Categories
Ladies European Tour

13 Major Champions to compete in the Aramco Saudi Ladies International next month

The Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by Public Investment Fund (PIF), has confirmed there will be a total of 13 major champions competing in the history-making event, with a prize purse of US$5million. Major winners include three-time major champion and last year’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship winner In Gee Chun, multiple major champion Anna Nordqvist, world no. 7 Lexi Thompson and defending champion Georgia Hall

Other major champions who are competing at the event are:

  • Ashleigh Buhai (2022 AIG Women’s Open)
  • Patty Tavatanakit (2021 ANA Inspiration)
  • Kim A-Lim (2020 U.S. Women’s Open)
  • Hannah Green (2019 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship)
  • Jeong Eun Lee6 (2019 U.S. Women’s Open)
  • Danielle Kang (2017 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship)
  • Lydia Ko (2016 ANA Inspiration; 2015 Evian Championship) 
  • Hyo-Joo Kim (2014 Evian Championship)
  • Ji Eun-Hee (2009 U.S. Women’s Open)

These 13 major champions, who hold 18 major titles between them, are part of a star-studded field that is set to be the event’s strongest lineup, with more top stars set to be announced over the following weeks.

The Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF is the third stop in a record-breaking 2023 LET season, featuring 30 events across 21 countries with a total prize fund of €35million up for grabs.

The groundbreaking event made waves around the world last year following the announcement of its commitment to women’s golf through a prize purse boost to US$5million, which is the largest prize purse outside of the majors and matches the men’s event, the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers.

World no. 8 In Gee Chun picked up the third major title of her career when she took home the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship title last year, winning by a stroke over Lexi Thompson and Minjee Lee. It was an impressive performance, especially in the tournament’s first round, as the South Korean put up an eight-under-64 score to equal the largest first-round major lead in women’s golf history.

She also performed well at the 2022 AIG Women’s Open, narrowly losing out on the title to Ashleigh Buhai – who will also be competing at the tournament – in a four-hole sudden-death playoff.

The 28-year-old secured her previous major title in 2016, winning the Evian Championship. She spectacularly captured the title, finishing with a score of 21-under-par, which is the lowest winning score recorded in a major tournament in golf. 

This will be the first time Chun will compete in Saudi Arabia, where she will hope to make a solid start to her 2023 season.  

“I’m excited to finally visit Saudi Arabia. I’m also looking forward to an event that is expected to elevate women’s golf in all parts of the global community. It will definitely be a great early season challenge with a very strong field competing.”

Another major winner and top-10 player competing at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF is America’s Lexi Thompson. The world no. 7 ended her three-year title drought by winning the LET’s Aramco Team Series individual title in New York. In addition to the win in her home country, the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship title holder also notched seven top-10 finishes in 2022.

As a player who has openly voiced her thoughts on equality in the game of golf, Thompson said: “Equal pay in golf has been something that all of us in the women’s game have wanted for so long, so seeing that huge prize purse increase at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF to match the men’s tournament was extremely heartening. For us, it’s always been about feeling equal and we are all focused on growing the game to leave in a much better place for future generation of female golfers.”  

Crowd favourite and defending Champion Georgia Hall is one of the many top players who are excited to make their return to the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City, where she created many fond memories last year by winning the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF title.

The world no. 24 and 2018 Ricoh Women’s British Open winner added: “It was great to win early in the season last year and I hope to defend my title this year. I’m a fan of the place and enjoy playing on this course as it suits my game well. 

“Playing in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East gives me much confidence as I’ve done well in past competitions. The treatment we get during event week is absolutely top-notch and makes it much easier to put up great performances on the course for the fans.” 

On the prize purse boost, the 26-year-old added, “It’s a massive boost for the women’s game, and it also goes beyond golf as it’s what women in sport deserve. We are all thoroughly grateful to Golf Saudi for what it’s doing for women’s golf. 

“I’ve personally seen how the Aramco Team Series and Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF events have grown and developed every time I’m here, and I’m confident that it will continue on this path.”

Free tickets are now available for the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF and can be secured by visiting www.golfsaudi.com, where you can also discover more tournament information.

Categories
LIV Tour Uncategorized

LIV Golf League’s 2023 Schedule To Feature 14 Events In Seven Countries

The first official season of the groundbreaking LIV Golf League will feature 14 events in seven different countries showcasing some of the top championship courses in the world, including a return to five venues that hosted tournaments as part of the 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Series. Centurion Club outside London, England (July 7-9), Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Bedminster, New Jersey (August 11-13), Rich Harvest Farms outside Chicago, Illinois (September 22-24), Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami, Florida (October 20-22) and Royal Greens Golf & Country Club near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (November 3-5) will welcome back many of the sport’s biggest stars for the landmark season in the league’s official launch. In addition, fans in the U.S. will see LIV Golf’s innovative league at Orange County National in Orlando, Florida (March 31-April 2) and at Trump National Golf Club, Washington D.C. (May 26-28).

These seven venues, alongside the seven previously announced dates and locations complete the 2023 LIV Golf League schedule: Mayakoba’s El Camaleón Golf Course on Mexico’s Riviera Maya (February 24-26), The Gallery Golf Club in Tucson, Arizona (March 17-19), The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide, Australia (April 21-23), The Serapong at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore (April 28-30), Cedar Ridge Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma (May 12-14), Real Club Valderrama in Andalucía, Spain (June 30-July 2) and The Greenbrier in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia (August 4-6).

“We received tremendous feedback globally from fans throughout our beta-test year, with one resounding theme: LIV Golf’s team format, innovations, and festival-like events are delivering a one-of-a-kind golf experience,” said LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman. “Last year helped lay the foundation for the future of golf at extraordinary courses that have hosted some of the world’s top competitions. LIV Golf’s schedule features fantastic venues and championship sites for our official league launch that will carry the sport into a new era.” 

Along with hosting LIV Golf tournaments, these courses collectively have hosted more than 200 professional, collegiate and amateur events, including such prestigious tournaments as the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, Senior PGA Championship and U.S. Women’s Open. Leading golf organizations and pro tours across the globe have utilized these venues, with many of the courses considered the best in their respective regions and states. Honors such as World’s 100 Greatest Courses, America’s 100 Greatest Courses, 100 Greatest Public Courses, Top 3 Best New Courses, Top 5 Best New Private Golf Courses, and Top 100 Golf Resorts have been bestowed in recent years. Three courses on the 2023 schedule (Real Club Valderrama, Sentosa Golf Club, Royal Greens Golf & Country Club) rank No. 1 in their respective countries. 

Information for tickets, hospitality packages and Pro-Am opportunities are available at LIVGolf.com. Fans are encouraged to secure tickets now, or register to be the first to hear when tickets are released, for LIV Golf’s festival-style three-day tournaments that feature shotgun starts, individual and team competitions, live music and fan activities for all ages.

LIV Golf’s star-studded, international field will feature many of the sport’s biggest names including major winners Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed, Henrik Stenson, Bubba Watson, Louis Oosthuizen, Graeme McDowell, Martin Kaymer and Charl Schwartzel. Final rosters for the LIV Golf League will be announced prior to the league launch, when 12 established team franchises will compete in the global 14-event schedule for an unprecedented $405 million in prize purses.

Consistent with the 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Series, the LIV Golf League will showcase its innovative new golf format featuring simultaneous team and individual play, with each season culminating in a Team Championship finale. The LIV Golf League will not compete with the Majors or international team events.

LIV Golf is owned and operated by LIV Golf Investments, whose vision and mission are centered around making holistic and sustainable investments to enhance the global golf ecosystem and unlock the sport’s untapped worldwide potential.  

(Text: LIV Golf)

Categories
European Tour

Ryan Fox wins the 2022 Seve Ballesteros Award 

Ryan Fox has won the 2022 Seve Ballesteros Award after being voted Player of the Year for last season by his fellow professionals on the DP World Tour.

The 36-year-old becomes the first New Zealander to win the prestigious award since Michael Campbell received the honour in 2005, and it comes after an outstanding season during which he won twice and finished in a career-best second place on the DP World Tour Rankings presented by Rolex.

Fox polled 50% of the votes cast in total by the DP World Tour members, with DP World Tour Rankings winner Rory McIlroy taking second place ahead of the 2022 U.S. Open Champion Matt Fitzpatrick in third.

The Kiwi was presented with the trophy by one of Seve’s sons Javier and his daughter Carmen, both of whom travelled to this week’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour – a tournament won by Seve himself in 1992 – to officially welcome Fox to the illustrious list of winners. 

Consistently good performances in the 2022 season

Fox started 2022 in fine style, picking up his second DP World Tour title at the Ras al Khaimah Classic in February before an emotional victory at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in St Andrews in October.

The 2016 Challenge Tour graduate dedicated his victory at the Home of Golf to the late cricketing great Shane Warne, whom he paired up with in the popular Pro-Am format on numerous occasions, including finishing runners-up together in the 2021 contest. 

In addition to his pair of victories, Fox showed remarkable consistency to notch up four second place finishes – at the Soudal Open, Dutch Open, Horizon Irish Open and the Nedbank Golf Challenge – as well as a further four top tens.  

His excellent form led to a meteoric rise up the Official World Golf Ranking as he climbed from outside the top 200 into the world’s top 50 for the first time, peaking at a career-best 23rd after his victory at the Old Course. 

The Player of the Year Award, named after the legendary Seve Ballesteros, last year amalgamated with the former Golfer of the Year award to become one singular honour voted for by the players, helping further commemorate the Spaniard’s incredible legacy.

Ryan Fox (center) next to Carmen and Javier Ballesteros. (Photo: Getty)

“It’s kind of surreal”

Fox said: “It’s probably not something that I expected ever in my career. I would like to say it’s something I dreamed of, but you look at those names on the trophy and I probably don’t count myself as one of those. That is pretty cool, and to have Javier and Carmen come out and present it made it even more special.  

“Last year I thought I had a chance but a few other guys played pretty well, Rory, Matt, Jon Rahm, especially at the end of the year.  So when Keith Pelley told me I was pretty shocked and obviously pretty chuffed as well. To have your peers vote for you makes it that extra bit special. 

“Obviously Dunhill Links was a big highlight for me last year, to win around the Home of Golf, it doesn’t really get any better. I shared the experience with Shane Warne for the previous four or five Dunhills that I played, and it was a bit sad without him there last year. To honour him that way made it even more special.

“Seve is such an icon of golf, and I’m a bit of a golf nut. I knew the history of Seve but probably didn’t quite understand then, growing up in New Zealand, quite the influence he had over here. It’s cool to hear the stories from some of the older guys that played with him, but to have my name on the Seve Ballesteros Award, it’s kind of surreal. It’s pretty cool to be part of a little bit of history in that regard.”

Javier Ballesteros: “He’s a fantastic guy”

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the DP World Tour, said: “Ryan’s form throughout 2022 was nothing short of outstanding. His two wins were undoubtedly the highlight, but to record a further eight top tens shows a remarkable level of consistency that clearly impressed his peers.

“Ryan is not only an immensely popular member of the DP World Tour, but also someone who cares deeply for the Tour as is illustrated by the valuable work he does, and the intelligent opinions he offers, as a member of our Tournament Committee.

“I also want to say thank you to Javier and Carmen Ballesteros for making the effort to travel to Dubai to present the award to Ryan. It meant a lot to him and to every one of us at the DP World Tour to have them there to represent their father.” 

Javier Ballesteros said: “Well, I’m very happy that Ryan got the award. I think it’s important that Ryan got it with two wins, and of course he played a full season on the DP World Tour.  It left me very happy,  considering he’s a fantastic guy as well. 

“For me, it’s very important and we are very proud to have our father’s name on this award. It’s a prize that is given by the players and to have his name on the award, it’s a very good way to keep his legacy alive.”

(Text: DP World Tour)

Categories
European Tour

Hero Dubai Desert Classic: A thrilling contest with Rolex as Official Partner and Timekeeper

With the much-anticipated return of the 2023 Rolex Series, the attention of the golfing world will turn to the iconic Hero Dubai Desert Classic – the second Rolex Series event of the year. Celebrating its 34th edition, the 2023 tournament promises to be a thrilling contest with Rolex as Official Partner and Timekeeper.

Spanning more than 50 years, Rolex’s support for golf is one of the most enduring and successful partnerships in sport. The Swiss watchmaker’s relationship with the game began in 1967 when Arnold Palmer, joined by close friends and fellow members of The Big Three, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, became Rolex’s first golf Testimonees. Since then, Rolex’s association with golf has grown exponentially, permeating all levels of the sport, providing unwavering support for elite and amateur players alike, governing bodies, all the Major championships and the main professional tours, as well as the finest events on the golfing calendar.

Founded in 1989, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic was the first DP World Tour event to be staged in the Arabian Peninsula. Rolex became Official Timekeeper of the DP World Tour in 1997 and the event became part of the prestigious Rolex Series – the tour’s premium event category – in 2022. It is renowned for having one of the strongest and most international fields, proving a tough competition for the world’s leading golfers.

The flagship Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, with its distinct backdrop of shimmering skyscrapers, once again hosts the Hero Dubai Desert Classic from 26-29 January. With the 2023 Ryder Cup on the horizon and qualifying spots to play for, the 2023 tournament presents a timely opportunity for players to find form early in the season.

2023 is set to welcome some of the biggest names in world golf and Rolex Testimonees have a proud history of success in Dubai. Those to have prevailed on the Majlis Course and lift the coveted Dallah Trophy include Fred Couples (1995), José María Olazábal (1998), Thomas Bjørn (2001), Tiger Woods (2006, 2008) and most recently, Rafa Cabrera Bello (2012). Fellow Spaniard and Rolex Testimonee Jon Rahm enjoyed an impressive finish to the 2022 season, which saw him claim a record third DP World Tour Championship title in Dubai at the nearby Jumeirah Golf Estates in November.

Speaking about the Rolex Series, Rahm said: “I have been fortunate enough to win Rolex Series events pretty early on in my career. Given the prize money and strength of field at these events, they always demand an extremely high level of golf and performance. As a Rolex Testimonee, there is also added motivation because you want to make sure a Rolex Testimonee wins. Hopefully, the Rolex Series will continue for a very long time due to its prestige and the fact that it represents such key moments throughout the year for us players to focus on in the calendar.”

2023 also marks the return of the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex and the sixth anniversary of the Rolex Series. The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is the second of five Rolex Series events held throughout the year. The Series consists of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (19-22 January), the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the Genesis Scottish Open (13-16 July), the BMW PGA Championship (14-17 September), and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai (16-19 November).

(Text: Rolex)

Categories
Ladies Tours Live Senior Tours

“ Return of the Champions ”

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation and the Hassan II Trophy Association, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, are organizing the 47th Hassan II Golf Trophy and the 26th Lalla Meryem Cup at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat from February 6 to 11, 2023.

47th Hassan II Golf Trophy

Legendary golfers will be starting off this PGA Tour Champions edition of the tournament – a highly anticipated event that will surely bring back many memories for tournament fans who have followed the Hassan II Golf Trophy since its creation.

Indeed, since the Hassan II Golf Trophy began under the initiative of His Majesty the Late King Hassan II in 1971, the tournament has attracted players from the World Golf Hall of Fame, including Billy Casper, Bob Tosky, Sam Snead, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Payne Stewart, Severiano Ballesteros, Vijay Singh, and Ernie Els, among other illustrious names. All of these world-class players have graced the fairways of the Red Course at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. 

This edition will welcome 66 golf legends who have won a total of nearly 200 victories on the American PGA Tour, including three major tournaments. To the great delight of spectators, this year’s slate will feature former Hassan II Golf Trophy winners such as Colin Montgomerie (in 1997), David Toms (in 1999), Roger Chapman (in 2000), and Santiago Luna, the record-holder of wins (1998-2002-2003). Also present will be Bernhard Langer, José Maria Olazabal, Retief Goosen, and Tom Lehman, all former participants in the Hassan II Golf Trophy.

The Lalla Meryem Cup

The Lalla Meryem Cup, which is part of the Ladies European Tour (LET) will bring together, on the Blue Course, the European elite of women’s golf. Among the 96 players expected, a record number of national participants is expected, headed by Ines Laklalech , winner of the Lacoste Ladies Open de France in 2022 and qualified for the LPGA for 2023, Maha Haddioui, who has represented Morocco on two occasions at the Olympic Games and Malak Bouraeda, first Moroccan to qualify for the US Women’s Open.

These two competitions will take place simultaneously on the same site, perpetuating a tradition of diversity established in 1993 by His late Majesty King Hassan II, illustrious founder of both tournaments.

Young people are also honored. A junior competition in the pro- am format is planned on the Green Course with young golfers from the First Tee program and professional players. First Tee, very popular in the United States, is a non-profit organization created in 1997, which has made it possible to understand and respond to many problems that characterize society by teaching life skills through the practice of Golf.

This event will, as usual, be open to the general public free of charge. Entertainment on the courses and catering areas as well as a playground will guarantee a complete experience for all visitors to discover golf through practice and play.

The significant efforts made by the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation and the Hassan II Golf Trophy Association for the success of these events attest to a desire to succeed and further promote the culture and practice of golf in Morocco.These competitions also reinforce the tourist attractiveness of the Kingdom as a golfing nation par excellence.

Categories
Panorama

Golf Post Community Award 2023: These destinations are recommended by the community

For golfers, it is obvious to combine the annual vacation with the game of golf and make it a golf trip. Both within and outside Europe, the Golf Post community has already had unforgettable experiences and can make first-class recommendations. The clear favorite, however, is right next door: most of the golf courses that receive an award from the Golf Post Community, as well as all category winners, are located in our neighboring country of Austria. This speaks above all for the strength of the Austrian Golf Post Community, but also for Austria as a sought-after golf travel destination.

Golf Post Community Award 2023: The category winners

The Adamstal Golf Club in the foothills of the Alps in Lower Austria won five stars in the “Landscape” category. With a total of 27 holes, the golf course nestles into the hilly mountain panorama and amazes many a golfer. Streams, terrain steps, forest clearings and rock formations make the course unique and the golfing experience at the Golfclub Adamstal an unforgettable one!

The Golfclub Zillertal Uderns was remembered by most community members for its excellent maintenance. In the category “course condition” the golf course impresses with excellently maintained fairways. At 550 meters above sea level, the flat golf course invites to a sunny playing season from March to November under best conditions.

In the “welcome culture” category, the Murstätten Golf Club in southern Austria came out on top with five out of five stars. Whether golf course, restaurant or golf school – cordiality is written in capital letters at the Golfclub Murstätten, so that the club can call itself the winner in the category “Welcome Culture”. With a total of 27 holes in beautiful natural surroundings, the course is a popular destination that our community will rave about for a long time to come.

The Golf Club am Mondsee was voted top club in the “value for money” category by the Golf Post community. Last year, the golf club already won a community award, and this year it can also call itself the category winner. The Austrian golf course promises a coherent overall package at a fair price. Idyllic location and beautiful ambience at the Mondsee as well as Drachensee meet challenge and vacation flair.

In the last category, the “Gastronomy” category, the winner is the Dolomitengolf Golf Club in East Tyrol. This is also a repeat offender in the history of the Golf Post Community Award. Among other things, the golf club is remembered for its restaurant, which attracts not only golfers but also excursionists and gourmets. The restaurant promises culinary variety from small snacks for in between meals to daily fresh recommendations from the kitchen team.

From golfers for golfers

The Golf Post Community Award was presented for the fifth time this year, and for the first time international golf clubs were also honored. The “jury” here is the Golf Post Community, whose ratings paint an authentic picture of golf facilities in Germany. Golf clubs all over the world can also be rated beyond Germany. Up to five stars can be awarded in each of five categories. A total of 15 facilities outside Germany receive the coveted “Top Golf Club” award thanks to the best ratings. 35 other international clubs with an average rating of at least 4.5 out of 5 stars will receive the award as a recommendation from the community.

The international top golf clubs:

  • Golfclub Dolomitengolf Osttirol (Austria, category winner “gastronomy”)
  • GC Adamstal – Franz Wittmann (Austria, category winner “Landscape”)
  • GC Zillertal Uderns (Austria, category winner “course condition”)
  • Golfclub Murstätten (Austria, Category Winner “Welcome Culture”)
  • GC Achensee (Austria)
  • Club de Golf Alcanada (Spain)
  • GC Reit im Winkl Kössen (Austria)
  • GC Wilder Kaiser Ellmau (Austria)
  • Golf Club Novo Sancti Petri (Spain)
  • Gardagolf Country Club (Italy)
  • Diamond Country Club (Austria)
  • GC Kitzbühel (Austria)
  • Aphrodite Hills Golf (Cyprus)
  • Golfclub Klagenfurt-Seltenheim (Austria)
  • The Montgomery Maxx Royal (Turkey)

More Golf Post community recommendations worldwide:

  • GC am Mondsee (Austria, category winner “value for money”)
  • Gloria Golf Resort Belek (Turkey)
  • Grazer Golfclub Thalersee (Austria)
  • Pula Golf (Spain)
  • Lopesan Meloneras Golf (Spain)
  • Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre (Switzerland)
  • Golf Club Salzburg Gut Kaltenhausen (Austria)
  • Mieminger Plateau Golf Park (Austria)
  • Monte Rei Golf & Country Club (Portugal)
  • Golf Son Gual (Spain)
  • Golf de Andratx (Spain)
  • Marco Simone Golf & Country Club (Italy)
  • GC Radstadt (Austria)
  • GC Seefeld (Austria)
  • GC Mondsee (Austria)
  • Canyamel Golf (Spain)
  • Franciacorta Golf Club (Italy)
  • Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club (Mauritius)
  • De Texelse Golf Club (Netherlands)
  • Carinthian Golf Club Dellach (Austria)
  • Colony Club Gutenhof (Austria)
  • Golfpark Klopeinersee-Südkärnten (Austria)
  • Praia d’El Rey Golf & Country Club (Portugal)
  • Pine Cliffs Golf & Country Club (Portugal)
  • Robinson Club Nobilis (Turkey)
  • Costa Navarino – The Dunes Course (Greece)
  • Lana Golf Club (Italy)
  • Arzaga Golf Club (Italy)
  • Golf Club Dolomiti (Italy)
  • Golf Club Linz St. Florian (Austria)
  • GC Schwarzsee (Austria)
  • Golfpark Bregenzerwald (Austria)
  • Golf Club Murau Kreischberg (Austria)
  • Arabella Golf Son Quint (Spain)
  • Golf Santa Ponsa I (Spain)

You have already played these golf courses? Then rate them now in the Golf Post Course Finder. Other golfers will benefit from your experience and you can also view tens of thousands of reviews and plan your next golf experience. You can also rate all other golf courses in Europe.

Categories
Equipment

Titleist Introduces New TSR2 & TSR3 Hybrids

The most played hybrids on the PGA TOUR since 2014, Titleist hybrids have always set the highest standard for performance and playability. The all-new TSR2 and TSR3 models – available for fittings and presale on Feb. 2 and in golf shops worldwide beginning Feb. 23 –continue to raise the bar with advancements and refinements that will benefit all players seeking long iron alternatives.

These new additions to the TSR metalwood family come in two distinct models: the TSR2 hybrid, which offers forgiving speed and performance, and the TSR3 hybrid, which delivers next-level precision and workability.

The TSR2 and TSR3 hybrids make their PGA TOUR debut this week at The American Express, joining a TSR metalwoods line that continues to gain momentum across the worldwide professional tours. The versatility and gapping options offered in the TSR hybrid lineup make for a seamless transition in players’ bags from TSR drivers and fairways.

“TSR2 and TSR3 hybrids offer players options at the top end of the bag,” said Tom Bennett, Principal Product Manager – Fairways & Hybrids. “Players can choose between the more classical shape and high launch of the TSR2 or the refined profile and adjustability of the TSR3. Both clubs provide a fast, forgiving, and high-launching long-iron alternative that gives the golfer the confidence to pull off any shot.”

TSR Hybrid Offerings:

TSR2: A high launching, mid-low spin, forgiving long-iron replacement, best-suited for players that deliver the club in a sweeping motion. An extended blade length, a deeper CG, and a reimagined sole shape bring even better forgiveness and improved turf interaction than its popular predecessors, all packed into a classic hybrid profile.

  • Features head weight adjustability (same as driver/fairway)
  • RH and LH Lofts: 18°, 21°, 24°


TSR3: 
A flatter trajectory, and a refined shape inspired by popular predecessors. Highly adjustable, featuring a new 5-position SureFit Adjustable CG Track System that allows players to dial in their ideal setup. Tailored to players seeking workability and precision, the TSR3 hybrid has a refined tour-inspired shape that gives players the confidence to hit any shot.

  • Enhanced 5-position SureFit CG Adjustability
  • Features head weight adjustability (same as TSR3 driver/fairway)
  • RH and LH Lofts: 19°, 21°, 24°

TSR Hybrid Performance and Technology:

  • Reimagined shaping and profiles: The TSR2 hybrids are classically shaped and have a slightly lengthened blade length, shifting the impact center further from the shaft, which increases face flex and results in more speed and forgiveness | TSR3 hybrids feature an iron-like hybrid profile inspired by popular predecessors, and a slight reduction in offset helps improve performance
  • Deeper, More Forgiving CG & High Inertia Body: In TSR2, Titleist engineers pushed the CG deeper while keeping it low, making high-launching and soft-landing approaches with maximum forgiveness even easier | TSR3 hybrids are more stable due to a higher inertia body, preventing deflection and twist when playing from difficult conditions
  • Faster Through the Rough: Added sole relief pockets on both TSR2 and TSR3 are designed to move the club faster through all rough conditions, heavy or light. Less surface area means less friction and less chance to drag or grab, also resulting in smooth turf interaction from the fairway.
  • Performance-Tuned Adjustability: With a refined 5-position SureFit Adjustable CG Track System, it is now easier than ever to dial in the exact setup you need in the TSR3 with a wider and more precise range of CG placements.
  • Player-Influenced Sound & Feel: Amazing sound and feel are paramount in the design of a superior golf club. Both hybrids have been tuned to deliver the acoustic and physical feedback each player needs to develop consistency and trust.

Availability and Price: Titleist TSR2 and TSR3 hybrids are available for fittings and presale on Feb. 2 and in golf shops worldwide beginning Feb. 23. | MAP: $299

Categories
Equipment

 Wilson Golf Introduces New Dynapower Club Range

 Nearly 70 years after Wilson Sporting Goods Co. redefined expectations around power and distance in iron play, Wilson Golf is introducing an all-new Dynapower range of Woods and Irons to present one of the most successful franchises in the game’s history to another generation of golfers.

Wilson Golf revitalises the Dyna-Powered legacy

Revitalising the Dyna-Powered legacy that revolutionised the game with game-changing weight distribution on its iron sets from 1956 onwards, the rebirth of the famous franchise as a modern classic includes the first Wilson Tour spec fully adjustable driver and distance inspired irons, plus fairway woods and hybrids. 

“We first changed the game of golf seven decades ago and it’s time to do it again,” said Tim Clarke, President of Wilson Golf. “Just like the original concept, these newwoods and irons are built with adding more power in mind, as we continue to innovate and deliver top-of-the-line products that raise the confidence of golfers at all skill levels. This time we’ve used advanced AI technology to redefine golf club power options and we’re extremely proud of this new line of Dynapower products and the impact they can have,” he added.

Wilson Dynapower Driver

The new Dynapower Driver is one of the most adjustable drivers ever created by Wilson andavailable in both Carbon and Titanium head options. It comes with a host of custom fitting combinations – from swing weight, flex, shaft, loft & lie – that enable golfers to find the perfect club off the tee, depending on preferred shot shape and ball flight. 

Employing advanced Artificial Intelligence methods, thousands of clubhead aesthetics were analysed using the same computer design process that produced the award-winning Wilson D9 wood range. Simulating a wide variety of data variations to produce the most effective design possible, it resulted in the deployment of exclusive PKR2 Technology on both Carbon and Titanium heads, providing a dynamic face thickness optimised over an extended area of the clubface for fast ball speeds and maximum forgiveness on off-centre hits. A new dynamic 6-way adjustable hosel enables fitters to make quick shaft changes, while golfers can benefit from easy one-click launch and spin adjustments.

“Research shows golfers hit 25% more GIR from the fairway, while around 60% of average 10-handicappers hit the green from 125-150 yards out, so that’s why the powerful new Dynapower Driver offers many golfers the best opportunity to post better scores,” said Jon Pergande, Manager of Wilson Golf Club Innovation based in Chicago. 

Aimed at the avid golfer looking to work the ball off the tee, the lightweight Carbon composite panels on the crown and sole, plus a 12g weight moves the Centre of Gravity low and forward creating a lower spinning driver head with neutral to fade ball flight tendencies.

Designed more at the aspirational player looking to maximise distance with a straighter ball flight, the Titanium head incorporates a 16g rear weight that produces a high MOI driver with a deep, rear Centre of Gravity delivering a forgiving higher launch angle with a neutral to draw bias.

Wilson Dynapower Irons

Engineered primarily for the aspirational 10+ handicap golfer, the Dynapower Irons – featuring a distinctive Wilson red tread for men and teal for women – have been designed to appeal aesthetically to single digit players looking for more distance and occasional mishit management in their game.

They feature variable thickness for each section of the face to make more of the clubface hot, especially the centre-to-toe area where approximately 85% of shots are hit.

“The face on the new Dynapower irons is the thinnest we’ve ever designed relative to the overall average thickness,” said Pergande. “The thinner topline, generous offset and a longer smooth hosel provides a pleasing look at address and the AI methods helped us to reposition weight to drive new solutions for both power and distance,” he added.

Using advanced Artificial Intelligence methods in designing irons for the first time – the same computer process used successfully with the Dynapower and D9 woods – thousands of clubhead data variations and aesthetics were analysed to produce the most effective and pleasing shape possible. The resulting design then incorporated the pioneering Wilson Power Hole 3.0 technology to deliver maximum ball speed across the face of each club.

The latest clubs from the brand with more Major wins in irons than any other (62) feature heel-to-toe weighting for a higher MOI and a lower centre of gravity design to deliver stability on off-centre hits that also fuels higher launch and steeper descent angles. 

Wilson Dynapower Fairway Woods and Hybrids

Designed using the same AI techniques as the Driver, the new Wilson Dynapower Fairway Woods and Hybrids feature a high MOI head design and advanced Tour-inspired shape for full confidence off the tee and deck. The stylish fairway woods incorporate a 12g rear weight that delivers a forgiving high launch angle and ball trajectory. Testing by Tour players during the development of the clubs has resulted in a flatter profile for a clean setup behind the ball. 

The Dynapower Hybrid features variable face thickness and internal weighting to position the Centre of Gravity low and back to produce an easy-to-launch ball flight that is more forgiving. The Tour-preferred flatter profile is also incorporated for confidence at setup.

For more information on the new Dynapower range and all Wilson Golf products, including woods, irons, wedges, putters, balls and accessories, visit www.wilson.com.

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Equipment Products

More Carbon, More Fargiveness: Taylor Made Introduces the Stealth 2 Drivers

One year ago, Taylor Made Golf Company transformed the trajectory of driver technology with the groundbreaking Stealth CarbonwoodTM drivers, featuring the first-of-its-kind lighter and faster 60X Carbon Twist FaceTM. After a strong year in the marketplace and on professional tours across the world, carbon-face driver performance is just getting started as TaylorMade introduces the Stealth 2 Plus, Stealth 2 and Stealth 2 HD drivers.

Stealth 2 Carbonwood drivers combine the speed of Stealth with technological advancements that create a new level of forgiveness.

This is Fargivness

Building on the speed producing success of the original 60X Carbon Twist Face that optimised energy transfer for fast ball speeds, the new face design in Stealth 2 features an advanced version of Inverted Cone Technology (ICT). The new ICT is designed to maintain ball speed on off-centre strikes and increase forgiveness, or as we like to call that combination: Fargiveness.

A more pronounced ICT produces a thinner face on the edges and a thicker centre face, engineered to spread speed around the perimeter. Stealth 2’s face weighs just 24g (2g lighter than the original Stealth face) and is designed to have an expanded COR area for a larger sweet spot and boosted performance across the entire face.

“There are two main ways to produce forgiveness in a driver, by optimising the face and by optimising the body. Building off the 60X Carbon Twist Face in the original Stealth that led to ball speed gains for golfers across various skill levels, with Stealth 2 we challenged ourselves to bring more forgiveness in each of the three models. We accomplished that through introducing our modified face construction focused on forgiveness on the outside of the face, and a brand-new carbon-based modular body construction.”

Tomo Bystedt, Senior Director Product Creation, CarbonwoodTM and Metalwoods

The More Carbon the better

Stealth 2 is the first driver in TaylorMade’s history that has more carbon (including composites) than any other material by volume. TaylorMade has gradually increased the usage of carbon over the last five years and when compared to first generation Stealth there is a 75 percent increase in carbon in Stealth 2 Plus and nearly double in Stealth 2 and Stealth 2 HD.

What does more Carbon mean? More Carbon creates more discretionary mass that can be re-located for a higher Moment of Inertia (MOI) and optimal CG location. The additional carbon has enabled our engineers to increase total MOI in the Stealth 2 Plus driver by nine percent from Stealth Plus.

Carbon is seen in Stealth 2 drivers with a: Carbon Crown, Carbon Reinforced Composite Ring, Carbon Sole and the 60X Carbon Twist Face. The only parts made of metal in Stealth 2

clubheads are the titanium collar on the front of the club that holds the hosel and frames the face, and front and rear weights that vary by model.

The added Carbon Reinforced Ring provides constructional strength, durability and mass savings that allowed engineers to form a more complex and functional shape.

“The modular carbon body construction of Stealth 2 represents our commitment to carbon as the leading material in every TaylorMade driver we produce. It was clear that the breakthroughs we had with Stealth were just the beginning in terms of the performance we can extract from this technology platform. A primarily carbon-based head construction is revolutionising where we are able to position mass in a driver and this allows us to finely tune the launch, spin and MOI in each of the three Stealth 2 driver models.”

– Tomo Bystedt, Senior Director Product Creation, Carbonwood and Metalwoods

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Groundbreaking Technology remains

Stealth 2 maintains various technological innovations that made the original Stealth driver a powerhouse at all levels of golf.

The 60X Carbon Twist Face is encased by a polyurethane nanotexture cover that is used to fine tune launch and spin to optimise total distance regardless of playing conditions.

The Inertia Generator remains the foundational source of refined aerodynamic properties. The result is a slippery-fast head shape that aids in swing speed generation on the downswing while retaining high MOI, for golfers at every level.

TaylorMade’s flexible Thru-Slot Speed PocketTM design is engineered to maximise ball speeds and produce additional forgiveness on low-face strikes.

Our engineers obsessed over creating the perfect acoustics with Stealth 2 in order to produce a sound and feel that TaylorMade drivers are known for. We used a combination of carbon panel curvature, shape, and thickness to finely tune acoustics, delivering a sound profile that is both bright and powerful.

Performance Comparison of Stealth 2 Plus, Stealth 2 and Stealth 2 HD

STEALTH 2 PLUS

Because of weight savings from the usage of carbon materials, engineers were able to incorporate the use of a 15g sliding weight track designed to help golfers dial in shot shape by shifting mass on the sole to create the desired ball flight. Stealth 2 Plus is the lowest spinning driver in the family.

STEALTH 2

The reconstructed Stealth 2 driver delivers high MOI performance with a heavy 25g tungsten weight positioned on the Inertia Generator. The TSS (TaylorMade Swingweight System) weight is strategically located on the sole to encourage optimal launch and spin properties, delivering complete performance while allowing the driver to be tuned for

swingweight in custom. The carbon ring on Stealth 2 and Stealth 2 HD stands out, as it is completely red and visible at address unlike Stealth 2 Plus.

STEALTH 2 HD

Engineers utilised weight savings from the full-body carbon construction to shift the Inertia Generator with its heavy 30g weight closer to the heel in Stealth 2 HD, creating high launch and draw-bias with extreme MOI. Stealth 2 HD is the most stable and forgiving driver in the family.

STEALTH 2 HD WOMEN’S

Featuring a lighter head weight than the standard HD model and a unique colourway, Stealth 2 HD Women’s driver is designed to enhance clubhead speed. It maintains the high MOI head design for easy, high launch with a draw bias.

SPECIFICATIONS, AVAILABILITY AND PRICING

Stealth 2 Plus, Stealth 2 and Stealth 2 HD drivers will be available for preorder on January 10 and at retail on February 17.

Stealth 2 Plus has an RRP of £529 / EURO 669 / SEK 7,299 / NOK 6,799 / DKK 4,999 / CHF 689 and will be offered in 8°, 9° and 10.5° lofts. Shaft offerings include Mitsubishi Kai’li Red 60 (X, S, R) and Project X HZRDUS Black (Gen 4) 60 (X/6.5, S/6.0). Stealth 2 Plus comes stock with Golf Pride’s Z-Grip Plus 2 Black/Red (52g).

Stealth 2 and Stealth 2 HD have an RRP of £499 / EURO 649 / SEK 6,999 / NOK 6,499 / DKK 4,899 / CHF 669 and will be offered in 9°, 10.5° and 12° lofts. Stealth 2 shaft offerings included Fujikura Ventus Red TR 5 (S, R, A) and Mitsubishi Diamana S+ 60 (X, S, R). The Stealth 2 HD shaft offering is Fujikura Speeder NX Red 60 (S) and 50 (R, A). Both models come with Golf Pride’s Z-Grip Plus 2 Black/Red (52g) grip.

Stealth 2 HD Women’s comes in 10.5° and 12° lofts with Adila Ascent Ladies 45 shaft and Lamkin Ladies Sonar (38g) grip.

For all offerings, numerous custom shaft and grip options are available through our Custom department. The custom process allows us to build the ideal club for any golfer – it’s not women’s equipment or men’s equipment, but the right equipment.

MYSTEALTH 2 PLUS IN YOUR ELEMENT

TaylorMade continues its investment in personalisation with the MyStealth 2 programme to allow golfers to have advanced personalisation in the Stealth 2 Plus Model:

  • Face Colour: Red, Black, Yellow, Blue, Light Blue, Bright Green, Pink, Orange, Purple
  • Ring Colour: Red, Black, Gold, Silver, White, Charcoal
  • Crown Finish: Gloss or Satin
  • Top Line: Black or White
  • Sightline: Logo or No Logo
  • Weight Colours: Black or Chrome
  • Custom MyStealth 2 Headcover MyStealth 2 has an RRP of £599 / EURO 759 / SEK 8,349 / DKK 5,699 / CHF 779 and is offered in the Stealth 2 Plus model in 9° and 10.5° loft in both RH and LH. Preorder begins January 10 at TaylorMadeGolf.com and available at select retailers starting February 17.

(Text: TaylorMade)

Categories
Equipment Products

TaylorMade Stealth 2 Fairways: Versatile Designs and Breakthrough Technologies to Fit Golfers of All Abilities

TaylorMade Golf Company continues its technological innovation in the fairway wood and RescueTM categories with the announcement of the Stealth 2 fairway and Stealth 2 Rescue family. The latest line of Stealth 2 fairway woods and RescueTM clubs continues to feature with breakthrough movable weight technologies and versatile designs.

TaylorMade presents new Stealth 2 Plus fairway

The flagship model of the line is Stealth 2 Plus fairway, which features a heavy 50g sliding weight on the sole. This weight allows for three main settings, each with its own performance characteristics – creating three different fairway woods in one. The middle setting is the most versatile for optimal playability off the deck or off the tee. This standard setting will fit a wide range of golfers and has mid launch, mid-spin and consistently powerful distance.

Players can manipulate the weight to fit their swing or desired launch conditions. Shifting it to the front reduces spin and creates a piercing trajectory for added distance off the tee. This setting is also ideal for high-spin golfers who want to knock off spin for increased roll out and distance.

“We anticipate the forward setting being popular on Tour, particularly among players like Collin Morikawa who have historically used our 13.5° Rocket 3-wood for increased distance and a low spin/low launch. The versatility of Stealth 2 Plus will allow for this type of “rocket” setting but ultimately its versatility is its greatest appeal. Adjusting the movable weight creates noticeable performance differences in terms of launch, spin and distance, allowing golfers to dial in the preferred flight characteristics that their game, course and conditions require.”

Tomo Bystedt, Senior Director of Product Creation

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Positioning the weight all the way back is the most forgiving setting. It adds spin and increases MOI for enhanced performance on off-centre strikes. This setting also encourages a steeper descent angle with more spin, creating a performance option for players who possess the power and speed to attack par 5s with their second shots – helping them to hold the green more easily.

The combination of the sliding weight along with an FCT Loft Sleeve gives Stealth 2 Plus a massive spin and loft range, checking in at +/- 2° of loft and approximately +/- 550 RPMs of spin. These two functions allow players to customise the club to fit their specific needs and playing style.

The Stealth 2 fairway builds on the success of the original Stealth fairway, which was among the most played fairway woods on the PGA Tour in 2022. It features a slightly lower profile 3D carbon crown that pushes CG down and pulls mass away from the high toe area, allowing more weight to be positioned rearward for optimal forgiveness and maximum playability.

The V SteelTM sole continues to play a pivotal role with the Stealth 2 fairway. This iconic TaylorMade technology is dual-purpose:

  1. 1)  Helping to drive weight low for deeper CG.
  2. 2)  Improving turf interaction and providing the versatility to take on a variety of lies.

Joining the TaylorMade Family: Stealth 2 HD

Another unique addition to the TaylorMade fairway family is the all-new Stealth 2 HD, engineered to maximise forgiveness and deliver easy playability for golfers at every level. A radical departure from traditional TaylorMade designs, it features an ultra-high MOI construction with an oversized 200cc head.

A larger, low-profile sole helps the club hug the ground at address and makes it easier to achieve a high launch, while internal weighting encourages a draw-bias ball flight. Stealth HD has the highest MOI of any TaylorMade fairway wood and expands the limits of forgiveness in terms of off-the-deck playability. For golfers who have historically struggled to produce successful shots with their fairway woods, this ground-breaking design will be an exciting and easy-to-hit alternative.

Every Stealth 2 fairway and Rescue features a new Advanced Inverted Cone Technology, an intelligent design that optimises the face thickness profile of each individual club type to ensure peak performance regardless of face size, shape or material. Engineered to maximise speed and enhance durability, the design is thinnest at true centre and around the edges, with a thicker mantle surrounding centre face.

“Advanced ICT takes a proven TaylorMade concept and pushes it to the next level. We’ve now optimised variable face thickness for each individual club, so that every face on a Stealth 2 fairway or Rescue has been specifically engineered for that club. This design feat is a testament to our team’s relentless drive to improve on every aspect of our products year after year.”

-Matt Johnson, Principal Engineer, Advanced Design

SPECIFICATIONS, AVAILABILITY & PRICING

Stealth 2 Plus, Stealth 2 and Stealth 2 HD fairways will be available for preorder on January 10 and at retail on February 17, 2023. Stealth 2 Plus has an RRP of £379 / €479 / SEK 5,299 / NOK 4,999 / DKK 3,699 / CHF 489 and will be offered in 3/15° and 5/18° lofts. It will be offered in the Mitsubishi Kai’li Red FW (75X, 75S, 65R), with a variety of custom shaft options available. Stealth 2 Plus fairways come stock with the Golf Pride’s Z-Grip (52g).

Stealth 2 and Stealth 2 HD have an RRP of £299 / €379 / SEK 4,199 / NOK 3,999 / DKK 2,999 / CHF 389. Stealth 2 will be offered in lofts of 3/15°, 3HL/16.5°, 5/18°, 7/21° and 9/24°. Shaft offerings include Fujikura Ventus TR Red FW (6-S, 5-R, 5-A), with a variety of custom shaft options available. Stealth 2 HD will be offered in lofts of 16°, 19° and 22°. Fujikura Speeder NX

Red is the stock shaft offering with a variety of custom shaft options available. Both models come stock with Golf Pride’s Z-Grip (52g).

Stealth 2 HD Women’s Fairway is offered in lofts of 16°, 19° and 22°, and comes stock with the Aldila Ascent Ladies 45 shaft and Lamkin Ladies Sonar grip.

STEALTH 2 PLUS, STEALTH 2 AND STEALTH 2 HD RESCUE CLUBS

For the first time, TaylorMade is releasing a trio of Rescue clubs within the same family: Stealth 2 Plus, Stealth 2 and Stealth 2 HD, each designed with a specific golfer and performance goal in mind.

Stealth 2 Plus Rescue features a compact tour-inspired shape that lends itself to enhanced shot making. It combines the control and workability of a long iron with the added forgiveness of a Rescue.

Compared to the original Stealth Rescue, CG is positioned lower in the Stealth 2 head for a more centred CG projection that leads to optimal launch and spin. A mass pad positioned at the back of the club further increases MOI for forgiveness and playability.

Stealth 2 HD is new to the family and utilises a larger but lower overall profile along with internal draw-bias weighting to deliver high launch and easy-to-hit performance. Higher lofts than traditional Rescue clubs promote better launch and help golfers get the ball airborne faster at moderate swing speeds.

With versatile designs and breakthrough technologies, the Stealth 2 family of fairway woods and Rescue clubs has the potential to change the trajectory of fairway and hybrid design for years to come. Golfers of all abilities will be able to find a club that fits their needs and helps them improve their game.

SPECIFICATIONS, AVAILABILITY & PRICING

Stealth 2 Plus, Stealth 2 and Stealth 2 HD Rescues clubs will be available for preorder on January 10 and at retail on February 17, 2023. Stealth 2 Plus has an RRP of £249 / €329 / SEK 3,499 / NOK 3,299 / DKK 2,499 / CHF 329 and will be offered in lofts of 2/17°, 3/19.5° and 4/22°. It will be offered in the Mitsubishi Kai’li Red HY (95X, 85S, 75R) shaft, with numerous custom shaft options available. It comes stock with the Golf Pride’s Z-Grip (52g).

Stealth 2 Rescue has an RRP of £239/ €299 / SEK 3,299 / NOK 3,099 / DKK 2,299 / CHF 299 and will be offered in lofts of 3/19°, 4/22°, 5/25°, 6/28° and 7/31°. It will be offered in the Fujikura Ventus Red TR HB (7-S, 6-R, 5-A) shaft, with numerous custom shaft options, as well as Lamkin’s Crossline 360 grip (47g).

Stealth 2 HD Rescue has an RRP of £239/ €299 / SEK 3,299 / NOK 3,099 / DKK 2,299 / CHF 299 will be offered in lofts of 3/20°, 4/23°, 5/27° and 6/31°. It will be offered in the Fujikura Speeder

NX Red (60-S, 50-R, 50-A) shaft, with numerous custom shaft options available. Stealth 2 HD Rescue comes stock with the Lamkin Crossline 360 grip (47g).

Stealth 2 HD Women’s Rescue offerings include the Aldila Ascent Ladies shaft and the Lamkin Ladies Sonar grip (38g). Loft offerings include 4/23°, 5/27° and 6/31°.

(Text: TaylorMade)