Category: Top Tours

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European Tour

DP World Tour: Global stars gather for new era at 2022 Dubai Desert Classic

Collin Morikawa will start at the Dubai Desert Classic on DP World Tour in late January. (Photo: Getty Images)
Collin Morikawa will start at the Dubai Desert Classic on DP World Tour in late January. (Photo: Getty Images)

World Number Two and reigning Open champion Collin Morikawa and four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy are among the world’s best who will join defending champion Paul Casey as a new era begins at Emirates Golf Club from January 27-30.

World Number Six Viktor Hovland became the first Norwegian to play in the Ryder Cup last year. He will make his second appearance at the event, alongside teammates Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Bernd Wiesberger, as well as their Captain, three-time Major winner Pádraig Harrington.

The 2019 Open Champion Shane Lowry, who also made his Ryder Cup debut at Whistling Straits, will join Europe’s all-time leading points scorer and fellow Major winner Sergio Garcia in the field, with the Spaniard aiming to lift the famous Dallah trophy for the second time.

Danny Willett is seeking to achieve the same feat, with the Englishman setting the precedent for Garcia by winning at the Emirates Golf Club just months before securing the Green Jacket.

Rory McIlroy at the Dubai Desert Classic (Photo: Getty Images)

Anniversary for Adam Scott

It promises to be a memorable anniversary for another former winner at Augusta National, with the 2013 Masters Tournament champion Adam Scott returning to the event exactly 20 years after his last appearance in 2002. Meanwhile it will be a 13th appearance for the 2010 U.S. Open winner Graeme McDowell.

Slync.io, the logistics technology provider that is revolutionising the way global supply chains work, is the new title sponsor of the Dubai Desert Classic, an event which boasts a glittering list of former winners.

Amongst those once again teeing it up this month are 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson, victorious European Ryder Cup Captains Thomas Bjørn and Colin Montgomerie, Spanish Ryder Cup stars Rafa Cabrera Bello and Miguel Ángel Jiménez and Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher – the only player to have lifted the trophy in consecutive seasons. With two-time DP World Tour winners Lucas Herbert and Li Haotong also in the field, 10 of the 13 winners in the past 15 years will appear.

The Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic will also provide a unique opportunity for one up-and-coming star, with Texan Sam Bennett claiming a sponsor exemption as the top-ranked player in the PGA TOUR University Velocity Global Ranking.

Viktor Hovland will make his second appearance. (Photo: Getty Images)

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director, Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic, said: “This year’s Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic has attracted some of the world’s best golfers, and we look forward to welcoming a world-class international field for a truly memorable edition of the event. With free entry for spectators this year, a first for the tournament, there is sure to be an incredible atmosphere befitting the elevated status of a Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour.”

The Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic 2022 will be the second of back-to-back Rolex Series events in the Middle East in January, with the tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai also part of the European Tour’s traditional ‘Desert Swing’ which annually attract the sport’s leading players.

Tournament’s 33rd edition

Celebrating its 33rd edition in 2022, the iconic tournament has been won by some of golf’s greatest names, including Major Champions Seve Ballesteros, Fred Couples, Jose Maria Olazábal, Mark O’Meara, Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau.

The winners’ circle over the past 32 years has also featured Ryder Cup stars such as Mark James, the inaugural champion in 1989. The tournament is now set for an even brighter future with the support of Slync.io.

This year’s event offers plenty to interest spectators both on and off the course. Tournament Town will provide a wide range of family- friendly entertainment in addition to food trucks from some of the city’s popular brands including Shawarma Station, Aballi Arabic Concept, Wok Boyz, Koshari, Choma BBQ, Burro Blanco and more.

Other initiatives include ‘Pink Saturday’, where players, caddies and fans are encouraged to dress in pink to raise awareness about breast cancer in the UAE and beyond, and ‘Sustainability Sunday’, a day dedicated to bringing the tournament’s many green and sustainable initiatives into focus.

(Text: DP World Tour press release)

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European Tour

DP World Tour and ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australia announces extention to strategic alliance

PGA Tour of Australasia and the DP World Tour expand their alliance. (Photo: Getty)
PGA Tour of Australasia and the DP World Tour expand their alliance. (Photo: Getty)

The DP World Tour and ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia (PGATA) are delighted to jointly announce an extension of their Strategic Alliance through until 2026 and to announce that the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship will be returning to Brisbane’s Royal Queensland Golf Club as part of the DP World Tour in late 2022. 

A cooperation with many advantages


The existing strategic partnership from 2017, has provided a range of benefits for PGATA Members including important pathways to global golf tours. PGATA members will benefit from this extension through additional opportunities that strengthen current pathways such as two additional tour cards and a range of other additional exemptions on the DP World Tour. This agreement also reaffirms a joint commitment to the growth of the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia as will show through an increase in prize money for a range of tournaments.
 
The announcement happened on the eve of this week’s Fortinet Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane, an event which will also take place later in 2022 when it will be co-sanctioned by the PGATA and the DP World Tour, having last featured on the DP World Tour’s schedule at the start of the 2020 season due to the global pandemic. It will be part of the DP World Tour’s 2023 schedule with a larger prize fund of AUD$2million – up from AUD$1million for this week’s event – underlining the event’s position as Australasia’s richest golf tournament and providing playing opportunities for both memberships.   

Australasian golf is also successful worldwide


Five Australasian players finished 2021 inside the top 50 on the Official World Golf Rankings, with Australians Lucas Herbert and Min Woo Lee winning back-to-back events in July on the European Tour – now named the DP World Tour – the former claiming the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and the latter securing his first Rolex Series victory at the abrdn Scottish Open.  

Looking forward to the larger cooperation


 
The PGA TOUR, the DP World Tour’s Strategic Alliance partner and long-time friend of the PGATA, also fully supports this strategic partnership and the positive benefits it will bring to global golf.
 
Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour group, said: “Our Tour has a strong historical association with Australasia, and I feel proud this extension to our Strategic Alliance with the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia will build upon that heritage.
 
“Alongside our partnerships with the PGA TOUR and the Sunshine Tour, this new agreement will continue to strengthen the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia and the region’s place in global golf’s ecosystem, providing clearly defined routes for players from Australasia to compete on the biggest stage as well as playing opportunities for DP World Tour members.”
 
Rodger Davis, Chairman of the PGA of Australia, said: “This partnership is a great acknowledgement of the contribution that our members have made to the overall growth of global golf.
 
“We are delighted to continue our association with the DP World Tour and provide greater opportunities for our players.  Australasia has produced exceptional golfers over a long-sustained period of time and we are happy to play our part in continuing this legacy on global tours through the development of players from our region.”

Australia and the PGA Tour join forces to improve the development of the sport of golf


 
Gavin Kirkman, CEO of the PGA of Australia, said: “We are excited to extend our relationship with the DP World Tour and provide a range of great benefits and opportunities for our members and fans.
 
“Australasian players currently hold over 110 tour cards outside of our region and play an important role in the success of global golf tours. This partnership ensures these all-important development opportunities for players on the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia. Also, it means that Australasian golf fans can continue to support and cheer their homegrown players on the world stage.”
 
PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan said: “The PGA of Australia has been a great partner of the PGA TOUR and has been instrumental in the success of the three playings of the Presidents Cup in Australia to date. We look forward to actively working to further cultivate and promote professional golf with this partnership going forward.”
 
The DP World Tour will recommence its 2022 season later this month with back-to-back Rolex Series events, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at Yas Links, Abu Dhabi from January 20-23 and the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club from January 27-30.

Text: DP World Tour

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PGA Tour

Bryson DeChambeau withdraws from the 2022 Sony Open due to wrist soreness

Bryson DeChambeau is facing wrist pain and withdraws from the Sony Open. (Photo: Getty)
Bryson DeChambeau is facing wrist pain and withdraws from the Sony Open. (Photo: Getty)

The World number eight golfer Bryson DeChambeau will not play in the 2022 Sony Open at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu next weekend. DeChambeau’s manager announced this last-minute decision to golfchannel.com on Monday January the 10th of 2022.
And the PGA Tour also confirmed via Twitter that the tour’s long hitter will not play in the second tournament of the Hawaii Swing.

Health problems prevent participation

Bryson DeChambeau, however, is not sitting out entirely by choice. The technical fanatic is struggling with wrist pain, according to this PGA Tour post.

Last weekend, he finished 25th at the Tournament of Champions, which is unusually down in the leaderboard for him, since the total participants was not larger than 40. For the last round, DeChambeau shot one-under-par round, and thus fell far short of expectations. His manager Brett Falkoff told Golf Channel that DeChambeau’s wrist had flared up again in the recent weeks and that he was not ready to play more tournaments back-to-back as he had originally hoped.

Long break for Bryson DeChambeau

“The Hulk” has only played in one official Tour tournament in the last three months and has otherwise kept a low profile. He played well in the Hero World Challenge in December, but there was little else to report from DeChambeau in terms of golf.
He was supposed to attend to a press event at the Saudi International on Monday, for the tenth of January 2022 that also had to be postponed indefinitely. After his cancellation of the Sony Open 2022, Bryson DeChambeau will probably not plan to be back on the field again until the Saudi International, which will take place on February 3rd, 2022.

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European Tour Panorama PGA Tour Top Tours

The biggest upsets in golf of 2021: insults, house bans and broken clubs.

Honorary Starter Lee Elder of the United States (L), honorary starter and Masters champion Gary Player of South Africa and honorary starter and Masters champion Jack Nicklaus

It’s not always “peace, joy, pancakes”. Snotty professionals, aggressive slips or inappropriate actions also find a place in golf. There has definitely been reason for excitement this year – one or two situations will definitely stick in the memory. If not, here is a summary of the biggest upsets in golf of 2021.

Justin Thomas’ homophobic gaffe

Justin Thomas kicks things off. He slipped out a homophobic insult at the Tournament of Champions in January. Not against a teammate, not against a referee – but against himself. He was angry about a missed 2-metre putt. Immediately after the round, Thomas apologised in an interview and on his social media channels for his ill-considered curse. Nevertheless, the slip had consequences for the golfer: his sponsor Ralph Lauren parted ways with him. His apology was acknowledged, but the statement could not be reconciled with the values that the company represents.

Tyrrell Hatton goes one better

Things did not go as hoped for Tyrrell Hatton at the British Open in July 2021. A spectator interfered with Hatton’s bogey putt on the 11th hole, whereupon the Englishman recorded a double bogey. Hatton promptly took his displeasure out on the spectator: He received a raised middle finger and the words “Absolutely fucking bollocks!” The spectator was not the only one to suffer on this day. At the 18, Hatton’s bat had to be destroyed.

The fans also fire verbally

The beef between Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka is unlikely to have passed anyone by this year. Shouts also play a role in this dispute: Bryson DeChambeau, for example, was distracted by “Brooksy” shouts from Koepka fans in a tournament. Koepka, not present at the tournament himself, promptly responded to the extraordinary support of his fans and promised them free beer as a thank you. This story is just a small drop in the ocean in the dispute between DeChambeau and Koepka, who fought out their feud in “The Match V”.

*link dispute review

Every year again: Respect is a foreign word for American Ryder Cup fans

The Americans not only celebrated their own team at the Ryder Cup by cheering and applauding, but also tried to upset the opposing Europeans by disrespectful booing and insults. They cheered failed shots, shouted in the swing between them and wished the blue team balls in the water. Despite Steve Stricker’s appeal to the Americans to greet the Europeans with respect, the hosts’ fans did not mince their words. Unfortunately, not an isolated case at the Ryder Cup!

Brooks Koepka also had to contend with rebellious fans this year

Only a few weeks after a knee operation, Brooks Koepka competed at the PGA Championship. He was in the last flight together with Phil Mickelson and on his way to the 18th green. The fans, who naturally wanted to be especially close to their idols, scared Koepka. He was worried about his recently operated knee. The spectators came so close to the golf star that it was not easy to get through to the green. The American even suspected some fans of deliberately targeting his knee.

Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s ex-lawyer, shocks with sexist remark

In 2014, Rudy Giuliani won a charity tournament with Ernie Els alongside Michelle Wie. Seven years later, in 2021, he is reviving memories of the tournament. Not in a good way, though. In a podcast, Giuliani revealed that he noticed the “stunning” Michelle Wie’s panties as she putted that day. The paparazzi, he said, went crazy for a photo of them. Wie reacted quickly to this sexist remark: with a strong statement on Twitter she condemned the inappropriate remark and got support from the USGA and LPGA. Definitely one of the biggest upsets in golf, and the least proud moments for missing the essence of sport at its fullest.

Banned from Augusta? Gary Player’s son knows the drill

There was another upset at the opening ceremony at the 85th Masters. Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Lee Elder were invited as honorary starters. The latter had to take part in the welcoming ceremony sitting down for health reasons. Standing diagonally behind him was Gary Player’s son and caddie, Wayne. He shamelessly took advantage of the moving ceremony: He held the inscription of a badge into the camera for several minutes – obviously this could not be a coincidence. What followed? A ban from Augusta. Wayne Player’s explanation of the situation? More than strange.

Player Impact Programme – Even more money for those with the most money

This year, a bonus programme was launched on the PGA Tour, the principle of which is rather questionable. It is not meant to reward a good playing performance, but to be a prize for special media impact. Players with this special media impact – for example Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson or Rory McIlroy – are to receive a reward for drawing the crowds and increasing golf’s audience. A total sum of 40 million dollars is to be awarded to the stars. Even more money for those who already have the most? This causes incomprehension.

NRW Health Minister Laumann causes outrage

Recently, NRW Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann caused an uproar in the German health system as well as in the German golf market. In the wake of rising Corona numbers, he called on family doctors to invest more time in vaccination. His choice of words was more than daring. “Instead of golf on Saturday, vaccinate on Saturday,” were his words, with which he not only stepped on the toes of people from the health sector, but also of golfers. DGV President Claus Kobold did not take the flippant remark lying down for long and promptly responded with a quick-witted statement.

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Cameron Smith wins the Tournament of Champions and sets a record

Cameron Smith wins the PGA Tour Tournament of Champions. (Photo: Getty)

Cameron Smith started the new tournament year with a bang. He wins the PGA Tour’s Sentry Tournament of Champions on Maui with 34 strokes under par, one shot ahead of Jon Rahm. It is the lowest under-par score in PGA Tour history and marks Smith’s fourth win on Tour. Previously, Ernie Els held the record with 31 strokes under par.

Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith started the fourth round with a five-stroke lead, but that didn’t mean they could rest on it as Matt Jones came from behind with a round of 61, the course record set the day before by Justin Thomas and Jon Rahm. Jones eliminated the lead and ended up third, just one stroke behind Jon Rahm.

PGA Tour: Cameron Smith beats world No. 1

Smith and Rahm went head-to-head on Moving Day at the Sentry Tournament of Champions, and the final was to be no less exciting. Smith gained a small lead over Rahm on the first nine, which could have been null and void on the last holes if Rahm had been able to hole his eagle attempt on the 18th from 15 metres, which he did not do, or if Smith had not been able to follow up with the birdie. But with a sure hand he sank his putt on the 18th green against the world No 1. “Rahm is the best golfer in the world and there are a lot of reasons why,” Smith said after his round. “He puts the ball on the flag and seems to sink every putt he looks at. It was nice to top that and hit it back.”

Smith had been in the lead since the start of the tournament, alone for the first two rounds, then sharing the lead with Rahm. “Being the leader is not easy. Sleepless nights. I spent a lot of time this week staring out of bed at the ceiling. I never had that before. But it was nice to see that my game is on par with the best players in the world.”
His goal for the year, to make it into the world’s top 10, has also been taken care of.

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European Tour

Defending Champion Hatton joined in Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship field by Fleetwood, Lowry and Westwood

Big names on the big stage! Defending Champions Tyrell Hatton must stand up to big-name opponents in january.

Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton will be joined at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship by fellow former winners Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Lee Westwood as the latest star players set to arrive at Yas Island for the opening Rolex Series event of the 2022 DP World Tour season, from January 20-23.

The quartet will be joined at Yas Links Abu Dhabi by their Ryder Cup team-mates Viktor Hovland, Ian Poulter and Bernd Wiesberger and their 2020 Captain Pádraig Harrington. Former Masters Champions Adam Scott and Danny Willett also return to the Emirate, with 2016 Open Champion Henrik Stenson looking to add another victory in the Desert to his impressive resume.

Hatton became just the second player to claim four Rolex Series titles after a flawless performance in Abu Dhabi last year which saw him overturn the overnight lead of four-time Major Champion Rory McIlroy to clinch a four-stroke victory.

The World Number 22 will defend the prestigious falcon trophy at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, where Northern Irishman McIlroy will tee off his 2022 season and recently crowned DP World Tour Number One and two-time Major Champion Collin Morikawa will make his Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship debut – the duo having already committed to back-to-back events in the UAE.

“Abu Dhabi was a crucial win for me in January,” said Hatton, a two-time Ryder Cup player. “It was my sixth Tour victory, and I was incredibly proud to join such an illustrious list of champions. It was without doubt the perfect start to my 2021 season.

“I’m excited to defend my trophy at Yas Links Abu Dhabi. It’s great to be at a new, world class venue and I know it will be a fantastic week with a stellar field.”

“I always love starting my season at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and that is reflected by my results there down the years,” said two-time winner Fleetwood. “It is set to be a great week at Yas Links, which is a great venue worthy of an event of this stature.”

Lowry added: “I’m really looking forward to starting my season in Abu Dhabi once again. I obviously have very fond memories of this event and there is always a great vibe as the year gets underway with great weather, a strong field and a lively atmosphere among the fans.”

“I can’t wait to get to Yas Links as it hosts the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship for the first time, said two-time Rolex Series winner Westwood. “It’s a course I really enjoy and hopefully that, along with the memories of my win in Abu Dhabi in 2020, can help me put in a strong performance and put myself in contention come Sunday.”

Scott, the 2013 Masters Tournament champion, has also confirmed his return to Abu Dhabi, making his first appearance at the tournament since 2008. The 41-year-old will tee it up in the 17th edition of the event as it moves to one of the world’s fastest growing leisure and entertainment destinations in Abu Dhabi.

The former World Number One is an 11-time Tour winner having claimed several titles in the Middle East and most recently securing the Australia PGA Championship, but his greatest victory so far came nine years ago at Augusta National. He birdied the 72nd hole to force a play-off with 2009 champion Angel Cabrera before birdieing the second extra hole to become the first Australian to wear the coveted Green Jacket.

His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome back our defending champion Tyrrell Hatton, along with our most recent tournament winners Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry and Lee Westwood to the 17th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

“As we move our distinguished Championship to Yas Island for the first time, we are looking forward to showcasing the magnificent Yas Links golf course, the incredible facilities on offer for players and spectators alike, plus the stellar field of world class golfers kicking off an exciting year of sport in the UAE.”

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PGA Tour

Twitter King Phil Mickelson claims PIP-victory for himself

Phil Mickelson claims PIP-win on Twitter. (Photo: Getty)
Phil Mickelson claims PIP-win on Twitter. (Photo: Getty)

Phil Mickelson puts on a great show on and off the golf course in 2021. Mickelson made history as the oldest major winner at the PGA Championship and “Lefty” also showed off his talent as an entertainer on Twitter. So it wouldn’t come as a surprise to many if he won the PGA Tour’s Players Impact Program (PIP). But his victory has not yet been officially confirmed.

Is Mickelson really sure of the eight million?

The PIP rewards the ten players on the PGA Tour who “add the most value to the brand”. Phil Mickelson may have scored some points there with his thoroughly provocative tweets. But as Golfweek reported, the evaluation for this special annual ranking does not end until 31 December. In addition, the result must also be confirmed by an independent auditor. Thus, no final ranking can be determined yet. In addition, the PGA Tour does not want to publish the results of the PIP, but only announces them in an internal memo to the players. According to the PGA, this will happen in February at the earliest.

More money for the PGA Tour stars

If the incredible sum of 40 million dollars already brought displeasure to some this year, next year’s PIP will even more so. In addition to the hullabaloo over Phil “Lefty” Mickelson and his potential win of the programme, the PGA also announced an increase in the prize pot to a whopping 50 million dollars.

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Apparel Brands European Tour

Maui Jim becomes Official Eyewear Supplier of the DP World Tour

As part of the new agreement, the Hawaii-based brand, Maui Jim, not only renowned for their superior lens technology and premium collections. But also, it will supply eyewear to DP World Tour staff working at events across the world.

Benefiting from global marketing rights as well as an onsite presence at several tournaments throughout the season. The agreement will also enable Maui Jim to further engage with golf fans around the world across traditional news media and digital platforms.

Besides being the Official Eyewear Supplier to the DP World Tour, Maui Jim will also become the Official Eyewear Supplier to two Rolex Series events each season. The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club in the UK, and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.

The brand is already a familiar site in professional golf, with brand ambassadors including professionals such as Miguel Angel Jimenez and Jorge Campillo.

About Maui Jim

Invented more than 30 years ago to combat the harsh rays of the Hawaiian sun. All Maui Jim sunglasses cut 100 percent of harmful UV rays and 99.9 percent of glare from above, below and behind each lens.

Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus2® lenses increase definition and depth perception. This is particularly important for golf, and can be found in a wide variety sport and casual styles for both men and women.

Martijn Van Eerde – Senior Director, Marketing EMEA & APAC of Maui Jim.

“We take great pride in the renewal of our partnership. In 2019 we boosted our presence in golf by becoming official supplier of the Tour. A relationship that quickly proved to work very well. Therefore, we immediately saw a great fit between our teams and culture. The pandemic of course abruptly interrupted progress. However, now we feel very fortunate to be able resume our joint efforts with this milestone agreement.

Golfers around the world, as well as many working in and around the sport, can benefit greatly from using our products and technology. We look forward to working with the European Tour group across the DP World Tour. As well as to further develop that potential alongside our efforts in tennis, Formula 1, SailGP and of course Manchester United partnerships.”

Max Hamilton – Commercial Director at the European Tour group.

“We’re delighted to welcome Maui Jim as our Official Eyewear Supplier. Also excited to see their products in use by our teams across the world during the new DP World Tour season. The brand is premium, high tech, and globally minded. Therefore, this partnership felt like a perfect fit for both parties. We look forward to promoting the brand to golf fans through a series of digital and tournament specific activations.”

Press Release by European Tour Group Communications

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PGA Tour

Tiger Woods makes comeback at PNC Championship

Just under ten months after being seriously injured in a car accident, Tiger Woods has confirmed his participation in the PGA Tour’s upcoming family tournament, the PNC Championship. Tiger will play in with his son Charlie. At the time, the 45-year-old Woods suffered serious leg injuries and his comeback to the Tour was far from becoming a reality.

PNC Championship kept Woods’ tournament place free

In mid-November, Tiger Woods reported back via Instagram with a swing video and wrote that he was “making progress“.  More and more swing videos came after that and, in mid-November, the news suprised the fans once again for good. Tiger Woods and his son Charlie would count with a spot in the limited tournament field of the PNC Championship. As host of the Hero World Challenge, the 15-time major winner also showed up on the driving range several times. Contrary to the previous videos, the social media witnessed Tiger hitting his driver. That is for sure one way to know that the grind continues. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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During an interview, he confirmed that he plans to return to professional golf, but ruled out a full-time comeback on the PGA Tour. “I think it’s realistic to play on the Tour one day. Never full-time again, but just selectively, like Mr [Ben] Hogan did. You pick a few events a year and play around them.” Tiger explained. It was an “unfortunate reality” but one that he understood and accepted.

Tiger concludes a challenging year

After a long healing process, Woods finally decided to make his comeback to the golf stage at the PNC Championship, a family tournament in Florida. The 45-year-old shared his decision on Twitter. Woods said that although it has been a “challenging year” for him, he is “excited to end it by playing in the PNC Championship.” Also, he added that he will be playing the tournament as a “Dad and he couldn’t be more excited and proud.” His teammate Bryson DeChambeau as well as many other fellow golfers also wanted to show happiness for Tiger’s great news.

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European Tour Knowledge Reports

Every Birdie Counts Campaign – European Tour group’s Golf for Good raises £125,000 for UNICEF

Keith Pelley and Paul Casey.(Getty)

The European Tour group’s Golf for Good raised a total of £125,000 for UNICEF through its season-long ‘Every Birdie Counts’ campaign. The campaign, supporting UNICEF’s work as part of the COVAX Facility, raised sufficient funds to help the children’s charity. The did so by delivering 50,000 vaccines to some of the world’s most vulnerable and hardest-to-reach nations.

‘Every Birdie Counts’ is an integral part of the European Tour group’s overarching CSR Programme ‘Golf for Good’ during the 2021 season. Also, it raised a minimum of €1 for UNICEF for every single birdie made during the campaign, with €10 donated for every eagle and €1,000 for every albatross.

DP World Tour Championship boosted up the total.

The season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai gave a significant ‘Birdie Boost’ to those numbers. Then, the European Tour group’s Golf for Good pledged €75 for every birdie made at the final Rolex Series event of the season. This was to mark UNICEF’s milestone 75th anniversary as well as World Children’s Day, which coincided with day three of the prestigious tournament.

There was a total of €77,451 raised prior to the finale at Jumeirah Golf Estates, thanks to 57,641 birdies, 1,681 eagles and three albatrosses across a season which began with January’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

The DP World Tour Championship, meanwhile, yielded 862 birdies and 19 eagles, raising a total of €66,550 in a brilliant week for Collin Morikawa. Morikawa claimed the title in a dramatic fashion, becoming the first American golfer in the history of the DP World Tour to top the season-long rankings.

The European Tour group’s Golf for Good rounded up the total from approximately £121,250 to £125,000. Of course, the full amount will support UNICEF’s work as part of the COVAX Facility, and its aim of delivering three billion vaccines globally.

Supporting the UNICEF work.

UNICEF is leading the end-to-end supply of vaccines, as well as providing tests and treatments, in low-and middle-income countries. For instance, UNICEF focuses the aim to deliver three billion doses of vaccines in 2021 for frontline health workers, social workers, teachers and those at highest risk.

UNICEF

The commitment of Paul Casey with the cause.

Paul Casey, a 15-time DP World Tour winner and UNICEF USA Supporter, said: “It’s unbelievable what the European Tour group and Golf for Good have done. So much is talked about what we do on the golf course, but I don’t think enough is mentioned about what goes on for every community and country we visit.”

“In this case, it’s the global reach – partnering with UNICEF and £125,000 will go so far in assisting UNICEF’s work as part of the COVAX Facility, rolling out COVID-19 vaccines around the world. I couldn’t be more proud. Things like this make me proud of being part of the DP World Tour.”

“As a father, children are my primary focus when it comes to charity. It was World Children’s Day on Saturday during the final tournament, so I think this is very timely. You have a right as a human being to have access to certain things and children are always the most vulnerable. I tip my cap to all of those involved in getting this off the ground.”

The European Tour shows full support with the most vulnerable.

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour group, said: “We are proud to have partnered with UNICEF in their 75th anniversary year, by supporting their work as part of the COVAX Facility though our ‘Every Birdie Counts’ campaign.”

“As a global tour we committed to supporting communities and worthy causes around the world. Therefore, to that end, this donation is a fitting end to our 2021 Golf for Good campaign. It will provide enough funding to help deliver 50,000 vaccinations to some of the most vulnerable and hardest-to-reach nations on earth.”

“It was also fitting that the ‘Every Birdie Counts’ campaign should finish with such a flourish at an event sponsored by our new tour title partners DP World. They have been supporting UNICEF in the logistics and delivery of the vaccine globally. Our sincerest thanks to UNICEF, DP World and of course all of our players who, through their wonderful golf all season, helped make this happen.”

UNICEF is one step closer to accomplish its mission.

Steven Waugh, Interim Executive Director of the UK Committee for UNICEF said: “If we have learned anything from the coronavirus crisis, it is that our lives are interconnected. COVID-19 does not respect borders. At UNICEF, we know that if we only protect high-income countries, life will not return to normal. If COVID-19 is spreading anywhere, it’s a risk to people everywhere.”

“As part of COVAX, UNICEF is leading the biggest health and logistics operation in history to procure and deliver vaccines. A total of 3 billion vaccines around the world by the end of 2021. In order to achieve this historic mission, we need the help of our supporters and partners.”

“I would like to share my sincere thanks to everyone at the European Tour group, who have helped raised an incredible amount for UNICEF’s work around the world. Your support means that we can help deliver 50,000 vaccinations in low- and middle- income countries around the world.”

Press Release by the European Tour Group Communications Team.