Month: August 2024

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Highlights Tours

Prize Fund Announced for the AIG Women’s Open

The prize fund for the AIG Women’s Open, which is being played this week at the Old Course, St Andrews will be $9.5 million. (Source: The R&A)

The prize fund for the AIG Women’s Open, which is being played this week at the Old Course from 21-25 August 2024, St Andrews will be $9.5 million, an increase of $500,000 on the previous year.

First established in 1976 and now owned by The R&A, the AIG Women’s Open is one of five major championships in women’s golf. The Championship is the showpiece for The R&A’s commitment to growing women and girls’ golf via the Women in Golf Charter, and aims to champion the changing face of women’s golf; to inspire, engage and provoke in order to challenge perceptions that will shape the future of the sport. Each year 144 players compete for the championship trophy with the low amateur, who plays 72 holes, awarded the Smyth Salver. 

The prize fund for the championship has tripled since before The R&A’s partnership with AIG began in 2019. This year the Champion will take home $1,425,000, the highest amount in the AIG Women’s Open’s 48-year history.

The growth in the AIG Women’s Open prize fund

  • 2024 – $9.5 million
  • 2023 – $9 million
  • 2022 – $7.3 million
  • 2021 – $5.8 million
  • 2020 – $4.5 million
  • 2019 – $4.5 million (beginning of The R&A and AIG partnership)
  • 2018 – $3.25 million

Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, said, “With the outstanding backing we have received from AIG as our title sponsor we have been able to achieve a step change and take this Championship to new levels. We greatly appreciate AIG’s support and are proud that they share our goal to elevate the AIG Women’s Open still further and ensure it remains at the pinnacle of the women’s game. The increased prize fund and our enhancements to the staging and the spectator experience this year reflect our shared commitment to making the AIG Women’s Open a world class championship for players and fans alike.”

Categories
Travel

Albret Golf Experience in Barbaste: Play, Learn, and Enjoy Evening Concerts

Golf and music at Albret Golf Experience. (Source: Albret Golf Experience)
Golf and music at Albret Golf Experience. (Source: Albret Golf Experience)

The Albret Golf Experience is located in Barbaste, France. Situated in the heart of the picturesque French countryside, this golf course offers an experience that harmonizes with the natural landscape. The golf course provides a warm welcome from its enthusiastic team.

The course is designed to be user-friendly, encouraging players to adopt a simple strategy: aim for the center of the greens. This advice is geared towards making the game accessible to golfers of all skill levels. The course features 18 holes, with a green fee of €40 for playing 18 holes after 4 p.m., which represents a good deal for late afternoon golfers. The Albret Golf Experience emphasizes a summer golfing atmosphere, suitable for all levels of players, and includes an academy for those looking to improve their skills.

Golf and Music at Albret Golf Experience

In addition to golf, the Albret Golf Experience hosts concerts on Friday evenings from the end of June to the end of August. This initiative adds a cultural dimension to the sporting environment, creating a unique blend of leisure and entertainment. These events are organized to enhance the overall experience for both players and visitors.

The Albret Golf Experience stands out not just for its golfing facilities but also for its commitment to creating a welcoming and engaging environment. The practice of hosting concerts exemplifies their dedication to providing more than just a standard golfing experience. Instead, they aim to cultivate a community atmosphere that appeals to a wider audience, including non-golfers who might enjoy the setting and events.

Categories
Live

PGA Tour Tee Times: Scottie Scheffler Plays With Xander Schauffele

Get the PGA Tour Tee Times for the BMW Champiuonship here. (Source: Getty)
Get the PGA Tour Tee Times for the BMW Champiuonship here. (Source: Getty)

The BMW Championship, part of the PGA Tour, will be held at Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock, Colorado, USA. The course is a par 72, and the tournament carries a prize pool of $20,000,000. Viktor Hovland is the defending champion. Broadcasting times are Thursday and Friday starting at 18:00, Saturday starting at 17:30, and Sunday at 17:00 on Sky.

PGA Tour Tee Times for American Players

Max Homa will start his first round at 07:25, playing alongside Si Woo Kim from South Korea. In the second round, they will tee off at 09:45.

Cameron Young’s first-round tee time is at 07:35 and he will be playing with Thomas Detry from Belgium. Their second round begins at 09:55.

Will Zalatoris will tee off at 07:45 for his first round with Austin Eckroat. Their second round is scheduled to start at 10:05.

The most exciting flight consists of Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. The worlds two best players will start their first round at 09:00. Their second round starts at 11:20

Get all Tee Times here
PlayerFirst Round Tee TimeFirst Round PartnerSecond Round Tee Time
Max Homa07:25Si Woo Kim (South Korea)09:45
Cameron Young07:35Thomas Detry (Belgium)09:55
Will Zalatoris07:45Austin Eckroat (USA)10:05
Scottie Scheffler09:00Xander Schauffele (USA)11:20
Categories
Live

PGA Tour Tee Times: Tommy Fleetwood and Matthew Fitzpatrick at BMW Championship

Get the PGA Tour Tee Times for the BMW Championship. (Source: Getty)
Get the PGA Tour Tee Times for the BMW Championship. (Source: Getty)

The PGA Tour Tee Times for the upcoming BMW Championship in Castle Rock, Colorado, USA, are out. The tournament will be held at the Castle Pines Golf Club and features a Par 72 course with a total prize money of $20,000,000. Viktor Hovland is the defending champion.

PGA Tour Tee Times for British, Welsh, and Scottish Players

Tommy Fleetwood will tee off at 07:55 in the first round, partnered with Chris Kirk from the USA. Their second round will begin at 10:15.

Matthew Fitzpatrick starts his first round at 09:55, paired with Stephan Jaeger from Germany. In the second round, Fitzpatrick will tee off at 07:45.

Aaron Rai will begin his first round at 10:35, alongside Justin Thomas from the USA. The second round for Rai starts at 08:25.

Robert MacIntyre tees off at 11:00 for his first round, with Shane Lowry from Ireland. Their second round begins at 08:50.

Rory McIlroy will start his first round at 11:10, teaming up with Wyndham Clark from the USA. McIlroy’s second round will begin at 09:00.

Get all Tee Times here
PlayerFirst Round Tee TimeFirst Round PartnerSecond Round Tee Time
Tommy Fleetwood07:55Chris Kirk (USA)10:15
Matthew Fitzpatrick09:55Stephan Jaeger (Germany)07:45
Aaron Rai10:35Justin Thomas (USA)08:25
Robert MacIntyre11:00Shane Lowry (Ireland)08:50
Rory McIlroy11:10Wyndham Clark (USA)09:00
Categories
Panorama

Clubs, shoes, balls: PGA Tour pros get it all for free

Michael Kim reveals lots of secrets of golfpros on X (Twitter). (Photo: Getty)
Michael Kim reveals lots of secrets of golfpros on X (Twitter). (Photo: Getty)

Michael S. Kim is a PGA Tour golfer who lives in Dallas, Texas. Born in South Korea and raised in California, he first came to prominence when he claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the John Deere Classic in 2018. But Kim is not only known for his precise shots, but also for running one of the most informative golf accounts on Twitter. He gives us a rare insight into the world of professional golfers and the multitude of free amenities available to them. From equipment to travel perks, here’s what the pros really get.

What do golf pros get for free?

Professionals get almost unlimited access to golf clubs, especially if they use them during the tournament. Whether it’s drivers, putters or special shafts, manufacturers make sure players are well equipped. However, as Kim emphasises, these items lose their appeal for the pros over time, as they are ultimately just ‘tools’ to do their ‘job to the best of their ability’. The situation is similar with golf balls: Kim, for example, regularly receives several dozen balls on order from Titleist during training weeks, depending on demand, without ever having received a cancellation. He normally receives three dozen balls for a tournament week.

The PGA Tour partnerships also provide players with travel benefits. For example, they enjoy preferential status with United Airlines, Avis and Omni Hotels. Although Kim emphasises that he rarely flies with United due to his home base in Dallas, these benefits are of great use to many of his colleagues.

How many outfits do golf pros get

However, not everything is perfectly organised: When it comes to clothing, there are significant differences depending on the partner company. While some companies deliver reliable, high-quality clothing, others experience delays or sizing problems. Kim emphasises that professionals have their clothes washed regularly and do not receive completely new outfits every week – this is more the case with the majors. Shoes are also not changed as often as you might expect. Kim claims to change his shoes about every month and a half, while other players who value perfectly matched outfits may request new shoes more frequently.

For the average golfer, having access to all these free amenities may seem like a dream. But as Michael Kim points out, it’s all part of the job. What seems glamorous from the outside, he says, is simply another aspect of the pros’ daily business, which is all about being as prepared as possible.

Categories
Equipment

TaylorMade: The new Kalea Gold family for women of all handicap levels

The new TaylorMade Kalea Gold womens clubs. (Image: TaylorMade)
The new TaylorMade Kalea Gold womens clubs. (Image: TaylorMade)

TaylorMade has taken a further step in the development of golf clubs specifically for women with the introduction of the new Kalea Gold line. The Kalea Gold irons are part of this new premium line characterised by innovative technology and elegant design, according to TaylorMade. The clubs were designed by women for women and are intended to help players of all abilities improve their golf game.

The Kalea Gold irons are the result of a comprehensive development process in which TaylorMade involved a wide range of groups, playing strengths and types. This included the TaylorMade Women’s Advisory Board, which is made up of female golf professionals from different areas of the industry. This group, along with other test panels and feedback from users of the previous model, Kalea Premier, helped to accurately identify the needs and preferences of female golfers. A particular focus was placed on the appearance and performance of the clubs.
The Kalea Gold family focuses on elegant colours such as white, blue and gold, a deliberate departure from the pastel shades often used for women’s clubs. The club heads of the irons are slim and modern in design, with a thinner topline that offers a clear, clean look in play.

Image: TaylorMade

TaylorMade Kalea Gold: Optics and performance should go hand in hand

The Kalea Gold Driver utilises the Carbonwood™ construction which allows the mass to be strategically placed in the club head. This optimises energy transfer, increases launch angle and maximises distance while ensuring a high level of forgiveness and stability.

The fairway woods and rescue clubs in the line are also equipped with the latest technologies. The Speed Pocket™ and Inverted Cone Face technology minimise miss-hits on off-centre shots. In addition, the ultra-light carbon construction ensures better launch conditions and higher ball speeds.

TaylorMade Kalea Gold irons: Maximum performance in a new design

Technologically, the Kalea Gold irons are characterised by several features that are designed for maximum performance. They utilise the Cap Back™ design in combination with Speed Pocket™ technology to optimise ball launch and forgiveness. The irons also feature an ECHO® Damper for improved sound and feel. The club faces are specially designed to enable higher ball speeds, which should lead to more length.

Another feature of the Kalea Gold irons is their increased loft option compared to the previous Kalea Premier version. This should better cover the gaps between the different clubs in the set and help players to achieve a consistent trajectory. In addition, the irons have a progressive upright lie angle, which supports a slight draw bias and should therefore help against the slice.

The Kalea Gold irons are not only suitable for beginners, but also for advanced golfers looking for a powerful club that will help them take their game to the next level. TaylorMade offers the irons with customisation options so players can tailor their clubs perfectly to their needs.

The Kalea Gold clubs will be available to pre-order from 20 August 2024 and will be available in stores from 6 September 2024. The prices for the individual clubs are in the premium segment: the driver costs £449 / EURO 599, fairway woods £249 / EURO 329, rescue clubs £199 / EURO 269, irons £122 / EURO 165 per iron and the putter £249 / EURO 329.

Categories
Travel

Explore Massereene Golf Club: Perfect Greens and Scenic Views Near Lough Neagh

Antrim in Northern Ireland. (Source: instagram @massereenegc)
Antrim in Northern Ireland. (Source: instagram @massereenegc)

Massereene Golf Club is located in Antrim, Northern Ireland. Positioned near Lough Neagh, it offers a picturesque setting for golfers who appreciate both the sport and scenic landscapes. The course is also conveniently situated just ten minutes from Belfast International Airport, making it accessible to both local and international visitors.

The club is known for its well-maintained greens. Golfers often highlight the quality of the putting surfaces, which contribute significantly to the overall experience. The course features several par 3 holes, which are particularly noted for their challenging yet engaging design. Massereene Golf Club provides an enjoyable round for golfers of various skill levels.

Dream Destination for Gourmets and Golfers

Additionally, the club offers in-house gourmet catering services. This feature enhances the experience for those looking to combine their round of golf with high-quality dining. The availability of catering underscores the club’s commitment to providing a comprehensive experience for its members and guests.

In summary, Massereene Golf Club in Antrim, Northern Ireland, stands out for its location near Lough Neagh and its proximity to Belfast International Airport. The club is characterized by its well-maintained greens and the variety of par 3 holes. In-house gourmet catering further adds to the appeal, making it a well-rounded destination for golfing enthusiasts.

Categories
Travel

Mid-Handicap Perfection: Discover Lisbon’s Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course

The 14th hole at Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course. (Source: Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course)
The 14th hole at Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course. (Source: Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course)

Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course is situated in Belas, a suburb in the Lisbon region of Portugal. This golf course is known for its greens and is often considered among the best in the Lisbon area.

Masters Flair at Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course

The course is particularly suitable for mid-handicap players who are advised not to take too many risks. Among its notable features is the 11th hole, a par 5 known as ‘Augusta,’ which was built in homage to the 13th hole of the famous Augusta National Golf Club, the venue of the US Masters Tournament. The 11th hole is on a slope of under 500 meters, where the wind usually aids play. It can be approached in two different manners – one can either hit a driver to the left of the dog-leg and then to the right to reach the green in two shots, avoiding a water obstacle in front of the green, or play it as a conventional par 5 with a short pitch for the third shot. In both scenarios, positioning the ball below the hole is advisable to ensure an uphill putt.

Belas Clube de Campo offers twilight green fees, which provide an opportunity for golfers to enjoy the course in the late afternoon at a reduced rate. This option might appeal to those who prefer playing in cooler conditions or have daytime commitments.

In summary, Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course combines challenging play with strategic elements, particularly evident in the design of the 11th hole. Its reputation for having some of the top greens in the Lisbon region makes it a notable destination for golf enthusiasts, especially those with a mid-handicap looking for a balanced mix of risk and reward in their game.

Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Nick Watney at the Danish Golf Championship

DP World Tour Tee Times US (Image: Getty)
DP World Tour Tee Times US (Image: Getty)

The DP World Tour Tee Times for the upcoming Danish Golf Championship at the Lübker Golf Resort in Aarhus, Denmark, have been announced. The tournament, part of the DP World Tour, will feature top golfers from around the world. Rasmus Hojgaard, the current titleholder, will be defending his trophy. The golf course has a par of 71.

DP World Tour Tee Times

Gunner Wiebe, an American golfer, will tee off at 07:40 on Thursday alongside Stephen Gallacher from Scotland and Casey Jarvis from South Africa. His second-round tee time is 12:40 on Friday.

James Nicholas is set to start at 08:40 on Thursday with JJ Senekal from South Africa and Jonathan Gøth-Rasmussen from Denmark. They will continue their tournament at 13:40 on Friday.

Nick Watney, another American, will begin his Danish Golf Championship at 12:50 on Thursday. He will be joined by Søren Kjeldsen from Denmark and Dylan Frittelli from South Africa. Their second round is scheduled for 07:50 on Friday.

Chase Hanna will tee off at 14:10 on Thursday with partners Kristoffer Reitan from Norway and Dan Bradbury from England. They will hit their second round at 09:10 on Friday.

Player 1 Nationality Round 1 Tee Time Round 2 Tee Time Player 2 Nationality Player 3 Nationality
Gunner Wiebe USA 07:40 12:40 Stephen Gallacher SCO Casey Jarvis RSA
James Nicholas USA 08:40 13:40 JJ Senekal RSA Jonathan Gøth-Rasmussen DEN
Nick Watney USA 12:50 07:50 Søren Kjeldsen DEN Dylan Frittelli RSA
Chase Hanna USA 14:10 09:10 Kristoffer Reitan NOR Dan Bradbury ENG
Jordan Gumberg USA 14:10 09:10 Oliver Wilson ENG Adrien Saddier FRA
Theo Humphrey USA 14:30 09:30 Marc Warren SCO Oliver Jørgensen DEN
DP World Tour Tee Times

The Text was written with the help of AI.

Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Stephen Gallacher and Other UK Players at Danish Golf Championship

DP World Tour Tee Times (Image: Getty)
DP World Tour Tee Times (Image: Getty)

The DP World Tour Tee Times for the upcoming Danish Golf Championship at Lübker Golf Resort in Aarhus, Denmark, have been released. This event is part of the DP World Tour, and it will be a Par 71 competition.

DP World Tour Tee Times for UK Players

Stephen Gallacher begins his rounds at the Danish Golf Championship alongside Casey Jarvis from South Africa and Gunner Wiebe from the USA. Their first round starts on Thursday at 7:40 AM local time, and their second round takes place on Friday at 12:40 PM.

Matthew Southgate is paired with Brandon Stone from South Africa and Hurly Long from Germany. Their initial tee time is on Thursday at 7:50 AM, with the second round scheduled for Friday at 12:50 PM.

Andy Sullivan will tee off with Julien Guerrier from France and Hamish Brown from Denmark. They are scheduled to start their first round on Thursday at 7:50 AM, and the second round on Friday at 12:50 PM.

Richard Mansell plays with Robin Williams and Sam Bairstow. Their first round begins on Thursday at 8:30 AM, followed by the second round on Friday at 1:30 PM.

Eddie Pepperell shares the course with Lorenzo Scalise from Italy and Jack Davidson from Wales. Pepperell’s first tee time is scheduled for Thursday at 9:00 AM, with the second round starting on Friday at 2:00 PM.

Player Other Player Other
Player 		 Starting time R1 Starting time R2
Stephen Gallacher Casey Jarvis Gunner Wiebe 07:40 12:40
Matthew Southgate Brandon Stone Hurly Long 07:50 12:50
Andy Sullivan Julien Guerrier Hamish Brown 07:50 12:50
Richard Mansell Robin Williams Sam Bairstow 08:30 13:30
Eddie Pepperell Lorenzo Scalise Jack Davidson 09:00 14:00
DP World Tour Tee Times

Text written with the support of AI.