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Equipment

Full Hole Maps: Shot Scope presents new functions

The latest innovation on the wrist with Shot Scope. (Photo: Shot Scope)
The latest innovation on the wrist with Shot Scope. (Photo: Shot Scope)

Shot Scope, the golf industry leader in advanced GPS and shot tracking technology, has introduced a new feature called ‘hole maps’ to its market-leading X5 watch. This feature overlays individual data onto every hole through an interactive map view, allowing golfers to efficiently navigate the course using their own yardages. This innovation marks the first time players can access their personalized data mapped onto the current hole, enhancing their ability to tackle any course strategically.

David Hunter, CEO of Shot Scope, highlights the significance of this addition: “The addition of hole maps to the X5 is something existing users can really make use of, seeing how the bank of statistics they’ve already collected can be used to inform their round as they take on each hole.”

Shot Scope: “Full Hole Maps” on over 36,000 golf courses worldwide

These hole maps are available for free via a firmware update to any Shot Scope X5 user and provide detailed layouts of every hole, including distances to the pin and middle of the green. The X5 now serves as a comprehensive course guide on the wrist, tailored with individual data to assist in making key strategic decisions.

Furthermore, the X5’s full-color touchscreen display utilizes personalized data to access Performance-Average distances for a golfer’s three longest clubs, aiding in informed club selection off the tee. The zoom map and target line features help golfers find the perfect line off the tee, reducing the impact of blind tee shots and providing data that a laser alone cannot.

The new hole maps establish the X5 as a GPS golf watch with unmatched performance qualities, including automatic performance tracking and over 100 statistics, such as Strokes Gained. Real-time distances to all greens, hazards, and doglegs on over 36,000 preloaded courses worldwide ensure golfers have everything they need on their wrist while they play.

Priced at $299.99, the X5 is part of Shot Scope’s affordable high-tech GPS and performance tracking products, which have no subscription fees and offer free firmware updates. With these innovative features, Shot Scope continues to redefine the GPS watch category, connecting data and golfers to drive improvement on the course.

(Text: Shot Scope)

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European Tour Live

Watch: European Tour highlights from round 2 of the Singapore Classic

German Freddy Schott at the Porsche Singapore Classic. (Photo: Getty)
German Freddy Schott at the Porsche Singapore Classic. (Photo: Getty)

The Singapore Classic on the European Tour is in full swing at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club in Singapore. The impressive leaderboard is indicative of the high level of competition on the third round of this prestigious tournament with a prize purse of $2,500,000.

At the top of the leaderboard, Freddie Schott from Germany, Andy Sullivan and Richard Mansell, both from England, share the first position with a total score of -9. Close on their heels are French golfer Matthieu Pavon, English player Sam Bairstow, French golfer Romain Langasque, English golfer Paul Waring, and Thai player, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, all standing at T4 with a total score of -8.

The Singapore Classic Highlights wouldn’t be complete without the mention of the venue. Laguna National Golf Resort Club, with its unique layout and challenging fairways, has offered a remarkable setting for the competitors.

As the Singapore Classic continues into round three, anticipation builds for an exhilarating finish to this European Tour event. Only after the final round, the victor of this grand championship will be decidedly announced.

show Singapore Classic Leaderboard

Singapore Classic: The European Tour round 3 highlights

About the European Tour

The DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) is the largest European professional golf tour. With 45 events, the tour’s tournament calendar is packed with highlights. In addition to the majors, the DP World Tour organizes other co-sanctioned events with the PGA Tour. The European tour is also a guest in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, hosting at least one tournament in a total of 25 countries. The prize money on the DP World Tour is lower than on its American sister tour, but with the basic salary introduced in 2023, players who have played at least 15 tournaments will receive at least 150,000 dollars. The season finale of the overall earnings ranking, the “Race to Dubai“, will be held in a play-off format after five “Global Swings” and the “Back 9”. The final DP World Tour Championship will determine the winner of the season in Dubai in November.

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Equipment

Callaway for sale? – This is what the company says about the rumor

Callaway is said to be up for sale. The truth behind the rumors and what the PIF has to do with it. (Source: Getty)
Callaway is said to be up for sale. The truth behind the rumors and what the PIF has to do with it. (Source: Getty)

A report in the South Korean newspaper Chosun Daily suggests that one of the leading manufacturers of golf equipment could be up for sale. According to the report, the major shareholders of Topgolf Callaway have instructed a key manager to look into the possibility of spinning off the golf equipment and hardware business to focus solely on the state-of-the-art Topgolf driving ranges. The report states that Callaway would be valued at nearly $3 billion and that a South Korean “strategic investor is reportedly interested in acquiring the company.” To put the reported value in perspective: Korea-based Centroid Investment Partners acquired TaylorMade Golf in 2021 from New York-based KPS Capital Partners for $1.7 billion – a figure that remains the largest acquisition in the history of the golf equipment industry. After the report was published on Wednesday, Topgolf Callaway’s share price rose by more than ten percent.

Callaway denies rumors

When asked by Golf.com, a Callaway representative issued the following statement: “While it is our long-standing practice not to respond to market rumors and speculation, in light of the unusual market activity today and a recent media report in Korea about discussions of a possible sale of the company or its golf equipment business, we confirm that we are not aware of any such discussions. We do not intend to comment further on this matter and we assume no obligation to make any further announcements or disclosures should circumstances change.”

Topgolf Callaway CEO Chip Brewer emphasized that Callaway equipment would remain a big part of the message at Topgolf, particularly the Chrome Tour golf ball. “The business has performed exceptionally well from a brand perspective in 2023,” he said. “Our U.S. dollar market share positioned us as the No. 1 club brand and the No. 2 golf ball brand. In clubs alone, we were No. 1 in total clubs, drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons.”

PIF reportedly interested in Callaway

Shortly after the rumor that Callaway was up for sale emerged, wild speculation arose on social networks. Even multiple major winner and LIV golfer Phil Mickelson commented on one of them. Golf journalist Bob Ball published the idea on X (formerly Twitter) that the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund PIF could be interested in a takeover of the manufacturer and explained why he thought this was likely: “The acquisition of Callaway Golf by PIF would create an alliance between LIV Golf, Top Golf and Callaway,” Ball explained. “This would be a direct counter-offensive against the alliance of Tiger Woods, the PGA Tour, TGL, Popstroke and TaylorMade.” The integration of LIV Golf into Top Golf would lead to a wider audience, he explained: “With LIV Golf integrated into every Top Golf, local amateur teams could compete in fun local competitions – league play days with lots of food and free drinks. This would attract a lot of new and younger fans to LIV Golf.”

Ball also pointed out that a purchase of Callaway Golf by PIF would thwart the plans of TGL and the PGA Tour to utilize Top Golf to compete with the team concept introduced by LIV. Lastly, Ball emphasized that the purchase would likely be cheaper than investing in the PGA Tour and that Callaway is a solid revenue source. Additionally LIV stars Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson are strongly associated with Callaway. The latter has already shown enthusiasm for Ball’s idea on X. Even after Callaway dismissed the rumors as false, Ball remained steadfast in his belief that the acquisition of the equipment giant would be a good deal for PIF and LIV Golf.

Categories
Live LPGA Tour

Watch: LPGA Tour highlights from round 1 of the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship

Maude-Aimee LEblanc leads the pack after the first round on the LPGA Tour in California. (Source: Getty)
Maude-Aimee LEblanc leads the pack after the first round on the LPGA Tour in California. (Source: Getty)

The first round of the Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship 2024 LPGA Tour showcased some stellar performances at the Palos Verdes Golf Club, located in Palos Verdes Estates, California, USA. The total prizemoney for the championship stands at $2,000,000.

Maude-Aimee Leblanc leads in front of foursome

In terms of the leaderboard, Maude-Aimee Leblanc of Canada is sitting in the prime position after round one, with a total score of seven-under-par. Following Leblanc closely were players Yuka Saso from the Philippines, Alison Lee of the USA, Madelene Sagstrom from Sweden, and Lauren Hartlage of the USA, all tied for third with a total score of five-under-par.

Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship Leaderboard

Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship: The LPGA Tour round 2 highlights

About the LPGA Tour

The LPGA Tour is the largest professional tour in women’s golf. With over 30 tournaments a year, the American women’s tour mostly travels to the USA, but also visits destinations outside America with its players. In addition to the regular tournaments, the LPGA holds five majors per season, with the last two events being co-hosted by the Ladies European Tour and taking place in Europe. The Tour’s season ranking, the “Race to the CME Globe”, is decided in the season finale. The best 72 players of the season and the season winners qualify for the CME Group Tour Championship and compete for overall victory on the Tour.

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PGA Tour

Watch: PGA Tour highlights from round 1 of the Valspar Championship

(Photo: Getty)
(Photo: Getty)

The Valspar Championship, a part of the PGA Tour, kicked off at the illustrious Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course, situated in Palm Harbor, Florida, USA. The tournament comes with a hefty prize money of $8,400,000, which the participants are vying for.

At the end of round one, the leaderboard is delineated with Kevin Streelman from the USA leading with a total score of -7. Kevin Roy, also from the USA, trails closely with a total score of -6. Tied for the third position are Adam Svensson from Canada, Carl Yuan from China, and Peter Malnati from the USA, all hitting a total score of -5.

The Valspar Championship continues with round two up next. An assimilation of the tournament’s round 1 highlights is available in video format, exhibiting the best that the event has to offer.

Show Valspar Championship Leaderboard

Valspar Championship: The PGA Tour round 1 highlights

About the PGA Tour

The PGA Tour is the largest American professional golf tour. There are 36 tournaments on the tour’s schedule this season. The tournaments mainly take place in the USA, but there are also some international venues over the course of the season. The signature events introduced in 2023 offer higher prize money and a smaller field of participants. There will be a total of eight of these events in the 2024 season. The four Majors and the Players Championship are also part of the PGA Tour. At the end of the tours season, the 70 best players in the FedEx Cup season rankings will play in a three-tournament play-off for overall tour victory and an extra 18 million dollars in prize money.

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Highlights Tours

Will Olympic Golf Get a Mixed Team Event?

Olympic Golf might get a mixed team event. (Photo: Getty)
Olympic Golf might get a mixed team event. (Photo: Getty)

The Olympic golf tournament could soon have a mixed tournament, according to a report by the Associated Press. A new format is close to being agreed on and could come into use at the 2028 Olympic Games in LA.

Olympic golf soon to be a mixed event?

The current format, which will also be used at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, only plans for two separate tournaments, one for men and one for women, each lasting four days. This has been the case since golf was reintroduced to the Olympic Games in 2016. However, since golf returned to the Olympics, there have also been calls for a more exciting format, for example as a team format, in order to be able to present the emotions that come to light at the Ryder Cup or Solheim Cup, for example, on the Olympic stage.

After the Grant Thornton Invitational, the first mixed event between the PGA and LPGA Tour since 1999, was met with great enthusiasm by players from both tours, there now seem to be considerations of introducing a similar team format at the Olympics in addition to the existing competitions. According to a source from the Associated Press, details such as the number of teams and the specific tournament format still need to be clarified before an official announcement is made.

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Live

Watch: DP World Tour highlights from round 1 of the Singapore Classic

DP World Tour: Porsche Singapore Classic Highlights (Photo: Getty)
DP World Tour: Porsche Singapore Classic Highlights (Photo: Getty)

The DP World Tour is currently hosting the Singapore Classic at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club in Singapore. This tournament stands out as it enters its first round, with spectators keenly following the unfolding events on the leaderboard.

On the leaderboard, three players: Jordan Smith from England, Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand, and Gavin Green from Malaysia share the top spot, with a total score of -8. Following closely is Ugo Coussaud of France on position four with a total score of -7. Tied at position five are Richard Mansell from England, Andrea Pavan of Italy, Grant Forrest of Scotland, and Freddy Schott from Germany, each registering a total score of -6.

Competitors in the tournament are battling it out for a share of the $2,500,000 prize money.

show Singapore Classic Leaderboard

Singapore Classic: The DP World Tour round 1 highlights

About the DP World Tour

The DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) is the largest European professional golf tour. With 45 events, the tour’s tournament calendar is packed with highlights. In addition to the majors, the DP World Tour organizes other co-sanctioned events with the PGA Tour. The European tour is also a guest in Asia, Africa and the Middle East, hosting at least one tournament in a total of 25 countries. The prize money on the DP World Tour is lower than on its American sister tour, but with the basic salary introduced in 2023, players who have played at least 15 tournaments will receive at least 150,000 dollars. The season finale of the overall earnings ranking, the “Race to Dubai“, will be held in a play-off format after five “Global Swings” and the “Back 9”. The final DP World Tour Championship will determine the winner of the season in Dubai in November.

Categories
Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: Tiger Woods listed in field

Tiger Woods listed in 2024 US Masters field. (Photo: Getty)
Tiger Woods listed in 2024 US Masters field. (Photo: Getty)

The anticipation for the Masters Tournament 2024 is growing and it seems that we will also be able to look forward to Tiger Woods‘ next tournament start. The 48-year-old was recently added to the field of participants listed on the Masters website. As a former winner of the prestigious tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Woods has a lifelong expemption to participate in the major tournament. He has won the Masters a total of five times, including his first major victory in 1997 and his last major victory to date in 2019 following his magnificent comeback from back surgery.

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The Masters Tournament 2024: Tiger woods returns to the Augusta National

Tiger Woods last competed in the Genesis Invitational, which he hosted, but had to withdraw during the second round due to illness. At the Hero World Challenge in December 2023, he had announced that he planned to play more tournaments in 2024, ideally one a month, starting with Genesis. Tiger Woods skipped the Players Championship this year, but played the Seminole Pro-Member Tournament for the first time the week before.

Instead, Woods has been particularly active off the golf course and involved in the affairs of the newly formed PGA Tour Enterprises and negotiations with the PIF.

The Masters now appears to be the next big event on his schedule. Last year’s experience was not really positive. Woods made the cut but struggled badly with walking and withdrew in round 3 when the tournament was suspended due to weather chaos and it became clear he would have to complete 29 holes on Sunday.

With the exception of his illness at the Genesis Invitational, however, the 15-time major winner appears to be in better physical condition and more confident on his feet again.

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Uncategorized

Wilson ZM Wedges 2024: New grooves and high versatility

The new Wilson ZM wedges for the 2024 season (Photo: Wilson).
The new Wilson ZM wedges for the 2024 season (Photo: Wilson).

In 2024, Wilson Golf launched an innovative lineup of Staff Model wedges, introducing the ZM and ZM HT models. Designed with inputs from leading Tour players, these wedges offer golfers at all skill levels unparalleled versatility and performance, especially around the green. The ZM and ZM HT wedges represent a breakthrough in Wilson Golfs technology, combining feedback from professional players with cutting-edge design.

Wilson ZM Wedges: New grooves and forged precision

The ZM wedges feature a new high-spin, precision-milled groove pattern complemented by Garnet Face Blasting. This unique combination ensures a faster, deeper, and longer interaction with the ball, resulting in higher and more consistent spin. This technology is particularly effective in wet conditions, providing superior check control and enhancing performance regardless of the weather.

Crafted from soft Forged 8620 Carbon Steel, the ZM wedges boast a straighter leading edge and an elevated Centre of Gravity (CG). This design is crucial for trajectory control in the higher lofted wedges, promoting a more controlled ball flight and solid contact. The progressive changes in the CG as the lofts increase, ensures a consistent feel and performance across the different loft options.

Different sole grinds ensure versatility

The Wilson Staff Model wedges also offer exceptional versatility through a range of sole grinds. The 56˚, 58˚, and 60˚ models come in three bounce options – low, medium, and high. These choices allow golfers to select wedges that best suit their playing style and the conditions of the courses they play on.

Available in six loft options, the ZM wedges cater to a wide range of preferences, with additional lofts available through custom fitting. The ZM HT, sharing the game-changing characteristics of the ZM, incorporates a high toe and wide sole design. This configuration provides even more flexibility, allowing golfers to adjust their shots with greater ease. The ZM HT is available in right-hand configuration, with specific loft options also available through custom fit.

In conclusion, the Wilson Staff Model ZM and ZM HT wedges signify a significant advancement in golf technology. They blend advanced engineering, premium materials, and versatile design to provide outstanding performance. Ideal for golfers looking to improve their short game, these wedges offer a blend of control, versatility, and precision that can help any golfer play like a pro.

Technical data and further information

ModelStaff Model ZM and ZM HT
MaterialForged 8620 Carbon Steel
Lofts50°, 52°, 54°, 56°, 58°, and 60° (Custom Fit for 46° and 48°)
Bounce OptionsLow, Medium, High (6-12 Degrees)
Left-Handedn.a.
Shaft OptionsTrue Temper Dynamic Gold Spinner WG
GripGolf Pride Tour Velvet
Price150 euros per wedge
Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times Announced for Valspar Championship with Luke Donald

PGA Tour Tee Times Valspar Championship 2024 (Photo: Getty)
PGA Tour Tee Times Valspar Championship 2024 (Photo: Getty)

The PGA Tour continues with the Valspar Championship set in the sunny landscapes of Palm Harbor, Florida. The event is taking place at the Innisbrook Resort where participants will tackle the Copperhead Course which comprises a total par of 71. As one of the significant events in the PGA Tour, the tournament boasts a prized purse of $8,400,000. The current title-bearer is world-class player, Taylor Moore.

See all Tee Times here

PGA Tour Tee Times: Valspar Championship

Luke Donald of England will be joining Christiaan Bezuidenhout from South Africa and Samuel Stevens from the USA for the first round of the championship on Thursday. Their PGA Tour Tee Time has been scheduled for 07:40 AM. This trio will then proceed for the second round on Friday with their tee-off time set for 12:50 PM.

Next in line, Harry Hall, another English player will be sharing his rounds with Jhonattan Vegas from Venezuela and Kevub Yu From Taiwan. Their first PGA Tour Tee Time is set at 07:57 AM on Thursday. They will continue to compete in the second round with a tee-off time of 13:07 PM.

Another English player, Aaron Rai will be grouping with Ryan Fox from New Zealand and Thomas Detry from Belgium. The PGA Tour Tee Time for their group is set at 12:50 PM in the first round. They are anticipated to tee off for round two at 07:40 AM.

Matt Wallace, who is from England as well, will tee off with the US players Chez Reavier and Kevin Kisner at 13:18 PM on thursday, with round 2 starting at 08:08 in friday.

David Skinns from England will be joined by Jacob Bridgeman and Wilson Furr, both from the US, for his tee time at 14:24 PM. Thier starting time for round 2 is set to 09:14 AM.

Finally, representing Scotland, Robert MacIntyre will partner with Kevin Roy from the USA and Chandler Phillips also from the USA for the golf endeavour. Their PGA Tour Tee Times for the first and second rounds are set at 14:35 PM and 09:36 AM respectively.

Player First Round Second Round
Luke Donald (ENG) 07:40 AM 12:50 PM
Harry Hall (ENG) 07:57 AM 13:07 PM
Aaron Rai (ENG) 12:50 PM 07:40 AM
Matt Wallace (ENG) 13:18 PM 08:08 AM
David Skinns (ENG) 14:24 PM 09:14 AM
Robert MacIntyre (SCO) 14:35 PM 09:36 AM