Author: Max Hollweck

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Equipment

Duca del Cosma Signs LPGA Tour Players to it’s Ambassador Team

Jasmine Suwannapura and Polly Mack join Team Duca del Cosma for 2024 season. (Source: Sports Impact Limited)
Jasmine Suwannapura and Polly Mack join Team Duca del Cosma for 2024 season. (Source: Sports Impact Limited)

Luxury Italian golf fashion brand Duca del Cosma has today announced the signing of LPGA Tour players Jasmine Suwannapura and Polly Mack to wear its latest premium handcrafted golf shoes on a global basis from this week. The new members of Team Duca will all be seen wearing the latest styles at The Chevron Championship in Texas this week and they join a growing list of Tour ambassadors that includes Major Winner and Solheim Cup star Georgia Hall, fellow LPGA Tour golfer Kelly Tan, plus six-time DP World Tour winner Joost Luiten and Dutch Tour professional Daan Huizing.

Duca del Cosma signs two LPGA Tour Players

“We’re thrilled to be supporting yet more top Tour players and believe our new ambassadors will help attract more women golfers to our distinctive golf shoe range offering unmatched performance and style,” said Frank van Wezel, Chairman of Duca del Cosma. “We’re so proud to be supporting all the players that make up Team Duca and we’ll be cheering our superstars on as the first women’s major of the year gets underway this week,” he added.

Three-time Tour winner Jasmine Suwannapura will be looking to add to her two top-10 finishes already this year and has selected the sporty Wildcat and vibrant Giordana shoes to depend upon throughout the season. The Thai star’s career highlights include wins at the 2018 Marathon Classic and 2019 Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational on the LPGA Tour, 2013 Hero Indian Women’s Open on the Ladies European Tour, plus a 2 nd place finish at the 2020 AIG Women’s Open at Royal Troon.

Promising talent Polly Mack turned pro two years ago after an impressive Amateur career that saw her represent the University of Alabama Crimson Tide women’s golf team between 2019 and 2022. The 24-year-old German went on to secure both her LPGA Tour and LET cards in an impressive rookie season where she achieved a T3 finish at the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational with an top scoring average of 65 over four rounds. Mack has also chosen to wear the chic Giordana shoe during her busy playing schedule.

Duca del Cosma supports Korn Ferry Tour players

The brand will also be supporting American Evan Harmeling on the Korn Ferry Tour for the forthcoming season as he looks to secure his playing rights on the PGA Tour for next year. Harmeling captured the Savannah Golf Championship in 2022 to secure his first Tour victory and more recently finished T10 at the Puerto Rico Open in March. Drewitt has two professional wins to his name including most recently the Lincoln Land Championship presented by LRS in 2020, while Harmeling captured the Savannah Golf Championship in the same year to secure his first Tour victory. “Evan is making great strides in his playing career and we’re delighted to play a part in his journey. We can’t wait to see even more Duca del Cosma shoes being worn on Tour this year and we’ll be rooting for Team Duca each week,” added van Wezel.

Duca del Cosma sells its premium shoes in more than 40 different countries and operates from four offices around the world – The Netherlands (HQ), the United States, United Kingdom and South Africa.

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Equipment

Ogio Presents New Premium Golf Bag Range

The new Shadow Bag from Ogio is available in four different colors. (Source: Azalea Group)
The new Shadow Bag from Ogio is available in four different colors. (Source: Azalea Group)

Taking inspirations from the aerodynamic lines and details of a luxury sports car, the Shadow is the latest addition to Ogio’s portfolio. The new bag combines modern design with a timeless aesthetic, including a perforated hip pad for maximum comfort and a magnetic pocket for accessories. To personalize the luxurious look of the bag, golfers have the choice of four different color options – the classic “White”, the silver-coloured “Moon”, the rich blue “Earth” and the sleek black “Midnight”.

Ogio presents new Shadow Bag for the 2024 season

In line with the philosophy that has made Ogio one of golf’s leading manufacturers, Shadow bags are exclusively crafted with premium materials to ensure maximum durability and performance. Michael Birch, sales and marketing manager, said: “The Shadow Bag has been a real passion project for us and something we’re very excited about adding to our portfolio. Creating something that is so aesthetically unique – without compromising the high standards of quality, performance and longevity that we hold all of our bag to – has been an incredibly rewarding journey for our brand and feels like the next step in our evolution as a manufacturer.”

The new Shadow Bags. (Source: Azalea Group)

The launch of the new Shadow Bags is set to continue the brand’s recent hot streak of market-shifting and eye-catching new ranges – including the chic Ogio Rise collection and a new wave of the popular Alpha Backpack, both of which debuted last year. It has been an eventful start to 2024 for Ogio, who unveiled an array of new golf accessories in January and a first-ever range of lightweight carry bags to be launched in Europe in February – the hugely popular Fuse.

 
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Owned by Callaway Golf Company, OGIO sits alongside a portfolio of global brands, including Odyssey, Topgolf, Toptracer, TravisMathew and Jack Wolfskin.

(Text: Azalea Group)

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Panorama

Neymar Damages Tee Box With Golf Swing

Neymar still has a lot to learn. During a golf outing in Abu Dhabi, the superstar damaged a tee shot. (Source: instagram @neymarjr)
Neymar still has a lot to learn. During a golf outing in Abu Dhabi, the superstar damaged a tee shot. (Source: instagram @neymarjr)

There are quite a few golfing footballers. Harry Kane, Thomas Müller and Gareth Bale have already proven their skills many times over. While Harry Kane is considered the best golfer in the Bundesliga, Gareth Bale has already taken part in international tournaments such as the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and even Rory McIlroy was impressed by the Welshman’s skills. However, a footballer who has also recently picked up a golf club still needs some practice. A video shows the superstar Neymar Jr, who now plays for the Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, playing golf in Abu Dhabi. It quickly becomes clear that the Brazilian has not been on a golf course very often.

 
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Neymar damages golf course

A short video showing Neymar attempting to swing a golf club spread like wildfire on social media, causing laughter and head-shaking around the world. In the clip, which was recorded during his stay in the United Arab Emirates, Neymar can be seen missing the ball with a huge swing and instead devastating the grass of the golf course. His failed attempt to master a sport outside his usual area of expertise quickly became the talk of the golfing world.

 
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Fans and spectators couldn’t help but draw a parallel with another famous sportsman: Gareth Bale. The Welsh soccer star, known for his love of golf, was humorously suggested by some as a potential mentor for Neymar. While Bale regularly shows off his skills on the golf course, Neymar still seems to have a long way to go to achieve the same. Perhaps it’s time for Neymar to not only improve his golf swings, but also ask for help from experts. Gareth Bale or professional golf coaches could help him hone his skills on the course and possibly discover a new passion. After all, as in soccer, practice is the key to success in golf.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The explanatory video