Category: Panorama

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Panorama

Storm Éowyn destroys golf courses

(Photo: Facebook.com/@Thornhill Golf Clubs)
(Photo: Facebook.com/@Thornhill Golf Clubs)

Damage report: ‘Storm Éowyn caused severe devastation in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland on Friday,’ reported the news agency Agence France Press (AFP), for example. ‘Gale-force winds with record wind speeds of over 180 kilometres per hour uprooted trees, knocked down power lines and caused train and flight cancellations. In Ireland, a man was killed when a tree fell on his car, according to police reports. In total, almost a million households were temporarily without power.’ Und naturally, Éowyn also hit a lot of golf courses. The most prominent ‘victim’, for example, was the world’s most famous opening hole. On hole 1 of the Machrihanish Old Course on the Scottish peninsula of Kintyre, known as the Battery, where a cut in the Atlantic Ocean has to be played over from the tee, the storm drove the sea inland and flooded the fairway. Until further notice, the round therefore begins with hole two.

There are also documents of destruction from other places; the comments speak for themselves:

It remains to be seen what further damage will be reported – especially in terms of coastal erosion, which by its very nature affects link courses in particular.

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Opinions

Donald Trump promotes Saudi involvement in the USA – What this means for golf

(Photo: Getty)
(Photo: Getty)

The news is not directly related to golf, but the implications are obvious: Donald Trump, the right-wing populist in the White House, is boosting the American economy with the help of Saudi Arabia, to whose tune he danced during his first term as US president. Saudi Crown Prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman wants the PIF sovereign wealth fund to invest an additional 600 billion dollars in the USA over the next four years and to buy US goods and weapons. The strongman of the regime in Riyadh made this promise to the 45th and now 47th President of the United States last week in a telephone call after his inauguration. Bin Salman is thus courting Trump’s favour and positioning the monarchy as a counterweight to the expected economic and trade conflicts with China, Europe and possibly also Russia.

Friendly relationship between Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia

Bin Salman and Trump have maintained a friendly relationship since Trump’s first term in office. Just how close the business relationship is was demonstrated shortly after the re-election when Bin Salman’s business vizier Yasir Al-Rumayyan was spotted in Trump’s neighbourhood. The PIF led by Al-Rumayyan has direct and indirect economic ties with the US president’s holding company, which benefits from Saudi construction projects and LIV Golf League events at Trump golf courses, six in total since 2022.

The consequences of the growing Saudi influence in the USA are also likely to spill over into the golf industry. The approval of the Saudi minority stake in PGA Tour Enterprises, for example – including Trump’s muzzle for the US Department of Justice and a presidential moratorium on all bureaucratic hurdles – which the PGA Tour and PIF have been working on since June 2023. The Donald recently reiterated in a podcast that it would take him less than 15 minutes to finalise the deal between the PIF and PGA Tour: ‘We have bigger problems than that, but I think we should have one tour. And the best players in the world should compete against each other on this tour.’ He speaks from the heart of golf fans. Or Trump sympathisers like Bryson DeChambeau.

Tempi passati: Definitely gone are the days when Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, in his capacity as Chairman of the Senate Investigative Committee, castigated ‘the ability of a brutal, repressive regime to buy influence over a cherished American institution’. Now the Republicans are in charge and a different wind is blowing in the USA in general, a quasi-dictatorial wind fuelled by the tech oligarchs. The PGA Tour and the PGA of America are also likely to hang their flags in the same wind sooner or later, having withdrawn tournaments and majors from the Trump Organisation eight years ago. Even more so if a separate world tour is actually created, organised by PGA Tour Enterprises – and thanks to the protected PIF participation, certainly also with guest appearances on Trump courses. Turnberry in Scotland, for example, which has been put on ice by the R&A for the Open-Rota and therefore lies fallow in terms of major tournaments, springs to mind.

By the way, Trump played golf with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan last November shortly after his re-election. And the following day, he and ‘special advisor’ Elon Musk met PIF boss Al-Rumayyan, with whom Musk also has business ties, at a martial arts event in New York. And so the circle closes.

Even Rory McIlroy assumes that a US President Donald Trump would be more conducive to reunification: ‘He has good relations with Saudi Arabia. He loves golf and has a good relationship with golf. He’s a lover of golf. So, who knows.’ It will be an exciting four years. Politically. Economically. Socially. And also for men’s professional golf.

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Live Panorama

TGL: Atlanta Drive Makes a Statement Against New York

Wrap-up at the TGL match between Atlanta Drive GC and New York GC. (Photo: X/@TGL)
Wrap-up at the TGL match between Atlanta Drive GC and New York GC. (Photo: X/@TGL)

The third match day of the TGL brought a new match and a new record in the still young history of the league. Atlanta Drive GC, led by Justin Thomas, Billy Horschel and Patrick Cantlay, beat New York Golf Club 4-0 at the SoFi Centre in Palm Beach Gardens. This was the first shutout victory in the young history of TGL.

TGL: Atlanta Drive Takes Early Command

Atlanta controlled the action right from the start. Even in the ‘triples’ format, in which all three players on the team take it in turns to hit, the team’s dominance prevailed. The very first hole set the tone for the entire match. Cameron Young’s tee shot landed out of bounds and Atlanta Drive took the opportunity to take the lead with a solid par. In contrast, New York continued to struggle with accuracy on the greens in the triples session.
Justin Thomas established himself as the driving force behind Atlanta Drive GC. The two-time major winner holed a 7-metre putt on the fourth hole to take a 2-0 lead into the individual matches.

Justin Thomas Leads Atlanta to a Perfect Debut

Atlanta Drive followed up in the individual matches. Justin Thomas defeated Young with a birdie on the tenth hole, while Billy Horschel scored against Matt Fitzpatrick after the latter landed in the water and then in two bunkers. Thomas went one better with another long putt on the 13th hole and finally secured Atlanta’s historic shutout – and didn’t even have to resort to the strategic ‘hammer’ option to secure the 4-0 win.

Preview to the Upcoming Challenges

With this win, Atlanta Drive moves to the top of the SoFi Cup standings and now prepares for a doubleheader on 17 February against Los Angeles GC and The Bay Golf Club. New York Golf Club, on the other hand, with two losses under their belt, will take on Jupiter Links GC in an attempt to salvage their season.

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Fun Panorama

Watch: DP World Tour Stars receive influencer training

(Screenshot: Youtube.com/@dpworldtour)
(Screenshot: Youtube.com/@dpworldtour)

Chapeau to the DP World Tour social media team. It couldn’t be more imaginative and funny. Whether it was the staged round table to find a Ryder Cup team captain or the self-help course in anger management for Tyrrell Hatton – it was all world class, including the cinematic realisation. The creative team’s latest coup is an influencer training course for tour professionals aka: How do I put myself in the limelight in the best and most effective way, how do I generate maximum attention. It goes without saying that there is a pinch of self-irony and a wink. But enough words, the result speaks for itself:

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Panorama

Justin Bieber Shows Off Golf Skills with Bold ‘Driver Off the Deck’ Shot

Justin Bieber tries daring golf "Driver off the Deck" shot. (Source: Instagram@golfdigest)

It’s no secret that many celebrities find refuge on the golf course, and Justin Bieber is no exception. Over the years, the now 30-year-old singer has been vocal about his passion for golf, once claiming to have played to a 15-handicap. Bieber recently gave his fans a glimpse of his golf game by posting a video showcasing an ambitious shot: the challenging and rarely-seen “Driver off the Deck.”

Justin Bieber Takes on the “Driver Off the Deck” Challenge

For those unfamiliar, hitting a driver off the fairway is a bold move, even for seasoned golfers. It requires precise technique and control, as the shot eliminates the support of a tee, demanding the utmost accuracy. In the video, Justin Bieber can be seen addressing the golf ball with confidence before attempting this high-risk play. Bieber’s swing and the result of the shot sparked interest across social media. While opinions on his performance varied, the video highlights his enthusiasm for the game.

 
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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Golf Digest (@golfdigest)

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Panorama

Big TGL premiere with a clear winning team

(Photo: X.com/@ShaneLowryGolf)
(Photo: X.com/@ShaneLowryGolf)

On Tuesday night, the long-awaited TGL finally premiered on ESPN in prime time. The indoor league led by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy made its first big appearance and after much has been reported about the format and features of this entertainment product, many were eager to see what the final product would look like.

TGL: Clear victory for Bay GC

On the first day of play, Shane Lowry, Wyndham Clark and Ludvig Åberg played for the Bay GC against Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler and Matt Fitzpatrick from the New York GC. In two hours, they competed in a match over 15 holes, with Bay GC as the clear winner: 9 to 2 was the final score.

The players hit their long shots onto a video screen, some from real grass, others from turf, and bunkers filled with real sand from Augusta National Golf Club. Once the teams got to within 45 metres of the pin, it’s on to a short game complex – with a green set on a 37-metre-wide turntable and around 600 pieces of equipment underneath to change the contours. Over the first nine holes, all three players compete at the same time, taking turns to hit the ball. The last six holes are played 1 against 1.

Shane Lowry hit the first tee shot in league history and a few minutes later Ludvig Åberg secured his team’s first birdie and the first hole won. From then on, the Bay Golf Club was unstoppable. With a ‘hammer’, the team immediately secured two points on hole 3 and after six holes they were 6-0 up. That was not to be expected, explained Wyndham Clark afterwards. In a practice match the day before, Schauffele & Co. were already 6-0 up after three holes. But when it counted, they had the system and its tricks down pat.

The ‘hammer’ is one of the special features of the TGL. Each hole is normally worth one point. The team in possession of the hammer can ‘throw’ it and thereby increase the value of a hole in order to gain an advantage or increase the pressure on the opponent. The hammer then becomes the property of the opposing team. If the hammer is thrown before the start of a hole, it is automatically accepted; if it is thrown after the tee shot, the opposing team has the option of rejecting it. In return, however, it automatically loses the hole.

New York GC scored the first point after nine holes, but was ultimately unable to catch up.

The TGL will have to prove itself in the long run

The reactions to the first event show a lot of enthusiasm, but also room for improvement. The players emphasised how much fun they had during the event: ‘It’s a game, it’s not necessarily pure golf, it’s a bit more game and trick,’ said Wyndham Clark after the team victory. ‘I feel like we were very comfortable with it. I have to say we had a lot of fun.’

Paige Spiranac wrote on Twitter, ‘It’s fun to see the boys a little more relaxed! I think we’ll really let their personalities shine in this format,’ and both journalists and players praised the shot clock for keeping the game brisk and the energy high. The fans on site were enthusiastic, cheered the players – and also acknowledged bad shots with boos.

There is still room for improvement. As a TV viewer in particular, you have to be prepared for a lot of background noise between the players’ conversations, commentators, interviews and music from the hall. Michael McEwan (Bunkered) describes the event as ‘entertaining, but largely forgettable’ and James Colgan (Golf.com) is also of the opinion that the TGL still needs to find the ‘balance between flash and substance’.

Tiger Woods, however, seemed satisfied. ‘It was just a dream,’ he said on the ESPN broadcast. ‘Rory and I have talked about it; it’s hard to believe that this dream has become a reality and we’ve been able to take golf into another stratosphere, really.’

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Panorama

Wildfires in LA threaten historic Riviera Country Club

Wildfires in LA threaten historic golf course. (Image: Getty)
Wildfires in LA threaten historic golf course. (Image: Getty)

The dramatic images from Los Angeles show the destructive power of the fires that have been ravaging the region for days. While over 50,000 people have had to leave their homes, a golfing landmark is also in danger: the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades. The flames are not only threatening a place steeped in history, but also the planned Genesis Invitational, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Tour.

Wildfires in LA: Thousands of people fleeing the flames

The fires started near the Pacific Palisades Highlands and spread rapidly due to strong Santa Ana winds. Within hours, more than 1,200 hectares of land were covered and the evacuation zone grew steadily. Firefighters battled under difficult conditions as water hydrants failed in some areas. Thousands of people, including prominent residents of the neighborhood, had to leave their homes, often with little more than the bare essentials.

A historic golf course under threat

In the midst of this tragedy, the Riviera Country Club also becomes the target of the flames. The golf course, a masterpiece of architecture and home to the Genesis Invitational, is considered one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the world. For players such as Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, Riviera is a place that is highly praised – a “sanctuary” for golf.

In addition to its sporting significance, the course is deeply rooted in history. It has not only hosted legendary tournaments, but will also host the 2028 Summer Olympics and the 2031 US Open in the coming years.

The Genesis Invitational in danger?

The Riviera Country Club is not only a place for golf enthusiasts, but also home to the prestigious Genesis Invitational, which is due to take place in a few weeks’ time. The tournament, organized by Tiger Woods’ foundation, is a highlight of the PGA Tour calendar. But now everything is in doubt. As the flames relentlessly approach, it remains unclear whether the course, as part of the evacuation zone, can be saved in time.

Firefighters try to keep the flames away from the course, but the danger remains real. This is not the first time golf courses have been affected by natural disasters. The Atlas Fire of 2017 damaged infrastructure at the Silverado Resort in Napa, but the current situation in Los Angeles could be more devastating.

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Panorama

Lexi Thompson: Proposal in the snow

Boyfriend Max Provost proposing to Lexi Thompson. (Photo: Instagram.com/@lexi)
Boyfriend Max Provost proposing to Lexi Thompson. (Photo: Instagram.com/@lexi)

Private happiness: At the end of May last year, Lexi Thompson announced her extensive retirement from the tournament circuit in order to escape the constant public spotlight and have more time for her personal life. The 29-year-old explained that she wanted to get married and have a family. The first step in this direction has now been taken: In the Canadian ski resort of Whistler, a good hour and a half’s drive from Vancouver, boyfriend Max Provost got down on one knee in front of the eleven-time Tour winner on New Year’s Day and proposed to her. Naturally, Lexi Thompson said yes and posted the emotional moment on Instagram with appropriate comments. The comment bar reads like a who’s who, by the way:

Lexi Thompson’s future plans

The future husband works as a salesman and expert in the field of medical technology and specifically in surgical robotics and has been on Lexi Thompson’s bag at several Pro-Ams. Speaking of the bag: the professional life is not quite over for the 2014 major winner (then Kraft Nabisco Championship, now Chevron Championship). Thompson has always emphasised that she no longer wants to play a full LPGA Tour schedule, but that leaves one or two back doors open. For example, for the 2025 Chevron Championship: ‘Even though it’s a different venue and a different sponsor now, it’s still a memory that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life because I won my first major at that event,’ she said in a recent interview. And: ‘Yes, it’s probably one of the events I have circled in my calendar.’ It will be interesting to see.

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Panorama

From Arrests to Fan Chaos: The Biggest Golf Controversies of 2024

What were golf's biggest headlines in 2024? (Photos: Getty Images)

Golf in 2024 wasn’t just about birdies and bogeys. From legal entanglements and organizational blunders to unruly fan behavior, the year highlighted how golf often took a backseat to off-course drama. Here are the most talked-about moments.

Police Cars on the Fairway: Scottie Scheffler’s PGA Championship Saga

Sometimes reality outshines fiction. On the morning of the second round of the PGA Championship, world number one Scottie Scheffler found himself in an unexpected setting: handcuffed in the back of a police car.

The bizarre incident stemmed from a misunderstanding. While heading to the Valhalla Golf Club, Scheffler attempted to bypass a roadblock, assuming participants were allowed through. Unaware of his identity, the officers detained him briefly. Despite the ordeal, Scheffler made it to his tee time, but the episode became a defining narrative of the tournament.

The usually composed Texan caused yet another stir at the BMW Championship.

During the second round at Castle Pines, nothing seemed to go Scottie Scheffler’s way. After a poorly executed approach shot sent his ball into the water, his frustration boiled over into an uncharacteristically emotional outburst. “How is that possible? What the f*ck! That’s impossible!” he shouted, his caddie, Ted Scott, silently walking ahead.

The incident was followed by a double bogey, and Scheffler’s round ended on a disappointing even par.

WM Phoenix Open: When the Party Spirals Out of Control

Known as one of the liveliest stops on the golf calendar, the 2024 WM Phoenix Open teetered on the edge of chaos. With over 50 arrests, countless reports of alcohol-related misconduct, and overcrowded stands, the event’s exuberance reached its tipping point.

The 16th hole, famous for its electric atmosphere, became a safety concern as fans packed in beyond capacity. Organizers temporarily shut the gates, vowing stricter controls and considering attendance limits for future events. While players like Sahith Theegala praised the passionate crowd, others called for a return to a more traditional tournament ethos.

No Dutch Golfers at the Olympics: A Scandal in Paris

In one of the year’s most contentious stories, the Dutch Golf Federation barred its players from competing in the Paris Olympics, despite them meeting the qualification criteria. Joost Luiten, Darius van Driel, and Dewi Weber were deemed unlikely to finish in the top eight, prompting the federation to withhold their entries.

Luiten took legal action and won. However, by the time the ruling was made, his spot had been given to another player. This debacle underscored how bureaucratic decisions can overshadow athletes’ aspirations, sparking widespread criticism across the golf community.

Fitzpatrick’s Broken Driver Sparks Rule Debates

The BMW Championship brought golf’s rulebook under scrutiny when Matt Fitzpatrick was denied a replacement for his cracked driver. Despite visible damage affecting performance, officials ruled the defect insufficient to warrant a replacement.

Forced to finish his round without a driver, Fitzpatrick called the decision “an absolute disgrace.” The incident ignited debates on social media, with fans and experts alike calling for modernized rules to avoid such controversies in the future.

Empty Stands at the Solheim Cup: A Transportation Fiasco

The 2024 Solheim Cup started on a sour note due to massive logistical failures. Shuttle services intended to transport fans to Virginia’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Club collapsed under the strain, leaving thousands stranded in long lines while players teed off to sparse crowds.

Players like Lexi Thompson worked hard to energize the few attendees, but the iconic opening atmosphere was noticeably lacking. Organizers faced heavy criticism and pledged to overhaul the transport system for future events.

Ryder Cup 2025: Golf for the Elite?

Even before its first shot, the 2025 Ryder Cup stirred controversy with record-breaking ticket prices, reaching up to $749 for a single day. Fans voiced frustrations, accusing organizers of turning the beloved event into an exclusive luxury experience.

While the PGA of America defended the pricing as reflective of the tournament’s premium status, the backlash highlighted growing concerns about alienating the sport’s broader fanbase. Many wonder if the Ryder Cup’s spirit can survive this shift toward exclusivity.

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Panorama

A Golf Year in Review 2024: The Emotional Highlights

The 2024 Golf Year in Review: Moments That Moved the Golf World. (Photos: Getty)

Golf in 2024 was marked not only by outstanding performances on the course but also by moments off the greens that highlighted the human side of the sport. From personal milestones to emotional victories, this year was filled with stories that went beyond birdies and bogeys.

An Alpine Fairytale Wedding: Martin Kaymer’s Personal Highlight

Martin Kaymer turned Castle Elmau in the Bavarian Alps into a picturesque venue for love and camaraderie. Celebrating with his wife Irene Scholz, Kaymer hosted a festive wedding ceremony two years after their private vows. Their son Sam, born in early 2022, took part in the festivities, carrying the rings in a touching moment. Fellow golfers, including Adrian Meronk, shared glimpses of the joyous occasion.

A Painful Loss: Grayson Murray’s Absence Felt Deeply

On May 25, 2024, the golf world was stunned by the tragic news of Grayson Murray’s passing. The 30-year-old, who had celebrated victory at the Sony Open earlier in the year, took his own life after a long struggle with mental health challenges.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan remarked, “We lost not only a talented golfer but also a unique individual. The Tour is like a family, and this loss affects us all deeply.”

Olympic Gold: Scottie Scheffler Reaches a Career Pinnacle

The Olympic golf event at Le Golf National became the stage for an intense final. Scottie Scheffler secured the gold medal with a flawless 62 in the last round, clinching the title with a decisive birdie on the 17th hole.

During the medal ceremony, Scheffler tearfully sang the U.S. national anthem as the flag was raised.

Bernhard Langer’s Final Curtain in Europe

Bernhard Langer, the German golf legend, bid farewell to European tournaments in 2024. Despite an Achilles tendon injury that nearly ended his season, the 66-year-old returned to compete in the BMW International Open, his last major European event.

The crowd honored Langer with standing ovations, acknowledging a career that spanned decades. Teeing off with Martin Kaymer and Marcel Siem, Langer reflected on the changes in the game, joking, “The courses are getting longer, and I’m getting shorter.”

Rory McIlroy: US Open of Missed Opportunities

The US Open 2024 at Pinehurst was supposed to be Rory McIlroy’s long-awaited breakthrough, nearly a decade after his last major victory. With a two-shot lead over the final five holes, everything seemed to be going according to plan. But the drama unfolded: two short putts, missed at the 16th and 18th holes, cost McIlroy the title. McIlroy left the course without comment and withdrew from public life for several weeks. Later, he admitted, “It was a tough day, probably the hardest of my career.”

Bryson DeChambeau: Major Win and a Path Back to the Fans’ Hearts

While McIlroy faltered down the stretch, it was Bryson DeChambeau who emerged as the hero at Pinehurst. With a spectacular bunker shot on the 18th hole, which he later called “the shot of my life,” DeChambeau secured his second US Open title after his 2020 triumph. The victory was not only a sporting milestone but also marked a remarkable image transformation.

Once considered a polarizing figure, particularly due to his involvement in the LIV Golf controversy, DeChambeau showed a new side in 2024. In his post-win press conference, he dedicated the victory to his late father and golf legend Payne Stewart, who won the US Open at the same venue in 1999. “I wanted to do it for them,” he said, tears in his eyes.

His behavior on and off the course noticeably shifted. He engaged more with fans and earned praise for his emotional display. The US Open victory thus became both a sporting and personal triumph, symbolizing the evolution of a player committed to change.

A Rising Star: Robert MacIntyre Triumphs in Canada

The RBC Canadian Open 2024 was a breakthrough moment for Robert MacIntyre. The Scotsman demonstrated nerves of steel on a tense final day to secure his first victory on the PGA Tour.

It was not just the sporting achievement that made the story special. His father served as his caddie and shared the defining moment with him. “This is a dream I’ve shared with my dad since childhood,” said an emotional MacIntyre.

Team Spirit and Karaoke: McIlroy and Lowry Win in New Orleans

At the Zurich Classic, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry showcased the power of friendship on the course. With a playoff victory, the Irish duo clinched the title, proving how much fun golf can be as a team. “Winning with Shane by my side was something special. We’ve known each other for over 20 years – it makes this success even more meaningful.”

The fun didn’t stop on the course: after their victory, McIlroy and Lowry celebrated with gusto, surprising fans with a karaoke rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Images of the singing duo with their WWE-inspired championship belts went viral, making their win one of the year’s most entertaining moments.