEN) Rory McIlroy (NIR)
Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood in Dubai

DP World Tour Tee Times: Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood set to tee off at the DP World Tour Championship. (Photo: Getty)

The DP World Tour Championship is set to take place on the prestigious Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As the centerpiece of the DP World Tour, this tournament features a challenging par-72 course and a substantial prize fund of $10 million, attracting the tour’s top players for the season finale.

Defending champion Nicolai Højgaard of Denmark returns, aiming for a strong finish after a season marked by ups and downs. Television coverage will be broadcast daily on Sky: Thursday through Saturday starting at 8:00 a.m., and on Sunday beginning at 7:30 a.m.

The DP World Tour Championship is set to take place on the prestigious Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As the centerpiece of the DP World Tour, this tournament features a challenging par-72 course and a substantial prize fund of $10 million, attracting the tour’s top players for the season finale.

Defending champion Nicolai Højgaard of Denmark returns, aiming for a strong finish after a season marked by ups and downs. Television coverage will be broadcast daily on Sky: Thursday through Saturday starting at 8:00 a.m., and on Sunday beginning at 7:30 a.m.

DP World Tour Tee Times

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy begins his DP World Tour campaign alongside South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence, with their first round teeing off at 12:45 PM.

At 12:05 PM, England’s Tommy Fleetwood will join Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre for what promises to be a notable pairing.

Starting the day’s rounds, England’s Andy Sullivan tees off at 8:50 AM in an international grouping with Japan’s Keita Nakajima and Germany’s Yannik Paul.

Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson hits the course at 9:55 AM, joined by Spain’s Nacho Elvira and England’s Joseph Dean.

Lastly, England’s Matt Wallace is set to tee off at 11:30 AM, playing with Australia’s Adam Scott and Sweden’s Sebastian Soderberg.

Round Start Time Player Nationality Co-Players Co-Players Nationality
Round 1 08:50 Andy Sullivan ENG Keita Nakajima, Yannik Paul JPN, GER
Round 1 09:55 Ewen Ferguson SCO Nacho Elvira, Joseph Dean ESP, ENG
Round 1 11:30 Matt Wallace ENG Adam Scott, Sebastian Soderberg AUS, SWE
Round 1 12:05 Tommy Fleetwood ENG Robert MacIntyre SCO
Round 1 12:45 Rory McIlroy NIR Thriston Lawrence RSA
Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: Martin Laird and Graeme Robertson at Bermuda Championship

PGA Tour Tee Times: Martin Laird and Graeme Robertson are set to tee off at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship. (Photo: Getty)

The Butterfield Bermuda Championship, the penultimate event in the PGA Tour’s Fall Series, is just around the corner. Set on the challenging par-71 layout of the Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda, this tournament offers a prize purse of $6.9 million, drawing top golf professionals from around the globe. Colombian star Camilo Villegas returns as the defending champion, hoping to replicate his victory amidst strong international competition.

Coverage on Sky kicks off at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, with broadcasts beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

PGA Tour Tee Times for the Scottish Players

Martin Laird will commence his quest at the Bermuda Championship alongside Vincent Whaley, from the USA, and Jacob Bridgeman, also from the USA. Laird’s group will tee off in the first round at 07:11 and in the second round at 11:41.

Graeme Robertson is set to play with Norman Xiong, representing the USA, and Eric Eric from Bermuda. Robertson’s first round begins at 13:09, while the second round will start at 08:39.

RoundTimePlayerNationalityPlaying PartnersPartners’ Nationalities
107:11Martin LairdScotlandVincent Whaley, Jacob BridgemanUSA, USA
113:09Graeme RobertsonScotlandNorman Xiong, Eric EricUSA, Bermuda
208:39Graeme RobertsonScotlandNorman Xiong, Eric EricUSA, Bermuda
211:41Martin LairdScotlandVincent Whaley, Jacob BridgemanUSA, USA
Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: Patrick Rodgers in Bermuda

PGA Tour Tee Times: Patrick Rodgers is set to tee off at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship. (Photo: Getty)

The Butterfield Bermuda Championship, the penultimate event in the PGA Tour’s Fall Series, is just around the corner. Set on the challenging par-71 layout of the Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton, Bermuda, this tournament offers a prize purse of $6.9 million, drawing top golf professionals from around the globe. Colombian star Camilo Villegas returns as the defending champion, hoping to replicate his victory amidst strong international competition.

Coverage on Sky kicks off at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, with broadcasts beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

PGA Tour Tee Times of American Players

In the first round, Patrick Rodgers is set to play alongside South Korea’s Seung-Yul Noh and fellow American Justin Lower, beginning their opening round at 07:00, with their second round scheduled for 11:30.

Vincent Whaley will tee off with Scotland’s Martin Laird and Jacob Bridgeman from the USA, starting at 07:11 for their first round, followed by an 11:41 start for their second.

Dylan Wu joins Sweden’s Henrik Norlander and Samuel Stevens from the USA for an initial tee time of 07:22, with their second round at 11:52.

Peter Malnati will play with Canada’s Nick Taylor and Chun-an Yu from Taiwan, beginning their first round at 07:33, and their second at 12:03.

Lastly, Lucas Glover tees off alongside fellow American Brendon Todd and Colombia’s Nicolas Echavarria. Their opening round is at 07:44, followed by a second round at 12:14.

Round 1 TimePlayer 1NationalityPlayer 2NationalityPlayer 3Nationality
07:00Patrick RodgersUSASeung-Yul NohKORJustin LowerUSA
07:11Vincent WhaleyUSAMartin LairdSCOJacob BridgemanUSA
07:22Dylan WuUSAHenrik NorlanderSWESamuel StevensUSA
07:33Peter MalnatiUSANick TaylorCANChun-an YuTPE
07:44Lucas GloverUSABrendon ToddUSANicolas EchavarriaCOL
11:30Patrick RodgersUSASeung-Yul NohKORJustin LowerUSA
11:41Vincent WhaleyUSAMartin LairdSCOJacob BridgemanUSA
11:52Dylan WuUSAHenrik NorlanderSWESamuel StevensUSA
12:03Peter MalnatiUSANick TaylorCANChun-an YuTPE
12:14Lucas GloverUSABrendon ToddUSANicolas EchavarriaCOL
Categories
Highlights Tours

Ryder Cup 2025: Has the Classic Become a Luxury Event?

Ticket prizes for the 2025 Ryder Cup have exploded. (Credit: Getty)
Ticket prizes for the 2025 Ryder Cup have exploded. (Credit: Getty)

The announcement of ticket prices for the 2025 Ryder Cup at the Bethpage Black Golf Course has caused a wave of outrage in the golf world. While the PGA of America promotes the tournament as an elite, once-in-a-lifetime experience, many long-time fans are left grappling with the reality that attending may now be out of reach.

The Soaring Costs of Ryder Cup 2025

Set against the backdrop of the Bethpage Black Course, the 2025 Ryder Cup promises thrilling competition—but at what cost? With prices starting at $749 per day for the competition days, the entrance fee is higher than ever before. Even practice day tickets cost up to $423.

In comparison to past editions, the price surge feels extreme. Fans who attended Whistling Straits in 2021 or the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome paid significantly less. Bethpage Black’s price tag has led many to wonder whether this event, long cherished as “golf’s ultimate fan experience,” is now reserved for those with the deepest pockets.

Ryder Cup vs. Other Major Tournaments: A Price Comparison

For perspective, the pricing at Bethpage Black stands in stark contrast to other top-tier golf events. At the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, final round tickets were available for around $260—a fraction of what’s now being charged in New York. Even at Augusta, a single-day ticket to the Masters costs around $140. Similarly, the upcoming 2024 PGA Championship—also run by the PGA of America—tops out at approximately $200 for a day pass.

The PGA of America Defends Its Pricing

Responding to the backlash, the PGA of America has stood firm. Bryan Karns, tournament director for the 2025 Ryder Cup, highlighted the unprecedented demand for tickets, suggesting the pricing reflects the high interest. According to Karns, the Ryder Cup sits firmly within the ranks of “Tier 1” global sporting events, and the elevated pricing mirrors this status.

Yet, for many fans, this explanation falls flat. Social media is flooded with dismay, as long-time attendees express concern that the escalating costs could diminish the tournament’s famously electric atmosphere f only an exclusive group of spectators can attend.

Added Perks: Enough to Justify the Cost?

The PGA also points to the “added value” that comes with a Ryder Cup ticket. Included in the price is unlimited food and select non-alcoholic beverages—an offering aimed at softening the blow of the steep costs. Still, for many fans, the question remains whether these additional perks justify the price difference.

Perhaps the biggest concern shared by both fans and experts is the potential impact these prices could have on the atmosphere. The Ryder Cup is known for its energetic and passionate crowd. But there are worries that the high costs might push out the typical Ryder Cup fan and result in a quieter, less enthusiastic audience.

Long-Term Impact on the Ryder Cup

Despite the intense reactions, it’s unlikely that ticket prices will affect the success of the tournament. Ryder Cup tickets will be allocated via a lottery system in November 2024, and they are expected to sell out quickly.

Categories
Panorama

Martin Kaymer: Wedding Celebration with Irene Scholz in the Alps

Martin Kaymer and his wife Irene Scholz were able to catch up on their wedding celebrations in an idyllic Bavarian setting. (Photo: Instagram@patriciakaymer)
Martin Kaymer and his wife Irene Scholz were able to catch up on their wedding celebrations in an idyllic Bavarian setting. (Photo: Instagram@patriciakaymer)

Martin Kaymer celebrated his wedding to Irene Scholz in style at the weekend. The couple had already married in a small civil ceremony in October 2022, but this was followed by a lavish celebration. The couple, who became parents to little Sam for the first time at the beginning of 2022, spent the special day with family, friends and some of Kaymer’s golfing colleagues.

 
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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Irène Kaymer (@_irenescholz_)

Martin Kaymer’s Wedding Celebration

Martin Kaymer and his wife Irene Scholz celebrated their civil wedding in Wiesbaden in October 2022 two years later. Back then, the former world number one and the sports scientist tied the knot in a very intimate setting. Both had already planned to make up for their big celebration with the most important people who had accompanied them on their journey so far. Last weekend provided the perfect opportunity to realise these plans.

The celebration took place in a breathtaking mountain setting at the exclusive Schloss Elmau. The German golf pro and his wife invited friends and family to a special weekend in the stunning Bavarian Alps to celebrate their love for each other.

 
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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Irène Kaymer (@_irenescholz_)

Her little son Sam, who was born in January 2022, was also there and was included in the celebrations. Irene Scholz shared her joy on social media that her son was able to take on this special role and humorously wrote that Sam was allowed to ‘bring the rings’ this time. In the posts, the couple were visibly moved and grateful for the celebrations and the people who took part.

Celebrity guests and team colleagues at the ceremony

In addition to close friends and the couple’s family, some familiar faces from the world of golf were also in attendance. Kaymer’s LIV Golf team-mate Adrian Meronk was among the guests and shared impressions of the celebration on his social media. Other personalities such as Leanne Hainsby and Benjamin Alldis were also present at the event. The celebration was accompanied by congratulations and warm comments from the golf world.

Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour: MacIntyre And Murray Team Up At BMW PGA Championship

The Scottish duo Robert MacIntyre and Andy Murray will compete together in the star-studded DP World Tour event. (Photos: Getty)

Scottish sporting stars Robert MacIntyre and Andy Murray are set to team up in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am, as the worlds of sport and entertainment come together at Wentworth Club.

Three-time Grand Slam winner and former tennis World Number One Murray, who called time on his stellar tennis career following this summer’s Paris Olympics, will make his debut in the star-studded BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-Am of the DP World Tour on the Wednesday of tournament week, alongside famous names including football icon Gareth Bale and Hollywood actor Tom Holland, who returns for a third appearance alongside his twin siblings Harry and Sam.

Scottish Duo at DP World Tour

Murray will have the perfect partner at the famous Surrey venue in Rolex Series winner MacIntyre, who is looking forward to partnering with his fellow Scot. He said: “Andy is a hero to so many people in Scotland – and across the world – and it’s pretty exciting to be playing alongside him in his BMW PGA Championship debut.

“He’s been absolutely dedicated to tennis during his incredible career, but it looks like he’s been playing plenty of golf since his retirement, so I’m looking forward to seeing if all that practice has paid off!”

MacIntyre will be part of a world-class field when the BMW PGA Championship gets under way on Thursday, including fellow 2023 Ryder Cup stars Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, Matt Fitzpatrick, Nicolai Højgaard, Justin Rose, and Sepp Straka.

Ryan Fox returns to defend his title at the third Rolex Series event of the season, alongside a host of former winners including European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, Billy Horschel, Byeong Hun An, Matteo Manassero, Francesco Molinari, Alex Noren and Danny Willett.

Most recent winner Matt Wallace, who claimed his fifth DP World Tour title in Crans Montana on Sunday, and Major winner Adam Scott, currently fourth in the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, also return to Wentworth Club. Meanwhile, PGA TOUR winners Will Zalatoris, Si Woo Kim and Peter Malnati will make their BMW PGA Championship debuts.

Festival of Sort

The BMW PGA Championship Festival of Golf takes place just outside central London, attracting more than 100,000 spectators each year, with the world class action inside the ropes set to be complemented by live entertainment on the Showstage from Groove Armada (Saturday) and Sigala (Sunday) and an unrivalled atmosphere in the vibrant Spectator Village.

The week starts with the G4D TOUR @ BMW PGA Championship, with some of the best golfers with a disability competing for the penultimate G4D Tour title on the iconic West Course on Monday and Tuesday.

That is followed by the star-studded Celebrity Pro-Am, which will see global celebrities and some of golf’s most famous names take to the fairways side-by-side. Further famous faces taking part this year include footballers Troy Deeney and Jordan Pickford, Rugby player Jamie George, TV stars Anton Du Beke and Michael McIntyre, cricketers James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ollie Pope and Olympic swimming medallist James Guy, with more celebrities to be announced.

The Rolex Series tournament assumes a key position on the DP World Tour’s 2024 Global Schedule as part of the ‘Back 9’, encompassing nine of the Tour’s most historic tournaments and national opens, running from August to October. It gives members their final opportunities to secure their playing rights for 2025 and also advance to the season-ending ‘DP World Tour Play-Offs’.

BMW group owners will once again receive preferred parking benefits, while park & ride and shuttle services from local train stations will be available free of charge to all spectators.

(Text provided by DP World Tour Communications)

Categories
Panorama

Full Swing: Netflix Confirms Third Season for 2025

The excitement for golf fans continues. (Photo: Twitter @netflix)

The successful golf documentary “Full Swing” will return to Netflix in 2025 for its third season. After two gripping seasons offering insights behind the scenes of professional golf, fans can once again look forward to dramatic twists and thrilling moments in the upcoming season.

What the third season of “Full Swing” might bring 

Although the themes of the new season have not yet been officially confirmed, speculation is already rife about which major storylines from the 2024 season might make their way into the series. Among the potential highlights are Bryson DeChambeau’s triumphant victory over Rory McIlroy at the U.S. Open and Rickie Fowler’s remarkable comeback. Xander Schauffele, who clinched two major championships in 2024, is also expected to play a central role.

The series will likely cover stories beyond the tournaments as well—such as the much-discussed arrest of Scottie Scheffler during the PGA Championship or Nick Dunlap’s sensational victory as an amateur. Netflix’s camera crews are known for delving deeply into the private lives of golfers, so viewers can expect to see both the personal highs and lows of the sport’s biggest stars.

Looking back: The dramas of the first two seasons 

Since its debut in February 2023, “Full Swing” has offered viewers exclusive glimpses into the lives of the biggest names in golf. The first season followed stars like Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka through a year marked by the rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The cameras captured the drama as well-known players such as Ian Poulter and Brooks Koepka made the controversial switch to the Saudi-backed LIV Tour, while others, like McIlroy, stood firm in defending the traditional PGA Tour.

The second season, which premiered in March 2024, focused heavily on the historic merger between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the uncertainties that this alliance brought with it. The 2023 Ryder Cup, held in Rome, was also documented closely as the world’s top players vied for a spot on their respective teams.

Netflix hits the mark with “Full Swing”

 Since the launch of “Full Swing” in 2023, the series has not only captivated golf fans but has also boosted the PGA Tour’s viewership. According to a Nielsen Media Research analysis, interest in golf spiked significantly after the release of the first season. Notably, newcomers who had previously never followed golf broadcasts began tuning in to live tournaments after watching the series.

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LIV Tour

LIV Golf: These Stars Face Potential Relegation from the Tour

These LIV Golf players currently find themselves in the "Drop Zone." (Photos: Getty)

With just one event remaining in the 2024 LIV Golf season, the battle intensifies for players teetering near the bottom of the individual rankings. Players who finish 49th or lower are placed in the “Drop Zone,” meaning they’ll have to compete in the LIV Golf Promotions to secure a spot for the next season. While captains and contracted players are safe from relegation, many others are fighting to stay on the tour.

Team Captains in Safe Territory

Captains like Bubba Watson and Martin Kaymer are immune to relegation due to their leadership roles, but for some of their teammates, the situation is far more precarious. Watson currently sits in 52nd place, but his captain status shields him from any consequences. Similarly, Kaymer, who leads Cleeks GC, is safe despite finishing last season in the “Drop Zone.” For other players, however, the final event could decide their future on the tour.

Varner and Perez: On the Edge

Harold Varner III (47th) and Pat Perez (48th) are two notable names hovering near the relegation line. Both players need strong showings in the final event, LIV Golf Chicago, to avoid falling into the “Drop Zone.” Varner, who finished 7th in last year’s standings, is particularly feeling the pressure after an unexpectedly poor 2024 season.

Vincent, Grace, and Canter: Last-Ditch Effort

Scott Vincent (49th) has managed to stay just above the relegation line, with top-25 finishes in the last four tournaments, but he needs another solid performance to secure his place. Meanwhile, Branden Grace (50th) and Laurie Canter (51st) are in similarly precarious positions. Grace has had an inconsistent season, mixing high points with disappointing results, while Canter’s limited schedule — just two events — has left him little opportunity to climb higher in the rankings.

Players at the Bottom

At the lower end of the rankings, Kalle Samooja (53rd) and Kieran Vincent (54th) are in serious jeopardy. Both players entered the league via the 2023 Promotions but have struggled this season. Samooja is firmly in the “Drop Zone,” while Vincent, with only 2.47 points and just one top-20 finish this season, has also been unable to escape the bottom of the leaderboard.