Category: Panorama

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Panorama

Olympics 2024: NBA Stars Around Stephen Curry Golf in Abu Dhabi

Three of the US basketball stars for the Olympics 2024: Devin Booker, Stephen Curry and Jayson Tatum. (Photos: Getty)
Three of the US basketball stars for the Olympics 2024: Devin Booker, Stephen Curry and Jayson Tatum. (Photos: Getty)

The USA basketball team is currently preparing for the Olympics 2024 in Abu Dhabi. While the Olympians are in the UAE capital for training sessions and two test matches against Australia and Serbia, NBA stars Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker took advantage of a free afternoon for a round of golf. All three are regarded as excellent golfers.

Olympics 2024: Stephen Curry and Co. Compete on the Golf Course

Unsurprisingly, scratch golfer Stephen Curry certainly made an impression in Abu Dhabi: after all, the Golden State Warriors superstar won a celebrity tournament last year with the American Century Championship, including a hole-in-one. The 36-year-old was also presented with the Charlie Sifford Award this year for his extensive commitment and promotion of diversity in golf, named after the great campaigner against racism in golf who died in 2022. However, the four-time NBA champion will have to forgo defending his title at the American Century Championship due to the Olympics 2024.

Devin Booker, shooting guard for the Phoenix Suns, is also a passionate golfer and emphasized during the round of golf in Abu Dhabi that the sport helps him to find his “peace of mind”. Last year, the 27-year-old organized a celebrity golf tournament in which Jon Rahm, among others, took part. Jayson Tatum also has some experience on the golf course and took part in the FedEx St. Jude Pro-Am last August, for example. As part of his foundation, the newly crowned NBA champion from the Boston Celtics also organizes an annual charity golf tournament.

At the Summer Olympics, the USA basketball team is considered the big title favorite and is sending the NBA elite around LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant to Europe after their disappointing performance at the Basketball World Cup. In Paris, the US basketball players are aiming for their fifth gold medal in a row. As the reigning world champions, Germany will face the USA in the knockout phase at the earliest.

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Panorama

Euro 2024: English Finalists in a North versus South Golf Battle

Euro 2024: English stars in a golf battle. (Image: Screenshot/YouTube/@England)
Euro 2024: English stars in a golf battle. (Image: Screenshot/YouTube/@England)

Team England, who will be playing the final of the Euro 2024 on Sunday, have been residing at Weimarer Land Resort during their time in Germany. A few days ago England players had a little golf challenge. In this challenge, players from North England competed against those from South England. The video, which was posted on YouTube, features a lot of exciting and funny moments, including Arsenal star Bukayo Saka hitting some serious golf shots after a lesson by Ian Poulter.

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Panorama

First Statement on the US Open: Rory McIlroy Left his “Own Little World”

Rory McIlroy at the press conference ahead of the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open (Photo: Getty)
Rory McIlroy at the press conference ahead of the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open (Photo: Getty)

After his bitter defeat at the US Open, Rory McIlroy announced that he would be taking a break for a few weeks. He will only return to the public eye for the Genesis Scottish Open and the subsequent Open Championship, according to a statement published by the Northern Irishman on X (formerly Twitter). This week, Rory McIlroy is on the entry list and will attempt to defend the title he won at last year’s Genesis Scottish Open. In the press conference before the start of the tournament, he talks about how he has dealt with the US Open and what comes next for him.

Follow the scores of the Genesis Scottish Open live

Rory McIlroy: First interview after his defeat at the US Open

Question: They just took a hammer and chisel a little bit to the “L.” Obviously first time we’ve had a chance to speak to you since Pinehurst. Can you put into words the actions and emotions of that final round, if you can, please?

Rory McIlroy: I think the way I’ve described Pinehurst on Sunday was like it was a great day until it wasn’t. I did things on that Sunday that I haven’t been able to do in the last couple years. Took control of the golf tournament. Held putts when I needed to. Well, mostly when I needed to. Made birdies. You know, really got myself in there. And then, look, obviously unfortunately to miss those last two putts, or the putt on 16 and obviously the putt on 18.

Yeah, it was a tough day. It was a tough few days after that, obviously. But I think as you get further away from it happening, you start to see the positives and you start to see all the good things that you did throughout the week. […]

Thinking back, yeah, maybe I was a little too aware of where Bryson was and what he was doing but it was the nature of the golf course and how the golf course flowed. After the 14th tee, you’re sort of looking at 13 green, and then I had to wait on my tee shot on 15 before he hit, or you know, to let him hit his second shot into 14. Just the way the course flowed, it just made me very aware of what he was doing at the same time. So it sort of got me out of my own little world a little bit.”

Question: And next time when you’re in that kind of position at a major on the back nine, who knows, it could be Troon next week, what do you think you would do differently or seek to do differently?

Rory McIlroy: Well, that’s the thing. Not a whole lot different. As I said, it was a great day until it wasn’t. I think I touched on it a little bit. I think if anything, I’d say my pre-shot routine got a little bit long. Started to look at the target a few more times over the ball.

And then, you know, as I said, like being very aware of what maybe some others were doing on the golf course and not really staying in my own little world for the whole 18 holes.

But really, apart from that, there’s not a lot I would do differently.

Confidence ahead of the Scottish Open: “I’m playing great golf”

Question: That point I made about a shot at redemption, is that how you look at it next week?

Rory McIlroy: It’s just another opportunity. I’m playing great golf and it’s another opportunity to see how I can hopefully handle it better than I handled it a few weeks ago.

Question: Last year, it was a remarkable birdie, birdie finish. Can you just take us back to those moments and what you remember of winning?

Rory McIlroy: Yeah, you know it was obviously a really windy day, and you know I felt like Bob he played a much tougher back nine than me with everything that was on the line but trying to win your home open and all that.

I made a couple of good putts on the back nine. I didn’t make birdie on 16 and felt like that was sort of my opportunity gone. And then to finish two, three like I did. You know, everyone talks about the 2-iron at the last but the 5-iron I hit into 17 was just as good a shot if not a little bit better.

Yeah, to hit two iron shots like that and to hole the putts what I needed to, yeah, it was awesome. Sort of I felt in some ways bad that it came at the expense of Bob but at the same time it was amazing to win a tournament that I had never won before.

Yeah, good memories and good to be back.

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Panorama

The 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome Generated Record €262 Million in Economic Activity

Over 270,000 people attended the event in Rome. (Photo: Getty)
Over 270,000 people attended the event in Rome. (Photo: Getty)

The 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome boosted economic activity in Italy by €262million, according to an independent report.

The figure, a record for a Ryder Cup held in Europe, is an 11% increase on the €235million generated in 2018 when the biennial contest was held at Le Golf National in Paris, France.

Researchers from Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC) took into account spending by all spectators and other event attendees, plus all organisational spending, including by Federazione Italiana Golf (FIG) on the course and infrastructure upgrades, as well as other indirect or induced spending.

More than 271,000 people from 100 different countries attended last year’s contest at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, where Europe, led by Captain Luke Donald, reclaimed the Ryder Cup with a 16½ -11½ victory against the United States. It was the first-time the Ryder Cup had been held in Italy, which became only the third country in continental Europe to host the biennial contest, following Spain in 1997 and France in 2018.

2023 Ryder Cup: Key Findings

  • Spectators staying in paid accommodation in Rome during Ryder Cup week generated in excess of 318,000 commercial bed-nights, which was worth €34million in revenue for the local accommodation sector.
  • There was €72million in non-accommodation related expenditure by spectators.
  • Around 19% of event-specific visitors to Rome decided to extend their visit prior to or following the event.
  • Almost two-thirds of international spectators who visited for the event expressed a desire to return to Italy for leisure purposes in the next year, fuelled by their Ryder Cup experience.

The report concluded that: “Ultimately, an event responsible for €262million of economic activity in Italy is testament to the time and resources committed to delivering such a memorable sporting spectacle. These findings vindicate the decision to award the Ryder Cup to Rome.”

Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive Officer of the European Tour Group, said: “The figures highlighted in this independent economic impact report demonstrate the major benefits that Ryder Cup delivers for a host country through spectator and visitor spending, as well as an enduring legacy.

“From a sporting and fan engagement perspective, Rome 2023 has already gone down as one of the greatest Ryder Cup’s in history. We can now confidently conclude that the 2023 contest at Marco Simone also generated record financial rewards, providing a significant direct boost to the economy in Rome and in Italy.

“We would therefore like to thank the Italian Government and the Federazione Italiana Golf for their bold vision in helping to bring one of global sports leading events to Italy for the first time.

“I’d also like to recognise two magnificent teams: Team Europe led by Luke Donald, who performed so wonderfully inside the ropes, and everyone at Ryder Cup Europe, who worked so tirelessly on all facets outside the ropes to deliver the greatest Ryder Cup played in Europe.”

The team from Sheffield Hallam University utilised the same eventIMPACTS.com compliant approach as used previously in Scotland (2014) and France (2018) to estimate the direct economic impact of the 2023 match at three levels of geography – Rome, Lazio and Italy – as well as the wider economic activity supported by the event.

The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held in the United States of America at Bethpage Black in New York, with Adare Manor Resort, in Ireland, hosting the next edition in Europe in 2027 when the Ryder Cup celebrates its centenary.

(Text: European Tour Group)

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Panorama

Against All Odds: Woods and Timberlake Get Their Bar in St Andrews

Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake will open a bar in St. Andrews. (Photo: Getty)
Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake will open a bar in St. Andrews. (Photo: Getty)

“Slàinte mhath”, says the Scotsman, when toasting with good wishes: In St Andrews, the Home of Golf, there will soon be a new meeting place for this. Despite massive opposition from local residents, who even submitted a petition against the project, superstars Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake have been given the green light by the relevant authorities for their sports bar T-Squared Social. The branch of the pub chain is to be built in the “Auld Grey Toon” cinema: The New Picture House has been in existence since 1930, but has been operating at no more than ten per cent capacity for years and can barely exist independently, according to the current owner.


Nevertheless, the residents are attached to their old film theatre and do not want any newfangled stuff; over 10,000 people signed the petition against the project. The luxury bar in the historic building, less than a kilometre from the Old Course, is to be equipped with large screens and golf simulators, have a bowling and darts alley and create 40 to 45 new jobs. This is the promise of the new operator Nexus Luxury Collection, whose shareholders include the two superstars. The remodelling for T-Squared Social is expected to begin within the next three years; the branch in New York, for example, is doing very well.

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Panorama

Gareth Bale on Football and Golf: “The German Fans Are Amazing”

Gareth Bale spoke with the media at the BMW International Open in Munich. (Image: Getty)
Gareth Bale spoke with the media at the BMW International Open in Munich. (Image: Getty)

With a handicap of 2, Gareth Bale is not only a successful athlete on the football pitch, but also impresses with strong golfing performances at various ProAm tournaments. This was also the case at the 35th edition of the BMW International Open. He already made his PGA Tour debut last year and teed it up at the Pebble Beach ProAm, shortly after he came to Germany to the Munich Eichenried Golf Club. Now he can already look back on his second ProAm at this tournament and, in his press conference after his round in the group with Danny Willett and long driver Martin Borgmeier, was delighted with the course conditions and the German fans. In addition to golf, the current number one football topic was of course also on the agenda. The European Championship in Germany is inspiring the Welsh international, but he did not get carried away with a tip for the outcome of the match between Germany and Spain and chose a diplomatic answer.

Gareth Bale: “The german fans are amazing”

This is Gareth Bale’s second visit to the BMW International Open and the Welshman is delighted with Golfclub München Eichenried and his round: “The golf course is in great condition again. It was great fun and I definitely played better than last year”. There is great anticipation for an exciting 35th edition of the tournament and a look at the strong field of participants also promises high tension. “It is obviously a lot of great players playing. From being here last year, the fans are amazing and very supportive. I am sure it will be another great week”. However, the footballer does not want to commit himself to a possible winner: “There will be a worthy champion at the end”. However, one stands out for Bale too. Bernhard Langer is celebrating his farewell from the DP World Tour and European professional sport this week, which of course also leaves its mark on golf fan Bale: The longevity, the amount of golf he has played and the career he has had is incredible”.

Euro 2024 in Germany: A highlight, also for Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale can look back on a successful football career in which he made a name for himself in various teams with very good performances. He also played for many years in the Welsh national team, where he became the record player with 111 appearances and 41 goals. So the question on the European Football Championship in Germany is an obvious one: “I haven’t been to any games but I’m going to the finals in Berlin. It’s nice to have the tournament back in one country”. However, the football star refrains from making any predictions about the outcome of the match between Germany and Spain this Friday (July 5): “It’s one of those games, whoever turns up on the day. They both have fantastic teams. Germany obviously has the home advantage. Who plays better on that day will win the game”.

The whole interview with Gareth Bale

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Panorama

DP World Tour and J.Lindeberg Announce Partnership

New partnership. DP World Tour and J.Lindeberg team up.
New partnership. DP World Tour and J.Lindeberg team up.

The DP World Tour and J.Lindeberg are delighted to announce an exclusive, multi-year partnership which sees the global fashion and lifestyle brand become the Official Clothing Supplier of the DP World Tour.

The announcement heralds a significant expansion of J.Lindeberg’s influence in the world of golf, deepening its commitment to the sport. Founded in 1996, the renowned Swedish clothing brand bridges the worlds of sport and fashion, combining sophistication and contemporary fashion, with high performance and comfort to suit the modern active lifestyle.

The DP World Tour – golf’s global Tour with 44 tournaments in 24 countries – attracts top-tier talent from across the globe and this partnership is set to significantly elevate both the on- and off-course experience for staff, fans, and J.Lindeberg ambassadors such as DP World Tour players Viktor Hovland and Matt Wallace. 

J.Lindeberg becomes Supplier for Rolex Series events

Today’s announcement also sees J.Lindeberg become the Official Clothing Supplier of two of the Tour’s most iconic Rolex Series events in 2024 – the Genesis Scottish Open, taking place at The Renaissance Club, North Berwick (10-14 July); and the BMW PGA Championship, at Wentworth Club, Virginia Water (17-22 September).

As part of this exclusive partnership, not only will J.Lindeberg be outfitting DP World Tour personnel with a range of bespoke products, specifically designed to suit their active and travel-intensive lifestyles, but it will also extend its distinctive signature styles and innovative sports apparel to the golfing community who can purchase tournament branded J.Lindeberg ranges at these select events.

DP World Tour X J.Lindeberg: Excellence and innovation

Commenting on the partnership, Hans-Christian Meyer, CEO of J.Lindeberg, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with the DP World Tour, a prestigious organisation that exemplifies excellence and innovation in golf – qualities that J.Lindeberg stands for and always wants to champion.

“We are especially excited to outfit the Tour’s dedicated staff, ensuring they look great while showcasing the professionalism of the Tour. The Genesis Scottish Open and the BMW PGA Championship offer great touchpoints throughout the 2024 season for us to showcase our latest collections and designs, centred around unique functionality and forward-thinking style.”

Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive Officer of the DP World Tour, added: “Golf has never been more fashionable and this extends to the premium lifestyle brands that are flocking to the sport. J.Lindeberg has been leading this trend for decades, with ranges that perfectly bridge sport and fashion. We’re excited to have a brand of their calibre come on board as our Official Clothing Supplier. Not only will our personnel be wearing J.Lindeberg apparel as they travel the world, but we will be providing opportunities for fans to purchase their ranges online and at select events each season.”

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Fun

EURO 2024: Harry Kane Shows Off Skills on Driving Range

Harry Kane shoots England to victory at the EUROs 2024. (Photo: Getty)
Harry Kane shoots England to victory at the EUROs 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Drives with Harry: The content shared by the English FA’s social media team during the European Football Championship is somewhat entertaining – certainly more entertaining than the Three Lions’ performances so far at this EURO 2024. It is even more worth watching when one of the good golfers in the team appears in front of the camera, of which there are quite a few, and shows off his skills.

England’s Harry Kane on the Driving Range

First and foremost, of course, is captain Harry Kane, who presenter Josh Denzel takes to the driving range of the Spa & GolfResort Weimarer Land in Blankenhain, Thuringia, where the English lions have set up their team base camp in this episode of “Lion’s Den”:

 
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Captain Kane also showed his skills, albeit very late, in last night’s 2:1 win after extra time in the round of 16 match against Slovakia. After all, with the winning goal in the first minute of extra time, the goalscorer fulfilled the golf oracle in Weimarer Land, who had predicted England’s victory with a putt:

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Technology in Golf: A Behind-the-Scenes Look By Marques Brownlee

Marquee Brownlee reveals how much technology really is behind a PGA Tour tournament in his latest video. (Source: Twitter@MKBHD)

Golf broadcasting has been transformed by cutting-edge technology, enhancing the viewing experience and bringing fans closer to the action. Marques Brownlee, tech enthusiast and avid golfer, delves into the intricate tech behind golf broadcasts in his latest video.

Transforming Golf with Hidden Tech

Golf is challenging to watch on TV due to its vast playing field and the small size of the golf ball. Unlike other sports confined to a single area, golf takes place across 18 different holes, making it difficult to follow all the action. To address this, a range of advanced technologies have been implemented, including cameras, lasers, radar, and fiber optic cables.

The Role of Shot Tracer Technology

One of the most crucial innovations in golf broadcasting is the Shot Tracer. This technology allows viewers to see the trajectory of the golf ball, which is otherwise invisible once hit. The system relies on strategically placed towers around the golf course, each equipped with a camera, radar, and wireless transmitter. The radar, known as Trackman, measures the golf ball’s launch speed, angle, and spin rate, enabling precise tracking and immediate data transmission to broadcast trucks.

Real-Time Updates on the PGA Tour Website

For those who can’t watch golf on TV, the PGA Tour website offers a real-time play-by-play portal. This feature allows fans to see live updates from any hole on the course. Volunteers equipped with laser rangefinders and tablets tag the ball’s exact location as soon as it lands, ensuring up-to-the-minute accuracy. The data is then instantly uploaded, providing an interactive and immersive experience for online viewers.

Innovations with Apple Vision Pro

The PGA Tour’s Apple Vision Pro app represents the next level of golf broadcasting. The app offers a combination of live broadcast, real-time leaderboard, and a detailed map of the golf course. The map is created using drone footage, providing an incredibly accurate representation of each hole. This futuristic approach allows viewers to follow the golf ball’s flight and see the course’s layout in unprecedented detail.

Challenges and Logistics

Setting up this advanced technology for each tournament is a massive logistical challenge. It involves transporting and assembling dozens of trailers, miles of fiber optic cables, and numerous towers and cameras. Despite these challenges, the PGA Tour manages to implement this technology for high-profile events, enhancing the viewing experience for fans worldwide.

Watch Marques Brownlee’s Video in full here:

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Joe Biden And Donald Trump in a Golf Duel?

Joe Biden and Donald Trump also discussed golf during their duel. (Source: Getty)
Joe Biden and Donald Trump also discussed golf during their duel. (Source: Getty)

In the first presidential debate of 2024 on CNN between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the two candidates discussed central political issues such as the Ukraine crisis and the war in Gaza, as well as their golfing abilities. When the question arose whether the candidates, despite their advanced ages, were still fit enough to run for the presidency, the discussion shifted to golf.

Joe Biden and Donald Trump boast about their golf skills

Donald Trump took the opportunity to emphasize his physical and mental fitness by referring to his recently won golf championships. “I just won two club championships, not seniors, regular club championships,” Trump boasted. “To achieve that, you have to be pretty smart and hit the ball far, which I can do. Biden can’t, he can’t hit the ball 50 yards.”

Joe Biden, who would be 86 years old at the end of a second term, responded calmly and pointedly to Trump’s taunts. He reminded everyone that during his time as Vice President, he was able to improve his handicap to an impressive six. “I’m ready to have a driving competition with him. I got my handicap down when I was Vice President,” Biden countered. The 81-year-old incumbent also proposed a golf match on the condition that Trump carry his own golf club. “I once told him before he was sworn in, when he came into the Oval Office, ‘I’ll give you three strokes if you carry your own bag,'” Biden told the crowd.

Both the 81-year-old incumbent Joe Biden and his 78-year-old challenger Trump have repeatedly faced criticism because of their high ages. At the first TV debate, the two candidates tried to use their enthusiasm for golf to highlight that they are still fit and vital despite their advanced ages.