Category: Top Tours

Categories
PGA Tour

Morgan Hoffmann: Comeback after diagnosis of muscular dystrophy

With a big grin: Morgan Hoffmann is back on the PGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)
With a big grin: Morgan Hoffmann is back on the PGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)

It’s been five years since Morgan Hoffmann, U.S. professional golfer, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. This disease is a genetic defect in which muscle metabolism is impaired, leading to gradual muscle loss. For about three years, Morgan Hoffmann was no longer able to compete on the PGA Tour. His search for alternative cures to combat the previously incurable disease led Hoffmann and his family to Costa Rica. His therapy, he says, included urine therapy, a diet of hundreds of grapes a day, powerful hallucinogens, and lots of meditation and surfing.

As if nothing had happened: Return to the PGA Tour

On April 14, 2022, the time had come: After a break of 923 days, Morgan Hoffmann felt ready to compete again on the PGA Tour. A medical exemption enabled him to regain his Tour card with three starts. His first round was something to behold. He played even par with three birdies and three bogeys: “I felt great. The first tee shot wasn’t as nerve-racking as I thought it would be. I had a great group. It was easy keeping it light out there. We played fast, which was nice. The game didn’t feel anywhere near as bad as I thought it was, so it was pretty exciting.” With a big smile on his face, Hoffmann adds, “It felt like two minutes ago I was out here.”

The only thing Hoffmann is not satisfied with is his drives: “My putting felt great. I’m really confident. Hit all my lines today pretty much. Just a couple of misreads and mis-speed, that were a little slower than what I practiced, I guess. I’m driving it really short. So I’d love to have a little bit more speed.”

Two different worlds

From the jungles of Costa Rica back on the PGA Tour scene – a night and day difference. Morgan Hoffmann seems to like the change: “It was pretty surreal, a lot different than the lifestyle I’ve been living the last 2 1/2 years, and having people cheer your name out there, it’s very special.” Hoffmann also wants to use this media attention to raise awareness about his illness and the natural health and wellness center he is currently building in Costa Rica.

For now, however, Hoffmann’s focus is on the RBC Heritage. With his score of even par after Round 1, he is currently tied for 71st place and has a real chance of making the cut, provided he plays a good round on Day 2.

Categories
European Tour

Tiger Woods: Commitment for another tournament in Europe

Tiger Woods announces another tournament in his schedule. (Photo: Getty)
Tiger Woods announces another tournament in his schedule. (Photo: Getty)

Just a few days after Tiger Woods successful US Masters appearance, the next date in his schedule has been set. The Hall-of-Famer played in golf’s first and arguably most famous major just 14 months after his car accident, and now the Twitter page of the JP McManus pro-am confirmed Tiger’s participation. The tournament will be played just one week before the 150th Open Championship. This will mark Tiger’s fourth time teeing it up at Adare Manor Golf Club. The top club in Ireland is a popular stop before the Open Championship and will host the Ryder Cup in 2027 . Tiger will be joined by Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa and Dustin Johnson.

Tiger Woods confirms another tournament start after his US Masters comeback

The host of the tournament, JP McManus is looking forward to seeing Tiger and tells in an interview, “Tiger has been a great friend and avid supporter of the Pro-Am for a very long time and we are absolutely thrilled he has committed to play once again in the tournament”. The 15-time major winner will tee it up in Ireland alongside various celebrities, including actor Mark Wahlberg and singer Niall Horan. “His presence at Adare Manor will undoubtedly bring huge excitement to the thousands of spectators and we are very grateful to him for giving up his free time to be with us”.

Tiger Woods playing the big events

Tiger’s participation in Ireland is probably preparation for the 150th Open. The tournament is seen by many as a preparation for St. Andrews and the Old Course. On top of that, there’s Tiger’s connection to the only major not being played in America. “I would love to play at St. Andrews, there’s no doubt about it. It’s my favourite golf course in the world. To be a two-time Open champion there and even just being a part of the Champions Dinner is really neat.”

Categories
European Tour

“The 14 Club Challenge” on the European Tour – Viktor Hovland vs. Rory McIlroy

Stars of the European Tour: Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy. (Photo: Getty)
Stars of the European Tour: Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy. (Photo: Getty)

The “14 Club Challenge” demands precise play from the players of the DP World Tour (formerly: European Tour) despite a completely wrong choice of clubs. At Emirates Golf Club, DP World Tour stars Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy compete against each other on Hole 4, a 155-yards par-3. At the end of the challenge, there is a clear winner.

Only on the DP World Tour: Driver on a par-3?

A point is awarded for every tee shot that comes to rest on the green. The challenge: Each of the 14 clubs that the players have in their bags may be used a maximum of once. If one player uses his pitching wedge, it is unavailable for the rest of the game and for the other player. The longer the challenge runs, the more diffuse the choice of clubs becomes…

Categories
PGA Tour

The return is near: Phil Mickelson about to make a comeback at the US Open 2022?

Could be back on the golf course at the US Open in June: Phil Mickelson (Photo: Getty)
Could be back on the golf course at the US Open in June: Phil Mickelson (Photo: Getty)

It was quiet around the six-time major winner for a long time. Phil Mickelson played his last official tournament at the end of January, when he failed to make the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. After his clear criticism of the PGA Tour, the American subsequently apologized for his statements and announced a break from golf. Since then, little has been heard from “Lefty”. Now, however, the bang for the buck: Phil Mickelson could make his return at the US Open in June.

List of contenders for the US Open raises hopes for Mickelson comeback

Many had probably expected a return of Phil Mickelson at the Masters. However, this assumption did not materialize and so the American missed the prestigious tournament at Augusta National Golf Club for the first time in 28 years and with it Scottie Scheffler’s triumph. In the run-up to the tournament, there were also rumors as to whether Mickelson had been disinvited or whether the American had voluntarily decided not to take part. The latter was confirmed afterwards.

Now, however, there seems to be some movement in his comeback plans, even if the information about this caused a little confusion. An article from golfmonthly.com reports about the list of applicants for the US Open on the homepage of the United States Golf Association. Phil Mickelson was also mentioned on this list. In the meantime, the aforementioned USGA website is no longer accessible. Accordingly, this is not yet a firm commitment, but there are many indications that Mickelson could participate in a tournament again in June.

The US Open takes place from June 16 to 19 at the Country Club in Brookline in the US state of Massachusetts and is the second oldest of the four Major tournaments. Last year, Jon Rahm became the first Spaniard to win the tournament there.

It remains to be seen who will have the best cards this year. Phil Mickelson will probably also be there. The American is only one victory away from a career Grand Slam at the US Open, as he has already won the other three majors. All the more reason for Mickelson to return to the golf course.

PGA Championship not yet an issue for Mickelson

Before the US Open takes place in June, the PGA Championship is still on the agenda for May. From May 19 to 22, the golfing elite will meet at Southern Hills Country Club for the second major of the year. It is still unclear whether Phil Mickelson will be taking part, as the American has neither confirmed nor cancelled his participation. Last year he won the title with a par on hole 18, but whether he can defend it this year is still questionable.

Categories
European Tour

Fortinet Australian PGA Championship to launch the 2023 DP World Tour season

Jed Morgan is heading as defending champion to the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship on DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Jed Morgan is heading as defending champion to the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship on DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)

The tournament will return to Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane, with Jed Morgan defending the Joe Kirkwood Cup against an international field competing for a prize fund of AUD$2million.

Earlier this year, Morgan stormed to a tournament record victory in the rescheduled 2021 edition of the event. Making just his 20th start as a professional, Morgan finished 11 strokes clear of Andrew Dodt, joining an elite group of former winners of the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship including Adam Scott, Cameron Smith, Geoff Ogilvy, Gary Player and Seve Ballesteros.

Return to DP World Tour’s schedule

In 2019, the last time the event took place on the DP World Tour schedule, former World Number One and Masters Tournament winner Adam Scott delighted the home crowds as he secured a two-stroke victory and his first title on home soil in six years.

The event returns to the DP World Tour’s schedule as part of its renewed Strategic Alliance with the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and will be co-sanctioned until 2026.

Ben Cowen, DP World Tour Chief Tournament Business Officer, said: “When we announced the extension to our Strategic Alliance with the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia at the event in January, we stated the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship was a key part of that partnership, underlining our joint commitment to providing playing opportunities for both memberships as well as pathways for players to compete on the biggest stage.

“Today’s announcement reaffirms that, and we are therefore delighted to confirm our return to Australia this November to start the new season at Royal Queensland Golf Club with a record prize fund of AUD$2million.”

Gavin Kirkman, PGA of Australia Chief Executive Officer, said: “I think the return of the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship in 2021 will stay in our hearts for a long time.

“Everyone’s been through so much in the last two years in so many ways, so to see so many people out on the course at Royal Queensland following their favourite players, and to see the players themselves getting that opportunity to compete, it was just very heart-warming for us.”

Tickets for this year’s edition of the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship are now on sale with a full programme of off-course activity scheduled for fans, including the Taylormade Party Hole, with a resident DJ, hospitality suites, food and public bars.

The event continues to confirm Queensland’s status as a premier tourism destination, with Royal Queensland already confirmed as the venue for the Men’s and Women’s Olympic Golf Competitions for the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.

(Text: Press release DP World Tour)

Categories
European Tour

2022 BMW International Open: Two million euros in prize money, plus the new BMW i7

Martin Kaymer last year at the BMW International Open 2021. (Photo: BMW Group)
Martin Kaymer last year at the BMW International Open 2021. (Photo: BMW Group)

A high-class field, led by Major winners Martin Kaymer, Sergio García and Louis Oosthuizen, has been confirmed for the BMW International Open (22nd to 26th June 2022, Golfclub München Eichenried). This year’s prize purse for the most iconic professional golf event in Germany, which BMW is staging for the 33rd time, stands at two million euros overall, making the BMW International Open the most lucrative German golf tournament.

Fully-electric luxury saloon at hole 17

As well as Kaymer, García and Oosthuizen, fans can also look forward to seeing Ryder Cup players Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) and Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP), reigning “DP World Tour Rookie of the Year” Matti Schmid (GER), and two more top German players, in Max Kieffer and Marcel Siem.

In 2022, the pros will have the opportunity to win an extraordinary Hole-in-One Car with an ace on the 17th hole (par 3). Even before it makes its world premiere in a few weeks’ time, the new BMW i7 has been confirmed as the prize. The world’s first fully-electric luxury saloon, and with a range of over 600 kilometres, the BMW i7 is bringing innovative driving pleasure to the streets.

Visitors can expect a first class event at the BMW International Open

“Everyone at BMW is excited that it looks likely that we will be able to welcome visitors and golf fans without any restrictions, as well as a fantastic field of players,” says Zana Koval, Head of Brand Experience BMW Deutschland. “As the organiser, BMW will raise the premium visitor experience to a new level. This is reflected in such a high-class and innovative Hole-in-One Car as the BMW i7.”

The great importance of sustainability is also shown by the shuttle fleet for the 2022 BMW International Open, which this year consists entirely of electrified vehicles – charged using green electricity, of course.

Day tickets, season tickets and VIP tickets for the Fairway Club are available from the online ticket shop (www.bmw-golfsport.com/tickets). Admission to the Pro-Am, on Wednesday 22nd June, is free of charge. However, visitors must order a free and personalised admission ticket in the ticket shop. Those interested can also find information on discounts in the ticket shop. Tickets can be returned up to three days prior to the event – 14 days in the case of Fairway Club tickets – and the ticket price will be reimbursed.

(Text: BMW Group)

Categories
PGA Tour

Fastest rise ever: Scottie Scheffler at the top of the world rankings

Emotional victory for Scottie Scheffler and his wife Meredith. (Photo: Getty)
Emotional victory for Scottie Scheffler and his wife Meredith. (Photo: Getty)

The American, who is only 25 years old, will not forget this day in a hurry. With his third win in five starts, he reached the top of the world rankings on March 27, 2022. Scottie Scheffler leaves Patrick Cantlay, Viktor Hovland, Collin Morikawa and last but not least Jon Rahm behind. Only a few weeks ago, he reached the top 10 of the world ranking list and can already call himself the “number 1 in the world”. Thanks to his victories, he is also currently unassailable in the FedEx Cup. With a lead of 780 points, he is ahead of second-placed Sam Burns.

Scottie Scheffler is a special number 1

With his rise to No. 1 in the world, Scottie Scheffler is lining up at the top of some statistics. Scheffler celebrated his first PGA Tour victory just six weeks ago at the Waste Management Phoenix Open. That was followed by win No. 2 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and now the third victory of his career at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play. The time span from his first to his third win on the PGA Tour is thus only six weeks. Only David Duval did it faster in 1996: within three weeks.

Twenty-five players have made it to the top of the world rankings, but hardly anyone has sprinted past everyone else at a comparable pace. Considering all the PGA Tour starts Scottie Scheffler needed to become the best golfer in the world – namely 92 – only two players made it with fewer starts: Jordan Spieth competed 77 times and Tiger Woods only 21 times.

In one statistic, however, no one can fool Scheffler: Since his entry into the top 10, only six weeks passed before he climbed to the top. What a rapid ascent! Not even Tiger Woods made it faster than Scottie Scheffler: Woods needed 9 weeks. All other players who made it to the top took longer than a year after entering the top 10.

“Don’t think I’m calling you No. 1 now”

The first well-wishers to receive Scottie Scheffler were his family as well as his wife Meredith. Emotional words were especially expressed by father Scott: “I love you, Scott. I’m more proud of who you are than your golf. You’re a wonderful young man.”

Despite the incredible success, however, the entire family, including Scottie, indicated that being down to earth is one of the top priorities for the Schefflers. His sister Callie affirmed, “He will stay down to earth. He has three sisters and a wife who will keep him in line.” Scottie himself acknowledged, “I don’t feel like No. 1 in the world. I feel like the same guy I was four months ago, and I hope that doesn’t change.” Despite all the emotion, father Scott also takes a little wind out of his sails, joking, “Don’t think I’m calling you No. 1 now. I’m still number one.”

Categories
PGA Tour

WGC – Dell Technologies Match Play: Paul Casey gives up all three matches

Paul Casey completely withdraws from the WGC - Dell Technologies Match Play. (Photo: Getty)
Paul Casey completely withdraws from the WGC - Dell Technologies Match Play. (Photo: Getty)

Paul Casey played two holes Wednesday at the World Golf Championship-Dell Technologies Match Play before withdrawing from his match against Canadian Corey Conners because of back spasms. At that point, it was not yet clear whether Casey would be able to play his other two matches. On Thursday, however, he withdrew not only from his match against Alex Noren but also from Friday’s match against Louis Oosthuizen and is thus out of the tournament. Casey’s opponents will each receive the point for the match and Casey, with zero points from three matches, will receive at least $40,000 from the prize pool.

WGC: Back cramps force Paul Casey to retire

Casey took his time until his tee time on Thursday to make a decision. “The pain I’m feeling is in my lower back, on the left side, it’s like a cramp,” Casey explained. According to the physical therapist, it’s in the gluteal muscle, “It’s just one of those things when you’re approaching 40. But I think that’s what’s causing the pain and the cramping in my back. I’ve had them, I’ve had them probably four, five times in 20 years, but it’s, so it’s not an injury, it’s just, what is it? Fatigue? Could still be from the PLAYERS and the cold weather and everything and traveling.”

“I felt it on the chipping green and didn’t get past a 9-iron.”

With no chance of advancing into the weekend after missing two matches for Casey, he also decided to cancel Friday’s match against Oosthuizen. I mean, I can’t go through, so it’s kind of like, there’s no point. I hate to just give a guy a match, and that would be Louis tomorrow. I guess that makes it even, doesn’t it, I’ll give one to Corey, I’ll give one to Alex.”

The point doesn’t help Oosthuizen either, however, who lost his first two matches and is out like Casey, as only the group winner advances to the weekend. So Alex Noren and Corey Conners will make that decision between themselves on Friday. The winner of the match advances, the loser is out.

Categories
PGA Tour

WGC – Dell Technologies Match Play: Who’s gonna make it into the round of 16?

WGC Match Play: The possible round of 16 participants (photo: Getty).
WGC Match Play: The possible round of 16 participants (photo: Getty).

After day 2 of the WGC Dell Technologies Match Play in Austin, Texas, quite a few golfers still have the chance to reach the round of 16. But it will be tough for some players. Stars like Bryson DeChambeau or Patrick Cantlay, however, have already been eliminated after the second day of the tournament. We give an overview of which golfers still have a chance of advancing.

WGC – Dell Match Play: Clear conditions in several groups

Jon Rahm and Dustin Johnson, for example, have a good starting position. The two leaders in their respective groups only need a draw in the third match to advance. For sure, a win would also be enough to qualify. The same applies to the following players: Viktor Hovland, Brooks Koepka, Tyrrell Hatton, Billy Horschel, Lucas Herbert, Kevin Kisner, Matt Fitzpatrick and Seamus Power.

In other groups, too, some golfers already have a leg up in the round of 16 and have their advancement in their own hands. However, a draw in the third match will not be enough for them. These players will only advance to the knockout stage with a win: Richard Bland, Adam Scott and Abraham Ancer.

Tricky scenarios in groups 2, 10 and 14

While in some groups of the WGC Match Play a favorite already stands out, in other groups the outcome is still very open. A good example of this is Group 2: Collin Morikawa and Sergio Garcia have the best starting position with 1.5 points, but Jason Kokrak can still advance with currently one point. Fourth-placed Robert MacIntyre has already been eliminated.

If both Morikawa and Garcia, who are not playing each other, win, it would come to a playoff between the two. The same would happen in the event of a tie. If both lose their third match, Morikawa’s opponent Kokrak will be happy. Because in that case he would book his ticket for the round of 16. A playoff between Kokrak and Garcia is also still possible if Garcia only manages a draw and Kokrak wins against Morikawa. There are numerous scenarios possible, so it will remain exciting until the end of the group stage. That is precisely what the match-play format at the World Golf Championship is all about.

A similarly tricky situation arises in Group 14. Joaquin Niemann, Kevin Na and Maverick McNealy still have a chance of advancing.

The situation in Group 10 is completely different: Paul Casey has withdrawn due to back problems and Louis Oosthuizen has no chance of advancing. So only two players are still fighting for a place in the knockout stage. Corey Conners and Alex Noren will play a direct match to determine the group winner. If the match ends in a draw, there will be a playoff between, who would have thought it, Conners and Noren.

19 players already eliminated

After the second day at the Austin Country Club, it is definitely clear that 19 players no longer have a chance to advance. Among them are prominent names like Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Cantlay and Ian Poulter. The following golfers are also eliminated after round two: Patrick Reed, Sebastian Munoz, Robert MacIntyre, Cameron Tringale, Keith Mitchell, Marc Leishman, Tony Finau, Matthew Wolff, Louis Oosthuizen, Paul Casey, Keegan Bradley, Tom Hoge, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Russell Henley, Brian Harman and Erik van Rooyen.

Categories
PGA Tour

Bryson DeChambeau: “Won’t be able to go fully at it until Augusta.”

Bryson DeChambeau looking forward to his comeback at the WGC Dell Matchplay. (Credits: Getty)

Although Bryson DeChambeau is playing a tournament on the PGA Tour for the first time since his injury this week, he is still far from his ideal form.

Long hitter and crowd pleaser Bryson DeChambeau returns to the PGA Tour after his lengthy injury. The start at the WGC Matchplay in Texas is his first tournament since withdrawing from the Saudi International in February due to hand an hip issues. For a long time it was considered uncertain what the injury was and, above all, how serious it was. He gave a clear denial to the Golf Channel to the speculations that the injuries were caused by too hard training. And yet, especially for the aspiring superstar it was a difficult situation, because his golf game lives from a power for which a healthy body is indispensable. BDC knows that, too, and that’s why he says he won’t take any big risks until the US Masters in April, so that he can return to his full potential at the tournament in Augusta.

WGC Matchplay: The tee times for the group stage


Bryson DeChambeau: “Learned a lot about my body over time”.


For a good two months now, the long-hitter has been plagued by hand and hip pain. Voices were quickly raised to attribute his injury problems to the intensive training that BDC has been doing for years. DeChambeau commented on the issue to Golf Channel this week before the WGC Matchplay:


“People say it’s because of the speed training and all the strength training and certainly some of those things have contributed to it. I’ve been working very hard and maybe overdoing it here and there,” he explained to Golf Channel. “But at the same time, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’ve learned so much about my body over the years, how to deal with certain things and also how important rest is.”

So now this week, his return to Tour action. At the WGC Matchplay in Texas, fans can look forward to exciting golf in match play format and Bryson DeChambeau in particular has chosen a very special playing partner on his return, Englishman Richard Bland.

WGC Matchplay: the groupings for the first few days


Augusta in view: Bryson DeChambeau’s comeback plan


Even though the WGC Matchplay is a popular and exciting tournament on the schedule this week, many pros are already looking to the future, as the highlight of the year, the US Masters 2022, is less than two weeks away. What Wimbledon is for tennis players, Augusta is for every golf fanatic.

Bryson DeChambeau also wants to attack the green jacket this year. Back in 2020, he said that the 72 par course at Augusta felt more like a 68 par course for him to play, raising expectations sky high. Now, two years later, BDC enters the crucial weeks leading up to the Masters without much competitive experience and still has a long way to go if he wants to be successful at Augusta.

But to that end, the 28-year-old American has set himself a comeback schedule, starting with next week’s WGC Matchplay and Valero Texas Open. Still, he is realistic about his chances of stepping up a gear in the last tournament before the first major of the year. He explained, “Will I be all in? No. Not even close. I probably won’t be able to really get going until Augusta.”

Accordingly, it will be interesting to see how DeChambeau presents himself on the course over the next two weeks. On the one hand, he has to get back to his best game as quickly as possible, on the other hand, he must not take any unnecessary risks in order not to provoke another injury. BDC has to find the right balance for himself.