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Justin Rose is named the 2021 recipient of the Payne Stewart Award

Justin Rose named recipient of the 2021 Payne Stewart Award

Justin Rose, the englishman golfer who is a 11-time PGA winner, as well as the 2013 U.S. Open winner and 2016 Olympic gold medalist in Rio, was named the 2021 recipient of the Payne Stewart Award, which is presented annually by the PGA Tour to the golfer who best exemplifies character, charity and sportsmanship.

Stewart, a three-time major champion, perished in a 1999 plane crash as the reigning U.S. Open champion. A year after that fatal date, the PGA created this award to honor his name and character.
Rose, turned professional in ’98, a year before Payne died, and was able to have a few brief interactions with Payne long before Rose held a trophy in his honor. The 2021 recipient definitely remembers the kind words that Steward had with him at The Open Championship in ’98, when Rose was just hitting balls on the range and Payne stopped by to compliment his swing: “Oh, that’s how it’s done.”

The Payne Stewart Award is specially meaninful because it goes beyond the golfing skills, but instead this prize recognizes the characteristics that define a great role model for the rest of the world, without any descriminations.
Some of the most recognizable players have won this Award in the past as well, such as Ernie Els (2015), Gary Player (2006), Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer both in (2000).
It is a chance for the recipient to bring the world matters back to the spotlight and to create awarness through their actions or foundations. Justin Rose and his wife founded The Kate & Justin Rose Foundation in Florida, which helps members of the community with lack of sources and money to fulfill their plates and to enrich their minds, raising more than $3 million and providing “500,000 hunger-free weekends” and 300,000 books.

“Justin Rose embodies everything the Payne Stewart Award represents,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said. “Like Payne, he has been one of the premier players of his generation while using his platform to better the lives of those around him.”

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Fitness Knowledge Panorama Training

Is golf a sport? Belén García Franco: “Every swing is an explosive movement of the entire body.”

Physical Therapist Belén García breaks with some stereotypes on golf, and she explains why. "Every swing is an explosive movement of the entire body."

Belén García Franco is a physical therapist from Vigo, Spain, an expert in the sport of golf, and the current captain of the Galician Women’s Golf Team. She completed her Masters with honors in Manual Physiotherapy of the Locomotive Apparatus from the University of Alcalá de Henares, in Madrid. García played golf for over fifteen years until a bad hip injury stepped on her way. In 2017 she decided to put the physiotherapist gown on to work with other passionate athletes like her to improve their game off the course, and now she and her partner run their own clinic in Vigo.

Today, Golf Post has the opportunity to ask her some questions about the relationship between shooting under par and conducting a proper physical training. We are very happy to talk with you Belén, and we are ready to shed some light on the subject. 

Full Interview with physical therapist Belén García.

Golf Post: People outside of the golf field often debate whether or not golf can be considered a sport. As a former high-level player, and now as a physical therapist, what do you think of that?

Belén García: I think that golf is undoubtedly a sport. I will say more,  it requires physical and mental activity for at least 4-5 hours, which can be quite intense in addition to the technique being highly complicated. I certainly know that it demands of a general explosive movement of the whole body. Every swing is an explosive movement of the entire body.

As with many sports, the difference between amateur and professional is huge. The professional golfer must focus closely on the training of physical preparation, so they strive to achieve great athletic form. The higher the level of play, the more emphasis will be placed on this physical aspect.

Golf Post: What are the physical benefits of playing golf?

Belén García: The most positive characteristic about golf is that everyone can practice it at any age, even the elder ones, and that is why the physical benefits of golf are countless and very diverse. The joint mobility, stability, proprioception and precision are some of the physical qualities that golf provides. In addition to aerobic endurance, as it requires physical activation lasting several hours.

Golf Post: What is the most common injury among golfers?

Belén García: From my experience, the most common injury relates to the lower back, the lumbar. The torsion caused in the swing is very damaging to the intervertebral discs, since they are structures that suffer a lot with this movement and that will eventually be damaged. The younger golfers tend to hit the ball harder, so it is also more common to find injuries at their wrist and elbow joints, due to and excessive tightening of the grip or greater power in the shot.

Golf Post: Belén, you played great golf and represented your region in several occasions until you suffered a bad hip injury. Now you are playing some golf again, how was the coming back process?

Belén García: The injury just happened without giving me any heads-up, it was all of a sudden while I was playing a tournament with the Galician team in Asturias. I loved playing that tournament because I always had so much fun traveling with the team. The environment and the sport spirit was just the best. When you spend so much time practicing and playing around, your teammates also end up being friends, so being able to experience these events with them was very fun, and I was really upset that I could not do that anymore when the injured happened.

It scared me to think that I could never play golf again, but conducting the right training and taking measures was crucial to get me through it. Last year, when I started to play some golf again, I was still afraid to go through the same pain, or that it would happen again. Playing golf is a challenge itself, but for the first time, it was more alarming than appealing to me, but I knew my limits, and trusted the recovery. Sometimes, the hardest challenge in this cases is the mental factor. I was recovered and physically ready to tee up again, but it took some work until I convinced myself of so.

Golf Post: I assume that you work with all types of athletes, and you treat numerous injuries caused by overexertion. Is there any little secret to avoid those that are most likely to suffer in golf?

Belén García: Just like in any other sport, conducting a proper preventive training at the joint and muscular level is essential to largely avoid typical golf injuries in the short and long term. Many golfers tend to finish their routine with the last shot on hole 18, but I would insist in the importance of the post-round stretching exercises to release the muscular tension.

Golf Post: The dream come true of any passionate golfer is to turn pro and to live off of it. Do you think that the physical aspect makes the difference between accomplishing the goal and not doing so successfully?

Belén García: Without any doubt, it does make the difference. Nowadays, the physical training plays a crucial role in golf. Having a good physique makes the swing more consistent and more regular throughout the round, which minimizes errors. A strong body helps to have a strong mind as well.

Golf Post: Based on your extensive experience as a golfer and physiotherapist, how common is it for elite golfers to work with physios on a daily basis? At what level would you recommend starting with a physical trainer as part of their game training?

Belén García: I think that the role of physiotherapy in sport plays a fundamental role from a preventive point of view, and to accompany the right development of the swing technique. In the same way, knowing the technical and physical qualities of the athlete can determine the optimal frequency of treatment, although it is very common for every athlete to have their physiotherapist on hand throughout the competition calendar.

Physical training is recommended for all golfers regardless of their performance level, as the best way to prevent from bad habits or injuries, as well as to improve their scores. The same way the player invests the time in the driving range or the putting green to improve their game, they should also focus on the physical training (strength, mobility, flexibility, coordination…) in order to see solid results on the scorecard. I guess it depends on what the player wants to get out of golf.

Golf Post: Now that you educated us on the off the course training. Do you have any tips for when our readers tee up on the course?

Belén García: Not to stress over it, golf can result overwhelming and it takes time to make peace with it. Personally, golf and I have a love hate relationship, but there is something about it that keeps me coming back at it. It is such a special sport that contributes values and gives life to life. I do not like giving golf tips because then if it does not go the way it is supposed to, I feel terrible. To the people who is starting to get into golf, I would suggest to take a deep breathe before every shot and to bring a couple of more balls than they think are needed. Golf can be tricky, but the show must go on. And I definitely encourage every other person out there to break with the stereotype of golf as a boring sport for the elder, and try it out. They will be pleasantly surprised.

Golf Post: Firstly, we want to thank you Belén for your time. Your experience and professionalism in the field will provide our readers with a better knowledge on the topic. We very much appreciate the enthusiasm that you have shared with us today, and the hard work that you put on every day with your athletes to help them accomplish their goals. We wish you all the best, and we hope to speak again soon.

Interview conducted and edited by Elena Sinde Romero

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Reports

Research: Golf participation growth in GB and Ireland

Research show golf participation growth in GB and Ireland
Research show golf participation growth in GB and Ireland

New figures reveal an increase in golf participation. 2.3 million more adults played on-course in Great Britain and Ireland last year, and the sport is now being encouraged to grasp the opportunity to retain new and returning players.

Research led by The R&A, together with England Golf, Golf Ireland, Scottish Golf and Wales Golf, demonstrates how the sport thrived in 2020 despite the significant challenges of Covid-19.

The two new participation reports, produced by specialist research agency Sports Marketing Surveys, show that a significant number of players enjoyed golf on full-length courses as well as alternative forms of the sport, including the use of driving ranges, Par 3 golf and pitch and putt. Other encouraging findings show an increase in the number of female golfers and a reduction in the average age of participants.

Richard Payne: “We are really excited”

Reflecting on the research, SMS director Richard Payne noted, “For golf participation to have grown in the way it has in the context of the external pressures it has faced is nothing short of amazing. We suspected this might be the case when our figures showed that more rounds were played in 2020 than in 2019 despite course closures, but rounds played is only one part of the story. We now know that the growth wasn’t only down to existing golfers playing more, but also significantly boosted by new players coming into the sport. More people on driving ranges, par 3s and full-length courses is good for the whole game, from course operators to manufacturers to retailers, events and broadcasters. We are really excited to help the golf industry take advantage of this, and we’ve already been having lots of great conversations with clients keen to understand how research can help them build on the momentum.”

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A, said, “We have seen a real surge in the number of golfers in Great Britain and Ireland playing the sport and this is reflected by the high demand for tee times and clubs reporting a strong interest in membership last year.”

“Golf has shown that it can provide significant health benefits, and this has been important for many golfers during these very challenging times. It is vital that golf seizes the opportunity to maintain this heightened interest by offering new and returning golfers compelling reasons to stay within the sport and enjoy it with friends and family,” he said.

Key highlights from the 2020 Great Britain Golf Participation Report:

  • Total adult golfers on a full-length course (9 or 18 hole) increased by 2.1 million players to 5.2 million – the highest figure recorded this century;
  • Of these golfers, 36% identified as returning or new golfers – with 16% of players starting or trying golf for the first time because of the pandemic;
  • The average age of golfers fell by five years to 41, with the majority of new golfers aged under 55;
  • 25% of female golfers were new to the sport – and tried it for the first time because of the pandemic;
  • Driving range use increased from 2.3 million to 4.3 million players;
  • The number of golfers who only used Par 3 courses more than doubled, and those who only played on pitch and putt courses more than tripled.

Key highlights from the 2020 Ireland Golf Participation Report:

  • Total adult golfers on a full-length course increased by 219,000 to 540,000
  • 18% returned to golf or started or tried golf for the first time because of the pandemic
  • A third of adult golfers who tried golf for the first time were under 25 years old

Following the easing of lockdown restrictions, The R&A identified the need to further understand the new demand and how different types of golfers were engaging with the sport.

Post Covid Opportunity Research

The Post Covid Opportunity Research was a supplementary project carried out by SMS. It assesses the experiences of golfers during the pandemic, their motivations for playing and their long-term plans for the future. Among new golfers, 98% of those interviewed identified they are enjoying playing golf and 95% see themselves playing golf for many years to come.

The impact of Covid-19 restrictions on mental and physical health and loneliness has been considerable, with the research showing how golf has helped in these areas.

Key findings include:

  • Among avid/regular golfers, 31% had experienced some negative impact on their feelings of loneliness/isolation as a result of the pandemic. Of these, 79% believe playing golf had a positive impact.
  • Among lapsed/returning golfers, 44% had experienced some negative impact on their mental health as a result of the pandemic. Of these, 92% felt that playing golf had a positive impact.
  • Among occasional/infrequent golfers, 34% had experienced some negative impact on their physical health as a result of the pandemic. Of these, 70% agreed that playing golf had a positive impact.

The research also outlined recommendations that clubs can take to retain new players. These include making sure golfers feel welcome and valued; cultivating a friendly culture and relaxed atmosphere; promoting participation options based on ability and experience; offering excellent customer service; providing an efficient booking system; and prioritising the quality and maintenance of the course.

Anderton added, “The mental and physical health benefits of golf have helped boost participation in 2020 and that is hugely encouraging given the sport offers a wonderful form of exercise out in the fresh air for all ages and abilities.”

“With more female players also coming into the sport, it presents an opportunity for golf clubs to harness interest from this key demographic and to engage in our #FOREveryone campaign.”

“The campaign encourages clubs to consider how they can attract more women and girls into the sport and challenge unhelpful stereotypes to demonstrate that it is an enjoyable pastime and career for people of all ages and backgrounds.”

(Text: Sports Marketing Surveys)

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Sun protection and sport: new insights

Image: Getty

Skin in the Game

 In every sports fan’s life, there comes the devastating, disconcerting moment when you realise that you’re past it. Players half your age start making their debuts. Competitors ten years your junior win titles. You are forced to confront the reality that in fact, you probably won’t make it onto the tour, into the side, or through qualifying. No matter that you never consciously or logically dreamed of ‘making it’, it is still a bitter pill to swallow.  

Fortunately, there is much more to sport than the professional ranks, and, at risk of lapsing into cliché, it is true that it is never too late to get into or stay in sport. Naturally, certain sports lend themselves to longer participation than others. The R&A, the custodian of the rules of golf, actively promotes the game as being “A sport for life, which can be played and enjoyed by people of all ages, backgrounds and levels of ability.” 

But sports can only be ‘for life’ as long as they are practiced safely. Many sports have made massive recent strides in this respect. In extreme sports from climbing to skiing, protection, in the form of helmets, for example, is second nature. Cricketers wear pads and boxes and helmets to protect themselves from impact. Rugby players wear mouthguards as standard. Concussion protocols are being constantly reviewed across multiple sports. What’s often much harder is to convince people to protect themselves from less obvious, less visible risks.  

Recent research conducted by SMS on behalf of the Melanoma Fund revealed a concerning carelessness among UK golfers when it comes to the risk of skin cancer and precautions that can help protect their skin. Only 42% of surveyed golfers use sunscreen when the weather demands it, and nearly 30% admitted that they actively avoid sun protection in favour of a tan.

With melanoma rates doubling in the UK in the last thirty years and poised to reach nearly half a million global cases by 2040, it has never been more important to understand and protect against the risk. It is a cause that Slip! Slap! Swing! has been set up to champion. Richard Payne, SMS Director, is an ambassador for the charity, which aims to change golfer behaviour on an individual level as well as encourage golf courses to get Sun Protection Accredited. 

Reflecting on the vital importance of the campaign, Richard commented:
“Often, sadly, it has taken a public tragedy to provoke change in sport. The death of Natasha Richardson transformed the conversation about ski helmets. The death of Philip Hughes has led to prototype helmet designs in an attempt to ensure nobody else suffers in the same way. Golf has fortunately escaped this so far, although numerous players, including Justin Thomas and Adam Scott, have had scares. The challenge is to convince golfers to individually and collectively change their attitude to sun protection before a high- profile tragedy kickstarts the conversation.”

Done right, sport can not only extend life, but enhance it. Whether on the fairways or on the court or on the waves, a life with sport can be significantly richer than a life without it. Protecting yourself to ensure that your sports career and your life are as long as possible comes with no drawbacks and many benefits. 
(Text: Sports Marketing Surveys)

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Matsuyama can turbocharge Asian golf. So can research.

Hideki Matsuyama became the first Japanese Male to ever win a major on Sunday at the US Masters (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Hideki Matsuyama is a golfer who feels like he has been around much longer than he has.

Part of the effect is generated by his beautifully struck irons, which carry him serenely from tee to green and make his game seem mature beyond his years. In part it is his composed, friendly demeanour. Mostly, it is because of how much he has accomplished in the sport.

Matsuyama first finished at the top five in a Major in 2015 and rose to the top five in the world in 2016. The next year, he romped to a WGC title at Firestone, shooting a barely believable 61 in the final round to win by five. Now, with a victory at the 2021 Masters, he finally has the Major title that his talent has demanded for some time.

With his triumph, the 29-year-old completes a pair of Japanese doubles at Augusta. For Matsuyama himself, it is a Green Jacket to go with the Silver Cup he won a decade earlier as the leading amateur. For his country, it means Japan is now home to both the Masters champion and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion, following Tsubasa Kajitani’s triumph earlier this month.

Matsuyama joins female players Hisako Higuchi and Hinako Shibuno in Japan’s stable of major winners. 2021 now holds the chance for him to improve his already impressive best finishes at the tournaments that define golf’s calendar. Ties for fourth and sixth at the PGA Championship and Open Championship, combined with a second place at the U.S. Open, prove that this is a player capable of winning on all types of golf course in any conditions.

He will be hotly fancied in particular at an even rarer chance for glory. It is common to talk of a home favourite being cheered by an Olympic crowd. Following Tokyo’s decision to restrict foreign fan travel as a result of the COVID pandemic, that will never have been truer than in 2021. Olympic glory is a challenge that England’s Justin Rose, the first-round leader who Matsuyama overhauled with his Saturday charge, has conquered, claiming golf’s first Olympic title in 112 years in 2016. As for Hideki, he is no stranger to gold medals, having already topped the podium in both the individual and team golf events at the 2011 World University Games. If he can follow Rose’s lead again and win in a home Olympics, golf in Asia might just find itself in overdrive.

Already, the sport has been enjoying something of a boom in the East. On the professional side, Matsuyama’s maturation comes at the same time as other standout young stars like Sung-Jae Im and Si Woo Kim are making strides up the rankings. The women’s world rankings are currently led by three Koreans. On a grassroots level, the demand to play golf has been fuelled by lockdown and travel restrictions, leading to golf membership enquiries and prices reaching record highs in the region. While this has benefitted those managing golf courses, or selling on memberships, which, at top private clubs, are often tradeable debenture type subscriptions, the continent still has much to do to ensure that everyone who wants to play can find a tee time to do so. High population density and a relative lack of golf facilities means that tee time availability can be expensive as well as competitive.

Eric Lynge, chief executive of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) and SMS’ special advisor for Asia, commented:

“It is a fantastic result for Asian golf! The region’s golfing community is thrilled. The challenge now is to capitalise on the momentum and make sure that Matsuyama and Kajitani’s Augusta triumphs are channelled towards broadening access to golf on the continent. Another key initiative in that respect is gathering robust, regular data on participation and playing habits across the region. The AGIF and SMS are exploring the possibility of launching new research to start quantifying fluctuations in participation and examine how this is impacted by a range of factors including the professional game, national or local initiatives and media exposure.”

Text: SportsMarketingSurveys.com

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Bernhard Langer talks to Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Maybach GLS

Image: Mercedes-Benz
Image: Mercedes-Benz

Earlier this week you were able to experience the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. What do you think of the car?

BL: I really like it. It’s a fantastic car, both visually and in terms of luxury and space. This for sure is the benchmark when it comes to a luxury SUV. Mercedes-Maybach stands for luxury at its best and this is the proof point. Beyond the interior and exterior design, which I really like, I especially appreciate the comfort. I guess you can’t get more comfort within a SUV. Definitely the perfect choice when you go on a (golf) trip with friends or family.

If you could take your family and friends out on a trip in the Mercedes-Maybach GLS. Where would you go?

BL: I guess in the US it could be almost everywhere, but definitely outside the big cities and closer to mountains and nature. Colorado and Utah would be good spots. In Europe it would be definitely the
Alps. I could imagine starting at my hometown in Bavaria and from there straight to the Alps – yes, that would be the perfect route.

This week at The Masters, all players get their very own dedicated Mercedes-Benz. Do you prefer a shuttle service or driving by yourself like this week at the Masters?


BL: Oh, I like being shuttled but it is always nice to hold the steering wheel yourself. It calms me down and lets me have a relaxed start into the day. The approach to the ANGC’s premises on
Magnolia Lane towards the club house is always a special sight. In addition, my own vehicle provides me with added safety as part of all the measures to protect against COVID-19.

After a dedicated Mercedes-Benz car at Augusta, what and where will you be driving next?


BL: I will be enjoying my own Mercedes-Benz back in Florida. I really like driving my own car, especially when I have the chance to take it to tournaments on the PGA Tour Champions.

You also were able to take a seat in the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQS with its Hyperscreen. What were your thoughts when you had a look at this feature?

BL: This for sure is the biggest screen I have ever seen in a car. But it makes perfectly sense and means a new level of driving assistance. It is like your personal caddy in your car. With its curved form, it reminds me of a golf hole from above.

(Text: Mercedes Benz)

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Restrictions Eased: Golf Back in England

Golfers in England have been waiting eagerly for almost 3 months for the chance to get back out on the fairway. (Image: Getty)

After a long wait and a bleak winter, restrictions are finally starting to ease in England.

The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and we can now take part in a limited selection of government sanctioned outdoor activities like tennis, grassroots football and golf.

In accordance with the government’s plan to gradually ease lockdown measures, golf courses across England have been given the green light to reopen from the March 29th.

England’s courses have been closed since January 5th in order to limit community spread of COVID-19.

The decision was confirmed by vaccines minister, Nadhim Zahawi, in a series of televised press interviews on Monday 22nd February.

Golf came back in Wales on Saturday March 13th, while courses in Scotland remained open throughout the Winter, albeit with limited capacity.

Casual golfers or anyone looking to start a new hobby may not be setting up their first post-lockdown tee for a little while yet. A large number of clubs in England have reopened to members only as a way to keep numbers down as restrictions continue to be in place.

Players will still have to maintain social distancing and other measures to limit the risk of spreading COVID-19. (Image: Getty)

Club houses are set to open up to guests on April 12th, with hungry golfers only allowed to bring takeaway food and drink in the meantime.

Attempts to reopen courses earlier than March 29th were unsuccessful.

England Golf and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf published a report detailing how golf could be played safely in accordance with COVID-19 health guidelines, which led to strong public criticism of the government’s decision to close golf courses.

Criticism of the decision frequently centred on impacts on mental and physical health.

A petition to reopen golf courses immediately gained more than 130,000 signatures. It was debated in parliament one week ago on the 22nd of March, with no decision reached to open earlier than the planned date.

“Sport is crucial for our mental and physical health,” the government responded to the petition in a statement on the 18th of January.

Other outdoor activities like tennis and football are allowed from today. Prime minister Boris Johnson has described such activities as the “best way to restore freedom while minimising risk”.

March 29th is a big step forward in the government’s reopening programme which is currently still on track to be over by the 21st of June 2021.

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Golfer’s CBD has saved my career – maybe even my life

After being diagnosed with MS, former European Tour pro felt he had little reason left to live (Image: Azalea)

Chris Bibby went from the career high of fourth place at the 1998 Portugal Open on the European Tour, to the depths of contemplating taking his own life on a motorway bridge, as he was racked with constant pain and confined to a wheelchair.

But after discovering the life-changing effects of Golfer’s CBD, the 42-year-old is now looking forward to a far brighter future and even has ambitions to reignite his competitive playing career.

A European Tour player in 1998-1999, Manchester-based Bibby went into teaching before his diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis in 2015 and became head professional at Whitefield Golf Club in 2019. But he then dealt with increasing health issues with excessive inflammation of the joints and muscle spasms which deteriorated so much that he was unable to even walk.

After feeling that his long career in golf was effectively over, Bibby is not ashamed to admit that he even got to the point where he wondered whether life was still worth living.

Bibby said: “It had got to a stage where it had got really bad. I’m not going to lie – it got to a stage where I said to my wife ‘I think this is it. I can’t even stand on the range and watch people hit balls’. I was just in agony.

“How could I teach if I couldn’t show people?

“But I look back on my darkest time when I was in an electric wheelchair and just wanted to end it all. I took myself down to a motorway bridge but then realised I couldn’t get out of the chair to get over the barrier.

“Thankfully, I’m a lot more positive about the future now. It has changed my life. In a nutshell, I think Golfer’s CBD has saved my career – 100 per cent.”

CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of 113 cannabinoids identified by scientific research into the cannabis plant. The health benefits are a result of the gold standard extract used in Golfer’s CBD products. In addition to cannabidiol their broad spectrum CBD oil contains other beneficial cannabinoids, phytonutrients, flavonoids and terpenes. These compounds are known to reduce the risk of cancer, boost the immune system, fight disease and increase overall wellness.

There are significant benefits on the golf course where CBD positively influences mood, stress response and motor-function. The combined benefits on and off the golf course makes Golfer’s CBD the perfect supplement for players who want to feel healthy and produce their best golf.

Bibby only started trying the products in December 2020 but has noticed a huge difference already with the joint inflammation reduced significantly, his spasms almost eradicated and psoriasis effectively cleared in the space of a few weeks.

He said: “I heard about it and felt I had nothing to lose. I noticed an improvement within a couple of weeks and now I’m even back running and hitting balls again.

“I know some people will not believe it can make this kind of difference, but it has to me. It’s just helped me in so many different ways.

“There is no new treatment or any other medication or change in lifestyle. It’s this and nothing else.”

Now Bibby, who turned professional in 1994 with a handicap of plus-three, is contemplating another tilt at Tour golf.

He said: “I’m aiming to compete on the region and possibly some EuroPro events. But my ultimate goal would be to play on the Seniors Tour in eight years’ time.

“This has given me a new lease of life.”

Golfer’s CBD director, Andy Dixon, said: “When you get this sort of response from someone, it is inspiring and makes it all worthwhile. Chris believes we have helped save his career and changed his life in so many ways. We are just delighted we have been able to help him along the road to recovery.”

(Text: Azalea Press Release)

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Fun

How it Started vs. How it’s Going: 5 players then and now

Rory McIlroy signing an Autograph for a very keen young fan in Abu Dhabi, 2013. (Image: Getty)

It’s Friday and January 2021 is almost over. Woohoo! Between the pandemic and the lockdowns, it’s been a long and hard winter so far.

So, despite all that, we wanted to give you something that might make you smile for a second. At Golf Post, we’re dipping our toes in to the wonderful (and at times, terrifying) world of meme culture.

We’re a little late to the game with this one, but here we go with our favourite European Tour players’ throwbacks. These hilarious pictures are perfect if you need a little cheering up.

Let us know on Twitter @golf_post which one was your favourite!

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Panorama

Tokyo Olympics 2021: (Still) a Good Idea?

The state of the Tokyo Summer Olympics is still uncertain. (Source: Getty)
The state of the Tokyo Summer Olympics is still uncertain. (Source: Getty)

Financial concerns are mounting as the Tokyo Olympic Games -postponed due to the pandemic- is now among the most over budget Olympic Games of all time. But what does this mean for golf?

Yet another consequence of the ongoing pandemic is the ever dwindling prospect of a business-as-usual (whatever that means) Tokyo Summer Olympics. The games were postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic and official sources estimated this has set the country’s Olympic preparations back $7.2B at the time of writing.

One year on: is it really still worth it?

Then prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced in late March 2020, after many countries had entered a full or partial lockdown, that the Games will be postponed until 2021. Since then, the estimated budget has reached an alarmingly unexpected high, with initial estimates of the total cost of the delay ranging from only $2B to $6B.

According to Safebettingsites, the postponement of the games has become a source of tension between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Japanese government, with both sides disagreed on who will foot the bill for the delay.

In recent years, the financial burden of hosting the Summer Olympics has cast an inescapable shadow on the event’s marketability to the countries who compete to host them. On top of this, with the pandemic affecting more people around the world than ever before, many in Japan are starting to ask whether the Tokyo Olympics should take place at all.

Should the games still go ahead in 2021?

If you were to ask someone from Japan, their answer may very well be no.

The pandemic continues to fan the flames of uncertainty in many aspects of our daily lives. In Japan, like in many countries, the daily death toll reached an all time high at the end of December.

With this uncertainty in mind, it may not be surprising that according to Safebetttingsites, a survey of 1000+ Japanese participants, conducted in August, found that 70% of respondents believed that the event should be postponed further, or in some cases (33.7%) outright cancelled.

What does this mean for golf?

2020 would have been only the second chance in recent history to see golf played at the Olympics. The most recent Summer Olympics in Brazil saw 120 players from 41 nations, including Justin Rose (GB) and Henrik Stenson (Sweden), play at the Olympic golf course in Rio de Janeiro. Before 2016, the last Olympic tee-off was in 1904 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Sadly, we missed out on the chance to relive the excitement of the 2016 games in 2020. However, the good news for golf fans is that even in the event of an outright cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics, the pandemic has so far not had such a noticeable impact on much of the global professional calendar for 2021, with the PGA Tour starting again on Friday (08/01).

While the near future of the Olympics doesn’t look good for spectators or organisers, golf fans are lucky enough to still have plenty to look forward to in the upcoming year.