Author: Victoria Sallmann

Categories
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

The new Qi35 driver family from TaylorMade. (Photo: TaylorMade)
The new Qi35 driver family from TaylorMade. (Photo: TaylorMade)

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).

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour seeks CEO for the first time: New leadership for new challenges

PGA Tour seeks CEO to support Jay Monahan for the first time (Photo: Getty)
PGA Tour seeks CEO to support Jay Monahan for the first time (Photo: Getty)

The PGA Tour is facing a historic change: for the first time in its history, a CEO is being sought who will work closely with Commissioner Jay Monahan. Monahan, the PGA Tour’s top executive since 2017, has initiated numerous reforms during his tenure, including the expansion of international tournaments and the increase in prize money. He currently faces the challenge of leading the Tour through a period of profound change, characterized by economic investment and competition from LIV Golf.

This decision marks a milestone in the restructuring of the organization, which is being driven by a $1.5 billion investment from private equity firms, notably Strategic Sports Group (SSG), as well as strategic partnerships such as with Fenway Sports Group. SSG is an alliance of leading US sports entrepreneurs working with the PGA Tour to strengthen its commercial objectives. In early 2024, the SSG made a $1.5 billion investment that went towards the creation of PGA Tour Enterprises, a for-profit subsidiary of the Tour.

Strategic realignment for the economic future of the PGA Tour

Jay Monahan announced the search in a year-end message and emphasized the opportunity to bring new perspectives to the leadership team. “Everything is on the table,” Monahan explained optimistically. The aim of the realignment is to secure the sporting and economic future of the PGA Tour and at the same time strengthen the integration of player interests.

While the Tour is seeking an agreement with the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which is a minority investor in LIV Golf, negotiations are still ongoing. Nevertheless, the first signs of rapprochement between PGA Tour and LIV Golf players can be seen at “The Showdown”, an exhibition match between top players from both camps – a small step towards reconciliation on the golf horizon.

The new CEO will play a key role in the strategic leadership of PGA Tour Enterprises, which oversees the Tour’s profitable businesses. The search committee, led by Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, includes high-profile members such as Tiger Woods and Adam Scott. In parallel, the PGA Tour is planning innovative changes, including the modernization of the PGA Tour Studios for content production and the introduction of new competition formats, such as the TGL (Tomorrow Golf League), which launches in January.

The restructuring of the PGA Tour takes place in an environment of numerous changes in professional golf. In addition to the PGA Tour’s CEO search, the LPGA, the PGA of America and LIV Golf are also looking for new leadership.

Categories
Panorama PGA Tour

Woods’ Comeback: Tiger and Charlie at the 2024 PNC Championship

Tiger Woods and son Charlie at the 2023 PNC Championship in Florida. (Photo: Getty)
Tiger Woods and son Charlie at the 2023 PNC Championship in Florida. (Photo: Getty)

Former world number one Tiger Woods will once again play alongside his son Charlie at the PNC Championship in Orlando next week. Earlier this month, Woods said he was not “tournament sharp” due to his recovery from back surgery in September. However, Woods is now healthy enough to compete with his 15-year-old son Charlie in this special father-son tournament, where players are allowed to use golf carts.

Woods and his Son Charlie Back on the Green

Woods, who turns 49 this month, has not played since The Open in July, where he missed the cut for the third time in a row. The PNC Championship now offers him the opportunity to return to the course in a more relaxed atmosphere. The father-son duo finished fifth last year and tied for second in 2021.

“I’m very excited to head back to the PNC Championship next week with Charlie”, Tiger Woods said in a statement. “Playing together is something we look forward to, and it’s always more special when you’re surrounded by friends and family.”

A Game of Generations

The tournament attracts current and former professional Tour golfers who play with a parent or child. German legend Bernhard Langer and his son Jason return to defend their title. Fijian Vijay Singh and his son Qass, as well as American Nelly Korda and her father Petr will also be in Florida.

Woods did not take part in his Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas last week to continue recovering from his sixth publicized back surgery – the first since 2021 – and missed most of the 2023 season due to a lower leg fusion needed to treat post-traumatic arthritis he suffered in a car accident in 2021.

Categories
PGA Tour

Three Times in a Row: Scottie Scheffler Is Once Again Player of the Year

Scottie Scheffler is PGA Tour Player of the Year 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)
Scottie Scheffler is PGA Tour Player of the Year 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)

Scottie Scheffler has made golfing history by becoming only the second player after Tiger Woods to win the prestigious Jack Nicklaus Award for Player of the Year on the PGA Tour for the third time in a row. The 28-year-old American and current world number one received an impressive 91 percent of the votes from his fellow players. While Rory McIlroy has won the award three times, Scheffler and Woods are the only two players to have won it three times in a row.

Seven Tour Titles and Olympic Gold for Scheffler

Scheffler won a total of seven titles in the 2024 season, including his second Masters title at Augusta National in April. He is the first player since Woods in 2007 to win seven titles in a single season. In addition, he capped off his outstanding season by winning the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Paris. Scheffler says he reserved his best golf for his victory at the Olympics, calling that triumphant moment the highlight of his career.

“I think we’re always looking to compare somebody to Tiger Woods,” Scheffler said after receiving the award. “I saw it a lot growing up, but there’s really only one Tiger – that’s just kind of it.” Woods has won the award 11 times in his career, including five in a row between 1999 and 2003 and three in a row from 2005 through 2007.

The Player of the Year award was determined by a member vote. PGA Tour members who participated in at least 15 events during the 2024 season were eligible to vote. The voting period ran from November 25 to December 4. Scheffler won an impressive 91 percent of the votes from his fellow players, underlining his undisputed status in the golf world.

Categories
Professionals

Rory McIlroy “would pay for the privilege to play on the Ryder Cup”

Rory McIlroy on being paid at the Ryder Cup (Photo: Getty).
Rory McIlroy on being paid at the Ryder Cup (Photo: Getty).

While the US players are to receive 400,000 US dollars for their participation in the Ryder Cup from next year, Rory McIlroy and his teammates Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton firmly reject any financial reward. For them, the Ryder Cup is not just a tournament, but a symbol of pride, passion and team spirit. The biennial tournament, which has so far been held without payment for the players, is now to receive a financial component on the American side for the first time from 2025.

Rory McIlroy: Ryder Cup “a privilege”

Rory McIlroy made it unmistakably clear that the competition and the honor are his priority, not the money. “I personally would pay for the privilege to play on the Ryder Cup,” said McIlroy in an interview with the BBC at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. For him, the Ryder Cup represents one of the purest forms of golf. “The two purest forms of competition in our game right now are the Ryder Cup and the Olympics, and it’s partly because of that, the purity of no money being involved.” McIlroy sees the Ryder Cup as more than just a golf competition: “But the Ryder Cup is so much more than that, especially to the Europeans and to this tour.”

McIlroy also argues: “The common consensus among us is that $5m would be better off spent elsewhere on the DP World Tour to support other events or even to support The Challenge Tour.” This illustrates that the DP World Tour is much more reliant on the money raised from the Ryder Cup.

Rory McIlroy showed understanding for the Americans’ decision, but warned of the potential impact of payment on the competition. “I can see the other side of the argument because the Ryder Cup does create a lot of revenue.“ said McIlroy. Nevertheless, he emphasized that money would significantly change the dynamics of the event. “ “I think we would all welcome money if it didn’t change the dynamic but the money really would change the dynamic,” explained the Northern Irishman.

Ryder Cup a privilege for European players

Other European players such as Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton echoed this sentiment. Tyrrell Hatton emphasized: “I’ve never thought about being paid to play in the Ryder Cup. It’s such an honour to be a part of that 12 that play.”

Lowry made it clear that the DP World Tour has no plans to pay its players and he doesn’t believe it makes a difference if one side is remunerated. For the former Open champion, the Ryder Cup is motivation enough anyway. Lowry already feels rewarded by the experience and the opportunities it brings. The prospect of being on the team again spurs him on: “Like I’d give anything to know I’m on the team next year. I’m going to spend the next ten months stressing my head off trying to make the team.”

Categories
Panorama

Nelly Korda as Swimsuit Model: First Photos for the Swimsuit Issue 2025

Nelly Korda at the Kroger Queen City Championship in September 2024 (Photo: Getty)
Nelly Korda at the Kroger Queen City Championship in September 2024 (Photo: Getty)

Last weekend, Sports Illustrated announced that world number one golfer Nelly Korda will appear in the 2025 Swimsuit Issue. The 26-year-old is the first athlete confirmed for this year’s issue and the first LPGA player to appear in the Swimsuit Issue since Natalie Gulbis in 2012. The first photos from the shoot were released on Thursday and show Korda in a confident and stylish look – a fitting presentation for the six-time LPGA winner of the 2024 season.

Nelly Korda shines with a confident look

The published photos of the shoot, which Sports Illustrated shared on Instagram, showcase Korda in style. Further insights have now been published on the Sports Illustrated website, providing a look behind the scenes of the shoot.

A year full of highlights

The Swimsuit Issue announcement is another highlight in Korda’s year of athletic and public success. After winning six tournaments this season, including the first LPGA Major of the year, the Chevron Championship in April, she recently secured the LPGA’s Rolex Player of the Year award. However, she missed the tour’s Asian swing due to a minor neck injury, but was recently cleared to return to practice. Korda is expected to compete in the Annika Invitational at Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida, from November 14-17. It will be her first start since tying for 5th place at the Kroger Queen City Championship in September.

With the shoot for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Korda is also expanding her presence off the golf course. Back in May, she caused a attention at the Met Gala in New York when she became the first LPGA player to take part in this exclusive event. She is thus following in the footsteps of golfing legends such as Tiger Woods, who had previously attended the gala.