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Ladies European Tour PGA Tour Champions

Two flagship tournaments of the Moroccan golfing calendar in one great sporting event

Kick off for the Trophee Hassan II and the Lalla Meryem Cup. (Photo: Thropee Hassan II)
Kick off for the Trophee Hassan II and the Lalla Meryem Cup. (Photo: Thropee Hassan II)

The 47th edition of the Hassan II Trophy and the 26th edition of the Lalla Meryem Cup started on Tuesday with the kick-off of the Pro-Am competitions.

During this first day, the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation and the Hassan II Golf Trophy Association also organized a press conference to launch the competitions, in the presence of Mr. Mustapha Zine, Vice President of the RMGF and the ATH; Mr. Miller Brady, President of the PGA Tour Champions; Mr. Joao Pinto, Director of the Hassan II Golf Trophy; and Mr. Jean-Louis Besson, President of the Lalla Meryem Cup. Joao Pinto, Director of the Lalla Meryem Cup; Mr. Hassan El Mansouri, 2nd vice-president of the FRMG and the ATH; the Spanish pro Nuria Iturrioz, winner of the Lalla Meryem Cup Minaudiere in 2019, as well as the Scotsman Colin Montgomerie, former winner of the Hassan II Trophy in 1997.

Maitre Mustapha Zine vice-president of the FRMG and the ATH said that the 2023 edition of the Hassan II Trophy is an exceptional edition. “This year, we begin a new era through the PGA Tour Champions which hosts the most recognized senior players of the golf world and is held in only three countries outside the United States, including Morocco.

For his part, Mr. Miller Brady, President of the PGA Tour Champions, emphasized that the PGA Tour Champions is proud of its partnership with the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation (FRMG) and the Hassan II Trophy Association (ATH) which organize these prestigious sporting events. “Both tournaments are returning to the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, with the participation of the best golfers in the world,” he added.

The legendary Colin Montgomerie expressed his excitement to return to the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. “I feel proud to return here after winning the tournament in 1997. I really admire this course. Morocco is world famous for its beautiful golf courses in Rabat and Marrakech, and we are looking forward to the competition.

As for Mr. Joao Pinto, director of the Lalla Meryem Cup, he stressed that the 26th edition welcomes this year 96 players of the Ladies European Tour among which the first 5 of the Ranking 2022. “The players are always delighted to participate in the tournament. Morocco has always been an important lever for female talent.

For the Spanish golfer Nuria Iturrioz, she noted that the title of the Lalla Meryem Cup that she won in 2019, is the most important of her career, expressing the wish to repeat this feat in the 2023 edition.

In this sense, Mr. Hassan El Mansouri, 2nd vice-president of the FRMG and the ATH, also stressed that the 2023 edition of the Lalla Meryem Cup is unique because of the participation of seven Moroccan players including three professionals, namely; Ines Laklalech, the rising star of the national golf who won the Lacoste Ladies Open of France within the framework of the Ladies European Tour in 2022 and who qualified for the LPGA for 2023; Maha Haddioui, member of the Ladies European Tour for 10 years and double representative of Morocco in the Olympic Games, as well as Lina Belmati, Moroccan champion in 2022.

Mr. El Mansouri also highlighted one of the novelties of this year: the organization of the “Kids Cup” under the Pro-Am format, with the participation of young golfers from the First Tee program and professional players. “Since 2019, the partnership established with the Non-Profit Organization “First Tee” in the United States has allowed 100 young people to learn life skills through the practice of golf.”
He added that these mechanisms, available in accordance with the instructions of HRH Prince Moulay Rachid, President of the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation, augur a bright future for golf in the Kingdom.

Until Saturday, February 11, the two flagship competitions of the Moroccan golfing calendar will offer a full program that will make this great sporting event one of the richest editions.

The two tournaments are televised every year to more than 650 million households on five continents.

The complete program is available at: https://hassan2golftrophy.com/

(Text: Trophee Hassan II)

Categories
Panorama

St Andrews: Construction work on golf’s most famous bridge causes debate

The landmark in St Andrews: Swilcan Bridge on the Old Course. (Photo: Getty)
The landmark in St Andrews: Swilcan Bridge on the Old Course. (Photo: Getty)

It is one of the best golf courses: St Andrews Links on the east coast of Scotland has attracted not only professionals but also photographers and tourists for years. One of the reasons for this is the Swilcan Bridge. The old stone bridge crosses the ‘Swilcan Burn’ canal of the same name between the first and eighteenth fairways of the Old Course and has become an important symbol of golf. However, reconstruction work around the iconic landmark is now causing uproar.

Turmoil over new paving stones in St Andrews

Day in and day out, tourists, amateur photographers and golfers head to Tiger Woods’ favourite course in St Andrews to take a photo of the legendary Swilcan Bridge. At almost any time of day or night, feet trample the grass around the bridge. Hardly a problem in summer, but in winter it gets muddy. But no matter what time of year the visitors come, one thing is clear: the trampled area around the bridge approach does not look nice. More mud than grass appears when the masses of people want to take their souvenir photos. A reason for those responsible in St Andrews to lend a hand. In an official statement, they announced that reconstruction work is underway around the bridge to remove the brown “eyesores”.

The solution: paving stones. The Swilcan Bridge has been lined with light-coloured paving stones on the left and right. This is to prevent the footpaths from being trampled in the future and the perfectly mown grass from becoming a trampled piece of earth. Instead of having the bridge closed to visitors several times a year, they opted for a “historic” option, as the statement says: “Historically the bridge has previously seen a stone pathway leading onto it and the current works are designed to see if we can replicate this while being fit for purpose for the amount of foot traffic it has to endure,” reads the statement. “The shape of the current installation covers the ground that receives the most traffic as the area where the majority of photographs are taken of people on the bridge.” However, these alterations are not always well received by admirers of the bridge.

Much ado about nothing?

Fans are venting their anger on social media. One Twitter user writes: “But they could have made it look so much better and more natural. This whole installation makes Swilcan Bridge look like a random bridge built 2 years ago and not one of the most historic landmarks in golf.” Evan Gale pokes fun at the ongoing discussions on the internet and posted this tweet with the caption: “Found the culprit”.

However, there are other views. “I’m of the opinion (as someone who hasn’t visited the bridge) that the reaction to Swilcan Bridge is a bit overblown…. it retains its iconic status regardless,” writes Ben from Philadelphia. Either way, the recent alterations are causing uproar in St Andrews and on social media. In the end, however, it is up to the operator which solution he chooses. Whether one likes the circular arrangement of the paving stones or a trampled piece of earth better is something everyone has to decide for themselves. In any case, the new variant looks better than the artificial turf solution from 2019.

The approach to Swilcan Bridge in 2019. (Photo: Michael F. Basche)

By the way, these improvements are not the only ones at St Andrews. Among other things, the clubhouse is currently being built with a basement and a new area for female members who have been registered at St Andrews since 2015. Female golfers have had to cope without their own changing rooms at St Andrews until now. For guests, male or female, the Royal & Ancient Clubhouse is not accessible anyway. They have to be satisfied with the St Andrews Links clubhouse. Whether these renovation measures will also cause a sensation will probably be seen in the coming weeks and months.

Categories
Satellite Tours

Saudi International: Abraham Ancer wins by a safe margin

Abraham Ancer wins in Saudi Arabia. (Photo: Getty)
Abraham Ancer wins in Saudi Arabia. (Photo: Getty)

The unofficial LIV Tour opener at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in Saudi Arabia comes to an end. Abraham Ancer took an early lead in the field and eventually prevailed by three strokes. In second place is PGA Tour player Cameron Young, followed by Lucas Herbert in third place. Bernd Wiesberger, the only German-speaking player in the field puts a solid tournament behind him and finishes his four rounds in a shared 18th place.

Asian Tour victory: Abraham Ancer celebrates triumph

LIV player Abraham Ancer celebrates an early victory in 2023, beating 70 competitors on the Asian Tour to start his LIV season in top form at the end of February. In his final round, the big point wins were a long time coming, but Ancer collected enough stroke wins in the earlier rounds. After a 64 on the moving day on the par-70 course, he recorded a 68 in the final round to secure the crown.

Bernd Wiesberger in the top 20

Bernd Wiesberger’s tournament finish was a roller coaster ride. The Austrian took an early bogey on the par-3 third. This was followed by two birdies on holes 4 and 5 and thus an intermediate score under par. Shortly before the turn, on the 9th hole, a bogey put another damper on Wiesberger, who went even par on the second nine. After a good start with two birdies on the 10th and 12th hole, Wiesberger played another bogey. His finish was also up and down: with birdie-bogey-bogey-birdie he finished his fourth round at the Saudi International and ended up on T18 with a day score of 1-under-par.

Categories
LIV Tour

Saudi International: Abraham Ancer continues to dominate the leaderboard

Abraham Ancer at the Saudi International 2023. (Photo: getty)
Abraham Ancer at the Saudi International 2023. (Photo: getty)

On the second day, Abraham Ancer remains in first place at the Saudi International. Behind the LIV player is one of the few PGA Tour players in the field, Cameron Young, just one stroke behind. Sharing 3rd place are Marc Leishman, Louis Oosthuizen and Sadom Kaewkanjana. The tournament in Jeddah is again hosted by the Asian Tour, but is unofficially almost considered a LIV Golf event, no wonder many LIV Golf Series players use the event as their season opener.

LIV golf elite miss the cut

A number of LIV golfers are among the big names competing, but not all can take advantage of the season opener. Cam Smith, Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau are about to miss the cut. With above-par scores among all four players, it won’t be enough for two more rounds at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club. At least Mickelson announced in the run-up that he was in top form and wanted to really get going again this year. Bryson DeChambeau faced a big change this week. The longtime Cobra player teed it up with the TaylorMade Stealth Plus 2 driver instead of his usual Cobra driver. The reason for that, however, is just the expiring contract and current renegotiations with the brand. Meanwhile, the “Hulk” is probably trying his hand at other drivers.

Things are looking good for Bernd Wiesberger at the moment. The Austrian could improve with five birdies and only two bogeys and climbs into the top 20. Also on the shared 19th place is LIV-colleague Brooks Koepka, he holed the same round of 67 as Wiesberger.
Defending champion Harold Varner III topped Wiesberger’s performance by one stroke and is now just outside the top ten. Sergio Garcia, meanwhile, was unable to repeat his strong performance from Day 1 and drops back to 11th place with an even par round on Day 2. Patrick Reed also joins the ranks. The American and “Ace” teammate of Dustin Johnson holed out for a two-under round of 68.

Categories
LPGA Tour

LPGA Announces “Drive On: LPGA All Access” Series Coming to LPGA Platforms

The LPGA Tour launches its own documentary series. (photo: getty)
The LPGA Tour launches its own documentary series. (photo: getty)

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced the creation of “Drive On: LPGA All Access,” a multi-episode series that will air on LPGA platforms and give fans a beyond-the-course glimpse into the lives of some of the best golfers in the world – LPGA Tour athletes.. Approximately 10 episodes are planned for the 2023 season. The first episode will debut Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. EST on YouTube and LPGA.com, and feature behind-the-scenes moments with players like Gemma Dryburgh, Jodi Ewart Shadoff and Ashleigh Buhai during the 2023 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.

One of the players featured in the Series is Gemma Dryburgh. She entered the 2023 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions following a career-defining year where she became a Rolex First-Time Winner at the 2022 TOTO Japan Classic. Dryburgh made the most of her experience at Lake Nona, playing alongside idol and 72-time Tour winner Annika Sorenstam and meeting celebrities like Ellie Goulding.

Jodi Ewart Shadoff is also part odf the show. After nabbing her career-first win at the 2022 LPGA MEDIHEAL Championship, Ewart Shadoff finally got to play a “home game” at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club, about 30 minutes from her residence in Orlando that she shares with her husband and local sports reporter Adam Shadoff.

Another one taking part in the series is Ashleigh Buhai. The South African, who was exempt into her first #HGVLPGA thanks to her major victory at the 2022 AIG Women’s Open, had a busy offseason, capturing the 2022 ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open in December and returning home to South Africa. She’s ready for competition with husband David Buhai on the bag for one week only.

The docu-series will showcase the “stories and personalities of LPGA Tour”

The first-of-its-kind series for the LPGA Tour will follow the storylines of the 2023 season like never before, with exclusive moments between players on and off the course during the year’s biggest events like the Hanwha LIFEPLUS International Crown at TPC Harding Park and the Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin.


“This docu-series is an excellent opportunity to continue showcasing the many stories and personalities of LPGA Tour athletes and give fans a peek into what goes into life on Tour,” said Brian Carroll, EVP of global media distribution and partnerships for the LPGA. “We’re excited to embark on this season-long production with episodes illustrating a record-breaking year for those battling for titles week in and week out on the LPGA Tour.”

The documentary series will be produced in partnership with toldright and Executive Producer Adam Hertzog.

About the LPGA

The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women, with a goal to change the face of golf by making the sport more accessible and inclusive.

Created in 1950 by 13 Founders, the Association celebrates a diverse and storied history. The LPGA Tour competes across the globe, reaching television audiences in more than 220 countries. The Epson Tour, the LPGA’s official qualifying tour, consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA also holds a joint-venture collaboration with the Ladies European Tour (LET), increasing playing opportunities for female golfers in Europe. Across the three Tours, the LPGA represents players in more than 60 countries.

Additionally, the LPGA Foundation has empowered and supported girls and women since 1991, most notably through LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, the only national program of its kind, which annually engages with nearly 100,000 girls. The LPGA Amateur Golf Association and LPGA Women’s Network provide virtual and in-person connections to female golfers around the world, while LPGA Professionals are educators, business leaders and gamechangers dedicated to growing the game of golf for everyone.

Follow the LPGA on its U.S. television home, Golf Channel, online at www.LPGA.com and on its mobile apps. Join the social conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

(Text: LPGA)

Categories
Ladies European Tour

13 Major Champions to compete in the Aramco Saudi Ladies International next month

(Photo: Saudi Ladies International)
(Photo: Saudi Ladies International)

The Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by Public Investment Fund (PIF), has confirmed there will be a total of 13 major champions competing in the history-making event, with a prize purse of US$5million. Major winners include three-time major champion and last year’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship winner In Gee Chun, multiple major champion Anna Nordqvist, world no. 7 Lexi Thompson and defending champion Georgia Hall. 

Other major champions who are competing at the event are:

  • Ashleigh Buhai (2022 AIG Women’s Open)
  • Patty Tavatanakit (2021 ANA Inspiration)
  • Kim A-Lim (2020 U.S. Women’s Open)
  • Hannah Green (2019 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship)
  • Jeong Eun Lee6 (2019 U.S. Women’s Open)
  • Danielle Kang (2017 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship)
  • Lydia Ko (2016 ANA Inspiration; 2015 Evian Championship) 
  • Hyo-Joo Kim (2014 Evian Championship)
  • Ji Eun-Hee (2009 U.S. Women’s Open)

These 13 major champions, who hold 18 major titles between them, are part of a star-studded field that is set to be the event’s strongest lineup, with more top stars set to be announced over the following weeks.

The Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF is the third stop in a record-breaking 2023 LET season, featuring 30 events across 21 countries with a total prize fund of €35million up for grabs.

The groundbreaking event made waves around the world last year following the announcement of its commitment to women’s golf through a prize purse boost to US$5million, which is the largest prize purse outside of the majors and matches the men’s event, the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers.

World no. 8 In Gee Chun picked up the third major title of her career when she took home the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship title last year, winning by a stroke over Lexi Thompson and Minjee Lee. It was an impressive performance, especially in the tournament’s first round, as the South Korean put up an eight-under-64 score to equal the largest first-round major lead in women’s golf history.

She also performed well at the 2022 AIG Women’s Open, narrowly losing out on the title to Ashleigh Buhai – who will also be competing at the tournament – in a four-hole sudden-death playoff.

The 28-year-old secured her previous major title in 2016, winning the Evian Championship. She spectacularly captured the title, finishing with a score of 21-under-par, which is the lowest winning score recorded in a major tournament in golf. 

This will be the first time Chun will compete in Saudi Arabia, where she will hope to make a solid start to her 2023 season.  

“I’m excited to finally visit Saudi Arabia. I’m also looking forward to an event that is expected to elevate women’s golf in all parts of the global community. It will definitely be a great early season challenge with a very strong field competing.”

Another major winner and top-10 player competing at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF is America’s Lexi Thompson. The world no. 7 ended her three-year title drought by winning the LET’s Aramco Team Series individual title in New York. In addition to the win in her home country, the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship title holder also notched seven top-10 finishes in 2022.

As a player who has openly voiced her thoughts on equality in the game of golf, Thompson said: “Equal pay in golf has been something that all of us in the women’s game have wanted for so long, so seeing that huge prize purse increase at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF to match the men’s tournament was extremely heartening. For us, it’s always been about feeling equal and we are all focused on growing the game to leave in a much better place for future generation of female golfers.”  

Crowd favourite and defending Champion Georgia Hall is one of the many top players who are excited to make their return to the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City, where she created many fond memories last year by winning the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF title.

The world no. 24 and 2018 Ricoh Women’s British Open winner added: “It was great to win early in the season last year and I hope to defend my title this year. I’m a fan of the place and enjoy playing on this course as it suits my game well. 

“Playing in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East gives me much confidence as I’ve done well in past competitions. The treatment we get during event week is absolutely top-notch and makes it much easier to put up great performances on the course for the fans.” 

On the prize purse boost, the 26-year-old added, “It’s a massive boost for the women’s game, and it also goes beyond golf as it’s what women in sport deserve. We are all thoroughly grateful to Golf Saudi for what it’s doing for women’s golf. 

“I’ve personally seen how the Aramco Team Series and Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF events have grown and developed every time I’m here, and I’m confident that it will continue on this path.”

Free tickets are now available for the Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented by PIF and can be secured by visiting www.golfsaudi.com, where you can also discover more tournament information.

Categories
LIV Tour Uncategorized

LIV Golf League’s 2023 Schedule To Feature 14 Events In Seven Countries

(Photo: LIV Golf)
(Photo: LIV Golf)

The first official season of the groundbreaking LIV Golf League will feature 14 events in seven different countries showcasing some of the top championship courses in the world, including a return to five venues that hosted tournaments as part of the 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Series. Centurion Club outside London, England (July 7-9), Trump National Golf Club Bedminster in Bedminster, New Jersey (August 11-13), Rich Harvest Farms outside Chicago, Illinois (September 22-24), Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami, Florida (October 20-22) and Royal Greens Golf & Country Club near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (November 3-5) will welcome back many of the sport’s biggest stars for the landmark season in the league’s official launch. In addition, fans in the U.S. will see LIV Golf’s innovative league at Orange County National in Orlando, Florida (March 31-April 2) and at Trump National Golf Club, Washington D.C. (May 26-28).

These seven venues, alongside the seven previously announced dates and locations complete the 2023 LIV Golf League schedule: Mayakoba’s El Camaleón Golf Course on Mexico’s Riviera Maya (February 24-26), The Gallery Golf Club in Tucson, Arizona (March 17-19), The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide, Australia (April 21-23), The Serapong at Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore (April 28-30), Cedar Ridge Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma (May 12-14), Real Club Valderrama in Andalucía, Spain (June 30-July 2) and The Greenbrier in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia (August 4-6).

“We received tremendous feedback globally from fans throughout our beta-test year, with one resounding theme: LIV Golf’s team format, innovations, and festival-like events are delivering a one-of-a-kind golf experience,” said LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman. “Last year helped lay the foundation for the future of golf at extraordinary courses that have hosted some of the world’s top competitions. LIV Golf’s schedule features fantastic venues and championship sites for our official league launch that will carry the sport into a new era.” 

Along with hosting LIV Golf tournaments, these courses collectively have hosted more than 200 professional, collegiate and amateur events, including such prestigious tournaments as the Ryder Cup, Solheim Cup, Senior PGA Championship and U.S. Women’s Open. Leading golf organizations and pro tours across the globe have utilized these venues, with many of the courses considered the best in their respective regions and states. Honors such as World’s 100 Greatest Courses, America’s 100 Greatest Courses, 100 Greatest Public Courses, Top 3 Best New Courses, Top 5 Best New Private Golf Courses, and Top 100 Golf Resorts have been bestowed in recent years. Three courses on the 2023 schedule (Real Club Valderrama, Sentosa Golf Club, Royal Greens Golf & Country Club) rank No. 1 in their respective countries. 

Information for tickets, hospitality packages and Pro-Am opportunities are available at LIVGolf.com. Fans are encouraged to secure tickets now, or register to be the first to hear when tickets are released, for LIV Golf’s festival-style three-day tournaments that feature shotgun starts, individual and team competitions, live music and fan activities for all ages.

LIV Golf’s star-studded, international field will feature many of the sport’s biggest names including major winners Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed, Henrik Stenson, Bubba Watson, Louis Oosthuizen, Graeme McDowell, Martin Kaymer and Charl Schwartzel. Final rosters for the LIV Golf League will be announced prior to the league launch, when 12 established team franchises will compete in the global 14-event schedule for an unprecedented $405 million in prize purses.

Consistent with the 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Series, the LIV Golf League will showcase its innovative new golf format featuring simultaneous team and individual play, with each season culminating in a Team Championship finale. The LIV Golf League will not compete with the Majors or international team events.

LIV Golf is owned and operated by LIV Golf Investments, whose vision and mission are centered around making holistic and sustainable investments to enhance the global golf ecosystem and unlock the sport’s untapped worldwide potential.  

(Text: LIV Golf)

Categories
European Tour

Ryan Fox wins the 2022 Seve Ballesteros Award 

Ryan Fox on his win at St Andrews. (Photo: Getty)
Ryan Fox on his win at St Andrews. (Photo: Getty)

Ryan Fox has won the 2022 Seve Ballesteros Award after being voted Player of the Year for last season by his fellow professionals on the DP World Tour.

The 36-year-old becomes the first New Zealander to win the prestigious award since Michael Campbell received the honour in 2005, and it comes after an outstanding season during which he won twice and finished in a career-best second place on the DP World Tour Rankings presented by Rolex.

Fox polled 50% of the votes cast in total by the DP World Tour members, with DP World Tour Rankings winner Rory McIlroy taking second place ahead of the 2022 U.S. Open Champion Matt Fitzpatrick in third.

The Kiwi was presented with the trophy by one of Seve’s sons Javier and his daughter Carmen, both of whom travelled to this week’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour – a tournament won by Seve himself in 1992 – to officially welcome Fox to the illustrious list of winners. 

Consistently good performances in the 2022 season

Fox started 2022 in fine style, picking up his second DP World Tour title at the Ras al Khaimah Classic in February before an emotional victory at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in St Andrews in October.

The 2016 Challenge Tour graduate dedicated his victory at the Home of Golf to the late cricketing great Shane Warne, whom he paired up with in the popular Pro-Am format on numerous occasions, including finishing runners-up together in the 2021 contest. 

In addition to his pair of victories, Fox showed remarkable consistency to notch up four second place finishes – at the Soudal Open, Dutch Open, Horizon Irish Open and the Nedbank Golf Challenge – as well as a further four top tens.  

His excellent form led to a meteoric rise up the Official World Golf Ranking as he climbed from outside the top 200 into the world’s top 50 for the first time, peaking at a career-best 23rd after his victory at the Old Course. 

The Player of the Year Award, named after the legendary Seve Ballesteros, last year amalgamated with the former Golfer of the Year award to become one singular honour voted for by the players, helping further commemorate the Spaniard’s incredible legacy.

Ryan Fox (center) next to Carmen and Javier Ballesteros. (Photo: Getty)

“It’s kind of surreal”

Fox said: “It’s probably not something that I expected ever in my career. I would like to say it’s something I dreamed of, but you look at those names on the trophy and I probably don’t count myself as one of those. That is pretty cool, and to have Javier and Carmen come out and present it made it even more special.  

“Last year I thought I had a chance but a few other guys played pretty well, Rory, Matt, Jon Rahm, especially at the end of the year.  So when Keith Pelley told me I was pretty shocked and obviously pretty chuffed as well. To have your peers vote for you makes it that extra bit special. 

“Obviously Dunhill Links was a big highlight for me last year, to win around the Home of Golf, it doesn’t really get any better. I shared the experience with Shane Warne for the previous four or five Dunhills that I played, and it was a bit sad without him there last year. To honour him that way made it even more special.

“Seve is such an icon of golf, and I’m a bit of a golf nut. I knew the history of Seve but probably didn’t quite understand then, growing up in New Zealand, quite the influence he had over here. It’s cool to hear the stories from some of the older guys that played with him, but to have my name on the Seve Ballesteros Award, it’s kind of surreal. It’s pretty cool to be part of a little bit of history in that regard.”

Javier Ballesteros: “He’s a fantastic guy”

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the DP World Tour, said: “Ryan’s form throughout 2022 was nothing short of outstanding. His two wins were undoubtedly the highlight, but to record a further eight top tens shows a remarkable level of consistency that clearly impressed his peers.

“Ryan is not only an immensely popular member of the DP World Tour, but also someone who cares deeply for the Tour as is illustrated by the valuable work he does, and the intelligent opinions he offers, as a member of our Tournament Committee.

“I also want to say thank you to Javier and Carmen Ballesteros for making the effort to travel to Dubai to present the award to Ryan. It meant a lot to him and to every one of us at the DP World Tour to have them there to represent their father.” 

Javier Ballesteros said: “Well, I’m very happy that Ryan got the award. I think it’s important that Ryan got it with two wins, and of course he played a full season on the DP World Tour.  It left me very happy,  considering he’s a fantastic guy as well. 

“For me, it’s very important and we are very proud to have our father’s name on this award. It’s a prize that is given by the players and to have his name on the award, it’s a very good way to keep his legacy alive.”

(Text: DP World Tour)

Categories
European Tour

Hero Dubai Desert Classic: A thrilling contest with Rolex as Official Partner and Timekeeper

(Photo: Rolex)
(Photo: Rolex)

With the much-anticipated return of the 2023 Rolex Series, the attention of the golfing world will turn to the iconic Hero Dubai Desert Classic – the second Rolex Series event of the year. Celebrating its 34th edition, the 2023 tournament promises to be a thrilling contest with Rolex as Official Partner and Timekeeper.

Spanning more than 50 years, Rolex’s support for golf is one of the most enduring and successful partnerships in sport. The Swiss watchmaker’s relationship with the game began in 1967 when Arnold Palmer, joined by close friends and fellow members of The Big Three, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, became Rolex’s first golf Testimonees. Since then, Rolex’s association with golf has grown exponentially, permeating all levels of the sport, providing unwavering support for elite and amateur players alike, governing bodies, all the Major championships and the main professional tours, as well as the finest events on the golfing calendar.

Founded in 1989, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic was the first DP World Tour event to be staged in the Arabian Peninsula. Rolex became Official Timekeeper of the DP World Tour in 1997 and the event became part of the prestigious Rolex Series – the tour’s premium event category – in 2022. It is renowned for having one of the strongest and most international fields, proving a tough competition for the world’s leading golfers.

The flagship Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club, with its distinct backdrop of shimmering skyscrapers, once again hosts the Hero Dubai Desert Classic from 26-29 January. With the 2023 Ryder Cup on the horizon and qualifying spots to play for, the 2023 tournament presents a timely opportunity for players to find form early in the season.

2023 is set to welcome some of the biggest names in world golf and Rolex Testimonees have a proud history of success in Dubai. Those to have prevailed on the Majlis Course and lift the coveted Dallah Trophy include Fred Couples (1995), José María Olazábal (1998), Thomas Bjørn (2001), Tiger Woods (2006, 2008) and most recently, Rafa Cabrera Bello (2012). Fellow Spaniard and Rolex Testimonee Jon Rahm enjoyed an impressive finish to the 2022 season, which saw him claim a record third DP World Tour Championship title in Dubai at the nearby Jumeirah Golf Estates in November.

Speaking about the Rolex Series, Rahm said: “I have been fortunate enough to win Rolex Series events pretty early on in my career. Given the prize money and strength of field at these events, they always demand an extremely high level of golf and performance. As a Rolex Testimonee, there is also added motivation because you want to make sure a Rolex Testimonee wins. Hopefully, the Rolex Series will continue for a very long time due to its prestige and the fact that it represents such key moments throughout the year for us players to focus on in the calendar.”

2023 also marks the return of the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex and the sixth anniversary of the Rolex Series. The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is the second of five Rolex Series events held throughout the year. The Series consists of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (19-22 January), the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, the Genesis Scottish Open (13-16 July), the BMW PGA Championship (14-17 September), and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai (16-19 November).

(Text: Rolex)

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“ Return of the Champions ”

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation and the Hassan II Trophy Association, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, are organizing the 47th Hassan II Golf Trophy and the 26th Lalla Meryem Cup at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat from February 6 to 11, 2023.

47th Hassan II Golf Trophy

Legendary golfers will be starting off this PGA Tour Champions edition of the tournament – a highly anticipated event that will surely bring back many memories for tournament fans who have followed the Hassan II Golf Trophy since its creation.

Indeed, since the Hassan II Golf Trophy began under the initiative of His Majesty the Late King Hassan II in 1971, the tournament has attracted players from the World Golf Hall of Fame, including Billy Casper, Bob Tosky, Sam Snead, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Payne Stewart, Severiano Ballesteros, Vijay Singh, and Ernie Els, among other illustrious names. All of these world-class players have graced the fairways of the Red Course at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. 

This edition will welcome 66 golf legends who have won a total of nearly 200 victories on the American PGA Tour, including three major tournaments. To the great delight of spectators, this year’s slate will feature former Hassan II Golf Trophy winners such as Colin Montgomerie (in 1997), David Toms (in 1999), Roger Chapman (in 2000), and Santiago Luna, the record-holder of wins (1998-2002-2003). Also present will be Bernhard Langer, José Maria Olazabal, Retief Goosen, and Tom Lehman, all former participants in the Hassan II Golf Trophy.

The Lalla Meryem Cup

The Lalla Meryem Cup, which is part of the Ladies European Tour (LET) will bring together, on the Blue Course, the European elite of women’s golf. Among the 96 players expected, a record number of national participants is expected, headed by Ines Laklalech , winner of the Lacoste Ladies Open de France in 2022 and qualified for the LPGA for 2023, Maha Haddioui, who has represented Morocco on two occasions at the Olympic Games and Malak Bouraeda, first Moroccan to qualify for the US Women’s Open.

These two competitions will take place simultaneously on the same site, perpetuating a tradition of diversity established in 1993 by His late Majesty King Hassan II, illustrious founder of both tournaments.

Young people are also honored. A junior competition in the pro- am format is planned on the Green Course with young golfers from the First Tee program and professional players. First Tee, very popular in the United States, is a non-profit organization created in 1997, which has made it possible to understand and respond to many problems that characterize society by teaching life skills through the practice of Golf.

This event will, as usual, be open to the general public free of charge. Entertainment on the courses and catering areas as well as a playground will guarantee a complete experience for all visitors to discover golf through practice and play.

The significant efforts made by the Royal Moroccan Golf Federation and the Hassan II Golf Trophy Association for the success of these events attest to a desire to succeed and further promote the culture and practice of golf in Morocco.These competitions also reinforce the tourist attractiveness of the Kingdom as a golfing nation par excellence.