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Ryder Cup 2023 – Rory McIlroy: “They are going to miss being here more than we’re missing them”

Ryder Cup 2023: Rory McIlroy in an interview ahead of his seventh appearance. (Source: Getty)
Ryder Cup 2023: Rory McIlroy in an interview ahead of his seventh appearance. (Source: Getty)

Rory McIlroy is one of the experienced Ryder Cup participants. Shortly before the start of the Ryder Cup 2023, the Northern Irishman spoke in an interview about the special atmosphere at the continental competition and the absence of great players who have long characterized the European Ryder Cup teams, such as Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter or Lee Westwood.

Leaderboard of the Ryder Cup 2023

Campfire feeling at the Ryder Cup 2023

I’m joined by Rory McIlroy from Team Europe. Rory, remarkably, your seventh Ryder Cup.

Rory McIlroy: Thanks, Steve.

That’s all right. We saw a video last night talking through being in the team environment. How has the team environment been this week.

Rory McIlroy: It’s been fantastic. Everyone knows this is a bit of a transitional period for The European Team and there’s people that have been part of The European Team for a long time that aren’t here this week. But I think the guys that we brought in are going to be awesome. Nicolai, Ludwig, Bob, that’s the future of our team and the future of the Ryder Cup.

I think we came here to Rome a couple of weeks ago for a practise trip, and I thought that was incredibly important. Honestly I couldn’t believe that we’ve never done it before. We played a practise round and we got familiar with the golf course but then the sort of time we spent off the course I thought was great. Just sort of sharing stories around the fire pit and sort of describing our journeys in golf and what the Ryder Cup means to us. Sort of just getting to know one another a little better, even people that I thought that I knew for a long time, sort of getting to know them a little better, too, was wonderful.

I think Luke and his vice captains have really sort of tapped into that emotional connection around Team Europe this week, and we have all bought into it. It’s been an amazing experience so far, and it’s only Wednesday. There’s a lot of great things to come. But couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the team, and to have those other 11 guys be my teammates.

Just on the fans, you’ve obviously experienced the odd rogue fan at the Ryder Cup and thinking of Brian Harman getting heckled, do you think it might go too far here?

Rory McIlroy: No because I think that’s all part of the Ryder Cup. There’s not a lot of other instances in the game of golf where that happens but there’s certainly a line. Most fans that come out to watch golf are very respectful and they know what that line is.

Rory McIlroy: ” It’s certainly a little strange not having them around”

A lot of water under the bridge in the last couple years, but in this week of all weeks, do you actually miss guys like Sergio, Poulter, Westwood?

Rory McIlroy: I mean, it’s certainly a little strange not having them around. But I think this week of all weeks, it’s going to hit home with them that, you know, they are not here, and I think they are going to miss being here more than we’re missing them, so — and I’m not saying that that’s like — it’s just more I think this week is a realisation that the decision that they made has led to not being a part of this week, and that’s tough. The landscape in golf is ever-changing and more dynamic, and we’ll see what happens and whether they will be part of it in the future. I always thought leading up to this week is when it’s going to hit home that they are not going to be here.

We obviously don’t know the pairings yet, but assuming you might have to use a different golf ball. I’m just wondering if you can discuss the challenges that brings with it, and how much time you would devote to maybe practising with another ball in the lead up to that.

Rory McIlroy: Yeah, I guess the nice thing is that you can do it in way where — I think all these golf balls react pretty similar with a driver. It’s more the iron shots and around the greens. If I’m playing with a guy that uses a different golf ball, I can just hit his golf ball off the tee. He’s able to hit it into the green and we go from there. Vice versa; he can hit my golf ball off the tee, and I can hit my ball into the green and do that. Yeah, it can get a little tricky and you’re chipping and putting and different feels of balls.

I think a couple of days, hitting some, getting numbers with that golf ball. Spin rates is a big thing. Especially in the wind gets up in some of these elevations. Just if you’re into the wind, and, say, the other golf ball minutes 200 or 300 more RPMs more than your golf ball, that makes a huge difference into the wind. So just trying to get comfortable with that in some ways and trying to be mindful of it.

But I don’t think it presents a huge challenge. I think guys are pretty much adaptable. We have 24 of the best players in the world here. If we can’t adapt a little bit to a slight change of the golf ball, the game is certainly not going in the right direction. So I think we are all okay.

Rory, thank for joining us. Enjoy your week.

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Live Feed Ryder Cup 2023: Golf’s Grandest Spectacle

Experience the Ryder Cup 2023 up close. All information in the live ticker. (Source: Getty)
Experience the Ryder Cup 2023 up close. All information in the live ticker. (Source: Getty)

For the 44th time, Team Europe and Team USA will clash at the Ryder Cup 2023. The Americans, aiming to defend their title at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, are determined to break their 30-year-long losing streak on European soil. Meanwhile, the Europeans are resolute in their quest to bring the trophy back to Europe following their defeat at Whistling Straits. Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to gather outside the gates of Rome, creating the famous and infamous Ryder Cup atmosphere.

The Scores of the Ryder Cup 2023

The Teams at Ryder Cup 2023

Once again, this year’s teams consist of twelve players who have either qualified through their respective rankings or have been selected by the captains. European team captain Luke Donald has opted for a mix of experience and fresh talent. With the inclusion of Ludvig Aberg and Nicolai Hojgaard, two young talents have made it into the team, alongside European stars like Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm. The nomination of Austrian player Sepp Straka is also noteworthy. Straka, following in the footsteps of Bernd Wiesberger, is only the second Austrian to participate in a Ryder Cup and has gained attention this season with his victory at the John Deere Classic and a shared second place at the British Open.

The Americans, on the other hand, are aiming for their first victory on European soil in 30 years. After their win at Whistling Straits two years ago, they enter the Ryder Cup with great confidence. Among their ranks are world number 1 Scottie Scheffler, alongside seasoned Ryder Cup players such as Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, and Rickie Fowler. Team USA also features several rookies, including Sam Burns, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, and Max Homa. Unlike Aberg and Hojgaard, the Americans boast years of experience on the PGA Tour. Captain Zach Johnson has also added LIV Golf League player Brooks Koepka to the team, a move expected to significantly strengthen Team USA.

Ryder Cup 2023 LIVE on golfpost.com

Follow the action live at the 2023 Ryder Cup and never miss a point from your team. Golf Post provides not only the live scores, but also news, photos, a free fantasy game and of course the tee times and pairings.

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club – The Venue for Ryder Cup 2023

The Ryder Cup is played alternately on American and European soil, and this year, the venue is the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome. Extensive course redesign work began in August 2018 and was completed in March 2021. The primary focus was to create a golf course specifically tailored for dramatic match play. The transformation not only introduced numerous risk-and-reward opportunities for the world’s best golfers but also made optimal use of the natural, hilly terrain. Spectators at this location will enjoy unparalleled vantage points of the action on the golf course while taking in panoramic views of the famous Eternal City. The spectacular vistas include St. Peter’s Basilica and the Castle of Marco Simone, forming the backdrop for the greatest team competition in golf.

Ryder Cup Format: Foursome, Fourball and Singles

Traditionally, Ryder Cup spectators are treated to not your typical stroke play but direct head-to-head matchups between players from both teams. Various formats of golf are played during the event. Foursomes and Fourballs are played in pairs on the first two days, and on the final day, each player competes individually. In total, 28 matches will be played. Team USA, as defending champions, needs 14 points to successfully retain their title, while the Europeans require 14.5 points to reclaim the Cup on home soil.

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Ryder Cup 2023: Sepp Straka talks about not feeling his arms

Sepp Straka wants to learn from veterans Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)
Sepp Straka wants to learn from veterans Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)

Sepp Straka, the golf prodigy from Austria, shared his delightful experiences from Team Europe’s at the Ryder Cup 2023 locker room, emphasizing the immense bonding and camaraderie the team has developed. “Starting with the practice trip we had here a couple of weeks ago, and even during Wentworth… today was a great day. The team bonding has been incredible,” Straka shared.

Leaderboard of the Ryder Cup 2023

A Journey through Cultures

Straka delves into his personal journey, sharing insights about his cultural assimilation after moving to the States at 14. While he acknowledges the American influence, he harbors a deep connection to his Austrian lineage, “My dad is Austrian. Always made sure I spent a lot of time going back.”

Reflecting on his childhood vacations, he recalls with nostalgia the family trips to Italy, specifically Venice and Legnano,  “it was always our number one destination for trips as a kid. We always drove down to Venice, Legnano. We also did a lot of our junior camps over winter in Legnano. Yeah, always brings back memories coming back to Italy.”

His Austrian roots mixed with his American upbringing have brought a distinctive aura in the team, echoing his multifaceted identity. “I’ve grown up kind of split… I’ve always felt really close to my Austrian heritage,” Straka remarks, emphasizing his dual allegiance. Straka’s enthusiastic participation in team dinners and practice rounds highlights his commitment to fostering unity and building strong connections within the team.

Confronting the pressures at the Ryder Cup 2023

The intense pressure synonymous with the first tee is a topic many players converse about, and Straka is no exception. He reveals his strategy for managing the stress, “You’ve just got to stick to your routine in that situation,” he states, emphasizing the importance of maintaining normalcy in high-pressure environments.

His curiosity and enthusiasm are evident as he seeks advice from veterans like Justin Rose and Rory, aiming to gather insights and perspectives to navigate through his first Ryder Cup experience: “Yeah, definitely, you’ve got to lean on those guys. It’s incredible how many Ryder Cups they have been a part of and been successful in. Yeah, a typical question like, ‘What do you on the first tee box when you can’t feel your arms,’ kind of thing. But yeah, overall the goal is you’ve just got to play golf. But yeah, just sharing stories and hearing stories from them has been helpful.”

“What do you do when you can’t feel your arms?”, the interviewer asked “Hope, I guess. Yeah, maybe just stick to the routine and hope you make a good swing”, Straka responded laughing.

Fourballs or Foursome?

Straka shares his neutrality when it comes to choosing between fourballs or foursomes, citing the different mentalities required for each. He sheds light on the challenges of maintaining rhythm in foursomes, “It’s hard to get into rhythm sometimes, just because you’re only hitting every other shot.”

Straka didn’t hold back in expressing his admiration for the course, finding it highly suitable for match play.  “It’s a good course. It will be great for match play. There’s a lot of high-risk reward shots and a couple drivable par fours and reachable par fives. I think that will be really fun to watch and really fun to play.” Straka’s favorite, number five, stands out as a cool reachable par four, highlighting his penchant for strategic play. Alltough he mentioned the rough as quite a challenging part of the Ryder Cup course. “It’s very thick (…) the blades are really thick and it’s very different than anything you see almost anywhere.”

(This text was created with the help of AI)

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Ryder Cup 2023: “Obviously we enjoy to beat the Americans” – Viktor Hovland

Viktor Hovland hopes to secoure the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)
Viktor Hovland hopes to secoure the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)

Viktor Hovland, the golf sensation from Team Europe, has had a remarkable individual season. As he steps into the much-anticipated Ryder Cup 2023, he expresses his eagerness to translate his individual accomplishments into a unified team victory. Despite the exceptional year, Hovland maintains a team-first perspective, emphasizing that personal achievements “go out the window” when it comes to the Ryder Cup. The motivation to bring the Cup back to Europe, especially after the events of two years ago, remains high among all team members.

Leaderboard of the Ryder Cup 2023

Hovland eyeing a turnaround from last Ryder Cup

Hovland reflected on his experience at Whistling Straits two years ago, acknowledging the challenges Team Europe faced against a strong U.S. Team: “I felt like I played okay, but I lacked the special things in the matches to where you really flip the momentum around and you can build on a big putt or an up-and-down or maybe a chip-in or something like that. That just wasn’t there”. This year, he brings a more refined game, supplemented with improvements in the short game and a series of accomplishments throughout the year, fostering a belief and confidence that he can extract himself from any situation.

Sharpening the Short Game

The acknowledgment of his limitations around the greens led Hovland to seek guidance from Joe Mayo at the start of the year. With Mayo’s insights into the physics of the short game, Hovland has been working meticulously to enhance his capabilities, understanding the essential differences in approach needed for long drives and short games. “He basically just explained the physics of why I didn’t have a great short game before. It wasn’t because I wasn’t talented enough or I didn’t have the “hands” to do it. I was essentially just getting a little too shallow into the ball and getting way behind it.”

Hate at the Ryder Cup 2023

Hovland was asked about the changing of the rivalry at the Ryder Cup. The reporter reffered his question to former players like Paul McGinley: “Talking to guys like Paul McGinley, he speaks a lot about the rivalry that used to be more clear in the way that Europeans played in Europe, Americans played in America. Nowadays, you guys pretty much all play together. You’ve grown up with Collin Morikawa. How does it affect the rivalry of the Ryder Cup, in your opinion?”

“I can’t speak for the guys that played in the past,” Hovland said, “but it seems that we probably hate each other less than guys used to in the past. “But sure, hate is a big motivator to do well. That’s just a fact. But I think where we are now, we’re more motivated maybe to win for our country and continent. We want to win for Europe. It’s not so much to — obviously we want to beat the Americans. We enjoy that. “But it’s not because we hate the other team. It’s because we love Europe and we want to do well for the people that support us.”

The Role and Impact of Rankings in the Ryder Cup

Despite being one of the highest-ranked players in Team Europe, Hovland downplayed the emphasis on World Rankings: “It just goes out the window this week. Whatever technically the 12th ranked player on the team could be the best player on their team right now, so just because someone is ranked a little bit higher on the World Rankings doesn’t mean that they’re going to be tougher to beat this week.”

(This text was created with the help of AI)

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Ryder Cup 2023 – Jon Rahm: “I would pay to play”

Jon Rahm said he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)
Jon Rahm said he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)

The Ryder Cup 2023 is going to be the third appearance at the prestigious tournament for Jon Rahm. The experienced spaniard, a pivotal figure for Team Europe, radiates an infectious enthusiasm about the Ryder Cup. The camaraderie, the competition, and the collective commitment to victory are elements that Rahm emphasized during a press conference on Tuesday.

Leaderboard of the Ryder Cup 2023

Jon Rahm love the team feeling at the Ryder Cup 2023

Jon Rahm of Team Europe brought forth his views and experiences associated with the Ryder Cup. “It’s incredible,” he shares, speaking about his anticipation and enjoyment at the prestigious event, highlighting the special bonds created amongst the elite golfers. Rahm reveals, “The greatest thing of the Ryder Cup… is going in that team room and seeing all these great golfers come together.” He paints a vivid picture of the unity and enduring relationships that blossom through shared victories and defeats within the team room, enriching the sport’s landscape.

“I don’t have to get paid to come here and perform in front of people.”

While discussing the commercial aspect of the sport, Rahm makes it clear that his passion for golf transcends material gain. Unaware of the financial perks, he admits, “I didn’t even know we got any money… Me, yeah, I don’t have to get paid to come here and perform in front of people.” It’s the love for the game and the joy derived from it that drives him. He even humorously entertains the idea of paying an entry fee to be part of the team: “Probably, yes,” Rahm said, when asked about, if he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup 2023. “This week is a lot of fun, so yeah, I think as long as it’s manageable for everybody on the team, because we have one that was in college like two days ago”, he joked about Ludvig Aberg, who notably, was playing college golf as late as May.  

With new talent like Aberg integrating into the team, Rahm shares insights on the challenges and adaptations involved in transitioning from college to professional golf. He commends Aberg’s potential and advises rookies to stay curious, seek advice, and learn from experienced players. Rahm confesses his introverted nature made his first Ryder Cup daunting, but the subsequent experience was easier and more enriching.

No extra pressure despite ranking

Rahm’s humility and team-centric approach shine through as he dismisses the pressures of being one of the top-ranked players in Team Europe. “It shouldn’t really impact how we prepare for this week,” he stresses, emphasizing that personal achievements should not overshadow the collective goal. It’s the game’s match play nature that resonates with Rahm, where individual focus aligns with the team’s success.

Reflecting on the event’s historical significance, Rahm denotes the ‘87 Ryder Cup victory on American soil and the emotion-laden ‘06 Ryder Cup as monumental moments that fuel his motivation. These moments, coupled with individual accomplishments like Sergio Garcia becoming the all-time leader in points for Europe, showcase the myriad of inspiring stories within the Ryder Cup’s rich history.

(This text was created with the help of AI)

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Ryder Cup 2023: Rules and Format

The Ryder Cup is played in a match-play format. Here are the rules and formats. (Image: Getty)
The Ryder Cup is played in a match-play format. Here are the rules and formats. (Image: Getty)

The Ryder Cup is the most prestigious team event in golf. Every two years, the twelve best golfers from the United States and Europe face off against each other. The Ryder Cup was first held in 1927, and since then, this top event alternates between the European and American continents.

Ryder Cup 2023
Date September 29 – October 1, 2023
Location Marco Simone GCC, Rome, Italy
Participants Team USA vs. Team Europe
Format Matchplay (Fourball / Foursome / Single Matches)

Tournament Format and Match Formats

The Ryder Cup takes place over three days in a match-play format, where golfers compete head-to-head. A total of 28 matches are played over 18 holes during the tournament. Three different game formats are used over the three tournament days.

On Friday and Saturday, four Foursome matches are played each day. In Foursomes, the same ball is played alternately by a two-player team until it is holed. Ryder Cup Foursomes feature two Europeans against two Americans in a flight of four. If a team takes fewer strokes to complete a hole than their opponents, they go “1 up.” If a team leads by more points than holes remaining, the match is finished, and the winning team earns a point. If both teams have won the same number of holes, the match is halved, and each team gets half a point.

Additionally, on Friday and Saturday, four Fourball matches are played. In Fourballs, two European golfers compete against two American golfers in a flight of four. However, unlike in Foursomes, all four players play their own balls, and only the best score per team on each hole is counted. The same match-play rules apply. The choice between starting with Foursomes or Fourballs on each day is determined by the hosting team.

To conclude the Ryder Cup, on Sunday, the 28 matches are completed with twelve Singles (individual matches). The team captains determine in what order players will compete in the Singles matches, as well as the pairings for Foursomes and Fourballs. Before the match pairings are announced, the captains do not know who their players will be facing.

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Scoring in the Ryder Cup

For each win in a match, the winning team earns one point that contributes to the overall team score. In the case of a tie, each Ryder Cup match is awarded half a point. A team needs 14.5 points to win. If the Ryder Cup ends in a tie, the defending champion retains the title. This year, this would mean victory for Team USA.

One unique aspect of scoring in the Ryder Cup is the concept of “dormie.” Dormie occurs when a player or team is leading with the same number of points as there are holes left to play. In this situation, the trailing team can only level the match and tie it but cannot win it.

One of the most memorable Ryder Cup moments in recent history was the 2012 edition, which showcased how thrilling and close the contest between Team USA and Team Europe can be. Team Europe secured a dramatic victory with a stunning putt by Martin Kaymer, winning 14.5 to 13.5 points after an incredible comeback.

So, as golf fans eagerly await the Ryder Cup 2023 at Marco Simone GCC in Rome, Italy, they can look forward to witnessing the intensity and excitement of this prestigious event, where the finest golfers from the United States and Europe battle it out for pride and honor.

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Ryder Cup 2023: Jon Rahm – Woods Conqueror and Europe’s Key Player

Jon Rahm will be at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Photo: Getty)
Jon Rahm will be at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Photo: Getty)

World number 3 Jon Rahm is already one of the most successful Spanish golfers of all time. With two Major titles already won and a total of 30 weeks at the top of the world rankings, the 28-year-old golfer manifests his impressive presence on the international stage. Over the course of 2023, Jon Rahm continues on his path of success. A highlight of this year was undoubtedly his victory at the US Masters, where he claimed the coveted Green Jacket. There is no doubt that Jon Rahm will also play a key role in the European team at the 2023 Ryder Cup.

Jon Rahm at the Ryder Cup 2023

Rahm qualified for the 2023 Ryder Cup via two routes and was one of the first confirmed members of Team Europe early on. After closing the 2022 season with victories at the Acciona Open de Espana and the DP World Tour Championship, Rahm continued that impressive form in 2023. The year began for him with back-to-back wins on the PGA Tour at the Sentry Tournament of Champions and the American Express Championship. It wasn’t long before he was in the winner’s circle again – this time at The Genesis Invitational. His fourth triumph earned Rahm the coveted green jacket and his second major title in April. A closing round of 69 on Sunday secured victory at the Masters by four strokes on what would have been the 66th birthday of the late, great Seve Ballesteros. Since then, he has finished in the top-10 three times, including runner-up finishes at the U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club and the 151st Open at Royal Liverpool.

Woods conqueror Rahm faces third Ryder Cup appearance

Rahm has played in two editions of the Ryder Cupp so far (2018, 2020) in which he has recorded four wins, three losses and one draw. The Spaniard made his debut in Paris in 2018 after automatically qualifying for Thomas Bjørn’s European team. A memorable highlight of the week was his first Ryder Cup point, which he claimed during Sunday’s singles matches. In an impressive victory over Tiger Woods, he ensured that all Team Europe players won at least one point over the three days.

Jon Rahm’s greatest successes and prize money

Jon Rahm’s path to professional golf began during his time at Arizona State University. He joined the professional ranks at the remarkably young age of 22, in 2016. Just one year later, “Rahmbo” demonstrated his extraordinary talent when he won his first PGA Tour title at the Farmers Insurance Open. In July 2020, he climbed to the top of the world golf rankings for the first time by winning the Memorial. With this achievement, he followed in the footsteps of the legendary Seve Ballesteros and became the second Spanish golfer to reach this position. The following year, at the US Open, Jon Rahm continued his rise and secured the coveted victory at one of the prestigious Major tournaments. This underlined his ability to dominate at the highest level and hold his own among the best.

Last season was undoubtedly the highlight of Rahm’s career so far. The Spaniard won an impressive four matches this year, including the triumph at the US Masters. A memorable moment that occurred on the birthday of his idol Seve Ballesteros, of all people. This emotional connection gave his success a deeper meaning. Jon Rahm’s exceptional consistency and skills are reflected in his performances. In over 149 events played, he made the cut an incredible 134 times. With an impressive total winnings of $51 million, Rahm is undoubtedly one of the top earners on the tour.

Ryder Cup 2023: A look inside Jon Rahm’s golf bag

Since Jon Rahm’s switch to outfitter Callaway in 2021, things have gone steeply uphill for the exceptional Spanish golfer. With various victories and two Major titles, it was no wonder that he extended the cooperation this year and will now also play in the 2023 Ryder Cup with a pure Callaway golf bag. Rahm’s selection includes the latest woods from the Paradym series, as well as the Players Irons from the Apex models. When it comes to wedges, Rahm relies on Callaway’s classic Jaws Raw. His equipment is rounded off with the Odyssey White Hot OG putter and the Chrome Soft X golf ball.

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Duca del Cosma: Georgia Hall plays the Solheim Cup in new shoes

Team Europe superstar Georgia Hall will be striding into her fourth Solheim Cup later this week in new Duca del Cosma shoes. (Source: Duca del Cosma)
Team Europe superstar Georgia Hall will be striding into her fourth Solheim Cup later this week in new Duca del Cosma shoes. (Source: Duca del Cosma)

Duca del Cosma ambassador and Team Europe superstar Georgia Hall will be striding into her fourth Solheim Cup later this week in the super stable AVANTI shoes as she looks to help her team retain the coveted cup on the pristine fairways of Spain’s Finca Cortesin. Seeking a third win in a row with Team Europe, Georgia has selected to wear this distinctive style from the luxury Italian brand’s advanced Pro Spike collection, offering top performance and modern style features in equal measure.

Duca del Cosma: Maximum stability and comfort

Developed for pro golfers and amateur players alike, the lightweight waterproof shoes feature a striking white design with a distinctive red outsole and Softspikes PULSAR cleats to deliver a sturdy grip during the swing. Additional traction nubs enhance stability and
ensure Georgia can play in ultimate comfort during her forthcoming matches against the United States.

“We’re thrilled that Georgia will be representing Team Europe once again and look forward to seeing our premium shoes being worn at the event for very first time,” said Frank van Wezel, Chairman of Duca del Cosma. “Georgia is a fantastic golfer with a seriously impressive record on golf’s biggest stages, and we’ll be cheering her on in every match,” he added.

Having made her Solheim Cup debut as a 21-year-old in 2017, Hall secured a spot in this year’s European team via world ranking places and is looking to build on her record of 7.5 points from 13 matches when play gets underway on Friday. The top-ranked women’s star signed with Duca del Cosma in August and debuted the brand’s stylish golf shoes at the AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath.

Duca del Cosma: Premium quality

Duca del Cosma sells premium Italian-designed shoes in 40 different countries across the world and operates from its own subsidiaries in The Netherlands (HQ), United States, UK and South Africa. Each shoe is handcrafted in Portugal using the finest materials available to deliver unrivalled performance, all-day comfort and a super stable fit.

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Solheim Cup 2023: Rules and Format explained

America versus Europe - rules and format of the Solheim Cup. (Image: Getty)

The Solheim Cup is the female counterpart to the Ryder Cup in professional golf. Since 1990, the best female golfers from Europe have squared off against their American counterparts every two years in teams of twelve players each.

Solheim Cup 2023DatePlaceAttendeesFormat
Solheim Cup 202322.09. – 24.09.2023Finca Cortesin Golf Club, SpainTeam USA vs. Team EuropeMatchplay (Fourball / Foursome / Single Matches)

Solheim Cup 2023: Rules and format

In 1996, the Solheim Cup adopted the exact same format as the Ryder Cup. Over the course of three days, the tournament is played in a “woman-to-woman” format, comprising a total of 28 matches over 18 holes. Three different game formats are played over these three tournament days. On the first and second tournament days, there are a total of eight classic foursomes (alternate shot) and eight four-ball best-ball matches (fourballs). In these matches, two players from one team, appointed by the captain, compete against two players from the opposing team. On the final day, the competition culminates in singles matches, where it’s one-on-one.

Foursomes

On Friday and Saturday, four foursome matches are played. Here, the same ball is alternately played within a team of two until it’s holed. If one team takes fewer strokes than the opponent on a hole, they go “1 up.” If a team is ahead by more holes than there are remaining, the match ends before the 18th hole, and the winning team gets a point. If both teams have won an equal number of holes, the match is halved, and each team receives half a point.

Fourballs

On Friday and Saturday, four fourball matches are also played. In these matches, two European golfers face off against two American golfers in a foursome flight. However, unlike foursomes, all four players use their own balls. Only the best score per team is counted for each hole. Otherwise, the same rules as other match-play formats apply. Whether the days start with foursomes or fourballs is determined by the event organizer.

Singles

On Sunday, the Solheim Cup concludes with twelve singles matches. The order in which players from each team face representatives of the opposing team is determined by the respective captain. However, captains do not know in advance which players will face each other. The matchups are randomized by the captains’ selections, a process that also applies to foursomes and fourballs.

How the Solheim Cup is decided

For every victory in a match, the team earns a point, which contributes to the team’s overall score. If a match ends in a tie, both teams receive half a point. With a total of 28 matches, there are 28 points up for grabs. A team needs 14.5 points to win the Solheim Cup. In the event of a tie, the defending champions are declared the winners.

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Equipment

TaylorMade Golf unveils new Spider Tour Series

TaylorMade revitalises the essence of this iconic franchise with the release of the Spider Tour Series (Image: TaylorMade)
TaylorMade revitalises the essence of this iconic franchise with the release of the Spider Tour Series (Image: TaylorMade)

With unmatched stability and an unmistakable shape, for nearly two decades Spider putters have been claiming major championships and stacking victories across professional tours globally.

Introducing the Spider Tour Series: A New Era of Putter Excellence

Today, TaylorMade revitalises the essence of this iconic franchise with the release of the Spider Tour Series – a family of high MOI putters with five unique models featuring renowned technologies such as True Path™ Alignment, Pure Roll™ and TSS weighting.

Within a design that will always be synonymouswith stability, each Spider Tour Series putter is crafted using multi-material construction to push weight low and back in the head for high levels of inertia. Engineers created superstructuresthat maintain the shape of a classic Spider Tour, then utilised thin wall undercuts to remove excess weight.

Enhancing Stability and Performance: Spider Tour Series Innovations

With the Spider Tour Series, TaylorMade is utilising the same Pure Roll insert that rose to prominence with the original Spider X putter. Moulded from a Surlyn material, it delivers a soft yet responsive feel with grooves that are angled 45° downward to help impart better topspin and anend-over-end roll.

“Spider putters have long been synonymous with stability, which directly translates to high-MOI performance. The unconventional shape creates a more stable platform that protects ball speed on mishits and delivers a more consistent roll across the face. Our new Spider Tour Series maintains our iconic technological features, including True Path and Pure Roll, while also delivering a range of shapes and CG locations to match a variety of putting styles”, says Brian Bazzel, VP of Product Creation.

In this new series we have different weight options with different centreof gravity placements to help different golfers’ putt better.

Models and Prices

Spider Tour

Spider Tour is one of the most recognisable shapes in the putting world, accounting for dozens of victories on professional tours across the globe. TaylorMade is breathing new life into the company’s most popular creations with enhanced materials, a new colour and refined weight distribution. The Spider Tour model has a CG location of 35mmfrom the face, 5,700 MOI and 29° of toe hangon a small slant hosel. Spider Tour has over 700 MOI more than the previous model.

Spider Tour X

Made popular as the putter of choice for Rory McIlroy, the Spider X shape has been one of the most sought-after in the franchise. It was originally designed to convert players who loved blade putters into mallets, using acompact shape and modern look to deliver a more blade-like feel with the added benefits of alignment and forgiveness that are incumbent to Spider putters. TSS weights in Spider Tour X are placed farther forward, generating more face rotation and a CG placement that is 33mm from the face compared to 35mm of Spider Tour. This model has MOI of 5,000 and 30° of toe hang on the small slant hosel.

Spider Tour Z

Spider Tour Z is one of two new shapes in this line-up, paying homage to the Spider Tour with a wing shaped back. The perimeter of this putter sits low in the ground to provide a comfortable feeling at address and help frame the golf ball for easy alignment. TSS weights on this model are placed very far forward to encourage more face rotation and a blade-like feel. It has a CG location of 29mm from the face, 5,050 MOI and 29° of toe hang with a small slant hosel.

Spider Tour V

Spider Tour V eliminates the wing structure and creates a more modern streamlined look. It is the smallest putter in shape and size in the line-up, providing the most rotation of the bunch. Spider Tour V has a CG location of 27mm from the face, MOI of 4,900 and 32° of toe hang with a small slant hosel.

Spider Tour S

The Spider Tour S is a larger version of the original Spider. The putter head is 3 mm longer and 8 mm wider in comparison. Spider Tour S is constructed at a heavier head weight and only offered at 35” and 38” lengths, with both featuring counterbalance grips for maximum stability. Spider Tour S has a CG location of 38 mm from the face, 6,063 MOI and is face balanced. It will be available in Spring of 2024.

Prices, Availability & Specifications

Spider Tour series putters are available at retail on October 27with an RRP of £299/€399/4,299SEK/4,299NOK/2,999DKK/399CHF. All models come equipped with a white/yellow Super Stroke GT 1.0 Pistol grip and gloss black PVD KBS shaft.

Text: TaylorMade