Harry Kane is not only the most expensive player ever to play in the Bundesliga, but also arguably the best golfer. (Credit. Getty)
Thomas Müller in particular should be extremely pleased about the spectacular transfer of English superstar Harry Kane to FC Bayern. Müller, who is known for his passion for golf, will probably not only provide the perfect templates for the new star striker on the football field in the near future, but will probably also enjoy one or two rounds of golf together with him. With the signing of Harry Kane, FC Bayern has not only gained one of the most outstanding goal scorers of the last ten years, but also brought a virtuoso golfer into the team. With a handicap of 0, Kane even puts the experienced golfer Müller in the shade.
Kane first ventured onto the golf course at the age of six or seven, but his involvement at that time remained rather modest. The true passion for golf only ignited in Kane at the age of 17 or 18. During one summer, he deliberately refrained from travelling and instead devoted himself to golf every day for five weeks. During this period, his handicap dropped from 18 to about 10, and from then on, his enthusiasm for the sport grew inexorably year by year. He began to follow golf on television, with Tiger Woods in particular inspiring him.
Nowadays, Harry Kane presents himself with an impressive handicap of zero. As a member of Wentworth Golf Club as well as Beaverbrook Golf Club in Surrey, he has made two renowned golf courses his sporting home. During his time at Tottenham Hotspurs, he often played with teammate Eric Dier. Now in Munich, he has probably already found a new playing partner in Thomas Müller, who will keep him company on the golf course. Since Müller is also a regular guest at the Pro-Am of the BMW International Open, fans may soon be able to admire Harry Kane’s golf game at the Munich-Eichenried Golf Club.
Golfing with Tiger Woods not a dream for Harry Kane
Harry Kane has already experienced several things in his golf career that remain a lifelong dream for most golfers. In 2017, the Englishman had the honour of playing four holes with golf legend Tiger Woods in the Bahamas, an experience he still looks back on with great pleasure. The list of golf courses on which the striker has already played reads like a poem: Augusta National, St. Andrews Old Course, Kingsbarns, Loch Lomond and many more. So it’s no wonder that golf has become a real passion for Kane.
Kane is well aware of his strengths on the golf course. The 1.88 metre tall attacker cites long tee shots as his greatest weapon and estimates that he can keep up with many professionals in this respect. But power is not his only expertise – his precise short game, especially when chipping, is testament to his remarkable talent. Striving for consistent performance on the golf course is a major driving force for Kane. But unlike on the football pitch, performance and perfection are not the only things that count for the 30-year-old when it comes to golf. For him, it is a way to enjoy the moment, switch off and leave the stress of everyday life behind. While he is on the golf course, he can focus on having a good time without the pressure he might feel on the football field.
In a golf challenge, Harry Kane has even taken on Tommy Fleetwood. A good opportunity to watch the new Bavarian play golf.
The TaylorMade Milled Grind 4 (MG4) is the newest addition to the TaylorMade Wedge Familiy. (Source: TaylorMade)
TaylorMade unveils its latest breakthrough in wedge design – the Milled Grind 4 (MG4) with the all-new Spin Tread technology. Built upon the success of its predecessors, MG4 represents a significant advancement in the Milled Grind family, offering golfers acombination of spin control, versatility and premium feel.
A Game-Changer in Wet Conditions
Bill Price, the Senior Director of Product Creation, Putter & Wedge is extremly happy about the new wedge: “This is a major step forward in the progression of the Milled Grind family. With MG4 we have evolved our approach to wet spin and developed an all-new Spin Tread technology. We use a laser etching treatment to create face roughness, which translates to better friction and moisture channeling for optimal ball control, especially on partial shots.”
This innovation proves crucial, particularly in wet conditions, where players experience higher launches and reduced spin. By combining the laser treatment with strategically designed grooves and a raw face, TaylorMade has achieved notable improvements in wet spin rates compared to prior models while also increasing face durability. The technology works in a similar fashion to the tread on a tire, which creates space for water to exit so the tire can have direct contact with the pavement and better grip the road. In the case of MG4, the treads channel away moisture and allow the golf ball to stay on the face longer while imparting more spin. With MG4, TaylorMade has not only focused on performance and technology,but also prioritised aesthetics and player feedback. MG4 features a refined finish with a slightly darker tint, minimising glare and providing a more unified appearancethat blends seamlessly with the raw face as it oxidises over time. Furthermore, the redesigned back geometry enhances the wedgewith a more solid and softer feel – all complimenting its refined Tour-inspired shaping and address versatility.
Innovative Wedge Design: Unveiling Enhanced Feel and Versatility
Greg Cesario of the TaylorMade Wedge Design Team says what he thinks is important about new wedges: “The feel component is a significant factor. By replacing thechrome-plated face withraw finishes early in the Milled Grind evolution, we were able to influence spin and also enhance the overall feel of the wedge. Adding our reconstructed backbar, with more weight positioned directly behind the strike zone, allows us to help players achieve their desired shot trajectories and spin rates with premium feel and confidence.”
Sole Grind Options for Performance Excellence
TaylorMade has introduced a comprehensive range of sole grinds in the MG4 lineup,offering golfers more versatility while also simplifying the selection process. The grinds are categorised into three main options: low bounce (LB), standard bounce (SB) and high bounce (HB). However, to cater to different swing dynamics, the company added alternative options in each category, providing a total of six bounces to meet the player’s unique requirements. The new MG4 wedge range features the following sole grinds:
Standard Bounce (SB): All-around performance that prevents excessive digging and allows the clubhead to glide through the turf smoothly. Standard Bounce C (SBC): Provides increased versatility for players who prefer to manipulate face angles, without compromising bounce performance. High Bounce (HB): TaylorMade’s standard high bounce designis playable for skilled golfers and defies the convention that high bounce wedges are only for high handicappers. In fact, Rory McIlroy uses a HB 60° Milled Grind 4 depending on course conditions. High Bounce Wide (HBW): With an increased sole width, this high bounce option offers improved playability and excels in sand play. Tiger Woods Grind (TW): Offered in 56° and 60° lofts, each sole on the MG4 TW was inspired by Tiger’s grind. The 56° wedge is a dual sole with heavy heel relief, while the 60° has an extremely high bounce on the leading edge with a shaved heel. Designed to be supremely versatile, these unique grinds allow Tiger to take on any shot, on any course, anywhere in the world. Milled Grind 4 wedges are available in two premium finishes, Tour Satin Chrome and Tour Matte Black (SB only). Milled Grind 4 will be available at retail on September8, 2023 with an RRP of £159/€199.
Arccos announces partnership with the PGA Tour and other well-known names in the golf industry. (Foto: arccos)
Arccos, the world’s largest on-course tracking system and a leader in connected A.I. golf products, today announced a strategic fundraising round featuring several of the game’s biggest brands and most impactful businesses, headlined by the PGA Tour alongside PING, Inc., TaylorMade Golf Company, Cobra and Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp. among others. In conjunction with this investment, Arccos has also been designated “The Official Game Tracker of the PGA Tour.”
Arccos becomes “Official Game Tracker of the PGA Tour”
Arccos provides the ability for golfers to capture their performance on more than 40,000 courses worldwide and track their game just like the pros, who have access to information on the PGA Tour through real-time data collected by ShotLink powered by CDW. The Arccos Caddie App automatically captures every shot a golfer takes, provides an A.I. powered GPS rangefinder, caddie advice and personalized analytics for all game facets.
“This strategic round, validated by participation of many prominent brands in golf, further strengthens our ability to achieve Arccos’ mission of harnessing data and A.I. for game improvement,” said Sal Syed, Arccos CEO & Co-Founder. “With the support of these industry leading partners, we’ll be able to fully leverage and accelerate the growth of the game’s largest data set. Our goal is to help the game’s ecosystem, allowing golfers, coaches, club fitters and product designers make smarter decisions that are based on real performance data.”
PGA Tour: “we are thrilled to be part of this journey”
“On the PGA TOUR, we understand the value of collecting and reporting information on every shot, by every player during tournament competitions,” said Lance Stover, PGA TOUR Senior Vice President, New Ventures. “Arccos’ offering is geared to consumers who are not able to compete on TOUR. Given the size of the golf industry, the sophistication of Arccos’ game tracking solution and the OEM partners it has in place, a tremendous opportunity exists to bring this capability to many more golfers, and we’re thrilled to be part of that journey.”
The new Galvin Green apparel collection 2023. (Photo: Galvin Green)
The 2023 Part Two collection of top designs launching in August from premium high-tech golf apparel brand Galvin Green reflects the influence of the ocean on the game of golf, with a vibrant palette of colours and patterns that will resonate with golfers who enjoy playing coastal courses. The latest designs from the brand at the forefront of clothing technology and sustainability incorporate an array of mesmerising maritime motifs and prints, matched with bright colours across each apparel category to ensure serious golfers can play with full confidence in their clothing in all weather conditions. “The maritime world plays a key role at many golfing venues around the world and so we wanted to showcase this aspect in our latest all-encompassing golf apparel collection,” said Designer Batur Raza Muhammad. “These distinctive designs feature some of our brightest and popular colours to deliver stylish looks, while the use of the latest high-tech fabric technologies guarantees our promise of unrivalled performance that golfers have come to expect from Galvin Green,” he added. Working with responsibly sourced bluesign® approved fabrics across all apparel categories, the brand is introducing more than 100 new pieces to offer men, women and junior golfers the most extensive choice of long-lasting golf apparel on the market.
The new Part Two Men’s Collection
Headlining the new GORE-TEX jacket options is the sporty AXLEY half-zip with a striking hexagonal print and contrasting piping across the chest to deliver a signature Galvin Green look. The timeless waterproof and windproof style features a mesh lining for added warmth, as well as shaped sleeves, adjustable cuffs and chest tabs for easy movement and a comfortable fit. It comes in three modern colourways, including the nautical-themed Navy/Blue/White option. Another addition is the stretch fabric ASHFORD Paclite® half-zip jacket. It features the subtle brand logo in a tonal print that spans the chest and a contrasting zipper to ensure the versatile option can be worn both on and off the course. The lightweight garment is available in three stylish colour combinations. The jacket range is comprised of 27 pieces that can be matched up with three different waterproof pants to form the ultimate rain suit. These include the top-of-the range ALPHA pant; lined ANDY style offering added warmth, plus the ARTHUR Paclite® pant in a practical and lightweight design.
The trendy LUCIEN is a welcome addition to the versatile INTERFACE™ jacket range and is a great windproof and water repellent option. The breathable jacket features a vivid strip with woven Galvin Green branding to the right side of the garment and provides a warming effect level 2. The ultra-modern LATHAN vest in a sharp design completes the standout INTERFACE™ options and incorporates stylish colours, including Navy/White, Cool Grey/Navy and Forged Iron/Black.
The eco-generation INSULA™ range of warm mid-layers is bolstered by the arrival of the smart DURANTE in an athletic design for the coldest days on the course. Available in three striking patterns, the sweater features Thermore® padding on the shoulders and back to deliver extra comfort and warmth. It is joined by the on-trend DESMOND hoodie incorporating a new lightweight material. Launched earlier this summer, the leading VENTIL8™ PLUS shirt range offers more than a dozen styles, including the MALCOLM and MO shirts that feature striking maritime prints inspired by the natural beauty of bucket list golfing venues to deliver unrivalled premium looks and top performance. All VENTIL8™ PLUS shirts provide excellent moisture-transportation properties and breathability to keep the body dry, while offering UV 20+ protection in warmer temperatures.
The Galvin Green Part Two Women’s Collection
The new women’s GORE-TEX range delivers top performance in the harshest of conditions and is headlined by the all-new AIDA waterproof jacket with lightweight mesh lining for added warmth and breathability. It features a two-way front zipper for a perfect fit and comes in a super eye-catching Coral/White/Cool Grey option for a perfect blend of functionality and style. A new addition to the water resistant and windproof INTERFACE™ jacket range is the LEORA. Made from stretch fabric and Thermore® padding for a warming effect level three, the versatile jacket features a soft quilted pattern and comes in three classy colours. The leading INSULA™ line-up is strengthened by the addition of the DARLENA – the brand’s first ever padded Women’s sweater. The soft and stylish mid-layer provides an extremely warm and breathable option. It is complimented by the sporty DAGMAR hoodie with a subtle ‘GG’ logo and slits at the hip for the perfect fit. The garment is also crafted using the new lightweight material. A marine-inspired combination follows into the VENTIL8™ PLUS range. The MALENA shirt in the Navy/White/Blue Bell colourway and matching MABEL skort spearhead the stylish options for women golfers designed to deliver top breathability and thermal regulation in warm conditions.
The Galvin Green Junior Collection
The trendy RYKER hoodie leads the way in the contemporary range for younger players. Designed to deliver unrivalled comfort, the garment features the distinctive ‘GG’ logo at the centre and prominent branding on the left sleeve. The RAZ sweater is also new in a vibrant, ocean-themed Blue colourway. The full Part Two collection is completed by a selection of shorts and skorts, SKINTIGHT™ thermal garments, plus complementary accessories such as caps, belts and bandanas.
TaylorMade announces the all-new P·790, with each iron individually designed to perform exactly how golfers need it. (Source: TaylorMade)
TaylorMade Golf’s P·Series irons each have their own unique artistry that positions them among the highest-performing irons in the marketplace. Recently TaylorMade announced the all-new P·790, with each iron individually designed to perform exactly how golfers need it. With precision mass optimisation in each iron, tungsten weighting and SpeedFoamTM Air, every individual iron has a unique internal structure. This AI-optimised construction is engineered to create an unrivaled blend of distance, forgiveness and accuracy. “P 790 is a collision of art and engineering. The allure lies not only in the clean design and visual appeal, but also in the high-performance machine that lives within. It’s the total package, an ideal blend of external elegance and internal power”, says Matt Bovee, the Director of Product Creation Irons.
FLTD CG-Technology for consistent performance
For the first time, P·790 features FLTD CGTM, a strategic design that positions the centre of gravity (CG) lowest in long irons and progressively shifts it higher throughout the set. This intuitive design concept allows for easier launch and more forgiveness in the long irons, while the shorter, weaker lofted irons are designed to control ball flight and optimise spin. In the long irons (3-4), CG has been shifted almost a millimeter lower compared to previous generations, while CG starts to creep up as you go through the set. Overall, there is a linear trend from low-to-high giving the golfer spin exactly where they need it to promote accuracy, control and consistency from top to bottom.
It’s what’s inside that counts
The internal structure of every P·790 iron was uniquely designed with AI-driven mass optimisation, ensuring every gram of weight was strategically placed to deliver the best possible result with that specific iron. The most notable visual difference from one iron to the next is the sound stabilisation bar, which sits above the tungsten weight framework. Located in the three through seven irons, each bar is uniquely shaped and positioned to individually optimise feel and performance by controlling the amount of unsupported space between the internal structure and the topline of the club. The design minimises unwanted vibrations at impact and ensures that every iron creates a premium forged feel with optimal CG placement. In the long irons, the sound stabilisation bar moves more toward the centre of the club while the tungsten weight frame is positioned nearer to the sole. Mass distribution is specifically arranged to lower the centre of gravity, making it easier to launch the golf ball high with low-lofted irons. Compared to prior generations of P·790 irons, a larger face opening gave engineers more space to push tungsten weights farther towards the toe. In conjunction with a thick-thin back wall that creates additional mass savings, this new construction allows for a shift in mass that’s designed to produce more consistency throughout the set. Moving weight lower and towards the perimeter of the club further allowed engineers to design for improved forgiveness and control CG positioning. Within the scoring clubs (8-PW), CG progressively shifts higher for more control, better spin properties and enhanced accuracy.
Refined Aesthetics and proven technologies
P·790 irons have always been revered for their clean and minimalistic appearance, and the latest model upholds that history. A band of tour satin scratch bisects the pearl satin chrome finish to create premium appeal. With refined aesthetics, P·790 irons seamlessly blend with P·770 irons in a combo set to create a unified look throughout the bag. The 2023 P·790 irons still feature SpeedFoamTM Air, which is 69 percent less dense than the original SpeedFoam. A forged 4140 high speed face creates a hollow body construction that houses the internal technology and sustains a premium feel. A staple of TaylorMade designs, the Thru-Slot Speed PocketTM works in unison with unique internals constructions to expand the sweet spot while also protecting ball speeds on low face strikes. P·790 irons include machined grooves for precision craftsmanship, a characteristic that is paramount throughout the P·Series lineup. P·790 features a pearl satin scratch finish and tour satin stripe that runs down the middle of the club, with a sharp tonality on the polishing.
The all-new P·790 irons are available for pre-order on August 8, 2023, with sets hitting the shelves on September 1, 2023. They sell for £172 or €220 per iron for the steel version and £200 or €257 for the graphite version. P·790 irons are offered in 3-PW, AW (RH/LH) with True Temper Dynamic Gold 105 (S) and Dynamic Gold 95 (R) steel shafts and Mitsubishi MMT 75S, 65R and 55A graphite shafts. P·790 irons come equipped with Golf Pride’s Z Grip +2.
Duca del Cosma, the premium Italian golf fashion brand, has signed top ranked women’s superstar Georgia Hall. (Source: Duca Del Cosma)
Duca del Cosma, the premium Italian golf fashion brand, has signed top ranked women’s superstar Georgia Hall to wear its latest Pro Spike shoes on a global basis from this month. The British Major winner and European Solheim Cup star will make her first appearance in Duca del Cosma shoes at the AIG Women’s Open on 9 August at Walton Heath, attempting to become the first home golfer to win the prestigious title on two occasions.
Georgia Hall: A Trailblazer in Golf, Embracing Duca del Cosma
When capturing her first Major in 2018 at Royal Lytham & St Anne’s, she became the first player to shoot four sub-70 rounds in the tournament’s brand that offers the widest selection of golf shoes for male and female golfers on the market, also embraces her fourth consecutive appearance as a stalwart of Europe’s Solheim Cup team in Spain this September. She has an impressive record in the event with eight wins, including four straight victories in the 2019 competition. The eight-time Tour winner picked up another professional title recently at the Aramco Team Series – London, when she led Team Hall to victory. “I love everything about the Duca del Cosma brand – from the quality of design and comfort of the shoes to the storyline behind the Italian styling and craftsmanship,” said Georgia. “I want to win more Majors and Solheim Cup matches, so being able to wear the best shoes on offer for women golfers can only help me in my quest and I’m excited to represent the brand.
”Commenting on the signing, Frank van Wezel, Chairman of Duca del Cosma, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Georgia to the Duca family and are confident that she will add a great deal to the profile and appeal of the brand, as we offer even greater choices of styles and colours in our women’s collections of golf shoes and boots. Her standing in the women’s game and ambition to add more titles to her name make Georgia the perfect ambassador for the Duca del Cosma brand,” he added.
Duca del Cosma Welcomes Georgia Hall: A Perfect Fit for the Brand
Georgia will be showcasing the signature AVANTI Pro Spike shoes as part of the Women’s Pro Collection introduced earlier this year. Developed for professional golfers to wear over long periods of play, the lightweight, waterproof shoes feature an elegant white design and striking red outsoles with soft spikes, plus technology that delivers maximum stability during the swing. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of a Tour season, the super stable AVANTI shoes enable Georgia Hall to walk close to an estimated 2.5 million steps in comfort during her busy golfing schedule each year.
The holder of an MBE, Georgia became a British golf sensation when she was the first player to hold both British Girls’ and Ladies’ Amateur titles at just 17 years old. Turning professional in 2014, she worked at her game consistently with unwavering dedication and was rewarded with a place on the 2017 Solheim Cup team at the age of 21 and played in all four matches. She joins a team of other Duca del Cosma brand ambassadors, including six-time DP World Tour winner Joost Luiten, emerging Dutch star Daan Huizing and fellow LPGA golfer Kelly Tan.
Duca del Cosma sells premium Italian-designed shoes in 40 different countries across the world and operates from its own subsidiaries in The Netherlands (HQ), United States, UK and South Africa. Each shoe is handcrafted in Portugal using the finest materials available to deliver unrivalled performance, all-day comfort and a super stable fit.
Kathryn Newton playing in the Pro-Am at the AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath. (Credit: R&A)
Hollywood actress Kathryn Newton will use her star power to support The R&A’s drive to make more people aware of the benefits of playing golf and inspire new audiences to take up the sport as a Global Development Ambassador.
Newton, 26, has previously starred in Big Little Lies, The Society, Golden Globe and BAFTA award winning Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and returned to big screens around the world in Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
Having amassed 2.4 million followers on social media, Newton will use these platforms to post about her love for golf and what she enjoys most about the sport in order to encourage fans to pick up a golf club for the first time through The R&A’s recently launched development initiative golf.golf.
Kathryn Newton ahead of the AIG Women’s Open 2023
She started playing golf aged four, competing at the age of eight and now plays off a handicap of four.
Newton said, “I love playing golf and really want to show everyone why it’s such a good sport so that we can get them playing too. Golf is a chance to be outside, spend time with friends and be active. There are so many great things about the sport and I can’t wait to share them with my audiences.”
A passionate supporter of women’s golf, Newton will attend the Women in Sport Summit at Walton Heath tomorrow ahead of the AIG Women’s Open which tees off on Thursday 10 August.
“I am so excited to be attending the AIG Women’s Open, I cannot wait to watch the world’s best players in action,” she added.
“Last year, I was lucky enough to play some holes with Georgia Hall, who has won the AIG Women’s Open, which was so inspiring. These women are such incredible athletes and I would encourage everyone to come out to Walton Heath to watch and learn from them too.
“To be also invited to be a guest speaker at the Women in Sport Summit, where I can share my passion for golf with a room full of likeminded women, who are some of the leading voices in their chosen professionals, is a real honour.”
Kathryn Newton is a new Global Development Ambassador for The R&A. (Credit: R&A)
“Kathryn is an avid golfer who is enthusiastic about getting more people into golf”
Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A, said, “Golf has experienced a surge of interest with participation rising worldwide and so we need to capitalise on this opportunity for the sport by continuing the momentum. It is why we are working closely with Kathryn and our other ambassadors to position golf to millions of people as a fun activity that can be enjoyed by everyone, while debunking some of the unhelpful perceptions that exist.
“Kathryn is an avid golfer who is enthusiastic about getting more people into golf and we are grateful for her commitment towards supporting our aim of ensuring golf is thriving 50 years from now.”
Newton joins major champion Michelle Wie West, football superstar Gareth Bale and global music sensation Niall Horan as Global Development Ambassadors appointed by The R&A to utilise the power of influencers from the sports and entertainment industries to broaden golf’s appeal and image.
The R&A’s appointed Modest! Golf, founded by Horan, to work on golf.golf, an ambitious pilot initiative to encourage people to learn to play golf at a diverse range of golf facilities across Scotland
Bale features in The R&A’s ‘Golf is Good’ campaign, first piloted in Wales last year, which builds on scientific research to promote the health and wellbeing benefits of playing the sport through creative storytelling.
Turino - Capital of Piedmont (Photo: www.turismotorino.org)
Exquisite truffles, the best chocolate and fine wines
Just thinking about the great white truffles from Alba, the full-bodied red wines Barolo, Barbera and Barbaresco or the finest chocolates from Turin makes my mouth water. The region is also known far beyond its borders for its rice and diverse cheeses, and the merest thought of its culinary delights make the hearts of gourmets beat just that little bit faster.
Finest white truffles from Alba (Photo: www.fieradeltartufo.org)
An impressive 46 Michelin-starred restaurants pamper the palates of their guests. Cafés serve the popular Bicerin, the sweet and tart chocolate coffee drink. Turin, the city of Vermouth, the nut chocolate praline Gandujotti and the popular breadsticks Grissini, attracts hundreds of thousands every year. And we have Turin to thank for Vitello Tonnato as well as ice cream on a stick, which was first made here with a vanilla flavour and a coated layer of chocolate. The popular nut nougat cream also comes from Piedmont and was invented by Turin confectioner Pietro Ferrero in 1946.
Italy moves into the global golf spotlight
Italy is attracting attention not only because of the Ryder Cup taking place in Rome this year, but also because of great golf courses in the rest of the country. The recognized industry website ‘Top 100 Golf Courses’ recently rated the 60 best courses in Italy.
Almost half of the top 20 courses are located in Piedmont, which is known for its breathtaking landscapes, from the foot of the majestic Alps in the north to the rolling hills in the south, and mo fewer than four have made it into the top 10.
With its 51 golf courses and 15 driving ranges of the 240 golf facilities nationwide, Piedmont ranks second among all regions. Golf here dates back to 1898, when the Couturbier Golf Course in Navara was founded and was one of the only two Italian courses at the time.
Impressive Alpine scenery
If you are flying into Milan from Malpensa airport or travelling from Lake Maggiore, the two par-72 courses of Circolo Golf Bogogno designed by Robert Von Hagge, Mike Smelek and Rick Baril are the perfect start to your golf adventure through Piedmont. They are situated in a magnificent landscape and offer fantastic views of the mountains towering in the background.
Bogogno Golf Resort (Photo: Azalea Group)
The Del Conte Course (rank 18) is a par-72 course and bristles with links character. It is characterised by wide, open landing zones, various flat sections, large lakes and dense rough, and is embedded in the magnificent backdrop of the Monte Rosa peaks.
The Bonora Course (rank 16) is also a par 72 but is more parkland in design and weaves through the expansive hilly landscape of the nature park, surrounded by old trees and criss-crossed by pristine streams.
They are part of the Bogogno Golf Resort, which is situated at an altitude of 320 m above sea level. It offers 50 spacious, sunny rooms equipped with all amenities. Some of them have a balcony or terrace and large windows overlooking the swimming pool and the greens. The modern SPA and the Rooftop Bar invite you to relax.
From here, a trip to one of the many lakes in Piedmont is not to be missed and is highly recommended.
Stroll through Orta San Giulio
After a half-hour drive from the resort, you reach the idyllic village of Orta San Giulio on the eastern shore of Lake Orta and its well-preserved medieval houses. It is one of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” (most beautiful places in Italy). The 16th-century town hall, which is well worth seeing, is located on the Piazza Mario Motta in the historic centre of the town, which is surrounded by magnificent, partly Baroque palazzi.
San Giulio and Isola San Giulio (Photo: www.italien.de)
The short boat trip across the calm lake to the Isola di San Giulio is also worthwhile. A stroll through the cobbled streets to the Roman Catholic basilica with its magnificent Romanesque pulpit and the bishop’s palace rounds off the trip nicely. At the numerous Piedmontese lakes, including Lake Maggiore, a total of 70 bathing beaches invite you to take a dip in the calm, cool water.
From here, head southwest to Biella, home to number two in the aforementioned golf-course ranking.
Biella Le Betulle Golf Club
The golf club “Le Betulle” was founded in 1957. Nestled in a splendid natural landscape with dense forests of centuries-old beech, birch (Le Betulle) and chestnut trees, it is situated at an altitude of 590 m just a few kilometres from Biella and Ivrea. Its views of the Serra moraine hill with the Alps behind are extremely imposing.
The 18-hole championship course, a par-73 parkland layout, was designed by the English architect John Morrison and has been considered one of the best courses in Italy for decades. It is considered the course with the most typical English design in Italy and rolls through the hilly terrain, over bridges and gorges and past rocky cliffs.
Golf Club Biella #16 (Photo: Azalea Group)
Royal Park I Roveri
Founded in 1971 by the Agnelli family (co-founders of FIAT), the club is set in beautiful surroundings in the La Mandria nature reserve. It is surrounded by the Turin mountains, which magically attract the gaze of golfers. The club has always been one of the most exclusive in Italy. Several international tournaments, such as the Italian Open, the European Amateur Championship and the European Young Masters, have already been held here.
Golf Club Royal Park I Roveri (Photo: Azalea Group)
The Allianz Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior, is characterised by its great arrangement of bunkers, water hazards and large undulating greens. Its old trees also make it extremely visually appealing.
The second course, the Allianz Bank Course, was designed in 2006 and is the work of US architect Michael Hurdzan. He is one of the leading golf course architects in North America and speaks internationally on the subject of the environmental impact of golf. The collaboration was with Dana Fry.
It is his first course designed in Europe, where he brought his philosophy of harmonising the pristine natural landscape with the course. The course is relatively flat, open and with fewer trees. Numerous ponds and bunkers present its greatest challenges.
The Edoardo Molinari Golf Academy, founded by former European Ryder Cup star Edoardo Molinari in 2019, completes the extensive golf offer.
Circolo Golf Torino (La Mandria)
In the immediate vicinity of Royal Park I Roveri is the Torino Golf Club with its two 18-hole championship courses. The Blue Course and the Yellow Course are also located in the beautiful natural park of La Mandria. Originally founded in 1924, the club later moved here to the former game reserve of the Royal House of Savoy, where the famous Reggia di Venaria Reale palace is also located.
The uniqueness of the club is the location of the courses in its natural surroundings. Here one encounters untouched nature at its purest. You will look in vain for roads and buildings. Environmental protection and sustainability are very important to the club management. Proof of this is the Impegnati nel Verde prize awarded by the Italian Golf Federation in cooperation with the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo to promote the ecologically sustainable development of golf and to raise awareness of environmental issues among clubs and players.
Englishman John Morrison designed the original Blue Course in 1956, which now ranks sixth in the current Top 100 golfcours.com ranking. Some time later, the 18-hole Yellow Course was added. A number of holes were adjusted at the end of 1990 with the involvement of architects Marco Conze and Canadian Graham Cook in preparation for the 1999 Italian Open. The originally flat course received some mounding. In 2013 and 2014, the Italian Open was again held on the Blue Course.
Both courses are classic parkland designs, which today lead over slightly hilly terrain and are designed with many trees, bunkers and water hazards. The bunkers and greens, on the other hand, are flat.
Green of #1 CG Torino (Photo: Azalea Group)
Reside nobly
An ideal base for playing the four courses of the Royal Park I Roveri and the Circolo Golf Torino is the romantic four-star Relais Bella Rosina Pool & Spa. It has been completely renovated and is also located in complete tranquility in the natural park of La Mandria.
Each of the 21 rooms is bright and spacious. Guests can choose between deluxe rooms, junior suites and suites. The rooms and suites overlook Bella Rosina’s large, heated pool and park.
Bella Rosina Pool & Spa (Photo: Relais)
It takes just over half an hour to reach the centre of Turin, which of course cannot be missed on a trip to Piedmont. The small, charming four-star Hotel Victoria & Iside Spa, with a beautiful courtyard, is located in its centre, within easy reach of the sights.
Rich culture and elegant architecture
Not only gourmets, but also culture and architecture lovers will find their taste here. Turin, the first capital of Italy and the todays capital of Piedmont, is impressive with its many baroque buildings, palaces, basilicas and monasteries.
Some of the city’s highlights are the Shroud of Turin, in which Jesus Christ was wrapped in the tomb and which is now kept in Turin Cathedral, the Egyptian Museum, the monumental Mole Antonelliana building, which is the city’s landmark with its soaring spire.
Also worth seeing are the elegant Piedmontese Royal Residence and the Galleria Sabauda, where numerous masterpieces by great European artists are on display.
Piedmont whets the appetite for grandiose nature, rich culture, culinary delights and star-studded golf courses. Via per il Piemonte.
The R&A today announced new global golf participation (foto: r&a)
According to new research undertaken by the governing body, there are now 39.6 million on-course golfers (9 and 18 hole) in R&A affiliated markets. The research figures indicate that the growth trend began before the onset of Covid-19 and continued during the pandemic – up 34% from 29.6 million on-course golfers in 2016. The sport has since continued to increase in popularity post-pandemic, up 15% from 34.5 million on-course players in 2020.
Global Golf Participation Report
The data is provided in a new Global Golf Participation Report, which, for the first time, collectively measures The R&A’s affiliated markets in Asia, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania.
The report also highlights that 61.2 million adults (outside the USA and Mexico) engage with the sport in some format, which is the first time an estimate has been made beyond on-course activity to include alternative-only formats, such as par-3 golf, indoor simulator golf and driving range use.
Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A, said, “Golf’s popularity has surged in recent years, which is reflected in a notable increase in the number of people playing the sport in both traditional on-course and alternative formats.
“It is significant that ten million more golfers are playing on the course since 2016, but it is also important that millions of others are engaged in golf through many other alternative formats, such as driving ranges, which are so vital to the growth of the sport.”
“It also underlines why effective and impactful participation programmes are important for encouraging more people into the sport and retaining them in greater numbers. We are working closely with our affiliated national federations and stakeholders within golf to sustain this momentum. We thank them for their efforts as we aim to ensure that golf is thriving for years to come.”
The top five on-course adult golfer markets
The top five on-course adult golfer markets overall in 2023 are in Japan (8.1 million), Canada (5.6 million), Republic of Korea (5.4 million), England (3.4 million) and Germany (2.1 million).
Asia is the leading region for people engaging with golf among R&A affiliated regions, with total adult engagement of 22.5 million. Europe is next highest with 21.1 million adult engagement.
Women make up almost a quarter of adult registered golfers in R&A affiliated markets worldwide, demonstrating the positive impact of initiatives focused on promoting greater diversity and inclusivity in golf.
The R&A is continuing its commitment to invest £200 million over ten years in developing golf, including sustained work to encourage participation by promoting the health benefits of the sport through a global campaign.
Olazábal is a vice captain for the 2023 Ryder Cup (foto:european tour)
The 57-year-old Spaniard is synonymous with the biennial contest against the United States, having played for Europe on seven occasions from 1987 to 2006; been a Vice Captain on three further occasions, in 2008, 2010 and 2014; and, of course, was Captain for the most famous European comeback victory of all time at Medinah in 2012.
In his seven Ryder Cup appearances as a player, which yielded three wins and a tie in 1989 which saw Europe retain the trophy, Olazábal played 31 times, winning 18 of those matches and returning 20½ points in total for the European cause. His partnership with the late, great Seve Ballesteros still stands head and shoulders above any other pairing in the contest’s history, the Spanish duo winning 12 points from their 15 outings together.
Olázabal is looking back on a long and successful career
Outside of the Ryder Cup arena, Olazábal has notched up 33 professional wins worldwide in a storied career, including 23 on the European Tour from 1986 to 2005. But he is best remembered for his two Masters triumphs at Augusta National – in 1994 and 1999 – the second being especially emotional as it came in the wake of fears that rheumatoid arthritis might mean he would never play professionally again.
Olazábal joins the successful European Ryder Cup Captain of 2018, Denmark’s Thomas Bjørn, in Luke Donald’s backroom team, alongside Italian Edoardo Molinari, a winner with Team Europe in 2010, and Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts, a member of Olazábal’s winning Medinah team alongside Donald in 2012.
Olazábal: “It was a very nice surprise to be asked by Luke.”
“With my previous experiences in the Ryder Cup I am obviously thrilled to be back involved once again. I am really looking forward to feeling that special adrenaline flow, the intensity and the electricity that only the Ryder Cup can bring – I’m really excited to be part of it all again.
“It was a very nice surprise to be asked by Luke. I didn’t expect it but I was delighted when the call came. My role will be the same as the rest of the Vice Captains, namely to support and help Luke and the 12 players in any way we can, so they can perform at their best and be able to win that trophy back.
“I have no doubts that Luke will be a great Captain. He has played in the Ryder Cup four times and won four times and he therefore knows what is required to perform well in the match.
“He is great on detail and how important things like team spirit are. On top of all of that, he is still very much a competitive player playing at a high level. Because of that he is close to the players and he knows what they will need to perform to their best. My job as Vice-Captain will be to help him achieve that.”
Luke Donald: “Just his mere presence brings energy.”
“When you think of José María Olázabal, you immediately think of the Ryder Cup. He brings amazing passion and I couldn’t be more excited to have him on board.
“He was my Captain when I last played in the Ryder Cup – at Medinah in 2012 – and I thoroughly enjoyed playing for him that year. He picked me to play number one in the singles and that was hugely gratifying.
“To know he had that respect and confidence in me to go out and lead Europe in such a pressurised last day environment meant a lot and this feels, perhaps, that I am returning that favour a little bit, as I have a huge amount of confidence in him.
“Just his mere presence brings energy to any Ryder Cup environment and I saw that first hand when I asked him to be involved in the Hero Cup we staged in Abu Dhabi at the beginning of this year.
“He was such a big part of that week, being with the players and sharing stories with them of just what the Ryder Cup is all about. People notice when José María walks into a room and you could see at the Hero Cup how much everyone respected him and admired him for all he’s done in the game. I could not be more excited to have him on my team.”
