Actor Tom Holland and his brothers can almost be considered regulars at the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am. Last year, they took part in the first celebrity version of the DP World Tour’s âChase The Aceâ challenge and want to give it another go this year.
The Solheim Cup week has a special surprise in store for the US team: former US President Barack Obama, himself a passionate golfer, paid the team a visit in Washington D.C. on Monday evening. During a dinner together, Obama expressed his support for the players and even shared some insights about the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, where the Solheim Cup is being held this year. The 44th President of the United States has been a member of the club since 2017.
Barack Obama left a lasting impression on the players, including stars such as Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu and Lexi Thompson. Nelly Korda, currently ranked number one in the world, was particularly impressed: âHe knew all our names and congratulated us on our successes. That was really something special.â Megan Khang, also part of the team, emphasized: âIt was incredible that he took the time to meet us. It shows how much he cares about golf.â
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This year is a very special Solheim Cup for the US team. After defeats in 2019 and 2021 and a draw in 2023, in which the Europeans retained the trophy, the team’s motivation to settle scores is greater than ever. Obama seems to have given the team exactly the motivation they need to stand up to the Europeans this year. Alison Lee, whose nine years between Solheim Cup appearances is the longest break in US team history, said Obama’s visit showed the power of golf, which she believes no other sport can offer. âIt just shows how much golf brings people together,â Lee said ahead of her second appearance at the Solheim Cup. âMeeting him in person after only seeing him on TV before – as our former president – and seeing him connect with us was incredible. That’s something that only golf can make possible.â Whether Obama’s visit and his motivational words will lead the US team to victory remains to be seen.
The successful golf documentary “Full Swing” will return to Netflix in 2025 for its third season. After two gripping seasons offering insights behind the scenes of professional golf, fans can once again look forward to dramatic twists and thrilling moments in the upcoming season.
Although the themes of the new season have not yet been officially confirmed, speculation is already rife about which major storylines from the 2024 season might make their way into the series. Among the potential highlights are Bryson DeChambeauâs triumphant victory over Rory McIlroy at the U.S. Open and Rickie Fowlerâs remarkable comeback. Xander Schauffele, who clinched two major championships in 2024, is also expected to play a central role.
The series will likely cover stories beyond the tournaments as wellâsuch as the much-discussed arrest of Scottie Scheffler during the PGA Championship or Nick Dunlapâs sensational victory as an amateur. Netflixâs camera crews are known for delving deeply into the private lives of golfers, so viewers can expect to see both the personal highs and lows of the sport’s biggest stars.
Since its debut in February 2023, “Full Swing” has offered viewers exclusive glimpses into the lives of the biggest names in golf. The first season followed stars like Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka through a year marked by the rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The cameras captured the drama as well-known players such as Ian Poulter and Brooks Koepka made the controversial switch to the Saudi-backed LIV Tour, while others, like McIlroy, stood firm in defending the traditional PGA Tour.
The second season, which premiered in March 2024, focused heavily on the historic merger between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the uncertainties that this alliance brought with it. The 2023 Ryder Cup, held in Rome, was also documented closely as the world’s top players vied for a spot on their respective teams.
 Since the launch of “Full Swing” in 2023, the series has not only captivated golf fans but has also boosted the PGA Tourâs viewership. According to a Nielsen Media Research analysis, interest in golf spiked significantly after the release of the first season. Notably, newcomers who had previously never followed golf broadcasts began tuning in to live tournaments after watching the series.
New golfer: Andy Murray has won three Grand Slam tournaments, two of them in the tennis mecca of Wimbledon (2013, 2016). The Brit was ranked number one in the world tennis rankings for 41 weeks from November 2016 and is a two-time Olympic gold medal winner in singles (2012, 2016). After his quarter-final exit in the Olympic doubles at the Paris Games, Murray finally ended his great career a few weeks ago. And what does someone like him do now in sport? The question is answered when you take a look at his CV, where his place of birth is Glasgow. So it’s no wonder that the Scot is now turning to the traditional sport of his homeland. Murray announced it on his social media pages. âI played tennis. I now play golf,â he wrote under his profile photo. And the goal of Murray is also clear: scratch.
Andy Murrays former rivals, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are also known to be avid golfers. Djokovic, who won a gold medal in Paris this year, competed in the All-Star match at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome.
Topgolf Callaway Brands has made a surprising decision: The company plans to split into two independent companies. This strategic realignment comes at a time when the company’s share price has fallen by more than 24 percent since the beginning of the year.
Chip Brewer, President and CEO of Topgolf Callaway Brands, explained the rationale for this move: “Over the last decade plus, we have transformed Callaway into the No. 1 brand in golf equipment, while building a successful and complementary apparel and accessory business. We believe this business, on a stand-alone basis, will be well understood and valued by the market.”
Highlighting the successes since the merger with Topgolf, he added: “Topgolf is transforming the game of golf and is expected to deliver substantial financial returns over time. At the same time, Topgolf has a different operating model, capital structure and investment thesis than Callaway, and as a result, the Board has determined that separating Topgolf will best position Topgolf and Callaway for success and maximize shareholder value.”
đ¨âłď¸đ #SPLITTING UP â Callaway Golf and Topgolf announce theyâre splitting and will operate independently of one another. pic.twitter.com/5HjJa7OK0K
â NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) September 4, 2024
The planned split marks a clear departure from the strategy that led to the merger in March 2021. At the time, Brewer had emphasized the synergies between the two companies: “Callaway and Topgolf are just better together. [âŚ] This transformational merger has already created and will continue to create meaningful shareholder value.”
Following the separation, Callaway will retain its leadership position in the golf equipment market, with the #1 club and #2 ball brands in the US. The portfolio also includes brands such as Odyssey, Ogio, Travis Mathew and Jack Wolfskin. Topgolf, on the other hand, has revolutionized the traditional driving range business with its innovative concept that combines golf with entertainment and gastronomy. With over 100 locations in the USA and internationally, Topgolf has established itself as an independent brand.
The announcement of this split shows how the company management’s view has changed since the merger. It remains to be seen how the market will react to this strategic realignment.
The establishment of the Saudi Tour has split the professional golfing world: Since some of golf’s biggest stars have gained a foothold on the LIV Golf League, the players who have remained loyal to the PGA Tour only encounter them in exceptional circumstances such as the four Major tournaments. As a result, golf fans only very rarely get the chance to see the best players in the world compete for a title.
However, as part of a new TV event produced by BZ Entertainment and EverWonder Studio, there will now be a showdown between four of the most successful faces in golf. Two of them migrated to LIV Golf, two of them remained loyal to the PGA Tour. It is to be expected that the duel will be about more than just the better golf game.
Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler form the âPGA Tourâ team. Scottie Scheffler was almost invincible in the 2024 season and recently crowned his countless successes with victory in the FedEx Cup. He has developed into a protagonist of the PGA Tour in recent years. The second face representing the PGA Tour is none other than Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman stood up for his home tour, the PGA Tour, like no other during the trouble on LIV Golf and is therefore an indispensable player in the duel between the tours.
On the opposing side, two players who once faced each other in âThe Matchâ are teaming up. LIV stars Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, who have already been known as brawlers. The two players have several major titles and other successes between them and regularly compete for the top positions on the leaderboard on the LIV Golf League. Together they want to face the power of the PGA Tour stars and win the duel.
The constellation is reminiscent of the format âThe Matchâ, in which selected golf stars – including Koepka and DeChambeau – have already dueled several times. However, the new duel clearly differs from this format. âWe’re leaning towards making it more like a Ryder Cup to develop it into a series that’s completely separate from The Match,â Bryan Zuriff, longtime producer of The Match and executive producer of the December event, told Golf Digest. Viewers can expect âreal, intense golfâ.
In addition to the sporting competition, Rory McIlroy is also looking forward to the setting of the event: âIâm thrilled to partner with Scottie in what promises to be an exciting duel against Bryson and Brooks in Vegas this December,â he wrote in a text message to Golfweek. âThis isnât just a contest between some of golfâs major champions; itâs an event designed to energize the fans. Weâre all here to put on a great show and contribute to a goodwill event that brings the best together again.â
Justin Thomas announced on Instagram yesterday that he will become a father for the first time at the end of November. In the post, he first wrote about his 2024 season, Scottie Scheffler and not being nominated for the Presidents Cup. In the final paragraph, JT announced the event briefly: “It will be nice to have some time to work on things, foundation event, some Rest and Recovery, and even become a dad at the end of November!” He did not reveal whether it would be a boy or a girl. It is the first child for Justin Thomas and his wife Jillian, who married in 2022. No further information about the birth was revealed in the social media post, but there were other interesting sections in his post.
The two-time major champion started his statement with his 2024 PGA Tour season: “2024 season is a wrap. Iâm very proud and happy about some signs of improvement that were shown. Although (per usual), I am far from satisfied. Finishing the year in Atlanta at the TOUR Championship is something I never want to take for granted. I look forward to working to get back there next year.”
Furthermore the 31-year old wrote about not being nominated for the Presidents Cup 2024: “Iâm obviously very bummed to not be joining the boys in Canada for the Presidents Cup, but completely understanding. Jim has put together a great team. I will be the first one pulling for them and watching, while using it as motivation to not miss a team event again as they are some of my favorite weeks Iâve had.”
The teams for the 15th edition of the Presidents Cup were also finalized on Tuesday. Thomas, who had not qualified, did not receive one of the six captain’s picks from US captain Jim Furyk. Instead, the picks went to Keegan Bradley, Sam Burns, Tony Finau, Brian Harman, Russell Henley and Max Homa. The Presidents Cup will take place from September 24-29, 2024 at The Royal Montreal GC in Montreal, Canada. The US team will compete against the international team (rest of the world, excluding Europe). Of the 14 editions so far, the USA has won twelve times, the internationals have won once and one duel ended in a draw.
Rory McIlroy has announced plans to significantly reduce his tournament schedule beginning in 2025. The Northern Irish golf star revealed that he intends to participate in only 18 to 20 tournaments per year. McIlroy shared this decision following the conclusion of the Tour Championship in Atlanta, where he finished in ninth place.
He described this season as particularly challenging, especially after hitting a “wall” following the U.S. Open and still feeling the lingering effects of that intense stretch. “Itâs been a long season, and Iâm going to just have to think about trying to build in a few extra breaks here and there next year and going forward because I felt like I hit a bit of a wall sort of post-U.S. Open, and still feel a little bit of that hangover,” McIlroy explained in a post-tournament interview in Atlanta.
The golf professional, who has regularly competed in over 20 tournaments per season in recent years, emphasized that the current season has pushed him to his limits. In the past, the PGA Tour star would typically participate in about 22 events a year, but this number is no longer sustainable given his current life circumstances. Iâm usually sort of like a 22 sort of person. But again, that was when I was sort of in my 20s and didnât have the responsibilities that I do now,” McIlroy said. As a result, he plans to limit his tournament participation to 18 to 20 events in the coming years.
This decision follows an especially dense tournament schedule. Over the past eight weeks, McIlroy has competed in six major events, including the Olympic Games in Paris and the British Open. This intense period, combined with his appearances in all three FedEx Cup Playoffs, has left him physically and mentally exhausted, according to McIlroy.
Although Rory McIlroy intends to reduce his tournament calendar in the future, he still faces several important tasks this season. He will compete in the Irish Open and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship before concluding the DP World Tour season with two final events in Dubai in November. McIlroy currently leads the Race to Dubai standings on the DP World Tour and will aim to finish the season strong before implementing his planned reduction in tournament appearances.
Do you remember May 17, 2024? – That’s right, that was the Friday on which world number one Scottie Scheffler was arrested. Pictures of Scheffler in prison garb went around the world and it was unclear whether he would even make it to his second round tee time at the PGA Championship. As is well known, he did make it and even played an impressive – for the circumstances – round of 66. The white Nike golf cap he was wearing that day was auctioned off at a Kids Cancer Alliance charity event along with three golf balls signed by Scheffler for 2,375 dollars.
Scheffler had signed the cap and donated it to the organization along with the golf balls. The event took place in Louisville, where the 2024 PGA Championship was also held.
To put it in perspective: Scheffler’s simple-looking white cap fetched almost as much money as Shohei Ohtani’s signed baseball bat, at just under 2,400 dollars. Ohtani, of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is currently the most popular baseball player in the world. The baseball exhibit was auctioned for 2,750 dollars.
đ¨đ§˘âłď¸ #NEW: An autographed Nike hat worn by Scottie Scheffler on the day of his arrest at Valhalla has sold at auction for $2375, w/ proceeds going to Kids Cancer Alliance. Scheffler shot -5 in the hat, mere hours after being released from jail in Louisville. @SchefflerFans pic.twitter.com/WQVjN5n9Pr
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) August 27, 2024
Michael S. Kim is a PGA Tour golfer who lives in Dallas, Texas. Born in South Korea and raised in California, he first came to prominence when he claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the John Deere Classic in 2018. But Kim is not only known for his precise shots, but also for running one of the most informative golf accounts on Twitter. He gives us a rare insight into the world of professional golfers and the multitude of free amenities available to them. From equipment to travel perks, here’s what the pros really get.
Professionals get almost unlimited access to golf clubs, especially if they use them during the tournament. Whether it’s drivers, putters or special shafts, manufacturers make sure players are well equipped. However, as Kim emphasises, these items lose their appeal for the pros over time, as they are ultimately just âtoolsâ to do their âjob to the best of their abilityâ. The situation is similar with golf balls: Kim, for example, regularly receives several dozen balls on order from Titleist during training weeks, depending on demand, without ever having received a cancellation. He normally receives three dozen balls for a tournament week.
The PGA Tour partnerships also provide players with travel benefits. For example, they enjoy preferential status with United Airlines, Avis and Omni Hotels. Although Kim emphasises that he rarely flies with United due to his home base in Dallas, these benefits are of great use to many of his colleagues.
Many of you asked what kind of free stuff we get access to so hereâs a small breakdown:
Golf clubs: If you play it during the tournament, itâs almost unlimited. If youâre a free agent, you can test whatever you want and mostly get anything you need. A new driver for 5 weeks in aâŚ
â Michael S. Kim (@Mike_kim714) August 17, 2024
However, not everything is perfectly organised: When it comes to clothing, there are significant differences depending on the partner company. While some companies deliver reliable, high-quality clothing, others experience delays or sizing problems. Kim emphasises that professionals have their clothes washed regularly and do not receive completely new outfits every week – this is more the case with the majors. Shoes are also not changed as often as you might expect. Kim claims to change his shoes about every month and a half, while other players who value perfectly matched outfits may request new shoes more frequently.
For the average golfer, having access to all these free amenities may seem like a dream. But as Michael Kim points out, it’s all part of the job. What seems glamorous from the outside, he says, is simply another aspect of the pros’ daily business, which is all about being as prepared as possible.