Month: April 2024

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Multimillion Bonuses for Top Players

Tiger Woods and other top players receive large bonuses as part of the PGA Tour's Player Equity Program. (Source: Getty)
Tiger Woods and other top players receive large bonuses as part of the PGA Tour's Player Equity Program. (Source: Getty)

In February, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan unveiled the Player Equity Program. The PGA Tour had struck a deal with Strategic Sports Group to make an immediate investment of 1.5 billion dollars in a new for-profit entity called PGA Tour Enterprises. Part of the investment includes the Player Equity Program, designed to reward players for their loyalty to the PGA Tour. The 193 eligible recipients were notified of their equity shares by Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, who is also CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises. “It’s about making sure our players know that the PGA Tour is the best place to compete and showing them how much the Tour appreciates them being loyal,” said Jason Gore, the Tour’s Chief Player Officer, in one of six informational videos the Tour has produced for members, which are available to Golf.com.

How the Money Is Distributed Among the PGA Tour Players

The plan envisages that around 930 million US dollars will be distributed to 193 players, taking into account four main categories. The players will not receive the money immediately, but in the form of shares in PGA Tour Enterprises, which will house the Tour’s commercial activities. Led by the Tour’s top stars, 36 players will receive a share of 750 million US dollars based on their performance over the last five years. That’s just over 80% of the prize that goes to only a few dozen pros. Points are awarded based on the number of years as a Tour member, participation in Tour Championships and victories, with special achievements such as Major titles, victories in the Players Championship and the FedEx Cup earning additional points. The second group, consisting of “consistent performers and up-and-coming talent”, will receive 75 million US dollars for 64 players. Their participation is based on FedExCup points over the last three years. A further 30 million US dollars will be awarded to 57 players in the third group, based on career earnings and the number of top 125 finishes in the FedExCup points. The fourth group, comprising “Legends of the Past”, including names such as Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, will receive 75 million US dollars. These funds are awarded on the basis of the “Career Points” system and are earmarked exclusively for living golf legends.

A key element of the program is the eight-year commitment period. Participations reach 50% of their value after four years, 75% after six years and the full 100% after eight years. At this point, players can sell their holdings to PGA Tour Enterprises. This arrangement is designed to strengthen player loyalty to the PGA Tour. Strategic Sports Group valued the PGA Tour at US$12.3 billion when it joined and this value is expected to increase over time.

What’s In It for the Top Players

According to a rough estimate by Golf.com, Tiger Woods will receive 528 career points, Rory McIlroy just 199, while Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have both accumulated a similar number of just under 100 points. All four players are expected to be part of Group 1 and all will receive substantial grants, but the difference in career points is expected to bring some differences in value. In short, Woods will receive the highest grant value (possibly by a wide margin) and McIlroy’s will be the second highest. Golf journalist Joe Pompliano estimates that Woods’ shares could be worth up to $100 million, double Rory McIlroy’s $50 million.

Further Bonuses Expected In the Coming Years

In addition to the initial investment of 1.5 billion US dollars, the players will receive a further bonus of around 600 million US dollars in the coming years. These funds, amounting to USD 100 million per year from 2025 to 2030, will be awarded based on the performance and results of the Player Impact Program, with a particular focus on young talent.

Categories
Professionals

Rory McIlroy Considers Return to the PGA Tour Policy Board

Rory McIlroy is considering taking a position on the PGA Tour Policy Board again. (Source: Getty)
Rory McIlroy is considering taking a position on the PGA Tour Policy Board again. (Source: Getty)

It was only last November that Rory McIlroy stepped down from his position on the PGA Tour Policy Board. McIlroy justified his move by saying that he wanted to concentrate more on his golf game. The Northern Irishman is now considering a return to the board. Sources familiar with the situation have told the UK Guardian that the roles for McIlroy as a director on both the PGA Tour Board and PGA Tour Enterprises will be put to a vote on Wednesday after Webb Simpson tendered his resignation with an explicit request for the Northern Irishman to take his place.

Rory McIlroy: “I think I can be helpful”

Webb Simpson is likely to step down before the end of his term of office, which runs until 2025. This raises the possibility of McIlroy returning at a time when the PGA Tour is still battling for supremacy with the LIV Golf League. McIlroy himself has recently commented on the benefits of a united golf world: “The game is much better when we’re all together,” the 34-year-old emphasized. Despite personal and professional commitments, McIlroy continues to show interest in playing an active role in the PGA Tour’s decision-making. “The golf world is facing big challenges and I’m ready to play my part,” McIlroy said in an interview. “It’s important that we come together as a sport and move forward together.”

The Northern Irishman, who is currently competing at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans, could support the PGA Tour in negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). The agreement with the PIF could pave the way for a deal between the traditional tours and the LIV League. “I think I can be helpful,” McIlroy said. “I don’t think there’s been much progress in the last eight months and I was hoping there would be. I think I could be helpful in the process. But only if people want me to be there,” said McIlroy during an interview at the Zurich Classic. “We have to overcome the differences and work together to find a solution,” said McIlroy. “Only through unity can we unlock the full potential of golf and ensure it remains relevant for generations to come.”

Categories
Panorama

Dungannon Golf Club Ushers in New Era with Bunker Renovations

Dungannon Golf Club, a distinguished golfing venue in the United Kingdom, has taken a significant step forward in its comprehensive course improvement initiative. Having recently completed Phase 1 of the project, the club proudly announces the installation of new concrete liners, setting the stage for an elevated playing experience for members and visitors alike.

The installation marks a crucial advancement in the meticulous renovation plan crafted by Ken Kearney Golf Design, whose expertise has proven instrumental in enhancing the strategic challenge and visual appeal of the course. Executed with utmost precision by DAR Golf, the newest additions to the course’s traps now await their final touches – a layer of carefully selected sand, followed by fresh turf that will encapsulate the bunkers’ revamped aesthetic.

Players invested in the topography and intricacies of Dungannon’s layout are encouraged to guess the bunker locations marked by these upgrades. While the full impact and benefit of these renovations will be most palpable when the sand and turf are in place, there is palpable anticipation in the air as the club moves closer to unveiling these improvements.

Dungannon Golf Club has long been committed to providing a premier golfing experience, and these enhancements are expected to bolster its reputation as a course that is both challenging for skilled golfers and welcoming to newcomers. More updates on the project are anticipated as the club progresses with its ambitious overhaul, all with the goal of preserving the club’s heritage while adapting to the modern demands of the sport.

More information on this golf club

Categories
Panorama

Alex Fitzpatrick completes trio of BAL.ON brand ambassadors

Alex Fitzpatrick joins Esther Henseleit and Matti Schmid as BAL.ON brand ambassador. (Source: BAL.ON)
Alex Fitzpatrick joins Esther Henseleit and Matti Schmid as BAL.ON brand ambassador. (Source: BAL.ON)

Since its official market launch in August 2023, the BAL.ON Smart Kit, the first intelligent training tool for golf from Continental, has been inspiring PGA professionals, tour pros and amateur golfers with its technology, functionality and wide range of applications in training and on the course. BAL.ON recently announced its collaboration with DP World Tour Professional Alex Fitzpatrick, who will represent the brand as a global ambassador alongside Matti Schmid and Esther Henseleit.

Alex Fitzpatrick becomes brand ambassador for BAL.ON

Alex Fitzpatrick played for the college team at Wake Forest University in North Carolina for four years before turning professional in 2022, during which time he represented Great Britain several times at international tournaments. In his first full year as a professional, the now 25-year-old secured full playing rights on the DP World Tour, including a tied 17th place at the Open Championship in Royal Liverpool, a second place at the ISPS Handa World Invitational and his first victory as a professional at the British Challenge on the Challenge Tour. This season, Alex has already achieved six top 20 finishes in Europe’s top class and was portrayed together with his brother in the second season of “Full Swing” on Netflix.

 
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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Alex Fitzpatrick (@alex_fitz9)

“A real everyday tool – easy to understand and use.”

“I am delighted to be working with BAL.ON and to be part of this phenomenal team. The technology and ease of use of the Smart Kit is truly impressive. It’s a tool that golfers can use in every area of the game,” says Fitzpatrick. “On tour I use the BAL.ON Smart Kit mainly to make sure I rotate properly on iron shots and in my short game without the center of pressure shifting too far left or right – something I struggled with a bit at the start of the season. Luckily, with the Smart Kit from BAL.ON, I have a tool that allows me to immediately check this data, which is not visible in the video, no matter where I am. This helped me to get back on track very quickly. Things are a little different on the tee. Here, my coach Mark Blackburn and I want the greatest possible separation between the center of pressure, which moves forward in the downswing, and the center of mass, which remains behind the ball. Without the BAL.ON Smart Kit, I wouldn’t be able to work so consistently with my tight tournament schedule because I simply wouldn’t have the data. It has become a real everyday tool for me – easy to understand and use.”

“We are very happy to have Alex, Esther and Matti as global brand ambassadors for BAL.ON. Not many young sports brands enjoy the trust of professional athletes so early on and get the chance to work with them. We are already offering the best players in the world great added value for their training and development. Their feedback makes us confident that our data advantage can also significantly improve the game and technique of amateurs. Alex, Esther and Matti will help us spread our message to PGA professionals, retailers and golfers.” – Martin Bock, Head of Marketing at BAL.ON

Specifications, availability and price

The BAL.ON Smart Kit is the first fully mobile and affordable solution on the market that measures the pressure distribution over the entire golf swing. This data is combined with high-resolution video material in the smartphone. While pressure measurement systems, which provide fundamental data on biomechanics, have so far only been used occasionally and mainly in competitive sports, Continental is now making this technology palatable to the masses.

The BAL.ON Smart Kit consists of a pair of 2mm thin, pressure-sensitive soles that are inserted into the golf shoes, Smart Pods and a smartphone app for iOS and Android devices, packed in a practical training case. The Smart Kit is available in four different sizes, from S (EU 36 – 38) to XL (EU 45 – 47) at an RRP of €549.

(Text: BAL.ON)

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour: How the Zurich Classic Team Format Works

The format of the PGA Tour's Zurich Classic. (Photo: Getty)
The format of the PGA Tour's Zurich Classic. (Photo: Getty)

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans takes place this year from April 25-28. Although the tournament has been an integral part of the PGA Tour for many years, for a long time it was “just” a tournament like many others. In 2017, it was given a new look and no longer takes place in single counting play. Instead, the format was changed to a two-man team event, but retained its status as a fully-fledged tournament with generous prize money and numerous FedEx Cup points. In 2020, the tournament had to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, it returned to the tour in 2021.

The starting field consists of 80 teams, with the top players allowed to choose their own teammate. The only prerequisite for the selection is that the partner is eligible to play on the PGA Tour or has received a sponsor invitation. The teams will play in fourball format on Thursday and Saturday and in foursome mode on Friday and Sunday. As usual, the cut will be made after the second round and only the top 33 teams and tied players will progress to the third round. A total of 8.9 million US dollars will be distributed among the teams, with the winning duo also pocketing 800 FedEx Cup points (400 each).

Click here for the Zurich Classic leaderboard

PGA Tour: Upswing through uniqueness

Andy Pazder, Chief of Operations of the PGA Tour, explained the reasons for the change at the time: “We have seen the growth in popularity of biennial team competitions such as the Ryder Cup and the World Cup of Golf and also the excitement these tournaments generate. We believe that fans would like to see this type of competition as a regular part of our season.” This format makes the Zurich Classic exceptional on the PGA Tour, as the last time there was a comparable team event on the PGA Tour was almost four decades ago at the Walt Disney World National Team Championship in 1981.

The response since the announcement of the change has been consistently very positive. “The team format is an incredibly great new element on the Tour,” says Olympic champion Justin Rose. And even four years after the experiment, both fans and organizers are positively surprised by the “resurgence of the PGA Tour’s annual stop in New Orleans”. The change from the classic 72-hole counting game format was of course subject to risk, but ultimately led to stronger starting fields and increased interest in this unique Tour event.

Categories
Live

PGA Tour Teetimes: Ryder Cup Flair with Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry bring Ryder Cup flair to New Orleans at the Zurich Classic on the PGA Tour. (Source: Getty)
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry bring Ryder Cup flair to New Orleans at the Zurich Classic on the PGA Tour. (Source: Getty)

The international golf community is set for the latest event in the PGA Tour, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Set in the picturesque surrounds of TPC Louisiana in Avondale, Louisiana, United States, the tournament boasts a noteworthy prize pool of $8,900,000. Defending champions Davis Riley and Nick Hardy, both representing the United States, will be vying once again for the title on the Par 72 TPC Louisiana course.

See all Tee Times here

Detailed PGA Tour Tee Times for British, Welsh, and Scottish Golfers

British golfer Robert MacIntyre and his Belgian partner Thomas Detry will be teeing off for Round 1 at 07:26 alongside American teams Montgomery/Griffin. For the second round, their tee time is set to be at 12:57.

Another British golfer making his mark is Aaron Rai. Alongside David Lipsky from the United States, Rai is scheduled for a 12:18 tee off time in Round 1 and 08:31 in Round 2. Their company for both rounds is the English team of David Skinns and Callum Tarren.

In the star-studded team, Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy pairs with Shane Lowry. Their first round in the PGA Tour Tee Times begins at 12:44, playing against teams Morikawa/Kitayama from the USA. The second round for the Ryder Cup Duo commences at 08:53.

Scottish golfer Russell Knox, paired with American Peter Malnati, is set to begin at 13:10 for the first round and 09:15 for Round 2. They’ll be playing alongside teams Lee/Kim, enhancing the international spirit of the event.

PGA Tour Tee Times: Schedule for Golfers

PlayerRound 1Round 2
Robert MacIntyre / Thomas Detry07:2612:57
Aaron Rai / David Lipsky12:1808:31
Rory McIlroy / Shane Lowry12:4408:53
Russell Knox / Peter Malnati13:1009:15

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans offers an exciting platform for golf aficionados. The PGA Tour Tee Times ensures everyone can keep track of their favorite golfers from Britain, Wales, and Scotland. Stay tuned for more updates as the prestigious event unfolds.

(This text was generated with the help of AI // All times are local times)

Categories
Live

FedExCup Spotlight: Tommy Fleetwood on Matt Fitzpatricks Heels

Close second English Player in the FedEx Cup Ranking: Tommy Fleetwood. (Image: Getty)
Close second English Player in the FedEx Cup Ranking: Tommy Fleetwood. (Image: Getty)

As the PGA Tour season advances, numerous tournaments have unfolded. The recent conclusion of the latest PGA Tour event brought excitement, culminating with Scottie Scheffler claiming another victory and solidifying his lead in the FedExCup rankings. Currently, six English players have elbowed their way into the esteemed top 100 of the FedExCup rankings.

Ascension in the FedExCup Rankings: England’s Lead Contenders

Analyzing the performance of English golfers, we notice Matt Fitzpatrick at 31st in the FedExCup rankings, gathering 702 points over 10 events, a commendable endeavor lacking only a victory. Close on his heels is Tommy Fleetwood, who recently surged to the 36th spot, with 639 points accrued in 7 events, markedly adding three top-10 finishes to his profile this season.

FedExCup Competitors: Breaking Down the Top 5

Leading the pack, Scottie Scheffler remains unchallenged in the number one position, hoisting an impressive cumulative score after consecutive high-level performances, including 3 victories among 8 top-10 finishes from just 9 events played. Trailing are Wyndham Clark and Xander Schauffele, holding second and third places respectively, with each golfer playing 9 events thus far. Fourth place goes to Sahith Theegala. In fifth place, Ludvig Åberg has made a notable jump to stake his claim.

How the PGA Tours FedEx Cup works

The FedExCup is the season ranking of the PGA Tour. The top 30 players in the FedExCup ranking are allowed to take part in the PGA Tour’s final play-off tournament at the end of the season. The season ranking also determines who is allowed to play on the PGA Tour the following year. At each tournament, the players who make the cut collect points. The total number of points earned at a tournament depends on the value of the event. Major tournaments earn the most points. The winner receives 500 points for winning a normal PGA Tour tournament.

Categories
Live

FedExCup Leaders: Sahith Theegala Inside Top 5

Sitting at the fourth spot in the FedEx Cup Ranking: Sahith Theegala. (Image: Getty)
Sitting at the fourth spot in the FedEx Cup Ranking: Sahith Theegala. (Image: Getty)

The PGA Tour season has been unfolding with fierce competition as players from around the world strive for supremacy in the prestigious FedExCup rankings. Various tournaments have already determined the fates of many, revealing a leaderboard that is both diverse and dynamic. The most recent tournament crowned a new champion, and with it brought significant changes to the standings. Currently, Scottie Scheffler of the USA holds the coveted top spot in the FedExCup rankings, further highlighting the presence of 57 American players among the top 100.

Notable Performances Spurring FedExCup Rankings

The American predominance is evident with two of their finest golfers positioned at the forefront of the FedExCup rankings. Scottie Scheffler maintains his reign at number one with a prodigious sum of 3915 points, accumulating these through an impressive 3 victories and 8 top-ten finishes out of 9 events thus far. Following is compatriot Wyndham Clark,  with 1892 points, a victory, and three top-ten finishes.

Besides Scheffler’s dominance, the FedExCup rankings boast an array of talent within the top 5. Swedish golfer Ludvig Åberg has surprised many with his consistent play, sitting comfortably at fifth, while Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, winner of 1 event and with 3 top-ten finishes, finds himself in the sixth position.

American players Xander Schauffele and Sahith Theegala find themselves at position three and four, respectively.

How the PGA Tours FedEx Cup works

The FedExCup is the season ranking of the PGA Tour. The top 30 players in the FedExCup ranking are allowed to take part in the PGA Tour’s final play-off tournament at the end of the season. The season ranking also determines who is allowed to play on the PGA Tour the following year. At each tournament, the players who make the cut collect points. The total number of points earned at a tournament depends on the value of the event. Major tournaments earn the most points. The winner receives 500 points for winning a normal PGA Tour tournament.

Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour: Tee Times for American Trio

Sean Crocker, Jordan Gumberg and Chase Hanna represent America for this weeks DP World Tour event. (Images: Getty)
Sean Crocker, Jordan Gumberg and Chase Hanna represent America for this weeks DP World Tour event. (Images: Getty)

The DP World Tour touches down in Gotemba, Japan, for the ISPS Handa Championship. The tournament takes place at the prestigious Taiheiyo Club, Gotemba Course. The championship kick starts on Thursday with Round 1 action. With a substantial prize amount of $2,250,000 up for grabs, players will be competing on a par-72 course to claim the title currently held by Lucas Herbert.

See all Tee Times here

DP World Tour Tee Times: A focus on American Participants

American golfer Sean Crocker begins his quest for the championship on Thursday in Round 1 at 08:20 alongside England’s Eddie Pepperell and Japan’s Taiki Yoshida. On Friday, in Round 2, the trio will tee off at 13:20.

The event also sees another representative from the United States, Jordan Gumberg. For the first round, his tee time is 11:40, paired with Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen and Japan’s Takahiro Hataji. For the second round on Friday, Gumberg, Kjeldsen, and Hataji are scheduled for a 06:40 start.

Chase Hanna is the third American player participating at this weeks DP World Tour event. His tee time for the first round is 12:20 and will be played in the company of France’s Clément Sordet and Japan’s Mikumu Horikawa. Hanna, Sordet, and Horikawa commence the second round with a tee time of 07:20.

Player Nationality Round 1 – Tee Time Round 2 – Tee Time
Sean Crocker USA 08:20 13:20
Jordan Gumberg USA 11:40 06:40
Chase Hanna USA 12:20 07:20
Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour: Tee Times for Andy Sullivan and other British Players

One of the many British Players starting at this weeks DP World Tour event: Andy Sullivan. (Image: Getty)
One of the many British Players starting at this weeks DP World Tour event: Andy Sullivan. (Image: Getty)

The DP World Tour marches on with the ISPS Handa Championship, hosted at the Taiheiyo Club’s Gotemba Course in Gotemba, Japan. This tournament, with a prize purse of $2,250,000, will see golfers compete on a challenging par-72 course. Lucas Herbert steps up to defend his title against a strong field of international players.

See all Tee Times here

Detailed DP World Tour Tee Times for British and Scottish Players

Andy Sullivan of England will tee off at 06:30 for round 1 with Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Japan’s Hideto Tanihara. For the second day, he will start at 11:30.

From England, Marcus Armitage also begins his campaign alongside Kodai Ichihara of Japan and Shubhankar Sharma of India at 06:40 for the first round, and his second round tee time is scheduled for 11:40.

Richard Mansell, another English golfer, will tee off at 07:00 on the first day, sharing his tee times with Juvic Pagunsan of Phillipines and Manuel Elvira of Spain. His second round begins at 12:00.

Scotland’s Calum Hill begins his first round at 07:20, alongside Dan Bradbury of England and Taisei Shimizu of Japan. His second round tee time is set for 12:20.

Scott Jamieson of Scotland will start his rounds at 07:40 alongside Antoine Rozner from France and Yuki Inamori from Japan, and his second round will start at 12:40.

Representing England, Jordan Smith is grouped with Connor Syme of Scotland and Taichi Nabetani of Japan for his first round at 07:50. His second round starting time is 12:50.

Also, teeing off for round 1 at 08:00 is Matthew Baldwin of England, along with Marcus Helligkilde of Denmark and Shunya Takeyasu of Japan. Baldwin’s second round is due to commence at 13:00.

Eddie Pepperell of England will take his first strike at 08:20 along with Sean Crocker of the United States and Taiki Yoshida of Japan. He will tee off for round 2 at 13:20.

Finally, Stephen Gallacher of Scotland will embark on his first round at 13:10 with Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and Younghan Song of Korea. For the second round, Gallacher is scheduled to begin at 08:10.