A look at the viewing figures for last week’s golf TV broadcasts shows that the women’s events were by far the most popular with golf fans. The Solheim Cup was a highlight in the women’s tournament calendar that dominated the TV landscape. Neither the LIV Golf League nor the PGA Tour aroused anywhere near as much interest.
Solheim Cup 2024 dominated the ratings
Compared to the last Solheim Cup, which took place in Spain in 2022, the ratings increased significantly in this year’s edition, according to Josh Carpenter from Sports Business Journal. The singles matches on Sunday in particular sparked interest behind the screens, with an average of 657,000 viewers watching on NBC on the final day, more than twice as many viewers as the previous edition of the continental competition. On Saturday, the ratings were similarly high with 634,000 viewers. The figures were particularly pleasing in view of the fact that the Cup fell on the second Sunday of the National Football League. As the Cup finished in the early afternoon in the Eastern time zone, the events did not overlap for the most part.
LIV Golf and PGA Tour put in the shade
The season finale in the individual rankings of the LIV Golf League took place at the same time as the Solheim Cup. Also one of the highlights of the year, it didn’t stand a chance against the women’s competition. Although Jon Rahm won the tournament in Chicago and thus also the season title, the tournament attracted far less attention with only around 89,000 spectators. On Saturday there were still 134,000 spectators.
LIV viewership from this weekend per @SportsTVRatings: 89,000 for Sunday on CW for Jon Rahm’s win
However, the PGA Tour received the least attention, with just 69,000 spectators. The Procore Championship was the first event of the Fall Series, which was watched by only around a tenth of the spectators who were rooting for the ladies.
The figures for the Solheim Cup are particularly pleasing in terms of viewing figures throughout the year. The declining ratings were notable throughout the PGA Tour season and were underscored by double-digit declines for all three FedEx Cup Playoff events, according to Sports Media Watch. The Tour Championship saw a 13 percent drop in viewership, while the FedEx St. Jude Championship was down 31 percent and the BMW Championship was down 19 percent.
The LIV Golf League has split the golf world into two camps: The PGA Tour and the DP World Tour clearly distanced themselves from the new tour, imposed sanctions on their players and blocked any rapprochement. The LIV Golf League did not let up and over time the fronts seemed to calm down a little – from allowing the return of players who had left to a joint umbrella organization. Negotiations have recently resumed.
The Jon Rahm case causes a stir
In recent weeks, there has been a lot of fuss about Jon Rahm, one of the best players in the world, who decided to switch to LIV Golf. Although LIV players are now allowed to take part in the coveted major tournaments, the Spaniard would not be able to take part in the Ryder Cup without playing on the DP World Tour. Sports Illustrated reported that before Rahm appealed his sanctions, LIV Golf attempted to strike a deal with the DP World Tour that would lift the penalties for LIV players while offering various concessions and a monetary payout from the league.
By appealing the penalties imposed by the DP World Tour, Jon Rahm has been given the temporary opportunity to play on the DP World Tour and thus participate in the Spanish Open 2024 next week. Not only will he be playing for a DP World Tour victory in his home country, but he can also secure important points for a possible place in the European Ryder Cup team.
To maintain membership, a DP World Tour player must play in at least four tournaments outside the majors. The Olympics count as one of those, so Rahm has three more to go. He will have to do the same in 2025, when the fines theoretically kick in again. It is believed that he owes around 1 million dollars. It can be assumed that the figure for next year will be similar.
Paying off his fine should not be a problem for Jon Rahm or LIV Golf as his backers: LIV Golf has so far paid around 12 million pounds (around 15.75 million dollars) in fines for LIV golfers who have taken part in DP World Tour events – a further 10 million pounds is still outstanding. Rahm could scrape together what he owes without question.
The DP World Tour says βnoβ
LIV Golf had made an offer to the DP World Tour with the aim of enabling migrated players to participate in selected DP World Tour events. The DP World Tour rejected the offer with the following explanation: “We met with them and listened to their proposal but did not accept it, as our view remains that the focus should continue to be on all stakeholders working together to reach an overall solution that benefits our sport.” This means that the issue surrounding Jon Rahm, which also affects other players such as Tyrrell Hatton, remains.
Even if the starting situation of professional athletes on the LIV Golf League could hardly be more different from that of the classic amateur golfer, they do have one thing in common. The golf season is gradually drawing to a close. For the professionals on LIV Golf, this means the Team Championship. The finale of this year’s season will take place at the Maridoe Golf Club in Dallas. The 13 teams of four players will compete for overall victory in this team event over three days from 20 to 22 September.
LIV Golf Team Championship: total prize money of 50 million dollars
In an explosive tournament system in which teams meet each other in direct duels, prize money from a pool totalling 50 million dollars will be played off. The decisive factor for the starting position of the teams going into the Team Championship is the course of the season to date. The teams have already been able to collect points in the previous events. Places 1 to 3 in the current ranking automatically qualify for the second day. The remaining ten teams will face each other on Friday for a place in the semi-finals, with the best teams, starting with the fourth-placed team, choosing their opponents one after the other.
Quarter-finals: Friday, 20th September
On the first day of the tournament, the ten teams that finished 5th to 13th in the season rankings will face each other. All 32 players will compete simultaneously in a cannon start. The teams face each other in a direct duel. A winner is determined by two individual matches and one foursome match, which is played in alternate shot mode. One point is awarded for each of the three matches. There must always be a winner for each match, i.e. matches that are split after 18 holes will continue to be played until one team wins a hole. The teams that score two points move on to the next round.
Semi-finals: Saturday, 21st September
Saturday basically follows the same schedule as Friday. The directly qualified and therefore better-placed teams on the ranking list decide on their opponent for the day, with all 32 players opening the tournament day simultaneously, as on Friday. The teams of four will again play against the opposing team in the same modes to decide a winner. Once again, points cannot be shared. This means that two points are enough to reach the final.
Final: Sunday, 22nd September
The four teams that have reached the final will compete in a round of 18-hole counting play. All individual scores are added together to form the team score. The teams that have previously been eliminated will also compete in the final round. However, teams that have already been eliminated can no longer win. Those who have already been eliminated on the first day will compete for 9th to 13th place, while the teams that have made it to the second day will compete for 5th to 8th place. The team with the lowest cumulative daily score among the finalists will be crowned LIV Golf Team Champion 2024.
The V-Golf Club is located in Vilnius, Lithuania, providing a remarkable golfing experience for both local and visiting enthusiasts. The club prides itself on its welcoming community, ensuring that both new and seasoned players feel at home. This club is not only known for its challenging and well-maintained course but also for its excellent service and variety of events hosted throughout the year.
Scenic Challenges at V-Golf Club
Members of the V-Golf Club take pride in the community atmosphere that is fostered within its premises. The club’s welcoming environment makes it an excellent choice for both new and experienced golfers. The community spirit is enhanced by the variety of events that take place throughout the year, providing ample opportunities for members to engage with one another.
The golf course at V-Golf Club is designed to cater to golfers of all skill levels. It offers a challenging experience that is also enjoyable, with a layout suitable for both casual players looking for a relaxed round and competitive golfers aiming to test their skills. The course’s natural beauty and strategic design contribute to its appeal, providing a balanced mix of difficulty and playability.
For those seeking to improve their performance on the course, a key insider tip is to focus on course management rather than power. Strategic shot placement on many of the holes tends to be more rewarding than sheer distance. Paying close attention to the subtle breaks on the greens can also significantly impact a player’s score. Mastering these nuances can make a substantial difference in overall performance.
The signature hole at V-Golf Club is particularly notable, featuring a stunning natural backdrop and a strategic challenge. This hole captivates golfers from the tee with its breathtaking view and demands precision and thoughtful shot placement on the fairway. The well-guarded green requires careful consideration, combining visual appeal and a rewarding playing experience, embodying the essence of the course.
At V-Golf Club, the commitment to providing an exceptional golfing experience is evident in the challenging course, top-notch facilities, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether one is a seasoned golfer or a beginner, the club offers something for everyone. The club’s dedication to making every visitor’s time enjoyable ensures a memorable experience. Members and guests alike can look forward to a top-tier golfing experience supported by excellent service and a strong sense of community. For any additional information or assistance, the club’s staff is readily available to provide support.
Interview with V-Golf Club
In one sentence: What are you particularly proud of at your golf club?
I am particularly proud of the welcoming community at our golf club, where both new and seasoned players feel at home. Our well-maintained course, with its beautiful scenery and challenging design, is another highlight. Additionally, our commitment to excellent service and the variety of events we host throughout the year make our club a special place for members and guests alike.
Our golf course is particularly suitable for…
Golfers of all skill levels, offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience. The layout is designed to accommodate both casual players looking for a relaxed round and more competitive golfers seeking to test their skills. The course’s natural beauty and strategic design make it ideal for those who appreciate a well-balanced mix of difficulty and playability.
What makes your signature hole special?
Our signature hole stands out due to its stunning natural backdrop and the strategic challenge it presents. It features a breathtaking view that captivates golfers from the tee, with a fairway that demands precision and thoughtful shot placement. The well-guarded green requires careful consideration, making it both a visually striking and rewarding hole to play. The combination of beauty and challenge truly embodies the essence of our course.
The quick insider tip for your golf course is:
To focus on course management over power. Many of the holes reward strategic shot placement rather than distance, so playing smart and staying patient will help you score better. Also, pay attention to the subtle breaks on the greensβthey can be tricky, but mastering them can make all the difference in your round.
What special offers (green fee bargains, discounted memberships, etc.) or training classes does your golf club offer?
We offer group golf lessons and discounted memberships to help players of all skill levels improve their game while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of our club.
Anything you would like to add?
At V-Golf Club, weβre dedicated to providing an exceptional golfing experience, combining a challenging course with top-notch facilities and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, our club offers something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you and making your time with us truly enjoyable. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please donβt hesitate to reach out.
After many unsuccessful attempts, I am lucky enough to get two tickets for Court No. 1 at Wimbledon. We are just as impressed by the sporting performances of the top players as we are by the amateur matches that take place on the other courts. There are 18 of them in total. Here we can get up close to the young tennis elite and admire their skills at close quarters.
We are equally impressed by the spaciousness of the grounds, the unique atmosphere and the feeling of excitement amongst the spectators. Champagne corks pop around us as alcoholic drinks are allowed up to a certain limit, as is bringing your own edible refreshments.
We savour the Strawberries and Cream and the famous Pimm’s drink with thousands of tennis fans on the legendary Henman Hill. From here we watch the ladiesβ single final, huddled together with fellow fans under the best British weather. We thoroughly enjoy the match and the tasty drink with the enthusiastic crowd.
While the price of the Strawberries and Cream has remained constant at GBP 2.50 since 2010, we’re putting down GBP 11.95 per cup for the ultimate Wimbledon drink. The ice-cold mixture of Pimm’s No. 1 (25% gin-based herbal liqueur), lemonade, fresh mint, orange, strawberry and cucumber slices has been a hit for years and has been delighting visitors since 1971. More than 300,000 pints were sold in 2024.
An oasis of peace and seclusion
After this wonderful experience, we head north of London to Welwyn in Hertfordshire. Just 22 miles north of the city centre, we come across a retreat that captivates us from the outset. After passing through the locked entrance gate, a vast estate spreads out before us. The 220-hectare estate includes among others two extensive 18-hole championship golf courses, a huge practice facility, a golf clubhouse, an AA Rosette fine dining restaurant and an inviting luxury lodge.
One of the most beautiful manor houses in England
The imposing manor house, built in the neo-classical style, sits enthroned in the centre of the grounds. Its origins date back to the 13th century though it was given its present form in 1746 by one of the leading architects of his time. Sir James Paine, who was commissioned to redesign Brocket Hall. It took a further 15 years to complete.
Numerous celebrities, politicians and members of the Royal Family have lived there or visited the estate, including Queen Victoria, Lord Palmerston, Lord Melbourne and Lord Byron.
It is open for private parties, golf days, corporate events, weddings and film shoots such as Rocketman, The Crown, Spiderman: Homecoming and Pride & Prejudice as well as the TV series Victoria, which is shown on Amazon Prime.
We would have loved to see the inside, but it was closed during our stay.
Two great parkland courses
Brocket Hall offers two picturesque golf courses that are among the most beautiful parkland courses in England. Both are named after the two distinguished Prime Ministers, Lord Palmerston and Lord Melbourne, who both once resided at Brocket Hall. Each course has its own character and offers different challenges for golfers of all abilities.
Plenty of wow moments
The par 72 18-hole Melbourne Course was designed by former Ryder Cup golfers Clive Clark and Peter Alliss and opened in 1992. It has a length of 6,616 yards from the back tees and is harmoniously integrated into the rolling parkland landscape.
Its first two holes start with a breathtaking view of Broadwater Lake, that is spanned by the magnificent Paine Bridge, named after the architect of the manor house.
Also worth noting are holes #4 and #16, the routing of which can be confusing when playing for the first time. But thanks to the help of the four ball in front of us, we are spared a shot into the wrong green.
The River Lea meanders through the course and comes into play a few times. Like on hole #18, which is superbly laid out and one of the most beautiful finishing holes I know: risk and reward at its best.
The drive over the crest of the hill past the bunkers into the wide fairway is a smart start. But then the question arises: should I be aggressive or should I lay up? Because the shot into the green of the par 5 has to be played head-on over the lake. Brocket Hall sits enthroned behind it, making the hole not only a strategical but a visual highlight as well.
The short ferry ride across the lake to the huge green surrounded by two imposing trees is a unique experience. By pressing the button on a small pole, you set the ferry in motion and sail calmly across the water. Here you have enough time to either celebrate your successful shot into the green or lament the loss of the ball in the water. In any case, this hole will remain a lasting memory.
Trees and bunkers galore
The 18-hole Palmerston Course has a length of 7,080 yards from the championship tees. At par 73, it is the more technically demanding course and requires a strong tactical game. Opened in 2000, it was designed and built by Donald Steel together with Martin Ebert.
Unlike the Melbourne Course, water does not come into play on this tree-lined course. Instead, the course meanders through parkland of hornbeams, Scots and Corsican pines, Chilean silver firs and 500-year-old oaks, inspired by the designs of landscape architect Capability Brown. Its strategically placed bunkers and large, undulating greens present a real challenge. These include the hollow on hole #12, which has to be avoided when hitting the green.
Hole #13 is a beautifully laid out par 5 through the woods, which is teeming with bunkers.
Of the four par 3s, we particularly like hole #14, whose green is hidden 204 yards uphill.
The last hole is a downhill dogleg to the right, where an unexpected tree is found in the middle of the fairway! With the bunkers behind, this hole requires full concentration once again.
The vastness of the estate is also reflected in the huge practice area of the Golf Academy. Where else do you have the opportunity to practise shots over a lake onto a green?
The practice facility is just as well maintained as the two courses. Both courses are well worth playing. However, the particular attraction here lies in the combination of the two very different courses. I therefore recommend combining a visit with an overnight stay at the charming Melbourne Lodge that gives you the opportunity to get to know both courses.
Proof of the quality of this venue is that Brocket Hall will once again be hosting the Rose Ladies Open, a premier event on the LET Access Series (LETAS) on the Melbourne Course this year from 6 to 8 September. This event is supported by the English DP World Tour Professional and former world number one, Justin Rose and his wife Kate.
The Melbourne Lodge
The Lodge used to house the estate’s stables in time gone by. Nameplates on the walls of the corridors commemorate the estateβs famous horses, including Persimmon, Dante, Rainbow Quest, Ecllipse, Saint Simon, Tudor Minstret and Sun Chariot. Numerous photos from this period give an idea of the charm of the past.
The 16 traditionally English furnished luxury bedrooms are divided into three categories. Our corner room offers plenty of space and a beautiful view with a bathroom that is also generously sized with a double washbasin and a bathtub shower.
The Lodge is located adjacent to the main hall and is a short walk downhill to the clubhouse, The Melbourne Club. Here you will find the Lodge reception and the only physically staffed pro shop in the world, which is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Fine dining at the Auberge du Lac
We conclude our great day of golf with an excellent dinner in the extremely charming little building on the other side of the lake. It is the former hunting lodge, which immediately catches the eye with its exposed location. We take the ferry again and start the evening with an aperitif on the terrace of the Auberge du Lac restaurant. The subsequent tasting menu in the cosy dining room leaves nothing to be desired.
Our golf trip to north London is a complete success. The proximity to the city, the well-kept, varied courses and the special ambience of the entire Brocket Hall estate make the trip unforgettable.
Up, up and away
Back in the city, we treat ourselves to something special on the last evening of our trip. The candle light dinner on the 34th floor of the Oblix at The Shard restaurant couldn’t be more romantic. At 310 metres, The Shard was once the tallest skyscraper on the European continent until it was replaced by the Mercury City Tower in Moscow in 2012. It is still number one in London.
The menu, the musical accompaniment by a jazz singer, the view of the Thames and the illuminated Tower Bridge are simply amazing.
The Golf Club Bellosguardo is situated in Vinci, Florence, within the region of Tuscany, Italy. This location provides an excellent setting for golf enthusiasts who wish to experience both the game and the scenic views unique to this part of Italy.
Golf Club Bellosguardo: Precision Is Essential on the Fairways
The Golf Club Bellosguardo is known for its friendly atmosphere and well-maintained course. It accommodates all types of players by providing different tee boxes. This flexibility allows golfers to choose a start that matches their skill level. One critical aspect to note is the layout of its fairways. Although they are relatively wide, precision remains essential to a successful game. A notable feature is the seventh hole, which involves a right dogleg around a lake, posing a challenging aspect for players.
Analyzing the course conditions, it becomes clear that maintenance is a priority at Bellosguardo. This commitment to upkeep ensures that the playing surface and overall environment are in excellent condition for all visitors. The club offers green fee packages, including a set of 10 green fees, which can be advantageous for regular players.
In conclusion, GC Bellosguardo in Vinci, Florence, provides a versatile golfing experience suited to various playing levels. Its emphasis on well-maintained fairways and challenging layouts, coupled with a friendly atmosphere, makes it a noteworthy destination for golf enthusiasts in Tuscany.
The LIV Golf League made headlines again in 2024, partly because of the huge prize money paid out to the players. The final regular season event took place at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Chicago, where Jon Rahm celebrated his second win of the season, securing not only the tournament victory but also the overall title. With an impressive four million dollars in prize money for his victory and an additional 18 million dollars bonus for winning the individual ranking, Rahm tops the season’s earnings list.
Jon Rahm has not only won the season’s overall standings, but also tops the LIV Golf League money rankings. The Spaniard has earned an incredible 34,754,488 dollars in total. Following closely behind Rahm is the captain of Torque GC, Joaquin Niemann. The Chilean fought hard for overall victory in Chicago, but was narrowly beaten. Nevertheless, he can look back on a successful year with a second place and a bonus of 12 million dollars. His total earnings amounted to 28,379,167 dollars. Sergio Garcia is in third place in the money rankings. The Spaniard finished the season strongly, securing third place in both the tournament and the overall rankings. With a bonus of 4 million dollars, his total is an impressive 17,334,643 dollars.
How the Prize Money is Distributed at the LIV Golf League
As in the previous year, a pot of 25 million dollars was distributed equally for each of the 13 events. A total of 20 million dollars is divided up for individual prize money. The remaining 5 million dollars will be used for the team ranking. Only for the season finale, the LIV Golf Team Championship, which will take place in Dallas from September 21 to 23, will the prize pool be increased to a total of 50 million dollars.
For the regular tournaments of the season, the prize money is divided as follows: The individual winner of each tournament will receive 4 million dollars. A further 750 thousand dollars is awarded for each game played by the four-man team that wins the team title. The prize money is reduced proportionately with lower tournament placings. However, no one has to worry about going away empty-handed, as even the last-placed team in each tournament takes home 120 thousand dollars.
The latest World Golf Ranking demonstrates notable stability among top American golfers. As of this week, Scottie Scheffler continues to dominate as the world’s top-ranked golfer. He retains his first-place position with an average points score unchanged from last week. Fellow American Xander Schauffele also maintains his second-place ranking, closely behind Scheffler, with no movement from his prior standing. Both players showcase consistent performance metrics, highlighting their sustained excellence on the world stage.
Further Analysis on American Players in the World Golf Ranking
In addition to Scheffler and Schauffele, Collin Morikawa remains steadfast in fourth place in the World Golf Ranking, reflecting no change from last week. Wyndham Clark, another top contender, continues to hold his sixth-place ranking, mirroring last week’s position. Patrick Cantlay rounds out the top five American golfers, maintaining his ninth-place status from the previous week’s rankings. All three players have demonstrated consistency in their average points scores.
While Bryson DeChambeau still holds the 10th place, Sahith Theegala is moving up to 11th and is knocking on the Top 10. Further down the rankings, there is good news from Patton Kizzire. Following his victory on the PGA Tour, the 38-year-old climbs 158 places to enter the top 100 in 99th place.
Top 10 Players in the World Golf Ranking
At the pinnacle of the Ranking, Scottie Scheffler retains his top spot, followed closely by Xander Schauffele in second place. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland holds steady in third, with Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg occupying the fifth spot. Notable changes within the top ten include Adam Scott of Australia advancing from eighteenth to seventeenth, showcasing his upward momentum. Bryson DeChambeau of the USA, positioned tenth, remains unchanged from last week. The stability of leading positions highlights the high level of competition and performance among the globe’s elite golfers.
The World Golf Ranking has seen few notable shifts this week, particularly among British, Welsh, and Scottish players. Rory McIlroy, from Northern Ireland, remains the highest-ranked among them, holding steady at position 3 with an average points score of 8.57. Tommy Fleetwood, the top English player, has moved from rank 11 to 12, showing a slight decline. Fleetwood’s average points score stands at 4.2.
World Golf Ranking: Jordan Smith Enters the Top 100
Robert MacIntyre, representing Scotland, stays consistent at rank 16 with an average points score of 3.75. Aaron Rai, also from England, maintains his position at rank 22. Matt Fitzpatrick, another English player, retains his 28th position. Lastly, Justin Rose, another notable English golfer, holds his 36th rank, showing no change from the previous week. Tyrrell Hatton, yet another English golfer, has slipped from rank 37 to 38.
There is good news from Jordan Smith. Following his seventh place at the Amgen Irish Open on the DP World Tour, the Englishman has climbed into the top 100.
Top 10 in the World Golf Ranking
In the top ten, Scottie Scheffler from the USA remains the leader. Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy follow in second and third positions, respectively. Collin Morikawa holds on to fourth place, and Ludvig Aberg from Sweden retains his fifth place. Wyndham Clark, Hideki Matsuyama, and Viktor Hovland from Norway occupy the sixth, seventh, and eighth positions, respectively. Patrick Cantlay and Bryson DeChambeau from the USA stay in the ninth and tenth spots, respectively, with no changes in their rankings.
Another win for Jon Rahm at the LIV Tour. In Chicago Rahm captured the victory with a three shot lead in front of Sergio Garcia and Joaquin Niemann. The Spaniard thus crowned his debut season on the tour. with the “Individual Champion” title. In his golfbag is an array of old and new club from his longterm partner Callaway. With the new Ai Smoke series and the Chrome Soft golf ball Rahm trusts the 2024 innovations coming from Callaway as well.