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PGA Championship 2024: The Major Returns to Valhalla

The 2024 PGA Championship will take place in Valhalla this year. (Photo: Getty)
The 2024 PGA Championship will take place in Valhalla this year. (Photo: Getty)

The PGA Championship 2024 is coming up and this year it will take place at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky. The golf club, nestled in the beauty of Kentucky, is no stranger to hosting major golf events, and this will be the fourth time the PGA Championship has been held here. Past majors at Valhalla have seen golf legends such as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy claim victory.

PGA Championship 2024: The rich history of the Major in Valhalla

As the dust of the track and the cheers of the fans started to settle at the 150th Kentucky Derby in Churchill Downs, the agitation at nearby Valhalla Golf Club reignited with the preparations for the 106th PGA Championship. And the “most exciting two minutes in sports” gave way to “once in a decade golf celebration in Kentucky.” According to Churchill Downs, Mystik Dan’s win marked the first three-horse photo finish since 1947 and the first race decided by a nose margin since 1996. Like an echo of the Kentucky Derby, the three PGA Championships contested at Valhalla in the last three decades concluded with a photo finish or a nose margin–a playoff or one stroke difference in golf lingo.

Pictures of the Kentucky Derby. (Photo: PGA of America)

“I had a heartache in 96 when Mark Brooks beat me in a playoff,” said local golf star Kenny Perry about his defeat at the first PGA Championship in Kentucky. Four years later, Tiger Woods prevailed in a playoff against Bob May to win his fifth and third consecutive major at Valhalla. “Tiger was incredible,” remembers two-time Masters winner José María Olázabal, who shot a 9-under-par 63 course record on the third day and finished tied fourth. “I have great memories of that amazing round and Valhalla, a solid golf course with tough rough,” said the Spaniard. “But I specially remember the Ryder Cup there in 2008, when the Americans played really well.”

Perry was part of that American winning team captained by Paul Azinger.  “My dad, at 86 years old, came off the green in his bib overalls and gave me a hug. This is where I love to go, and to me, this is the pinnacle of golf in Kentucky,” added Perry about the 2008 Ryder Cup and Valhalla Golf Club. “We were fortunate to have epic and historic finishes,” said Jimmy Kirchdorfer, General Chairman of the 2024 PGA Championship. “A lot of people from Kentucky would say the Ryder Cup, when the US was struggling to win for a while, was the best sporting event they have ever been to.”

Jimmy Kirchdorfer and Justin Thomas. (Photo: PGA of America)

After the memorable victory of Rory McIlroy by one-stroke in the 2014 PGA Championship in the darkness, Kirchdorfer, along with the new co-owners of Valhalla Golf Club and its membership have been instrumental in bringing the PGA Championship back to Kentucky one decade later. “The tremendous response from the Louisville and Kentucky community has been essential to make this event a record-breaking championship,” said 2024 PGA Championship Director, Ryan Ogle, as he supports his assessment with staggering numbers.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the Wanamaker Trophy during the Award Ceremony for the 96th PGA Championship, at Valhalla Golf Club, on August 10, 2014 in Louisville, KY. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)

Over 200,000 spectators are expected during the week, breaking the record ticket sales set in 2018. Valhalla will accommodate 700,000 square feet of temporary flooring, over 285 tent structures, and 600 TVs will be spread across the property. On The Rocks, the Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy by the 14th hole of Valhalla Golf Club will be one of the massive hospitality structures showcasing the official bourbon cocktail of the 2024 PGA Championship, the Elijah Craig Mulligan. “In terms of size, it will be more than double compared with 2014,” added Ogle, also highlighting the over 500 million households around the world with access to over 250 hours of live coverage.

The Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. (Photo: PGA of America)

“I am very excited about the PGA Championship in Kentucky. When the time comes, it will be a very special week,” said two-time PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas, who will be playing a major in Valhalla for the first time. “I have been to Valhalla a handful of times. It is obviously well known and the most famous course in Kentucky, a special place,” added Thomas, who grew up playing golf at Harmony Landing Country Club, in Goshen, Kentucky, where his father Mike is still a pro.

Thomas will be the only Kentuckian at the traditional Champions Dinner, hosted by the 2023 winner Brooks Koepka at the home of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs. “Whatever my mom is cooking at home would be my recommendation for food in Kentucky,” noted Thomas as a potential culinary advice to Koepka, who finished T-15 in Valhalla in 2014. That year, Michael Block, the PGA of America Golf Professional who became the people’s hero in 2023 when he finished T-15 at Oak Hill, made his debut in the PGA Championship in Valhalla after winning the PGA Professional Championship.

The beautiful Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky. (Photo: PGA of America)

“Kentucky has been great. We have been staying downtown Louisville all week and everyone has been absolutely fantastic. It was a great experience,” said after missing the cut in 2014 Block, part of the Corebridge Financial Team of 21 PGA of America Professionals competing along the best in the world in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club.

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WITB: Brooks Koepka with Srixon and Cleveland to Fourth LIV title

Brooks Koepka's WITB for the 2024 season. (Image: Getty)
Brooks Koepka's WITB for the 2024 season. (Image: Getty)

The PGA Championship winner in 2023 switched to Srixon/Cleveland as his sponsor two years ago and has been playing with clubs and tour bags from the Japanese brand ever since. However, Brooks Koepka first had to look for the right partner. In addition to various companies, Brooks Koepka also tried out different models from the manufacturers. Now he’s winning again on the LIV Golf Tour and we take a look inside the tour winner’s bag.

WITB: The golf equipment of Brooks Koepka 2024

For his driver, he opted for the ZX5 LS Mk II model from Srixon instead of the “pro model” ZX7. With a weight in the back part of the sole, the ZX5 helps to achieve a straighter swing path and slightly more launch height compared to the ZX7, while the low-spin version also helps to achieve a penetrating ball flight and therefore more length, at least for the pros on the tours. For the fairway wood, Koepka looks back to the 2017 model from TaylorMade. The M series was the predecessor of the current Stealth models and seems to have taken a liking to the American. The M2 fairway wood with 16.5 degrees makes it into his set up. The fairway wood is complemented by the Nike Vapor Pro Driving Iron. The sporting goods manufacturer’s iron, which was released back in 2015, has a centre of gravity directly in the sweet spot and, despite the now nine-year-old technology, seems to be a bank in the setup of the renewed LIV winner.

For his irons, he then opts again for Srixon and the blades from the latest 2023 series. The ZX7 Mk II irons impress with their slim design and offer Koepka the possibility of different flight curves and the best possible control over ball flight and spin.

He also relies on his equipment supplier for the wedges and opts for the sister company Cleveland. The RTX Zipcore wedges are also in his bag for the 2023 season and seem to have won his trust around the green. In addition to a putter from Scottie Cameron in the Newport 2 Tour version, the Srixon Z-Star Diamond golf balls make it into Koepka’s bag.

Brooks Koepka WITB 2024

Driver: Srixon ZX5 LS Mk II (10.5°)

3-wood: TaylorMade M2 Tour HL (16.5°)

Driving iron: Nike Vapor Pro (3-iron)

Irons: Srixon ZX7 Mk II (4-9)

Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore Tour Rack (46°) 

Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore Tour Rack (52° mid, 56° mid, 60° low)

Putter: Scotty Cameron Teryllium TNP2

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

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The Masters Tournament 2024: Zach Johnson on His F-Bomb

Zach Johnson sparks a debate at the Masters Tournament 2024. (Image: Getty)
Zach Johnson sparks a debate at the Masters Tournament 2024. (Image: Getty)

After a frustrating first day at the Masters Tournament 2024, Zach Johnson played well under the extreme conditions on day two. Until the American did hit the 12th hole.

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Zach Johnson Drops F-Bomb at the Masters Tournament 2024

After missing the hole completely with his first tee shot, the second try landed just right of the green with a difficult chip. The following long putt for a double bogey missed the hole and resulted in a triple-bogey.

What followed was a reserved applause from the patrons and Zach Johnsons “F*** off!” directed across the pond. This unlikely outburst off course hit social media and promptly sparked a debate wether it was directed at the patrons or himself.

F-Bombing the Patrons? That’s what Zach Johnson said about the Situation

Q. Why don’t you clear the air about the social media thing.

ZACH JOHNSON: I’m not familiar with any social media thing out there. I’ve just signed my scorecard.

Q. There was some comment attributed to you to the patrons after your shots on 12.

ZACH JOHNSON: My first shot that went in the bush?

Q. It was after the putt maybe.

ZACH JOHNSON: After my putt for double bogey? Or after my putt for triple — I guess it really doesn’t matter. I can’t hear anything from — they’re 100 — with the downhill, they’re 152. They’re actually 154 away, so 152 away. I don’t understand the situation at all.

What are they saying that I did or said?

Q. It’s been reported that you swore at some of the patrons.

ZACH JOHNSON: That I swore at the patrons? That’s laughable. That’s completely laughable. I can’t hear the patrons, number one. Number two, I just made a triple bogey on the 12th hole that evidently is going to make me miss the cut, which at the time I knew was pretty sensitive in the sense that I needed to keep making pars.

If I’ve said anything, which I’m not going to deny, especially if it’s on camera, one, I apologize, and two, it was fully directed towards myself entirely because I can’t hear anything behind me. Does that make sense?

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PGA Tour Uncategorized

PGA Tour: Keith Mitchell pulls ahead at the top

Sits at the top of the table: Keith Mitchell. (Image: Getty)
Sits at the top of the table: Keith Mitchell. (Image: Getty)

The PGA Tour enters the final day of the Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor, Florida today. In Round 3, Keith Mitchell managed to secure a two-stroke lead over the pursuers.

Full Leaderboard of the Valspar Championship

PGA Tour: Leader bounces back after slow start

The start of Round 3 didn’t go as planned for the leading American. After a birdie on the opening hole, Mitchell suffered bogeys on holes 3, 5, and 6. However, his round turned positive thereafter. With birdies on holes 7, 12, and 14, Mitchell expanded his lead at the top of the leaderboard by two strokes with a strong finish. He played birdies on holes 16 and 17, followed by an eagle on the 18th. Thus, the 32-year-old finished the day with a 66, 5-under-par round. The trio of pursuers, Seamus Power, Mackenzie Hughes, and Peter Malnati, concluded the day with rounds of 68, 69, and 68 respectively, standing at a total score of 8 under par, two strokes behind the leader. The overall field is sticking pretty close together, promising excitement for the final day.

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Wilson ZM Wedges 2024: New grooves and high versatility

The new Wilson ZM wedges for the 2024 season (Photo: Wilson).
The new Wilson ZM wedges for the 2024 season (Photo: Wilson).

In 2024, Wilson Golf launched an innovative lineup of Staff Model wedges, introducing the ZM and ZM HT models. Designed with inputs from leading Tour players, these wedges offer golfers at all skill levels unparalleled versatility and performance, especially around the green. The ZM and ZM HT wedges represent a breakthrough in Wilson Golfs technology, combining feedback from professional players with cutting-edge design.

Wilson ZM Wedges: New grooves and forged precision

The ZM wedges feature a new high-spin, precision-milled groove pattern complemented by Garnet Face Blasting. This unique combination ensures a faster, deeper, and longer interaction with the ball, resulting in higher and more consistent spin. This technology is particularly effective in wet conditions, providing superior check control and enhancing performance regardless of the weather.

Crafted from soft Forged 8620 Carbon Steel, the ZM wedges boast a straighter leading edge and an elevated Centre of Gravity (CG). This design is crucial for trajectory control in the higher lofted wedges, promoting a more controlled ball flight and solid contact. The progressive changes in the CG as the lofts increase, ensures a consistent feel and performance across the different loft options.

Different sole grinds ensure versatility

The Wilson Staff Model wedges also offer exceptional versatility through a range of sole grinds. The 56˚, 58˚, and 60˚ models come in three bounce options – low, medium, and high. These choices allow golfers to select wedges that best suit their playing style and the conditions of the courses they play on.

Available in six loft options, the ZM wedges cater to a wide range of preferences, with additional lofts available through custom fitting. The ZM HT, sharing the game-changing characteristics of the ZM, incorporates a high toe and wide sole design. This configuration provides even more flexibility, allowing golfers to adjust their shots with greater ease. The ZM HT is available in right-hand configuration, with specific loft options also available through custom fit.

In conclusion, the Wilson Staff Model ZM and ZM HT wedges signify a significant advancement in golf technology. They blend advanced engineering, premium materials, and versatile design to provide outstanding performance. Ideal for golfers looking to improve their short game, these wedges offer a blend of control, versatility, and precision that can help any golfer play like a pro.

Technical data and further information

ModelStaff Model ZM and ZM HT
MaterialForged 8620 Carbon Steel
Lofts50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, and 60° (Custom Fit for 46° and 48°)
Bounce OptionsLow, Medium, High (6-12 Degrees)
Left-Handedn.a.
Shaft OptionsTrue Temper Dynamic Gold Spinner WG
GripGolf Pride Tour Velvet
Price150 euros per wedge
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LIV Golf: Sergio Garcia and Co. get new outfitter

Soon in new clothing: Sergio Garcia in the LIV Golf League. (Photo: Stuburt)
Soon in new clothing: Sergio Garcia in the LIV Golf League. (Photo: Stuburt)

Stuburt, a renowned brand in the Worldwide Golf Brands (WWGB) portfolio and proud subsidiary of Golf Tech, is entering into a partnership with the LIV Golf teams Stinger, Fireballs and Torque. The brands stand for a dynamic and future-orientated spirit and equip the teams with high-quality and functional clothing.

Stuburt equips three LIV Golf teams

The collaboration marks a significant moment in the history of both organisations and underlines Stuburt’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and performance in golf apparel. As a brand, Stuburt will provide the Stinger, Fireballs and Torque teams with high quality equipment that is both stylish and functional. A particular focus of this partnership is the close co-operation between the design teams in Manchester and Vienna and the players of the LIV Golf teams. This co-operation has resulted in unique collections that are specifically tailored to the needs and wishes of the athletes.

Stuburt equips a Spanish-Mexican team with the Fireballs GC, an all-South African team with the Stinger GC and a mixture of players of South American origin with Torque GC. The Fireballs are completed by Spanish team captain Sergio Garcia, Abraham Ancer, Eugenio Chacarra and David Puig. Louis Oosthuizen, Dean Burmester, Brandon Grace and Charlie Schwartzel are part of the Stingers. Torque GC includes captain Joaquin Niemann, Sebastian Munoz, Mito Pereira and Carlos Ortiz.

The exclusive collections will be available in stores soon so that fans and golfers worldwide can become part of this new era in golf.

(Image: Stuburt)
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Players Championship 2024: Canadian loses his nerve, his wife reacts hilariously

Adam Hadwin loses his nerve in the first round of the Players Championship. (Photo: Getty)
Adam Hadwin loses his nerve in the first round of the Players Championship. (Photo: Getty)

It could have been a round that motivated Canadian Adam Hadwin to do more. After seven holes, he was already three over par in the first round of the Players Championship, but he fought his way back to even par on the 16th. Two holes remained to bring his score into the red. It turned out differently…

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Players Championship 2024: First the ball, then the club

First he sank a ball in the water on the 17th, where the first hole-in-one had already been made on Thursday afternoon, and had to accept a double bogey. But that was not enough. On the last hole at the TPC Sawgrass, his drive was already flirting with the water, but just managed to stay dry. His shot into the green then fell victim to the right-left slope of the fairway in front of the green and rolled into the water. Too much for the one-time PGA Tour winner. His club had to take the hit and flew into the lake immediately afterwards. At least he got away with a bogey on the 18th, but that put him back at three over par, as he had been after seven holes.

Hadwin’s wife Jessica, known for her humorous take on her husband’s golfing misdemeanours, could find nothing wrong with the 36-year-old’s breach of etiquette: “I have seen the moment in question. If I’m going simply on the aesthetic of the toss….10/10” shw wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

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Tracking Fairways in Regulation: A Waste of Time?

Arccos data shows, that tracking fairways in regulation in a round can be overrated. (Photos: Getty)
Arccos data shows, that tracking fairways in regulation in a round can be overrated. (Photos: Getty)


The table below shows how many more strokes it takes from the rough rather than the fairway to finish a hole from various distances by handicap index.

Yes, playing from the fairway is better but the difference is negligible.

Statistic shows number of strokes needed to finish a hole from different distances by handicap index, comparing strokes needed from rough with those from the fairway. (Source: Arccos)
Statistic shows number of strokes needed to finish a hole from different distances by handicap index, comparing strokes needed from rough with those from the fairway. (Source: Arccos)

For example a 10 handicap index golfer will only take 0.06 shots more from the rough than the fairway when playing from 200 yards.

If all 14 fairways were missed with 200 yards remaining this would result in just 0.84 shots more per round, less than 1 stroke

The farther from the hole the smaller the difference becomes

The chart below shows the number of fairways hit by different handicap indexes during their best rounds (top 20% of recorded rounds) and worst rounds (bottom 20% of recorded rounds).

That’s right, less than a single fairway difference for all skill levels between their best and worst rounds!

Tracking fairways - average fairways hit per round. (Source: Arccos)
Tracking fairways – average fairways hit per round. (Source: Arccos)

So if the number of fairways hit is not a major difference between a golfer’s best and worst rounds, what is?

Arccos data shows that the main reason why FIR is overrated is because of penalty shots and recovery shots. We’d all rather play from the rough than take a penalty or hit a recovery shot.

When playing a bad round, players at every skill level are hitting more “poor” shots resulting in penalties or having to hit a recovery shot.

The chart below shows the average number of penalties per round by different handicap indexes during their best and worst rounds.

The difference in the number of penalties varies by skill level. Scratch golfers have a difference of 0.72 penalties between their best and worst rounds, whereas 15 handicap index players have a difference of 1.22.

Tracking fairways - average penalties hit per round. (Source: Arccos)
Tracking fairways – average penalties hit per round. (Source: Arccos)

When it comes to recovery shots, scratch players average 0.39 recovery shots during their best rounds and 1.19 during their worst, a difference of 0.80. In contrast a 15 handicap index golfer has a difference of 1.40 recoveries between their best and worst rounds.

Tracking fairways - average recoveries per round. (Source: Arccos)
Tracking fairways – average recoveries per round. (Source: Arccos)

So rather than tracking FIR, track how many drives are “in-play” where you have a chance to go for the green and that don’t result in a penalty or recovery shot!

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LIV Golf gives up fight for world ranking points

Greg Norman, CEO of the LIV Golf League. (Photo: Getty Images)
Greg Norman, CEO of the LIV Golf League. (Photo: Getty Images)

LIV Golf’s endeavours to obtain world ranking points have come to an end. In a letter to the players, Greg Norman explains the cancellation.

The LIV Golf League is giving up its aim of obtaining world ranking points for its tournaments. Greg Norman, CEO of the tour financed by Saudi Arabia, wrote this in a letter to his players, which was first quoted by Sports Illustrated. According to the letter, it is now hopeless that there will be any points for the LIV players in the near future. LIV Golf had applied to the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) for inclusion shortly after it was founded. The application was last rejected in October 2023.

In his letter, Norman accuses those responsible at the OGWR of having no interest in clarifying the current situation: “A resolution which protects the accuracy, credibility and integrity of the OWGR rankings no longer exists”, SI quotes Normans letter. “We have made significant efforts to fight for you and ensure your accomplishments are recognized within the existing ranking system. Unfortunately, OWGR has shown little willingness to productively work with us.”

No points for LIV Golf – “Even if…”

Even more than the refusal of the seven-member committee of OWGR directors to recognise LIV Golf as eligible to participate, Norman now also sees inclusion in the OWGR system as pointless: “Even if LIV Golf events were immediately awarded points, the OWGR system is designed such that it would be functionally impossible for you to regain positions close to the summit of the ranking, where so many of you belong.”

Peter Dawson, Chairman of the OWGR committee, which also includes the PGA Tour Commissioner, the DP World Tour CEO and representatives of the four majors, explained in October that inclusion would fail in particular due to the Tour’s lack of qualification criteria. Although LIV Golf recently held a kind of Q-School, only three players qualified. In addition, the winner of the Asian Tour ranking is eligible to compete. Others, e.g. Jon Rahm or Anthony Kim, are simply bought in and declared eligible to compete. Dawson has not yet issued a statement on Norman’s statements. A total of 24 tours worldwide with thousands of players are eligible to collect world ranking points. Every single LIV player was aware when they switched to the Invitational Series that they would not receive any points for the World Golf Ranking.

This week, LIV Golf will play its fourth tournament of the current season. The event takes place in Hong Kong. Jon Rahm criticised the basis for calculating the world golf rankings during the tournament: “”I’m going to go back to what I said two years ago. I didn’t think it was a good system back then”, Rahm told AFP ahead of the event, which begins on Friday. “If anything, the more time goes on, the more it proves to be wrong”, added the 29-year-old, who is still number three in the world rankings.

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Solheim Cup 2024: These vice-captains will lead Team Europe

Team Europe captain Suzanne Pettersen has recruited Mel Reid as vice-captain. (Photos: Getty)
Team Europe captain Suzanne Pettersen has recruited Mel Reid as vice-captain. (Photos: Getty)

Suzann Pettersen, the captain of the European team, has announced her four vice-captains for the 2024 tournament at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. Among them is Mel Reid from England, who will support the team alongside Laura Davies, Caroline Martens and Anna Nordqvist, who have already served as vice-captains at the 2023 Solheim Cup in Finca Cortesin in Andalusia.

Solheim Cup 2024: New vice-captains appointed

With Reid, Davies, Nordqvist and Martens, Pettersen has put together a high-calibre team to hopefully continue Team Europe’s success from the last Cup in Andalusia. The last event ended in a dramatic 14-14 draw after a tense tournament – Team Europe only retained the trophy because of their victory in the previous year. Pettersen’s selection of vice-captains emphasises a deliberate strategy to combine the experience of her vice-captains with the winning momentum of the last tournament.

The Look ahead: Preparations for Virginia

The training season for the 19th edition of the tournament is already in full swing and the strategic direction of the European team promises an exciting and fierce contest. With the appointment of Davies, Martens and Nordqvist, Pettersen is relying on a mix of experience, success and team spirit to win the 2024 Solheim Cup against the American team. In Mel Reid, who already served as vice-captain in 2019 and is a six-time winner of the Ladies European Tour and four-time participant of the Solheim Cup, Pettersen gains an experienced and vital key figure for this year’s Solheim Cup 2024.