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Live

World Golf Ranking: Rory McIlroy sneaks up on Scheffler

In the World Golf Ranking, Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland secures the highest spot among British players at position 2, overtaking Jon Rahm after winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Among the English players, Matt Fitzpatrick takes the highest spot with rank 8, remaining there from the previous week. Tommy Fleetwood, also from England, follows at rank 11 without any change from the prior week.

Slight Drop for British Players in Official World Golf Ranking

Moving down the list, Tyrrell Hatton from England holds position 16, suffering a slight drop from 15. The remaining top British players include Justin Rose at 43, dropping a sort from 42, and Robert MacIntyre from Scotland at 61, descending from 58 in the previous week.

The top 10 of the World Golf Ranking showcases Scottie Scheffler from the USA still in the leading position, with no change from the previous week. Following him is Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland at number 2 and Jon Rahm from Spain at number 3.

Viktor Hovland from Norway remains at number 4, and Xander Schauffele from the USA holds the 5th spot. Patrick Cantlay and Max Homa, both from the USA, retain their 6th and 7th places respectively. Beyond Fitzpatrick’s 8th rank, Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark, both representing the USA, round out the top 10 at positions 9 and 10, maintaining their standings. This portion of the World Golf Ranking is characterized by a notable steadiness, with no highlights of significant advancement or decline among the top performers.

(This article was created with the help of AI.)

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Equipment

Titleist golf ball trio: the new 2024 golf balls

With the three new balls for 2024, Titleist offers an expanded repertoire in terms of performance and variety. Each of these balls is tailored to specific aspects of the game of golf and is designed to provide golfers of all abilities with customized solutions. The TruFeel for consistent performance, the TourSoft with a new core and the AVX for improved distance and control.

Titleist TruFeel: Soft feel and reliable performance

The Titleist TruFeel, which is positioned as the softest ball in the Titleist portfolio, offers golfers a particularly soft feel. The ball is characterized by a gentle feel at impact. TruFeel is an accessible option for all players looking for a good feel with consistent performance. As such, the TruFeel golf ball offers a solid foundation for everyday play. The TruFeel will be available in white from January 24, 2024, followed by the yellow version from March 1 and the matt red version from May 15, starting at 34.99 euros.

The Titleist TruFeel golfball 2024. (Photo: Titleist)

Titleist TourSoft: Modern technology for optimized performance

The TourSoft is characterized by its large core, which enables improved performance on the court, according to the manufacturer. The ball is said to offer optimized aerodynamics thanks to the 346 double pyramid dimple design, improving ball flight. The ball is particularly suitable for those looking for a balanced mix of distance, feel and control. The TourSoft will be available from January 24, 2024 in white, high-optic yellow and green, and will also be available in pink from July 2024 from 44.99 euros.

The Titleist Tour Soft golfball 2024. (Photo: Titleist)

Titleist AVX: Top technology for ambitious golfers

The AVX has been completely redesigned and offers improved performance from core to cup, writes Titleist about the latest version of the golf ball. It is designed for golfers looking for improved distance with increased control. The Titleist AVX offers a lower ball flight and less spin compared to other Titleist models. With its high-gradient, high-speed core, a high-flex mantle layer and a softer urethane shell, the AVX is said to offer a combination of length paired with a softer feel and is ideal for players looking to increase their performance on the green. Available from January 24, 2024 in white and high-optic yellow from 59.99 euros.

The Titleist AVX golfball 2024. (Photo: Titleist)
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European Tour

DP World Tour: Rory McIlroy wins fourth Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Rory McIlroy won a record-breaking fourth Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour as he successfully defended his title on a dramatic afternoon at Emirates Golf Club.

The Northern Irishman claimed a maiden Rolex Series crown at this event 12 months ago but came into the weekend ten shots back before a stunning third-round 63 put him into the final group on Sunday.

He then turned a two-shot deficit into a four-shot lead with six holes to play before a bogey on the 13th gave the chasing Adrian Meronk and Cameron Young a glimmer of hope.

Rory McIlroy wins in Dubai “where everything started”

“It’s a great start to the season”, McIlroy said after his win. “I started well last year with the win here. A couple of little things still to work on but these weeks are great. You learn a ton from them and obviously great to get the competition and come out on top as well.”

He went on to reminisce about his history with the event. “Just to think like 18 years ago, and what it meant to come here and play in this event, to be sitting here, you know, having won it four times, and all the great experiences that I’ve had in Dubai and the friends that I’ve met and everything sort of along the way, it’s always been a place where I come back to and reminisce about my career because I really feel like it’s where everything started.”

“So it’s amazing to sit here. The first Desert Classic, I took a media credential and I walked inside the ropes to follow Tiger and Ernie and Thomas Bjorn, and then just to think about even the arc of that: Thomas Bjorn was my Ryder Cup Captain; I ended up buying Ernie Els’s house; I’ve become really good friends with Tiger Woods. It’s just amazing to think back on the last 18 years and sort of where I find myself.”

Meronk and Young came short

Pole Meronk cut the lead to one as he signed for a 71 but McIlroy held his nerve down the stretch and carded a 70 for a 14 under par total and a one-shot win.

American Young finished with a 74 to sit at 12 under, two shots clear of Canadian Aaron Cockerill, Spaniard Pablo Larrazábal and Chilean Joaquin Niemann.

The win takes McIlroy past Ernie Els’ hat-trick of Desert Classic victories and hands him his third Rolex Series triumph, having won three of the last five blue riband events.

He also becomes just the second player to successfully defend this title after Stephen Gallacher lifted the Dallah Trophy in 2013 and 2014 and makes it six wins in Dubai with his two victories at the DP World Tour Championship.

The 34-year-old has started the defence of his Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex crown with a runner-up finish and a win as he looks to become Europe’s Number One for a sixth time, moving to the top of the Rankings for the 2024 title and the International Swing.

Dane Nicolai Højgaard, Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura, China’s Li Haotong and Australian Adam Scott finished five shots off the lead.

(Text: DP World Tour)

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European Tour

Seve Ballesteros Award: Adrian Meronk wins Player of the Year 2023

Adrian Meronk has won the 2023 Seve Ballesteros Award after being voted Player of the Year by his peers on the DP World Tour.

The accolade is one of a number of the 31-year-old’s history-making achievements as he becomes the first player from Poland to receive the honour after a season in which he won three times and finished a career-high fourth on the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex.

Meronk earned 38% of the votes cast by his fellow DP World Tour members, with Race to Dubai Champion Rory McIlroy taking second place. Ryder Cup debutant Nicolai Højgaard and Viktor Hovland, who clinched the PGA TOUR’s FedEx Cup, were in joint third place.

Meronk was presented with the trophy by one of Seve’s sons Javier, who travelled to Dubai ahead of this week’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic, won by his father more than 30 years ago.

The Pole started the 2023 season in stunning fashion, earning his second DP World Tour title at the ISPS HANDA Australian Open, holding off a final day challenge from home favourite – and one of his golfing heroes – Major champion Adam Scott.

His victory in Australia earned him a place inside the Top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking at the end of the 2022 calendar year, enough to secure a maiden appearance at the Masters Tournament and thus become the first player from Poland to compete in all four Major Championships.

Another national open title followed shortly after as he triumphed at the DS Automobiles Italian Open, birdieing the 72nd hole at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club to win the title by one stroke. He then moved to a career-high 45th on the OWGR shortly after his win in Italy.

His next victory of the campaign, and fourth DP World Tour title, came at the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters at Sotogrande, as he secured his position inside the top ten on the season-long rankings, ultimately going on to finish in fourth position and earn dual membership on the PGA TOUR for 2024.

The Player of the Year Award, named after the legendary Seve Ballesteros, incorporates the former Golfer of the Year Award after the two accolades were combined in 2021 to become one single honour voted for by the DP World Tour’s members.

Meronk, said: “It feels amazing. I’m shocked to be honest, I didn’t expect that. You got me by surprise but seeing my name next to all of these players, it’s unbelievable. I’m very grateful for this award. It means a lot to me that other players appreciate my season last year. It’s a great feeling. 

“Last year was the best season so far in my career. I’m really happy that other players saw that, as well and give that award. Just thank you for that and I have to keep going.

“I enjoy this week. I love playing here in Dubai. It’s probably one of my favourite tournaments of the year. So I’m excited to be here. We have such a great field this week, so I will just enjoy every moment.”

“It’s actually very nice to be here,” added Ballesteros. “I used to come here with my dad many years ago, and to have an award with his name that the players vote for the Player of the Year, we are very grateful and very happy that there’s a prize with his name. 

“Adrian played fantastic last year, he won multiple times and he’s a well-deserved winner of this award. 

“We were very happy when the Tour came to us to say that they were going to put the Seve Ballesteros Award for the Player of the Year, and we really do like it.  We are very grateful, and the special thing that we like is the prize is voted by the players.” 

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the DP World Tour, added: “Adrian has made history throughout his career, and I’m delighted to congratulate him once again, this time for becoming the first Polish player to add their name to the illustrious list of winners of the Seve Ballesteros Award.

“Any season that includes three trophies – including two national opens – is always impressive, and Adrian’s peers clearly thought so. 

“I also want to thank Javier Ballesteros for travelling to Dubai to present the award to Adrian. It meant a lot to have him there to represent his father.”

(Text: DP World Tour)

Categories
Live

World Golf Ranking: Xander Schauffele Climbs to 5th Place

In the World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler holds his position at number one, reflecting a consistent performance at the pinnacle of the sport. Compatriot Xander Schauffele trails at the fifth spot, climbing one position from the previous week.

American Golfers in the World Golf Ranking

The performance of American golfers exhibits mixed results, with Patrick Cantlay dropping to sixth from fifth, Max Homa remaining steady at seventh, as well as both Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark who secure their standings at ninth and tenth respectively. These shifts reflect the dynamic nature of the rankings and player performance week-to-week.

Rory McIlroy sustains his number two position, representing stability at the top.  Jon Rahm, stationed at third, and Viktor Hovland, maintaining the fourth place, echo a status quo among the lead pack. The World Golf Ranking beyond the top ten sees fluctuations as various athletes either ascend or descend in the standings. Tommy Fleetwood surges to rank 11, a noteworthy climb from the 15th position following his victory at the Dubai Invitational.

Categories
Live

World Golf Ranking: Tommy Fleetwood approaching the Top 10

In this week’s World Golf Ranking, Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland remains static at the second position, holding a strong presence among the world’s golf elite. Meanwhile, Matt Fitzpatrick of England maintains his rank at number 8. Fleetwood jumps four spots up to 11th, marking a leap forward and towards the top 10 after his victory at the Dubai Invitational.

British Players in the World Golf Ranking

On the contrary, Hatton drops one place to 15th, indicating a slight decrease in his ranking. This represents a mixed week for English golfers regarding their standings. As for the remaining top British players in the top 60 of the World Golf Ranking, Justin Rose slides down two places to 42nd, Robert MacIntyre of Scotland, he stays at 58th.

Back at the top of the World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler from the United States secures his position as the world leader, showcasing sustained excellence in his performance. Jon Rahm of Spain also stands firm at number 3. In the rest of the top 10, we observe Xander Schauffele climbing to 5th from 6th place, indicating an upward trend for the American golfer. Conversely, Patrick Cantlay of the USA experiences a slight descent, moving from 5th to 6th. While the shift isn’t significant, it does reflect the competitive nature within the upper echelon of the World Golf Ranking. Continuing through positions 7 to 10, no other movements are reported, suggesting steadiness among the leading golfers at this elite level.

Categories
Panorama

Golf Post Community Award 2024: These are the recommendations from the community

The Golf Post community has for the sixth time decided on the best golf courses. Whether inside or outside Europe, the community has been visiting golf courses worldwide and made recommendations. Thanks to the large Austrian Golfpost Community, the winners once again include many locations in Germany’s neighboring country. But other regions were also convincing and received praise at the Golf Post Community Award 2024. Only one thing is certain about all the recommendations: special experiences await golfers there.

Golf Post Community Award 2024: The category winners

In two categorys, the “Landscape” category and the “Course Condition” category, the winner is the Aphrodite Hills Golf from Cyprus. Among other things, the golf club is known for its special views. Surrounded by a protected forest and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the resort extends over 234 hectares of land, 92 percent of which are purely native plantations. In addition to its good cuisine, the golf club offers unique course conditionn. With view on the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, you will experience a world-class course, that has achieved the status of a PGA National.

The prize in the “Gastronomy” category went to The Montgomery Maxx Royal in Turkey. It’s not only the 18-hole course designed by tour player Colin Montgomery that impressed the voters, but also the delight that comes first. This resort in Belek offers an excellent culinary experience. Guests can look forward to several first-class restaurants and bars offering a variety of delicious food.

In addition to the community recommendation, Golf International Soufflenheim Baden-Baden S.A. can also look forward to winning the “Welcome Culture” category. The golf course from Soufflenheim in France was especially highlighted by the community. Whilst the course designed by Bernhard Langer and Kurt Rossknecht inspires golfers, the atmosphere is particularly familial. If you’re looking for hospitality, you need to look to the French side of the Upper Rhine.

Golfpark Migros, Golfpark Waldkirch, is delighted to receive the award in “Best Value” category. With its 36 holes the Waldkirch Golf Park offers a unique golfing experience in Switzerland. The club conquers the hearts of golfers with its great variety of different holes. Between St. Gallen and Wil, numerous opportunities await guests here. Additionally, to the 18-hole par 71 course, there are two 9-hole courses, a practice center with driving range as well as putting and pitching greens.

From golfers for golfers

The Golf Post Community Award was presented for the sixth time this year, and for the second time international golf clubs were honored as well. The “jury” is the Golf Post community, whose ratings paint an authentic picture of the international golf courses. Up to five stars can be awarded in each of five categories. In addition to winners of each category of the Golf Post Community Award 2024, a total of 20 clubs receive the title “Top Golf Club” thanks to the best ratings. 44 other international clubs with an average rating of at least 4.5 out of 5 stars and a relevant number of ratings in the previous year will be honored with the award as a recommendation from the community.

The intenational top golf clubs:

More Golf Post Community recommendations in Germany:

Have you already played these golf courses? Then rate them now in the Golf Post Course Finder. Other golfers will benefit from your experience and you too can view tens of thousands of ratings and plan your next golfing experience. You can also rate all other golf courses in Europe.

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Equipment Professionals

Tom McKibbin joins Team Callaway

Callaway today announced the signing of exciting young Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin as a new Staff Professional.

A winner on the DP World Tour after just 26 starts, the 21-year-old Northern Irish golf prodigy claimed his breakthrough victory at last year’s Porsche European Open in Germany, and will play a full complement of Callaway and Odyssey equipment, including the new Chrome Tour Golf Ball.

Tom made an incredible start to his golfing career at a very young age. He captured the Junior Honda Classic title in his age group when he was just 12-years-old, and among his many other amateur accolades, at just 16-years-old, was one of the youngest ever players to represent Ireland at the 2019 Home Internationals.

In 2019, his US success continued when he won the prestigious Junior Invitational at Sage Valley Golf Club in South Carolina.

Prior to turning professional in 2021, Tom represented Ireland at the 2018 and 2019 European Boys’ Team Championship and played for Great Britain & Ireland in the Jacques Léglise Trophy the same years.

He will compete in his first DP World Tour tournament as a #TeamCallaway staffer at the Dubai Invitational, which begins this week.

Commenting on this important new signing, Peter Harrison, Director of Tour Relations, Callaway Golf EMEA, said: “Tom is an exciting prospect in the world of professional golf – already a proven winner – and we are proud to have yet another young star of the future join our Callaway and Odyssey families, representing us on the biggest stage.”

Tom added: “I’ve been testing new Callaway and Odyssey products with the Tour team over the winter and I can’t wait to put my new equipment into competitive play. I’ve been a long-time fan of Callaway equipment and I’m confident I can take a big step forwards in my career using their clubs and golf ball.”

Text by Callaway Golf

Categories
Professionals

Martin Slumbers to step down from The R&A by the end of 2024

Martin Slumbers will step down from his role as CEO of the R&A and Secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews at the end of 2024. Mr Slumbers, 63, brought his extensive global business experience and a passion for golf to the organisation. He has led The R&A as the global governing body of golf around the world (outside the US and Mexico) and as Secretary of the iconic golf club, which dates from 1754, he has supported its committees in serving its international membership.

Slumbers’ eventful last year and his legacy

Martin Slumbers will oversee The 152nd Open at Royal Troon, the return of the AIG Women’s Open to St Andrews and the 43rd Curtis Cup match at Sunningdale before relinquishing his role by the end of the year.

Niall Farquharson, Chairman of The R&A said, “In Martin, we have been fortunate to have a CEO who has steered the organisation through a period of growth and enhanced the profile and reputation of our sport to make it more accessible, appealing and inclusive.  Through his stature and influence in the world of golf and sport more widely and in growing the proceeds of The Open to invest back into the game, he has been true to The R&A’s purpose of golf thriving 50 years from now and has shown transformational leadership.  He speaks often of reflecting history in a modern way and that will be his legacy to The R&A and to the Club.”

Martin Slumbers said, “It has been a privilege to serve golf at the highest level. It is a role that I have been proud to carry out on behalf of The R&A’s employees, the members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club and all our global partners. In any career, there is a time to allow the next generation to have its turn. I am grateful to have had the honour, for nearly a decade, to have been the custodian of all that The R&A and the game of golf more broadly represents.“

During his tenure, Mr Slumbers has led a modernisation of The R&A’s activities, which included the merger with the Ladies’ Golf Union and its subsequent integration to enable The R&A to represent golf for men, women, boys and girls at the elite level.

In 2018, as part of his strategic approach to The R&A’s activities, its first Playbook was developed, explaining the purpose of the modern R&A: ‘To make golf open, accessible and inclusive and ensure it is thriving 50 years from now’. This level of clarity has led The R&A to double its financial commitment to golf, with greater emphasis on women and girls; establish a strategic business-driven approach to golf development; and proactively seek to improve the perception of golf as good for you, good for society and good for the environment.

He had oversight of the 2019 modernisation of the Rules of Golf, the roll-out of the World Handicap System in 2020 and the Distance Insights process, the outcome of which was announced in December 2023. He has served on the boards of the Official World Golf Ranking, the International Golf Federation and the LET.

A paradigm shift in the approach to the commercial affairs of The R&A, primarily at The Open, and the level of expertise in the executive team has enabled The R&A to substantially increase its investment into amateur golf around the world and, with partners, has enabled the AIG Women’s Open to grow into a world class championship.

In 2023, Mr Slumbers delivered a four-year project to create the ground-breaking new golf facility, Golf It!, in Glasgow. This family-centred facility based in the community creates an opportunity for more people to enjoy the unbound joy of golf and for members of the local community to gain work, volunteering and training opportunities. 2023 also saw the launch of the G4D Open for the world’s most talented golfers with disabilities and in 2024 a new Africa Amateur Championship will join elite amateur events in Asia-Pacific and Latin America. These include the Women’s Amateur Asia Pacific championship and the Women’s Amateur Latin America championship, both introduced by Mr Slumbers.

Text by R&A Media

Categories
Equipment

New TaylorMade Qi10 series: New drivers, woods and irons for the 2024 golf season

TaylorMade presents its new golf clubs for the 2024 season. Qi10 is the name of the series, which includes everything from short irons to drivers in various designs for different types of players. Behind the cryptic name lies an achievement that TaylorMade is particularly proud of. With the “Quest for Inertia” (Qi), the industry giant claims to have entered a new dimension. A moment of inertia in the driver of 10,000 g/cm² is said to offer more forgiveness than any other club before. The other new products (fairway woods and irons) are also designed with playability in mind. For the better players, there are variants that promise low spin despite high forgiveness.

TaylorMade Qi10: New golf clubs for the 2024 season

TaylorMade Qi10 Max Driver: The Qi10 Max is the flagship of TaylorMade’s new driver series and aims to offer exceptional forgiveness. The Moment of Inertia (MOI) is specified at 10,000 g/cm², which according to the manufacturer is significantly higher than all previous in-house productions as well as those of the competition. A higher MOI potentially offers more forgiveness for shots that are not optimally hit. TaylorMade highlights that the driver enhances overall performance through the integration of four key technologies – including advanced construction methods, an optimised head shape, carbon face technology and a specially developed shaft. Stated benefits include a low and low centre of gravity for optimal launch and spin conditions, as well as improved ball speed and energy transfer at contact. The retail price of the TaylorMade Qi10 Max is €649.

TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver: According to the manufacturer, the TaylorMade Qi10 LS Driver is designed for advanced golfers with higher swing speeds and is intended to offer a lower spin rate (LS = Low Spin) and a lower launch angle. The design includes a deeper clubface and a more compact overall head shape. TaylorMade promises that this model offers improved aerodynamics and an advanced adjustable weight system, resulting in a lower centre of gravity and optimised inertia for a forgiving but low-spin experience. The TaylorMade Qi10 LS is available at a price of €669.

TaylorMade Qi10 Driver: The standard Qi10 driver is described as an all-rounder that offers distance and forgiveness in a balanced form. The club head has a visually larger shape at address which, together with the Infinity Carbon Crown and a high contrast top rim, is designed to promote confidence at alignment. The Carbon Twist Face technology used aims to maximise and maintain ball speed across the entire clubface. Priced at €649, the TaylorMade Qi10 positions itself as a versatile option in the range.

The new TaylorMade Qi10 fairway woods and hybrids for the 2024 golf season

TaylorMade Qi10 Fairway and Rescue family: The TaylorMade Qi10 series of fairway woods and hybrids includes the Qi10, Qi10 Max and Qi10 Tour models, each designed for different types of players. All models emphasise an optimised clubface design that aims to maximise ball speed across the entire clubface. The Qi10 and Qi10 Max models are said to offer improved forgiveness and an increased launch angle thanks to the Infinity Carbon Crown and precisely positioned mass pads. The Qi10 Tour version, on the other hand, offers a more compact, titanium-based design with an adjustable weight system for customised flight curve options. Prices vary by model, with a starting price of €379 for the Qi10 and Qi10 Max Fairways and €329 for the corresponding Rescue models.

The new TaylorMade Qi10 irons for the 2024 golf season

TaylorMade Qi10 irons: The TaylorMade Qi irons are designed to deliver straight-line distance and precision in the game-improvement iron category. TaylorMade highlights the integrated system design, which is intended to provide optimised performance for each individual iron. Features such as cap-back design technology and customised HYBRAR echo dampeners are said to offer improved sound and feel. With prices starting at £183 per iron for the steel version, the Qi irons are aimed at a wide range of players looking to improve their accuracy and distance.
The HL irons are designed for golfers looking for a higher launch speed and faster club head speed. The lighter and loftier irons (HL = High Launch) are designed to provide increased trajectory and improved overall performance. With a similar price point to the standard Qi irons, these are designed for players who are specifically interested in optimising their long shots.

Both the TaylorMade Qi10 irons and the HL version are also available in a ladies version. The lofts are the same as in the men’s clubs. Only the shafts are designed for slightly slower swing speeds. Many female golfers will be particularly pleased that the clubs do not differ visually from the other models. No pink, no pastel – TaylorMade is now focussing on a sporty look here too.

TaylorMade expands its range with the Qi10 series

With the Qi10 series, TaylorMade is continuing its strategy of broadening its range of golf clubs. Golfers of all levels are catered for, without having to sacrifice individuality and personal requirements. While beginners will find a variant designed for support in the Max variants (woods) and the HL iron series, better players can make their own adjustments with the Qi10 Tour (fairway woods) and the Qi10 LS driver using a movable weight and thus adjust the new TaylorMade golf clubs according to their own wishes.