Author: niklas.golling

Categories
Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: Masters Week Starts With Rare Solar Eclipse

Patrons witness a rare natural spectacle at the The Masters Tournament 2024. (Image: Getty)
Patrons witness a rare natural spectacle at the The Masters Tournament 2024. (Image: Getty)

There is only a few days left to wait until the prestigious The Masters Tournament 2024 officially begins. And although the tournament’s opening round doesn’t tee off until Thursday, many golf enthusiasts were already treated to the first highlight on Monday. Taking place off the course – a solar eclipse left many spectators in awe.

Follow all Masters Tournament Live Scores

The Masters Tournament 2024: An unparalleled setting for a natural spectacle

The start of the Masters week already offered plenty on Monday. A majority of the 89 players qualified for the tournament in Augusta played their first practice round. Among them was Tiger Woods, whom spectators could follow early in the morning on the back nine alongside Will Zalatoris. However, the event that garnered the most attention took place in the sky. Through the eclipse glasses distributed at the event, spectators, caddies, and players could witness the partial solar eclipse in its maximum obscuration around 3 p.m. in the afternoon.

Total Solar Eclipse in Some Parts of the Continent

In a narrow strip, the rare natural phenomenon traveled from Mexico across the USA to Canada. During this event, the moon moved directly in front of the sun, obscuring it and causing relative darkness in the middle of the day. While 14 states in the USA experienced a total solar eclipse, the venue of the The Masters Tournament 2024 in the state of Georgia enjoyed at least a partial solar eclipse of up to 76%. The next solar eclipse of a similar magnitude is not expected until 2044.

Live Blog: Follow the Masters Tournament 2024

Indeed, this natural event was not the first to attract attention at a Masters. In 1940, an annular solar eclipse occurred, obscuring about 90 percent of the sun. It happened just after 5 p.m. and lasted about 2½ hours.

Categories
Highlights Tours Professionals

The Masters Tournament 2024: What Are Rory McIlroy’s Winning Odds?

Looking for his fifth major title at the US Masters: Rory McIlroy. (Image: Getty)
Looking for his fifth major title at the US Masters: Rory McIlroy. (Image: Getty)

Only one week from now the Masters Tournament will hold a new champion. Well, that is of course if the reigning champion Jon Rahm doesn’t defend his title. As per usual, no major is being played without having various discussions about possible outcomes, title contenders or dark horses. When talking title contenders, none of these discussions can be had without including Rory McIlroy. We’re having a look at what the odds for a McIlroy win look like and why even though ranked second in the Official World Golf Ranking, most may not hold him as one of the favorites to win at Augusta.

Essentially, McIlroy is currently not in bad form and has repeatedly won tournaments such as the Hero Dubai Desert Classic or the Genesis Scottish Open. However, it still seems wrong to include the world number two in the tight circle of favorites on par with players like Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm. The reason for this is obvious: McIlroy has not won a major tournament in the past ten years.

The trophy cabinet desperately awaits another major title

His last victory in a major dates back to 2014 when he won the PGA Championship. It marks his fourth major title after winning the US Open in 2011, the PGA Championship in 2012 and the Open Championship in 2014. Since then, he has been unable to fulfill his dream of a Grand Slam, winning all four major tournaments. Only the Masters Tournament is missing for him to achieve this. However, considering his lack of success at majors in recent years, there are hardly any arguments to suggest why he should fulfill his Grand Slam dream at the upcoming Masters. But let’s stop the pessimism and have a look at the bright side for a moment.

Why there is hope for optimism at the Masters Tournament 2024

With all that being said, it’s not like Rory McIlroy doesn’t perform in his major appearances. In the last five years, the North Irish player placed inside the top 10 at major tournaments twelve times. He just didn’t get lucky enough to win one of them. However his past results at the Masters Tournament were very inconsistent. Last year didn’t go as planned, as he missed the cut, just like in 2021. In between he had a very close shot at the title with his runner-up finish in 2022. In 2020 he finished tied for fifth place.

His current form also suggests that a good finish at the Masters this year isn’t beyond imagination. This year started off great, with a tied runner-up finish at the Dubai Invitational and a victory in the following week. McIlroy also placed inside the top-20 at the Players Championship and secured a third place the Valero Texas Open, looking to build some confidence for the upcoming week.

Categories
Panorama

Justin Thomas And His Caddie Part Ways Before The Masters

Justin Thomas has announced that his caddie and him are parting ways. (Image: Getty)
Justin Thomas has announced that his caddie and him are parting ways. (Image: Getty)

A little over a week before the Masters in Augusta, Justin Thomas has now announced his split from his caddie Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay. Who will stand on the side of the 30-year-old from now on is not yet known.

End of Collaboration between Justin Thomas and Jim Mackay

As Justin Thomas has announced, the collaboration between him and his caddie Jim Mackay has come to an end. Their three-year-partnership marked a quite successful period for the 58-year-old caddie alongside the former world number one. In 2022, Thomas secured his second major title at the PGA Championship after 2017. “The things we’ve been able to accomplish together – the PGA Championship in 2022, the Presidents Cup, the Ryder Cups were all unforgettable experiences,” writes Thomas via Instagram. However, after Thomas failed to win a PGA Tour title in 2023 for the first time since 2015, it was perhaps time for a change for the American. Although Justin Thomas achieved four top-12 finishes in his first five tournament appearances this year, he recently missed the cut at the prestigious Players Championship in Sawgrass.

Jim Mackay: One of the most experienced caddies on the Tour

Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay is one of the most successful caddies on the PGA Tour and is known to golf fans primarily for his long-standing partnership with Phil Mickelson. The partnership with the five-time major champion lasted a total of 25 years, ending in 2017. “While incredibly difficult for me to say, Bones and I have parted ways. I’m going to be forever thankful for him joining me on the bag in 2021,” explains Justin Thomas. “His wisdom on and off the course has been a blessing during a tough stretch of my career and he was there every step of the way. I know there are great things coming for both of us down the road. I wish him the best of luck and will always count him and his family amongst my friends,” Thomas adds.

Categories
Panorama

Jon Rahm and his wife: A look into the family of the golf star

Jon Rahm, his wife and his kids: A look into the Spaniards life. (Image: Getty)
Jon Rahm, his wife and his kids: A look into the Spaniards life. (Image: Getty)

Jon Rahm is one of the most popular golfers in the world. The Masters Champion from 2023 already looks back on an impressive career on the PGA Tour and as a newer development the LIV Golf League. Of the course the Spaniard enjoys life with his wife Kelley and his kids. Rahm even announced another addition to his family. Here’s a glimpse into the private life of the golf star and his wife Kelley Cahill.

Jon Rahm And His Wife Kelley Cahill

Jon Rahm and Kelly Cahill met at a Halloween party in college at Arizona State University. Jon Rahm’s wife was also a student athlete, competing in track & field with the javelin throw as her strong suit. They officially began dating in 2016. Married in 2019 back in Rahms native country Spain, they are now parents to two sons. Their first born, Kepa was born in April 2021 and Eneko in August 2022. As they have announced via Instagram, the family is expected to have another addition to the family, with baby number three on its way.

Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Jon Rahm Rodriguez (@jonrahm)

A warmhearted small-town boy

Jon Rahm was born on November 10, 1994 in a small town called Barrika, which is inhabiting just over 1000 people. While Jon Rahm and his wife now raise their children in Arizona, Rahm parents still live in Spain. His father Edorta Rahm was a businessman in the gasoline industry, his mother Ángela Rodríguez worked as a midwife at a local clinic. Both parents were very active, especially his father, who is, according to his own statements, responsible for his winner mindset and plays a huge role in his career. With Eriz Rahm, Jon also has an older brother who is working as a golf instructor for children. As Jon has mentioned priorly, his family is the most important thing to him, especially his kids.

Categories
Equipment

WITB: Nelly Korda secures third consecutive win with TaylorMade

WITB: A look inside third-time-consecutive LPGA Tour winner Nelly Korda's bag. (Image: Getty)
WITB: A look inside third-time-consecutive LPGA Tour winner Nelly Korda's bag. (Image: Getty)

Once again, Nelly Korda came out on top at last week’s Arizona Championship. Through her final round 65, Korda won by a margin of two strokes, marking her third consecutive win on the LPGA Tour. This is her set of club choices by TaylorMade, helping her become the first player in eight years on the LPGA Tour to do so.

WITB: Nelly Korda 2024

(Image: TaylorMade)

Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 Max (10.5°)

(Image: TaylorMade)

Fairway wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (15°/21°)

(Image: TaylorMade)

Irons: TaylorMade P770 (5)

(Image: TaylorMade)

Irons: TaylorMade P7MC (6-PW)

(Image: TaylorMade)

Wedges: TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 (50°,54°,60°)

(Image: TaylorMade)

Ball: TaylorMade TP5x

Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour: Jesper Svensson wins Porsche Singapore Classic in Playoff

Victorious at this weeks DP World Tour event: Jesper Svensson. (Image: Getty)
Victorious at this weeks DP World Tour event: Jesper Svensson. (Image: Getty)


The DP World Tour concluded this week with the Porsche Singapore Classic at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club in Singapore. The overall victory was claimed by the Swedish player Jesper Svensson after a strong final round.

Final Leaderboard of the Porsche Singapore Classic

DP World Tour: Swedish player wins thrilling playoff

In the battle for the overall victory, Swedish player Jesper Svensson and Thai player Kiradech Aphibarnrat faced off in a playoff. Both players had played very well in the final round, securing a tied lead with the two best daily rounds of 63 and 64. Aphibarnrat started with four birdies on the front nine and remained unfazed by a bogey on the 12th. He initiated a birdie streak between holes 14 and 16 and fought his way to the playoff with an eagle on the 18th. His opponent, Jesper Svensson, had a strong start with two birdies and an eagle, adding more birdies on the 6th and 8th. Despite two bogeys on holes 9 and 10, he regained momentum with two birdies on the 14th and another eagle. Two birdies on the final two holes secured him the best daily round and a spot in the playoff against the Thai player, where he prevailed on the third playoff hole to claim the overall victory with a total score of 9 under par.

Categories
PGA Tour Uncategorized

PGA Tour: Keith Mitchell pulls ahead at the top

Sits at the top of the table: Keith Mitchell. (Image: Getty)
Sits at the top of the table: Keith Mitchell. (Image: Getty)

The PGA Tour enters the final day of the Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor, Florida today. In Round 3, Keith Mitchell managed to secure a two-stroke lead over the pursuers.

Full Leaderboard of the Valspar Championship

PGA Tour: Leader bounces back after slow start

The start of Round 3 didn’t go as planned for the leading American. After a birdie on the opening hole, Mitchell suffered bogeys on holes 3, 5, and 6. However, his round turned positive thereafter. With birdies on holes 7, 12, and 14, Mitchell expanded his lead at the top of the leaderboard by two strokes with a strong finish. He played birdies on holes 16 and 17, followed by an eagle on the 18th. Thus, the 32-year-old finished the day with a 66, 5-under-par round. The trio of pursuers, Seamus Power, Mackenzie Hughes, and Peter Malnati, concluded the day with rounds of 68, 69, and 68 respectively, standing at a total score of 8 under par, two strokes behind the leader. The overall field is sticking pretty close together, promising excitement for the final day.

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Who wins the Players Championship 2024?

Players Championship 2024: Who will win at TPC Sawgrass? (Images: Getty)
Players Championship 2024: Who will win at TPC Sawgrass? (Images: Getty)

Every year, golf fans eagerly anticipate the Players Championship of the PGA Tour with great expectations. Over the weekend, players compete at The Players Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida for a total prize money of $25 million. In anticipation of the tournament, several questions arise: Can Scottie Scheffler defend his title? Which other players have good chances of success? Let’s take a look at the players who are considered the biggest favorites.

Players Championship 2024: Scottie Scheffler is the clear favorite

Scottie Scheffler is certainly the name that comes to mind when it comes to winning the PGA Tour’s flagship tournament. The world number one is in good form and is performing consistently well, as is to be expected given his top position in the World Golf Ranking, which he has held since May last year. Last weekend, he fuelled his confidence with a comfortable victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, five strokes ahead of second-placed Wyndham Clark. Scheffler also won last year’s Players Championship 2023 by five strokes, so not only is he in excellent form, but he certainly has fond memories of last year’s event.

Always a contender: Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy, who incidentally helped Scottie Scheffler to victory last weekend with a tip to change putters, is always good for a win at major tournaments. While the Northern Irishman achieved three top 25 finishes in four events on the PGA Tour in 2024, he has already claimed a victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour and narrowly missed out on a second success at the Dubai Invitational. Although McIlroy missed the cut at last year’s Players Championship, the world number two is certainly capable of triumphing this year.

In good form: Wyndham Clark

A victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and a second-place fA victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and a second place last weekend shows that Wyndham Clark is currently in good form. The world number five is definitely a hot candidate for the title. However, he would have to improve on last year’s performance, where he finished tied 27th at the Players Championship.

Under the radar: Hideki Matsuyama and Viktor Hovland

Japanese Hideki Matsuyama and Norwegian Viktor Hovland can be considered more of a “dark horse” category. The situations of the two could hardly be more different. Matsuyama is currently in good form and has already secured a victory in 2024 at the Genesis Invitational. On the other hand, Hovland has not yet found his form from 2023 this year. His best finish is a tied 19th place at the Genesis Invitational. However, their strong performances from last year should give both players confidence. Viktor Hovland finished third at the Players Championship 2023, while Matsuyama finished fifth. Especially for Hovland, the upcoming weekend would be a good time to regain his old form.

European hopes: Ludvig Aberg and Matthieu Pavon

Frenchman Matthieu Pavon impressed at the Farmers Insurance Open with his first tournament win on the PGA Tour after securing a tour card via the DP World Tour and travelling on the PGA Tour as a rookie. Ludvig Aberg is also playing his first full season after a rocket start to his professional career in 2023 and has already recorded two top-10 finishes in 2024. Both players are young talents who did not play in the Players Championship last year and will have the opportunity to prove themselves on the PGA Tour’s biggest stage this week.

Categories
PGA Tour

Joaquin Niemann receives Special Invitation for PGA Championship

Joaquin Niemann receives a special invitation for the PGA Championship. (Image: Getty)
Joaquin Niemann receives a special invitation for the PGA Championship. (Image: Getty)

A spokesperson for the PGA confirmed that Joaquin Niemann, currently playing on the LIV Golf Tour, has been granted a special invitation to participate in this year’s PGA Championship.

Joaquin Niemann Receives Special Invitation

As Joaquin Niemann cannot collect any world ranking points on the LIV Golf Tour, a special invitation of this kind is required for the Chilean to secure his participation. Only players in the top 100 of the world rankings are usually invited to the PGA Championship. Although Joaquin Niemann is currently ranked 72nd in the world, he is in danger of falling out of the world’s top 100 by May. This is despite the fact that he has won two LIV Golf League events this season, including last week in Saudi Arabia. Niemann was also successful at the ISPS Handa Australian Open at the start of the current DP World Tour season and finished third at the International Series in Oman.

Not the First Special Invitation

Such special permission to take part in a tournament is not an isolated case, as it is often at the discretion of the major organisers who they invite to take part in the tournament. Last year, eight players from LIV Golf received such an invitation. Niemann himself already received special permission to take part in the Masters at Augusta National a fortnight ago. With the invitation for the PGA Championship, the 25-year-old is now qualified for three of the four Major tournaments this year. The PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club takes place from 16 to 19 May in Louisville, Kentucky.

Categories
Brands

Tiger Woods announces new clothing line Sun Day Red

Tiger Woods announces clothing line Sun Day Red. (Image: Getty)
Tiger Woods announces clothing line Sun Day Red. (Image: Getty)

After weeks of speculation, Tiger Woods officially announced his clothing line Sun Day Red on Monday afternoon. The announcement took place at an event near the Riviera Country Club, where Tiger Woods will participate in this week’s Genesis Invitational, marking his season debut. Sun Day Red is set to launch on May 1.

Tiger Woods and his red tradition

Following the announcement in January that Tiger Woods and Nike would end their collaboration after nearly 30 years, speculation arose about how Woods would dress in the future. Now, the new clothing line Sun Day Red was unveiled at an event in Los Angeles. The brand, launched in collaboration with TaylorMade, will debut on May 1 and is named after Tiger Woods’ tradition of wearing red on Sundays at tour events.

“It started with mom”, Woods said at the event. “Mom thought being a Capricorn that my power color was red, so I wore red as a junior golfer and I won some tournaments. Lo and behold, I go to a university that is red, Stanford is red. We wore red on the final day of every single tournament, and then every single tournament I’ve played as a professional I’ve worn red. It’s just become synonymous with me.”

Brand advertises luxury and innovation

As stated on the official website, Sun Day Red promises to “a brand that promises to bring a new and elevated standard to performance wear and luxury lifestyle fashion.” Additionally, it will offer “never-before-seen patterns, fabrication and technical detailing intended to elevate all levels of play.”

Tiger Woods sees the termination of his partnership with Nike and the establishment of his standalone brand under TaylorMade as the right timing and step in his life: “It’s transitional. I’m not a kid anymore. I want to have a brand I’m proud of going forward.” Sun Day Red will be based in San Clemente, California, rather than in nearby Carlsbad, where TaylorMade’s headquarters is located. According to TaylorMade CEO David Abeles, the brand stands alone. “It is independent from TaylorMade and it is run by an independent group of leaders that are part of my team.” This is not expected to change in the future.

Tiger Woods with first tournament appearance of the year

However, Tiger Woods will first focus on his first tournament of the year, the Genesis Invitational. Starting on Thursday, February 15, this will be the 82-time PGA Tour winner’s first tournament since December when he finished tied for 5th place at the PNC Championship with his son Charlie Woods.