Scottie Scheffler took a liking to the Mallett putter from TaylorMade. (Photo: Getty)
An incredible run of success began for Scottie Scheffler at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March 2024. In just ten starts on the PGA Tour, the 28-year-old recorded six victories and immortalized himself among the most successful players in the history of the PGA Tour. Not only a second Masters title, but also a title defense at the Players Championship have graced his resume since then.
He used a new putter for the first time at the Arnold Palmer Invitational: Scheffler opted for the TaylorMade Spider Tour X putter. With this model, a Mallett putter, the world number 1 has since been more successful than ever before, as his statistics on and around the green show.
Scottie Scheffler: With TaylorMade to birdie rain
Scottie Scheffler played his way to his six victories in the last few months with a total of 121 birdies, 27 of which he made in the final rounds of the tournaments. He made 28 birdies from over 15 feet, 11 from over 20 feet and six from over 30 feet. Figures that prove that the world number one has nerves of steel: seven times in the six tournaments he achieved a birdie series of three birdies or more.
He usually holed his longest birdie putts from 30 t0 40 feet. In the third round of the US Masters, he holed twice from this distance for birdies, putting his strong competitors under real pressure. Another statement at the first major of the year: an eagle putt from 31 feet.
However, Scottie Scheffler converted his longest birdie putt to date at his first tournament with the TaylorMade Spider Tour X putter, at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He converted the birdie from almost 45 feet on the 15th hole of the second round.
While Scottie Scheffler excelled with his long putts, he also frequently made it easy for himself thanks to his precise approaches. He often drove the ball off the fairway and onto the stick or made long putts close to the hole. For example, at his last triumph, the Travelers Championship, he put the ball from 132 yards directly on the 18th hole of the Moving Day.
The TaylorMade Spider Tour X putter
Scottie Scheffler played a blade putter for most of his career. He played his first rounds with a Mallett putter, the model with the significantly larger club head, in 2023, but returned to the familiar blade head. TaylorMade then developed a new prototype that would be perfectly matched to Scheffler’s putting. After various adjustments, Scottie Scheffler finally found the perfect model in the TaylorMade Spider Tour X putter for a winning streak that hardly any golfer had achieved before.
PGA Tour Tee Times for the Genesis Scottish Open of the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. (Source: Getty)
The PGA Tour Tee Times for the highly anticipated Genesis Scottish Open have been released. The event takes place at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland. This DP World Tour adn PGA Tour co-sanctioned event features a par 70 course with a prize fund of $9,000,000. Rory McIlroy is the defending champion, and the tournament will be broadcast on Sky from 9:30 AM on Thursday and Friday, and from 11:30 AM on Saturday and Sunday.
DP World Tour Tee Times for American Players
Will Zalatoris starts his first round at the Genesis Scottish Open on Thursday at 7:44 AM alongside Rasmus Højgaard from Denmark and Rikuyo Hoshino from Japan. Zalatoris’ second round is scheduled for Friday at 12:59 PM.
Andrew Novak will tee off on Thursday at 7:00 AM, paired with Marcus Armitage from England and Ryo Hisatsune from Japan. Novak’s second round begins on Friday at 12:15 PM.
Andrew Putnam’s first round begins on Thursday at 7:11 AM. He will be playing with Joost Luiten from the Netherlands and Callum Shinkwin from England. Putnam’s second round is scheduled for Friday at 12:26 PM.
Denny McCarthy is set to start his first round on Thursday at 7:33 AM, playing alongside Christiaan Bezuidenhout from South Africa and Keita Nakajima from Japan. McCarthy’s second round is on Friday at 12:48 PM.
Lucas Glover will take the course on Thursday at 7:55 AM with his fellow Americans Padraig Harrington and Billy Horschel. Glover’s second round is set for Friday at 1:10 PM.
The Tee Times for the Genesis Scottish Open of the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. (Source: Getty)
The Tee Times for the upcoming Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick, Scotland, have been announced. Held at The Renaissance Club, this prestigious event is part of the DP World Tour. The tournament will be played on a course with a par of 70, and offers a prize fund of $9,000,000. The defending champion is Rory McIlroy. Broadcast times are Thursday and Friday starting at 9:30 AM and Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11:30 AM on Sky Sports.
DP World Tour Tee Times
Rory McIlroy tees off at 8:28 AM in the first round, partnering with Robert MacIntyre from Scotland and Viktor Hovland from Norway. Their second round will start at 1:43 PM.
Ewen Ferguson, who won in Munich last week, begins his first round at 1:54 PM, playing alongside Jordan Spieth from the USA and Matthew Fitzpatrick from England. For the second round, they start at 8:39 AM.
David Law starts his first round at 7:44 AM with Erik Van Rooyen from South Africa and Simon Forsström from Sweden. Their second round is set for 12:59 PM.
Connor Syme tees off at 7:11 AM in the first round with Thriston Lawrence from South Africa and Eric Cole. Their second round is at 12:26 PM.
Richie Ramsay will play his first round at 12:48 PM, alongside Bernd Wiesberger from Austria and Mackenzie Hughes from Canada. The second round starts at 7:33 AM.
Rory McIlroy will compete for Ireland again at the 2024 Olympics. (Source: Getty)
As in Tokyo 2020, Rory McIlroy has once again decided to compete for Ireland at the Olympic Games. McIlroy comes from Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, and should therefore actually be competing for Great Britain. However, there is an exemption for athletes from Northern Ireland.
Rory McIlroy chooses Ireland for the 2024 Olympics
Northern Ireland has a unique position in international sport. Olympic athletes from Northern Ireland have the opportunity to compete for either the Republic of Ireland or Great Britain and Northern Ireland (effectively the United Kingdom). This choice reflects the complex and divided history of the region. “Team GB” is the name under which athletes from Great Britain compete at the Olympics, a name that does not directly include Northern Ireland. There have been calls in the past to rename the team ‘Team UK’ to reflect this inclusion.
McIlroy, who always played under the Irish flag in his youth, chose Ireland despite saying he felt more British. “I made it more difficult for myself than it needed to be,” McIlroy explained. “My thoughts were more about what other people would think. Once I put that behind me and just did what was right for me, the decision became easy. It was an internal battle with all those thoughts.” He continued, “Once I gave up trying not to upset anyone, the decision was pretty easy. I’m going to play golf for the country or nation I’ve always played for, from my junior and amateur days through to the professional game. Although the Olympics give me that choice, there really wasn’t a choice because I’ve played golf for Ireland all my life. Why should that change just because the tournament changes? That was my decision.”
Keegan Bradley has been named captain of the US team for the 2025 Ryder Cup. (Source: Getty)
Keegan Bradley will captain the US team at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York. After months of discussions and despite Tiger Woods, a 15-time major winner and eight-time Ryder Cup participant, being the clear favorite, Bradley was surprisingly chosen.
Bradley Becomes the Youngest Captain Since Arnold Palmer
Bradley was already a contender for the captaincy of the US team in 2023, but was ultimately not selected. Less than a year later, he has now been named captain of the team for the 2025 Ryder Cup. At 38, he is the youngest Ryder Cup captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. The two-time Ryder Cup participant played college golf at St. John’s University in Queens, just a short drive from Bethpage, and regularly competed in tournaments there. “I am incredibly honored to be given this opportunity to lead the U.S. team in the 2025 Ryder Cup,” Bradley said in a statement. “My passion and appreciation for golf’s greatest team event have never been stronger. The Ryder Cup is unlike any other competition in our sport, and this edition will undoubtedly be particulary special given the rich history and enthusiastic spectators at this iconic course. I look forward to starting preparations for 2025.”
Tiger Woods turned down captaincy for the 2025 Ryder Cup
Tiger Woods, who had previously been considered the favorite for the role of captain, had to pull out due to his duties as Player Director on the PGA Tour Policy Board. The PGA of America delayed the appointment of a captain for months, hoping to clear the way for Woods to become captain, and even appointed former caddie and NBC Sports analyst John Wood as “team manager”. He was supposed to take on some of the captain’s workload. When still no major progress had been made in early July, Woods was forced to turn down the captaincy. However, he could still theoretically take part in the Ryder Cup as a player or vice-captain.
World Golf Ranking: Scottie Scheffler (Image: Getty)
The World Golf Ranking this week has presented some interesting shifts among the American players.
Scottie Scheffler continues to hold the top spot as the best American golfer, ranked at number 1 with no change from last week. Scheffler’s average points remain solid. On the other hand, Xander Schauffele stays steady at position 3.
Wyndham Clark has seen a slight drop, moving from 4th to 5th place in the World Golf Ranking. Collin Morikawa holds his ground at position 6 with no change from the previous week. Patrick Cantlay remains 8th, maintaining his previous week’s position and average points.
World Golf Ranking: Movement in the Top 10
Within the Top 10 of the World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler remains at number 1. Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland stays in 2nd place. Notable movements include Ludvig Aberg from Sweden, who has improved from 5th to 4th place. Meanwhile, Jon Rahm from Spain holds steady at 10th place. The rest of the top players, including Viktor Hovland at 7th position, exhibit stability in their rankings.
While Tyrrell Hatton gains one position, Rory McIlroy remains the highest-ranked british player, holding steady at position 2. Tommy Fleetwood is the highest-ranked english player at eleventh position. Meanwhile, fellow Brit Matt Fitzpatrick remains at position 20 without any changes from the previous week.
World Golf Ranking Updates for Other British Players
Aaron Rai has improved his standing, currently at position 53, moving up six positions. Tyrrell Hatton improved his ranking from the 23rd to the 22nd position. Robert MacIntyre, one of the prominent Scottish golfers, is placed at 44.
World Golf Ranking Top-10 Overview
Scottie Scheffler continues to dominate the World Golf Ranking, retaining his top spot. There have been no changes in the positions of Rory McIlroy (2nd) and Xander Schauffele (3rd). Ludvig Aberg has moved up to 4th, displacing Wyndham Clark, who is now 5th. The remaining positions in the top-10, including Collin Morikawa (6th), Viktor Hovland (7th), Patrick Cantlay (8th), Bryson DeChambeau (9th), and Jon Rahm (10th), have shown no movement this week.
The Amundi Evian Championship is held at the Evian Resort Golf Club. (Photo: ROLEX MEDIA CONTENT)
Golf’s only Major to be staged in continental Europe, The Amundi Evian Championship is a reference point in the women’s game. First played in 1994, it was elevated to become the fifth women’s Major championship in 2013. Over the years, the tournament has developed its own history, balancing tradition with innovation while maintaining an unwavering respect for the spirit of the game. Rolex has been a Main Partner and Official Timekeeper at this tournament since 2000 as part of its broad and enduring commitment to women’s golf that dates back to 1980 when the Swiss watchmaker became a partner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA).
Celebrating 30 Years of The Amundi Evian Championship
The Amundi Evian Championship is held annually in July on The Champions Course at the Evian Resort Golf Club, nestled between the shores of Lake Geneva and the foot of the Alps. This year’s edition, from 11–14 July, marks the 30th anniversary of the inaugural tournament.
Each year, the tournament gathers the world’s elite from the Rolex Rankings to contest the season’s penultimate Major. Its honour roll of past champions includes Rolex Testimonee Annika Sörenstam (2000, 2002), one of the greatest golfers in the history of the women’s game and who set a benchmark of excellence to which the modern generation can aspire, along with fellow Swede Anna Nordqvist (2017).
Anna Nordqvist at The Amundi Evian Championship. (Photo: ROLEX MEDIA CONTENT)
Reflecting on her victory, which came in a thrilling playoff, Anna Nordqvist said: “Being European and winning a Major championship on European soil was very special. I would say that with all the history associated with The Amundi Evian Championship, the stunning views, amazing atmosphere, how well it is run and it being a tournament that I used to watch every summer growing up, it was an unforgettable moment. To have my name etched on the trophy is so special.“
Other members of the Rolex family to triumph at this visually stunning venue include Suzann Pettersen of Norway (2013), New Zealand’s Lydia Ko (2015) and Brooke Henderson of Canada (2022). In capturing her second Major title at The Amundi Evian Championship in 2022, Henderson became the first LPGA player to begin any Major with successive rounds of 64. She also became the first Canadian golfer, man or woman, to win more than one Major title.
Brooke Henderson at The Amundi Evian Championship. (Photo: ROLEX MEDIA CONTENT)
Commenting on the unique challenge of contesting the Major championships, Brooke Henderson said: “It is truly exciting to be able to compete in the Major championships and go up against the best female players in the world, and on such incredible and differing venues. During those weeks, you have to be at your best mentally, physically and even emotionally. You really do have to be in the right place on all fronts. There is always pressure when competing at Major championships as your career is ultimately defined by your performances and finishes during these tournaments. The challenge of playing impeccably, and to the best of your ability, is what makes those weeks so exciting.“
Steeped in history dating back to 1904, The Champions Course offers an unrivalled golfing experience. In 2013, it underwent significant renovation. The redesign work, undertaken by European Golf Design, has resulted in the course becoming even more befitting of a Major championship venue, adding more drama and spectator viewing areas.
Since 2019, The Prize for a Better Tomorrow presented by Rolex has been awarded at The Amundi Evian Championship. The international prize celebrates initiatives that have significant societal impact and promote qualities shared by this women’s Major championship and the Swiss watchmaker, namely excellence, generosity, continuity and inspiration. The prize shines a light on the commitment of individuals and organizations who champion a charitable cause and implement actions that improve and reinvent people’s lives.
The inaugural recipient of the prize was former World No. 1 and Rolex Testimonee Lorena Ochoa for the creation of her Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation. The prize was awarded by fellow Testimonee Lindsey Vonn, one of the most successful women’s skiers, and rewarded the Mexican golfer for her involvement in the education of underprivileged children in her native country. Shortly after turning professional in 2002, Ochoa pledged to provide financial support to a Mexican school for underprivileged children near Guadalajara. She then became involved in creating her own foundation with a mission to provide opportunities for children and adults via family-based health, education and inclusion programmes delivered through family golf activities.
Rolex has been a committed partner of women’s golf for more than 40 years as part of one of the most successful relationships between a brand and sport. This enduring partnership contributes to the game’s development around the world. The Swiss watchmaker is part of the very fabric of golf and supports the game at all levels, including elite players and legends of the game, Major championships – including all five women’s Majors – the foremost professional tours and the world’s leading team competitions, among them the women’s Solheim Cup. The brand’s support also extends to amateur tournaments, international federations and organizations representing golfers of all ages.
Rolex’s association with the game is built on a strong sense of integrity and respect for tradition that promote the continuity of expertise and transfer of knowledge, and an appreciation of the importance to invest in the sport’s development for future generations.
WITB: Ewen Ferguson at the BMW International Open. (Image: Getty)
Due to his victory at the BMW International Open, Ewen Ferguson is eligible to take part in the national Open of his home country – the Scottish Open – next week. He is also guaranteed a place in the 152nd Open Championship. Thanks in part to clubs from Cobra, he has achieved this.
Davis Thompson is the big winner on the PGA Tour. He won the John Deere Classic with an impressive score of 28 strokes under par, four strokes ahead of the field. His triumph means he can also look forward to a starting place at the last major of the season – the Open Championship.
Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake will open a bar in St. Andrews. (Photo: Getty)
“Slàinte mhath”, says the Scotsman, when toasting with good wishes: In St Andrews, the Home of Golf, there will soon be a new meeting place for this. Despite massive opposition from local residents, who even submitted a petition against the project, superstars Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake have been given the green light by the relevant authorities for their sports bar T-Squared Social. The branch of the pub chain is to be built in the “Auld Grey Toon” cinema: The New Picture House has been in existence since 1930, but has been operating at no more than ten per cent capacity for years and can barely exist independently, according to the current owner.
Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake are opening a new sports bar less than 1 mile from the Old Course in Scotland.
Nevertheless, the residents are attached to their old film theatre and do not want any newfangled stuff; over 10,000 people signed the petition against the project. The luxury bar in the historic building, less than a kilometre from the Old Course, is to be equipped with large screens and golf simulators, have a bowling and darts alley and create 40 to 45 new jobs. This is the promise of the new operator Nexus Luxury Collection, whose shareholders include the two superstars. The remodelling for T-Squared Social is expected to begin within the next three years; the branch in New York, for example, is doing very well.
