Month: September 2024

Categories
Highlights Tours

2024 Presidents Cup: All You Need to Know About the Team Competition

All you need to know about the 2024 Presidents Cup. (Image: Getty)
All you need to know about the 2024 Presidents Cup. (Image: Getty)

From September 26 to 29, the 15th edition of the Presidents Cup will take place at The Royal Montreal GC. The twelve best golfers from the USA will compete against the twelve best international players (excluding Europe). The tournament is played over four days. The first team to reach 15.5 points wins the golden cup.

All you need to know about the Presidents Cup

The schedule for the 2024 Presidents Cup

Unlike the Ryder Cup, the Presidents Cup does not take place over three days, but four. Five fourball matches are played on Day 1, followed by five foursomes on Day 2. On Saturday, the tournament is played in two sessions, first four fourballs and then four foursomes. Sunday traditionally sees the twelve singles duels.

The golf course

The Royal Montreal GC in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is the venue for the 15th edition. The course is a par 70 and has a parkland-style front nine. On the back nine, water hazards come into play on the last five holes. The Royal Montreal GC is the oldest golf club in North America and was founded in 1873.

How many points does a team need to win and what happens in the event of a tie?

A team needs 15.5 points to win the Cup – one point more than in the Ryder Cup. This is because 30 matches are played at the Presidents Cup, two more than at the Ryder Cup. The scoring system for the matches is the same: one point is awarded for a win, half a point is awarded to both teams if a match is tied after 18 holes. If the Presidents Cup ends in a draw, the two teams share the cup – another significant difference to the Ryder Cup.

2024 Presidents Cup: Team USA

The team is made up of six qualified golfers and six captain’s picks. Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Wyndham Clark, Patrick Cantlay and Sahith Theegala have qualified.

Sam Burns, Tony Finau, Russell Henley, Keegan Bradley, Brian Harman and Max Homa were selected for the team by US captain Jim Furyk.

The International Team

Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), Sungjae Im (South Korea), Adam Scott (Australia), Tom Kim (South Korea), Jason Day (Australia) and Byeong Hun An (South Korea) made it into the team by qualifying. Min Woo Lee (Australia), Christiaan Bezuidenhout (South Africa), Si Woo Kim (South Korea) and the three Canadians Taylor Pendrith, Mackenzie Hughes and Corey Conners were selected for the team by captain Mike Weir.

Why are there no LIV golfers? And other interesting facts

LIV Golf players

Because the Presidents Cup is organized by the PGA Tour, no LIV golfers are allowed to take part in the competition. This affects the International Team in particular, as top players such as Cam Smith, Joaquin Niemann and Louis Oosthuizen are missing.

Differences to the Ryder Cup

While 28 matches are played over three days at the Ryder Cup, there are 30 matches over four days at the Presidents Cup. Furthermore, in the event of a final tie, the cup does not go to the defending champion but is shared. The setup of the course is not subject to the home team, but to the PGA Tour – another significant difference.

Do the players earn money for competing?

Not for themselves, but each participant will receive an equal share of the event proceeds for a charity of their choice.

The trophy

The golden trophy designed by Tiffany & Co. weighs around 28 pounds. The original can be found in the World Golf Hall of Fame in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Categories
Travel

Headfort Golf Club: Host of Challenge Tour 2019 & 2023, Two 18-Hole Courses

Image: The Headfort Golf Club
Image: The Headfort Golf Club

Headfort Golf Club is located in Kells, Ireland. It features two primary 18-hole courses: The Championship Course and The Old Course. This location has been recognized within the golfing community for its quality and offerings, hosting The Challenge Tour in both 2019 and 2023.

Headfort GC: A Club for Pros and Amateurs Alike

The Challenge Tour, known for showcasing developing talent, chose Headfort Golf Club for events in 2019 and 2023. This indicates the club’s readiness to accommodate significant golfing events and its esteemed reputation within the sport. Such events often draw attention to the facilities and overall experience provided to both players and spectators.

Headfort Golf Club offers year-round golfing options, allowing enthusiasts to play in different seasons. Weather conditions in Ireland can be variable, but the club ensures its courses are maintained and available across various times of the year. This all-season availability makes the club a reliable option for long-term and frequent players.

An added feature of Headfort Golf Club is the online green fee system that frequently includes restaurant credit for dinner after golf. This integration of dining with the golfing experience provides additional value and convenience for players. It also encourages longer visits where members and guests can enjoy both sporting and leisure activities without leaving the club premises.

The two courses, The Championship Course and The Old Course, serve different golfing preferences. The Championship Course typically caters to more competitive and high-stakes play, while The Old Course may offer a more traditional golfing experience. By providing diverse course options, the Headfort Golf Club addresses the varied preferences of its membership and visiting players, enhancing its attractiveness as a golfing destination.

In summary, Headfort Golf Club in Kells, Ireland, offers extensive facilities with its twin 18-hole courses and year-round playing capability. The club’s history of hosting The Challenge Tour underscores its position within the competitive golf landscape. Additional amenities such as the inclusion of restaurant credits with online green fees enhance the overall experience for its users, making it an appealing choice for golfers of different skill levels and preferences.

Categories
Golfshoes LPGA Tour

Ecco Golf Ambassador Lydia Ko Claims Third Win in Four Starts at Kroger Queen City Championship

Lydia Ko celebrates her third LPGA win at the Kroger Queen City Championship. (Photo: Getty)
Lydia Ko celebrates her third LPGA win at the Kroger Queen City Championship. (Photo: Getty)


Lydia Ko extends her winning streak with a stunning performance at the Kroger Queen City Championship, capturing her third title in four starts. Following her recent AIG Women’s Open victory, Ko delivered an impressive final round of 63, solidifying her place as one of the game’s greatest talents in a remarkable 2024 season.

Ecco Golf and Lydia Ko: A Winning Partnership

ECCO GOLF ambassador, Lydia Ko, continued her hot streak this weekend at the Kroger Queen City Championship on the LPGA Tour in her first tournament since claiming her maiden AIG Women’s Open title last month. 

Ko, wearing Ecco Golf Tray, shot a scintillating final round 63, coming home in just 30 shots to take home her third win in her last four starts. 

Ko’s 22nd LPGA Tour victory rounds off what has been an incredible 2024 season for the Kiwi, following her Olympic Gold Medal and triumph at the AIG Women’s Open during the month of August.

Lydia Ko Shines at Kroger Queen City Championship

“It’s been pretty surreal. You know, I had the most unbelievable three weeks in Europe, and after having another three weeks off you’re not entirely sure what it’s going to be like,” Ko said. 

“I started off this event really strong, playing well the first couple days. I kind of hung in there yesterday and I said I know the other girls aren’t going to play bad golf, so I just have to try and play even better golf. To have a round like this to cap off a win is pretty special.”

Timo Vollrath, Head of Global Marketing at Ecco Golf, commented Ko’s latest: “Lydia continues to prove that she is one of the game’s greatest – she makes a habit of winning and for us, it is brilliant to watch. 

“It is a pleasure to work with Lydia, and to witness her journey in recent years has been a thrill. This streak of performances will go down as one the very best of all time, and we can’t wait to see what happens next!”

In addition to Lydia Ko, Ecco Golf shoes are worn in competition around the world by Esther Henseleit, Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Erik van Rooyen, Henrik Stenson, Freddy Schott, Thomas Bjørn, Janet Lin, Rick Shiels and Erik Anders Lang among others. For further information about Ecco Golf, please visit golf.ecco.com. 

(Text: Ecco)

Categories
Live

OWGR: Billy Horschel Back in the Top 20

Billy Horschel climbs in the OWGR. (Photo: Getty)
Billy Horschel climbs in the OWGR. (Photo: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler remains atop the Golf World Ranking, holding his number one position with a steady performance. His average points tally continues to reflect his dominance. Xander Schauffele also holds firm at second position, showcasing consistent form. Both players maintain their standings from the previous week. Currently, Scheffler averages 10.42 points, while Schauffele has an average of 9.50 points.

See the complete Official World Golf Ranking here

Other Top American Performers in the Golf World Ranking

The first change in the rankings comes from Billy Horschel who reenters the top 20 after his win in Wentworth. He dropped out of the top ranks in Febuary of 2023 and is now back at 17 after consisten good results during his 2024 PGA Tour season.

Top 10 Players in the OWGR

Scottie Scheffler remains the leader in the Golf World Ranking, followed by Xander Schauffele. Rory McIlroy retains his third position, maintaining stability among the top three. Collin Morikawa and Ludvig Aberg sit in the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, with no changes from the previous week. Similarly, Wyndham Clark and Hideki Matsuyama hold their positions at sixth and seventh. Viktor Hovland is consistent at eighth, while Patrick Cantlay and Bryson DeChambeau round out the top ten without any shifts in their rankings.

Rank Player Name Nationality Average Points Ranking Last Week
1 Scottie Scheffler USA 10.42 1
2 Xander Schauffele USA 9.50 2
4 Collin Morikawa USA 8.75 4
6 Wyndham Clark USA 8.35 6
9 Patrick Cantlay USA 8.10 9
Categories
Equipment

WITB: Billy Horschel with Titleist to Playoff Victory in England

WITB: Billy Horschel at the BMW PGA Championship 2024 (Photo: Getty)
WITB: Billy Horschel at the BMW PGA Championship 2024 (Photo: Getty)

The BMW PGA Championship 2024 kept things exciting right up to the last shot. In the end, Billy Horschel prevailed in a triple play-off against Thriston Lawrence and Rory McIlroy to celebrate his second victory in one of the DP World Tour’s most prestigious tournaments after 2021. With the exception of a PING putter, Horschel relied on Titleist equipment.

WITB: Billy Horschel at the BMW PGA Championship 2024

(Photo: Titleist)
Image: Titleist

Fairwaywood (3&5): Titleist TSi2

The modern Titleist T100 Tour iron. (Photo: Titleist)
Image: Titleist

Irons (3&5): Titleist T100

Image: Titleist

Irons (6-9): Titleist 620 MB

Titleist Vokey Design Spin Milled 9 Wedge(Foto: Titleist)
Image: Titleist

Wedge: Titleist Vokey Design SM 10

Ping Sigma 2 ZB 2 Putter(Foto: Ping)
Image: PING

Putter: PING Sigma 2 Tyne 4

The new Titleist Pro V1x golf ball 2023. (Photo: Titleist)
Image: Titleist

Golf Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Categories
European Tour

Rory McIlroy and the Next Narrow Defeat: “Golf Tests My Resilience”

Rory McIlroy with another close second at the BMW PGA Championship. (Image: getty)
Rory McIlroy with another close second at the BMW PGA Championship. (Image: getty)

Just missed is also over: Rory McIlroy’s year of missed successes continued at the DP Word Tour’s flagship tournament in Wentworth. “The game is testing my resilience right now,” said the Northern Irishman after losing the play-off at the BMW PGA Championship to Billy Horschel, who had success over the regular distance on his hands when his ball rolled just millimetres past a winning hole-out eagle on the 72nd hole.

The BMW PGA Championship leaderboard

Rory McIlroy: “I’m Playing Well”

“It’s golf and I’m playing well,” McIlroy tried to maintain a stoic attitude: ”These things just happen. The game is challenging me a bit more than it has in the past, but that’s fine. If you look at my career as a 30-year journey, this is just one year in that journey. And anyway, there have certainly been years where I’ve felt worse.” However, the 35-year-old also admitted that he had become too accustomed to disappointment. No wonder, given the missed chances at the US Open, the Olympic Games and a week ago Sunday at the Irish Open home event at Royal County Down. McIlroy: “There are still quite a few years left on my journey and sooner or later the tide will turn if I keep playing like this.” The next opportunity will come at the Dunhill Links Championship; and in any case, everything looks as if “Rors” will secure the DP World Tour Order of Merit again at the end of the season – for the sixth time.

Categories
LIV Tour

LIV Golf Team Championship: Cameron Smith and Ripper GC Celebrate in Dallas

LIV Golf Team Championship 2024: Cameron Smith and Ripper GC win in Dallas. (Photo: Getty)
LIV Golf Team Championship 2024: Cameron Smith and Ripper GC win in Dallas. (Photo: Getty)

After Jon Rahm was crowned ‘Individual Champion’ last week, the LIV Golf Tour in Dallas decided the Team Championship this week. Without the participation of the defending champions Crushers GC around captain Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, who was ill, the Australian team Ripper GC prevailed against the competition on the final day.

The Complete Leaderboard of the LIV Golf Team Championship 2024

LIV Golf: Ripper GC Wins the Team Championship in Dallas

On the final day of the LIV Golf Team Championship in Dallas, team captain Cameron Smith and Ripper GC lived up to their role as favorites. In addition to the two surprise teams 4Aces GC and Iron Heads GC, who only finished 10th in the season rankings and, in the case of Iron Heads, a distant 13th, Ripper GC also had to deal with second-placed Legion XIII in the final. However, without Jon Rahm, who was ill, the newly formed team was clearly weakened. While Tyrrell Hatton did everything in his power with a round of 68 to make up for the Spaniard’s absence, it was Kieran Vincent’s weak round of 73 that ultimately made the difference. The one stroke over par was the weakest score among the four final teams. At Ripper GC, captain Cameron Smith was able to rely on the performance of his teammates (Herbert 69, Jones 70, Leishman 70) and successfully led the team to the Team Championship (-11) with a joint best score of the day of 68 strokes. Second place was shared by 4Aces GC and Iron Heads GC with the two captains Dustin Johnson and Kevin Na (-8).

After the final round, team captain Cameron Smith was visibly relieved: “Yeah, it was pretty unreal. Yeah, so proud. There was something in me that was going to tell me that the boys were going to come through. The Gladiator, the last four of the five holes, pretty unbelievable. Really cool stuff. I mean, to be a part of this is unreal, especially with these guys.”

Categories
Travel

Strategic Challenges Await at Algarve’s Faldo Course Designed by Nick Faldo

(Image: Faldo Course)

The Faldo Course is located in Alcantarilha, in the Algarve region of Portugal. It is a premier golf destination known for its demanding layout and strategic challenges. This championship course, measuring 6578 meters with a par of 72, was designed by Nick Faldo, one of the sport’s prominent figures. The Faldo Course has gained significant accolades, including the title of Portugal’s Best Golf Course in 2016, awarded by the World Golf Awards.

Strategic Play and Scenic Challenges at Algarve’s Faldo Course

The course design emphasizes precision and strategic play, requiring golfers to carefully position their shots to achieve good results. The opening hole challenges players immediately with an uphill par 4, setting the tone for the round ahead. The first few holes weave through mature trees, presenting several “risk and reward” opportunities that test the decision-making skills of players. Particularly noteworthy is the massive par 5 thirteenth hole, which descends with the wind at the players’ backs, demanding consistent shot-making to reach the green successfully.

In addition to the course itself, the Faldo Course is part of the Amendoeira Golf Resort, which houses the Amendoeira Golf Academy. The academy offers a comprehensive array of training programmes catering to men, women, and juniors. These programmes are designed to meet the needs of all golfers, from beginners to amateurs, competitors, and touring professionals. This broad range of training options ensures that golfers of any age or ability level can find suitable instruction to improve their skills.

Interview with Faldo Course

In one sentence: What are you particularly proud of at your golf club?

The Faldo Course was designed by Nick Faldo and is special because it requires precise shots to achieve a good result.

Our golf course is particularly suitable for…

Strategic play. This 6,578-meter, par-72 championship course demands careful positioning to score well.

What makes your signature hole special?

The course opens with a challenging uphill par 4, immediately focusing the player on the challenges ahead. The opening holes play through mature trees, offering several “risk and reward” opportunities.

The quick insider tip for your golf course is:

Mastering the massive par-5 thirteenth hole, which descends with the wind behind, requires consistent shot-making all the way to the green.

What special offers (green fee bargains, discounted memberships, etc.) or training classes does your golf club offer?

The Amendoeira Golf Academy offers a wide variety of training programs to meet the needs of men, women, and juniors. These programs cater to every type of golfer, from beginners to amateurs, competitors, and touring professionals. Whatever your age or ability, there is a program for you.

Anything you would like to add?

The Faldo Course won the title of Portugal’s Best Golf Course in 2016, awarded by the World Golf Awards.

Categories
Live

Exploring Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Links: History, Scenic Views, and Accessibility

(Image: Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Links)

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Links is situated in Fortrose, located in the Highland region of Scotland. This golf course is one of the oldest in the world, with records dating back to 1793. Its historical significance is accompanied by its distinctive features, making it a notable destination for golf enthusiasts.

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Links: Historic Charm and Breathtaking Views

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Links is accessible to players of all ages, featuring four different sets of tees to accommodate varying skill levels. The course is designed to be a walking course, offering panoramic views where players can see water on every hole. The strategy of the game here emphasizes precision over power, requiring players to get the ball in the right place to avoid difficult shots.

The course is well-recognized for its uniqueness, being ranked No. 1 for a reason. One of its highlights is the 4th hole, which offers a picturesque view with a lighthouse behind the green, and dolphins can be seen in the water nearby. The course’s natural beauty adds to the overall golfing experience.

In addition to its scenic and challenging design, Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Links offers various memberships to suit different age groups. Children aged 12 and under can play for free, and the club provides free lessons for children on certain evenings during the summer months. Private lessons with their PGA Professional are also available.

Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Links stands out not only for its historical and scenic attributes but also for its community engagement. The club’s efforts to make golf accessible to the younger generation and offer twilight rates for those who prefer to play during off-peak times highlight its commitment to inclusivity and affordability.

Interview with Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Links

In one sentence: What are you particularly proud of at your golf club?

The uniqueness of our Scottish Links Golf Course, the awards we win, and being the 15th oldest recorded club in the world, established in 1793.

Our golf course is particularly suitable for…

Golfers of all ages, with four different sets of tees to accommodate varying skill levels. It’s a fantastic walking course with panoramic views, and you can see the water from every hole.

What makes your signature hole special?

Its uniqueness! Ranked No. 1 for a reason, it is one of the most picturesque holes any golfer will ever play, with a lighthouse behind the 4th green and the chance to spot dolphins in the water to the left.

The quick insider tip for your golf course is:

It’s not about how far you hit the ball, but about placing the ball in the right spot. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself out of position, and the shot difficulty will increase as a result.

What special offers (green fee bargains, discounted memberships, etc.) or training classes does your golf club offer?

We offer it all: twilight discounted golf rates, various membership categories to suit all ages, and free membership for children 12 and under. During summer evenings, children can attend free lessons, and we also offer private golf lessons with our PGA Professional.

Anything you would like to add?

This is one of the most unique and natural Links golf courses you will ever play, with simply amazing views throughout!

Categories
Travel

Golf Resort Kaskáda: Quality Course for All Levels and Seasonal Sightseeing

(Image: Golf Resort Kaskáda)

The Golf Resort Kaskáda is a renowned golfing destination situated in the picturesque landscape near Brno, the second largest city in the Czech Republic. This prime location is easily accessible from various parts of the country, making it a favored spot for golf enthusiasts.

Seasonal Beauty and Year-Round Play at Golf Resort Kaskáda in Brno

The Golf Resort Kaskáda boasts a course that is suitable for players of all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, the course offers a playing environment that caters to everyone’s needs. The facility prides itself on the quality of its course, ensuring that it stands out as a premier golfing destination in the region.

Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit towards the end of September or the beginning of October. This period is recommended due to the unique visual experience the changing foliage provides. The sight of the course during this time is highlighted as a must-see, offering a striking natural backdrop that complements the golfing experience.

Furthermore, the Golf Resort Kaskáda offers a pricing strategy that ensures affordability for its visitors. By following their monthly specials available on their e-shop, golfers can avoid paying the full price for the green fee. This strategy demonstrates the resort’s commitment to providing value and accessibility to its patrons.

In summary, the Golf Resort Kaskáda near Brno is well-suited for golfers of all levels, offers a remarkable visual experience during specific months, and provides cost-effective options for accessing the course. These elements combine to make it a notable destination in the Czech golfing landscape.

Interview with Golf Resort Kaskáda

In one sentence: What are you particularly proud of at your golf club?

The quality of our course.

Our golf course is particularly suitable for…

Everyone—from beginners to pros.

What makes your signature hole special?

The sight.

The quick insider tip for your golf course is:

Come anytime, but for sure come at the end of September or start of October. Those colors you have to see!

What special offers (green fee bargains, discounted memberships, etc.) or training classes does your golf club offer?

You never pay full price for our green fee if you follow our monthly special (eshop.golfbrno.cz).

Anything you would like to add?

We take pride in creating a welcoming atmosphere for golfers of all levels, and our autumnal scenery provides an unforgettable visual experience that perfectly complements your round of golf.