Month: January 2021

Categories
LPGA Tour

Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions presented by Insurance Office of America

Gaby Lopez tees off at the final round of the 2020 KPMG Women's PGA Championship (Source: Getty)
Gaby Lopez tees off at the final round of the 2020 KPMG Women's PGA Championship (Source: Getty)

GABY LOPEZ OUT TO DEFEND TITLE AT #DIAMONDLPGA

At the 2020 Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions, Gaby Lopez knocked in a 25-foot birdie putt on the seventh playoff hole to capture her second career LPGA Tour victory. After Inbee Park fell out of the playoff with a bogey on the third hole, Lopez and Nasa Hataoka needed four more holes to decide the victor, waiting overnight to Lopez to capture the win on a chilly Monday morning.  

One year later, the Mexico City native cannot help but have a smile on her face as she looks back to her win, with big hopes of doing it all over again.

“It’s very special to me to be able to come back to Orlando, to be able to come back and share with the celebrities,” said Lopez, who will tee off No. 1 at 9:50 a.m. alongside World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam and two-time DRTOC celebrity winner and MLB Hall of Famer John Smoltz. “I think we have an amazing opportunity to learn from huge minds that we don’t get to ever speak to directly this often.”

This year, Lopez comes to Central Florida in perhaps the best shape of her life. It is a marked difference from 2020, where Lopez competed in the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions battling through chronic neck pain.

“I feel probably the strongest I’ve ever felt in my career, so that’s probably the biggest advantage in me,” said Lopez, who also contracted COVID-19 in July 2020. “So to me, that has been tremendous. To have this year healthy, stronger, and a little faster in my club swing I think is such a blessing as well.”

SOPHIA POPOV A BRIGHT STAR IN A CELEBRITY FIELD

It’s her kind of event. Not only has Sophia Popov never met a stranger, she is the kind of magnetic media starlet who causes other celebrities to stop and pay attention. At the practice area at the Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club on Wednesday, Popov putted for just under an hour, greeting a plethora of MLB stars as if they were old friends, even though she quite clearly had no idea who they were. Then she waited in front of a Golf Channel camera for what seemed like an eternity to do a Golf Today hit with Shane Bacon and Damon Hack. She aced it like a veteran television host, which she has been in her native Germany at various times in her career

Then there was practice, a pretty intense session next to former NBA great Grant Hill who seemed far more starstruck and intimidated by Popov than she did by anything going on around her. Even Larry the Cable Guy riding his pitching wedge like a hobby horse up and down the range couldn’t rattle the 2020 AIG Women’s Open champion. One big infectious smile and she was back at it.

AIG noticed. The multinational insurance company is a Popov sponsor now. Others are on the way.

Personality makes up a big part of her appeal. As she joked in her Wednesday press conference with the media (after the practice and other obligations), “Yeah, so as you can tell, I’m a really anti-social person. I don’t talk a lot at all.” Another huge smile and laugh, the kind that makes you lean in. “No, I talk a lot as it is in regular tournament play – sorry to all my fellow competitors out there; beware.”

BROOKE HENDERSON AIMING TO START NEW WINNING STREAK

Looking purely at the statistics, the Four Seasons Golf and Sports Club Orlando seems to be the perfect set-up for Canadian superstar Brooke Henderson. The nine-time LPGA Tour winner is a combined -20 here over the last two seasons. And while her low scores haven’t yet translated to victory (T4 in 2020 and T6 in 2019), she still loves it when she steps foot on the property.

“It’s just a really great week. It’s a great golf course,” said Henderson. “Just getting to know some of the celebrities and playing with them, they’re really great golfers. It’s just a great way to start the season.”

The 23-year-old has lots to be excited about in her seventh year on Tour, one that will hopefully be more normal when compared to 2020. Henderson has historically played in as many events as she possibly could, absolutely relishing the opportunity to compete. The COVID-19 pandemic altered her plans in 2020, leading her to skip more events than she would have liked. It also ended her streak of consecutive seasons with a win at five. So starting a new winning streak? That’s one of her big priorities for 2021.

“It was a really huge change for me, normally playing almost 30 events to only play 10,” said Henderson. “I’ve sat down with my dad, who is also my coach, and looked through the schedule. It’s hard to say right now, especially with COVID. Hopefully I’ll be able to compete in many more tournaments and hopefully get back on to my winning streak.

(Text: LPGA Press Release)

Categories
European Tour

McIlroy aiming to get the job done in Abu Dhabi

Rory McIlory begins his 2021 season with high ambitions. (Photo: Getty)

Four-time Major Champion Rory McIlroy hopes to continue his strong run of form at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as he starts his 2021 season at the first Rolex Series event of the year.

In ten appearances  the Northern Irishman has finished runner-up three times and third on three further occasions, admitting that he has done “everything but win” around Abu Dhabi Golf Club. The 31-year-old is no stranger to success in the Middle East, claiming four of his 14 European Tour titles in the United Arab Emirates as well as winning the Race to Dubai three times.

McIlroy will begin his campaign in the company of defending champion and reigning European Number One Lee Westwood, and  World Number Three Justin Thomas. The 2017 US PGA Championship winner admits he has been an avid viewer of the tournament in the past as he prepares to make his first appearance in the Middle East.

Former champion Tommy Fleetwood will go in search of a third win in the space of five years at this event. After a near three and a half year wait for his second European Tour title, Fleetwood won the 2017 edition which he then successfully defended the following year. In 2020, he finished runner-up to Westwood.

Rory McIlroy: “It’s good to be back. I started my season in Abu Dhabi from 2008 to 2018 and it’s worked well for me. It’s a golf course I’ve done well at and played well on. I’ve done everything but win here and yeah, I’ll try again and see if I can get the job done.

“I enjoy playing in the desert, this style of golf. Obviously last year was a different year and I really didn’t travel back over this part of the world and play at all. But now with things, it’s still obviously not where we want it to be, but I think we know a little bit more about what’s going on in terms of how the virus is and how it affects you or how it doesn’t affect you in many cases and feel a little more comfortable traveling.

“It’s great to be out here and playing. It’s a great way to start the year. It’s a big event. Got some great players here. Obviously J.T. has made the trip over, as well. The start of our Ryder Cup points starting again, so a lot of guys will want to start well and get themselves off to a fast start in regards to that, too.”

Justin Thomas: “I’m very excited. This is a tournament and a place that I’ve watched on TV many times back home and it’s an unbelievable place. You know, it’s even nicer being on a Troon property for me, a partner that I have and I’m very close with, and it’s an unbelievable course. It’s in immaculate shape.

“It definitely is going to help driving it well. It seems like a course that if you’re driving the ball well, you have the opportunity to make a lot of birdies. The greens are pretty soft and they are in very good shape to where if you put the ball in the right place on the greens, you can make a lot of putts and really go low. That’s kind of been our priority here this week is just figuring out lines, figuring out shots and what I want to hit off the tees.”

Tommy Fleetwood: “I think it’s a great way to start the year. Everybody seems to like coming out to the Middle East just after Christmas and New Year, do some practise, and you come out here and you have some great tournaments to start the year.

“It was never really a course that gave me much pleasure, really. I missed a lot of cuts to start off with and all of the sudden in 2017, things kind of turned around and I started hitting good golf shots around the golf course. I’ve been on a lovely run in this event.”

Text: European Tour Press Release

Categories
Brands

Wilson Announces its Strongest Tour Line-up for 2021

Wilson announces what's in store for their brand in 2021 (Image: Getty)

European Ryder Cup Captain & Major winners in biggest line-up for over a decade

Wilson Golf, the brand with more Major wins with its irons than any other, has announced its strongest Advisory Staff line-up in more than a decade, with three Major winners and several Tour champions playing its latest clubs on a global basis this season.

In total, they boast no fewer than 42 victories between them on the European and PGA Tours.

Three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington, who is set to lead Europe into Ryder Cup battle at Whistling Straits in September, has signed another multi-year deal with Wilson – making it his 23rd year with the brand and one of the game’s longest running partnerships.
Paul Lawrie, the last Scotsman to win The Open Championship in 1999, also continues his long association with Wilson. He is the first Advisory Staff member to switch to the advanced 4-piece Urethane Staff Model ball, which he will play on the PGA Champions and Legends Tours.

Gary Woodland, who captured the US Open title shortly after signing with the brand in 2019, will be playing and promoting Wilson on the PGA Tour with the irons he made famous at
Pebble Beach.

The increasing Wilson presence on the European Tour sees six other players signed to multi-year deals. They include 2018 Nordea Masters Champion Paul Waring, who has played Wilson clubs since 2015 and rose to a career high 66th in the world rankings last year.
Frenchman Benjamin Hebert joined Wilson in 2019 and had a breakthrough season, rising to a world ranking of 89. Last year, he finished T3 in the ISPS Handa UK Championship and earned a top-20 finish in his first WGC event in Mexico.

Swede Joakim Lagergren, a winner during his rookie season with Wilson in 2018, has renewed his contract along with Scotland’s David Law, who also won during his debut season with Wilson clubs at the ISPS Handa Vic Open in Australia in 2019.

Following impressive performances during the 2020 season, Englishmen Richard Mansell and Jack Senior will also continue to play Wilson clubs. Mansell joined Wilson straight from U.S. College and secured a place in the top tier of European golf after finishing fourth on the Challenge Tour Order of Merit. Former Walker Cup player Senior had four top-20 finishes on the European Tour last year after earning his card the year before.

Playing Wilson clubs alongside Gary Woodland on the PGA Tour once again will be Brendan Steele, Kevin Streelman and Kevin Tway, using a mixture of Staff Model irons and wedges carried in the distinctive Wilson red Tour bag.

(Text: Wilson Golf Press Release)

Categories
European Tour

Returning Champion Westwood eager to restart the Race

Westwood taking a winning swing on last year's tour. (Source: Getty)

Reigning Race to Dubai Champion Lee Westwood begins 2021 with the defence of his Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship title this week, and the 47-year-old feels as ready as ever for the challenge ahead in the opening Rolex Series event of the season.

The Englishman kicked off his historic 2020 campaign with the second Rolex Series victory of his career, courtesy of a two-stroke triumph over Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood and Victor Perez at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

That win helped propel Westwood to history, kick-starting a remarkable season which culminated in him becoming the oldest player to be crowned European Tour Number One, at the conclusion of the Race to Dubai almost exactly one month ago. Unsurprisingly, the ten-time Ryder Cup player is brimming with confidence on his return to the Middle East.

The man Westwood dethroned last year, winner of the 2019 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Shane Lowry, is also returning with high hopes. The reigning Open Champion is targeting a return to his best form as the European Points List re-starts in the race for qualification to Padraig Harrington’s 2021 European Ryder Cup team. 

Lee Westwood:  “It’s always good coming back to a tournament and a venue where you’ve won before. You have that little bit of confidence. I played the back nine today. I was walking up on to that 18th green and the last time I was there was when I was winning the tournament last year. It’s always a confidence booster when you come back to somewhere where you’ve won, you’re familiar with and feel like you can score well. Other than the win last year, I’ve had some good performances here. It’s a golf course that sets up well for me.

“I feel good. I came out early to the Middle East to do some pre-season. Can’t do anything at home at the moment because the golf courses are closed, and the weather is no good. 

“My game feels in good shape, I don’t feel like I’ve had much of an off-season. The year finished so late last year and we’ve started early this year. I feel in good shape and driving the ball well and putting feels good. I was saying to Helen this morning that I’ve done everything, I’m getting bored and I wish it was Thursday.”

Shane Lowry:  “I think if I get another win on the board and head to America in September and win the Ryder Cup that’s my goal for the year, to focus on myself and try and get another win on the board soon enough and then hopefully go to Whistling Straits in September and bring back the Ryder Cup to Europe. Obviously I want to make the team but I also want to go out there and win as well, stamp my name on that part of golf.

“Obviously I’ve had some success here in the past, in 2019. I didn’t play here for quite a few years so it was nice to come back that year and then win in my first trip back for a while. I like the tournament and I like the place but I haven’t played a tournament in definitely eight weeks, maybe more.

“The fact that we’re all competing, and we’re here in Abu Dhabi this year with the prize fund gone up a million dollars. It’s incredible what both Tours have done, the European Tour and the PGA Tour, and it’s great to be back playing and doing our jobs, and it has been for around six months now. I’d be fairly optimistic in thinking everything will go ahead, it’s just how much of a level of normality will it be, who knows.”

Text: European Tour Press Release

Categories
European Challenge Tour Live

South African Swing postponed

Christiaan Bezuidenhout tees-off in Sun City at the South African Open in Dec 2020. (Source: Getty)

The European Challenge Tour and the Sunshine Tour today jointly confirmed the postponement of the three co-sanctioned tournaments in South Africa.

Following thorough consultation with the medical teams from both Tours, it has been agreed to reschedule the three co-sanctioned events, that were due to take place in February, until later in the year.

The Challenge Tour’s ‘South African Swing’ will now begin in the week of 22-25 April. An announcement will be made shortly regarding this tournament and its venue. This will be followed by the Cape Town Open at Royal Cape Golf Club from 29 April – 2 May, and then the Dimension Data Pro-Am at Fancourt Golf Estate from 6-9 May.

Jamie Hodges, Head of Challenge Tour, said: “The decision to postpone these events follows consultation with all stakeholders and was made with the health and well-being of all players and staff as our absolute priority. 

“I want to express our thanks to the Sunshine Tour, and each of the tournament venues, sponsors and stakeholders for their flexibility and understanding of this situation. We greatly appreciate our partnership with our friends at the Sunshine Tour and look forward to co-sanctioning the three events later this year.”

Thomas Abt, Sunshine Tour Commissioner, said: “In light of the current worldwide increase in COVID-19 cases and after consultation with our own health experts and GolfRSA and its Risk Mitigation Strategy, we believe it is the most responsible course of action to postpone these tournaments.

“The safety of our members as well as our staff is our primary concern. I’d like to thank the Challenge Tour as well as our own Sunshine Tour Board of Directors and sponsors for their guidance, patience and understanding amidst what remains a very fluid situation for world golf.”

Text: European Tour Press Release, 13/01/2021

Categories
Apparel

Off-Season Beauties: Golf Apparel Tips for Winter

The Off-Season Beauties are for the winter golfing months. There's something for everyone here.
The Off-Season Beauties are for the winter golfing months. There's something for everyone here.

Fancy a golf trip to somewhere warmer? We can forget it for the moment. Wait until mid-March? No way.

As long as we don’t have a Siberian winter and snow is covering the courses, there are absolutely no winter conditions that can stop us from hitting a few balls at the range every now and then or playing a quick 9-hole round.

With a nice warm thermos of tea -or something stronger if you must-, the right clothing and the right partner, it can be quite nice. After all, how else are we going to shift those extra pounds from Christmas?

I’ve selected a few of our favourite winter pieces that will keep you warm and dry – while still looking good. Like always, I’ll bring you the best golf apparel tips while avoiding the brands and labels that you can find in every golf shop, looking beyond the mainstream to the ever-increasing amount of emerging brands that are out there.

Rhoback – The Snow Day Q-Zip

The American brand Rhoback is a brand for clean-cut and timeless styles. They’ve got a good selection of golf clothing and accessories, but also shorts and shirts that seem more like something you’d wear at a California beach. Golf, beach life, surfing, hanging out at the pool – they seem to concentrate their image on the finer things in life. Avoiding large prints, their pieces are fine crafted and designed in a classy, stylish way. However, since we (sadly) don’t all live in the year-round California sunshine they also have pieces designed to keep you warm- without scarfing style. Take this quarter zip sweater for example, which, as they describe, doesn’t affect your swing or handshake. It’s a very nice and warm piece in a quintessentially Nordic design. Available for $ 120 on rhoback.com

Bagjack Golf – Full Zip Quilted Vest

Next up is Bagjack, a Berlin label and a big household names in messenger bags. Their design ethos is uniquely well thought-out, very technical, always lightweight and practical, just like bike couriers like it. The label is very popular in Japan, and a local golf-loving investor teamed up with them to launch Bagjack Golf to not only produce great bags, but also many accessories and practical clothing for our favorite sport- including a lot for the colder days. This padded vest not only keeps you warm, but also offers plenty of pocket depth and options. The stretch material ensures that this piece will not restrict your swing. It’s a little on the expensive side, but trust us, it’s worth every yen. Available for ¥ 43,000 via bagjack-golf.com

Almigos – Nuevo Basic Hoodie

I already introduced Almigos to you in one of our posts last year. A rather small, yet first-rate label from the Californian desert, which inspires many of their designs. Ever since Tyrrell Hatton caused an uproar when he competed in one of their hoodies on the European Tour (and won Surrey), the previously unpopular piece of etiquette-defying clothing should somehow have made it – we live in the 21st century, right? After all, even etiquette hardliners should ease their minds in the off-season, especially when it comes to such a harmless and lovable design as this one. $ 55 on almigosgolf.com

Birdies Double – Knit Golf Hat

There is however one big disadvantage of hoodies: having your hood up while you swing greatly restricts the lateral field of vision and movement. That’s why we might suggest that a classic beanie is definitely the better choice for a companion on cold days. You can’t go wrong with this minimalist piece from the relatively new small golf label from Chicago. It’s got no screaming colors or huge lettering, just a small logo patch on the side, otherwise just restrained, simple, warm and cozy. Get it now for just $15 via birdiesdouble.com

Linksoul – Revolution Gaiter

Another annoying thing about winter: the cold that creeps into your collar. Scarf? No, it’s inconvenient, dangling, often too bulky, and just plain irritating. Turtleneck? Too narrow. Remember the saying: wearing a turtleneck is like being strangled by a really weak guy all day. This neck warmer with the beautiful slogan “Make Par Not War” is the ideal solution. It’ll keep your neck toasty warm without being too tight, and if you need to visit the clubhouse’s restrooms, but you do not have your mask on hand, this one easily covers your mouth and nose. An all-round good choice, even during the pandemic. Order here for € 20 linksoul.com

Birds Of Condor – Breezy Windbreaker

And yes, it’s time to admit: I’m a Birds of Condor fan. The Australians do it best here with this lightweight, hooded windbreaker made of waterproof material comes with three pockets and bags of style. Actually, we I’d even go as far to say that it should never leave your bag- it’s always a good call when the weather suddenly changes on you and it’s too late to turn back. At just under € 70, I can say from experience that this is a bargain and that the Australian brand always delivers super fast and for reasonable shipping prices. For AUD 109.95, it’s yours. Available on birdsofcondor.com

Stitch Golf – Bonesman Umbrella

I’ve been looking for an original Arnie Palmer umbrella for a long time, but this good piece actually does a better job of showing the bad weather what you think of it. It’s also a nice piece of small, on-course rebellion opposing to the same-same and mostly bland umbrellas from more mainstream manufacturers. If this buccaneer design goes a step too far for you, you can use the classic stitch logo design. Get it for $80 at stitchgolf.com

State Apparel – Competition Pant

The next piece was originally developed for golfing below 10°C in the rain. These trousers have inside of the pockets that are made of fabric with the function of a towel. Goodbye wet hands! However, the absolute top-tier feature that makes this piece a must-have is in the leg hem. There is also a second layer of fabric underneath, on which you can wipe your clubs. Normally, nobody would ever really want to do this with their pants, even if it often seems tempting. However, since this second layer disappears under the folded trouser leg, so the mud, wet and grass don’t stick to the leg on the and when entering the clubhouse, all you have to do is simply roll down the hem to look presentable and clean. They are currently priced at $ 205, and are absolutely worth every penny stateapparel.com

Straight Down – Gunner Jacket

This brand from San Louis Obispo has been around for 30 years now, but still hasn’t made it in Europe. The Gunner Jacket is extremely light, folds up to a conveniently small size and still keeps you warm thanks to its fluffy lining. It’s available in three different colors for $ 134 at straightdown.com

Cut Made Club – Hazard Camo Windbreaker

Finally, another fresh label from Europe! Cut Made Club, a brand new label from Sweden willing to bring the street style to the fairways with clean looks just released its first collection a few weeks ago. It’s currently still a limited range, but definitely promising in appearance. In addition to fleece jackets, shirts, sweaters, long-sleeved polos, caps, bucket hats and socks to match this camouflaged windbreaker are also available. So you better watch out you don’t get lost out there of the fairway! Get it for € 101.95 at cutmade.club

Categories
LPGA Tour

LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan to Step Down in 2021

Mike Whan leaves LPGA following record performance in 2020 (Source: Getty)

“One of the hardest jobs of a leader is to know when their work is done”

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 6, 2021 – After completing his 11th year as LPGA Commissioner, Mike Whan has notified the LPGA Board of Directors that he has made the difficult decision to transition out of the LPGA in 2021. While no firm date has been set for his departure, this announcement begins the start of a thorough and thoughtful Commissioner succession process.

Whan shared his decision today with LPGA staff, Members and sponsors in the attached letter, including the following messages:

“When I first joined the LPGA, I told the Board it would be a four-year term, giving me time to help the organization achieve its immediate goals. Now, as the longest-serving LPGA Commissioner, I look back on these 11 years with enormous pride and satisfaction at what we’ve accomplished together to provide opportunities for women to achieve their dreams in golf.

“You may be wondering why I’ve made the decision to step down – and why now? In many ways, this past year – with all the pandemic challenges – was also the LPGA’s most triumphant. We are entering 2021 on a wave of momentum – a strong schedule with record purses, new events/sponsors, double-digit viewership growth, and a talented team that demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience and capability to lead through challenging times.

“I simply wouldn’t leave the LPGA if I thought the future was uncertain or not trending straight up. In fact, even after the challenges we faced in 2020, the LPGA has NEVER been more financially secure, deeper in leadership talent, or more anchored by passionate, diverse sponsors from all around the world. The LPGA is poised for even greater heights; and as such, I’m excited to hand the baton to the next leader and become their biggest supporter.

“One of the hardest jobs of a leader is to know when their work is done. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught me anything, it was that the LPGA executive staff has full control of our business and is capable of incredible things. We have leaders who are visionary, compassionate, collaborative and humble. You may not agree with every decision they make, but they have led our Tours to new heights virtually every year.”

LPGA Board Chair Diane Gulyas said, “Mike Whan has been a transformational leader of the LPGA and we’ve been fortunate to retain him for 11 years. When he told of me of his intention to step down this year, I had two reactions: First, can we persuade him to stay? And, when that wasn’t possible, to fully respect his decision and begin a seamless transition.

“Mike’s leadership legacy will be felt for years: in the LPGA’s financial strength and value proposition; in its global reach; in the breadth of programs and services it now offers for women and girls in golf; and in the diversity and quality of companies wanting to partner with the LPGA. He has effectively guided the LPGA through a range of economic cycles and challenges, including the COVID 19 pandemic. And, he has been the voice of our Association and its commitment to opportunities for women in golf.”

“Mike has absolutely been the right leader at the right time,” said Vicki Goetze-Ackerman, the LPGA Tour’s Player President. “He rebuilt the Tour – and then reimagined its future – by bringing new events, new sponsors and a new value proposition around diversity and inclusion to the LPGA. He has that rare ability to get people of all ages and backgrounds excited and on board with his vision. We’re grateful for his leadership over these 11 years and know he’ll remain an advocate for the LPGA long after he departs.”

Marvol Barnard, President of the LPGA’s 1,800 teaching Professionals, said, “When Mike joined the LPGA in 2010, we were essentially a Tour and a Teaching division. Today, we are a bigger, broader, integrated organization dedicated to women in golf of all ages and abilities. Mike will always be an incredibly important person in the history of the LPGA Professionals, and we will always be grateful for his leadership, vision and guidance.”

Gulyas said the Board will establish a Commissioner Selection and Transition Committee and consider candidates from the LPGA’s talented executive staff as well from outside the organization. “It’s clear the LPGA today is a very different Association than the one Mike joined in 2010,” said Gulyas. “Our commitment to the LPGA – and all of our stakeholders – is to find the right leader to guide the Association through this next chapter in its storied history. 

“We are so grateful for Mike’s passion and leadership of the LPGA over more than a decade of service as our Commissioner. He will leave the LPGA well positioned for continued success, with an outstanding team of leaders and a strong and sustained culture – Act Like A Founder – that will endure for years to come.”    

(Text: LPGA Press Release 06/01/2021)

Categories
Panorama

Tokyo Olympics 2021: (Still) a Good Idea?

The state of the Tokyo Summer Olympics is still uncertain. (Source: Getty)
The state of the Tokyo Summer Olympics is still uncertain. (Source: Getty)

Financial concerns are mounting as the Tokyo Olympic Games -postponed due to the pandemic- is now among the most over budget Olympic Games of all time. But what does this mean for golf?

Yet another consequence of the ongoing pandemic is the ever dwindling prospect of a business-as-usual (whatever that means) Tokyo Summer Olympics. The games were postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic and official sources estimated this has set the country’s Olympic preparations back $7.2B at the time of writing.

One year on: is it really still worth it?

Then prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced in late March 2020, after many countries had entered a full or partial lockdown, that the Games will be postponed until 2021. Since then, the estimated budget has reached an alarmingly unexpected high, with initial estimates of the total cost of the delay ranging from only $2B to $6B.

According to Safebettingsites, the postponement of the games has become a source of tension between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Japanese government, with both sides disagreed on who will foot the bill for the delay.

In recent years, the financial burden of hosting the Summer Olympics has cast an inescapable shadow on the event’s marketability to the countries who compete to host them. On top of this, with the pandemic affecting more people around the world than ever before, many in Japan are starting to ask whether the Tokyo Olympics should take place at all.

Should the games still go ahead in 2021?

If you were to ask someone from Japan, their answer may very well be no.

The pandemic continues to fan the flames of uncertainty in many aspects of our daily lives. In Japan, like in many countries, the daily death toll reached an all time high at the end of December.

With this uncertainty in mind, it may not be surprising that according to Safebetttingsites, a survey of 1000+ Japanese participants, conducted in August, found that 70% of respondents believed that the event should be postponed further, or in some cases (33.7%) outright cancelled.

What does this mean for golf?

2020 would have been only the second chance in recent history to see golf played at the Olympics. The most recent Summer Olympics in Brazil saw 120 players from 41 nations, including Justin Rose (GB) and Henrik Stenson (Sweden), play at the Olympic golf course in Rio de Janeiro. Before 2016, the last Olympic tee-off was in 1904 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Sadly, we missed out on the chance to relive the excitement of the 2016 games in 2020. However, the good news for golf fans is that even in the event of an outright cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics, the pandemic has so far not had such a noticeable impact on much of the global professional calendar for 2021, with the PGA Tour starting again on Friday (08/01).

While the near future of the Olympics doesn’t look good for spectators or organisers, golf fans are lucky enough to still have plenty to look forward to in the upcoming year.