Month: November 2021

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European Tour PGA Tour Top Tours

McIlroy commits to Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic 2022

Rory McIlroy commits to Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic.(Getty Images)

Four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy is returning to Emirates Golf Club in January 2022 in a bid to win his third Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic title. McIlroy will be looking to add to his impressive record in Dubai. This will be the second Rolex Series event of the 2022 DP World Tour season.

The Northern Irishman returns at the event for the first time since 2018. Then, he came close to adding to the titles he won in 2009 and 2015. McIlroy finished just one shot behind winner Li Haotong. Rory has an enviable record over the Majlis Course with a further six top-ten finishes in 11 previous appearances.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed many memorable moments in Dubai throughout his illustrious career, winning the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in 2012 and 2015. Furthermore, he topped the season-long DP World Rankings three times – in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

McIlroy adds further star power to an elite field at the 2022 Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic, which includes World Number Two and newly-crowned DP World Rankings winner Collin Morikawa. Also, fellow Major winner and 2017 Dubai Desert Classic winner Sergio Garcia, and defending champion Paul Casey.

About the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic

Slync.io, the logistics technology provider that is revolutionising the way global logistics works, will debut its new title partnership of the iconic event in 2022. This is also the first year the Dubai Desert Classic will climb up to Rolex Series status. Therefore, the event becomes part of the DP World Tour’s premium series of events.

The 2022 Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic will be the second of back-to-back Rolex Series events in the region, following the season-opener in Abu Dhabi. These tournaments in January form part of the traditional ‘Desert Swing’ and attract the sport’s leading players.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to Emirates Golf Club for the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic in 2022.” – McIlroy.

“I have so many wonderful memories from playing in Dubai over the years, and particularly over the Majlis Course. I’ve been able to win twice there. I look forward to coming back to Dubai and aiming to get my hands on that incredible trophy again.”

“As a fan of golf, it’s important that we bring a field that other fans will enjoy.” – Chris Kirchner, Chairman and CEO of Slync.io stated. “Rory is one of my favourite players. I’m thrilled to have him as part of the inaugural title partnership for Slync.io.”

Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic Executive Board welcome their new star McIlroy

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director, Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic, added: “The addition of Rory McIlroy to an already strong field emphasises the pedigree of this golf tournament. As one of the most talented golfers in the world, he brings plenty of energy and excitement to the historic event. We look forward to seeing Rory battle it out with Collin Morikawa, Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey and others in a truly world-class field at this year’s event.”

Organisers confirmed that general entry to the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic will be free to all over the four days. Corkill continued: “With the UAE set to celebrate its Golden Jubilee… We are delighted to announce that entry will be free for everyone over the duration of the tournament.”

“We made the decision in recognition of this special moment in the UAE’s history. While also giving something back to sports fans near and far. What better way to celebrate than through a truly global sporting event which everyone can enjoy.”

A little bit of history about it…

Founded in 1989, some of golf’s greatest names won the event. Including Major Champions Seve Ballesteros, Ernie Els, Fred Couples, and Jose Maria Olazábal. Also, Mark O’Meara, Tiger Woods, Henrik Stenson, Rory McIlroy, Danny Willett, Sergio Garcia and Bryson DeChambeau.

The winner’s circle over the past 32 years has also featured Ryder Cup stars. Mark James, the inaugural champion in 1989, Eamonn Darcy, Colin Montgomerie, David Howell, Thomas Bjørn, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Rafa Cabrera Bello and Stephen Gallacher.

The tournament is now set for an even brighter future with the support of Slync.io and Rolex.

Grab your tickets to the event today at www.slyncdubaidesertclassic.com

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PGA Tour Top Tours

Tiger Woods feels ready to ramp up for a few PGA Tour events in the future

The golf fanatics keep up with the news that relate to what happens on and off the course. Luckly, October and November brought some happiness not only to the golf fans, but to all the sport lovers. Beginning of October, Tiger Woods was first spotted without a walker after his terrible car accident back in February. Woods has one of the greatest reputations as an athlete and people claim to see him back in action on the golf course.

The recovery progress was always upward and recently, Tiger surprised his Instagram followers by showing himself making a full swing with his club for the first time since the accident. Tiger swinging a short iron to its fullest fueled significant hype and speculation on a return. However, reality goes one step ahead and it often doesn’t match the popular desires.

No reason not to prepare for a few events in the future.

GolfDigest had the opportunity to interview with him and ask him about his future golf career. The popular opinion tended to be optimist but not so much. Many thought that the professional career of The Goat was over, but at the same time all wished otherwise. Tiger Woods announced the exclusive that it would be realistic to think that he could return to compete on the PGA Tour, but on a part-time basis.

The 15-time major winner has previously proved his stregnth by overcoming several back and knee injuries before. Woods stood back up every time after falling, and the American star will not give up now. However, Woods just confirmed that he is taking his foot off the gas in the future and will not attempt to play golf full time ever again.

How Tiger Woods faces the next phases

Practicing correctly is key after the accident. Tiger Woods sees the light at the end of the tunnel, he has come off surgeries before and why not returning to the field once again: “I’ve come off long layoffs and I’ve won or I’ve come close to winning before. I just gotta get to a point where I feel comfortable enough where I can do that again.” – Tiger states in the PGA Press Conference.

The professional golfer knows that there is still a long way ahead to reach full recover. Nevertheless, Woods feels happy to see his unstoppable progress. Although, his physical shape has exponentially improved, he might not be tournament sharp in the sense of he hadn’t played tournaments, but a right practice plan could drive him back to the part-time competition.

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Una publicación compartida de PGA TOUR (@pgatour)

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Ladies European Tour Ladies Tours Live

LET Tour: Andalucia Spanish Open was a must to watch – Carlota Ciganda wins at home

The European ladies did it again! They proved once more that women’s golf can get as wild as the men events. Hundreds of people witnessed the Andalucia Spanish Open, and surrounded the fairways of Los Naranjos Golf Course, following their favorite players. The Spanish Open doubled its money prize from the previous year in 2019. The winner, Carlota Ciganda (ESP) pocketed a total of 90,000€. Ciganda started with a round of 70(-2), but she never let the guard down. The Spaniard shot rounds of (70-66-70-67) and took the trophy home with a total of 15-under par, finishing with a birdie on Hole 18 and having all the eyes on her.

Head Vs. Heart.

Carlota Ciganda feels loved at home but always returns to the LPGA Tour.

The Ladies European Tour struggles to offer high monetary rewards due to the lack of external support. The audience increased a little more since LPGA players take part in the Saudi Arabia events in New York that are part of the LET Tour. The sponsorships also reflect the big gap between LET Tour and LPGA.

The women players in Europe find it harder to find sponsors than the American players. The winner, Carlota Ciganda studied in the United States, and as much as she loves her country and to play for Spain, Ciganda remains in the LPGA leaderboards because of the economic benefits, among other things.

The leading players overcame all obstacles to finish on a high note.

Los Naranjos welcomed us with sunny days but yet some strong wind came through during the third round specially. Not to mention the perfomance of one of the referees towards the leading group. He made the time the protagonist instead of the players. Regardless, the scores didn’t show much red numbers except for Jessica Karlsson(SWE) who shot 68(-4), the best Scandinavian score of the day.

The last round started off calm and steady, until the wind picked up again half way through. However, the players faced it as what they are, professionals. Ursula Wikstrom(FIN) played in the second to last group fighting for the podium. Wikstrom had a strong long-distance game throughout the tournament, however her putting was not on her side and it hurt the scores by few strokes. The Finnish golfer finished 4-under par for a 7th position.

The Swedish, Maja Stark was 5-under par after round three, and she slipped into the leading group of the Andalucia Spanish Open. Stark was only 1 shot ahead from the fourth player, the Spaniard Fatima Fernandez Cano. At the end, Stark sped up and finished with a total of -11, only four shots behind the lead, and a 3-shot advantage over the third position. The Spaniard, Fatima finished strong in a 4th place after a great performance. She recently earned the LPGA card, but yet Cano behaves as if she had been competing in the Main Tour for many years now.

Ladies European Tour Andalucia Costa del Sol – Open de España
Course Los Naranjos Golf Club Malaga, Spain
Prize Money 600,000€
Defending Champion Carlota Ciganda (ESP)
Focus players Alice Hewson, Felicity Johnson, Gabriella Cowley, Hannah Burke, Maja Stark, Ursula Wikstrom
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Una publicación compartida de Maja Stark (@majastark1)

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European Tour

JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE SUNSHINE TOUR AND THE DP WORLD TOUR

The DP World Tour in South Africa (Photo: Getty)
The DP World Tour in South Africa (Photo: Getty)

The Sunshine Tour and DP World Tour today announced changes to the current Summer Swing of co-sanctioned tournaments in South Africa as a result of the country being placed on the travel red list of several countries following concerns around a new COVID-19 variant, and the effect this will have on the participation of professional golfers.

The Joburg Open, currently being played at Randpark Golf Club, will go ahead as planned and will finish on Sunday as scheduled as a full co-sanctioned tournament between the two tours.

The South African Open Championship, set to be played at the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City from 2-5 December, will also still be played as scheduled. However, it will go ahead as a solely Sunshine Tour event with a prize fund of US$500 000.

The Alfred Dunhill Championship, which was scheduled to be played at Leopard Creek Country Club from 9-12 December, has after lengthy consultations with Alfred Dunhill, unfortunately been cancelled due to the adverse effect the travel restrictions will have on the field.

(Text: DP World Tour)

Categories
Equipment

Brooks Koepka is off the market and joins Srixon/Cleveland-Team

Brooks Koepka signs equipment-deal with Srixon/Cleveland. (Photo: Getty)
Brooks Koepka signs equipment-deal with Srixon/Cleveland. (Photo: Getty)

Brooks Koepka, one of the world’s top golfers is off the equipment market. After five-plus-years without an equipment-sponsor “Brooksy” joins the Srixon/Cleveland-Team just a week before “The Match” against his nemesis Bryson DeChambeau. After Nike stopped their club production in 2016 Brooks Koepka, a four-time-major-champion was a wanted man. Just like his former Nike-colleagues Rory McIlroy or Tiger Woods, who quickly joined other Brands. The signing was teased by Srixon in a highly cryptical Twitter post earlier this week.

Brooks Koepka is in good company

Koepka joins Masters Champion Hideki Matsuyama, Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell in the Srixon staff. “I’ve been an equipment free agent for the past few years,” Koepka said in a release, “so it will be fun to be involved with a company on a daily basis and be able to contribute to the development of their future equipment.”

He starts his Srixon/Cleveland journey with the Srixon ZX5 driver, ZX7 irons and Cleveland RTX ZipCore Tour Rack wedges. Along with the Prototype of a new Srixon golf ball, the Srixon Z-Star. He will carry a Srixon Tour Staff bag as well, known for being one of the biggest marketing spots for tour pros. Other than that, there is no more information about Koepka’s future paychecks and financial details.

Srixon’s vice president Rodney McDonald said, “We’re extremely proud to have Brooks come on board as our newest staff member.” He goes on, “Brooks is one of the best players in the world and brings his major championship pedigree and validation to our brands. We’re excited for Brooks to join the Srixon and Cleveland Golf family and look forward to supporting him out on tour.”

Not so big changes for Brooks Koepka

Although Koepka needs to get along with a new driver, new wedges and a completely new golf ball he is comfortable using the ZX7 irons. He started playing these in January and got along quickly, proving the equipment decision right by winning the Phoenix Open 2021 two weeks later.

Categories
PGA Tour

BMW announces five-year agreement with the PGA TOUR and Western Golf Association

BMW wants to remain title sponsor of the BMW Championship. (Photo: BMW Group)

The BMW Championship will continue as the penultimate tournament in the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup Playoffs, featuring 70 of the world’s best players competing for the 30 places at the season-ending TOUR Championship. Before BMW came on board as title sponsor, the tournament was known as the Western Open and was first held in 1899, making it one of the longest-running events on the PGA TOUR.

BMW Championship supports Evans Scholar Foundation with millions of dollars

“For the past 15 years, we have worked with our partners at the PGA TOUR and the Western Golf Association to host the top 70 players in the world at what has become one of the best, and most exciting events on the golf calendar,” said Sebastian Mackensen, president and CEO, BMW of North America. “The BMW Championship is not only a great way to showcase our brand and engage customers, but also a wonderful opportunity to raise money for the Evans Scholars Foundation and help so many young students to follow their dreams.”

Each year, proceeds from the BMW Championship benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation, which provides full tuition and housing scholarships for hard-working young caddies. Over the past 15 years, the BMW Championship has raised more than $40 million on behalf of the Evans Scholars Foundation and has helped send more than 3,000 students to college. This academic year, a record 1,070 caddies are attending 21 major colleges and universities on Evans Scholarships.

“Since 2007, BMW has been our valued partner and a steadfast supporter of both our championships and the Evans Scholars Foundation,” said John Kaczkowski, WGA president and CEO. “As title sponsor, BMW has fully embraced our mission, helping us transform the Evans Scholars Foundation into a truly national program. We’re excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue working together to change the lives of youth caddies nationwide.”

PGA Tour don’t want to miss the support of BMW

PGA TOUR commissioner Jay Monahan added: “We would like to express our sincere thanks to BMW for their continued support of the PGA TOUR and the Western Golf Association through 2027. The BMW Championship played an incredibly impactful role in launching the FedExCup in 2007 and BMW’s commitment to presenting a best-in-class event each year continues to elevate the FedExCup Playoffs.”

By extending its role as the title sponsor of the BMW Championship, BMW also strengthens its worldwide commitment to the sport of golf. This year, the company was Worldwide Partner of the Ryder Cup for the first time, and BMW will continue in this role when Marco Simone Golf & Country Club (Rome, Italy) hosts the Ryder Cup in 2023. The premium automobile manufacturer will also continue to organise the BMW International Open in Munich (Germany), and remains title sponsor of the BMW PGA Championship in London (England) and the BMW Ladies Championship in Busan (South Korea).

Categories
European Tour

New ISPS HANDA – CHAMPIONSHIP becomes first DP World Tour Event in Japan

The ISPS HANDA - Championship is going to be on the PGM Ishioka Golf Club. (Photo: DP World Tour)

The tournament – which will be played at PGM Ishioka Golf Club in Omitama from April 21-24, 2022 – will be the first regular tournament in history to be co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the Japan Golf Tour. Previously, the only event on Japanese soil to feature on the DP World Tour schedule was the Olympic Men’s Golf Competition at Kasumigaseki Country Club in Saitama last summer.

The vision of the ISPS HANDA-Championship

The 2022 ISPS HANDA – CHAMPIONSHIP will have a US$2 million prize fund and is the first event in a three-year agreement. It also deepens the European Tour group’s long-standing relationship with ISPS HANDA, the organisation founded by Japanese philanthropist Dr Haruhisa Handa in the belief that sport has the power to inspire, transform, and unite people and communities across social, racial and socio-economic barriers.

Keith Pelley, European Tour group Chief Executive, said: “The DP World Tour is a global tour and, as a result, we relish opportunities such as this to break new ground; in the process creating exciting golf tournaments for our fans worldwide and wonderful opportunities for our players and stakeholders alike. We recognise the continued vision and commitment of Dr Handa himself and thank everyone at ISPS HANDA for once again partnering with us, while we also welcome our new partners at the Japan Golf Tour. The ISPS HANDA Vic Open in Australia was the first ever tournament for men and women with an equal purse, a commitment to equality that we furthered with the ISPS HANDA World Invitational in Northern Ireland this year, which, co-sanctioned between the DP World Tour, LPGA, and Ladies European Tour, not only offered equal prize money to both men and women, but also hosted a disability golf tournament in tandem.”

Founder and Chairman of ISPS HANDA is proud and looking forward

Dr Haruhisa Handa, Founder and Chairman of ISPS HANDA, said: “ISPS HANDA is honoured and proud to be title sponsor of the first ever DP World Tour and Japan Golf Tour co-sanctioned event, and my sincere thanks go to the CEO of the European Tour group, Keith Pelley, and his team, and also to Chairman Isao Aoki and his team at the JGTO. ISPS HANDA has deepened its partnership with many tours around the world, but our relationship with the DP World Tour has become special in that we share the passion of using the power of sport in pioneering many ground breaking initiatives. We are excited to bring this partnership now to Japan, where we feel that our shared goals and visions in the power of sport will make a difference in my own country and beyond.”

Isao Aoki sees a great opportunity for the Japanese golf

Isao Aoki, Chairman, Japan Golf Tour Organization, said: “I am very happy that we will be able to hold a co-sanctioned tournament with the DP World Tour in April 2022, which was our long-cherished desire, and we can’t wait to hold it from now on. I am deeply grateful to the International Sports Promotion Society for their full support of the tournament. This is the first time a tournament which is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour has been held on Japanese soil, which the JGTO, all of our stakeholders, and golf fans in Japan have been waiting for. I am sure that the skill of the players who compete on the DP World Tour will not only attract Japanese golf fans but also stimulate the members of the Japan Golf Tour. On the other hand, the members of the Japan Golf Tour will have a great opportunity to perform in front of the world with this tournament as a foothold, and I’m sure our members will take advantage of this opportunity as much as possible. We are making various preparations for this great event in six months – please stay tuned.”

(Text: DP World Tour)

Categories
European Tour Live LPGA Tour PGA Tour Top Tours

Weekend Recap: Scandinavians left their footprint at the European Tour Grand Final.

Alexander Bjork of Sweden with his caddie Erik Frost at the 12th hole during Day Four of The DP World Tour Championship 2021(Getty)

PGA Tour: RSM Classic

The RSM Classic took place in Georgia, at the Sea Island Seaside Course. The tournament ended on Sunday, 21st of November 2021. The RSM is part of the PGA Tour in the season 2022. All players competed for a total prize money of 7,2 Mio. US-Dollar.

Justin Rose (T12)

As it was mentioned in the previews, the appearance of European Tour players in the PGA event is less notorious that in the previous tournaments. The Scandinavian were equally unlucky and neither one of them four made the cut last weekend at the RMS Classic. However, they have one last opportunity to make up for it next weekend at the Hero World Challenge, hosted by Tiger Woods.

PGA Tour RSM Classic
Course Sea Island Seaside Course Georgia, USA
Prize Money $7,200,000
Champion Talor Gooch
Scandinavian players Henrik Norlander(CUT), Alex Noren(CUT), Ludvig Aberg(CUT), Jonas Blixt(CUT)

LPGA Tour: CME Group Tour Championship

The LPGA is over! The CME Group Tour Championship meant the end of the season for the women. Tiburon Golf Club – Gold Course hosted the last event of the LPGA calendar for the year. The season reached its end, and it is time to reconnect from the scratch to a better season next year.

From Sweden, Nordqvistand together with Nanna Koerstz Madsen, from Denmark finished with a total of 14-under par to tie at T12. Madelene Sagström closed the LPGA season with a total of 11-under par to finish T22. The women kept the excitement throughout the weekend. Unluckly, the last event wasn’t the best of the year for the Scandinavian. “Well, I’m just really happy with my season, being in contention, really in contention down 18, so I’ve learned a lot that year that I can take on to next year..” – Madsen explains.

LPGA Tour CME Group Tour Championship
Course Tiburon Golf Club – Gold Course
Prize Money $5,000,000
Champion Jin Young Ko
Scandinavian players Anna Nordqvistand(T12), Nanna Koerstz Madsen(T12), Madelene Sagström(T22), Matilda Castren(T55)

European Tour: DP World Tour Championship

It’s a wrap! The European Tour celebrated the Race to Dubai Grand Final at the georgeous golf course of Jumeirah Golf Estates – Earth Course, in Dubai. This time, only the Top 50 of the Race to Dubai Rankings competed at the Final.

Alexander Björk (T2)

The Swedishman Alexander Björk finished T2, while Collin Morikawa made history becoming the first American to win the European Tour’s season-long contest. Björk was in a good possible winning position coming into the last day. However, the fourth round didn’t go with his will. The Swedish golfer missed some putts that placed him 3 shots behind the leader at the end.

Nicolai Hojgaard (T4) & Joachim B. Hansen (T9)

Next from Denmark on the leaderboard was Nicolai Hojgaard. With rounds of (68-71-69-67), Hojgaard finished T4, only 4 shots from the leader. After a second round of 1-under par, the Danish golfer caught up the pace and played some good consistent golf during the last two days. His mate, Joachim Hansen finished with a round of even-par, a little harmful to his final position, but that’s golf. What matters the most is that both of the Danish golfers are playing some solid golf, and now it is time to reconnect and set the new goals for next season.

EU Tour DP World Tour Championship
Course Jumeirah Golf Estates – Earth Course Dubai, UAE
Prize Money $9,000,000
Champion Collin Morikawa
Scandinavian players Alexander Björk(T2), Nicolai Hojgaard(T4), Joachim B. Hansen(T9), Jeff Winther(T21), Rasmus Højgaard(T27), Joakim Lagergren(T27), Tapio Pulkkanen(T52)

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European Tour Ladies Tours Live LPGA Tour PGA Tour Top Tours

British Weekend Recap: Matt Fitzpatrick and Charley Hull gave it all at the European and LPGA Tour.

Matthew Fitzpatrick of England and his caddie Billy Foster walk off the 18th green during Day Four of The DP World Tour Championship 2021(Getty)

PGA Tour: RSM Classic

The RSM Classic took place in Georgia, at the Sea Island Seaside Course. The tournament ended on Sunday, 21st of November 2021. The RSM is part of the PGA Tour in the season 2022. All players competing for a total prize money of 7,2 Mio. US-Dollar.

Justin Rose (T12)

As it was mentioned in the previews, the appearance of European Tour players in the PGA event is less notorious that in the previous tournaments. Justin Rose started off strong, shooting a first round of 5-under par at the RMS Classic.

Rose completed a second day free of bogeys, but two birdies were not enough to climb in the leaderboard as much as he expected. After the third round, Justin Rose fell some positions. However, that did not stop the Englishman to give it all during the last day, when Rose made a comeback with 5-under par to finish T12.

Aaron Rai (T16)

Aaron Rai played four consistent rounds of (68-67-68-68) for a tota of 11-under par, only one stroke behind Justin Rose. Nevertheless, golf is the way it is, and one shot makes a big difference. Rai finished the RMS Classic in a T16 position.

David Skinns (T29)

Our third best golfer from England was David Skinns. Skinns began with a top free-bogey round of 6-under par, and followed up with a good second day of 3-under par. The last two rounds did not come along well and Skinns dropped some positions in the leaderboard. The Englishman finished T29 with a total of -8.

Luke Donald and Callum Tarren did not make the cut last weekend. They have one last opportunity to make up for it next weekend at the Hero World Challenge, hosted by Tiger Woods.

PGA Tour RSM Classic
Course Sea Island Seaside Course Georgia, USA
Prize Money $7,200,000
Champion Talor Gooch
English players Luke Donald, Callum Tarren, David Skinns, Matt Wallace, Justin Rose, Aaron Rai

LPGA Tour: CME Group Tour Championship

The LPGA is over! The CME Group Tour Championship meant the end of the season for the women. Tiburon Golf Club – Gold Course hosted the last event of the LPGA calendar for the year.

Charley Hull (T15)

Our English golfers kept the excitement throughout the weekend. When the hard work was not showing up as it should, Charley Hull made a 180 degree turn. Hull was even-par after the second round, but giving up was never an option. The English lady re-emerged to finish T15 with an incredible last round of 8-under par, eagle included. Now, it is time to have some rest and set the goals for the upcoming year. “Just sometimes struggle in my rounds, but, yeah, good form going on to next year.” – Hull explains.

Georgia Hall (T24)

On the other hand, Georgia Hall struggled to save the pars. Hall finished T24 with a total of 10-under par. Hall sinked some middle-long putts for birdies, but yet that was not enough to catch up with the top leaderboard. From the amount of bogeys, her long game was not at its finest, and the English golfer found some difficulties to make up & down successfully. The season reached its end, and it is time to reconnect from the scratch to a better season next year.

LPGA Tour CME Group Tour Championship
Course Tiburon Golf Club – Gold Course
Prize Money $5,000,000
Champion Jin Young Ko
English players Georgia Hall, Charley Hull

European Tour: DP World Tour Championship

It’s a wrap! The European Tour celebrated the Race to Dubai Grand Final at the georgeous golf course of Jumeirah Golf Estates – Earth Course, in Dubai. This time, only the Top 50 of the Race to Dubai Rankings competed at the Final.

Matt Fitzpatrick (T2)

The Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick finished T2, while Collin Morikawa made history becoming the first American to win the European Tour’s season-long contest. Fitzpatrick tied the last round with Morikawa with a round of 6-under par. Unlucky to the Englishman, that was not enough to defend Champion, and Fitzpatrick stayed 3 shots behind the leader at the end. ” I was really pleased with the way I played and it was nice to make some putts compared to the first couple days.” – Fitzpatrick explains.

Ian Poulter (T6)

Next from England on the leaderboard was Ian Poulter. With a total of 12-under par, Poulter finished T6, only 5 shots from the leader. After an opening round of 1-over par, the English golfer caught up the pace and played some good consistent golf during the last three days.

Other English players within Top 20

Paul Casey and Sam Horsfield tied at T9 with a total of 11-under par. Neither one of them had it easy last weekend, but they fought like warriors. Nevertheless, Casey played very consistent, while Horsfield dropped some positions after the last day. Marcus Armitage and Tyrrell Hatton struggled to hole in more putts, and finished T16 with a total of 9-under par.

EU Tour DP World Tour Championship
Course Jumeirah Golf Estates – Earth Course Dubai, UAE
Prize Money $9,000,000
Champion Collin Morikawa
English players James Morrison, Sam Horsfield, Marcus Armitage, Ian Poulter, Danny Willett, Laurie Canter, Tommy Fleetwood, Richard Bland, Paul Casey, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton

Categories
PGA Tour

Tiger Woods swings a club for the first time after the accident – The GOAT is back at it

Tiger Woods shares a video swinging again after the car accident

In early November, Tiger Woods ditched the crutches and popped up walking in LA. Still struggling to walk steadily, Woods took one step after another slowly but shortly. The scenes of the 82-time PGA winner moving without physical assistance already had the crowd cheering. The big news brought a little hope, proving that the legend is not yet finished giving us his magic.

Giving up was never an option.

However, the situation went beyond the unthinkable at this point, when Tiger shared yesterday through his social networks, that he has once again picked up a golf club to do what dazzled all of us golf fans, his swing.The compression sleve remains on to protect from any sudden move, and to provide some more stability. Also, it probably also helps to hide any scars left from the surgical procedures.

Tiger calls for calm and fully swings putting his full weight on both legs. The video shows a short club, not longer than a 8-iron. Woods’s caption is short and to the point: “Making progress.” The rhythm of his swing could trick your mind and make you think that the legend was never off, because it keeps a perfect pace all throughout.
Tiger seems to be in a very good physical shape considering the circumstances, and surely looking forward to bomb his driver off a tee soon.

The power of the attitude.

The official PGA Tour player profile mentions “all sports” as the special interests of Tiger Woods. Clearly, the 15-time Major winner is an athlete by all means. Although this is not the first time Woods had to step aside from the golf field, he always manages it to return stronger.

Justin Thomas trusted the process nearly as much as he trusted his mate moving forward. Thomas had previously said that Tiger would make every possible effort to come back to the course sooner rather than later. Thomas had full confidence that Tiger was not going to give up. The warrior was going to take his recovery one step further than expected.

Spoiler alert: his 14-time PGA Tour winner mate was right… Woods has given us an attitude lesson, and now the golf world cannot wait to see his name back in the leaderboard.