The Under Armour fall/winter collection 2023. (Photo: Under Armour)
Extend your season with the Under Armour Cold Weather Golf Kit for winter 2023. A full head-to-toe kit designed for golfers who refuse to let cold, wet weather keep them off the golf course, the Cold Weather Golf Kit utilises Under Armour’s best apparel innovations and technologies for winter. The originators of performance apparel, Under Armour has been the go-to brand for Golfers in the UK looking for the most innovative apparel products year-round. With a strong heritage of introducing technological advancements in water-repellency in the shape of Under Armour Storm, lightweight insulation through ColdGear Infrared, and adaptive layering with thermal regulation innovations, Under Armour continues to deliver performance to golfers without weighing you down.
Under Armour launches new fall/winter collection
With the Cold Weather Golf Kit, Under Armour is once again pushing the boundaries of innovation and technological advancement further to help golfers fight the cold. The new Storm Revo Jacket is now 33% lighter while being 74% warmer thanks to a breakthrough in UAs insulation innovations, and delivers more warmth for golfers looking to stay out on the course. For those grinding on their game through the coldest winter nights at the range, UA introduces the Storm Session Gilet and Storm Session Jacket. Made possible through an updated Coldgear Infrared print that retains body heat and distributes it back to the wearer, these garments offer the ultimate in thermo-regulation. The CGI Taper Pants up the ante against the elements in winter by offering an added layer of protection from the cold and rain, these pants are super warm thanks to the Coldgear Infrared print on the inside and highly water-repellent thanks to UA Storm. As golfers look for even more warmth, new look Storm Sweaterfleece and Storm Daytona franchises will be must-have pieces for the winter wardrobe. With products available in vest, hoody, ½ zip option for both, as well a full-zip Storm Daytona.
The Under Armour fall/winter collection 2023. (Photo: Under Armour)
In the rainwear category, Under Armour offers golfers the Stormproof 3.0 Jacket and Trouser as well as an all new Stormproof Cloudstrike Jacket. Highly breathable and stretchy materials make UA’s rainwear offering for FW23 its most extensive and innovative to date while offering total protection from the elements. Completing the Cold Weather Golf Kit is a full line of cold weather accessories including CGI Winter Gloves, CGI Mitts and winter Headwear including the CGI Pom Beanie.
Bright smiles after the tension has been released for Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton. (Photo: Getty)
In the morning, the Europeans gave their opponents no chance and made history with a score of 4 to 0. In the afternoon, the fourball matches for the stars were on the agenda. Here, Team USA made it much more difficult for the host team. While the duo McIlroy/Fitzpatrick won a clear point for Europe, the three remaining flights provided for highest tension. Team Europe secured a shared point three times at the last moment.
Europe
vs
USA
4
0
Ryder Cup 2023: High Voltage on the 18th Green
Europe
Result
USA
Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton
4 & 3 Europa
Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth
As the first flight of the tournament, Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton made it to the 18th hole of the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in a duel against Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. Both the European and American teams were ahead at times, but each relinquished the lead. Finally, on the decisive 18, it looked as if Team USA would win the whole point, but Viktor Hovland holed a last, long putt and thus saved a half point for Team Europe. One person in particular was delighted: Shane Lowry, who did not play in the afternoon, was visibly cheering along with his teammates.
Jon Rahm and Nicolai Hojgaard delivered at least as exciting a finish to share the point. In the duel against world number 1 Scottie Scheffler and LIV player Brooks Koepka, there was no clear favorite over 18 holes. In the end, the Americans dominated the match, which spurred Jon Rahm on to top performance. After already causing a roaring crowd with a chip-in eagle on hole 16, he also holed out for an eagle on hole 18 to secure another half point for the hosts.
The final four players on the course early Friday evening were Robert MacIntyre and Justin Rose in play against Max Homa and Wyndham Clark. Those two duos also turned in similarly strong performances, leaving Team USA teeing off at ‘1up’ on the 18th tee. But all good things come in threes: In this flight, too, the Europeans grabbed a half point at the last second, sending the American team into the second day without a single full point.
Europe
Result
USA
Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick
2 & 1 Europa
Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele
The only full point for the Europeans was secured in the afternoon by Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick in their battle against Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele. The duel was already over after 15 holes, because the Americans had no chance against McIlroy and Fitzpatrick. Matt Fitzpatrick in particular delivered a flawless performance on Friday afternoon and gave Team Europe an early lead. At times they dominated the duel with ‘6up’.
Shane Lowry (left) and Sepp Atraka at the 2023 Ryder Cup. (Credit: Getty)
Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka are off to a perfect start at the 2023 Ryder Cup. The Irish-Austrian duo defeated Rickie Fowler and Collin Morikawa with 2&1. In the interview after the first session at the Ryder Cup in Rome, the two speak openly about their nerves and how they enjoyed being celebrated by the fans together at the same time.
Question: How big does this moment feel?
Shane Lowry: Huge, obviously it’s early days but I wanted to give Sepp his moment in the Ryder Cup to hole the pin winning putt. It’s huge. We are off to a great start this morning. We need to keep the foot down. Myself and Sepp gelled well today. Very happy out there with him and enjoyed myself.
Question: Sepp, how much did you enjoy your first taste of a Ryder Cup?
Sepp Straka: Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable. Can’t really describe it. The expectations didn’t even come close.
Question: How well did you play together? How comfortable did you feel with each other today?
Shane Lowry: We’ve probably known for maybe a couple of weeks that we might go out this morning together. You know, we played the same golf, all use the same stuff, so kind of made sense. We were similar-type people but I’m a bit more fiery than him. Sepp is very laid back. We enjoyed it out there, and I feel like we played some good golf.
Felt like we dodged a few bullets out there, especially 11 and 12, around then, but you know, you’re going to have that in match play. Just have to dig deep and we did. You know, I would have liked to close out the match earlier because we had good chances, but it was nice to put a point on the board for Europe.
Question: A third blue point on the board for The European Team today. Got to ask you Shane, you stepped out on the first tee and one of the first things you saw was Viktor Hovland chipping in at first. How much did that motivate you?
Shane Lowry: I was trying to stay calm and started losing my mind on the first tee. Yeah, for a guy they say can’t chip, Viktor did all right on that hole.
Look, we are very happy with our start today and obviously there’s a lot of golf to be played from here. We talked about getting off to a fast start and we have done.
Question: How are the nerves hitting the first tee shot in your first Ryder Cup?
Sepp Straka: Very. Very nervous. Yeah, couldn’t even really describe. The blood was flowing. Heartbeat was up. Thankfully I made contact with the ball, so I think that’s a win.
Question: You didn’t play foursomes at Whistling Straits. How different was this experience today?
Shane Lowry: Yeah, it was cool. Look, I came here with an open mind this week; I’ll do whatever the captain asks me. He wanted me to go out this morning with Sepp.
It’s nice to go around with a Rookie and bring him around the place. I think the last few days got the Rookies ready for what today was going to be like. It was amazing.
It’s my first home Ryder Cup, as well, and obviously last time at Whistling Straits wasn’t the best experience and out there today was just incredible. With the crowd cheering you down every green and every fairway, it’s incredible to have home support.
Jon Rahm narrowly misses the hole-in-one at the 2023 Ryder Cup. (Photo: Getty)
Not only Viktor Hovland seems unstoppable on this Friday morning, but also Jon Rahm inspires with incredible golf. His tee shot from around 180 meters on hole 7 hits the flagstick and just misses the hole-in-one at the Ryder Cup 2023. The birdie after that is just a free skate.
Ryder Cup 2023: Jon Rahm’s almost-hole-in-one in video
It took six holes and an iron shot for Jon Rahm to almost play his way into the Ryder Cup history books. On the par-3, the Spaniard goes straight for the flag with an aggressive shot and hits the line to the stick perfectly. The shot comes up a few feet short of the flag, bounces a few times and then rolls toward the flag. But the speed of the ball seems a bit too high and the golf ball bounces off the flagstick and stays next to the flag for a tap-in.
The spectators in Rome, of course, celebrate the shot and cheer along during the ball flight and many a person cannot believe that this incredible tee shot did not land in the hole.
Phil Mickelson opened up on his gambling addiction prior to the beginning NFL season. (Credit: Getty)
Phil Mickelson, the renowned golfer with the storied career, has taken to Twitter to share a deeply personal reflection on his past struggles with gambling addiction. As the football season kicks off in the United States, Mickelson’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the perils of betting and the impact it can have on personal relationships.
He begins by acknowledging the majority who enjoy the football season in moderation, indulging in fantasy leagues and friendly bets. However, he candidly admits, “I won’t be betting this year because I crossed the line of moderation and into addiction which isn’t any fun at all.” Mickelson’s struggles were never about financial insecurity, he claims. Instead, the true cost of his addiction was the emotional and relational toll it took on him and his loved ones. A haunting sentiment he recalls from those close to him is: “You’re here but you’re not with us.” This sense of detachment, likened to being in a shelter during a hurricane, oblivious to the destruction outside, encapsulates the isolating nature of addiction.
Most of you will enjoy this football season with moderation while having lots of fun and entertainment. The fantasy leagues will provide banter amongst friends and money won or lost betting won’t affect you. I wont be betting this year because I crossed the line of moderation and…
Mickelson’s account also highlights the dangers of surrounding oneself with enablers, who can often be mistaken for friends. His public profile added another layer of complexity, making him vulnerable to those who sought to profit from his missteps. Yet, amidst the turmoil, a beacon of support remained: his partner, Amy. He lauds her unwavering love and strength, crediting her with helping him navigate through his “darkest and most difficult times.”
The journey to recovery wasn’t swift. After years of professional help and abstaining from gambling, Mickelson describes a newfound sense of peace. He admits, “I still have a lot of cleaning up to do with those I love the most but I’m doing it slowly and as best I can.”
In closing, Mickelson implores his followers to approach this football season with caution. The allure of betting should never overshadow the value of presence, for, in his words, “the moments with the ones you love will be far more remembered than any bet you win or fantasy league triumph.”
Mickelson’s heartfelt confession underscores the potential dangers of gambling and sports betting. While many engage in such activities harmlessly, it’s crucial to recognize the fine line between enjoyment and addiction. For those teetering on the brink, or already ensnared, Mickelson’s story is a testament to the power of love, professional help, and personal resolve in the face of adversity.
Spider-Man star Tom Holland can also swing a driver. (Photo: Getty)
Spider-Man can not only place nets unerringly, but also a golf ball in the hole – or at least Spider-Man actor Tom Holland can. The 27-year-old Briton is quite respectable with his 6 handicap and is a regular guest at celebrity tournaments. It is unforgettable how he almost played his way onto the European Ryder Cup team in 2021 with a single stroke. On the 18th hole at the Pro-Am before the BMW PGA Championship, then Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington promised, “If you hit the green, I’ll take you on the team.” And he almost had to keep his word – but only almost. “For a moment I thought maybe I could become a golfer,” Holland joked after the moment.
Yet golf is more than just a casual pastime for the actor. “I’m addicted to golf,” he told People magazine in an interview a few years ago. “It’s a nice way to disconnect from what’s going on around you. I turn my phone off and I just enjoy being outdoors with my friends, my brothers and my dad.” Along with his brothers, he again competed in the 2023 Pro-Am at Wentworth.
Golf has another effect on him. “Golf is also incredibly humbling,” Holland said. “Over the last few years, I’ve been very lucky that my career has taken twists and turns, but all the kind of twists and turns that I could only have dreamed of. And very often, I’ll go out and play golf to celebrate, and it will very, very quickly humble me by destroying me.” “So,” he added, “that’s why golf is valuable.”
Whether athletes or actors, many public figures who can’t risk getting injured find a secure future in playing golf. That’s just as true for DFB soccer players as it is for Hollywood stars. For example, the first thing Holland wished for after the end of the Spider-Man trology with “No Way Home” was to go skiing. “That’s something I’ve not really been allowed to do because it’s obviously a dangerous sport. I’ve been very careful over the years, which is why I’ve become obsessed with golf because it’s the only sport I can play without getting injured.”
All the more reason for Holland to introduce the sport to his one friend and fellow actress Zendaya, The Hollywood Reporter knows. “I gave her a few lessons. She’s very talented by nature, a real athlete, so she picked it up very quickly.”
Superheroes on the golf course
But Holland may not be the best superhero on the golf course. Ant-Man Quantum Mania star Kathryn Newton also swings a club regularly and also plays with a 6 handicap. Both competed in the Pro-Am of the BMW PGA Championship 2023 in Wentworth, although not in a direct duel. That challenge is still open.
Instead, Holland played a round with Jon Rahm, whom he greatly admires. Face to face, he told the Masters winner how Holland, together with his family, had followed his great Major triumph.
And even when he met Padraig Harrington again two years later, it was clear that the former Ryder Cup captain had not yet forgotten the moment they shared on the 18th green.
The part two Galvin Green collection. (Photo: Galvin Green)
Women golfers seeking the most vibrant outfits for this Autumn can count on the latest collection from premium hi-tech golf apparel brand Galvin Green, with a striking pallete of colours and patterns on offer in every apparel category throughout the extensive line-up. Featuring more than 30 distinctively bold styles, including seven new garments, the 2023 Part Two range has been designed to ensure women golfers can light up the fairways over the cooler months wearing ultra-modern styles that deliver top performance. “Women golfers can expect a superior level of style and sophistication from the incredibly vibrant colourways and patterns on offer in our latest performance-driven collection,” said Product Manager Sofia Ask Klason. “We expect the new designs to be especially popular with those golfers seeking some of the most sustainable, long-lasting garments on the market without compromising on the incredible attention to detail that we take great pride in at Galvin Green,” she added.
The use of responsibly sourced bluesign® approved fabrics confirms the brand’s commitment to minimizing its social and environmental impact, while providing golfers with incredible warmth and comfort whatever the weather.
The new Part Two Fall Collection from Galvin Green
The latest addition to the 100% waterproof jacket range is the AIDA style in GORE TEX fabric with a lightweight mesh lining for added warmth and breathability. The chic design features a two-way front zipper in White to deliver an eye-catching appearance; shaped sleeves and adjustable cuffs for easy movement; plus, an elasticated drawstring at the hem to deliver the perfect fit. The bright Coral/White/Cool Grey option is sure to draw attention for all the right reasons. Available in two other colour combinations, the fully waterproof and windproof jacket can be matched with the lined ANNA pants in a wide range of sizes. Other standout waterproof jackets include the mesh-lined ANYA in a refreshing Blue option; the dashing ALLY style in GORE-TEX Paclite® Stretch fabric in as many as four stylish colourways; plus the ALICE GORE-TEX Paclite® in a vibrant Sugar Coral colour. The versatile LEORA full-zip jacket is the latest addition to the water resistant and windproof INTERFACE™ range. Made from stretch fabric and Thermore® padding to deliver a high warming effect, the jacket features a soft quilted pattern across the front and back of the garment for all-day comfort and an exceptional look. The style is available in three classy colours to ensure it can be worn with several outfits both on and off the golf course. It is joined in the latest outerwear range by the padded LENE gilet constructed from partial stretch bluesign® approved fabric and LARISSA full-zip jacket in four colourways. The three garments are designed to be paired up with the LEVANA INTERFACE-1™ trousers, now available in a new Navy option, to form the ideal outfit for golf in demanding conditions. The eco-generation INSULA™ range of warm mid-layers crafted using recycled polyester from PET plastic bottles is strengthened by the addition of the DARLENA – the brand’s first ever padded Women’s sweater. The soft and stylish garment provides an extremely warm and breathable option for chilly days, while offering a supremely sophisticated look. It is complemented by the introduction of the trendy DAGMAR hoodie with a subtle ‘GG’ logo and slits at the hip to deliver a sporty appearance, while the DONYA V-neck sweater rounds out the new warm options on offer in the INSULA™ range. A marine-inspired combination of the MALENA shirt and matching MABEL skort in the Navy/White/Blue Bell colourway spearheads the VENTIL8™ PLUS range offering top breathability and thermal regulation during the round. Designed using soft and comfortable stretch fabric, the stylish pairing delivers an individual look that will be sure to catch the eye of playing partners. Other top pairings include the popular MELANIE short-sleeve shirt style and smart NICOLE trousers in four matching colour combinations, plus the MEG sleeveless shirt and vivid NESSA skort for warmer days. The highly breathable NICCI leggings are a great option for those seeking a versatile piece that can be worn both on and off the course. The base layer range is comprised of the patterned ELLA shirt in SKINTIGHT™ fresh fabric offering UV 50+ protection for golf in sunny conditions, while the ELAINE shirt and EBBA leggings have been specifically designed to deliver incredible warmth in colder weather.
Harry Kane is not only the most expensive player ever to play in the Bundesliga, but also arguably the best golfer. (Credit. Getty)
Thomas Müller in particular should be extremely pleased about the spectacular transfer of English superstar Harry Kane to FC Bayern. Müller, who is known for his passion for golf, will probably not only provide the perfect templates for the new star striker on the football field in the near future, but will probably also enjoy one or two rounds of golf together with him. With the signing of Harry Kane, FC Bayern has not only gained one of the most outstanding goal scorers of the last ten years, but also brought a virtuoso golfer into the team. With a handicap of 0, Kane even puts the experienced golfer Müller in the shade.
Kane first ventured onto the golf course at the age of six or seven, but his involvement at that time remained rather modest. The true passion for golf only ignited in Kane at the age of 17 or 18. During one summer, he deliberately refrained from travelling and instead devoted himself to golf every day for five weeks. During this period, his handicap dropped from 18 to about 10, and from then on, his enthusiasm for the sport grew inexorably year by year. He began to follow golf on television, with Tiger Woods in particular inspiring him.
Nowadays, Harry Kane presents himself with an impressive handicap of zero. As a member of Wentworth Golf Club as well as Beaverbrook Golf Club in Surrey, he has made two renowned golf courses his sporting home. During his time at Tottenham Hotspurs, he often played with teammate Eric Dier. Now in Munich, he has probably already found a new playing partner in Thomas Müller, who will keep him company on the golf course. Since Müller is also a regular guest at the Pro-Am of the BMW International Open, fans may soon be able to admire Harry Kane’s golf game at the Munich-Eichenried Golf Club.
Golfing with Tiger Woods not a dream for Harry Kane
Harry Kane has already experienced several things in his golf career that remain a lifelong dream for most golfers. In 2017, the Englishman had the honour of playing four holes with golf legend Tiger Woods in the Bahamas, an experience he still looks back on with great pleasure. The list of golf courses on which the striker has already played reads like a poem: Augusta National, St. Andrews Old Course, Kingsbarns, Loch Lomond and many more. So it’s no wonder that golf has become a real passion for Kane.
Kane is well aware of his strengths on the golf course. The 1.88 metre tall attacker cites long tee shots as his greatest weapon and estimates that he can keep up with many professionals in this respect. But power is not his only expertise – his precise short game, especially when chipping, is testament to his remarkable talent. Striving for consistent performance on the golf course is a major driving force for Kane. But unlike on the football pitch, performance and perfection are not the only things that count for the 30-year-old when it comes to golf. For him, it is a way to enjoy the moment, switch off and leave the stress of everyday life behind. While he is on the golf course, he can focus on having a good time without the pressure he might feel on the football field.
In a golf challenge, Harry Kane has even taken on Tommy Fleetwood. A good opportunity to watch the new Bavarian play golf.
In addition to the famous Claret Jug, the winner of the 2023 British Open can also In addition to the famous Claret Jug, the winner of the British Open 2023 can also look forward to three million dollars in prize money. (Source: Getty)
The Champion Golfer of the Year will receive the highest amount in The Open’s history as it returns to the renowned Hoylake links for the 13th time.
The R&A announced that the total prize fund for The Open, played from 16-23 July 2023, will be USD16.5 million, an 18% increase on 2022.
Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said, “Our aim is to ensure The Open remains at the pinnacle of world golf and we have almost doubled the prize fund since 2016. While we are seeing substantial increases in prize money across the men’s professional game, we are fulfilling our wider obligation to the sport by elevating the AIG Women’s Open, strengthening pathways in the elite amateur game and encouraging more people around the world to play golf. We believe that getting this balance right is vital to the long-term future of the sport.”
Place
USD
1
$3,000,000
2
$1,708,000
3
$1,095,000
4
$851,000
5
$684,500
6
$593,000
7
$509,500
8
$429,700
9
$377,000
10
$340,500
11
$310,000
12
$274,700
13
$258,300
14
$241,800
15
$224,800
16
$206,600
17
$196,600
18
$187,500
19
$179,600
20
$171,100
21
$163,100
22
$155,000
23
$146,700
24
$138,500
25
$133,800
26
$128,000
27
$123,300
28
$119,100
29
$113,900
30
$108,000
31
$104,500
32
$99,200
33
$95,700
34
$93,000
35
$89,800
36
$86,200
37
$82,200
38
$78,000
39
$75,200
40
$72,800
41
$69,800
42
$66,400
43
$63,400
44
$59,800
45
$56,400
46
$53,400
47
$51,300
48
$49,300
49
$47,000
50
$45,900
51
$44,900
52
$44,100
53
$43,400
54
$42,800
55
$42,100
56
$41,500
57
$41,100
58
$40,800
59
$40,500
60
$40,200
61
$40,000
62
$39,800
63
$39,600
64
$39,400
65
$39,200
66
$38,900
67
$38,600
68
$38,300
69
$38,000
70
$37,800
Prize Money shall be allocated only to professional golfers.
If more than 70 professional golfers qualify for the final two rounds, additional prize money will be added. Prize money will decrease by USD125 per qualifying place above 70 to a minimum of USD36,550.
Non-qualifiers after two rounds: Leading 10 professional golfers and ties USD12,000; next 20 professional golfers and ties USD10,000; remainder of professional golfers and ties USD8,500.
WINSTONgolf: Everyday life off. Passion on. (Source: Tobias Kuberski)
What do you do when things at work get stressful? I have my own method: There’s always a golf ball in my blazer pocket. If the stress level rises, I put my hand in my pocket, turn the ball between my fingers, close my eyes for a moment and stand on the golf course. That’s the in-between method. The real knockout against deadline pressure and heart palpitations comes after the working day ends. That’s when I get into the car and drive out to WINSTONgolf. At least once a week, and preferably every day. I park the car and switch off daily life when I stop the engine. Time for my passion; golf. I’ve been playing since childhood and I know a few courses. But nowhere is like here. Let’s visit it together. Then I’ll show you why.
WINSTONgolf ambassador Bernhard Langer (Source: Tobias Kuberski)
The Driving Range: How I begin the game
At work I need to be forward-looking. On the driving range, I just look at my ball and am pleased with how well and far it flies. Most of the time, anyway. Here I always experience this wonderful mixture of sporting ambition when teeing off, and contemplation amidst the peace and vastness of the landscape all around me.
Overview golf house, holes 6,9 and 18 and the driving range (Source: Stefan von Stengel)
Today the sun is shining, but I really like to be here in any weather. And now imagine the “clack” of your ball as it takes a wonderful trajectory, and a second ball flies alongside behind it, hit much further and more professionally. You look to see who it was. And suddenly there he is – Bernhard Langer. That’s more or less how I experienced it during the WINSTONgolf Senior Open, where golf legends from all over the world tee off together. But there’s also an opportunity to meet Bernhard Langer here. He has been a WINSTONgolf brand ambassador for many years. And by the way, so has Johannes Veerman. You know him, the likeable player of the DP World Tour. Although I haven’t met him yet.
WINSTONlinks: My “outgrowing myself” course
Phenomenal WINSTONlinks (Source: Stefan von Stengel)
Are you fit for the next round? Then up onto WINSTONlinks and into a real challenge. I must admit it: I failed miserably when I played the course for the first time. Driving into the wind, missing the fairway on the first tee shot, and off into a bunker. But I still felt like a winner. Because this course is also an experience for the eye: Wind-whipped dunes with gorse and sea buckthorn curve up to ten metres high into the distance. Deep sand traps in between, as if from volcanoes. And a buzzard soars in the skies above me. Cranes have also been watching. Maybe they would applaud me if they could. Because by now I’m really good and have mastered this course designed for professionals. No wonder champions love it, and they’ll be spending time on it during the Legends Tour in September. If you’re here for the first time or the next time – go ahead and take its challenge. You’ll find it worthwhile.
Do you love a change as much I do? Then the WINSTONopen course will inspire just as much as WINSTONlinks. Classic, challenging, with well-guarded greens and putting characteristics at their very best. A real championship course. And the view across a masterpiece of nature is included free of charge.
Playing hole 6 of WINSTONopen (Source: Stefan von Stengel)
The quality of the courses is also a masterpiece. As if the greens were pure velvet. It feels great and plays that way too. This carries on through to the WINSTONkranich par 3 course, where I like to hone my short game. It’s a great place to warm up in before playing some really serious golf. Like on the WINSTONlinks, which I’m playing right now – in a happy mood to send the ball straight into the 18th hole.
We made it! And only 5 over par. I really must congratulate myself. Of course, it’s nicer when praise comes from someone else. From my friends, for example, who sometimes accompany me. Or from people I meet by chance on the course, and who love golf as much as I do. They come here from all over, and have a wide variety of tastes. But they are all the same in one respect: they are all relaxed. Especially after a successful round. Or after a good meal. Speaking of which: are you hungry? Then follow me to the clubhouse.
The golfing clubhouse: Open Sesame
Greetings from WINSTONgolf at the clubhouse (Source: Stefan von Stengel)
Off the green and into enjoyment. Although in fact everything here is green. The people here are highly environmentally conscious. Exactly my wavelength. My car, for example, recharges at the e-charging station in front, I scarcely see any plastic, and my mouth waters when I think of my burger with organic meat from Jersey beef directly from the region.
Hello golf clubhouse! Did you ever see such an entrance door? So red and so big, but without making me feel small. And the automatic Open Sesame. The only thing missing is a red carpet. They wave at me from reception and I wave back. We know each other, and I feel at home. Slow down. The hustle and bustle are far away. I’m not surprised that WINSTONgolf has already carried off so many prizes. Certificate here, certificate there. “Golf Post Community Award 2023 – Number 1 in the ‘Course Condition’ category”, and alongside them various first places in different rankings. I feel it’s all in very good taste. Incidentally, also in the choice of my favourite restaurant – the RESTAURANTkranichhaus in the clubhouse.
A relaxed community
Sunset at WINSTONgolf (Source: Stefan von Stengel)
The sun patio is especially popular again today. At least one seat is still free, although there are already three guests sitting at the table. Maybe they were waiting for someone just like me. And lo and behold, I win a triple smile. The trio is from Cologne. A man around 40, well-tanned, chin beard; a woman, similar age, freckled and sympathetic; the woman’s sister, blond plait that wiggles amusingly when she talks. Cheerful Rhineland folk who are up here for the first time, and rave about the romantic wilderness of the north every bit as much as about the WINSTONgolf courses. The husband says they’ve already played them all several times, you can’t tear yourself away from the course, and there’s still so much to discover in Mecklenburg. His wife adds that this is true, and fortunately she, who doesn’t play golf at all, has plenty of time to explore. Her sister, like me, loves variety. The tension of the game during the day and relaxation in the evening.
They have two rooms at Kaarz Castle. Each room has its own style there, and the sister would love to move into a different one every day. And the park with redwood trees – a dream.
Partner hotel Castle Kaarz with Sauna (Source: Stefan von Stengel)
I tell the trio that I often forget time there at weekends, and that there’s a similarly beautiful place right next to the golf course: VORBECK MANOR, WINSTONgolf’s golfing hotel. With a fireplace in the foyer, the rippling river Warnow outside the window and a charming little café called HerzensGUT, which has the most delicious cakes just like my grandmother used to bake.
Golf hotel of WINSTONgolf (Source: Stefan von Stengel)
The woman with the freckles says she knows right away where she’s going tomorrow. Meanwhile, the man lets his gaze wander over the WINSTONopen course in the evening light, watching the last flights coming down the eighteenth hole, and seems to be working up an appetite for tomorrow.
The RESTAURANTkranichhaus: Meets my taste entirely
Dinner at WINSTONgolf at hole 18 of WINSTONopen (Source: Stefan von Stengel)
But for a moment, the delicious evening meal satisfies our appetite. Our table turns into a burger paradise: pulled beef with smoked bacon twice here, ground beef with bacon jam there, and black bean patty with cashew sauce over there. Simply delicious! The 3 Rhinelanders are also delightful, with their well-balanced holiday spirits. Talking about golf or putting the world to rights, we chat a while longer. I often meet people like that here. They simply make time stand still here, enjoy the moment and forget about tomorrow. Just like me. My everyday life seems far away, as if on another planet. Back to work the next day? Never mind. WINSTONgolf is not far away. And just in case, I always have my golf ball in my blazer.
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