Categories
Golfshoes

Golf shoe guide: Which type suits you best?

The right golf shoe is an important decision for every player, after all, we spend the entire round on our feet. In order to carry our entire body for several hours and kilometres and to transfer the maximum energy into the ground with every shot, golf shoes have been developed for quite some time that are perfectly designed for this task based on their sole, fit and material. But what should you always look for when buying a golf shoe? What really influences one’s game in the end and what characteristics must a good golf shoe absolutely have?

Golf shoe: material, spikes and laces – many models, many options

As in every category, you will find a variety of different models and types of golf shoes. The biggest difference in golf shoes is the material on the one hand, and the spikes under the sole on the other. It is worth trying on different models and trying out different types of golf shoes to find your own favourite. In the end, however, the wearing comfort should primarily influence the purchase decision so that the feet also survive 18 holes or more well.

The golf shoe has evolved over many years. In the past, it was etiquette to wear leather shoes on the golf course. Although this image has changed somewhat today, the majority of golfers still go for the classic leather shoe, which is available from almost every brand in the range. The advantage is the long durability, provided they are properly cared for, and the weather resistance. Only in warmer temperatures does the leather shoe reveal a small disadvantage: breathability.

Fortunately, there is a good alternative here. In the meantime, almost all brands also offer a golf shoe in a sporty design. These almost resemble a normal sneaker, are light, comfortable and made of breathable material to ensure a pleasant feeling even on hot golf days.

The golf shoe: soft spikes or knobs

Puma, Adidas and Nike ushered in a whole new era with the first ankle-high golf shoes, with which Rickie Fowler, for example, caused a sensation a few years ago. In terms of shape, the new models are more like basketball shoes. However, the raised ankles are intended to provide even more stability and integrate the entire foot.

You will also quickly notice a decisive difference when looking under the golf shoe. A distinction is mainly made between two variants, metal spikes are generally no longer used. On the one hand, there are the soft spikes, on the other hand, many players also rely on the plastic studs. Soft spikes generally dig into the ground a little better and offer more grip, but also less flexibility in the foot. With plastic studs, it’s the other way around. While they initially lacked the necessary traction, the materials and shape are now so sophisticated that golfers no longer have to do without the necessary grip, even without spikes.

Never tie your golf shoes again – the BOA system

As with the material, a lot has changed when it comes to lacing golf shoes. The latest innovation is the so-called BOA system, which can now be found in all popular brands. The practical model has now made it into golf via the industry and for good reason: with the BOA system, a few turns of the fastener are enough and the laces tighten as if by themselves. After the round of golf, a quick tug is all it takes to release the shoe from the foot.

Categories
Live

Qualification Process Confirmed for the 2023 European Ryder Cup Team

Ryder Cup Europe today announced the qualification process for the 2023 European Ryder Cup Team to compete against the United States at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy, from September 25 – October 1, 2023.

Qualification for Team Europe will begin at the 2022 BMW PGA Championship, the fourth Rolex Series event of the current season, which takes place at Wentworth Club from September 8-11.

It will conclude on September 3, 2023, a full three weeks ahead of the Ryder Cup week, when the six players who qualify automatically will be confirmed. These six automatic qualifiers will comprise the three leading players on the European Points List followed by the three leading players on the World Points List.

European Captain Luke Donald will then select a further six Captain’s Picks to complete his 12-man team to face the United States.

Another change, agreed by Captain Donald, Vice Captains Thomas Bjørn and Edoardo Molinari and the DP World Tour Tournament Committee, sees a modification in the points allocation for the European Points List.

In previous years, the ratio between the highest and lowest ranked events on the DP World Tour exhibited a factor of 6:1 (12,000 points v 2,000 points). Under the new system, this is reduced to a factor of 4:1 (6,000 points v 1,500 points) as outlined in the table below.

RYDER CUP EUROPEAN POINTS LIST

Majors / DP World Tour Championship: 6,000 points
Other Rolex Series events / World Golf Championships: 5,000 points
Events of US$5 million or over: 3,500 points
Events of US$2 million or over: 2,500 points
Events under US$2 million: 1,500 points


One element which has not changed however, is that no points will be available from any tournament played anywhere in the world scheduled against a Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour.

Captain Donald said: “These changes to the qualification process for Team Europe follow in-depth analysis with the team at Ryder Cup Europe and with Thomas and Edoardo. I’m delighted that when we presented our thoughts to the Tournament Committee, they were 100% behind them.

“The revised overall process removes the need for points multipliers in the last few months of the qualifying period, and the six picks give me flexibility to ensure we have the strongest line-up at Marco Simone in terms of in-form players, players with Ryder Cup experience, and potential pairings.

“As far as the European Points List is concerned, modifying the points allocation will give an improved chance for DP World Tour members playing predominantly on the DP World Tour to make the Ryder Cup team through one of the now three spots available from that list.

“We have also moved the end of the qualification period forward to give the players the right amount of preparation time once they have made the team.

“A lot of work has already happened behind the scenes, but in many ways the start of the qualification campaign represents the true beginning of the Ryder Cup journey, so I am delighted to confirm these details today. We are all focused on reclaiming the Ryder Cup in Rome next September and this qualification system gives us the best opportunity of doing just that.”

“We are delighted with the details of the qualification process”

Guy Kinnings, European Ryder Cup Director, said: “We are delighted with the details of the qualification process for the 2023 European Ryder Cup team announced today. Luke has already proven himself to be a strong and resolute Captain with firm ideas on how to get the best out of Team Europe.

“He proved that throughout this consultation and analysis period and I think the fact that our Tournament Committee were fully behind his thoughts and ideas illustrated how much respect they have for him.

“Every single member of the Team Europe backroom team is excited by today’s announcement and very much looking forward not only to the start of the qualification campaign at the BMW PGA Championship, but also the full 12 month campaign leading up to Rome next September.”

Categories
Equipment

Original Penguin Golf® showcases standout autumn/winter 2022 collection

(London, August18, 2022) – Original Penguin Golf, worn by Open Champion and brand ambassador Cameron Smith, has gone back to the future by debuting a distinctly retro standout Autumn/Winter Collection for men and women, taking its inspiration from the 1960s, 70s and 90s.

Original Penguin Golf® men’s and women’s prints have quickly become an iconic marker for the brand, fusing bold style and fashion with the tried-and-tested, for a younger-minded consumer.

This autumn-winter season, Original Penguin Golf® has increased its florals and bunker-inspired camos collection, while decorative ‘conversationals feature strongly too.

European Brand Director, Helen Willsmer, commented: “Original Penguin Golf® is known for fun statement prints and AW22 is no different. Premium quality, feature-rich multi-layering is a strong component for the season, curated with the versatile golfer in mind.”

The men’s collection has a bit of a retro and light-hearted palette and emphasises a casual look, with key colours including Blueberry Pancake Teal and Golden Chai Tea, with accents of Geranium Pink and Mid-Century Light Aqua.

The ultra-feminine Women’s Collection, inspired by 60s and 70s fashion icon Jane Birkin and French singer/songwriter Françoise Hardy, is expanding with fun geometric prints inspired by pomegranates, and featuring a new sun protection Hoodie for the first time.

Spotlighting its typical female customer, Helen Willsmer added: “The Original Penguin Golf® lady is active, young-minded and fashionable, yet quirky. She has her own sense of style, does not follow trends, but creates her own. She is classically stylish, with a sense of nostalgia, and a retro aesthetic that is timeless.”

Fabric Performance across both men’s and women’s lines includes UPF Protection, 4-way stretch, lightweight design, and PrimaLoft® used for high-level insulation in a new line of Puffers.

The women’s line, specifically, also details built-in shelf bras with removable inserts, built-in tummy control on all bottoms, and soft elastic gripper tape on all inside shorts for skirts and dresses.

Polar Pete Series

The expanding collectionfeatures on-trend layering and outerwear pieces with great performances for those playing in all kinds of weather. All fabrics and performances have been crafted with sustainable yarn blends and eco-friendly technologies.

With an emphasis on warmth and comfort, the 90s-inspired Mixed Media Colour Block Thermal Fleece – and the new ¼ Zip featuring a 3D spacer fleece in recycled blend – are both great mid-weight layering options for cooler days.

Meanwhile, the Insulated Puffers with PrimaLoft® thermal insulation and with 100% nylon durable micro-ripstop, also water-repellent features, can be worn on windy and cold days on the course or even around town.
 

Other Men’s Highlight Products:

Bunker Print Polo (as worn by Cam Smith at The 150th Open) – 30% recycled polyester, self fabric collar, three button placket.

The Original Performance Tracksuit Jacket – 30% recycled polyester with Aquapel® water-repellent finish, rib knit inside neck, double-sided front zipper, left chest ‘Pete’ logo patch.

Midweight ¼ zip Performance Hoodie-Luxe and eco-friendly blend of TENCEL™, recyclable polyester and elastane, Aquapel® water-repellent finish, contrast inside hoodie with hidden adjustable cord & stopper, branded trims around hoodie edge and on zipper tape.

Insulated Mixed-Media 70’S Vest – Water-repellent finish, insulated panels, knit side panel for stretch and performance, side zip pockets with Pete printed pocket bags.

¼ Zip 90’S Colour Block Wind Jacket – Dobby backed lining, open hem with adjustable toggle, elasticated cuffs and hem, left chest sticker ‘Pete’ patch. 

New Waterproof Suit – 10,000 MMU

Other Women’s Highlight Products:

Knit Hoodie – New on trend women’s fashion piece featuring left chest ‘Pete’ Patch, raglan sleeves, rounded hem with binding and side pockets.

Papercut Floral Flounce Pleated Skort – with piping and soft elastic gripper tape on inside shorts.

Mixed Media Puffer Jacket – New full-zip PrimaLoft® insulated jacket with rib knit hems and cuffs, and back neck ‘Pete’ heat seal.

Essential Solid Legging – with rib waistband, side pockets, mesh lining inside waistband and quick dry finish.

For further information, visit: www.originalpenguin.co.uk/de/collections/golf

Categories
Panorama

Survey shows: The golf boom in the UK continues

The average number of rounds of golf played at courses across Great Britain was down 9% compared to Q2 2021. Despite this, the numbers continue to highlight growth above pre-pandemic levels.

A strong Q1 means that even with the Q2 numbers, rounds played in Great Britain are up 24% compared to the first half of 2021, although it is worth remembering that the first quarter of last year was affected by ongoing lockdowns, while April-June benefitted from the easing of restrictions and working from home.

Viewed even in their fuller historical context, the Q2 2022 figures represent a strong industry performance. April and May’s national rounds were the highest in the last five years with the exception of 2021.

(Photo: Sports Marketing Surveys)

This explains why rounds played remain up 19% in Q2 compared to 2019. That in turn indicates, encouragingly, that many of the new golfers attracted during and after lockdowns, including through successful efforts from governing bodies to change perceptions of the game, remain engaged.

The North was the best performing region in Q2 2022, down only 1% compared to 2021, but up 51% against 2019.

“We do expect growth against 2021 to continue to slow in the second half of the year”, cautioned Richard Payne, director of SMS. “Q2 2021 was an exceptional time, with the release from lockdown but still widespread working from home. We also expect the cost of living crisis to have an effect on leisure spend, in golf and other sports. This is likely to affect visitor rounds and equipment sales first, with many having already paid memberships for the rest of 2022, but there will undoubtedly be pressure on renewals in the coming months. So, whether rounds played can remain above 2019 is, in our view, one of the key metrics to look out for over the next six months and into 2023.”

Text: Sports Marketing Surveys

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Tricky rules situation – Cam Smith penalized shortly before final round

Just before the final round at TPC Southwind, the bitter news reached Cameron Smith. The reigning Champion Golfer of the Year was within striking distance of the lead after three rounds in the first tournament following his British Open triumph, but lost two strokes before the final round on the PGA Tour. So it came down to the tricky scene:

On Moving Day of the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Cameron Smith had sunk his tee shot in the water on the par-3 4th hole. After the subsequent drop, his chip remained just a few centimeters from the hole and the number 2 in the world recorded a bogey. So far, everything seemed normal. The Australian finished his round with 67 strokes and could have attacked the top on Sunday with only two strokes behind. By the way, with a win in Memphis, he would have taken over the top spot in the FedExCup and the world rankings.

Rule violation: Playing from the wrong place

Instead, however, the rules officials noticed a possible violation of the Rules of Golf. The ball had still touched the red line of the side water hazard after said drop when Smith put the ball back in play. In doing so, he violated Rule 14.7 (“Playing from the Wrong Place”) after dropping under Rule 17.1 (“Ball in Penalty Area”). The problem was that after the drop, the ball had rolled back towards the penalty area and just touched the red line.

That officially put the ball back in the penalty zone and it wasn’t dropped appropriately. So Smith should have dropped again; had the ball rolled back into the penalty area, he would have been allowed to put the ball down. The three-time season winner was unaware of the issue and played the ball from the wrong spot, which is penalized with two strikes.

Disagreement among the referees

But why was the Players Champion sanctioned so late? PGA Tour Chief Referee Gary Young explained that the possible rules violation was noticed as early as Saturday during the television broadcast, but was not investigated further because “the camera angles were awkward and he was dropping in a really tight area. We were confident at that point that he was familiar with the rule.” The official on the lap was too far away to assess the situation, he said, and had not been called in by the player. “It was such a quick look that we had at that point that we decided it wasn’t worth pursuing,” Young added. “It’s something the players do every day”.

PGA Tour’s Cam Smith admits unwitting violation

But after the round, he said, they took a closer look at the scene and wanted to make sure there was no violation of the rules. That’s why Young said he spoke to the player about an hour before his start time on the final day. “I thought it was just a situation where I ask Cameron the question and he tells me he’s sure the ball was outside the penalty area,” Young said. “Unfortunately, when I asked him the question, he told me, ‘No, the ball definitely touched the line.’ So at that point, there’s no turning back.” Smith accepted the penalty very calmly and matter-of-factly, he said. “His response to me was, ‘The rules are the rules,'” Young said.

So just before his tee time, Cameron Smith was penalized two strokes back, his score on hole 4 adjusted to a triple bogey. Instead of being two strokes behind, it was four. Whether burdened by this situation or not, the 28-year-old only played an even-par round and fell back to T13 in the final standings.

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour: BMW Championship 2022 with world-class field

This week, the US state of Delaware will host a tournament on the PGA TOUR for the first time – and Wilmington Country Club welcomes an absolute highlight of the golfing calendar for this premiere: the BMW Championship, the penultimate tournament in the FedExCup Playoffs, and four-time “PGA TOUR Tournament of the Year”. Only the top 70 players in the end-of-season standings are eligible to tee off at the BMW Championship, with just 30 of them progressing to the season finale – the TOUR Championship. Professional golf does not get any higher quality or more intense than this.

BMW Championship 2022 with world-class field

This is underlined by the field. Will Zalatoris (USA) tees off as number one in the FedExCup ranking. Patrick Cantlay (USA), Rory McIlroy (NIR) and Justin Thomas (USA) are three former champions looking to regain their crown. They will be joined by major winners Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG), Cameron Smith (AUS), Jordan Spieth and Collin Morikawa (both USA). The entire top ten in the world rankings will tee off, led by number one Scottie Scheffler (USA).

The tournament week begins on Wednesday 17th August with the traditional BMW Championship Gardner Heidrick Pro-Am, which sees the likes of former basketballer and two-time NBA champion J.R. Smith, former NFL footballer Victor Cruz, and BMW Motorsport works driver Connor De Phillippi (all USA) tee off on the championship course.

All revenues from the sale of Pro-Am places – along with all other proceeds from the BMW Championship – will support the Evans Scholars Foundation, which provides full tuition and housing scholarships for hardworking young caddies. Since the tournament’s inception 16 years ago, The BMW Championship has raised over $40 million for the Evans Scholars Foundation and helped send 3,300 caddies to college. For the upcoming school year, a record 1,100 Evans Scholars will attend 22 leading universities nationwide, including one caddie from Wilmington Country Club.

BMW of North America will contribute a four-year Evans Scholarship, a full tuition and housing grant, in the name of the first PGA TOUR player to record a hole-in-one on any hole during the 2022 BMW Championship. To date, five such Hole-In-One Scholarships have been awarded. It is also worth hitting an ace for the professionals, although it must be on the 15th hole. The first player to hit a hole-in-one on this hole during a tournament round will be rewarded with a fully-electric BMW i7 (combined power consumption, acc. WLTP: 19.6 – 18.4 kWh/100 kM; CO2 emissions: 0 g/km; specifications acc. NEDC: -). As the world’s first thoroughbred luxury limousine with 100% electric drive, the BMW i7 brings innovative driving pleasure to the streets with a range of more than 600 kilometres.

The BMW Group’s transformation towards electromobility will also be visible and perceptible at Wilmington Country Club. At the heart of the BMW exhibition at the course will be the fully-electric BMW iX, BMW i4 and BMW i7 models.

Categories
Apparel

Ready, Set, Golf! Active smart with Bogner

The BOGNER Golf collection combines an active lifestyle with luxurious comfort and a hint of glamour. Highly functional essentials are the best equipment for long days on the golf course: a waterproof finish and taped seams offer protection from the rain; high-performance Thermore® insulation gives mid-layers moisture-regulating, quick-drying and warming qualities; Powerstretch guarantees freedom of movement, and the lightweight quality of tech jersey ensures the best in comfort.

Each Bogner golf collection is used to layer styles individually to create the perfect golf outfit according to your needs and regardless of the season. The selection of pants, polos, skirts, jackets and accessories combine sporty appeal and timeless style. Modern contrast stripes, monochrome elegance, neutral colors and sporty silhouettes lend the unmistakable Bogner look – true to the motto Athluxury Sports Fashion.

Bogner: Lifestyle since 1932

Willy Bogner GmbH & Co. KGaA, based in Munich, is an internationally successful lifestyle company and the leading provider of exclusive sports fashion, luxurious sportswear and designer fashion. The company appears in over 50 countries with the BOGNER (Woman, Man, Sport, Kids) and FIRE+ICE brands as well as licences. The company, which has existed since 1932, is led by Heinz Hackl and Gerrit Schneider, owner is Willy Bogner represented by trustee Arndt Geiwitz. More information: bogner.com

(Text: Bogner)

Categories
Apparel Equipment

New Galvin Green collection dedicated to reaching your peak!

The 2022 Part Two Galvin Green collection launched this month by the leading apparel brand is inspired by serious golfers looking to reach their peak in performance no matter the weather, while a commitment to never compromise lies at the heart of a line of long-lasting garments designed to minimise impact on the environment.

The series of eye-catching pyramid designs incorporated into the collection were chosen to challenge traditional golfing conceptions. The distinctive shape signifies the ideals behind the range, crowned with a peak of devotion and excellence. The collection boasts bold garments and designs suitable for all conditions to help deliver the ultimate GameDay experience.

“The margins are incredibly fine when the pressure is on out on the course and peak performance is achieved when mind and body work in perfect harmony,” said CEO Nicholai Stein. “With that in mind, our designers created a range of shirts that will allow every serious golfer to walk on to the course with complete trust in what they are wearing. The new range
offers industry-leading performance and stylish design, with environmental concerns firmly at the forefront of our creative process,” he added.

Winner of the prestigious 2021 Sports Technology Award for Sustainability, Galvin Green has further boosted its green credentials with The Part Two Collection boasting a greater depth of sustainable garments than any other on the market, thanks to the use of innovative Bluesign®
approved fabrics and materials certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

Men’s Collection

Headlining the new GORE-TEX jacket range and following on from the highly successful Armstrong jacket is the sporty Albert with small pyramid patterns across the chest. Manufactured using Bluesign approved fabric, the 100% waterproof and windproof jacket incorporates lightweight mesh lining, front and chest pockets, plus a repositioned side seam for ultimate comfort. Packed with unrivalled performance enhancing features, the jacket is available in three stylish colourways. Matching the new jacket is the Andy, available in a wide range of sizes to fit every serious golfer.

The versatile Liam interface jacket features the striking appearance of peaks on the V-shaped Thermore padding that spans the chest for added warmth, as well as a super stylish look. It’s joined by the classic-looking Leroy gilet as well as the new windproof and water-resistant Lane Interfacetrousers as ideal options tailored to all-year golf.


The eco-generation Insulam range is strengthened with the addition of the smart Dason full-zip midlayer that combines exceptional breathability with thermal regulation. It features a textured design on the body with contrasting arms, while the front pockets and soft and stretchy Bluesign approved fabric allow for complete freedom of movement during the golf
swing. Meanwhile, new for Part Two 2022, the Dexter sweater provides incredible warmth thanks to Thermore padding along the chest.

Among the leading Ventil8 Plus shirts to incorporate the new pattern design is the stylish and highly breathable Makai available in three modern colourways and featuring a tailored collar and open sleeve ends for extra comfort.
The latest Skintight thermal base layer range includes the Elmo long sleeved, crew neck vest for optimum warmth in cold conditions, plus the Ebbe leggings made from hi-tech fabrics.

Women’s Collection

The extensive women’s collection offers a wide variety of comfort combinations with striking patterns and bold colourways throughout the range. A new addition includes the windproof and water-repellent Lene Interface gilet. The extremely breathable garment is constructed from partial stretch Bluesign approved fabric and Thermore padding to provide
ultimate on-course comfort and warmth. Available in two colours and six sizes, the gilet features a full-length zip, front pockets and an elasticated drawstring for the perfect fit. The 100% waterproof Aila is now available in a new Navy/Green colourway, offering an ultra breathable and lightweight Gore-Tex Paclite jacket for the most demanding conditions.

New to the Part Two collection, the Levana Interface-1 trousers are windproof with a water repellent membrane, making them the ideal choice for golf in demanding conditions. Constructed from stretchy Bluesign approved fabric, the trousers feature front and back pockets as well as a zipper fly opening, for complete on-course comfort.

Providing the opportunity for bold and unique outfit pairings, the new Mireya Ventil8 Plus polo made from breathable Quickdry fabric can be blended perfectly with the stylish Marie skort and Mila in Holly Green, or Petra shorts for the ultimate summer outfit that offers UV
protection 20+.

Junior Collection

The extended junior range includes the fully wind and waterproof Robert, the highly breathable and lightweight Paclite jacket features front pockets, an elastic drawstring at the hem and is available in four stand-out colourways. The soft and stretchy Rob hoodie provides unbeatable on-course comfort and paired with the striking patterned Ruben polo shirt
constructed from Quickdry fabric, junior golfers have the perfect GameDay outfit.

The full Part Two collection is completed by a selection of shorts and skorts, Skintight thermal garments, plus complementary accessories such as caps, belts and bandanas.

For details of the latest clothing options, visit www.galvingreen.com

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour: How does the FedExCup work?

In 2007, a new playing system was introduced on the PGA Tour. The so-called FedExCup consists of two components: The more than 40 regular PGA Tour tournaments and the now three additional playoff tournaments at the end of the season, whose field shrinks from tournament to tournament, ending with the Tour Championship and the crowning of the season’s winner. The individual events and the overall victory bring the champions a lot of money – at the end there is even an extra check for 18 million US dollars. Tiger Woods was the first to win the FedExCup in 2007 and, together with Rory McIlroy, is one of the few professionals to have won the series twice.

Points vary depending on the quality of the tournament
A prerequisite for participation in the FedEx Cup is full eligibility to play on the PGA Tour. Players who meet this criterion can accumulate points from the start of the season, earning between 300 and 600 points for the winner, depending on the quality of the tournament in question.

All majors (Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, The Open Championship and PGA Championship) and the Players Championship earn the winner 600 FedEx Cup points. The four tournaments of the World Golf Championship (WGC) are just behind with 550 points. Except for the parallel tournaments to major events, which earn the winner only 300 FedEx Cup points, all other PGA Tour competitions offer 500 FedEx Cup points.

Things get really exciting again in the final playoff tournaments, as the points allocation changes drastically for the season finale. For a victory in one of the three tournaments, the winner will receive a full 2,000 points, i.e. four times the amount of a normal previous tournament.

Points system creates excitement in the finals
The top 125 players after the conclusion of the final regular PGA Tour tournament not only keep their PGA Tour card, but also qualify for the end-of-season playoff tournaments and get to compete in the FedEx St. Jude Championship. As of 2019, there are only three playoff tournaments instead of four. One less event with the same number of points leads to an increase in difficulty, but also less fluctuation in playoff standings. At the St. Jude Championship, 50 players are already eliminated and only the top 70 players are eligible to compete at the BMW Championship.

There is no longer a cut at the BMW Championship, which means that all players finish the 72 holes. This measure adds to the excitement, as the leader is awarded just 2,000 points and is therefore, in theory, catchable by any player in the field. Nevertheless, to be fair, the professionals in the top spots have the best chance of winning overall.

While in the past the points from the FedEx Cup playoffs were set to zero and thus only a strong performance in the finals accounted for a high ranking, there is a point ranking since 2019. This points ranking is generated according to the results from the playoffs. So if you do well in the playoffs, you create a good starting position for the final. The leader of the ranking starts the final with a lead of ten strokes under par, the second place with eight strokes under par. As a result, the third-place finisher starts with a score of -7, the fourth-place finisher at -6 and the fifth-place finisher at -5. Players ranked sixth through tenth start at 4-under par, while 11th through 15th place start at 3-under par. Places 16 to 20 will start at two strokes under par and 21-25 at -1. For places 26-30, the final round will start at even par.

The new Tour Championship mode explained in detail

What does the new rule change?
For ten years, there was a reset of the points scored in the playoffs before the final, after Vijay Singh was already the winner after winning two tournaments. This meant that the following two playoffs no longer had any meaning. Too boring, the officials thought, and introduced the redistribution of points before the final tournament. With the result that hardly anyone still understood the rules. The golf world was not thrilled. Even Tiger Woods once criticized the rule as unfair. After all, consistency over the entire season is no longer rewarded. If a player wins all the tournaments in the season, except for the last playoff, then in case of doubt, someone else collects the Cup.

With the new points system, the FedEx Cup should feel more attainable for all players, especially those in the top 30. Although even this format would have rarely resulted in a different winner in past years from a purely mathematical standpoint, the principle of the final tournament is changing. While some players play better when they are “in the chase” and have to overtake others, many a player plays better when they have to maintain their lead.

“I would feel better about a ten-stroke lead for four days than having to start from 30th place in the FedExCup like everyone else did before,” said Jordan Spieth, the 2015 FedExCup winner.

“The new system still gives a player a chance to finish really high and start a run in a week, but at the same time rewards those who have earned it at the top. I like that every shot counts, but also that some count a little more than others by rewarding a good season,” said 2010 FedEx Champion Jim Furyk.

However, the best performance in the final playoff pays off twice. In each playoff tournament, the lion’s share of the $15 million in total prize money beckons the winner. The overall FedExCup victory earns the champion an additional 18 million US dollars from a total bonus pot of 75 million dollars, the majority of which is paid directly to the players. A smaller portion goes into a “pension fund” that the players cannot dispose of before their 45th birthday.

Categories
Amateur Tours

England Sweep the R&A Boys’ and Girls’ Home Internationals

England not only made history by winning the first ever combined team format for boys and girls in the R&A Home Internationals, they swept all three competitions, winning the combined event and the boys’ and girls’ competitions too.

England topped the combined final leaderboard with a perfect three points from three wins, Ireland was second with two points, Wales and Scotland took half a point each, with the Welsh side finishing third thanks to more matches won.

Already in pole position heading into the final day and just needing to defeat Scotland to top the points table, England made sure of victory right from the start with a 6-1 win in the foursomes. England then dominated the singles too with an 11-3 advantage to beat the home team 17-4.

“We got out fast today,” England captain Stephen Burnett said. “We changed things around for the foursomes and they smashed it this morning. They did this afternoon too. The team bats deeps, and in a way the format favours us because the more players there are the better it is for us, but they still had to go out there and do it. I couldn’t be prouder of them to win all three trophies. The team was fantastic, they prepared well, played well and it’s a great result.”

Ireland assured themselves of second place with a 12½-8½ win over Wales. The Welsh provided strong resistance early on by splitting the foursomes session 3½-3½. However, the Emerald Isle players proved too strong in head to head play, taking the singles 9-5.

“I couldn’t have asked for anything more from my players over the last three days, especially the last two,” Irish captain Peter English said.

“It was a fantastic performance. We’ve got quite a few debutants, players that are available next year and the year after. It shows we’re on the way up and we have a lot to build on for next year. We haven’t had the exposure for the last couple of years, and it’s critical they do get this exposure. It gives them important international experience for their development.”

Welsh skipper Llew Matthews also left Downfield feeling immensely proud of his team.
“We played well in the foursomes this week and this morning to split the session, but the Irish came out fighting this afternoon and played a lot of good golf,” the 2007 Walker Cup player said.

“We played good golf throughout the tournament which perhaps doesn’t show up in the scores, and I’m proud of them. There’s been great camaraderie, great togetherness. It’s been a great learning experience for them, and they have something to build on for the future.”

While it’s perhaps unfair to pick out one player from the 64 on show, one deserves special mention. Scotland’s Niall Shiels Donegan was the only player to emerge with a 100% record from his six matches.

“Niall was brilliant this week,” Scottish captain Susan Jackson said. “He’s been a real leader, he’s led the team, he’s confident and he’s had great team work with his team mates. To win six matches out of six is very impressive.”

The best juniors in Great Britain and Ireland will convene at Lindrick Golf Club, the 1957 Ryder Cup venue, for the 2023 R&A Boys’ and Girls’ Home Internationals.
Press Release by The R&A