Categories
European Tour

The DP World Tour and Emirates sign partnership extension

As part of the agreement, Emirates will benefit from highly visible branding across 21 DP World Tour tournaments and the Tour’s media and digital platforms, as well as enjoying access to the Tour’s premium hospitality services and exclusive Pro-Am experiences. Emirates will also have Official Tournament Partner status at 14 events on the DP World Tour calendar each season. Emirates will continue to be a partner of the Tour’s Virtual Eye, which is an animated graphics system delivered through live television broadcasts, providing real-time positioning and information about player performance and statistics. In addition, a new Emirates Fly Better Moments content strand will showcase exciting moments from tournaments for fans via the Tour’s digital platforms.

DP World Tour & Emirates: Partnership since 30 years

Emirates is one of the world’s largest international airlines connecting customers to more than 130 destinations across six continents via Dubai with its modern fleet of Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft. The partnership between Emirates and the DP World Tour stretches back over 30 years, after Emirates became Title Partner of the Dubai Desert Classic in 1989. Emirates then became a Partner of the season ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai in 2009, and became an Official Tour Partner and Official Airline of the Tour in 2014.

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said: “We’re delighted to extend our partnership with the DP World Tour. The tour continues to grow in prominence, attracting the best international golf players and providing us a platform to engage with golf fans on a global scale. Fittingly, the DP World Tour Championship culminates in Dubai, bringing visitors and global attention to Emirates’ home city which has also grown to become one of the world’s leading golfing destinations.”

Since 2009, the airline has carried more than 600 professional golfers to Dubai to play in the season ending DP World Tour Championship, bringing together more than 200,000 golf enthusiasts to watch the exciting tournament.

Guy Kinnings, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Commercial Officer of the European Tour group, added: “Emirates are one of our longest serving partners and I’m delighted that they have decided to extend our partnership until the end of the 2024 season. As an airline that connects the world, they continue to benefit from aligning their brand with a truly global Tour – and our footprint continues to expand into new countries each season. We also benefit from Emirates’ extensive sports partnerships experience and proven track record in connecting sports fans to their passion.”

(Text: European Tour Group Communications)

Categories
Equipment

Scotty Cameron Introduces New MONOBLOK Putters

Carlsbad, Calif. (September 22, 2022)–With a passion for creating putters that perform at golf’s highest levels, Scotty Cameron introduces the new MONOBLOK 6 and MONOBLOK 6.5 putters. Made in a limited run and inspired by the continued success of tour professionals playing previous generation GOLO models on the worldwide tours, these rounded mallets are reminiscent of GOLO designs, yet offer a new, sought-after head size in two, purpose-specific neck and shaft configurations. Inspired by an iconic automotive wheel crafted from a single block of metal, Scotty named these MONOBLOK to celebrate his tradition of milling putters from solid 303 stainless steel.

Available in golf shops beginning October 7, the MONOBLOK 6 and MONOBLOK 6.5 feature an industrial machined metal bevel design, a misted anti-glare stainless steel finish accented in translucent cherry red and asphalt gray paint, a Pistolero Plus grip, a custom shaft band and a
model-specific headcover. The “6” nomenclature signifies the line’s dimensions at a new size that fits between the GOLO 5 and 7 head shapes.

Designed, precision milled and assembled in the United States, each new Limited Release MONOBLOK putter incorporates Scotty’s customizable stainless steel sole weights, as well as an aluminum sole plate designed to optimize weight distribution, shifting weight to the perimeter of the putter head for balance, stability and forgiveness.

Master Craftsman Scotty Cameron on the new MONOBLOKS

“Tour players who game compact mallets have been partial to our GOLO shapes since we first introduced them in 2012. That’s going back a decade through this year, when J.T. Poston gamed a GOLO 5 in his victory at the 2022 John Deere Classic. We had several requests for a model that’s in between the 5 and 7 sizes, so we created the MONOBLOK 6 and 6.5. They are designed in a new size with a familiar shape that has the swooping curves and that pleasing ‘melt-into-the-ground’ look from address. Before these go out to Tour, I wanted to make a special run. We all like options, so one comes with a single midbend shaft configuration, and the other with our jet neck for guys looking for a little more toe flow.
In keeping the color palette clean and monotone, as well as the extensive milling process from solid stainless steel, the name MONOBLOK just fit.”

A closer look at the new MONOBLOKS

With its rounded compact mallet shape based on earlier GOLO putters, the MONOBLOK 6 is sized in between the GOLO 5 and 7 models with a mid-bend shaft for a nearly face balanced setup. Precision milled from a single block of 303 stainless steel, the MONOBLOK 6 has an integrated sole plate machined from 6061 aircraft aluminum. Seamlessly fused to the body, this configuration allowed Scotty to design more solid stainless steel into the face and perimeter, increasing MOI, balance and feel. The limited release MONOBLOK 6 has a solid face, misted stainless steel finish, adjustable performance balanced stainless steel sole weighting and includes a Pistolero Plus grip and a MONOBLOK headcover.

With the same dimensions as the MONOBLOK 6, Scotty’s new MONOBLOK 6.5 was designed with a jet neck for players who favor a putting stroke with a bit of toe flow. The key to maintaining the same size, shape and overall head weight with a different neck is the integrated sole plate. Precision milled from 6061 aircraft aluminum and lightly misted with clear anodization, this engineered component allows the solid stainless steel to be distributed properly for increased MOI, balance and feel. The limited release MONOBLOK 6.5 has a solid face, misted stainless steel finish, adjustable performance balanced stainless steel sole weighting and includes a Pistolero Plus grip and a MONOBLOK headcover. A small number of left-handed MONOBLOK 6.5 putters will also be offered.

Weighting,availability and more

The MONOBLOK 6 and MONOBLOK 6.5 putters extend Scotty Cameron’s proven construction methodology of incorporating complementary materials to achieve desired performance characteristics. Each model employs a precision milled 6061 aircraft grade aluminum sole plate expertly designed into the 303 stainless steel putter head, which allows for higher MOI, optimal weight distribution, superior balance and excellent feel.

The MONOBLOK putters each feature performance balanced weighting with two customizable heel-toe stainless steel sole weights matched to the putter’s length to ensure consistent feel and weight at every length.


Each MONOBLOK putter is accessorized with a Pistolero Plus grip with gray Scotty Cameron lettering and a slightly built-up lower hand profile. This new grip complements an embroidered, custom designed MONOBLOK headcover. A stepless steel shaft includes the line’s
MONOBLOK shaft band.


Scotty Cameron Limited Release MONOBLOK putters will be available at Titleist golf shops worldwide on October 7, 2022. Retail: $650.

(Text: Titleist)

Categories
Travel

High-end golf in Andalusia’s Sotogrande

Plenty of sun and fantastic golf courses 

The sun shines on more than 300 days in the southern Spanish province of Andalucia. This makes it Spain’s leader among the regions with the most hours of sunshine, ahead of the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. Because of its more than 70 golf courses, this stretch of coast is also known as the Costa del Golf.

Residence at the highest level

Sotogrande is the largest privately owned residential complex in Andalusia. It is located in the municipality of San Roque in Cadiz and covers an area of 20 square kilometres from the Mediterranean Sea 25 km east of Gibraltar.

This year it celebrates its 60th anniversary. As one of the most prestigious residential destinations in Europe, it offers a unique lifestyle as well as a luxurious living experience. Over time, Sotogrande has retained its rich Andalusian culture, creating a charm and understated elegance that contrasts with the fast pace of modern life. At the heart is La Reserva Club, who’s gated residential communities offer large green spaces, contemporary design and living, privacy and access to the club’s and Sotogrande’s wide variety of amenities which include a private beach club, world class golf, a fabulous array of culinary options and a world-class international school. 

Trendy lifestyle oasis

Among the region’s newest top hotels is the SO/ Sotogrande Resort which opened in 2021. Sotogrande’s latest five-star hotel is located at the westernmost point of the Costa del Sol. It is owned by a joint venture of Accor SO/Hotels & Resorts Group and Ennismore Fund Management Limited.

Mood at sunrise and at night (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

Luxury in a refreshing design

Natural colours and extravagant, bold shapes characterise the style of Spanish designer Dolores Cortes. It runs through the entire hotel, whose lightness and playfulness catch the eye as soon as you enter the lobby. These continue throughout the hotel complex and apply to every area of the former Cortijo, a Spanish farmhouse. The official name ‚The Revolutionised Cortijo‘ could not describe the hotel more accurately.


Lobby of SO/Sotogrande Resort (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

Conviviality, joie de vivre, wellness and enjoyment are written in capital letters and are met with a high-quality offer.

The management attaches particular importance to a sustainable and contemporary Andalusian lifestyle. While the exterior is kept plain white, the shady arcades, well-tended gardens and the harmoniously coordinated colour palette in the interior areas and rooms contribute to a good mood from the very first moment. Everything is spacious and generously laid out.

The hotel is nestled on a slope in the southern Spanish landscape of cork oak forests and pine groves and is hidden from view in complete tranquillity. It offers views of the sea in the distance, the gardens and the adjacent golf course.152 cosy rooms and stylish studios as well as 36 spacious suites are terraced around the pool and restaurant areas. Like my 33-square-metre, modernly furnished SO Comfy King double room, all rooms have their own balcony or terrace. The bed is a dream.

SO Comfy King double room (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

The 2,800 sqm SO/SPA & FITNESS consists of the SO/SPA and the SO/FIT. Here guests can relax in the sauna, exercise on state-of-the-art equipment and be pampered in the health and wellness centre. Two outdoor pools invite you to cool off.  

Families with children are also very welcome at the resort. In the SO/KIDS CLUB, which is open daily, the youngest children feel just as much at home as they do in their own pool.

Pop-up dining concept 

The palate is pampered in four bars and restaurants. I was particularly impressed by the SO-HI Lounge and the Cortijo with its tapas bar and restaurant. They serve tasty snacks, light lunch menus and traditional, typical Andalusian dishes.

Stylish Cortijo Tapas & Bar and its trendy Lounge (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

The service throughout the hotel is extremely professional, attentive and friendly.

An evening at the nearby restaurant of the Trocadero Sotogrande, a beach club located directly on the beach with a fantastic view of the Rock of Gibraltar, is a must. Alternatively, you can spend the end of the day in the Cancha II restaurant of the nearby Ayala Polo Club, which is one of the world’s leading polo clubs.

From the hotel directly to the golf course

Directly on the hotel grounds is the Almenara Golf Course with 3x 9 holes. The course was designed by British golf course architect Dave Thomas and recently redesigned by legendary Spanish player Manuel  Piñero. It is one of the most extensive on the Costa del Sol and borders Los Alcornocales Natural Park.

Clubhouse and impression of Almenara Golf Course (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

I play the Lagos loop, whose ponds dominate the course playfully and visually. Two 9-hole loops are always open. A driving range would be nice, but it is not available yet – though I’m told there are plans. In addition to the water hazards, the course is characterised by its beautifully laid out fairways and the extremely hilly and completely quiet terrain, surrounded by old trees. It is fair, a pleasure to play and allows for a good score.Despite the dryness, the course is in good shape. It is a great introduction and an affordable alternative to the more expensive championship courses in the area. The green fee for hotel guests for nine holes is € 85,- incl. buggy.

Elite courses in the immediate vicinity

The resort offers attractive stay-and-play packages that include playing Spain’s top golf courses nearby. 

La Reserva Club is one of them. It is the youngest but longest of the championship courses in Sotogrande. We play from yellow and have 6,048 metres to cover. It is currently number six in the Spanish ranking.

The very hilly course was established in 2003. It leads uphill and downhill through two idyllic valleys surrounded by old, dense trees. Since 2014, it has hosted tournaments of the European Tour and more recently the ladies’ ARAMCO Team series.

The layout is imposing. The fairways are wide, the greens are large, extremely fast and well protected by large bunkers. Their white sand shines in the sun. Water comes into play on a total of six holes.

The course is an experience, its elevated tees and views are magnificent, its condition without any criticism. It is sportingly demanding, but fair. Good shots are rewarded, bad ones punished.

The imposing clubhouse in the style of a hacienda is enthroned at the highest point of the course behind the 18th green. The single green fee incl. buggy costs from € 180,- depending on the season and course utilisation. 

La Reserva Club Sotogrande (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

After the round, we relax at the avant-garde La Reserva Club with its adjoining The Beach, located directly below the clubhouse. An man-made lagoon with a sandy beach for families, a separate garden with a pool for adults only and a lake where only water sports are practised are part of the exceptional offer.

Spain’s ultimate  

The golfing highlight in Sotogrande is the 18 holes of the Real Club Valderrama, founded in 1974. It is the undisputed number one in Spain. The club was awarded the designation ‘Real’ by the Spanish King Juan Carlos in 2014. It has become known through numerous international tournaments, such as the Ryder Cup in 1997, which was held on continental European soil for the first time. 

Characteristic of the extremely challenging, hilly course are the fairways, which are lined with centuries-old, gnarled cork oaks. If you don’t hit them or don’t hit them in the right place, the crowns of the trees often get in the way on the next shot and require a recovery shot.

The greens are mostly small, furiously fast and often slope up towards the back. The thick rough reaches right up to them. This is already a huge challenge for professionals, but almost impossible to master for amateurs. The blades of grass wrap around the balls, which would disappear never to be seen without the trained eyes of the forecaddy.

Precision is required on the course before length. On the par 71 course, I have to cover a length of 5,520 m from the yellow executive tees.Each hole is different and remains in the memory. The highlight for me is the fourth, a par 5 with a steeply rising green that is protected on the side by a water hazard. Many dreams of a good score have been dashed here. The layout is exceptional and the maintenance of the course is impeccable.

Tee box and Hole 4 at Real Club Valderrama (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

The impressive Members Club and the great impressions of the championship course are hard to beat. Non-members can also enjoy the opportunity to play. The green fee for the once in a lifetime experience is € 450,- in high season. In addition, there is the fee for the caddy plus tip. 

Old and New Course

The noble San Roque Club is the finale of our golf trip. It is one of the most exclusive clubs in Europe and is located a good quarter of an hour from the hotel. Of its two 18-hole championship courses, the Old Course is the better known. It was designed by Dave Thomas in 1991. 

It hosted 15 European Tour Qualifying School Finals from 1993-2007 and the Spanish Open in 2005. In recent years, it has been extensively renovated and equipped with a new irrigation system, new grass and bunkers. New practice facilities have been added as a new driving range as well.We play the redesigned Old Course, which is slightly hilly and partly surrounded by imposing villas. The conditions are excellent. Strategic play is required here. It is better to leave the driver in the bag, especially on the various doglegs. A three wood is usually sufficient. The greens are a dream, easy to read and not too fast.

San Roque Club Old Course (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

Customer orientation is written in capital letters throughout the club. The friendliness of the staff is striking. The green fee starts at € 180,- in the high season.

If you want to enjoy and golf at the highest level, the region of Sotogrande and SO/ Sotogrande are the place to be. It comes as no surprise that the resort has been nominated for the World Luxury Hotel Awards in 2022 in the categories Luxury Lifestyle Hotel & Luxury New Resort. I am already curious about the result of the vote.With the hotel shuttle, the drive back to the airport in Malaga via the motorway takes less than an hour and Gibraltar airport is just 20 minutes away. Enough time to review the wonderful impressions.

Categories
Highlights Tours

Countdown to the 2023 Solheim Cup begins

An extraordinary celebration event, called “One Year To Go”, made up of various events, marked the start of the countdown to the 2023 Solheim Cup coming to Spain for the first time. There is only one year left until the most important women’s golf competition in the world comes to Finca Cortesín, Málaga, from 22 to 24 September 2023.

To highlight those 365 days that will be crossed off the calendar for the European and US teams to meet on the Costa del Sol, the dyke of the emblematic Puerto Banús in Marbella (Málaga), brought together 365 children from different golf schools in Andalusia in which, in unison, they did the “Longest Swing”.

The little golfers took their places and, forming a huge multicoloured wave, hit an approach shot into the sea with totally biodegradable balls.
Afterwards, the captain of the European Solheim Cup team, Suzann Pettersen, arrived by helicopter and, with the magnificent tournament trophy in her hands, greeted each and every one of the children.

Exhibition match at Finca Cortesín

A few hours earlier, the protagonist was the new hole 1 at Finca Cortesín, where an exhibition match took place in which Suzann Pettersen challenged the model and actor Andrés Velencoso and the guitarist of the group D’Vicio Alberto González, “Missis”, while the ambassadors of the tournament recreated the great atmosphere of the Solheim Cup.
The European captain highlighted the design of hole 1, perfect for an event like the Solheim Cup and wished it to be “a very noisy hole, with all the Spanish passion cheering on the European team”.

Vicente Rubio, general manager of Finca Cortesín, recalled how the LET “honoured us naming us as the venue for the 2023 Solheim Cup and since then, our team has been working to make it a success. And over the next 12 months we will continue in this line of improvements to guarantee both players and fans a unique and unforgettable experience”.

This moment concluded with a tribute to Raquel Carriedo, the first Spaniard to play in a Solheim Cup and who shared with all those present her memories of that historic experience in the 2000 edition.

Triple countdown

The celebrations of this “One Year To Go” had as an extraordinary culmination the launch of three countdowns, one in each of the municipalities involved in the organisation of the Solheim Cup 2023 (Benahavís, Casares and Marbella), to remember the time left for the celebration of this great event.

The Mayor of Benahavís, José Antonio Mena, was in attendance, accompanied by Pablo Mansilla, President of the Royal Andalusian Golf Federation.

“We have been fighting for a long time for the arrival of this tournament in Spain and Andalusia, and now there is only one year to go. Once again, Andalusia will once again be the world epicentre of golf and women’s sport thanks to the Solheim Cup,” said Mansilla.

“The golf industry is perhaps the most important industry in Benahavis and therefore, from the first moment we have wanted to be part of the Solheim Cup, and this commitment will bring numerous benefits, both to our municipality and to the entire Costa del Sol,” said Mena.

José Carrasco, Mayor of Casares, said he was “very proud to be able to offer our innumerable tourist resources and I am convinced that the Solheim Cup will mark a before and after for our municipality and for Andalusia”.

And Manuel Cardeña, Deputy Mayor of Marbella and CEO of Acosol, stressed that “the arrival of the Solheim Cup for the first time in Spain, and more specifically on the Costa del Sol, offers us a great opportunity to strengthen our position as a tourist destination and to be the epicentre of world golf in 365 days, something we have to take advantage of”.

Cardeña was accompanied by Arturo Bernal, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport of the Junta de Andalucía; Francisco Salado, President of the Diputación de Málaga; and Margarita del Cid, Vice President of the Diputación de Málaga, among other personalities such as Alan Solheim, representative of the firm that gives its name to the tournament, and people from the Ladies European Tour (LET), the Royal Spanish Golf Federation and Deporte & Bussines, the organising company.

Arturo Bernal was in charge of bringing to a close a marathon programme of events that has focused on the arrival of the Solheim Cup in Spain in just twelve months.

“The celebration of the Solheim Cup next year will allow Andalusia to demonstrate once again that we are the best destination in Europe for the organisation and development of major sporting events in general and golf in particular,” concluded.

The Solheim Cup 2023, an event of exceptional public interest whose official venue is Finca Cortesin, is sponsored by PING, Costa del Sol and Rolex as global partners; and by the Consejería de Turismo, Cultura y Deporte de la Junta de Andalucía, with co-financing from the European Union, Acosol, the Marbella Town Hall and the Benahavís Town Hall as official partners, and Reale Seguros as official sponsor. Solán de Cabras, Eversheds Sutherland, Casares Town Hall, Toro, Vithas, E-Z-GO and Jet Set Sports are official suppliers. Marca and Radio Marca are official media. Promoted and organised by Deporte & Business. LET, LPGA, RFEG, CSD and RFGA collaborate in its organisation.

(Text: Solheim Cup)

Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour Enjoys Record Ticket Sales Across Key Summer Events

The DP World Tour has enjoyed record ticket sales across its key summer events in 2022, as fans have flocked to watch the world’s best compete for some of the oldest and most prestigious titles in golf.

Across four of the Tour’s most historic tournaments – Rolex Series events the BMW PGA Championship and the Genesis Scottish Open, in addition to the Betfred British Masters hosted by Danny Willett and the Horizon Irish Open – the DP World Tour has enjoyed a record 20 sold out days for general admission tickets and premium hospitality. Key tournament highlights include:

  • The 2022 BMW PGA Championship saw a 30% increase in ticket sales compared to the previous year, with three of the four competition days fully sold out in a tournament that was cut to 54-holes following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
  • The 2022 Genesis Scottish Open in June, co-sanctioned with the PGA TOUR for the first time and with 14 of the top 15 players in the world rankings competing, saw a 12% increase in ticket sales compared to comparable pre-COVID sales in 2019.
  • The 2022 Horizon Irish Open in July saw a 40% increase in ticket sales compared to 2019. Weekend tickets sold out for the first time in the tournament’s history.
  • The 2022 Betfred British Masters hosted by Danny Willett in May enjoyed a sold-out final day, with a 4% increase in ticket sales compared to 2019.
  • Attendance figures across all four tournaments stood at 271,000.
  • Premium hospitality packages enjoyed complete sell-outs across all days at the Genesis Scottish Open, the BMW PGA Championship and the Horizon Irish Open.

DP World Tour sets ticket sales records

This ticketing success has led to a 32% increase in ticketing and hospitality revenue for these four tournaments in 2022 compared to 2019 – the last normal season before the pandemic. These tournaments have also enjoyed strong growth on social media for their dedicated tournament channels, with a 66% growth in follower numbers since 2019.

The DP World Tour also continues to deliver unforgettable experiences to fans, with attendees rating their overall event experience an 8.5/10. This benchmarks above UK major sporting event industry averages. The majority also expressed a desire to attend again and would strongly recommend the events to family and friends.

The fan base is also increasingly diverse, with a 39% increase in the number of female ticket purchasers for DP World Tour events this season compared to 2019.

This ticketing success has also been driven by the creation of Tour Consumer Experiences – a joint venture with industry-leading sports marketing and data technology company Two Circles. This is seeing the DP World Tour utilise Two Circles’ insights into sports fan behaviour and technology-driven sales and marketing capabilities.

New fans due to pandemic circumstances

Speaking about the record year Keith Pelley, Chief Executive Officer of the European Tour group, said: “Golf has enjoyed a significant boom in popularity since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic with its outdoor nature allowing an earlier return to action than most sports – helping to attract new fans to the game. The DP World Tour has worked hard to make sure that we utilise this momentum and find innovative ways to attract new fans to our tournaments.

“We have enjoyed a record summer of golf, with big name players competing for record prize funds and spectators have turned out in record numbers to watch. The DP World Tour has never been in such a strong position, and we expect this momentum to continue into the final few months of the 2022 season with November’s DP World Tour Championship in Dubai already enjoying record registrations to attend.”

Register here to receive the latest news and information, and to be the first to be notified when general admission tickets and premium experience packages go on sale.

Text: DP World Tour

Categories
Panorama

Top ways to get more involved in golf

Golf is a fantastic sport with a long history. Unlike other sports, however, there is less of a communal viewing culture. You don’t typically see groups of friends meeting up to tailgate at the Ryder Cup or sports bars full of golf fans going wild during the final holes of the Korn Ferry Tour Finals.


Watching golf can be a bit of an isolated activity. It can also feel like there isn’t much else that you can do besides watch the tournaments and read news about what’s going in the various Championships.
Here are our top four suggestions for things you can do to get more involved in golf.

Bet on tournaments

Betting on sports is a great way to get more involved. When you have a little bit of money riding on the outcome of an event it makes it even more exciting. With the PGA, you can bet on the winners of individual Championships. Another popular bet type is futures bets, including on the winner of the FedEx Cup.


Golf isn’t just an American sport, in fact, it was invented in Scotland. The United Kingdom and Ireland both have extensive histories with golf. Betting on golf has been growing in popularity in Ireland in particular, likely due in part to the number of high-profile tournaments the country hosts.

The 112th Irish PGA Championship Pro-Am at the Wild Atlantic Dunes in Belmullet is just one example of the rich golfing culture the country has, and just one example of the tournaments you can bet on.

Make your voice heard about LIV

Sportswashing is a fairly new term, but the problem has been around for quite a while, and it has finally reached the golf world. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, sportswashing is when a corporation or government tries to improve its reputation by investing heavily in a sports team or tournament. It is a form of reputation laundering and incredibly problematic.


In Saudi Arabia’s case, the Public Investment Fund is being used to fund the LIV Golf Invitational Series in the hopes of distracting the public from their ongoing human rights violations. The massive payouts they are using to attract leading golfers are working and LIV is growing.


You can get involved by contacting top golfers, either through their agents or social media – whatever way the golfer has made themself accessible to fans – to either thank them for refusing to participate in LIV if they have already rejected an offer or encouraging them to do so if they are currently being scouted. You can also reach out to major golf sponsors to encourage them to pull any support from LIV.


This is not only an important human rights issue, but also a golf issue. By splitting professional golfers into two tours, both will be weakened. If half the top competitors aren’t in the PGA Tour, it will make wins less impressive. A split viewership will also drop viewing numbers, which can lead to loss of advertising revenue and less golf on TV.

Use a course app

There is an app for everything, and golf is no different. Some are designed to help you with your swing, some give club recommendations or track your progress over time. These are all great for your personal golf game.

There are also some great apps that can increase your engagement with professional golf. The PGA Tour App allows you to follow every shot as it happens and includes 3D shot tracking too. There are apps that also have all the breaking news, highlights and coverage.


Golfshot GPS is another app that adds another interesting element to the Tour — it allows you to navigate through over 40,000 courses worldwide. You can see all the distances between holes, the hazards and the lay of every inch of the course. This year’s BMW Championship is being held at the Wilmington Country Club for the first time in its history, making it a perfect opportunity to explore the course along with the players.

Get out on the course

Playing a sport is possibly the best way to get more involved with it. There is only so much you can learn about a sport by reading about it or atching it on TV, the best way to understand a sport is to play it yourself. You don’t have to go play on world famous courses or use top of the line clubs. Just spending some time at your local course with friends is a great way to turn golf from something you like to something you love.

Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour: BMW PGA Championship will resume on Saturday

Following the immediate suspension of play on Thursday evening and the complete cancellation of all day’s play on Friday, both actions taken in memory of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and out of respect for the Royal Family, the DP World Tour today confirmed the BMW PGA Championship will restart on Saturday morning. The decision by the DP World Tour has been taken in accordance with Official National Mourning guidance and in consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

There will be a two-minute silence at 9.50 am on Saturday across the venue to commemorate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with the proclamation of King Charles III being shown on the television screens in the Championship Village from 10 am. While catering facilities will be open to spectators, the two concerts on Saturday and Sunday will be cancelled along with other entertainment on the Show Stage. Across the weekend, black ribbons will be made available for people to wear.

The BMW PGA Championship will now be contested over 54 holes with the intention to finish on Sunday as scheduled. The second round will resume at 6.40 am on Saturday and all original second-round tee times will remain the same. Those players who are yet to complete their first round will do so from 7.30 am onwards from the place on the golf course where they stopped on Thursday afternoon.

On behalf of all our employees in the UK and around the world, the BMW Group’s deepest sympathies and condolences continue to be with The Royal Family.

(Text: BMW Group)

Categories
European Tour

Celebrity Pro-Am opens 2022 BMW PGA Championship

The flagship event on the DP World Tour, the BMW PGA Championship, kicked off on Wednesday with the traditional Celebrity Pro-Am. A host of well-known sport, film and music stars reached for their golf clubs and joined the professionals on the iconic West Course at the Wentworth Club.

When golf stars meet actors, athletes and pop stars

Tyrrell Hatton, the 2020 BMW PGA Champion teed off alongside Formula 1 driver Lando Norris and actor Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films. James and Oliver Phelps also rose to fame through these blockbuster films, as Weasley twins Fred and George. They played in the Pro-Am alongside major winner Justin Rose and pop star Niall Horan (formerly of ‘One Direction’ fame).

Another two big names from the music scene, Brian McFadden (formerly of ‘Westlife’) and Keith Duffy (formerly of ‘Boyzone’), teamed up with Max Kieffer. Defending champion Billy Horschel, a self-professed West Ham United fan, took to the course together with Mark Noble, the former captain of the Premier League side.

Other successful sports stars who jumped at the opportunity to play in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am included John Terry (football), Jason Roy, Sam Curran, Kevin Pietersen (all cricket), Will Greenwood (rugby), James Guy (swimming), Eve Muirhead and Vicky Drummond (both curling).

The competition of the Morning Starters was won by Tommy Fleetwood, Rahul Yadav, Jayant Nanda and Shirish Saraf with a score of -31. Victory in the afternoon went to the team led by Belgian Thomas Detry (-26).

On Thursday, the focus switches to the battle for one of the most coveted titles on the DP World Tour. Given the high-class field, this ought to be both intensive and exciting. The spectacular top trio of defending champion Billy Horschel (USA), FedExCup winner Rory McIlroy (NIR) and U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick (ENG) tees off at 08:30 local time. They are followed onto the West Course by Shane Lowry (IRL), Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood (both ENG). In Jon Rahm (ESP), Viktor Hovland (NOR) and Tyrell Hatton (ENG), another very attractive group will take to the course at 12:40.

Luke Donald (ENG), the 2023 European Ryde Cup captain, and four Germans – Max Kieffer, Matti Schmid, Hurly Long and Nicolai von Dellingshausen – will also be in action at the 2022 BMW PGA Championship.

(Text: BMW Group)

Categories
LPGA Tour

LPGA: 14-year-old qualifies for an event in the tournament series for the third time in a row

It’s an incredible story. At just 14 years old, Gianna Clemente has already qualified for a tournament on the LPGA Tour for the third time. In the past two weeks, she already secured a place at the LPGA Tour events through the “monday qualifier”. Now she has achieved this feat for the third time.

“It’s definitely crazy” – Clemente qualifies for LPGA Tour event again

It’s probably the summer of her life. For the third week in a row, 14-year-old Gianna Clemente has secured entry to an event on the LPGA Tour via Monday qualifying. The high school student from Ohio played some of her best rounds of golf in the past three weeks. The American qualified for the CP Women’s Open as well as the Dana Open in the past two weeks, and now she also managed to qualify for the upcoming tournament in Cincinnati. At the Kroger Queen City Championship, the 14-year-old will once again compete with the likes of Gaby Lopez, Meghan Khang and Caroline Masson.

For the amateur, it’s a great opportunity to showcase her skills again on a big stage. While other girls her age are still enjoying the last days of summer at the lake, it’s off to Kenwood Country Club for the up-and-coming golfer. It’s an experience she’s already more than grateful for. “It’s definitely crazy,” Clemente said. “But just super lucky for this opportunity.”

Will Clemente make the cut this time?

In her previous appearances, the young golfer had to pack her bags after just two rounds. This time, of course, the American wants to avoid an early departure, but with the strong field, it will probably be difficult again. The 14-year-old is nevertheless looking forward to the pros: “It’s super inspirational,” Clemente said. “I think I’ve obviously watched all of them on TV, and it’s super special to just be out here like watching, but let alone to play is such an amazing experience.”

Even though she has failed to make the cuts so far, the amateur will again give everything this week to keep up with her idols, such as Lexi Thompson. It remains to be seen how far Clemente will make it this week, but as we all know, good things come in threes…

Categories
European Tour

Prep for the Ryder Cup: DP World Tour brings team match play tournament

In the week leading up to the DP World Tour’s (formerly European Tour) flagship tournament – the BMW PGA Championship, which also kicks off Ryder Cup qualifying – the European circuit has announced a new tournament format. The Hero Cup in January 2023 will be played in team match play as a sort of replacement for the Seve Trophy last held in 2013. Captain Luke Donald is enthusiastic and hopes to prepare for the Ryder Cup.

DP World Tour: New team match play format

“One of the first things I was keen to do when I was appointed as Ryder Cup Captain was to reinstate a team match play contest to give playing and leadership experience to future Ryder Cup players, vice-captains and Captains,” the leader of the European Ryder Cup team for the 2023 continental competition in Rome is quoted as saying in a DP World Tour press release. The Hero Cup, scheduled to take place at Abu Dhabi Golf Club from 13-15 January 2023, will feature two ten-man teams made up of British/Irish and Continental European golfers.

Donald will be in charge of the event and will assemble both teams in consultation with their respective captains, who are yet to be announced. The competition will consist of a fourball, a foursome and a singles round, each involving all 20 players. Who will be allowed to compete in the new tournament format will be announced after the season ends with the DP World Tour Championship 2022 in Dubai. The performance of the past season will also be taken into account in the selection.

Luke Donald with plenty of influence

“I spoke to a number of former Ryder Cup Captains who were strong advocates of how similar events in the past have benefitted players who were pushing to make Ryder Cup teams, as well as their own captaincy journey,” Donald, who was appointed skipper just a few weeks ago, said of the reasons for the new format.

The Ryder Cup captain thus continues to influence the design of the Continental Cup, which will be held in September 2023 at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club outside Rome. Most recently, Donald, together with his vice-captains, had adjusted the qualifying criteria and given himself more leeway by selecting a larger number of picks. Now the aim is to increase competitiveness again through playing practice in team competition and in man-to-man battles after they went down in the “Waterloo of Wisconsin” against an overpowering American team in 2021.