Month: November 2023

Categories
Highlights Tours

Luke Donald Named 2025 European Ryder Cup Captain

Luke Donald named captain for the 2025 ryder Cup at Betpage Black in New York. (Photo: Getty)
Luke Donald named captain for the 2025 ryder Cup at Betpage Black in New York. (Photo: Getty)

Luke Donald has been named as the European Captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York.
 
The 45 year old Englishman returns to the role having led Europe to a 16½ – 11½ victory against the United States in the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy, earlier this year.

Luke Donald takes on second Ryder Cup Captaincy

He will become Europe’s first repeat Captain since Bernard Gallacher performed the role in three consecutive Ryder Cups, in 1991, 1993 and 1995.  
 
Donald will be aiming to become only the second Captain to lead Europe to victories both home and away, following Tony Jacklin who achieved the double at Muirfield Village in Ohio in 1987, retaining the Ryder Cup following his team’s victory two years previously at The Belfry, in England, in 1985.
 
Donald said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have been given the chance to lead Team Europe in the Ryder Cup once again. Great opportunities don’t come along very often in life and I’m a great believer that when they do, you need to grab them with both hands – this is one of these moments.
 
“I’ve been fortunate as a player to have had many amazing times in the Ryder Cup over the years and so to add being a winning Captain to that, to form bonds with the 12 players like we did in Italy and to get the result we did, was very special indeed.
 
“The Ryder Cup means so much to me, so to be Captain again and have the chance to create more history by becoming only the second European Captain to win back-to-back is exciting.

Luke Donal will be European Ryder Cup Captain at Bethpage Black

“There is no question that being a Captain away from home is a tough task. But I have never shied away from challenges throughout my career and it is precisely the kind of thing that motivates me. I can’t wait to get another 12-strong team to Bethpage in 2025.”
 
Guy Kinnings, Executive Director – Ryder Cup, said: “Luke was a superb Captain in Rome and we are delighted that he will be returning to the role for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York.
 
“He demonstrated clear, calm and meticulous leadership skills in Rome, and all those qualities will be big assets again for Luke and Team Europe as they take on the considerable challenge of trying to retain the Ryder Cup against a strong US Team backed by passionate support in New York.”
 
Donald featured as a player in the last European Team to win on American soil at Medinah Country Club in 2012 when he led José María Olazábal’s side out in the singles, securing the first blue point on the board in one of the most famous comebacks in the history of the biennial contest.
 
In total, he represented Europe in the Ryder Cup four times as a player, being part of a winning team on all four occasions, contributing 10½ points from his 15 matches.
He then served as a Vice Captain in 2018, under Thomas Bjørn, and Pádraig Harrington in 2021, before becoming Captain for the first time at the 2023 contest in Rome.
 
Donald also has an impressive in individual playing career having been World Number One for a total of 56 weeks, while in 2011 he became the first player in history to top the money lists on the European Tour (now the DP World Tour) and the PGA TOUR in the same year.

(Text: Ryder Cup Europe)

Categories
Professionals

World Golf Ranking: Scottie Scheffler still in first place ahead of his tournament comeback

Scottie Scheffler continues to lead the World Golf Ranking ahead of his first tournament since the Ryder Cup. Keegan Bradley climbs into the top 15. (Photos: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler continues to lead the World Golf Ranking ahead of his first tournament since the Ryder Cup. Keegan Bradley climbs into the top 15. (Photos: Getty)

As reported in the latest World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler of the USA maintains his position at number one, a testament to his consistent performance. Fellow American Patrick Cantlay holds his place at number five, showing stability at the top of the rankings. Scottie Scheffler will play his first tournament on the PGA Tour after the Ryder Cup at the Hero World Challenge. Organizer Tiger Woods is celebrating his comeback there after a seven-month break.

The complete World Golf Ranking

US Players in the Top Ten of the World Golf Ranking

America’s Xander Schauffele remains at six, closely followed by compatriots Max Homa and Brian Harman, who stand firm at seventh and ninth, respectively. Wyndham Clark rounds out the top-ten, ensuring a strong representation for the United States in the upper echelon of the rankings. Within the top 10 of the World Golf Ranking, aside from Scheffler and Cantlay, we observe some stability with no changes for Jon Rahm of Spain, Viktor Hovland of Norway, and England’s Matt Fitzpatrick who stay put at third, fourth, and eighth positions respectively.

With Keegan Bradley moving from 16th to 15th there is slight movement in the Top 20. Cameron Young (18th) and Sam Burns (19th) also climbed one spot.

The analysis shows a firm upper tier of the World Golf Ranking with players holding their ground firmly. For the rest of the top 10, players in the World Golf Ranking exhibit the competitive nature of golf where single tournaments can influence positions on an international stage. This insight into the latest rankings demonstrates not only individual talent but also the scores of players who strive to improve their standing each week on the global golf circuit.

Categories
Professionals

World Golf Ranking: Two UK Players in the Top Ten

Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick represent the UK as the two players in the top ten of the World Golf Ranking. (Photos: Getty)
Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick represent the UK as the two players in the top ten of the World Golf Ranking. (Photos: Getty)

As the World Golf Ranking undergoes its weekly update, two British players find themselves within the top echelons. While Rory McIlroy remains in second place, Matt Fitzpatrick retains his position at number 8, maintaining a stronghold within the top 10. Not far behind them is Tyrrell Hatton, who also remains consistent at number 12. He is closely followed by Tommy Fleetwood steady at number 13. The stability of these players in the rankings reflects their continued strong performances in recent events.

The complete World Golf Ranking

Further UK Players in the Golf World Ranking

Separated by a large block of mostly US and Australian players the next UK Player in the World Golf Ranking is Shane Lowry. He finds himself at position 36 Lowry after he climbed up one spot compared to the previous week.

The World Golf Ranking also reveals the progress of Justin Rose and Robert MacIntyre, who stand at positions 39 and 57, respectively. While Rose remains at the same rank as the previous week, MacIntyre experiences a slight setback. He moved one spot down from 56.

The dynamic nature of the World Golf Ranking continues to challenge players to maintain or improve their standings through consistent performance. In the top 3 of the World Golf Ranking, we see Scottie Scheffler maintaining the number 1 spot, while Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy holds on to the second rank. Spain’s Jon Rahm remains third. These players have solidified their positions at the pinnacle of golf’s elite through remarkable skill and recent achievements on the course.

As for the rest of the top 10 in the World Golf Ranking, Viktor Hovland from Norway and Patrick Cantlay from the USA stay at ranks 4 and 5, demonstrating the elite level of play that keeps them in the conversation for the top spots. Xander Schauffele and Max Homa, both from the USA, secure ranks 6 and 7, respectively. Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark, two more Americans, round out the top 10, taking the 9th and 10th positions without change from the last week. Their presence in the top 10 showcases the depth of talent amongst golfers from the United States.

Categories
PGA Tour

Player Impact Program: Rory McIlroy replaces Tiger Woods

Rory McIlroy snatches the Player Impact Program title from Tiger Woods. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy secures victory in the PGA Tour’s Player Impact Program 2023 and receives a bonus of 15 million US dollars. He takes over from Tiger Woods, who has won the title in recent years. Woods is in second place this year and will receive prize money of 12 million US dollars.

Player Impact Program: Rory McIlroy walks away with 15 million US dollars

The Player Impact Program was introduced in 2020/21 to reward players who generate the most positive interest for the PGA Tour through their media presence. Various criteria are measured: Internet searches, number of news articles, visibility of sponsor logos on TV, general awareness and social media impact. McIlroy came out on top of the top 20 based on these criteria this year, with a total prize money of 100 million US dollars distributed among them. “The scoring model for the program is intended to be as objective as possible with the goal of quantifying the impact each player has on the PGA Tour,” Jason Gore, the Tour’s executive vice president and chief player officer, wrote in a memo.

Rory McIlroy recently attracted attention in the golf world with his withdrawal from the PGA Tour Politics Committee and the postponement of the start of the TGL League, which he founded with Tiger Woods, by one year. His commitment to the PGA Tour and his success on the course continue to make him the face of the Tour, especially when competing against the up-and-coming LIV Tour. In addition to McIlroy’s sporting achievements, his victory in the Player Impact Program now also recognizes his positive impact on awareness and interest in golf.

The top 20 of the Player Impact Program is as follows:

  1. Rory McIlroy — $15 million
  2. Tiger Woods — $12 million
  3. Jon Rahm — $9 million
  4. Jordan Spieth — $7.5 million
  5. Scottie Scheffler — $6 million
  6. Rickie Fowler — $5.5 million
  7. Viktor Hovland — $5 million
  8. Justin Thomas — $5 million
  9. Tommy Fleetwood — $5 million
  10. Max Homa — $5 million
  11. Xander Schauffele — $3 million
  12. Jason Day — $3 million
  13. Tony Finau — $3 million
  14. Collin Morikawa — $3 million
  15. Matt Fitzpatrick — $3 million
  16. Wyndham Clark — $2 million
  17. Cameron Young — $2 million
  18. Justin Rose — $2 million
  19. Patrick Cantlay — $2 million
  20. Brian Harman — $2 million
Categories
LIV Tour

LIV Golf: A look at the 2024 tournament calendar

14 tournaments are on the 2024 LIV Golf League tournament calendar. (Photo: Getty)
14 tournaments are on the 2024 LIV Golf League tournament calendar. (Photo: Getty)

LIV Golf enters its third round: After the tour was launched in 2022, the third season will begin in 2024. The league recently announced the locations where the 54-hole tournaments will take place next year. From Mexico to Australia and Saudi Arabia, the tour players will travel around the world. While not all the venues have been confirmed yet, it is certain that there will be 14 tournaments at which the players will compete for an individual and team championship.

LIV Golf: old acquaintances and new courses

The new schedule was published at the insistence of LIV player Brooks Koepka. On social media, the reigning Major winner was impatient about the scheduling of next year’s tournaments. But even after the dates have been published, players and fans will have to be patient. Not all venues have been confirmed yet. In addition to the venues, the exact dates for the season finals are still open.

  • 2/2-4: LIV Mayakoba — El Cameleon Country Club
  • 2/8-10: LIV Las Vegas — Las Vegas Country Club
  • 3/1-3: LIV Saudi Arabia — TBD
  • 3/8-10: LIV Hong Kong — Hong Kong Golf Club
  • 4/5-7: LIV “USA” — Location and course TBD
  • 4/26-28: LIV Adelaide — The Grange Golf Club
  • 5/3-5: LIV Singapore — The Serapong Golf Club
  • 6/7-9: LIV Houston — The Golf Club of Houston
  • 6/21-23: LIV Nashville — The Grove Golf Club
  • 7/12-14: LIV Andalucia — Real Club Valderrama
  • 7/25-28: LIV UK: Staffordshire — JCB Golf and Country Club
  • 8/16-19: LIV Greenbrier — The Old White Course at the Greenbrier
  • Date, Course and Location TBD: LIV Golf Individual Championships
  • Date, Course and Location TBD: LIV Golf Team Championships

“LIV Golf is the truly global golf league that the sport and its fans deserve,” said LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman. “We’re thrilled to announce an exciting slate of events that reflects our commitment to bringing world-class players and premier competition to new and repeat markets every year. Launching a new league is a massive undertaking, and we’re full steam ahead building off our incredibly successful first full season in 2023. Our goal has always been to create a worldwide league that inspires progress and attracts new fans to the sport that we love. LIV Golf is stronger than ever, and next season will accomplish that goal and more.”

A look at the schedule

In addition to the courses already familiar to LIV players, such as the Old White Course in Greenbrier or the Grange Golf Club in Australia, there are some new venues on the schedule. In February, for example, the tour will make a guest appearance at the Las Vegas Country Club in the middle of Las Vegas – on the same weekend as the Super Bowl, the final game of the National Football League. The courses on which the LIV tournaments will take place in Saudi Arabia and the USA have not yet been decided. The latter venue should be particularly interesting for the players, as it is the last tournament before the first Major of the year just one week before the Masters 2024.

It is also notable that this is the first schedule that has no connection to Trump Golf. In the first two seasons, the league repeatedly played on courses owned by the former president – as things stand, the tour will not be visiting any of Donald Trump’s well-known courses next year.

Saudi Arabia, the home of the LIV Golf League, has found its place in the schedule at the start of the season. Following the recent uproar over Saudi Arabia as the venue for the team final, which was ultimately played in Miami, the LIV players will travel to Saudi Arabia in March next year. This date overlaps with the traditional Saudi International, which shows the league’s efforts to reduce the travel burden for its players in 2024.

Categories
Professionals

World Golf Ranking: Scottie Scheffler on Top – Slight changes for US players

Untouchable Scottie Scheffler remains number one in the World Golf Ranking. (Photo: Getty)
Untouchable Scottie Scheffler remains number one in the World Golf Ranking. (Photo: Getty)

The current World Golf Ranking reveals USA’s Scottie Scheffler retaining the top spot, followed closely by Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy. This makes Scheffler the highest-ranking American player. Trailing him, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, and Max Homa respectively hold the 5th, 6th, and 7th positions in the global ranking.

Click to view the complete World Golf Ranking list

Performances of other American Players in the World Golf Ranking

Further down the World Golf Ranking, Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark secure the 9th and 10th spots, thus making up the six top-performing American players.

As Collin Morikawa and Jordan Spieth fall down one spot they lose touch to the Top 10.

European Players in the Top 3 of the World Golf Ranking

Meanwhile, Spain’s Jon Rahm stays strong at the third place, ensuring that Europe has a robust representation in the top three of the World Golf Ranking.

The World Golf Ranking of the remaining players in the coveted top 10 reveals no significant shifts. England’s Viktor Hovland continues to hold the fourth spot, and completing the top ten, we see an interesting mix of nationalities setting themselves apart on the international stage, showcasing exemplary skills and tenacity throughout the rankings.

Scandinavian tournament winners Ludvig Aberg and Nicolai Hojgaard climb the rankings

The Danish youngster Nicolai Hojgaard won the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and moves up 20 ranks from 70th to claim a spot in the Top 50.

The PGA Tour title went to Swedish Ryder-Cup-Star Ludvig Aberg, who climbs from 53rd to 32nd.

Categories
Professionals

World Golf Ranking: Tommy Fleetwood heading for Top 10

Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Wallace share the 2nd place at the DP World Tour Championship. (Photo: Getty)
Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Wallace share the 2nd place at the DP World Tour Championship. (Photo: Getty)

As the DP World Tour played its final tournament in Dubai many UK players were in action once again. Especially Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Wallace make their mark and climb in the World Golf Ranking.

Examining the Shifts in the World Golf Ranking: Top UK Players make their mark

Focus falls on Britain, Wales, and Scotland’s leading golfers: Rory McIlory, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, and Justin Rose. McIlory and Fitzpatrick maintain the 2nd and 8th positions respectively with the Northern Irish golfer painting an especially consistent streak atop the World Golf Ranking. Tyrrell Hatton, on the other hand, stays steady in the 12th position.

As Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Wallace both tied for second place at the DP World Tour Championship, both players climb the ranking. While Fleetwood jumps from 15th to 13th and heads for the Top 10, Wallace climbs from 87th to 68th.

Click to view the complete World Golf Ranking list

Scandinavian tournament winners Ludvig Aberg and Nicolai Hojgaard climb the rankings

Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Wallace both were beaten in the DP World Tour Championship by the Danish youngster Nicolai Hojgaard, who moves up 20 ranks from 70th to claim a spot in the Top 50.

The PGA Tour title went to Swedish Ryder-Cup-Star Ludvig Aberg, who climbs from 53rd to 32nd.

World Golf Ranking: Top Three Standing Firm

Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm continue to dominate the top three spots in the World Golf Ranking, respectively. Their sustained performances keep them firmly planted within the top three ranks.

In the Top 10 there are no changes. Matt Fitzpatrick holds his place at 8th, reflecting consistency amongst the top British players in the World Golf Ranking. Meanwhile, Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark, both from the USA, continue to hold their 9th and 10th positions, respectively, rounding off the top ten players of golf in the week of this updated World Golf Ranking.

As we continue to follow the ever-changing patterns of the World Golf Ranking, it becomes clear that the golfing world is a dynamic platform for global athletes to showcase their skills. The constant shifts in the top and middle tiers of the ranking demonstrate the fierce competition and the ever-changing dynamic of golf prototypes worldwide. It’s a testament to the malleability and diversity of professional golf and its players – trends that keep the audience coming back week after week, making golf an exciting sport to follow. For now, we watch, wait, and witness as the golfing world continues to spin on its competitive axis, every swing, every putt, and every victory offering a chance for a new headline within the World Golf Ranking.

Categories
LIV Tour

LIV Golf: Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces in search for new player in Free Agency

While Dustin Johnson's 4Aces are still in search for a new player, Bubba Watson's roster is already complete. (Photo: Getty)
While Dustin Johnson's 4Aces are still in search for a new player, Bubba Watson's roster is already complete. (Photo: Getty)

The first transfer period in the history of golf is entering the hot phase – free agency. In this phase, teams with open roster spots can sign unsigned players from the Lock Zone and Open Zone. Players from the Lock Zone have completed the previous season in positions 1-24 and are therefore guaranteed a place in the coming season. These players can voluntarily become free agents and negotiate a new contract. Open Zone players who finished the season in 25th-44th place are automatically free agents and must sign a new contract. At the moment, ten roster spots are still vacant – four of the 12 teams are already complete. 4Aces GC captain Dustin Johnson among others is still in search for a new player.

LIV Golf: An overview of free agency

The situation in the second phase of the LIV Golf transfer period for the individual teams is explained below.

The overview of the current LIV Golf rosters. (Photo: LIV Golf)

4Aces GC

The 2022 LIV Golf Team Champions have one roster spot available with Pat Perez no longer under contract after finishing 28th in the points list, leaving Captain Dustin Johnson with the decision to either re-sign Perez or look for another player. Peter Uihlein, who joined the team from Smash GC last offseason, secured and accepted a contract extension with the 4Aces after his 12th place finish in this year’s Individual Standings. Rounding out the formidable squad is Patrick Reed, who finished 6th.

Cleeks GC

Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks have two open roster spots after Bernd Wiesberger and Graeme McDowell finished 41st and 42nd respectively in the Individual Standing and are now free agents. Kaymer remains as captain, receiving exempt status despite finishing in the Drop Zone (45th or below). Richard Bland re-signed with the Cleeks after his late-season surge locked up a spot with a 20th place finish.

Crushers GC

The reigning 2023 Team Champions, led by Captain Bryson DeChambeau, will return their entire roster. Anirban Lahiri, the team’s only player with an expiring contract, accepted his extension offer after finishing 11th in the Individual Standings. Charles Howell III, the winner of LIV Golf Mayakoba, finished 10th while Paul Casey remains under contract after finishing 35th.

Fireballs GC

Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs have one open roster spot after Carlos Ortiz, who finished 15th in the Individual Standings, opted for free agency after declining a contract extension offer. Abraham Ancer and Eugenio Chacarra, each under contract for at least one more season, finished in 26th and 32nd respectively.

Hyflyers GC

Phil Mickelson’s team has one open spot after James Piot was relegated after finishing 47th in the Drop Zone. Both Cameron Tringale (16th) and Brendan Steele (19th) are under contract and will return. Mickelson will look to add a player through free agency or the draft.

Iron Heads GC

Captain Kevin Na will add at least one new player due to Sihwan Kim’s relegation. Scott Vincent played his way into the Lock Zone in the regular-season finale in Jeddah and accepted his extension offer. Danny Lee, winner of LIV Golf Tucson, is under contract for next season.

Majesticks GC

Co-captains Ian Poulter, Henrik Stenson and Lee Westwood return, as does Sam Horsfield, who rejoined the lineup late in the season following an injury and remains under contract.

RangeGoats GC

Captain Bubba Watson’s decision to acquire Talor Gooch last offseason proved successful after Gooch hoisted the 2023 Individual Championship trophy. The addition of Gooch helped the RangeGoats finish runners-up at this year’s Team Championship in Miami. Watson’s lineup is set as both Harold Varner III (7th) and Thomas Pieters (33rd) are under contract.

Ripper GC

With Matt Jones (37th) now a free agent and Jediah Morgan (46th) relegated, Captain Cameron Smith has the option to either re-sign Jones or look to add two new players via free agency or the draft. Marc Leishman, who completes the team, finished 18th in the 2023 Individual Standings.

Smash GC

Captain Brooks Koepka has one open roster spot following Chase Koepka’s relegation while Jason Kokrak (23rd) and Matt Wolff (27th) are under contract for another season.

Stinger GC

Captain Louis Oosthuizen’s team is set with Branden Grace (9th), Dean Burmester (14th) and Charl Schwartzel (38th) under contract.

Torque GC

Four-time tournament champions and third-place finishers at this year’s Team Championship, Joaquin Niemann’s Torque has one open roster spot heading into this offseason. Mito Pereira (8th) and Sebastian Muñoz (11th) secured their spots for next year while David Puig is a free agent, having finished 31st in this year’s Individual Standings. Thus, Niemann will look to add one player via free agency or the draft

LIV Golf: The remainder of the transfer period

Free agency will conclude when four league roster spots remain. These open spots are reserved for the winner of The International Series 2023 Rankings – claimed by Andy Ogletree this past weekend in Hong Kong – and the top three finishers from LIV Golf Promotions, which will be staged December 8-10 at the iconic Abu Dhabi Golf Club in United Arab Emirates. Following the qualifying tournament, the league will host the LIV Golf Draft through which these players will be drafted onto the remaining teams that have an open spot on their roster.

Additionally, to support opportunities for teams to strengthen their rosters once the season has begun, a mid-season trading window will take place in 2024 (exact dates to be announced) where teams and players will be free to negotiate trades as well as extensions to their existing contracts if a player is in the last year of his contract.

Text: With material from LIV Golf

Categories
LPGA Tour

Hae Ran Ryu Wins 2023 LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year Award

Hae Ran Ryu has won the LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year Award. (Source: Getty)
Hae Ran Ryu has won the LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year Award. (Source: Getty)

Hae Ran Ryu clinched the prestigious Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Award for 2023 on the LPGA Tour. This honor comes on the heels of her impressive tie for 12th place at The Annika last week. Heading into the CME Group Tour Championship, Ryu has amassed a total of 893 points, holding an insurmountable 274-point lead over Grace Kim in the Rookie standings.

A Season of Triumphs on the LPGA Tour

Ryu’s inaugural season on the LPGA Tour has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by six top-10 finishes, including a noteworthy victory at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. Among her achievements are a solo third at the Mizuho Americas Open and a solo fourth at the Cognizant Founders Cup. She also notched her best result in a major tournament, finishing eighth at the US Women’s Open.

“I’m honored to receive the Rookie of the Year Award and join the prestigious list of past winners. This year has been unforgettable, and I take pride in what I’ve accomplished on the LPGA Tour,” expressed Ryu. “I’m forever grateful to my team and fans for their unwavering support in my debut season, and I eagerly anticipate closing out the year at the CME Group Tour Championship.”

The 22-year-old has already earned over $1.5 million this season, securing the 15th spot on the Official Money List for the year.

Successful Transition from Amateur Glory

Before making her mark on the LPGA Tour, Ryu participated in six Tour events, securing top-15 finishes at the 2020 US Women’s Open (T13) and the 2021 BMW Ladies Championship (T7). Her journey to success includes five victories on the KLPGA, where she claimed the Rookie of the Year title in 2020. As an amateur, Ryu won the Korean Women’s Amateur in 2018 and showcased her skills at events like the World Junior Girls Championship in 2016 and 2017, the Asian Games in 2018, and the Patsy Hankins Trophy in 2018.

The climax of Ryu’s rookie season will be marked by the presentation of the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Award at the 2023 Rolex LPGA Awards ceremony on Thursday, November 16, at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida, during the week of the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship.

Since its inception in 1962, the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Award has become a harbinger of golfing greatness. Twelve past winners, including legends like Annika Sorenstam, Se Ri Pak, and Lorena Ochoa, have ascended to the hallowed halls of the LPGA Hall of Fame or the World Golf Hall of Fame. Hae Ran Ryu now adds her name to this illustrious list, etching her place in the annals of golf history.

(Text: LPGA Tour)

Categories
Panorama

Played golfrounds in Great Britain remain high in 2023

Golf will continue to be a trend in 2023. This is shown by figures from Sporting Insight. (Source: Getty)
Golf will continue to be a trend in 2023. This is shown by figures from Sporting Insight. (Source: Getty)

In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, golf has experienced a remarkable upswing, with an increasing number of enthusiasts taking up the sport. This surge is reflected in the rising frequency of golf rounds played, as highlighted in a report by Sporting Insights. Remarkably, well into the third quarter of 2023—over three years since the pandemic’s onset—the numbers of rounds played remain consistently high.

Up to 55 percent More Golf Rounds than 2019

Despite a sluggish start to the year, golf rounds played in the UK in 2023 continue to surpass pre-pandemic figures. Only January of the first nine months of the year saw a decline compared to 2019. September emerged as the strongest month of the quarter, showing a significant increase of 55 percent compared to 2019 and a ten percent boost from 2022. Although the growth rate has moderated since the immediate post-pandemic period, the overall trend remains mildly positive. Quarterly golf rounds played in the UK increased by five percent compared to the third quarter of 2022, contributing to a year-end total three percent higher than 2022. The current average of 2,910 rounds played per golf course per month translates to an additional 646 rounds per golf course per month, equivalent to approximately 21 extra players per day.

More rounds of golf are still being played in the UK than before the pandemic. (Source: Sporting Insight)

Congratulations to all involved in the sport for the robust and consistent growth in playing frequency. Special commendation goes to the clubs and their teams, successfully engaging and inspiring golfers across all skill levels. The upward trajectory of golf extends beyond the playing field, benefiting professional golf as well. Major golf tournaments on the island have witnessed a significant surge in ticket sales compared to previous years.

(Source: Sporting Insight)