Author: Victoria Sallmann

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Uncategorized

The Masters 2025: Scheffler serves up ‘Scottie Style’

Scottie Scheffler's champions dinner for The Masters 2025. (Photo: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler's champions dinner for The Masters 2025. (Photo: Getty)

World number one Scottie Scheffler is hosting the traditional Champions Dinner in the run-up to the US Masters 2025 for the second time this year. After his victory in 2022, he already had the honour of designing the exclusive menu once. This time too, he is staying true to his Texan style, with small but personalised adjustments.

The dinner, which traditionally takes place on the Tuesday evening of Masters week in the clubhouse at Augusta National, is reserved for former Green Jacket winners. ‘It’s more or less the same as two years ago,’ explained Scheffler. ‘My favourite dishes haven’t changed too much, but there are a few nostalgic elements.’

Scheffler’s menu for the Champions Dinner of the The Masters 2025

The starters consist of ‘Scottie style’ cheeseburger sliders – a signature dish where the fries are placed directly on the burger. ‘I always put fries on my burger, that’s ‘Scottie style’ for me. My favourite burger joint has thin patties with cheese between the layers. I then take some of the melted cheese, throw in the fries and enjoy it. It’s just great.’ Alongside the burger, there are firework prawns with sweet Thai chilli and Sriracha mayo.

New on the menu: ‘Papa Scheff’s’ legendary meatballs

One new addition is the replacement of the tortilla soup with ‘Papa Scheff’s Meatball and Ravioli Bites’ – a tribute to his father. ‘Papa Chef is my father,’ explained Scheffler. ‘His meatballs were legendary when we were growing up. Every time he made them, we were all beside ourselves with excitement. I thought it would be a nice idea to put them on the menu this year, and the ravioli complements it perfectly.’

The first course remains hearty: Texan chilli with cheddar cheese, jalapeños and corn chips – inspired by his coach Randy, whose recipe serves as the basis. ‘My coach makes the best chilli. So they try to use his recipe as inspiration.’
Main course options include Texas ribeye steak or redfish, accompanied by savoury sides such as family-style mac and cheese, corn with jalapeño cream, Brussels sprouts with soy glaze and roasted sweet potatoes with chipotle lime. Guests can also look forward to tequila and bourbon – a real Texan finish.

For dessert there is a warm chocolate chip skillet cookie with vanilla ice cream.

The Masters Champions Dinner – The dinner of legends

The Champions Dinner goes back to Ben Hogan, who created it in 1952. Each defending champion puts together their own menu and often adds a personal touch. While Scottie Scheffler stays true to his Texan style, previous champions have brought culinary diversity to Augusta. Jon Rahm focused on Spanish cuisine in 2023 with tapas, tomahawk steak and basque cheesecake. The year before, Hideki Matsuyama served a Japanese-inspired menu with Wagyu beef, sushi and traditional specialities. In 2020, Tiger Woods combined a selection of sushi, steak fajitas and churros for dessert. Patrick Reed opted for Caesar salad, cowboy ribeye steak and mac & cheese in 2018, while Jordan Spieth brought Texan flavours to the table in 2016 with BBQ ribs, steak and warm apple pie.

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PGA Tour Uncategorized

Double ace on the 17th hole and a dip in the water

One ace, one jump (Photo: Twitter@PGATour)
One ace, one jump (Photo: Twitter@PGATour)

The excitement ahead of the 51st edition of the Players Championship could hardly be greater. Even before the “fifth major” officially begins at the TPC Sawgrass in Florida, two hole-in-ones on the legendary 17th hole cause a stir – one by a tournament debutant, the other by a caddie.

Premiere ace for Tosti and a dip into the water

The 28-year-old Alejandro Tosti experiences an unforgettable start to his first Players Championship. On Wednesday afternoon, during his practice round, the Argentinian hits a 52-degree wedge from 121 meters. The ball lands behind the flag, rolls back – and disappears into the hole! Tosti’s joy is boundless, and he keeps his promise: He jumps into the water full of enthusiasm. The crowd roared as he resurfaced and raised his arms; his caddie helped him out of the pond and they hugged on the lawn. It was the first hole-in-one of his career – and he was also making his debut at the Players Championship.

“I’ve been telling people that if I make it in the hole on 17, I’m going in the water, so I had to 100% go in the water, and I was so happy, and really cool to have that moment today.”

First ace in the history of the Caddie Challenge

But Tosti wasn’t the only one with an ace on the day. JJ Jakovac, Collin Morikawa’s caddie, made history when he hit the first hole-in-one in the 26-year history of the Caddie Challenge. His pitching wedge shot spun smoothly back towards the hole and triggered a real celebration. Never before had a caddie managed to hit an ace on this legendary hole.


The Caddie Challenge is a firm Players Championship tradition. Every year, the caddies swap their usual role for a moment and compete on the par-3 17th hole themselves.

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: Jäger and Straka kick off with the world leaders

The PGA Tour tee times (Photos: Getty).
The PGA Tour tee times (Photos: Getty).

The Arnold Palmer Invitational 2025 on the PGA Tour will take place from March 6 to March 9 at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida. Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, enters the tournament as the defending champion, facing a star-studded field that includes nine of the world’s top ten players. As one of the PGA Tour’s Signature Events, the tournament features a $20 million prize purse, with the winner earning $4 million and 700 FedEx Cup points. German-speaking golf fans will have their eyes on Stephan Jäger and Sepp Straka, who are both in the field.

Alongside Scheffler, other top stars in action include Rory McIlroy, a former API champion, Xander Schauffele, returning from a rib injury, and Ludvig Åberg, the recent Genesis Invitational winner.

PGA Tour Round 1 Tee Times

Ludvig Åberg from Sweden begins his first round at 3:00 PM CET, alongside defending champion Scottie Scheffler.

Stephan Jäger from Germany tees off at 6:00 PM CET, playing with Corey Conners from Canada.

Sepp Straka from Austria starts his round at 6:35 PM CET, alongside Tony Finau from the USA.

Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland and Shane Lowry from Ireland follow at 7:00 PM CET.

Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas, both from the USA, begin their round at 7:10 PM CET.

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PGA Tour

LIV golfer qualifies for PGA Tour

Laurie Canter plays on the PGA Tour next week (Photo: Getty).
Laurie Canter plays on the PGA Tour next week (Photo: Getty).

For the first time, a former LIV golfer will participate in a regular PGA Tour event: Laurie Canter has qualified for The Players Championship and will tee off next week at TPC Sawgrass in Florida.

The 35-year-old Englishman finished in second place at last week’s Investec South African Open after losing in a playoff against South African Dylan Naidoo. This result pushed Canter into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), allowing him to participate in the tournament. Canter will be the first LIV Golf player to compete in a regular PGA Tour event that is not a major.

Laurie Canter was an active member of the LIV Golf League during its first three seasons. In 2022, he joined as a founding member of Cleeks GC and played a significant role in the league’s first year. In 2023, he was a reserve player before participating in the first two LIV events in Mexico and Mayakoba in 2024. However, he has not played for LIV Golf since February 2024.

Start spot secured at the Players Championship on the PGA Tour

Thanks to his second-place finish in South Africa, Canter has qualified for The Players Championship, which will take place from March 14-17, 2024. The tournament is considered one of the most prestigious in the golf calendar and is often referred to as the “fifth major.” The PGA Tour invites the top 50 players from the OWGR to this event. Since it has been more than a year since he last played for LIV Golf, his eligibility for the PGA Tour has been reinstated, allowing him to compete in Florida. The PGA Tour prohibits non-members from participating until a year after their last LIV appearance.

In recent months, Canter has established himself on the DP World Tour. In addition to his victory in Bahrain and third place in Dubai, he finished the past season with six Top-25 finishes, including a win at the European Open in June.

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Panorama

Billy Horschel vs. alligator: 60-degree wedge in special use

Billy Horschel vs. Alligator (Source: X@GolfDigest).
Billy Horschel vs. Alligator (Source: X@GolfDigest).

On the first day of the Cognizant Classic in Florida, golf pro Billy Horschel had an unusual encounter with an unexpected guest – an alligator. While Horschel shot a round of 66 and fought his way to a tied 16th place, the scene on the 6th hole caused quite a stir. However, the six-time PGA Tour winner remained ice-cold and proved that he can handle not only a golf ball but also reptiles.

Billy Horschel: ‘I’m not afraid of gators’

The scene occurred when Horschel had just finished his putt on the sixth hole and was marching towards the seventh tee. Suddenly he noticed an alligator crawling slowly across the green – directly towards the crowd. A police officer who was on site tried to chase the animal away, but to no effect.

“Yeah, we were on No. 6 green and I just putted out, went to the left side of the green there. Right about to walk to 7 I saw the gator coming across,” Horschel explained. “The cop who was working with us walked over there and tried to shoo him, but he didn’t have anything to touch him and he was trying to get as close as he could. It was either someone was going to have to go up to No. 8 and grab a rake or I was 30 yards away, 25 yards away, and I just grabbed a club and went over there and pushed him away.”

60-Degree Wedge in Action

Billy Horschel, who himself played college golf for the Florida Gators, showed no fear of the reptile. With a 60-degree wedge in his hand, he approached the alligator and skilfully directed it back into the water.

“I’m not afraid of gators. Listen, as I tell most people, I said, they’re more afraid of you. The majority of the time they’re only going to come after you during mating season where they’re a little aggressive and then if you’re around their nest when they’ve got some eggs,” Horschel said. “The majority of the time, they’re fine. I grew up with my dad grabbing their tail when they’re on the side of the bank and shooing them back in the water. I never touched a tail with my hand but I’ve done it with a club. Not that big of a deal.”

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Equipment

Wilson launches new Triad and DUO Soft Golf balls

The new Triad golf ball from Wilson (Photo: Wilson).
The new Triad golf ball from Wilson (Photo: Wilson).

Wilson, has launched two new models with game-changing technology to enhance performance and empower players of all skill levels. Wilson promises the all-new Triad and DUO Soft balls offer industry-leading balance and softness so golfers can find more fairways and sink more putts. 

According to Wilson the new Triad is building on the success of its award-winning release two years ago and is recognised as the world’s most balanced golf ball. With its patented Tri-Balanced Construction, the updated design ensures uniform density across all three layers, delivering a perfect center of gravity for the purest roll, describes Wilson.

What’s behind the new Triad Ball from Wilson?

The advanced design on the latest 80-compression Triad ball features a high moment of inertia designed to maximise ball speeds, while reducing driver spin for enhanced accuracy off the tee. In contrast, a thin, high-friction urethane cover increases club face interaction for best-in-class control and feel on approach shots. These enhancements are due to a reduction in compression and a redesign of the core and mantle composition. The homogeneous density of the golf ball allows for a lower spin rate while maintaining distance performance.

“The soft three-piece urethane ball provides performance benefits to help golfers find more fairways, attack more pins, and sink more putts. The re-designed Tri-Balanced Construction makes it more consistent than its predecessor,” said Frank Simonutti, Global Director of Golf Ball Innovation at Wilson Golf.

“During testing, * the new Triad had the longest driver distance and highest iron spin of competitive three-piece urethane balls. This was matched by having the highest average spin rate on 7-iron, 9-iron and 56˚ wedge shots,” he added. Triadis the only perfectly balanced golf ball on the market with no “heavy” spots, which can have a negative effect on putting and prevent a “true” roll.  

The new Wilson Triad ball will be available this month in white and yellow, priced at an RRP €45/ CHF 45 per dozen.

The softest golf ball – the DUO Soft from Wilson

The DUO Soft golf ball from Wilson (Photo: Wilson).

Accroding to Wilson the new DUO Soft remains the world’s softest golf ball, featuring a two-piece surlyn construction that delivers exceptional distance, straight ball flights, and an ultra-soft feel.

With its carefully calibrated design, the newly engineered high-energy core maximises distance off the tee. The soft core and stiff cover result in a compression of 37 for the softest feel of any golf ball. It also provides distance performance longer than any two-piece premium ball while minimizing spin rate for lower sidespin and straighter flight. 

“The new DUO Soft provides golfers with premium performance at an incredible price,” said Simonutti. “During testing** the innovative high energy core showed that the new DUO Soft carried longer than other competitive two-piece balls, yet continues to provide the softest feel of any golf ball, making it great for players looking for straighter flight and help finding the fairway.

The new DUO Soft will be available this month in five highly visible colours — red, orange, green, yellow, and pink — making it easy to track shots in flight and locate the ball quickly in any type of ground cover. It is priced at an RRP of €30/ CHF 30 per dozen.

(Text: Wilson)

*Based on internal testing against leading competitors conducted by Wilson Golf at Humboldt, TN research test facility. 105 mph Driver testing performed – June 7th, 2024 | 7-iron testing performed facility – April 17th, 2024 | 9-iron testing performed – April 17th, 2024 | 56° Wedge testing performed – April 17th, 2024.

**Based on internal testing against leading competitors conducted by Wilson Golf at Humboldt, TN research test facility. 90 mph Driver testing performed – June 9th, 2024 | 105 mph Driver testing performed – May 20th, 2024 | 7-iron testing performed – June 7th, 2024 | 9-iron testing performed – May 31st, 2024.

Categories
Equipment

TaylorMade Golf presents the new Qi35 series: Revolutionary technology for drivers and irons

Moreover TaylorMade Golf announces the release of Qi35 fairway woods and hybrids. Collectively, the family gives golfers of all abilities added levels of versatility, adjustability, and consistent performance with optimised CG projections, high MOI designs, and the addition of loft sleeves in many of the heads.

To unlock another level of performance, the Qi35 driver combines lowered CG projection with maximum MOI resulting in more distance from more of the face.

CG projection is a measurement of the balance point of the head projected onto the face. This metric can help define the inherent launch conditions of the driver. When the ball is struck above that balance point, it is launched higher with less spin for a longer drive. When the ball is struck below that balance point, it creates more spin, lower launch and a shorter drive.

By lowering the balance point and optimising weight in the head, TaylorMade engineers activated a larger area of opportunity on the face for improved launch conditions. These improved launch conditions result in more distance from more of the face for each driver in the Qi35 driver family.

Through interchangeable Trajectory Adjustment System (TAS) weights, the CG projection of Qi35 LS and Qi35 can be further optimised to create the most mass efficient CG adjustments for shot shape and control.

The use of chromium carbon fibre in various parts of the head paired with a fourth generation Carbon Twist Face™ and Infinity Carbon Crown allowed engineers to remove excess weight and apply it farther back to increase MOI in Qi35. The result is a considerable jump in forgiveness creating 13 percent tighter dispersion than Qi10* when the 13-gram weight is in the rear setting. Qi35 Max continues to offer maximum forgiveness with 10K MOI.

Qi35 drivers deliver the ultimate suite of technologies when combining the above features with prior TaylorMade innovations such as Carbon Twist Face, Thru-Slot Speed Pocket™ and a 4° loft sleeve.

The drivers:

  • Qi35: The compromise model that ideally combines performance and forgiveness (from €689).
  • Qi35 Max: Perfect for golfers who need high launch conditions and maximum forgiveness (from €689).
  • Qi35 LS: Low-spin variant for golfers with strong handicaps and precise demands (from €689).
  • Qi35 Max Lite: Ideal for players who want to increase their clubhead speed with an ultra-light design (from €689).
  • Qi35 Designer Series: Exclusive design for players who value performance and aesthetics (from €719).

Fitting Has a New Face with Qi35 SelectFit Heads

To further improve accuracy and efficiency of the fitting process, TaylorMade introduces a groundbreaking technology by creating the first launch monitor enabled fitting heads. For the first time ever, reflective fitting markers are built directly into every Qi35 SelectFit driver face and will be available at all TaylorMade experiential events and retail fitting locations. The built-in fitting markers deliver the most accurate face delivery and impact information
possible allowing fitters to fully optimise the technology of Qi35 drivers exactly to the golfer’s skillset without needing to apply stickers onto the face.

In conjunction with Foresight Sports’ camera-based technology, the reflective fitting markers are tracked by GCQuad or Quad Max launch monitors within the impact interval. Additionally, TaylorMade has provided Trackman clubhead measurements for the most accurate face impact and club delivery data possible. Within the Trackman app, fitters can select the Qi35 head model which will automatically populate the clubhead measurements.

TaylorMade Golf fairway woods and hybrids of the Qi35 family

The new Qi35 fairways from TaylorMade. (Photo: TaylorMade)

Qi35 fairway woods are packed with proven TaylorMade technologies like Twist Face, Thru-Slot Speed Pocket, and an Infinity Carbon Crown. These same technologies made
TaylorMade fairway woods the most played on the PGA TOUR in 2024. All Qi35 fairway woods utilise multi-material construction that optimises mass placement for maximum performance in a way that seamlessly blends form and function.

A New Level of Fitting

Like never before, Qi35 fairway woods allow golfers to unlock another level of optimisation through the incorporation of 4° loft sleeves in all 3 and 5-woods and the Qi35 Tour 7-wood.
At the same time, the Qi35 fairway wood family gives them plenty of different head styles to unlock their full potential with this part of their bag.

The fairway woods: 

  • Qi35: For all-rounders looking for fast ball speeds, great distances and adjustment options (€399).
  • Qi35 Max: Perfect for players who need maximum forgiveness and an easy ball launch (€399).
  • Qi35 Tour: Designed for experienced golfers who prefer compact heads and precise adjustments (€479).
  • Qi35 Max Lite: Ideal for golfers who want to achieve higher swing speeds through an ultra-light design (€399).

The hybrids:

Qi35 hybrids feature multi-material construction consisting of chromium carbon, steel and aluminum to provide golfers consistent performance and versatility from any lie. Qi35 hybrids also utilise optimised CG locations to promote high launch conditions. TSS weights are aligned centre with the CG to enhance energy transfer between the clubface and ball, while also allowing for optimisation of custom swing weights during the assembly process. Qi35 hybrids incorporate proven TaylorMade technologies like Twist Face™ and an ultralightweight Carbon Crown. The Thru-Slot Speed Pocket™ has been engineered to provide consistent face performance in every loft.

  • Qi35: Versatile; for golfers looking for easy loft adjustment and precise gapping (€349).

  • Qi35 Max: Ideal for players who need maximum forgiveness, easy launch and exceptional distance (€349).

  • Qi35 Max Lite: Ultra-light design for increased swing speed (€349).

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LIV Tour PGA Tour

PGA destroys LIV Golf: A showdown at Shadow Creek

The Showdown: Brooks Koepka and DeChambeau (LIV) against Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy (PGA) (Photo: Getty)
The Showdown: Brooks Koepka and DeChambeau (LIV) against Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy (PGA) (Photo: Getty)

It was billed as a clash of giants, but in the end the “showdown” between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour at Shadow Creek turned out to be a one-sided affair. Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy (PGA Tour) gave their opponents Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka (LIV Golf) no chance and showed who currently has the upper hand in professional golf.

Rory McIlroy’s: A picture-book eagle putt

Scheffler and McIlroy made it clear from the very first minute that they had arrived as favorites. Rory McIlroy, who was on top form right from the start, provided the highlight of the evening with an eagle putt over 12 meters on the fourth hole. “Rory’s start was important for our team,” said Scheffler, praising his partner. This gave the PGA stars an unassailable lead early on.

Rusty and outclassed: LIV remains without a chance

DeChambeau and Koepka, who had not competed since the end of the LIV season in September, looked visibly rusty and were unable to counter the pressure from their opponents.

The format of the match was divided into three segments: a six-hole four-ball match, a six-hole four-ball match and singles matches over the last six holes. Despite the different formats, the LIV players were not in the lead in any of the matches. In the four-ball, they were already hopelessly behind after just four holes, and Koepka also sealed the loss of points in the foursome with a three-putt bogey on the last hole.

The singles matches on the last six holes finally decided the outcome: McIlroy and Scheffler won confidently, and the match ended on the 16th hole – before the spectators even got to see the famous par-3 17th hole at Shadow Creek.

DeChambeau, who wore an oversized jacket against the chilly evening air during the match, was nevertheless combative: “I’d love to get another opportunity,” said DeChambeau. “It was a bit of a pillow fight for us.”

Scheffler and McIlroy’s victory earned them 5 million dollars each in cryptocurrency and capped off a successful year for both players. Scheffler had previously won in the Bahamas, while McIlroy had won the European Tour final in Dubai.

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Highlights Tours

More money for U.S. Ryder Cup team: $200,000 available for the first time

Team USA celebrates the 2021 Ryder Cup victory - at that time without payment (Photo: Getty)
Team USA celebrates the 2021 Ryder Cup victory - at that time without payment (Photo: Getty)

The PGA of America has made a historic decision: Effective immediately, American Ryder Cup players and captains will receive direct compensation. Of the total 500,000 dollars that each player receives for their participation, 300,000 dollars will continue to go to charitable organizations. However, the remaining 200,000 dollars can be used freely by the athletes for the first time. The new regulation is causing discussion on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ryder Cup: Pay to play – or paid to play?

The PGA emphasized in its statement that the players had not actively asked for compensation. Nevertheless, the PGA believes it is justified to reward the players’ achievements. An official statement said: “The players and captains of the past and present are responsible for making the Ryder Cup one of the most special competitions in golf and one of the most sought-after events on the international sporting scene.” Since 1999, the amount of 200,000 dollars for charity has not been adjusted.

The news of the new compensation scheme triggered controversial reactions. European players such as Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry made it clear that for them the honor of taking part in the Ryder Cup was above all else – so much so that they would even pay for it. Tiger Woods countered these comments with a clear statement: “If the Europeans want to pay for the Ryder Cup, that’s their decision.”

Despite the new addition, the American team seems to be keeping charity in mind. Captain Keegan Bradley announced that the players could donate the entire amount of 500,000 dollars. However, the decision of how to use the 200,000 dollars is up to each player. The discussion over the payments has sparked an unexpectedly emotional December – nine months before the 2025 Ryder Cup at the iconic Bethpage Black. While the USA is changing its structure, Europe is sticking to its tradition of playing exclusively for charity.

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European Tour

Gambling in golf: DP World Tour pro suspended for golf betting

DP World Tour pro Marco Penge is suspended for match-fixing (Photo: Getty)
DP World Tour pro Marco Penge is suspended for match-fixing (Photo: Getty)

The English DP World Tour player Marco Penge has been banned for three months after it was revealed that he had placed bets on golf tournaments on several occasions. In addition, the Tour imposed a fine of 2,000 pounds on the Englishman. The suspension, which began on December 13, 2024, does not allow Penge to participate in tournaments again until February 13, 2025. One month of the sentence was suspended to prevent him from committing further offenses. The 26-year-old Englishman violated Rule 3(a)(i) of the Tour’s Integrity Program.

No betting on own games according to DP World Tour

According to the DP World Tour, Penge did not place any bets on his own matches or tournament events in which he was involved. This ensured that the integrity of the competitions in question was not compromised. A DP World Tour spokesperson stated: “Penge did not place bets on himself or on the outcome of tournaments on the days he participated.”

The disciplinary committee, made up of legal and sporting experts, took into account Penge’s “immediate admission” and his cooperation, which mitigated the penalty imposed. “His candor and cooperation with the proceedings played a decisive role in the imposition of the penalty,” the spokesperson added.

Gambling in golf

Penge is not the first golfer to be sanctioned for gambling. In 2023, Vince India and Jake Staiano of the Korn Ferry Tour were hit with similar penalties. Staiano had only bet a total of 116 dollars, which was nevertheless penalized as a violation of the gambling guidelines. Marco Penge had earned a DP World Tour card in 2023 after topping the Challenge Tour Order of Merit. His first full season on the DP World Tour was bumpy. However, his good performance at the Genesis Championship in November 2024 secured him Tour status for 2025 after making the cut in Korea.