Author: Max Hollweck

Categories
Professionals

Rickie Fowler: The Fowlers Will Soon Be a Foursome

Rickie Fowler and his wife are expecting their second child this summer. (Source: Getty)
Rickie Fowler and his wife are expecting their second child this summer. (Source: Getty)

Rickie Fowler and his wife Allison are awaiting the arrival of their second child, set to join their family this summer. The news was shared by Fowler himself on Instagram.

Rickie Fowler and his wife Allison become parents again

Already parents to their adorable 2-year-old daughter, Maya, born in November 2021, the Fowlers are now preparing to welcome another child into their life. With a due date of August 4th, the excitement is palpable for the couple turned soon-to-be family of four.

In an Instagram post, Fowler shared a glimpse of their family bliss, showcasing Maya with shoes ready for her baby sister, both adorned in matching Masters white caddie jumpsuits alongside proud parents Rickie and Allison.

Maya Fowler: The star of the Masters Par-3-Contest

At last week’s Masters Par 3 Contest, Maya Fowler charmed spectators and players alike with her playful antics on the course. Her delightful presence added an extra layer of joy to an already festive atmosphere, with Fowler ultimately clinching the Par 3 Contest title amidst the heartwarming scenes.

Reflecting on the experience, Fowler expressed the profound significance of having his daughter by his side, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime. He spoke of the special bond Maya shares with Jordan Spieth’s son, Sammy, born just days apart.

For Rickie Fowler, fatherhood has brought renewed purpose and inspiration to his game. Breaking a four-year winless streak at last summer’s Rocket Mortgage Classic, he celebrated the victory with Maya by his side, creating indelible memories that transcend the boundaries of sport. As he looks ahead to future triumphs, Fowler does so with the knowledge that his victories are shared with his growing family, now poised to embrace the journey as a foursome.

Categories
Highlights Tours

Ryder Cup 2025: Thomas Bjorn Becomes Vice-Captain Again

After the successful collaboration in Rome, Luke Donald has reappointed Thomas Bjorn as vice-captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup. (Source: Getty)
After the successful collaboration in Rome, Luke Donald has reappointed Thomas Bjorn as vice-captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup. (Source: Getty)

Luke Donald has appointed Thomas Bjorn as vice-captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup, which will take place at Bethpage Black, New York, USA, from September 26-28, 2025. Bjorn was already part of the coaching team at the 2023 Ryder Cup when Team Europe secured a memorable 16 ½ – 11 ½ victory over the United States at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. It will be the Dane’s tenth appearance in the continental competition, his sixth as vice-captain. Donald was already presented as the new captain in November.

Success-proven team for the 2025 Ryder Cup

Preparations for the 2025 Ryder Cup continue to gather pace and Luke Donald has added another well-known figure to his captain’s team: Thomas Bjorn has been appointed by Luke Donald as second vice-captain for the prestigious golf event. Together with Donald and Edoardo Molinari, who has also been reappointed as vice-captain, the European team was already successful in Rome in 2023. “It was a natural progression from last time,” commented Bjorn on the reappointment. “Luke called me and said he wanted me to be there in New York too, knowing that the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black will be a completely different challenge. We discussed back and forth, mainly about how to move on from our win in Rome and prepare for New York by evaluating and building on what happened in Rome.”

“I’m very excited to have Thomas back in the team,” Donald expressed enthusiastically. “As soon as I was named captain again, I immediately thought about who I wanted on the backroom staff. And Thomas was definitely one of them. He means a lot to me. He’s passed on his knowledge and I’ve had a great relationship with him over the last few years. It’s important to have those relationships, to enjoy the people you spend time with on this journey.” Bjorn, who was involved in three European victories as a player in 1997, 2002 and 2014, now returns to the team as vice-captain as the Europeans aim to have similar success on American soil.

“We had a fantastic atmosphere in Rome,” Bjorn reflected. “Luke did a great job. He was a fantastic leader, not just of 12 players, but of the whole Team Europe of the Ryder Cup who worked so hard behind the scenes. It was great for me to be part of that because I knew how all those things worked in Paris. To see him add a few extra things in Rome and make it even better was amazing and I was very proud of him. He was exceptional.”

Categories
Professionals

Rory McIlroy: “My future is on the PGA Tour”

Rory McIlroy denies LIV rumors and commits to the PGA Tour for the rest of his career. (Source: Getty)
Rory McIlroy denies LIV rumors and commits to the PGA Tour for the rest of his career. (Source: Getty)

Rory McIlroy has been one of the absolute top stars on the PGA Tour for years. But recent rumors about a possible move to LIV Golf caused a stir in the golf world. According to a report by City AM, the four-time major winner was offered 850 million dollars (800 million euros) to join the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit. In an interview during the RBC Heritage on Hilton Head Island, McIlroy cleared up the speculation and emphasized his clear decision to remain on the PGA Tour.

Rory McIlroy commits to the PGA Tour

“I honestly don’t know how rumors like this get started,” McIlroy told Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis. “I’ve never been made an offer from LIV and I’ve never seriously considered moving to LIV. I think I’ve made it clear over the last two years that I don’t see that happening for me. That doesn’t mean I’m judging those who have gone there.” McIlroy has been critical of the league since LIV Golf’s announcement and was surprised by the proposed merger with the PGA Tour last June. But although some of his peers, such as Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, have made the move to LIV Golf, McIlroy remains steadfast in his decision to stay on the PGA Tour.

In a recent appearance on Gary Neville’s The Overlap, McIlroy called Rahm’s decision “a smart move”. But he clearly sees his own future on the PGA Tour: “I’m playing here today and next week I’ll be playing on the PGA Tour and I’ll be playing the PGA Tour for the rest of my career.” McIlroy’s solidification of his decision to stay on the PGA Tour comes at a time when his game and decisions are being closely watched. After McIlroy lost out again at Augusta and is still waiting for his career Grand Slam, the Northern Irishman will be back in action at the RBC Heritage. McIlroy will play the first two rounds with the Swede Ludvig Aberg, who finished a commanding second at the Masters.

Categories
Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: Rory McIlroy recovers after a bumpy start

Rory McIlroy played a solid first round at the Masters Tournament 2024. (Source: Getty)
Rory McIlroy played a solid first round at the Masters Tournament 2024. (Source: Getty)

Rory McIlroy wants to finally win the green jacket at The Masters Tournament 2024 and join the select circle of players who have won a career Grand Slam. However, McIlroy was initially unable to withstand the pressure at the start of the tournament.

Follow Rory McIlroy at the Masters Tournament live

Rory McIlroy with a solid first round at the Masters Tournament 2024

Rory McIlroy is subordinating everything to his big dream of winning the Masters. The title in Augusta is the only one the Northern Irishman still needs to win the career Grand Slam.

However, the start proved difficult. McIlroy had to record his first bogey on the second hole and only made it back to even par on the eighth. It took McIlroy until the 12th hole to get under par, when he only had a short putt for birdie on the par 3 after a great tee shot. McIlroy even made it to two under par for a short time on the 14th, but fell back to -1 shortly before the end, leaving him six shots behind the leader Bryson DeChambeau.

Follow all Masters Tournament Live Scores

Rory McIlroy:

In his interview after the opening round, Rory McIlroy shared his thoughts on his performance and the challenges of Augusta National. “Yeah, it was okay. I held it together well,” he remarked when asked about his round. “It was a little scrappy. The conditions are tricky. Hard to fully commit to shots out there at times just because the wind is — if it’s across, it feels down at one point and then into. It’s hard to commit to where the wind direction is at times.”

When asked about his mindset after an early bogey, McIlroy emphasized the long tournament ahead, saying, “Yeah, it’s the second hole of the tournament. There’s 70 holes left to play. There’s a long way to go. Everyone is going to make bogeys this week, and it’s just a matter of when you do, resetting and sticking to your game plan.”

McIlroy also commented on playing alongside Scottie Scheffler, acknowledging the challenge of keeping up with his impressive performance: “If you look at Scottie compared to the rest of the field, the amount of bogey-free rounds he plays and he shoots is phenomenal, and that’s the secret to winning major championships and winning big-time golf tournaments is more limiting the mistakes rather than making a ton of birdies.”

Categories
Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: Jon Rahm Lags Behind the Leaders

Jon Rahm finished the first round at The Masters Tournament 2024 one over par. (Source: Getty)
Jon Rahm finished the first round at The Masters Tournament 2024 one over par. (Source: Getty)

Last year’s winner Jon Rahm is one of the top favorites for The Masters Tournament 2024, but the Spaniard struggled with the conditions on the first day. Rahm made a few mistakes on the back nine in particular.

Follow Jon Rahm at the Masters Tournament live

Jon Rahm over par after the first round at The Masters Tournament 2024

After the start of the first day had already been postponed by more than two hours due to a thunderstorm, the players had to contend with the wind despite the sunshine. Jon Rahm was no exception.

The Spaniard got off to a good start and recorded his first birdie on hole 3, but fell back to even par straight away. Nevertheless, Rahm played his way to two under par on the first half of the course until the problems began. On the second half of the course, the wind had become stronger and stronger and Rahm had to record another bogey on the par-4 10th. After losing another shot on the 14th, Rahm briefly gained another stroke before having to record a final bogey on the 18th. At one over par, Rahm is already a few shots behind the leader Bryson DeChambeau, who leads the field at seven under par.

Follow all Masters Tournament Live Scores

Jon Rahm: “It’s a difficult golf course”

In his post-round interview, Jon Rahm reflected on his first round as the reigning Masters champion, acknowledging the challenges of Augusta National. “It’s a difficult golf course. That’s all I can say. It’s not easy,” he remarked. “You’re not really having the luxury out there of being able to miss shots, especially tee shots.” Rahm expressed disappointment with his performance on the back nine, admitting, “Unfortunately on that back nine I missed a few too many shots. Never really in a good position to give myself the best chance for birdies and ended up with what could have been a little bit better of a score. It’s just too bad. Bad swings are bad swings, but I think 4 and 17 could have been avoided. Those two three-putts could have been avoided.”

When asked about his surprise at the low scores, Rahm’s response was mixed. “Yes and no,” he said. “There’s always somebody who seems to come out on Thursday and shoot 7-under no matter the conditions.”

Categories
Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: Scottie Scheffler with chip-in in the Amen Corner

Scottie Scheffler with two birdies at Amen Corner (Source: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler with two birdies at Amen Corner (Source: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler has impressed so far with good performances in the first round of The Masters Tournament 2024. Scheffler showed his qualities on the infamous Amen Corner in particular.

Follow Scottie Scheffler at the Masters Tournament live

Scottie Scheffler with chip-in at The Masters Tournament 2024

Before holes eleven to thirteen, also known as Amen Corner, Scottie Scheffler was two under par.

The American then won two more strokes on the three holes. On the par-3 12th, the world number one landed in a greenside bunker, but chipped the ball from there to the flag, from where it fell into the hole. Scheffler was also able to record another birdie on his scorecard on the next hole.

Follow all Masters Tournament Live Scores
Categories
Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: That’s how difficult the greens are

The greens at Augusta National have it all. At the Masters Tournament 2024, where you place your ball on the green is particularly important. (Source: Getty)
The greens at Augusta National have it all. At the Masters Tournament 2024, where you place your ball on the green is particularly important. (Source: Getty)

Golf commentator Ken Brown only needs around 80 seconds to show how difficult it is to play the greens of Augusta National at the Masters Tournament 2024. The expert takes a closer look at the greens of the prestigious course and shows how much different positions can change putting.

Follow all Masters Tournament Live Scores

The Masters Tournament 2024: Ken Brown explains the difficulty of the greens

Analyzing the green correctly and placing your ball on the right side of the green is one of the key criteria for a successful round at Augusta National. In the video, Ken Brown shows the enormous differences between an uphill and downhill putt. To do this, the commentator first lets a ball roll downhill from a certain angle. In the video, it seems as if the ball should stop at any moment due to its slow speed. Nevertheless, it rolls about ten meters. After the ball has come to a standstill, Brown lets the ball roll from the same angle in the opposite direction, i.e. uphill. The huge difference is immediately apparent, as the ball stops after about one meter.

It will be an extreme challenge for the players and their caddies to analyze the greens and flag positions correctly and to play the ball to the right place on the green. For Rory McIlroy, the difficult greens could be the key to success. If the Northern Irishman can exploit Scottie Scheffler’s weaknesses with the putter, he could finally win the green jacket at the 16th attempt.

Follow Rory McIlroy at the Masters Tournament live

The explanatory video

Categories
Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: Sun to thunderstorms – mixed weather forecast

Thunderstorms are expected at the start of The Masters Tournament 2024. The weather is expected to improve afterwards. (Source: Getty)
Thunderstorms are expected at the start of The Masters Tournament 2024. The weather is expected to improve afterwards. (Source: Getty)

As the anticipation for the Masters Tournament 2024 builds, so does the curiosity about what weather conditions the renowned course will offer this time around. In recent years, the Masters has had its fair share of weather-related disruptions. In 2019, Tiger Woods’ iconic win was accelerated due to impending storms, while last year’s leaders navigated through 30 holes on a stormy Sunday. Falling trees also made plenty of headlines last year. Jon Rahm coped best with the conditions in the last edition and is once again considered one of the favorites in 2024.

Follow Jon Rahm at the Masters Tournament live

The weather forecast for the Masters Tournament 2024

Throughout the week of the tournament, the weather at Augusta National Golf Club is expected to be quite diverse. Monday kicked off the proceedings with mostly sunny skies. As the week progressed, Tuesday witnessed the arrival of some clouds and light showers. Wednesday marks a turning point as the likelihood of precipitation increases. While the day may begin with clouds and a slight 20% chance of light showers, the chances of showers and thunderstorms surge to 70% after midnight. Temperatures are anticipated to stay mild, ranging from a low of 62°F to a high of 80°F. Winds are projected to pick up as well, blowing from the S-SE at 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.

Follow all Masters Tournament Live Scores

The tournament starts with a thunderstorm warning

Thursday presents a challenge with mostly cloudy skies and a 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Winds are expected to be particularly gusty, shifting from S to SW at up to 45 mph. Despite the weather, temperatures should remain relatively warm, ranging from a low of 65°F to a high of 78°F.

The forecast takes a turn for the better on Friday, with conditions improving significantly. Mostly sunny skies and windy conditions are expected, accompanied by a noticeable decrease in humidity. Temperatures will range from a low of 56°F to a high of 73°F. Saturday promises a return to pleasant weather, with mostly sunny and warm conditions anticipated. Temperatures will range from a low of 50°F to a high of 78°F, as winds shift from WNW to W at 7-12 mph.

The final day of the tournament, Sunday, might see mostly cloudy skies, but temperatures are expected to rise, ranging from a low of 61°F to a high of 82°F. Winds are expected to blow from the SW at 6-13 mph, with gusts reaching up to 17 mph. Despite the potential for cloudy conditions, the warmth in the air ensures an exciting and climactic end to the tournament.

Categories
Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: Spanish flair at the Champions Dinner

Jon Rahm served Spanish tapas at the Champions Dinner of The Masters Tournament 2024. (Source: Instagram @themasters)
Jon Rahm served Spanish tapas at the Champions Dinner of The Masters Tournament 2024. (Source: Instagram @themasters)

The Champions Dinner is traditionally held on the Tuesday before the Masters. The first Masters Champions Dinner was organized by Ben Hogan in 1952. Since the following year, the event has become a tradition at the club. Only the winners of the Masters are invited, with the exception of a few personalities such as Bobby Jones, Clifford Roberts or the President of Augusta National Golf Club. As a special honor, the reigning Masters winner, who is inducted into the Masters Club on this evening, may choose the menu for the dinner, but must also pay for it. At the Masters Tournament 2024, this honor goes to Jon Rahm, who served his favorite dishes from spanish cuisine.

The Masters Tournament 2024: Jon Rahms Champions Dinner

Jon Rahm took his guests on a journey to his Spanish homeland, more specifically to the Basque Country. A selection of tapas and pinchos was served as an appetizer during the cocktail reception: Idiazabal cheese with black truffle, tortilla de patatas, chistorra sausage with potatoes, chicken croquettes, traditional lentil stew based on Rahm’s mother’s recipe and, as a highlight, a fresh Iberico ham.

The menu continued with a basque crab salad followed by either basque ribeye steak or pil-pil style turbot. Finally, there were milhojas. A puff pastry with vanilla pudding and only very small layers. As the cake was also served at Rahm’s wedding, this course was a foregone conclusion for the Spaniard shortly after his victory.

Follow Jon Rahm at the Masters Tournament live

A Night of Tradition: Jon Rahm joins the Masters Club

The annual Champions Dinner, hosted by Ben Crenshaw, saw Rahm take his place at the head of the table, alongside veterans and icons of the sport. Larry Mize, the 1987 champion, described the evening as both great and emotional, emphasizing the significance of honoring not only Rahm but also the legacies of Seve Ballesteros and Jackie Burke, who was remembered fondly by the attendees.

For Rahm, it was a momentous occasion, not only as the newest member but also as the first representative of LIV Golf to host the dinner, bridging the gap between traditional PGA Tour players and those associated with the emerging league. The evening began with Crenshaw extending a warm welcome to Rahm, presenting him with a symbolic gift—an inscribed gold locket in the shape of the Masters Club emblem. It was a gesture of acceptance and acknowledgment of Rahm’s place among the golfing elite. Stories of Seve Ballesteros echoed throughout the room, with Bernhard Langer sharing a captivating tale from the 1983 Ryder Cup. Langer recounted Ballesteros’ remarkable shot from a bunker.

Amidst the celebration, the passing of Jackie Burke, the 1956 Masters Champion, was also acknowledged, adding a bittersweet note to the evening. Burke, a revered figure in golfing history, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Follow all Masters Tournament Live Scores
Categories
Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: Will Rory McIlroy play at the Par-3-Contest?

Will Rory McIlroy compete at the Par-3-Contest of the US Masters 2024?
Will Rory McIlroy compete at the Par-3-Contest of the US Masters 2024?

The Par-3-contest of the Masters Tournament is traditionally held on the wednesday before the tournament begins. The players spend a day with their families on the golf course and the main focus of this small tournament is on having fun. However, more and more players are considering whether they want to take part in the event at all. As no player who has ever won the Par-3-Contest has went on to win the green jacket the same year, rumor has it that a curse lies on the winner of the competition.

Follow all Masters Tournament Live Scores

Rory McIlroy at the Masters Tournament Par-3-Contest

Rory McIlroy’s “game plan” for the Masters seems to be finalised. The Northern Irishman plans to arrive later than ever before on Tuesday evening, as revealed in a practice round with TGL team mate Keegan Bradley.

Even though McIlroy has never won the Par-3-Tournament and therefore no curse can’t be blamed for not winning the masters, the world number two is thinking about eliminating any risk that could stand in the way of a win at Augusta National.

He goes on explaining, he is going to skip the iconic Par 3 Contest on Wednesday in order to “shake things up” in his preparation for the first Major of the season.

Follow Rory McIlroy at the Masters Tournament live

What is the Par-3-Contest

The Par 3 Contest is one of the most cherished traditions at the Masters. Taking place on the Wednesday of Tournament week, this year on April 10th, players, family members, and fans alike gather to witness this special event. Originally intended as a means of stress relief before the main tournament, the Par 3 Contest has evolved into a staple of the Masters since its debut in 1960. Participants, including current players and former champions, compete on a nine-hole course skillfully integrated into the northeast corner of the Augusta National Golf Club. Under the watchful eyes of spectators and often with family members acting as caddies, short shots are played over DeSoto Springs Pond and Ike’s Pond. Yet, the true allure of the Par 3 Contest lies not only in the competitive spirit but also in the familial atmosphere it fosters. Children and grandchildren, clad in miniature Augusta National overalls, provide heartwarming moments as they accompany players with their light bags or carry the flag. It’s an opportunity to celebrate tradition and community spirit, away from the intense competition of the main Masters tournament.