PGA Tour: Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele have both withdrawn from the WM Phoenix Open. (Image: Getty)
Viktor Hovland, the fourth-ranked player in the World Golf Ranking, and fifth-ranked Xander Schauffele have both withdrawn from the WM Phoenix Open, which takes place in the American state of Arizona starting Thursday. Despite their absence, the prestigious tournament still boasts a prominent field of players.
PGA Tour: Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele unexpectedly withdraw
According to the PGA Tour, both players will not be part of the field at the WM Phoenix Open this weekend. Viktor Hovland’s decision not to participate has fueled speculation about a potential switch to the LIV Golf League. Although Viktor Hovland has previously questioned the leadership of the PGA Tour, he also emphasized in December that a move to the LIV Golf League is highly unlikely.
After participating in The Sentry at the beginning of January, Hovland’s appearance at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am was only his second tournament of the year. The Norwegian finished tied for 58th place there. He had a solid start in the first round but followed it with two 72s before the tournament was cut short to 54 holes. It wouldn’t be the first time he withdraws after a disappointing tournament
Xander Schauffele finished 54th at Pebble Beach, one shot better than Hovland. The two players will be replaced by Victor Perez and Alexander Bjoerk, while Ryan Fox will compensate for another withdrawal by Davis Riley.
Strong field despite withdrawals
The WM Phoenix Open will be held at TPC Scottsdale. Despite the absence of Viktor Hovland and Xander Schauffele, several other top-10 players from the World Golf Ranking, including Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Max Homa, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Brian Harman, will participate in the tournament. Other prominent names include Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Sam Burns, and Rickie Fowler, as well as former major winners Hideki Matsuyama and Adam Scott.
LPGA Tour player Jessica Korda announces her first born child. (Image: Getty)
As LPGA Tour player Jessica Korda announced, there was a new addition to her and her husband Johnny DelPrete’s family last weekend.
Jessica Korda Welcomes Baby Greyson
Jessica Korda became a mother for the very first time with her newborn. According to her Instagram post, her son Greyson John DelPrete was born on Saturday, February 3rd. Last August, she announced her pregnancy on Instagram with a sign saying “Tee Time for 3, coming February 2024.” Jessica’s younger sister Nelly Korda, currently ranked second in the world, is also thrilled about her new role as an aunt. “I’m mostly excited just to see this new chapter in Johnny’s and Jess’s life. And I think it’s going to be really exciting,” says Nelly Korda.
Previously, Jessica Korda struggled with back problems. In May 2023, she last participated in a tournament, having to withdraw after the first round. Her best finish in six tournament appearances last year was a tied 18th place. She last won in 2021 at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions, where she defeated Danielle Kang in a playoff.
Winner of last week: Wyndham Clark. (Photo: Getty)
In the current World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler from the USA remains at the pinnacle, holding firmly onto the number one position. His compatriot Xander Schauffele also maintains his standing at fifth place. Both players exhibit stability in their rankings, matching their positions from the previous week.
Wyndham Clark on the way to the top 5?
Moving through the ranking, American golfer Wyndham Clark has seen a notable ascent, moving up from the tenth to the sixth position, which signifies a considerable positive shift. Patrick Cantlay and Max Homa, ranked seventh and eighth respectively, have experienced a decline, each dropping one place compared to last week. Significantly, Ludvig Aberg from Sweden made a leap from the 27th to the 11th position, indicating a strong upward trajectory. In the context of international golf, the World Golf Ranking provides a snapshot of professional performance and potency. This week’s ranking update not only underscores Scheffler’s continued dominance but also sheds light on the shifting dynamics amongst the finest golfers, with American players prominently featuring both stability and volatility in their ranking positions.
Scottie Scheffler, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood (from left to right). (Photo: Getty)
In the latest World Golf Ranking update Scottie Scheffler is still at the top, Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland retains the second spot with Jon Rahm from Spain remaining in third. The movements within the World Golf Ranking top 10 include a significant leap made by American Wyndham Clark, ascending from rank 10 to six. In positions one through three, there have been no changes, with Scottie Scheffler from the USA holding firmly onto the top position. Further down, from positions four to 10, we observe Viktor Hovland from Norway and Xander Schauffele from the USA remaining consistent, whereas Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa and Brian Harman from the USA experienced a slight drop in ranking like Matt Fitzpatrick. Each movement within the top 10 holds potential implications for upcoming tournaments and the overall dynamics of the World Golf Ranking.
World Golf Ranking: UK’s Players
Among British players, England’s Matt Fitzpatrick is on position nine, loosing one rank from last week. England’s Tommy Fleetwood, looses one at rank 12, and Tyrrell makes up one place and is in 15th place. Looking down the World Golf Ranking list, Justin Rose from England saw improvement, reaching rank 41 from a previous 45. In contrast, Robert MacIntyre from Scotland dropped slightly to rank 67 compared to last week’s 64, a negative trend similarly experienced by England’s Aaron Rai who now stands at 73 after descending from position 68.
McIlroy in the lead and five US Players in the Top 120. (Photo: Getty)
As the DP World Tour progresses, we have already witnessed a series of thrilling tournaments, with the most recent event won by Dylan Fritelli, who has climbed to eighth place in the Race to Dubai rankings. Rory McIlroy is still at the top of the rankings. McIlroy further solidifying his dominance with a total of 1596 points from playing in 2 events and notching up 1 victory. Among the cream of the crop in the rankings, American players have made their presence felt, with 5 of them placed within the top 120.
Race to Dubai’s Top American Contenders
Johannes Veerman, worth keeping an eye on, is the leading American in the Race to Dubai standings. He has gathered 185.7 points and ranks 41st after participating in 5 events. Hot on his trail is Sean Crocker, who has accrued 151.97 points, making him the second-best American on the list at the 56th spot, followed by John Catlin, who collected 109.35 points in three tournaments played, putting him in 79th place. Next US Player in the Race to Dubai Ranking is Chase Hanna in 107th position with 67.65 points. Last but not least, Julian Suri completes the American round. He scored 63.75 points in two tournament starts and is currently in 112th place.
Dominance in the Race to Dubai
Rory McIlroy is the dominant force in the Race to Dubai 2024 so far, maintaining a healthy lead over his closest competitors. He’s followed in the rankings by Poland’s Adrian Meronk, with 1023.4 points, and Chile’s Joaquin Niemann, who boasts 966.73 points. Not far behind is South Africa’s Zander Lombard, who climbed 6 positions this week to rank 4th, while Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino rounds out the top 5 with 715.35 points in his kitty.
How the DP World Tour Race to Dubai works
The Race to Dubai is the season ranking of the DP World Tour (former European Tour). The top 60 players in the Race to Dubai ranking are allowed to take part in the final play-off tournament of the former European Tour at the end of the season. The season ranking also determines who is allowed to play on the DP World Tour the following year. At each tournament, the players who make the cut collect points. The total number of points awarded at a tournament depends on the value of the event. Major tournaments earn the most points. For winning a DP World Tour tournament, the winner receives at least 460 points and a good 300,000 euros.
Rory McIlroy remains on top of the Race To Dubai ranking - Tommy Fleetwood is the best English golfer. (Photos: Getty)
The DP World Tour’s prestigious Race to Dubai continues to garner worldwide attention as players vie for supremacy. We’ve witnessed the first month of tournaments shaping up the leaderboard, with each event contributing crucial points towards the ultimate ranking. Even though Rory McIlroy did not play the last two DP World Tour events, he remains in his top position in the current Race to Dubai ranking. Notably, England has made a substantial representation with 22 players within the top 120, indicating the depth and quality of English golfers on tour.
Race To Dubai: The best English Golfers
Delving into the specifics, we observe the top English talents making their mark in the Race to Dubai standings. The highest-ranked player from England is Tommy Fleetwood, currently holding the 9th spot with 625.6 points, having played 2 events this season, including a significant win at the Dubai Invitational, the first event of the new year. Trailing him are Laurie Canter and Callum Shinkwin, placed 13th and 22nd respectively. Canter has accumulated 479.15 points from 5 events, while Shinkwin has garnered 263.4 points across 4 tournaments, showing a significant English presence in the Race To Dubai ranking. Alex Fitzpatrick at 28 and Dan Bradbury at 29 complete the English quintet in the Top 30 of the ranking.
The Top Players of the Race To Dubai
At the pinnacle of the leaderboard, Rory McIlroy shines as the leader with a commendable 1596 points from 2 events, including a victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Close on his heels is Adrian Meronk in second place with 1023.4 points from 4 events, followed by Joaquin Niemann in third with 966.73 points from 3 events, including a win. The ranking continues with Zander Lombard at fourth, accruing 726.59 points from 7 tournaments, and Rikuya Hoshino completing the top-5 cadre with 715.35 points from 5 events, demonstrating the global competition’s intensity and the fierce quest to be crowned the Race to Dubai champion.
How the DP World Tour Race to Dubai works
The Race to Dubai is the season ranking of the DP World Tour (former European Tour). The top 60 players in the Race to Dubai ranking are allowed to take part in the final play-off tournament of the former European Tour at the end of the season. The season ranking also determines who is allowed to play on the DP World Tour the following year. At each tournament, the players who make the cut collect points. The total number of points awarded at a tournament depends on the value of the event. Major tournaments earn the most points. For winning a DP World Tour tournament, the winner receives at least 460 points and a good 300,000 euros.
The new Part One Collection 2024 from Galvin Green. (Photo: Galvin Green)
Premium hi-tech golf apparel brand Galvin Green has today unveiled a new DRYVR™ line of 100% waterproof rainwear garments that headlines its functional 2024 Part One collection to ensure serious golfers are equipped for unpredictable weather conditions worldwide. Offering an unrivalled choice of responsibly sourced waterproofs on the market, the bluesign® approved DRYVR™ line-up consists of 21 jackets, hoodies and pants for men, women and junior golfers in a matchless choice of colour and size options. The long-lasting garments are crafted in more than 50 standout colourways using different forms of the widely trusted ‘Guaranteed to keep you dry’ GORE-TEX membrane fabric. “The depth of the new Galvin Green DRYVR™ collection is unrivalled in offering serious players the biggest choice of waterproofs on the market in an unmatched array of styles, colour choices and sizes,” said CEO Nicholai Stein. “Golfers are increasingly confronted by challenging wet weather conditions wherever they play around the world and our focus continues to be creating best-in-class outerwear they can rely on to keep them dry and able to perform at their best,” he added. The entire Part One collection features 36 brand new garments across five different layering categories, while many popular styles are carried over with the addition of new eye-catching colour combinations to suit several different outfit choices.
Galvin Green Part One 2024: eye-catching colors and 100 percent waterproof
Leading the DRYVR™ rainwear line-up is the new AMOS hooded jacket in GORE-TEX C-knit™ stretch fabric with slide and glide technology. The 100% waterproof and windproof jacket features a fitted hood with an elasticated drawstring for the perfect fit and adjustable cuffs and shaped sleeves to deliver complete freedom of movement during the swing. Suitable for both on and off the course wear, it also features a chest and two front pockets and comes in Navy, Forged Iron and Sharkskin. It is complimented by the best-selling ARMSTRONG jacket in GORE-TEX Paclite® Stretch fabric in two new colours, plus the mesh-lined ALBERT in a refreshing Navy/White option.The sporty LAYTON full-zip jacket and stylish LAURO vest are latest windproof and water-resistant INTERFACE-1™ garments. Both pieces feature Thermore® padding to deliver a top-level warming effect, while the LAWRENCE is offered in more bold colour combinations. The new DYLAN full-zip sweater with Thermore® padding spearheads the eco-generation INSULA™ range of warm mid-layers. Offering a soft and stretchy feel with top-level warmth, it is accompanied by the striking DAVE half-zip and DAWSON full-zip sweaters in super contemporary designs and daring colours, plus the lightweight DION half-zip. The award-winning INSULA™ mid-layer range is made using bluesign® approved materials and features garments crafted from recycled plastic bottles to minimize social and environmental impact.
The Dylan sweater from the Galvin Green Part One 2024 collection (Photo: Galvin Green)
The new MARCELO VENTIL8™ PLUS shirt is crafted using a pioneering drirelease® certified fabric to deliver superior moisture-wicking properties and thermal regulation on hot days. Other top styles include the stellar MIO in a 3-D print and the modern MATE shirt with a nuts & bolts print that is reminiscent of comic book franchises and superheroes. The highly breathable shirts offer UV 20+ protection and impressive quick-dry properties.
Galvin Green: A large selection of stylish textiles for women
In the women’s DRYVR™ offering, the popular ALLY jacket in GORE-TEX Paclite® Stretch fabric is now offered in a chic White/Cool Grey option to deliver a super eye-catching appearance. Shaped sleeves and adjustable cuffs deliver easy movement and an elasticated drawstring at the hem offers the perfect fit. The dazzling AIDA and ANYA jackets with mesh lining are available in two and three colour options respectively and come in sizes XS-XXL. A new addition to the multipurpose INTERFACE-1™ jacket range is the sleek LUCILLE padded vest with a contrasting full-length zipper. Offering a top-level warming effect, the windproof and water-resistant piece is joined by the full-zip LARISSA jacket in two new colours. For colder days, the elegant DESTINY full-zip sweater in INSULA™ fabric delivers incredible warmth and comfort and comes in five vibrant colourways to brighten up the fairways. It is complemented by the lightweight DIORA sweater and DAGMAR hoodie providing next to skin comfort and a soft feel. All three garments come in the stunning Camelia Rose option. Offering the opportunity for distinctively stylish pairings in the leading VENTIL8™ PLUS range is the striking MARGIE shirt and NICOLINE leggings. Both styles feature a free-flowing lined print to deliver a bold look, while the matching MAYLA shirt and MACY skort, both in Navy with contrasting White details, offers another fashionable outfit choice. Further opportunity for a sophisticated look comes in the tasteful MARSHA skort in up to four bright colours.
The Mate polo shirt for men and women from the Part One 2024 collection (Photo: Galvin Green)
Galvin Green: Trendy junior options
The leading junior pieces include the new REMI full-zip jacket and RONIE vest, both made from INTERFACE-1™ fabric, plus the REX INSULA™ sweater. The ultra-modern RICKIE shirt in VENTIL8™ PLUS fabric resembles a superhero theme print to round out a top junior offering. The 2024 Part One collection is completed by a selection of shorts and skorts, SKINTIGHT™ thermal garments, plus accessories such as caps, belts and bandanas.
Harry Kane shows a very special trick shot in the video with his supplier Reflo. (Photo: Getty/X (@HKane)
What a feat from Harry Kane! If a new video is to be believed, the FC Bayern Munich player doesn’t just have an excellent feel for the ball. As part of a collaboration between Kane and supplier Reflo, the 30-year-old showed off as yet unknown talents.
Harry Kane launches new partnership with circus act
Although the Three Lions captain is known for his love of golf, few fans would have thought that his passion would take on such proportions. The video was made to mark Harry Kane’s new role as ambassador and investor of Reflo. Founded in 2021, the wearing brand prides itself on its strong focus on sustainability. Kane’s performance in the video also made a lasting impression, with the Englishman seemingly suspending the rules of physics. Whether everything is above board is up to you to decide.
Warming up for the @refloofficial partnership launch party with a trick shot. Didn't know I had this in the locker!
Ignorance of the change to the rules of golf at the drop cost Rory McIlroy two shots at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 2024. (Photo: Getty)
At the start of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and its proud prize money of 20 million US dollars, Rory McIlroy had to accept a severe penalty. Golf Post takes a look at the rules and reveals where you can drop the ball in the event of a relief.
Rules of golf: What did Rory McIlroy do wrong?
In Round 1 of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 2024, Rory McIlroy’s ignorance proved to be the Northern Irishman’s undoing. In his first appearance on the PGA Tour this year, “Roars” had to accept a severe penalty after his tee shot on hole 7 of the Spyglass Hill Golf Course rushed into the botany of the par 5. The four-time major winner found his ball in the deep grass under one of the pine trees at Pebble Beach. Initially, the Northern Irishman considered hitting the ball from there before finally deciding to take relief. But when he dropped the ball, a rule change from the beginning of 2023 had consequences for the European’s scorecard.
Rory McIlroy has been assessed a two-stroke penalty after this drop on the par-5 seventh hole. pic.twitter.com/7PtnytRc5t
McIlroy dropped the ball right of a tee, that was supposed to act as the reference line to the pin, with a clear conscience within one club length of the line. He continued his game and finished the par 5 with a bogey, but his relief to the right of the imaginary straight had an aftermath. What had been permitted since 2019 and until the beginning of 2023 has since been changed. A look at the official rules of golf provides information on the correct procedure for the drop. Rule 19.2b (relief “back on the line”) states this:
The player may drop the original ball or another ball (see Rule 14.3) behind the spot of the original ball, keeping the spot of the original ball between the hole and the spot where the ball is dropped (with no limit as to how far back the ball may be dropped). The spot on the line where the ball first touches the ground when dropped creates a relief area that is one club-length in any direction from that point, but with these limits:
Limits on Location of Relief Area:
Must not be nearer the hole than the spot of the orignal ball, and
May be in any area of the course, but
Must be in the same area of the course that the ball first touched when dropped.
The penalty for a false drop
McIlroy’s mistake was to take the relief one club length to the right of the reference line. The ball is allowed to fall on the line and roll up to one club length in either direction. However, Rory took a club length off the line and dropped it into what he thought was a relief area. That was still correct in 2019, but it changed in 2023. As a result, he acted against the rules by not dropping the ball again and was penalised two strokes under Rule 14.3 (4) (“What to do if Ball Dropped in Wrong Way”):
If the player does not drop again and instead makes a stroke at the ball from where it came to rest after being dropped in a wrong way:
If the ball was played from the relief area, the player gets one penalty stroke (but has not played from a wrong place under Rule 14.7a).
But if the ball was played from outside the relief area, or after it was placed when required to be dropped (no matter where it was played from), the player gets the general penalty.
It was this general penalty (two penalty strokes in counting play) that was to be McIlroy’s undoing on the leaderboard. The 34-year-old learnt of the penalty after the end of the round, accepted the rules’ interpretation and signed his scorecard. Three strokes under par became just one stroke under par, because his single bogey turned into a triple bogey. The officials discovered the offence through the use of the video team that takes care of the reviews.
Rory McIlroy: “I wasn’t aware that that rule was changed”
Rory McIlroy analysed the offence after the round: “[U]nbeknownst to me, the rule changed in January 2023 where you used to be able to come back on-line, take a club length either side. That was changed in 2019 to be able to do that. I wasn’t aware that that rule was changed again in 2023, so I took a drop thinking of the 2019 rules when everything was sort of changed, not knowing that the rule was changed again in 2023, so got a two-stroke penalty there.”
The new Under Armour Drive Pro and Drive Pro SL golfshoes of the 2024 season. (Photo: Under Armour)
Designed with direct feedback from three-time major winner Jordan Spieth and Under Armour’s other PGA Tour athletes, including Maverick McNealy, Under Armour works closely with its golf athletes to create performance-enhancing products that meet the needs of golfers of all skill levels in both Spiked and Spikeless models.
Under Armour Drive Pro golf shoe: Stability, traction and performance
The new Drive Pro and Drive Pro SL deliver golfers the ultimate stability, traction, and performance through the innovative Swing Support System TM.
Developed with world-renowned biomechanist JJ Rivet, the revolutionary 3-layer Swing Support System TM supports the natural motion of the foot, with biomechanically correct diagonal and lateral support for golfers to unlock the power of their swing.
The Swing Support System is made up of three key advancements to take performance to new levels, while being lighter than common tour shoes in the market.
Starting from the ground up, smarter traction is delivered through a combination of Under Armour’s new custom S3 Spikes and the Tour Flex Pro Spike. Developed exclusively for Under Armour with CHAMP MacNeill Engineering, the S3 Spikes are utilised in the medial heel and lateral forefoot at the optimal angle to resist rotation in the golf swing, allowing you to harness more power.
(Photo: Under Armour)
In the midsole, Under Armour has developed the only dual-density midsole in golf. Featuring Under Armour’s HOVR TM foam and more supportive Charged Cushioning TM where it’s needed to help guide the foot in the golf swing. By using softer HOVR foam in the medial side, your foot is able to sink into the shoe when you apply your peak force and helps transition your weight more efficiently through the ball.
In the upper, Under Armour’s Swing Support Strap is fully connected to the with the S3 Spikes and integrated lacing system, providing optimised 360-degree lock-in from lateral ball to medial instep.
Under Armour Drive Pro SL: The innovative spikeless model
The Drive Pro SL replicates the same innovations in the midsole and the upper but with some notable innovations in its spikeless outsole. With a traction control plate and a hybrid outsole utilizing rubber and TPU, the Drive Pro SL provides ground penetration & torsional rigidity through the use of TPU, with rubber adding flexibility and friction to ensure there’s no compromise in performance by moving from a spiked to spikeless outsole.
Every spikeless traction point has been mapped to different heights and positions throughout the sole to ramp up performance further. By removing uniformity, Under Armour has been able develop an outsole that truly performs at the same level as spiked tour shoes.
“We’re excited to kick the new year off by releasing industry-leading footwear that help golfers take their game to the next level. The Drive Pro Series is years in the making, and we’re excited to get golfers’ reactions as they test them out on the course. Utilising Under Armour’s unique technologies, such as HOVR and the Swing Support System, we were able to create a golf shoe that pushes the boundaries of performance innovation to stand out in the market.” – Jake Haley, Senior Product Line Manager for Golf Footwear, Under Armour.
“Being a golfer isn’t a traditional 9-5 job. You’re on your feet walking the course for such a long time so it’s so important to be equipped with footwear that will help your body achieve its best on the course. I’m ecstatic that Under Armour has developed the Drive Pro, that combines comfort, style, and performance throughout the long days that we endure on the green. I look forward to showing firsthand the impact that Under Armour makes on the course with the release of the Drive Pro.” – Jordan Spieth
The Drive Pro Series can be found on UA.com and at golf retailers throughout the UK. The Drive Pro and Drive Pro SL retail for £150 GBP (EUR €170) and £130 GBP (EUR €150), respectively and carry a 1-year waterproof warranty.
