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Separate Paths: Callaway and Topgolf Become Independent Companies

Callaway and Topgolf are parting ways again after their merger. (Photo: Getty)
Callaway and Topgolf are parting ways again after their merger. (Photo: Getty)

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.

Callaway and Topgolf: separation as “best position for success”

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.”

180-degree turnaround in corporate management

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. […] 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.

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Showdown Between PGA Tour and LIV Golf: Four Stars in a Duel

Four giants of golf: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau (from left). (Photo: Getty)
Four giants of golf: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau (from left). (Photo: Getty)

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.

PGA Tour and LIV Tour: McIlroy/Scheffler vs. Koepka/DeChambeau

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler form the “PGA Tour” 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 “The Match” 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.

“Intense golf” at a ”great show”

The constellation is reminiscent of the format “The Match”, in which selected golf stars – including Koepka and DeChambeau – have already dueled several times. However, the new duel clearly differs from this format. “We’re leaning towards making it more like a Ryder Cup to develop it into a series that’s completely separate from The Match,” Bryan Zuriff, longtime producer of The Match and executive producer of the December event, told Golf Digest. Viewers can expect “real, intense golf”.

In addition to the sporting competition, Rory McIlroy is also looking forward to the setting of the event: “I’m thrilled to partner with Scottie in what promises to be an exciting duel against Bryson and Brooks in Vegas this December,” he wrote in a text message to Golfweek. “This isn’t just a contest between some of golf’s major champions; it’s an event designed to energize the fans. We’re all here to put on a great show and contribute to a goodwill event that brings the best together again.”

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Justin Thomas Is Going to Be a Dad

Justin Thomas (Image: Getty)
Justin Thomas (Image: Getty)

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.

JT about his season and the Presidents Cup

The two-time major champion started his statement with his 2024 PGA Tour season: “2024 season is a wrap. I’m 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: “I’m 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 I’ve had.”

No captain’s pick for Justin Thomas

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.

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Rory McIlroy to Shorten Tournament Schedule: “It’s Been a Long Season”

Rory McIlroy plans to cut back on his tournament schedule in the 2025 season. The Northern Irishman talks about a "U.S. Open hangover." (Photo: Getty)

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. “It’s been a long season, and I’m 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.

Rory McIlroy to Adjust 2025 Season Planning

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. I’m usually sort of like a 22 sort of person. But again, that was when I was sort of in my 20s and didn’t 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.

Future Outlook and Upcoming Tournaments

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.

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Scottie Schefflers Cap Sold for Impressive Price

This white cap by Scottie Scheffler was last auctioned for a four-figure sum. (Image: Getty)
This white cap by Scottie Scheffler was last auctioned for a four-figure sum. (Image: Getty)

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.

Image: Getty

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.

Scottie Scheffler: His white cap was worth almost as much to the bidders as the bat of a famous baseball player

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.

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Clubs, shoes, balls: PGA Tour pros get it all for free

Michael Kim reveals lots of secrets of golfpros on X (Twitter). (Photo: Getty)
Michael Kim reveals lots of secrets of golfpros on X (Twitter). (Photo: Getty)

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.

What do golf pros get for free?

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 ‘tools’ to do their ‘job to the best of their ability’. 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.

How many outfits do golf pros get

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.

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Swedish Double Win at the Girls’ and Boys’ Amateur Championships

The two Swedish winners of the Girls' and Boys' Amateur Championships 2024. (Image: R&A)
The two Swedish winners of the Girls' and Boys' Amateur Championships 2024. (Image: R&A)

Torstensson surged to a 8&7 triumph over Matylda Krawczynska of Poland in the 36-hole Final at Alwoodley to win the 95th staging of the Girls’ Amateur. In the 97th edition of the Boys’ Amateur at nearby Moortown, Olsson Mörk came back from five down after 12 holes to defeat Scott Woltering from the Netherlands 4&3 in their showdown. Both players emerged victorious from the global 144-player fields at the renowned West Yorkshire venues this week.

Boys’ Amateur Championship

Olsson Mörk capped a glorious week for Sweden with his impressive comeback in the Final. By virtue of his win, he earns exemptions into Final Qualifying for The Open, The Amateur Championship and the US Junior Boys’ Championship. The first Swedish winner since his friend, Albert Hansson in 2022, he joins other past champions including Sir Michael Bonallack, José María Olazábal, Sergio Garcia, Matthew Fitzpatrick and David Howell.

While Woltering was more attack-minded with the driver, the 17-year-old – who went to the same high school as PGA TOUR winner and Ryder Cup team member Ludvig Åberg – opted for a different strategy and used his long irons regularly.

In a topsy-turvy morning session, Woltering, 18, settled quickest and surged to a four-up lead after only seven holes. Birdies at the 1st and 7th and bogeys from his opponent at the 5th and 6th secured the advantage. Woltering then made key putts from 15 feet and five feet to halve both the 10th and 11th before he highlighted the Final at the par-5 12th.

Having pushed his tee shot into the right rough, Woltering chipped out before flighting a pitching wedge down the hill from 160 yards into the hole for a stunning eagle. Olsson Mörk refused to buckle and replied with a winning birdie at the 13th and soon claimed three holes in-a-row after costly errors from Woltering at the 14th and 15th to reduce his deficit to two.

A roar of delight took the Netherlands player back three ahead after a nine-feet birdie putt on the 16th, but he took two shots from a greenside bunker on the short 17th and then pulled his drive on the 18th to take a penalty drop and lose both holes.

Woltering – winner of the Dutch national open match play this year – claimed the 19th with a birdie but a run of three bogeys then allowed his rival to lead for the first time at the 22nd. Woltering immediately replied after a glorious tee shot set up a winning birdie at the next but he was one down again when Olsson Mörk birdied the par-5 25th. He then misjudged his approach putt at the 28th for bogey and a two-hole deficit. As the Swede continued his steady play, Woltering bogeyed at the 31st to fall three down and another bogey at the 33rd ended the contest.

Girls’ Amateur Championship

Havanna Torstensson savoured the biggest win of her young career at the Girls’ Amateur. The 16-year-old put in a composed and clinical display to beat Krawczynska and join a decorated roll of honour which includes major champions and Solheim Cup players such as Suzann Pettersen, Anna Nordqvist, Azahara Munoz and Georgia Hall.

Torstensson’s victory also gains her an exemption into Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open, The Women’s Amateur Championship, the US Girls’ Junior Championship and, by tradition, an invitation to compete at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

Torstensson seized an early advantage with a six-feet birdie putt on the 3rd hole of the morning’s opening round and, from then on, she was in total control.

As Krawczynska, a three-time Polish junior champion, struggled to replicate the form that had swept her into the Final, Torstensson’s assured play fortified her position of authority and she was six-up through 11 holes. Krawczynska could not gain a foothold in the tussle but the 18-year-old trundled in a 25-footer on the 15th for a birdie to give herself a much-needed lift.

The Pole then clawed another hole back on the 17th when Torstensson shanked her second shot into the trees but the Swede moved back into a five-hole lead on the 18th.

Having won the opening two holes of the afternoon to extend her lead to seven, Torstensson was in charge and Krawczynska’s day would unravel on the 28th hole when she thinned a bunker shot over the green and lost her ball.

Her concession there meant that Torstensson was seven-up with just eight to play and the victory was sealed on the short 29th when Krawczynska’s par putt lipped-out and Torstensson tidied up a title-winning three.

She becomes just the third Swede, after Nordqvist and Maria Hjorth, to win the Girls’ Amateur.

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Video: Scary Moment during Crash Landing on the Practice Green

The plane came to a halt against the wall of the clubhouse. (Photo: X/@aviationbrk)
The plane came to a halt against the wall of the clubhouse. (Photo: X/@aviationbrk)

Unsuspectingly, an amateur golfer in Sacramento in the US state of California took his time for a short game on the practice green of the Arcade Creek Course in Haggin Oaks. Just as he approached his ball, a small plane sped towards him in the corner of his eye and narrowly missed him as he jumped a few meters to the side at the last moment. Within a few seconds, the plane hit the ground, came to a halt and gave the golfer a good shock.

Crash landing on the golf course due to technical failure

At an altitude of 400 feet, the technology of the small plane, in which only the pilot was in, failed, which is why the plane had to make an emergency landing. It finally reached the ground unbraked on the grounds of a golf course in Sacramento, where a golfer was playing his short game. The plane narrowly missed the golfer and finally came to a halt a few meters away against the wall of the clubhouse. Miraculously, both parties involved were largely unharmed. Only the pilot suffered cuts to his hand. A surveillance camera recorded the situation.

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World Golf Ranking: Tommy Fleetwood Leading Englishman

Tommy Fleetwood with the silver medal in Paris. (Photo: Getty)
Tommy Fleetwood with the silver medal in Paris. (Photo: Getty)

The World Golf Ranking has seen significant shifts this week, particularly among the leading English, Welsh, and Scottish players. Tommy Fleetwood remains the highest-ranking player from these regions, climbing to 11th with an average of 4.2640 points, up from 14th last week. Rory McIlroy holds firm in 3rd place with an average of 8.8280 points, showing no change from the previous week.

See the complete Official World Golf Ranking here

World Golf Ranking: Continued Shifts for British Players

Robert MacIntyre maintains his position as the leading Scottish player, staying steady at 16th with an average of 3.5306 points. Matt Fitzpatrick holds the 22nd position, showing no change from the last ranking, with an average of 3.1284 points. Tyrell Hatton, however, has dropped from 25th to 28th, carrying an average of 2.9608 points.

World Golf Ranking: Top-10 Overview

Scottie Scheffler remains the top player in the World Golf Ranking, with no change in his position or average points. Xander Schauffele stays in 2nd place, and Rory McIlroy holds 3rd. Other notable performances in the Top-10 include no changes for Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark, Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland, Patrick Cantlay, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm, each holding their previous week’s positions.

Rank Last Week Nationality Player Name
11 14 ENG Tommy Fleetwood
16 16 SCO Robert MacIntyre
22 22 ENG Matt Fitzpatrick
28 25 ENG Tyrell Hatton
35 34 ENG Justin Rose
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Michael Phelps Visits Golf at the 2024 Olympics

Michael Phelps at the Olympic golf tournament in 2024. (Image: Twitter/@olympicgolf)
Michael Phelps at the Olympic golf tournament in 2024. (Image: Twitter/@olympicgolf)

Seeing Michael Phelps at the 2024 Olympics is no big surprise. Seeing Michael Phelps at the Olympic golf tournament is perhaps more of a surprise. The record-breaking swimmer’s passion for golf is well known.

The Olympic golf tournament 2024 live

2024 Olympics: Michael Phelps at the Golf Tournament

During his visit to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, he is not spending his time exclusively in the Aquatic Centre, which he has probably seen more than enough of in his life, but is also enjoying the fresh air outside on the golf course at Le Golf National.

Michael Phelps has long been an avid golfer and also an enthusiastic golf fan, having followed Tier Woods live at Augusta National when he won the Masters in 2019, for example. Since ending his active career after the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, he has had all the more time to devote to this other sport. But even before that, he was excellent with the club. Proof A: This incredible putt from 48 metres at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2012.