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PGA Tour

Presidents Cup 2024: Team USA Triumphs by a Clear Margin

Team USA won the Presidents Cup against the International Team. (Source: Getty)
Team USA won the Presidents Cup against the International Team. (Source: Getty)

At the Presidents Cup at the Royal Montreal Golf Club in Canada, the US team led by Jim Furyk achieved a convincing 18.5:11.5 victory over the international team. Scottie Scheffler and Co. brought their lead from Saturday into the clubhouse without any major worries in the final individual matches and ultimately secured a clear victory.

Presidents Cup: A strong final day brings the decision

The decisive Sunday began with a certain thrill: despite a 13:7 lead after the pairings on Saturday, the international team could theoretically have caught up with a strong individual performance on the final day. But Furyk relied on his stars and targeted his strongest players to bring about a preliminary decision as early as possible – and his tactics worked. The USA opened the final matchday with Xander Schauffele, Sam Burns, Scottie Scheffler, Russell Henley and Patrick Cantlay in the front positions. It was a conscious decision to demonstrate US dominance early and prevent the possibility of an international comeback. This strategy paid off in full, as the US team took 3.5 out of a possible 5 points from the first five matches. “I have some great leaders on this team and these guys have taken command,” said Furyk as he stood on the 18th green at Royal Montreal. “They’ve taken control of the team.”

Schauffele, who was looking to make amends after a mixed performance at last year’s Ryder Cup in Rome, made a clear statement. He won his match against Australian rookie Min Woo Lee 3&2 and earned the first point of the day for the USA. Russell Henley also secured a dominant 4&3 win against Sungjae Im and left no doubt about his strength in singles play. Patrick Cantlay, who was already regarded as one of the strongest match play players on the US team, won a close duel against Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama with 2&1. Cantlay’s strong putt on the 17th hole gave him the victory and further increased the USA’s lead. Burns fought his way to a hard-fought draw against South Korea’s Si Woo Kim, giving the Americans another half point. Scottie Scheffler, the world number 1, also put in a convincing performance. Although he only secured a draw against the in-form Tom Kim, Scheffler played aggressively and courageously, especially on the back nine, and ensured that he did not concede another point to the international team.

Keegan Bradley Secures the Decisive Point

The emotional highlight of the tournament came when Keegan Bradley, the future Ryder Cup captain, won the decisive point. In his match against South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Bradley once again proved his strong nerves. With a solid 4&2 victory, he sealed the overall win for the US team even before all the matches had been completed. The remaining matches no longer had any effect on the final result. “It’s like a fairytale, almost like a movie,” said Bradley, visibly emotional after the win. “I can hardly believe it. You just have to work hard and good things happen.” After the tournament, the newly crowned Ryder Cup captain praised Furyk’s leadership style and announced that he wanted to adopt many of the principles implemented in Montreal. “Jim has created a culture of cohesion here and we will take a lot of that with us to Bethpage,” said Bradley.

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Tour News

Augusta National: Statement On “Catastrophic Impact From Hurricane Helene”

The Augusta National Golf Club during the US Masters 2024 (Photo: Getty)
The Augusta National Golf Club during the US Masters 2024 (Photo: Getty)

Hurricane Helene reached the US mainland on Thursday. The storm, classified as a level four storm, raged through several of the coastal states in the south-east of the USA and also reached wind speeds of up to 130 km/h in Augusta, Georgia. Severe damage was caused throughout the region, with the Augusta National Golf Club – venue of the US Masters – not being spared.

Augusta National: “Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Everyone Affected”

More and more photos and videos are appearing on social media showing possible damage to the golf course. It can be seen that a large number of trees have been uprooted, with the famous Magnolia Lane also likely to be affected according to drone footage. Newly planted trees in particular are exposed to an increased risk as they are not yet strongly rooted. Last year, during the US Masters 2023, three pine trees collapsed in the middle of the spectators, but fortunately no one was injured.

Drone footage of Magnolia Lane at Augusta National:

In addition, images on social media show that the small Rae’s Creek, which flows through the golf course, has swollen into a raging river. The masses of water could cause considerable and lasting damage to the course.

The club’s chairman, Fred Ridley, issued a statement but added that the club’s main focus was on the community that had been devastated by the hurricane:

Understandably, the state of Augusta National is currently one of the lowest priorities of the club chairmen and the community. US media are currently estimating at least 52 fatalities and millions of people without power in the southeastern US.

Our thoughts are with the victims of the hurricane and their families.

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Tour News

Presidents Cup 2024: Team USA Dominates the Saturday Matches

Patrick Cantlay celebrates after a putt on the 18th green during the Saturday Foursomes of the Presidents Cup 2024 (Photo: Getty)
Patrick Cantlay celebrates after a putt on the 18th green during the Saturday Foursomes of the Presidents Cup 2024 (Photo: Getty)

The Presidents Cup 2024 is turning into an up-and-down affair for the international team. After a disastrous 0:5 start to the tournament, the team fought back furiously the following day and went into Saturday’s fourballs and foursomes with a 5:5 score. There, however, the Americans dominated again and won both rounds 3:1. So the defending champions will go into the twelve singles matches on the final day with a score of 11:7.

Presidents Cup 2024: Team USA with 11:7 Lead Going Into the Final Day

There were not many positives for the international team in the Saturday fourballs and foursomes. The Americans got the day off to a perfect start with victories in the first two fourballs of the morning. The first point was secured by the duo of Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa against Adam Scott and Taylor Pendrith (2&1), the second by Tony Finau and Xander Schauffele against Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes (3&2). In the third match of the day, Si Woo Kim and Tom Kim gave Team International some breathing space: the duo won against Keegan Bradley and Wyndham Clark with a comfortable 4&3 and the shot of the day. However, the next setback came in the fourth game of Saturday’s fourballs. There, the Americans in the form of Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns managed the third point of the day against Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im (2&1).

The afternoon’s foursomes were similarly modest from the international team’s perspective. In the first foursome, Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley increased the score to 9-6 for Team USA in the overall standings (3&2) in their clash with Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im. The rest of the afternoon was to develop into a thriller. All three remaining matches were decided on the last hole: First, Taylor Pendrith and Adam Scott took the second and so important point of the day for Team International. With a one-shot lead, they went up against Max Homa and Brian Harman on hole 18, where a par was enough to win the match (2 up). The international team failed dramatically on the last two holes: both the Conners/Hughes duo against Morikawa/Burns and the Kim duo against Cantlay/Schauffele were tied on hole 18, but in both cases the Americans held their nerve and won the two holes in front of their home fans. To euphoric cheers, Patrick Cantlay put the finishing touches to what was a bitter day for the international team.

So Team USA goes into the final day with an 11:7 lead. Despite the good starting position for the defending champions, everything is still wide open. After all, a whole twelve points are still up for grabs in the individual matches. It remains exciting in Canada.

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Tour News

Jon Rahm Announces Birth of Third Child

(Photo: Getty)
(Photo: Getty)

Professional golfer Jon Rahm’s third child has been born. Rahm was therefore able to compete in his first DP World Tour tournament of the season.

Birth causes a slight change in plans

After Jon Rahm was unable to take part in the LIV Golf Team Championship last week due to ‘severe flu symptoms’, according to LIV Golf, his participation in this week’s acciona Open de España was uncertain as well. In fact, Rahm’s arrival was delayed by one day: instead of arriving at the Club de Campo Villa in Madrid on Tuesday as planned, he arrived on Wednesday and thus missed the Pro-Am tournament. However, the reason for his delay appears to be a happy one: The Spanish newspaper ‘Marca’ reports that his wife Kelley Cahill gave birth to their third child a day earlier, on Tuesday.

The couple announced the pregnancy on Instagram in March 2024. The post shows Rahm and his wife Kelley holding their two sons, Kepa (3) and Eneko (2), in their arms. Rahm wrote ‘Officially moving to zone defense, baby Rahm #3 coming soon!’.

 
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an
 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Jon Rahm Rodriguez (@jonrahm)

At an Open Championship 2024 press conference in July, Rahm hinted at complications with the pregnancy, but did not elaborate.

Now the new baby is born and Rahm is competing at the Open de España with the aim of reclaiming his title. The 2018, 2019 and 2022 winner has the chance to win the trophy in his home country for the fourth time this week.

Jon Rahm’s participation relevant for Ryder Cup eligibility

Rahm’s participation in the DP World Tour tournament is also important for his potential Ryder Cup participation in 2025: only European players who are members of the DP World Tour can represent Europe in the Ryder Cup. The prerequisite for membership is playing at least four DP World Tour tournaments.

After Rahm switched to the LIV Tour in December 2023, he no longer took part in any DP World Tour tournaments. As the Olympic golf tournament also counts, the Open de España is Rahm’s second of four necessary tournaments. Next week he is on the list of participants at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland and in October he would like to play the Andalucía Masters in Spain.

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Tour News

Knott End Golf Club: Precision Course with Unique Views and Flexible Memberships

Image: Knott End Golf Club
Image: Knott End Golf Club

Knott End Golf Club is located in Poulton, Lancashire, England. Situated in the north-western region of the country, this golf club offers players a chance to engage with the game while enjoying views of notable landmarks such as Blackpool Tower and the Lake District. The club’s location provides a unique environment that appeals to golfers of all levels.

Responses from players indicate that while the course at Knott End may be short, precision is essential for success. Players must strategize carefully to navigate the course effectively. The emphasis on precision adds a challenging element to the game, making it intriguing for seasoned golfers and beginners alike.

Knott End Golf Club: Accessible to All Players

Membership and fee flexibility is a notable aspect of Knott End Golf Club. The club provides multiple options throughout the year regarding membership and green fee rates. This makes it accommodating for a wide range of players, whether they are looking for short-term play options or long-term commitments.

The surrounding beauty and the welcoming atmosphere are frequently mentioned attributes. Golfers appreciate the club’s environment, which blends natural landscapes with a friendly community spirit. This ensures that members and guests feel at ease during their visit, enhancing the overall golfing experience at Knott End Golf Club.

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Tour News

Mini Golf Showdown: Justin Rose vs. Billy Horschel in an Epic Duell

Justin Rose and Billy Horschel at the first DP World Mini Golf Invitational. (Source: YouTube/DP World Tour)
Justin Rose and Billy Horschel at the first DP World Mini Golf Invitational. (Source: YouTube/DP World Tour)

Justin Rose and Billy Horschel, two of the biggest names in golf, met at the first DP World Mini Golf Invitational. But instead of the big golf courses, a completely different terrain awaited them: the 8-hole jungle course at Bear Mountain Adventure Golf in London. This unique event promised not only fun, but also exciting challenges for the two professionals.

Golf Professionals in Miniature – A Duel of the Highest Class

Although the tournament looked like a casual game of fun at first glance, the ambition of the two professionals seemed unbroken. “There’s nothing mini about my game” joked Rose before the duel, while Horschel emphasized: “To win big, you have to think mini”. These humorous remarks made it clear that both players were prepared to give their all to win their first mini golf title. The event was not only an opportunity to put their skills to the test, but also a chance to celebrate their sporting rivalry in an unusual setting.

Precision and Strategy on the Mini Golf Course

The course put the golf stars to a completely new test. Winding fairways, tricky obstacles and heated discussions with their caddies ensured a mixture of laughter and concentration. The jungle course not only demanded precise putting, but also strategic thinking to find the best solutions to each challenge. Horschel, who jokingly referred to the tournament as “the fifth major”, took the competition with a good dose of humor, but also with ambition.

In the end, Billy Horschel triumphed and not only secured victory in mini golf, but also crowned a historic week. After his victory at the BMW PGA Championship in Wentworth, he added another extraordinary title to his collection. The battle for the mini golf crown was fierce, but Horschel eventually prevailed and won the inaugural DP World Mini Golf Invitational.

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Tour News

R&A: Golf Participation Continues to Enjoy Growth

Golf Participation Report 2023 shows growth. (Photo: The R&A)
Golf Participation Report 2023 shows growth. (Photo: The R&A)

The R&A today announced new participation figures that show an increase of more than three million adult golfers playing the sport.

According to new research undertaken for the governing body, there are now 42.7 million on-course golfers (9 and 18-hole) in R&A affiliated markets (outside the USA and Mexico).

The research figures for 2023 indicate a growth of 3.1 million on-course golfers since 2022. The growth trend began before the onset of Covid-19 and is now accelerating faster than the 2020-2022 pandemic period when there was an average of 2.5 million new on-course golfers per annum. The sport continues to increase in popularity, now up 44% from 29.6 million on-course players in 2016.

The new data is provided by national federations in The R&A’s affiliated markets in Asia, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania.

R&A: Global Surge in On-Course Golfers

The research also shows that 62.3 million adults (outside the USA and Mexico) consume the sport in some format, an increase of 1.1 million since 2022. It is just the second time an estimate has been made beyond on-course activity to include alternative-only formats, such as pitch & putt, indoor simulator golf and driving range use.

Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A, said, “Golf’s popularity continues to grow with a significant increase in the number of people playing the sport both on and off the course.

“There are now 13 million more golfers playing on the course since 2016 in R&A affiliated markets, while there are also millions of others enjoying alternative formats of golf, such as driving ranges, adventure golf and simulator golf, which are vital to the growth of the sport.

“New golfer participation programmes with appealing propositions, promotion and imagery are important for encouraging more people into the sport and retaining them in greater numbers. This is why we continue to work collaboratively with our affiliated national federations and stakeholders to build on this momentum and ensure golf continues to thrive.”

The top five on-course adult golfer markets overall reported are in: Japan (11.4 million), Republic of Korea (8.7 million), Canada (6.3 million), England (4.2 million) and Germany (2.4 million).

Women’s Participation on the Rise

Asia is the leading region for people engaging with golf among R&A affiliated regions, with total adult engagement in golf of 26.2 million. Europe is next highest with 19.7 million adults having some form of golf engagement.

The number of adult registered golfers (those members of a golf club within their national association or affiliated through a direct subscription) increased from 8 million in 2022 to 8.2 million in 2023, with an overall growth of 10% since 2020. Registered women golfers have grown from 1.5 million in 2020 to 1.6 million in 2023.

There was a decrease in those adults who only played formats other than 9 or 18-hole golf  – 21.6 million in 2022 to 19.6 million in 2023 – but this is likely to positively reflect on those moving instead to full-length on-course golf. The percentage of golfers only using alternative formats that are women did grow from 47% in 2022 to 52% in 2023, specifically in key golfing markets.

The R&A is continuing its commitment to invest £200 million over ten years (2017-2026) in developing golf, including sustained work to encourage participation through various initiatives.

(Text: The R&A)

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Tour News

Explore Pennant Park Golf Club’s 18 Holes and Scenic 14th Hole Views

The Pennant Park Golf Club is located in Holywell, in the county of Flintshire, Great Britain. Nestled in this region, it offers a unique golfing experience with its proximity to the Dee Estuary.

The Pennant Park Golf Club boasts an 18-hole golf course. This course is designed to cater to golfers of all skill levels, providing an inclusive environment for both beginners and seasoned players. Additionally, the club highlights its picturesque 14th hole, which is a 413-yard par-4. This hole features an elevated tee that offers views over the Dee Estuary towards The Wirral and Liverpool.

Society packages are available for groups looking to enjoy the golf course. These packages provide comprehensive options for group outings and events. The club aims to accommodate various needs and preferences to ensure a memorable experience for all visitors.

In summary, the Pennant Park Golf Club offers a well-rounded golfing experience in Holywell, Flintshire. With its accommodating course, notable 14th hole with scenic views, and available society packages, it is well-equipped to serve golfers and groups.Stunning 18 hole golf course with amazing views across the Dee Estuary .golfers of all abilities.Our picturesque signature 14th hole is a 413 yard par 4 hole with an elevated tee and amazing views looking over the Dee Estuary towards The Wirral and Liverpool.bring your camera with you.Society packages available

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PGA Tour

Michael Kim: “It’s Honestly a Bit of a Dog Eat Dog World”

Image: Getty
Image: Getty

Professional golfer Michael Kim is known for sharing insider information from the world of professional golf with his followers on social media. This time, the 31-year-old writes about contact with player agents, experiences, rumors and the different types of agencies. “When you’re first out of college and a really good player, agents will reach out to you directly to you or your head coach showing interest. […] It’s tricky, they’re really good salesman and unless you’ve known them thru someone else, you’re not sure who to trust. You can find MANY examples of agents stealing from the player and/or many shady deals”, wrote Michael Kim.

Offers made to players already under contract

Kim went on to tweet: “It’s honestly a bit of a dog eat dog world. I’ve heard rumors where players were going to sign with an agent and all of a sudden a different agent shows up with a really good deal with a company and the player ended up signing with the new agent for the deal. Some of the shadier ones will come up to a player even though he’s under contract promising a better deal or throw in a line or two to try and create doubt.”

Big or small agency?

In another tweet, Michael Kim describes the decision from a player’s perspective: “As a player, you have to decide what size of agency you want to sign with. Bigger agency with lots of names like Wasserman, or a smaller agency. Bigger agencies already have established connections and thru their bigger players, can even get certain deals or even exemptions into events. But the downside is, because of their big crop of players, in a way you’re all competing for the same pie within the agency. If I know the same level of player within the agency gets a new deal, you can be left wondering, why didn’t I get that deal? A smaller agency, you don’t have to worry about that kind of stuff but also know that in general, the agent isn’t going to have the same amount of power or sway within the industry. You can be the big fish and know that all the big deals might come thru you.”

In his last two tweets on this topic, Kim writes about his personal preferences and experiences.

Note: This is of course one player’s opinion and therefore not an immediate general conclusion, as well as possibly not 100 percent reality. When it comes to contact with agents right after the end of a college career, Kim is certainly a good example. Michael Kim was honored with the Jack Nicklaus Award and the Haskins Award during his amateur career – both famous awards for the player of the year in American college golf. This is likely to have aroused the interest of some player agencies.

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DP World Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Patrick Reed and American Players at acciona Open de España

DP World Tour Tee Times: US players (Image: Getty)
DP World Tour Tee Times: US players (Image: Getty)

The DP World Tour Tee Times for the upcoming acciona Open de España held at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid in Spain have been announced. Part of the DP World Tour, this prestigious event boasts a par-71 course and a prize purse of $3,250,000. Last year’s title was claimed by Matthieu Pavon. Here, we delve into the tee times and partners for all American players in the tournament.

DP World Tour Tee Times for American Players

Patrick Reed will tee off for his first round on Thursday at 13:40 from Tee 1. His playing partners are Adrian Otaegui from Spain and Rikuyo Hoshino from Japan. On Friday, their second round begins at 08:50 from Tee 10.

Jimmy Walker starts his first round on Thursday at 13:30 from Tee 1 alongside Alfredo Garcia-Heredia from Spain and David Ravetto from France. Their second round begins on Friday at 08:40 from Tee 10.

Johannes Veerman is scheduled to tee off on Thursday at 13:30 from Tee 10. He will be joined by Gavin Green from Malaysia and Nick Bachem from Germany. Their second round will start on Friday from Tee 1 at 08:40.

Chase Hanna will play his first round at 14:10 on Thursday from Tee 10. His partners for the day include Alexander Knappe from Germany and Jack Davidson from Wales. The second round for this group starts at 09:20 on Friday from Tee 1.

Jordan Gumberg tees off on Thursday at 09:30 from Tee 1. Playing alongside him will be Jens Dantorp from Sweden and Julien Guerrier from France. Their second round is set to begin on Friday at 14:20 from Tee 10. Gumberg’s inclusion in the DP World Tour Tee Times highlights his pivotal role.

Round Time Player Partner 1 Partner 2
Round 1 08:50 James Nicholas Oliver Bekker (RSA) Josh Berry
Round 1 09:20 Sean Crocker George Coetzee (RSA) Matthew Southgate (ENG)
Round 1 09:30 Jordan Gumberg Jens Dantorp (SWE) Julien Guerrier (FRA)
Round 1 14:10 Chase Hanna Alexander Knappe (GER) Jack Davidson (WAL)
Round 1 13:30 Jimmy Walker Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (ESP) David Ravetto (FRA)
Round 1 13:30 Johannes Veerman Gavin Green (MAS) Nick Bachem (GER)
Round 1 13:40 Patrick Reed Adrian Otaegui (ESP) Rikuyo Hoshino (JPN)
Round 2 08:40 Jimmy Walker Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (ESP) David Ravetto (FRA)
Round 2 08:50 Patrick Reed Adrian Otaegui (ESP) Rikuyo Hoshino (JPN)
Round 2 09:20 Chase Hanna Alexander Knappe (GER) Jack Davidson (WAL)
Round 2 14:20 Jordan Gumberg Jens Dantorp (SWE) Julien Guerrier (FRA)
Round 2 14:10 Sean Crocker George Coetzee (RSA) Matthew Southgate (ENG)
DP World Tour Tee Times