Yasir Al-Rumayyan (left), head of Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund and PGA Tour comiisionar Jay Monahan. (Photo: Getty)
There’s no getting around the news, even if it comes from a tabloid: According to a report in the British tabloid ‘The Sun’, the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian investment fund PIF have reached an agreement in their negotiations. Under the headline ‘Golf’s Civil War OVER’, David Facey writes that the Saudis have allegedly bought a one billion dollar stake in the Tour in return for an eleven per cent share and two board seats, including that of the chairman. The LIV Golf League events would continue to be organised by the PGA Tour. It is also said that Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy played a decisive role in the agreement as members of the special negotiating committee. The deal still has to be approved by the Tour members, i.e. the players, but the DP World Tour will also benefit in a special way thanks to the strategic alliance, for example through financial injections for prize money.
Facey does not name any sources, of course. And there are also several other indications that the news is more fake than fact. For example, there is never any mention of PGA Tour Enterprises, but that is exactly what the slow-moving negotiations are all about: The PIF wants to become a minority investor in the new commercial venture, in which the Tour is offloading its silverware (tournament, licence and TV rights etc.) and which is already lavishly funded thanks to the Strategic Sports Group’s total of three billion. The naming of McIlroy and even more so LIV and PIF opponent Woods also seems more like name-dropping to generate clicks. Moreover, there is no mention of PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and PIF boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who played the Aramco Team Series Pro-Am together at the LET in Riyadh last week. Last but not least, a question underlines the suspicion of a rather simplistic tabloid piece: where did the Sun, of all publications, get such information? The usual suspects, including the reputable US golf media, have not made a single sound in this regard so far. (Written by Michael Basche)
Nelly Korda was named LPGA Tour player of the year 2024. (Credit: Getty)
Happy ending: Nelly Korda’s 2024 season ends with two major honours. Firstly, the 26-year-old was voted Player of the Year on the LPGA Tour after six victories. Secondly, and this is a very special honour, the world number one is part of the line-up of stars and models for the upcoming issue of ‘Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’. The special edition of the sports magazine is by no means just a particularly nicely presented swimwear catalogue: The appointment for ‘SI Swimsuit’, which already has almost iconic status, is tantamount to an accolade in terms of stardom. Sports stars such as Steffi Graf (1997), Serena Williams (2003), Lindsey Vonn (2010) and Simone Biles (2017) have all been photographed for the special edition. Nelly Korda is the first female golfer to appear in the magazine.
Church Stretton Golf Club (Image: Church Stretton Golf Club/Facebook)
The end of October is also known as Halloween and even some golf courses are haunted. The festival, which originated in Ireland, is characterized by spooky pranks and scary costumes. The origin of Halloween lies in the belief that the dead return to earth on October 31. There are golf courses that are not only haunted on Halloween. Ghosts can be seen there all year round and scare the players in a frightening way.
The awakening of the cemetery ghosts
It is not uncommon for golf courses to be built on or around old cemeteries, disturbing the peaceful rest of the dead. This is also the case at Garrison Golf Club in the USA. On this course, the 14th hole, which is surrounded by a cemetery where many 19th century slaves are buried, is feared.
The Willbrook Plantation Golf Course in the USA is also located on a former slave cemetery, marked by a memorial plaque on the eighth hole of the course. It is important to keep quiet on such courses so as not to incur the wrath of the sleeping spirits.
Memorial plaque of the slave cemetery on the Willbrook Plantation Golf Course (Image: charliebomber/Flickr)
Ghosts manipulate the game
Players are not always spared from the ghosts. On the Lincoln Park Golf Course in San Francisco, for example, the ghosts show that they really do exist. Here, too, the 18th hole was built on an abandoned cemetery. According to the golfers, the ghosts never fail to make balls disappear or reappear out of nowhere in other places.
In England, on the Church Stretton Golf Club course, there are also ominous ball thieves on hole 13. Players who see their balls land on the fairway are said to suddenly be unable to find them again when they get closer.
Murder victims show themselves to still be present
Some golf courses have a history of brutal murders. The murder victims would still reveal themselves in various ways, causing fear among golfers. At City Park in New Orleans, golfers repeatedly swear they hear the screams of a woman on the backswing at hole 18. It is said that the woman was murdered on the golf course in the 1960s.
Another murder case took place on the course of the Baltusrol Golf Club in Springfield, New Jersey. The farmer Baltus Rol is said to have been horribly killed here by two crooks in 1831. His ghost “Old Balty” still haunts the course. Easy to recognize: The golf club’s name commemorates the tragic story of Baltus Rol.
Nine useful tips for you golf club care. (Photo: Getty)
As the golf season draws to a close, it’s time to take care of your golf clubs, as they need careful inspection and maintenance to maintain their performance in the coming season. The experts at HIO Fitting have some valuable tips for golfers who want to optimally prepare their clubs for the winter break. They explain what is important to ensure that the equipment survives the winter break undamaged and is ready for the first rounds in spring.
HIO Guide: 9 Tips for Optimum Golf Club Care
1: Protect Clubs from Moisture
Moisture is the biggest enemy of all golf equipment. If clubs are exposed to moisture over the winter months, the risk of rust damage increases considerably. Clubs that are stored in an unheated, damp garage are particularly at risk. Rust can damage the material in the long term, cause rapid wear and tear and impair performance. It is therefore best to store the rackets in a dry place – for example indoors or in a heated garage – to prolong the life of the rackets.
2: Remove Dirt and Grime
All rackets should also be thoroughly cleaned before storage. Encrusted dirt and grass residue on the club faces not only impair the appearance but also the functionality of the grooves. A clean clubface is particularly important for wedges, as only clean grooves guarantee sufficient spin and control for the short game. A soft brush, soap and water should therefore be used to remove dirt from the club heads. Stubborn dirt in the grooves can be removed with a special groove brush or a groove cleaner. The club heads must then be dried completely.
3: Check Wedges
Wedges wear out faster than irons because they are used more frequently, are subjected to greater stress and the higher angle of inclination leads to more interaction with the ball. However, worn grooves can no longer generate the necessary spin, which has a negative effect on control in the short game. Wedges should therefore be checked regularly: If the grooves are flattened or uneven, either resharpening the grooves or replacing the wedges may be advisable.
4: Clean the Grips and Replace Them if Necessary
Grips are an often underestimated part of the club, but they have an enormous influence on the control of the club. Over time, sweat, dirt and dust accumulate on the grips, making them slippery and less ‘tacky’. A slippery grip leads to less control and can affect the feel during the swing. Who likes the feeling of the club almost slipping out of your fingers during the swing? The grip then becomes tighter and cramped – a bad shot is inevitable. The grips should therefore be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water to improve grip. If the grips are badly worn, we recommend regripping. This is also the ideal opportunity to give your own clubs a new look in your favourite colour.
5: Check Club Heads for Cracks and Bending and Shafts for Wear
Another important aspect of club maintenance is checking for structural damage. Over the course of the season, frequent use can lead to hairline cracks or bending of the club. Such damage is often invisible, but can have a negative impact on the stability and performance of the racket. The workshop experts at HIO Fitting can check the club heads for cracks or bends and repair them if necessary. If necessary, damaged club heads can be replaced with new ones.
In addition, the experts at HIO Fitting often find that some golf bags are not padded enough, causing them to ‘scrape’ against the shafts while being carried or pushed. As a result, material gradually wears away from the shaft. This happens particularly with drivers, woods and hybrids. The shaft, and therefore the club, loses a lot of its consistency and can even break in the worst case. The shafts in particular should therefore be checked for wear.
6: Have Loft and Lie Checked
The correct loft and lie setting is crucial for the performance and consistency of the clubs. Regular use – especially from the mat – can cause loft and lie to become misaligned. A change in tilt affects the distance and direction of the ball flight. In addition, the swing and speed of the players also change, which is why the angles should always be adjusted. Therefore, the loft and lie of the clubs should be checked regularly, especially before the start of the new season, by a professional fitter who will adjust the clubs precisely.
7: Analyse Wear Patterns
Analysing the wear on the clubface provides valuable information about possible swing faults. For example, one-sided wear on the heel can indicate that the ball is being hit too far inwards. Such an analysis can therefore help to recognise weaknesses in the swing and work on them in a targeted manner. This means that the winter break can be used optimally to improve the swing in order to start the next season with optimised technique.
8: Recognise Gaps in the Bag
It is a good idea to measure the shot distance for a gapping analysis in order to recognise gaps in the bag. Especially if new clubs have been added to the bag during the course of the season, this can result in unwanted overlaps or gaps. With a Foresight Simulator or another launch monitor and the support of a fitter, these gaps can be precisely measured and analysed to ensure that all distances are actually covered by the clubs in the bag.
9: Use Personalisation Options
Finally, freshly fitted equipment deserves a personalised touch. The experts at HIO Fitting therefore offer the option of applying individual stampings, laserings or colourings to clubs, for example. This not only ensures an unmistakable design, but also ensures that you identify with your equipment in a very special way.
Conclusion: Regular Care Pays Off!
Caring for your golf clubs at the end of the season is an important part of maintaining your equipment in the long term. From removing dirt and moisture to inspecting the club heads and analysing the distance – targeted care and maintenance will ensure that your clubs perform at their best again next season. (Written by HIO Fitting)
Speculation after investment in Tiger Woods' “TMRW” about a possible return to the PGA Tour by Brooks Koepka. (Photo: Getty)
Brooks Koepka has made a remarkable investment. The five-time major winner acquired shares in an investment fund called Locker Room, which also holds shares in TMRW Sports through its portfolio. The company owned by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, for example, is the parent company of TGL, which is finally launching its indoor golf spectacle in January. ‘Locker Room offers me the opportunity to actively support companies that are really close to my heart and align with my personal interests and values,’ says Koepka about his commitment, which puts him in good company. ‘Big names’ such as Lewis Hamilton, Gareth Bale, Steph Curry, Justin Timberlake and sports magnates Arthur Blank and John Henry have been investors from the very beginning.
And of course, with this very indirect approach to LIV opponent Woods, rumours of a return to the PGA Tour by Koepka, who is nominally one of the stars of the LIV Golf League, will be competing with Bryson DeChambeau in Las Vegas in December for the ‘showdown’ between the two rival circuits against Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy and has already started teasing his designated team partner and former favourite enemy. Seen in this light, it is safe to speak of a double speculation model. Author: Michael Basche
Tom Kim after a playoff loss at the Genesis Championship. (Photo: Getty)
South Korean PGA Tour player Tom Kim caused a stir after damaging his locker at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon following a frustrating playoff loss at the Genesis Championship on Sunday. The locker door, which was ripped off its hinges, drew significant attention. Kim later publicly apologized for the incident.
The Genesis Championship was co-hosted by the DP World Tour and the KPGA Tour. Kim, a three-time PGA Tour winner, found himself in a playoff against fellow countryman An Byeong-hun. Kim was leading by one stroke heading into the final hole but missed a birdie putt on the par five, forcing a playoff with An. Both players returned to the 18th hole, where An made a birdie, while Kim suffered a bogey, resulting in his loss in the playoff. For An, this victory marked his first tournament win in nine years.
Tom Kim broke a locker room door after his narrow playoff loss at the Genesis Championship yesterday. This comes on the back of several instances where his frustrations have boiled over this year.
Although Kim congratulated An after the loss, he later took out his frustration on his locker. There were reports that the KPGA was considering disciplinary action against him, but Kim insisted that the matter had already been resolved. He posted an apology on Instagram, clarifying that the damage was unintentional: “After the loss I was frustrated, yes absolutely… but I can assure you with absolute truth that I had no intent of damaging any part of the locker, not a single bit.” Kim also stated that he was willing to cover the repair costs and had reached out directly to the DP World Tour and the KPGA to address the situation.
Kim and An have already played as a team for South Korea at the Olympic Games in Paris this year and took part in the Presidents Cup together in Canada in September. For An, winning the Genesis Championship was his second title on the DP World Tour and marked the end of a successful season. The 33-year-old finished the year in 27th place in the world rankings and expressed his satisfaction with his performance: “It’s been a great year. I’ve put a lot of work in.”
Rory McIlroy remains the highest-ranked British golfer in the current World Golf Ranking, holding steady at position 3 with no change from last week. His average points stand at 8.2707. Close behind him is Tommy Fleetwood, ranked 10th, also maintaining his previous week’s position. Fleetwood’s current average points are 4.2788.
Tyrrell Hatton occupies the 20th position this week, a slight decline from his previous 19th place. His average points are 3.1989. Robert MacIntyre from Scotland stands firm at the 16th position as he did last week, with average points of 3.6348. Aaron Rai is ranked 21st, consistent with last week’s position, and holds average points of 3.1982.
Top 10 of the World Golf Ranking
In the broader picture of the World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler retains his top position without change. Xander Schauffele follows closely at number 2, mirroring last week’s rankings. The list witnesses stability among the top 8, with Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark, Hideki Matsuyama, and Viktor Hovland holding the same ranks as before. Bryson DeChambeau remains at 9th, and in a notable British presence, Tommy Fleetwood completes the top 10 without changes in position.
The latest World Golf Ranking shows Scottie Scheffler maintaining his position as the top-ranked golfer in the world. Scheffler holds steady at rank 1 with a consistent performance. Xander Schauffele also remains in second place, reflecting the stability at the top of the rankings among American players. Both players’ average points demonstrate their ability to stay at the forefront of the golfing world.
World Golf Ranking: Morikawa, Clark and DeChambeau
Collin Morikawa continues to hold the fourth position in the World Golf Ranking, showing no change from the previous week. Wyndham Clark follows, sitting comfortably at number 6, again with no movement in his standing. Bryson DeChambeau also maintains his rank 9 spot, reflecting consistency among the leading American contingent.
Top 10 in World Golf Ranking
The top of the World Golf Ranking sees Scottie Scheffler in the prime position, with no changes in the top three as Rory McIlroy remains third. While the American golfers listed maintain their positions, Ludvig Aberg from Sweden stands firm at rank 5, paralleling a stable period among the global golfing elite. Other notable names like Viktor Hovland and Tommy Fleetwood hold their respective places in the top 10 with neither advancements nor declines.
Golf in South Korea is a sport of contrasts. Golf is both ubiquitous and accessible to everyone and at the same time the exact opposite. On the one hand, golf is everywhere, on the other hand, golf club membership is hardly affordable. Almost ten per cent of Korea’s population play golf, but the majority play in golf simulators rather than out on the course. A look at both sides.
Digital and nearby: golf for everyone in a confined space
The South Koreans’ love of golf is particularly evident in its capital Seoul. Every few metres one comes across the sport in one form or another. Golf simulators and screen golf facilities are plentiful, even more than Starbucks locations, which can be found on every corner in Korea. Green nets in and around the city reveal where driving ranges are hidden. But because lack of space is a persistent problem in Korea, you can even find them in unexpected places, on top of hotels, for example, or even on top of parking garages.
A golf range in the middle of the city. (Photo: Golf Post)
The provider Golfzon alone operates over 5,000 golf simulator locations in Korea, where 94 million rounds are said to have been logged in 2023, almost twice as many as rounds played outside on golf courses. Korea’s technological progress does not stop at golf and the simulators work with increasingly realistic graphics, hitting surfaces and training aids.
This wide range of golf possibilities makes the entry barrier to the sport very low. An evening in a golf simulator has a similar status to an evening of karaoke. For only about 20 dollars a round, you get a nice evening with friends, beer and no long journeys out of town.
Golf, an inspiration in difficult times
As a result, one in ten Koreans plays golf. The golf boom in South Korea was triggered by Seri Pak. At the age of just 20 and in her rookie season on the LPGA Tour, she won the US Women’s Open in a 20-hole play-off in 1998.
‘We’ve had other players in history, but she was a Korean Tiger Woods. Basically, she created this culture,’ explained James Jaewoo Suk, Head of Brand Communication BMW, Brand Experience, who is responsible for communication around the BMW Ladies Championship, Korea’s biggest golf tournament, among other things. ‘We had an economic crisis in 1998 and people needed some kind of inspiration. Sport gave that to the people. We felt that anything is possible, not just in golf, but in life.’ Pak’s victory inspired a whole generation, especially of female golfers, who, with the help of the competitive sporting spirit of South Koreans, carried on the success on the LPGA Tour in the decades following Pak’s victory and fuelled the golf boom in the country.
Exclusivity on the green: golf courses as a luxury good
The golf boom has also multiplied the number of golf courses in South Korea. According to the R&A’s Global Participation Report 2023, there are 844 18- and 9-hole courses in the country. 200 of those are said to be around Seoul alone, even though space is a precious commodity in the mega metropolis. High real estate prices mean that golf club memberships are also extremely expensive. Memberships at many private golf clubs start at 25,000 dollars and can run into the millions.
But playing golf without a membership is neither cheap nor straightforward. Tee times are often only reservable by flights of four, and individual players find groups in online forums. Green fees start at 100 – 200 euros per person, plus often another 100 euros for a mandatory caddie and around 70 euros for a cart. High taxes on golf, especially for private golf clubs, drive prices up.
For golf tourists, if they are not put off by the high prices, the fact that a Korean telephone number is often required to make a reservation and a lack of Korean language skills often complicates the process – the golf industry is largely geared towards locals rather than golf tourists. Golf rounds, unlike golf simulators, are not a quick pastime but rather a formal affair with a strict dress code and are often used to conduct business or for networking.
Many Koreans are prepared to spend a lot of money on golf. The Korean golf market is the third largest golf market in the world after the USA and Japan. More golf equipment and, above all, golf fashion is sold in Korea than anywhere else in the world. Companies produce their own collections just for the Korean market and sell them there at hefty prices. Korean companies have acquired major golf brands such as TaylorMade and Titleist and spend a lot of money on sponsoring PGA Tour tournaments.
Golf as a mirror of Korean society
Golf is booming in South Korea, despite its cost. However, there is no particularly committed junior program, on the contrary: children are not welcome many of the private golf clubs. Only 2,178 juniors are registered according to the R&A, golf being too expensive a sport to simply let children play it for fun. Those who take up the sport at a young age do so with professional ambitions. This makes the work that golf simulators do to appeal to a young target group all the greater, with easier accessibility, a more relaxed environment and entertaining emojis.
But wether people play on simulated courses or real greens, the two facets of golf in Korea are growing hand in hand. Over 60 per cent of golfers say they play both forms. All this makes golf in Korea more than just a sport. It shapes the culture and the economy and is a mirror of Korean society: characterised by modernity, competition and innovation.
The Zozo Championship, part of the PGA Tour, takes place at the Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Chiba, Japan. With a par of 70, the tournament offers a prize pool of $8,500,000. Collin Morikawa is the defending champion. The tournament will be broadcast on Sky starting at different times across the four days: Thursday from 5:00, Friday from 6:45, Saturday from 5:00, and Sunday from 4:00.
PGA Tour Tee Times for British Players
David Skinns from England starts alongside Zac Blair from the USA and Patrick Fishburn, also from the USA. Their first round tees off at 10:57, and the second round at 9:40.
Harry Hall, another English player, is paired with Seamus Power from Ireland and Adam Schenk from the USA. Their first round begins at 10:35, followed by a second round starting at 9:18.
