Author: Max Hollweck

Categories
Highlights Tours

Ryder Cup 2023: Tommy Fleetwood – Unforgettable Moliwood-Duo

Tommy Fleetwood will compete for the third time at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)
Tommy Fleetwood will compete for the third time at the Ryder Cup 2023. (Source: Getty)

The 2023 Ryder Cup will take place at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. The American team was already on a reconnaissance tour in Rome at the beginning of September and the Europeans also took a close look at the venue before the Ryder Cup 2023. One of the more experienced players of the Europeans is definitely Tommy Fleetwood. The Englishman will be playing his third Ryder Cup in Rome. He is probably particularly remembered for his phenomenal performance at the European victory in 2018, when he won every match together with Francesco Molinari.

Tommy Fleetwood at the 2023 Ryder Cup

Although the six-time DP World Tour winner narrowly missed out on automatic qualification after being overtaken by Matt Fitzpatrick in the final qualifying event of the season, he enters the Ryder Cup in excellent form. After closing the 2022 season with a win at the Nedbank Golf Challenge and a shared fifth-place finish at the DP World Tour Championship, Fleetwood has maintained his form into the early part of 2023 and has been consistently in the top positions on both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour leaderboards. In recent months in particular, he has shined with six top-ten finishes in his last eight global starts, including a shared fifth-place finish at the US Open, a shared sixth-place finish at the Genesis Scottish Open, a shared tenth-place finish at the 151st British Open at Royal Liverpool and a shared tenth-place finish at the Tour Championship.

 
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an
 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Ryder Cup Europe (@rydercupeurope)

Hero of the Moliwood-Duo of 2018

In his very first Ryder Cup appearance, Tommy Fleetwood became one of the mainstays of Team Europe and, along with his partner Francesco Molinari, played a key role in helping the Europeans claim victory at Le Golf National. Fleetwood and Molinari earned four wins from four matches. The duo dominated the headlines on and off the golf course, earning them the nickname “Moliwood.”

The last edition of the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits undoubtedly presented the players with a special challenge. The fact that there were hardly any European fans on the course due to travel restrictions resulted in an extremely pro-American crowd. It was a completely different atmosphere from Fleetwood’s first appearance in France. Since that experience, the Englishman has found it undeniable that the crowd can literally take a team on its shoulders and carry it to victory – at the Ryder Cup more than at any other tournament.

A look inside Tommy Fleetwood’s bag at the Ryder Cup

Tommy Fleetwood has been a regular member of the TaylorMade team for years. The Englishman’s bag contains the latest woods from the TaylorMade Stealth 2 Series. As a driver, he chooses the Plus version with adjustable weights for a flexibly selectable draw or fade tendency from the tee. The fairway wood also comes from the Stealth 2 Series, offering him a flexible solution from the fairway with good ground contact and forgiving characteristics. The choice of his 3-wood is unusual. Here Fleetwood reaches for TaylorMade’s BRNR Mini Driver with a larger face and more control of the ball flight compared to the usual long wood.

The proven Ryder Cup player gets his irons from TaylorMade‘s P7TW series. The 2019 Tiger Woods irons were developed together with the golf legend and feature tungsten weights just behind the sweet spot. A good ball feel and individual adjustments depending on the iron provide more control and feel at impact, that’s how TaylorMade describes it. Fleetwood also seems convinced and gets the Players irons from the 3 iron to the pitching wedge in his bag.
When it comes to wedges, however, he doesn’t rely on TaylorMade, but instead picks up the Titleist Vokey WedgeWork prototypes in 52- and 60-degree inclinations. Different sole grinds allow Fleetwood to use the irons flexibly and use creative stroke variations in the short game.

The putter at the Ryder Cup will also come from Odyssey, namely in the White Hot Pro Number 3 version. The narrow blade putter has been accompanying Fleetwood on the greens of the Tour for quite a while now, and with success. The TaylorMade TP5x completes his equipment. Here, Fleetwood doesn’t use the classic white version, but plays the colorfully printed Pix ball of the strong-feeling 5-piece golf ball.

Categories
Panorama Uncategorized

Harry Kane replaces Thomas Müller as FC Bayern’s best golfer

Harry Kane is not only the most expensive player ever to play in the Bundesliga, but also arguably the best golfer. (Credit. Getty)

Thomas Müller in particular should be extremely pleased about the spectacular transfer of English superstar Harry Kane to FC Bayern. Müller, who is known for his passion for golf, will probably not only provide the perfect templates for the new star striker on the football field in the near future, but will probably also enjoy one or two rounds of golf together with him. With the signing of Harry Kane, FC Bayern has not only gained one of the most outstanding goal scorers of the last ten years, but also brought a virtuoso golfer into the team. With a handicap of 0, Kane even puts the experienced golfer Müller in the shade.

 

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Harry Kane (@harrykane)

Harry Kane: Golfer by Passion

Kane first ventured onto the golf course at the age of six or seven, but his involvement at that time remained rather modest. The true passion for golf only ignited in Kane at the age of 17 or 18. During one summer, he deliberately refrained from travelling and instead devoted himself to golf every day for five weeks. During this period, his handicap dropped from 18 to about 10, and from then on, his enthusiasm for the sport grew inexorably year by year. He began to follow golf on television, with Tiger Woods in particular inspiring him.

Nowadays, Harry Kane presents himself with an impressive handicap of zero. As a member of Wentworth Golf Club as well as Beaverbrook Golf Club in Surrey, he has made two renowned golf courses his sporting home. During his time at Tottenham Hotspurs, he often played with teammate Eric Dier. Now in Munich, he has probably already found a new playing partner in Thomas Müller, who will keep him company on the golf course. Since Müller is also a regular guest at the Pro-Am of the BMW International Open, fans may soon be able to admire Harry Kane’s golf game at the Munich-Eichenried Golf Club.

Golfing with Tiger Woods not a dream for Harry Kane

Harry Kane has already experienced several things in his golf career that remain a lifelong dream for most golfers. In 2017, the Englishman had the honour of playing four holes with golf legend Tiger Woods in the Bahamas, an experience he still looks back on with great pleasure. The list of golf courses on which the striker has already played reads like a poem: Augusta National, St. Andrews Old Course, Kingsbarns, Loch Lomond and many more. So it’s no wonder that golf has become a real passion for Kane.

 

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Harry Kane (@harrykane)


Kane is well aware of his strengths on the golf course. The 1.88 metre tall attacker cites long tee shots as his greatest weapon and estimates that he can keep up with many professionals in this respect. But power is not his only expertise – his precise short game, especially when chipping, is testament to his remarkable talent. Striving for consistent performance on the golf course is a major driving force for Kane. But unlike on the football pitch, performance and perfection are not the only things that count for the 30-year-old when it comes to golf. For him, it is a way to enjoy the moment, switch off and leave the stress of everyday life behind. While he is on the golf course, he can focus on having a good time without the pressure he might feel on the football field.

In a golf challenge, Harry Kane has even taken on Tommy Fleetwood. A good opportunity to watch the new Bavarian play golf.

Categories
Equipment

TaylorMade introduces new Wedge with All-New Spin Tread Technology

The TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 (MG4) is the newest addition to the TaylorMade Wedge Familiy. (Source: TaylorMade)
The TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 (MG4) is the newest addition to the TaylorMade Wedge Familiy. (Source: TaylorMade)

TaylorMade unveils its latest breakthrough in wedge design – the Milled Grind 4 (MG4) with the all-new Spin Tread technology. Built upon the success of its predecessors, MG4 represents a significant advancement in the Milled Grind family, offering golfers acombination of spin control, versatility and premium feel.

A Game-Changer in Wet Conditions

Bill Price, the Senior Director of Product Creation, Putter & Wedge is extremly happy about the new wedge: “This is a major step forward in the progression of the Milled Grind family. With MG4 we have evolved our approach to wet spin and developed an all-new Spin Tread technology. We use a laser etching treatment to create face roughness, which translates to better friction and moisture channeling for optimal ball control, especially on partial shots.”

This innovation proves crucial, particularly in wet conditions, where players experience higher launches and reduced spin. By combining the laser treatment with strategically designed grooves and a raw face, TaylorMade has achieved notable improvements in wet spin rates compared to prior models while also increasing face durability. The technology works in a similar fashion to the tread on a tire, which creates space for water to exit so the tire can have direct contact with the pavement and better grip the road. In the case of MG4, the treads channel away moisture and allow the golf ball to stay on the face longer while imparting more spin. With MG4, TaylorMade has not only focused on performance and technology,but also prioritised aesthetics and player feedback. MG4 features a refined finish with a slightly darker tint, minimising glare and providing a more unified appearancethat blends seamlessly with the raw face as it oxidises over time. Furthermore, the redesigned back geometry enhances the wedgewith a more solid and softer feel – all complimenting its refined Tour-inspired shaping and address versatility.

Innovative Wedge Design: Unveiling Enhanced Feel and Versatility

Greg Cesario of the TaylorMade Wedge Design Team says what he thinks is important about new wedges: “The feel component is a significant factor. By replacing thechrome-plated face withraw finishes early in the Milled Grind evolution, we were able to influence spin and also enhance the overall feel of the wedge. Adding our reconstructed backbar, with more weight positioned directly behind the strike zone, allows us to help players achieve their desired shot trajectories and spin rates with premium feel and confidence.”

Sole Grind Options for Performance Excellence

TaylorMade has introduced a comprehensive range of sole grinds in the MG4 lineup,offering golfers more versatility while also simplifying the selection process. The grinds are categorised into three main options: low bounce (LB), standard bounce (SB) and high bounce (HB). However, to cater to different swing dynamics, the company added alternative options in each category, providing a total of six bounces to meet the player’s unique requirements. The new MG4 wedge range features the following sole grinds:

Standard Bounce (SB): All-around performance that prevents excessive digging and allows the clubhead to glide through the turf smoothly. Standard Bounce C (SBC): Provides increased versatility for players who prefer to manipulate face angles, without compromising bounce performance. High Bounce (HB): TaylorMade’s standard high bounce designis playable for skilled golfers and defies the convention that high bounce wedges are only for high handicappers. In fact, Rory McIlroy uses a HB 60° Milled Grind 4 depending on course conditions. High Bounce Wide (HBW): With an increased sole width, this high bounce option offers improved playability and excels in sand play. Tiger Woods Grind (TW): Offered in 56° and 60° lofts, each sole on the MG4 TW was inspired by Tiger’s grind. The 56° wedge is a dual sole with heavy heel relief, while the 60° has an extremely high bounce on the leading edge with a shaved heel. Designed to be supremely versatile, these unique grinds allow Tiger to take on any shot, on any course, anywhere in the world. Milled Grind 4 wedges are available in two premium finishes, Tour Satin Chrome and Tour Matte Black (SB only). Milled Grind 4 will be available at retail on September8, 2023 with an RRP of £159/€199.

(Text: TaylorMade)

Categories
Equipment

TaylorMade Launches the Latest Iteration of the Acclaimed P 790 Irons

TaylorMade announces the all-new P·790, with each iron individually designed to perform exactly how golfers need it. (Source: TaylorMade)
TaylorMade announces the all-new P·790, with each iron individually designed to perform exactly how golfers need it. (Source: TaylorMade)

TaylorMade Golf’s P·Series irons each have their own unique artistry that positions them among the highest-performing irons in the marketplace. Recently TaylorMade announced the all-new P·790, with each iron individually designed to perform exactly how golfers need it. With precision mass optimisation in each iron, tungsten weighting and SpeedFoamTM Air, every individual iron has a unique internal structure. This AI-optimised construction is engineered to create an unrivaled blend of distance, forgiveness and accuracy. “P 790 is a collision of art and engineering. The allure lies not only in the clean design and visual appeal, but also in the high-performance machine that lives within. It’s the total package, an ideal blend of external elegance and internal power”, says Matt Bovee, the Director of Product Creation Irons.

FLTD CG-Technology for consistent performance

For the first time, P·790 features FLTD CGTM, a strategic design that positions the centre of gravity (CG) lowest in long irons and progressively shifts it higher throughout the set. This intuitive design concept allows for easier launch and more forgiveness in the long irons, while the shorter, weaker lofted irons are designed to control ball flight and optimise spin. In the long irons (3-4), CG has been shifted almost a millimeter lower compared to previous generations, while CG starts to creep up as you go through the set. Overall, there is a linear trend from low-to-high giving the golfer spin exactly where they need it to promote accuracy, control and consistency from top to bottom.

It’s what’s inside that counts

The internal structure of every P·790 iron was uniquely designed with AI-driven mass optimisation, ensuring every gram of weight was strategically placed to deliver the best possible result with that specific iron. The most notable visual difference from one iron to the next is the sound stabilisation bar, which sits above the tungsten weight framework. Located in the three through seven irons, each bar is uniquely shaped and positioned to individually optimise feel and performance by controlling the amount of unsupported space between the internal structure and the topline of the club. The design minimises unwanted vibrations at impact and ensures that every iron creates a premium forged feel with optimal CG placement. In the long irons, the sound stabilisation bar moves more toward the centre of the club while the tungsten weight frame is positioned nearer to the sole. Mass distribution is specifically arranged to lower the centre of gravity, making it easier to launch the golf ball high with low-lofted irons. Compared to prior generations of P·790 irons, a larger face opening gave engineers more space to push tungsten weights farther towards the toe. In conjunction with a thick-thin back wall that creates additional mass savings, this new construction allows for a shift in mass that’s designed to produce more consistency throughout the set. Moving weight lower and towards the perimeter of the club further allowed engineers to design for improved forgiveness and control CG positioning. Within the scoring clubs (8-PW), CG progressively shifts higher for more control, better spin properties and enhanced accuracy.

Refined Aesthetics and proven technologies

P·790 irons have always been revered for their clean and minimalistic appearance, and the latest model upholds that history. A band of tour satin scratch bisects the pearl satin chrome finish to create premium appeal. With refined aesthetics, P·790 irons seamlessly blend with P·770 irons in a combo set to create a unified look throughout the bag. The 2023 P·790 irons still feature SpeedFoamTM Air, which is 69 percent less dense than the original SpeedFoam. A forged 4140 high speed face creates a hollow body construction that houses the internal technology and sustains a premium feel. A staple of TaylorMade designs, the Thru-Slot Speed PocketTM works in unison with unique internals constructions to expand the sweet spot while also protecting ball speeds on low face strikes. P·790 irons include machined grooves for precision craftsmanship, a characteristic that is paramount throughout the P·Series lineup. P·790 features a pearl satin scratch finish and tour satin stripe that runs down the middle of the club, with a sharp tonality on the polishing.

The all-new P·790 irons are available for pre-order on August 8, 2023, with sets hitting the shelves on September 1, 2023. They sell for £172 or €220 per iron for the steel version and £200 or €257 for the graphite version. P·790 irons are offered in 3-PW, AW (RH/LH) with True Temper Dynamic Gold 105 (S) and Dynamic Gold 95 (R) steel shafts and Mitsubishi MMT 75S, 65R and 55A graphite shafts. P·790 irons come equipped with Golf Pride’s Z Grip +2.

Categories
Equipment

Duca Del Cosma signs women’s golf superstar Georgia Hall

Duca del Cosma, the premium Italian golf fashion brand, has signed top ranked women’s superstar Georgia Hall. (Source: Duca Del Cosma)

Duca del Cosma, the premium Italian golf fashion brand, has signed top ranked women’s superstar Georgia Hall to wear its latest Pro Spike shoes on a global basis from this month. The British Major winner and European Solheim Cup star will make her first appearance in Duca del Cosma shoes at the AIG Women’s Open on 9 August at Walton Heath, attempting to become the first home golfer to win the prestigious title on two occasions.

Georgia Hall: A Trailblazer in Golf, Embracing Duca del Cosma

When capturing her first Major in 2018 at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s, she became the first player to shoot four sub-70 rounds in the tournament’s brand that offers the widest selection of golf shoes for male and female golfers on the market, also embraces her fourth consecutive appearance as a stalwart of Europe’s Solheim Cup team in Spain this September. She has an impressive record in the event with eight wins, including four straight victories in the 2019 competition. The eight-time Tour winner picked up another professional title recently at the Aramco Team Series – London, when she led Team Hall to victory. “I love everything about the Duca del Cosma brand – from the quality of design and comfort of the shoes to the storyline behind the Italian styling and craftsmanship,” said Georgia. “I want to win more Majors and Solheim Cup matches, so being able to wear the best shoes on offer for women golfers can only help me in my quest and I’m excited to represent the brand.

”Commenting on the signing, Frank van Wezel, Chairman of Duca del Cosma, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Georgia to the Duca family and are confident that she will add a great deal to the profile and appeal of the brand, as we offer even greater choices of styles and colours in our women’s collections of golf shoes and boots. Her standing in the women’s game and ambition to add more titles to her name make Georgia the perfect ambassador for the Duca del Cosma brand,” he added.

Duca del Cosma Welcomes Georgia Hall: A Perfect Fit for the Brand

Georgia will be showcasing the signature AVANTI Pro Spike shoes as part of the Women’s Pro Collection introduced earlier this year. Developed for professional golfers to wear over long periods of play, the lightweight, waterproof shoes feature an elegant white design and striking red outsoles with soft spikes, plus technology that delivers maximum stability during the swing. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of a Tour season, the super stable AVANTI shoes enable Georgia Hall to walk close to an estimated 2.5 million steps in comfort during her busy golfing schedule each year.

The holder of an MBE, Georgia became a British golf sensation when she was the first player to hold both British Girls’ and Ladies’ Amateur titles at just 17 years old. Turning professional in 2014, she worked at her game consistently with unwavering dedication and was rewarded with a place on the 2017 Solheim Cup team at the age of 21 and played in all four matches. She joins a team of other Duca del Cosma brand ambassadors, including six-time DP World Tour winner Joost Luiten, emerging Dutch star Daan Huizing and fellow LPGA golfer Kelly Tan.

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.

Categories
Ladies Tours

The Amundi Evian Championship: A unique Reference Point in the Women’s Game

The Amundi Evian championsship in France is the only golf major on european mainland. (Source: Rolex)
The Amundi Evian championsship in France is the only golf major on european mainland. (Source: Rolex)

Golf’s first Major to be staged in continental Europe, The Amundi Evian Championship is a reference point in the women’s game. Nestled between the pristine shores of Lake Geneva and the majestic summits of the Alps, the Evian Resort Golf Club in France offers a venue befitting this Major championship and the talent of its field. Each year, the world’s finest players take on the Champions Course to showcase their exceptional skills, with this year’s edition held from 27–30 July.

The Success Story of the Amundi Evian Championship”

First played in 1994, the tournament has grown in stature year-on-year, constructing its own history. Rolex has been a Main Partner and Official Timekeeper at The Amundi Evian Championship since 2000, as part of a broad and enduring commitment to women’s golf that dates back to 1980, when the Swiss watchmaker became a partner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).

The Amundi Evian Championship has been the stage of many triumphs for Rolex Testimonees, including two-time champion Annika Sörenstam (2000, 2002). Widely regarded as one of the best golfers in the history of the women’s game, she set a benchmark of excellence to which the modern generation can aspire.

Reflecting on her experiences there, Annika Sörenstam said: “It was one of my favourite tournaments on the LPGA Tour. The championship showcases the incredibly beautiful landscapes of Evian-les-Bains and the quality of the services surrounding the golf is first class. The course requires great technical skill and control over your game. It is less about power and more about accuracy as the fairways are quite undulating.”

Seeking to emulate the Swede and win a second crown at Évian-les-Bains will be fellow Testimonee Brooke Henderson. The Canadian returns as defending champion, having captured the second Major title of her career last year, and in the process, becoming the first LPGA player to begin any Major with successive rounds of 64.

Speaking ahead of this year’s tournament, Brooke Henderson said: “Competing at any Major championship is always difficult – both physically and mentally. At The Amundi Evian Championship, the conditions are different to any other golf course due to the differing size of slopes which makes it a very challenging week. Despite this, I had a great strategy in 2022 which allowed me to go really far under par in the first two rounds which was really exciting. It was a dream come true to be able to push on and win the trophy on the Sunday afternoon. Winning my second Major championship was a really special moment and one that I will always remember. I am really looking forward to returning this year.”

Rolex’s Enduring Commitment to Women’s Golf

Other Testimonees to have triumphed at this visually stunning venue include Lydia Ko (2015), Suzann Pettersen (2013) and Anna Nordqvist (2017). Lydia Ko said: “The Amundi Evian Championship will always remain special to me as it is where I won my first Major championship. When I play at the event, I almost feel like I am playing in front of my family as the crowds are extremely supportive. It would be extremely special to join fellow Rolex Testimonee Annika Sörenstam as having won the tournament more than once. This is definitely a big motivation and I will try to achieve the feat at this year’s edition. I was proud of the way I played at the 2022 tournament but fellow Rolex Testimonee Brooke Henderson truly excelled and deserved the win.” 

Rolex has been a committed partner of women’s golf for more than 40 years as part of one of the most successful relationships between a brand and sport. This enduring partnership contributes to the game’s development around the world. The Swiss watchmaker is part of the very fabric of golf and supports the game at all levels, including elite and legends of the game, Major championships – including all five women’s Majors – the foremost professional tours and the world’s leading team competitions, among them the Solheim Cup.

Built on a strong sense of integrity, respect for tradition that promotes the continuity of expertise and transfer of knowledge, and an appreciation of the importance to invest in the sport’s development for future generations, Rolex’s support also extends to amateur tournaments, international federations and organizations representing golfers of all ages.

(Text: rolex)

Categories
Highlights Tours Uncategorized

British Open 2023: The R&A announces prize fund

In addition to the famous Claret Jug, the winner of the 2023 British Open can also In addition to the famous Claret Jug, the winner of the British Open 2023 can also look forward to three million dollars in prize money. (Source: Getty)

The Champion Golfer of the Year will receive the highest amount in The Open’s history as it returns to the renowned Hoylake links for the 13th time.

The R&A announced that the total prize fund for The Open, played from 16-23 July 2023, will be USD16.5 million, an 18% increase on 2022.

Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said, “Our aim is to ensure The Open remains at the pinnacle of world golf and we have almost doubled the prize fund since 2016. While we are seeing substantial increases in prize money across the men’s professional game, we are fulfilling our wider obligation to the sport by elevating the AIG Women’s Open, strengthening pathways in the elite amateur game and encouraging more people around the world to play golf. We believe that getting this balance right is vital to the long-term future of the sport.”

Place USD
1 $3,000,000
2 $1,708,000
3 $1,095,000
4 $851,000
5 $684,500
6 $593,000
7 $509,500
8 $429,700
9 $377,000
10 $340,500
11 $310,000
12 $274,700
13 $258,300
14 $241,800
15 $224,800
16 $206,600
17 $196,600
18 $187,500
19 $179,600
20 $171,100
21 $163,100
22 $155,000
23 $146,700
24 $138,500
25 $133,800
26 $128,000
27 $123,300
28 $119,100
29 $113,900
30 $108,000
31 $104,500
32 $99,200
33 $95,700
34 $93,000
35 $89,800
36 $86,200
37 $82,200
38 $78,000
39 $75,200
40 $72,800
41 $69,800
42 $66,400
43 $63,400
44 $59,800
45 $56,400
46 $53,400
47 $51,300
48 $49,300
49 $47,000
50 $45,900
51 $44,900
52 $44,100
53 $43,400
54 $42,800
55 $42,100
56 $41,500
57 $41,100
58 $40,800
59 $40,500
60 $40,200
61 $40,000
62 $39,800
63 $39,600
64 $39,400
65 $39,200
66 $38,900
67 $38,600
68 $38,300
69 $38,000
70 $37,800

Prize Money shall be allocated only to professional golfers.

If more than 70 professional golfers qualify for the final two rounds, additional prize money will be added. Prize money will decrease by USD125 per qualifying place above 70 to a minimum of USD36,550.

Non-qualifiers after two rounds: Leading 10 professional golfers and ties USD12,000; next 20 professional golfers and ties USD10,000; remainder of professional golfers and ties USD8,500.

Categories
Travel

Piemonte dominates new Italian golf course ranking

Piemonte offers a vast array of beautiful golf courses. This shot was taken in Bogogno. (credit: The Azalea Group)
Piemonte offers a vast array of beautiful golf courses. This shot was taken in Bogogno. (credit: The Azalea Group)

The Region of Piemonte has been singled out as the number one place to play golf in Italy by a respected new industry ranking with four of the top ten venues in the updated list including the new number one, Royal Park I Roveri.

The Robert Trent Jones Sr course near Turin features at the summit of the latest poll of Top 100 Golf Courses website’s latest list of the ‘Top 60 Courses in Italy’.

Vast array of quality golf courses

Piemonte was well represented throughout the ranking with number two venue Golf Club Biella, Circolo Golf Torino (number six) and Golf Club Castelconturbia (number seven) all featuring in the top ten – highlighting the vast array of quality courses that await golfers across the region.

Both Robert Von Hagge-designed courses at Circolo Golf Bogogno, Del Conte and Bonora, also appear in the top 20, making Piemonte one of the most popular regions on the list with a total of nine entries. Those include the Allianz Bank course, which sits adjacent to the Trent Jones Sr course at Royal Park I Roveri and was designed by Michael Hurzdan and Dana Fry.

Announcing their verdict, the Top 100 panel said: “This is a big year for golf in Italy. Our new number one is a layout that has never been out of the top-three ranking positions in any of the Italian charts published so far. Indeed, it is a former number one so sitting on the summit is nothing new at this location.”

Piemonte: The perfect place for the next golf trip

Vittoria Poggio, assessor for tourism, culture and commerce at the Regione Piemonte, said: “Piemonte is rightly famous for many things, but so many people still don’t know that it’s one of the best places in Europe to come and play golf.

“For so many of our courses to be recognised on a prestigious list like this one is evidence of what we have to offer in Piemonte. Any golfers looking for a course to play here will always be spoiled for choice.”

Piemonte enjoys a well-earned reputation as one of the best places in Europe to play golf. Courses designed by some of history’s most revered architects, including Robert Trent Jones Snr and Von Hagge, make full use of Italy’s incredible scenery and famous mountain skyline.

Away from the fairways, golfers can enjoy a plethora of historical, cultural and gastronomic attractions in and around the region’s capital, Turin, including a choice of 45 Michelin-star restaurants.

(Text: The Azalea Group)

Categories
Panorama Uncategorized

Golfers with disabilities set to shine at inaugural G4D Open

Kris Aves, who uses a ParaGolfer, and Ellie Perks. Ready to shine at the inaugural G4D Open. (credit: EDGA)

Kris Aves and Ellie Perks are among leading golfers with disabilities from across the world keen to shine at the inaugural G4D Open next week.

The tournament is staged in partnership with the R&A and the DP World Tour. It is golf’s most inclusive event according to the World Ranking for Golfers with disabilities and has players of all ages, males and females, amateurs and professionals, with handicaps ranging from +4.7 to 35.9.

Aves and Perks have both shown great determination in their lives to thrive in the sport and are relishing the chance to play at Woburn from 10.-12. May.

Kris Aves: “I didn’t think I’d ever play golf again”

Aves from North London is a 41-year-old former Met Police officer who was injured in the terrorist attack on Westminster Bridge in March 2017. Struck by the attacker’s car, he received severe spinal injuries that left him paralysed from the waist down.

A keen golfer before the attack, Aves spent a week in induced coma and went on to spend ten months at Stoke Mandeville Hospital after three weeks at King’s College Hospital for surgery. His legs and spine sufferd compound fractures which needed corrective surgery.

“Going through my rehab in hospital, there were three things I was really worried that I wouldn’t be able to do properly again,” he says. “One was that I didn’t think I’d ever play golf again.”

Through a mutual contact, he met Cai Menai-Davis of The Shire London who runs a charity called The Golf Trust, which focuses on getting individuals with disabilities and older people out on the golf course. Aves has been able to play with the aid of a ParaGolfer – a special mobility device that lifts people from a sitting to a standing position.

“I got inside and was able to make a swing,” he said. “That first hit brought tears to my eyes. Even though I knew I’d never get back to the standard I had been, I was able to play again.”

Kris realised he needed to get his own ParaGolfer, costing upwards of £20,000.“I was extremely lucky,” he added. “At a pub I drink in called The Railway Tavern in Barnet, the landlord Kieran Guthrie is a big golfer and he put on a golf day for me, they did a raffle, an auction, and they raised £17,000 in one day and I was able to buy a ParaGolfer. It was phenomenal that so many people came out to raise money for me.”

Now Aves is looking forward to appearing in The G4D Open and said, “I was over the moon to get a place. I’m looking forward to meeting people from across Europe and around the world and seeing how well I perform against the seated golfers. But, really, I’m looking forward to simply taking part.”

Perks: “I can’t recommend golf highly enough for anyone”

Perks, from Hagley in the West Midlands, has been playing golf since she was seven-years-old. Now aged 18, she is an accomplished golfer with a handicap of 11 and plays an active role in encouraging other young people with disabilities to start playing.

“I can’t recommend golf highly enough for anyone, whether they have a disability or not,” she said. “To be able to get out, to play, to meet new people. It’s a special sport.”

Perks was introduced to a group called Golf for Disabled Children by the Hagley head pro Gareth Snelgrove, who has been Ellie’s coach since she began playing, and she now does volunteer coaching for the organisation. In addition, Perks has also been working with Dwarf Sports, running a golfing taster session.

“I wanted to be able to get other people with dwarfism involved as there are not many people who have dwarfism and play golf,” she added. “I didn’t think I’d have many people turn up to the session, but in the end, I had about 30. It was quite exciting to see that people were coming to give golf a try, and so I’ve been doing them every month since then.”

Perks, who has also been active in promoting EDGA and participated in a number of events including the Rose Series, has rightly been recognised for her endeavours. In 2019, when she was just 14, she became the first girl to be presented with England Golf’s Hero’s Handshake Award, which celebrates what young people are achieving in golf outside of just competition.

Ahead of The G4D Open, she said, “I’m very much looking forward to it. It is a new championship and hopefully the first of many. I’m excited to get to see old friends and meet new people and to just have fun – that it is the most important thing. Hopefully I will be able to walk away from the championship knowing that I have enjoyed myself no matter what the result is.”

A field of 80 male and female players will assemble to compete over the Duchess Course at Woburn, representing 19 countries. Fourteen of the top-20 players from the World Ranking for Golfers with Disability (WR4GD) are in the field, which can be viewed on The R&A website. Spectators are welcome to attend next week’s G4D Open free of charge and enjoy watching the championship.

Categories
Fun Uncategorized

Arccos partners up with EA Sports for new game

Arccos partners up with EA Sports for their new game. Buyers will be offered access to a set of free Smart Sensors and trial to Caddie app (Source: Arccos)
Arccos partners up with EA Sports for their new game. Buyers will be offered access to a set of free Smart Sensors and trial to Caddie app (Source: Arccos)

How would you like to take your love for video gaming out onto the golf course and track your own performance? Well, now you can thanks to our ground-breaking tech partnership with global leader in video gaming EA Sports.

Buyers of the new EA Sports PGA Tour, the exclusive home of all four majors in a video game, launched worldwide on April 7. EA Sports PGA Tour players will access golf’s #1 on-course shot tracking system with Arccos, realistically enhancing their performance both in-game and the real-world.

Darren Feeney, Vice President of Marketing at Arccos Golf, commented: “We’re delighted to expand our member opportunities to the EA Sports community with this attractive offer, which we believe to be a first of its kind in the golf industry. EA is the true leader in the digital interactive entertainment space and involvement with the new EA Sports PGA Tour golf game acts as a perfect way to bridge the virtual gaming world with the on-course performance tracking of Arccos.”

As part of an exciting partnership, EA players will receive an in-game offer taking them to a co-branded webpage where they can redeem a free set of Arccos Smart Sensors and trial the award-winning Arccos Caddie app. The EA Sports collaboration enhances the interactive golf experience and connects players to the sport they love through interactive entertainment.

“We’ve gone above and beyond to bring the premier PGA Tour experience to players, with real-world golf data powering amazingly realistic gameplay,” said Ben Ramsour, Producer at EA Sports. “At the same time, we’re excited to encourage players of EA Sports PGA Tour to take their passion for golf out onto real-world courses. With Arccos, they can experience the same type of automatic shot tracking and strokes gained analytics that’s trusted by the world’s best players.”

Arccos has the largest on-course data set in golf with more than 670 million shots recorded during 14 million rounds in 162 countries worldwide. Over 700 billion separate data points power the most accurate Strokes Gained insights, providing golfers with personalized analysis for every scenario down to each club in the bag. Arccos helps golfer’s shoot lower scores and improve their handicap by an average of 5.71 strokes in their first year of membership.

The EA Sports PGA Tour will be the only game where golf fans can play all four Majors in men’s golf – The Masters, PGA Championship, US Open Championship and The Open – on world-famous courses.

The game incorporates new features like Pure Strike giving players all the tools required to attack each hole the same way PGA Tour stars do, plus a Road to the Masters career mode bringing tradition and unmatched stakes featuring Augusta National, challenges, tournaments and gear tied to The Masters.

It’s no secret that our Arccos team of Data Analysts and Engineers are very excited to play EA Sports PGA Tour and take on some of the best courses in the world from the comfort of their living rooms! (Text: Arccos)