Categories
Travel

Mitchelstown Golf Club: A Hidden Gem with Challenges for All Skill Levels

Image: Mitchelstown Golf Club
Image: Mitchelstown Golf Club

Mitchelstown Golf Club, located in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland, is often referred to as one of the best-kept secrets in Irish golf. The club offers a serious challenge for scratch golfers, while remaining accessible to less experienced players using forward markers. Yardage knowledge is emphasized for a successful round at this course.

Open Competitions on One of Ireland Top Golf Courses

The fourth hole at Mitchelstown Golf Club is particularly noteworthy. It is rated among the top 100 best holes in Irish golf, highlighting the course’s complexity and distinctive design. Golfers can expect to be tested by its strategic demands.

Mitchelstown Golf Club actively caters to a broad range of players through its open competitions held every week. These events are designed to welcome both visitors and family friends, promoting a communal and inclusive atmosphere. New golfers are supported through special classes organized yearly, making it a welcoming environment for beginners.

The scenic beauty of the club’s location adds to the golfing experience. The course features views of the Galtee Mountains and includes holes that run along and across the Funcheon River. The natural surroundings provide a picturesque setting for players as they navigate the course.

In summary, Mitchelstown Golf Club combines a challenging layout with inclusive community events and beginner support. Its notable fourth hole, weekly competitions, and stunning natural scenery make it a unique destination for golfers in Ireland.Probably the best kept secret in Irish GolfSerious challenge for the scratch golfer but still suitable for the day tripper off the forward markersOur 4th hole is rated in the top 100 best holes in Irish golfKnow your yardageOpen competitions every week to facilitate the visitor and family friends. Special classes every year to facilitate beginners.Breath taking views of the Galtee mountains in the background and stunning holes along and across the Funsion river.

Categories
PGA Tour

Michael Kim: “It’s Honestly a Bit of a Dog Eat Dog World”

Image: Getty
Image: Getty

Professional golfer Michael Kim is known for sharing insider information from the world of professional golf with his followers on social media. This time, the 31-year-old writes about contact with player agents, experiences, rumors and the different types of agencies. “When you’re first out of college and a really good player, agents will reach out to you directly to you or your head coach showing interest. […] It’s tricky, they’re really good salesman and unless you’ve known them thru someone else, you’re not sure who to trust. You can find MANY examples of agents stealing from the player and/or many shady deals”, wrote Michael Kim.

Offers made to players already under contract

Kim went on to tweet: “It’s honestly a bit of a dog eat dog world. I’ve heard rumors where players were going to sign with an agent and all of a sudden a different agent shows up with a really good deal with a company and the player ended up signing with the new agent for the deal. Some of the shadier ones will come up to a player even though he’s under contract promising a better deal or throw in a line or two to try and create doubt.”

Big or small agency?

In another tweet, Michael Kim describes the decision from a player’s perspective: “As a player, you have to decide what size of agency you want to sign with. Bigger agency with lots of names like Wasserman, or a smaller agency. Bigger agencies already have established connections and thru their bigger players, can even get certain deals or even exemptions into events. But the downside is, because of their big crop of players, in a way you’re all competing for the same pie within the agency. If I know the same level of player within the agency gets a new deal, you can be left wondering, why didn’t I get that deal? A smaller agency, you don’t have to worry about that kind of stuff but also know that in general, the agent isn’t going to have the same amount of power or sway within the industry. You can be the big fish and know that all the big deals might come thru you.”

In his last two tweets on this topic, Kim writes about his personal preferences and experiences.

Note: This is of course one player’s opinion and therefore not an immediate general conclusion, as well as possibly not 100 percent reality. When it comes to contact with agents right after the end of a college career, Kim is certainly a good example. Michael Kim was honored with the Jack Nicklaus Award and the Haskins Award during his amateur career – both famous awards for the player of the year in American college golf. This is likely to have aroused the interest of some player agencies.

Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Patrick Reed and American Players at acciona Open de España

DP World Tour Tee Times: US players (Image: Getty)
DP World Tour Tee Times: US players (Image: Getty)

The DP World Tour Tee Times for the upcoming acciona Open de España held at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid in Spain have been announced. Part of the DP World Tour, this prestigious event boasts a par-71 course and a prize purse of $3,250,000. Last year’s title was claimed by Matthieu Pavon. Here, we delve into the tee times and partners for all American players in the tournament.

DP World Tour Tee Times for American Players

Patrick Reed will tee off for his first round on Thursday at 13:40 from Tee 1. His playing partners are Adrian Otaegui from Spain and Rikuyo Hoshino from Japan. On Friday, their second round begins at 08:50 from Tee 10.

Jimmy Walker starts his first round on Thursday at 13:30 from Tee 1 alongside Alfredo Garcia-Heredia from Spain and David Ravetto from France. Their second round begins on Friday at 08:40 from Tee 10.

Johannes Veerman is scheduled to tee off on Thursday at 13:30 from Tee 10. He will be joined by Gavin Green from Malaysia and Nick Bachem from Germany. Their second round will start on Friday from Tee 1 at 08:40.

Chase Hanna will play his first round at 14:10 on Thursday from Tee 10. His partners for the day include Alexander Knappe from Germany and Jack Davidson from Wales. The second round for this group starts at 09:20 on Friday from Tee 1.

Jordan Gumberg tees off on Thursday at 09:30 from Tee 1. Playing alongside him will be Jens Dantorp from Sweden and Julien Guerrier from France. Their second round is set to begin on Friday at 14:20 from Tee 10. Gumberg’s inclusion in the DP World Tour Tee Times highlights his pivotal role.

Round Time Player Partner 1 Partner 2
Round 1 08:50 James Nicholas Oliver Bekker (RSA) Josh Berry
Round 1 09:20 Sean Crocker George Coetzee (RSA) Matthew Southgate (ENG)
Round 1 09:30 Jordan Gumberg Jens Dantorp (SWE) Julien Guerrier (FRA)
Round 1 14:10 Chase Hanna Alexander Knappe (GER) Jack Davidson (WAL)
Round 1 13:30 Jimmy Walker Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (ESP) David Ravetto (FRA)
Round 1 13:30 Johannes Veerman Gavin Green (MAS) Nick Bachem (GER)
Round 1 13:40 Patrick Reed Adrian Otaegui (ESP) Rikuyo Hoshino (JPN)
Round 2 08:40 Jimmy Walker Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (ESP) David Ravetto (FRA)
Round 2 08:50 Patrick Reed Adrian Otaegui (ESP) Rikuyo Hoshino (JPN)
Round 2 09:20 Chase Hanna Alexander Knappe (GER) Jack Davidson (WAL)
Round 2 14:20 Jordan Gumberg Jens Dantorp (SWE) Julien Guerrier (FRA)
Round 2 14:10 Sean Crocker George Coetzee (RSA) Matthew Southgate (ENG)
DP World Tour Tee Times
Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood and More at the acciona Open de España

DP World Tour Tee Times: Tyrrell Hatton and other players. (Image: Getty)
DP World Tour Tee Times: Tyrrell Hatton and other players. (Image: Getty)

The DP World Tour Tee Times for the upcoming acciona Open de España presented by Madrid have been announced. The tournament takes place at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid in Madrid, Spain. The course has a par of 71. It is part of the DP World Tour, with a prize fund of $3,250,000 and the current defending champion being Matthieu Pavon.

DP World Tour Tee Times

England’s Tyrrell Hatton is in a group with Italian Matteo Manassero and Spaniard Jorge Campillo. They will start their first round at 09:00 and their second round at 13:50.

English golfer Tommy Fleetwood will start his first round at 09:10, paired with Shane Lowry from Ireland and Nacho Elvira from Spain. Their second round will start at 14:00

Scottish golfer Stephen Gallacher will begin his first round at 08:40, paired with South Korean Sung-hoon Kang and Austrian Matthias Schwab. Their second round will start at 13:30.

Richie Ramsay, another Scottish player, will tee off at 08:40 in the first round with German Yannik Paul and Spanish Jose Luis Ballester. The group will start their second round at 13:30.

Ewen Ferguson from Scotland will join Spaniard Adri Arnaus and English Alex Fitzpatrick, beginning their first round at 09:20 and their second round at 14:10.

Marc Warren from Scotland will tee off at 10:20 alongside Norwegian Kristian Krogh Johannessen and Carlos Sanchez Molina from Spain. Their second round is scheduled for 15:10.

Player Nationality Round 1 Time Round 2 Time Playing Partners Nationalities
Stephen Gallacher SCO 08:40 13:30 Sung-hoon Kang, Matthias Schwab KOR, AUT
Richie Ramsay SCO 08:40 13:30 Yannik Paul, Jose Luis Ballester GER, ESP
Tyrrell Hatton ENG 09:00 13:50 Matteo Manassero, Jorge Campillo ITA, ESP
Ewen Ferguson SCO 09:20 14:10 Adri Arnaus, Alex Fitzpatrick ESP, ENG
Marc Warren SCO 10:20 15:10 Kristian Krogh Johannessen, Carlos Sanchez Molina NOR, ESP
Tommy Fleetwood ENG 09:10 14:00 Shane Lowry, Nacho Elvira IRL, ESP
DP World Tour Tee Times
Categories
Travel

Explore Datchet Golf Club: Nine-Hole Course with Windsor Castle Views

Image: Datchet Golf Club
Image: Datchet Golf Club

Datchet Golf Club is located in Datchet, England, within the county of Berkshire. The club is known for its nine-hole course providing scenic views of Windsor Castle. This unique setting offers an interesting experience for golfers of all standards.

9-Holes with a Royal View at Datchet GC

One of the most notable aspects of Datchet Golf Club is its emphasis on accuracy. The nine-hole course requires players to focus on precision, making it a challenging experience. This focus on accuracy can be appealing to golfers who are looking to improve their skill set. The smaller course size can also make it a more approachable option for those new to the sport.

The club offers a full lesson service aimed at providing comprehensive training to golfers. These services are beneficial for golfers looking to hone their skills. Additionally, there are intermediate memberships available for individuals under 34 years old. These memberships provide financial incentives for younger players who are still exploring their interest in the game.

Prominent in its community, Datchet Golf Club contributes to the local culture and sports scene. The scenic views and the historical backdrop of Windsor Castle add an interesting dimension to the sporting experience. The combination of a focused course and available lessons make it a suitable option for a diverse range of golfers.

Categories
Highlights Tours

2024 Presidents Cup: All You Need to Know About the Team Competition

All you need to know about the 2024 Presidents Cup. (Image: Getty)
All you need to know about the 2024 Presidents Cup. (Image: Getty)

From September 26 to 29, the 15th edition of the Presidents Cup will take place at The Royal Montreal GC. The twelve best golfers from the USA will compete against the twelve best international players (excluding Europe). The tournament is played over four days. The first team to reach 15.5 points wins the golden cup.

All you need to know about the Presidents Cup

The schedule for the 2024 Presidents Cup

Unlike the Ryder Cup, the Presidents Cup does not take place over three days, but four. Five fourball matches are played on Day 1, followed by five foursomes on Day 2. On Saturday, the tournament is played in two sessions, first four fourballs and then four foursomes. Sunday traditionally sees the twelve singles duels.

The golf course

The Royal Montreal GC in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is the venue for the 15th edition. The course is a par 70 and has a parkland-style front nine. On the back nine, water hazards come into play on the last five holes. The Royal Montreal GC is the oldest golf club in North America and was founded in 1873.

How many points does a team need to win and what happens in the event of a tie?

A team needs 15.5 points to win the Cup – one point more than in the Ryder Cup. This is because 30 matches are played at the Presidents Cup, two more than at the Ryder Cup. The scoring system for the matches is the same: one point is awarded for a win, half a point is awarded to both teams if a match is tied after 18 holes. If the Presidents Cup ends in a draw, the two teams share the cup – another significant difference to the Ryder Cup.

2024 Presidents Cup: Team USA

The team is made up of six qualified golfers and six captain’s picks. Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Wyndham Clark, Patrick Cantlay and Sahith Theegala have qualified.

Sam Burns, Tony Finau, Russell Henley, Keegan Bradley, Brian Harman and Max Homa were selected for the team by US captain Jim Furyk.

The International Team

Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), Sungjae Im (South Korea), Adam Scott (Australia), Tom Kim (South Korea), Jason Day (Australia) and Byeong Hun An (South Korea) made it into the team by qualifying. Min Woo Lee (Australia), Christiaan Bezuidenhout (South Africa), Si Woo Kim (South Korea) and the three Canadians Taylor Pendrith, Mackenzie Hughes and Corey Conners were selected for the team by captain Mike Weir.

Why are there no LIV golfers? And other interesting facts

LIV Golf players

Because the Presidents Cup is organized by the PGA Tour, no LIV golfers are allowed to take part in the competition. This affects the International Team in particular, as top players such as Cam Smith, Joaquin Niemann and Louis Oosthuizen are missing.

Differences to the Ryder Cup

While 28 matches are played over three days at the Ryder Cup, there are 30 matches over four days at the Presidents Cup. Furthermore, in the event of a final tie, the cup does not go to the defending champion but is shared. The setup of the course is not subject to the home team, but to the PGA Tour – another significant difference.

Do the players earn money for competing?

Not for themselves, but each participant will receive an equal share of the event proceeds for a charity of their choice.

The trophy

The golden trophy designed by Tiffany & Co. weighs around 28 pounds. The original can be found in the World Golf Hall of Fame in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Categories
Travel

Headfort Golf Club: Host of Challenge Tour 2019 & 2023, Two 18-Hole Courses

Image: The Headfort Golf Club
Image: The Headfort Golf Club

Headfort Golf Club is located in Kells, Ireland. It features two primary 18-hole courses: The Championship Course and The Old Course. This location has been recognized within the golfing community for its quality and offerings, hosting The Challenge Tour in both 2019 and 2023.

Headfort GC: A Club for Pros and Amateurs Alike

The Challenge Tour, known for showcasing developing talent, chose Headfort Golf Club for events in 2019 and 2023. This indicates the club’s readiness to accommodate significant golfing events and its esteemed reputation within the sport. Such events often draw attention to the facilities and overall experience provided to both players and spectators.

Headfort Golf Club offers year-round golfing options, allowing enthusiasts to play in different seasons. Weather conditions in Ireland can be variable, but the club ensures its courses are maintained and available across various times of the year. This all-season availability makes the club a reliable option for long-term and frequent players.

An added feature of Headfort Golf Club is the online green fee system that frequently includes restaurant credit for dinner after golf. This integration of dining with the golfing experience provides additional value and convenience for players. It also encourages longer visits where members and guests can enjoy both sporting and leisure activities without leaving the club premises.

The two courses, The Championship Course and The Old Course, serve different golfing preferences. The Championship Course typically caters to more competitive and high-stakes play, while The Old Course may offer a more traditional golfing experience. By providing diverse course options, the Headfort Golf Club addresses the varied preferences of its membership and visiting players, enhancing its attractiveness as a golfing destination.

In summary, Headfort Golf Club in Kells, Ireland, offers extensive facilities with its twin 18-hole courses and year-round playing capability. The club’s history of hosting The Challenge Tour underscores its position within the competitive golf landscape. Additional amenities such as the inclusion of restaurant credits with online green fees enhance the overall experience for its users, making it an appealing choice for golfers of different skill levels and preferences.

Categories
Golfshoes LPGA Tour

Ecco Golf Ambassador Lydia Ko Claims Third Win in Four Starts at Kroger Queen City Championship

Lydia Ko celebrates her third LPGA win at the Kroger Queen City Championship. (Photo: Getty)
Lydia Ko celebrates her third LPGA win at the Kroger Queen City Championship. (Photo: Getty)


Lydia Ko extends her winning streak with a stunning performance at the Kroger Queen City Championship, capturing her third title in four starts. Following her recent AIG Women’s Open victory, Ko delivered an impressive final round of 63, solidifying her place as one of the game’s greatest talents in a remarkable 2024 season.

Ecco Golf and Lydia Ko: A Winning Partnership

ECCO GOLF ambassador, Lydia Ko, continued her hot streak this weekend at the Kroger Queen City Championship on the LPGA Tour in her first tournament since claiming her maiden AIG Women’s Open title last month. 

Ko, wearing Ecco Golf Tray, shot a scintillating final round 63, coming home in just 30 shots to take home her third win in her last four starts. 

Ko’s 22nd LPGA Tour victory rounds off what has been an incredible 2024 season for the Kiwi, following her Olympic Gold Medal and triumph at the AIG Women’s Open during the month of August.

Lydia Ko Shines at Kroger Queen City Championship

“It’s been pretty surreal. You know, I had the most unbelievable three weeks in Europe, and after having another three weeks off you’re not entirely sure what it’s going to be like,” Ko said. 

“I started off this event really strong, playing well the first couple days. I kind of hung in there yesterday and I said I know the other girls aren’t going to play bad golf, so I just have to try and play even better golf. To have a round like this to cap off a win is pretty special.”

Timo Vollrath, Head of Global Marketing at Ecco Golf, commented Ko’s latest: “Lydia continues to prove that she is one of the game’s greatest – she makes a habit of winning and for us, it is brilliant to watch. 

“It is a pleasure to work with Lydia, and to witness her journey in recent years has been a thrill. This streak of performances will go down as one the very best of all time, and we can’t wait to see what happens next!”

In addition to Lydia Ko, Ecco Golf shoes are worn in competition around the world by Esther Henseleit, Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Erik van Rooyen, Henrik Stenson, Freddy Schott, Thomas Bjørn, Janet Lin, Rick Shiels and Erik Anders Lang among others. For further information about Ecco Golf, please visit golf.ecco.com. 

(Text: Ecco)

Categories
Live

OWGR: Billy Horschel Back in the Top 20

Billy Horschel climbs in the OWGR. (Photo: Getty)
Billy Horschel climbs in the OWGR. (Photo: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler remains atop the Golf World Ranking, holding his number one position with a steady performance. His average points tally continues to reflect his dominance. Xander Schauffele also holds firm at second position, showcasing consistent form. Both players maintain their standings from the previous week. Currently, Scheffler averages 10.42 points, while Schauffele has an average of 9.50 points.

See the complete Official World Golf Ranking here

Other Top American Performers in the Golf World Ranking

The first change in the rankings comes from Billy Horschel who reenters the top 20 after his win in Wentworth. He dropped out of the top ranks in Febuary of 2023 and is now back at 17 after consisten good results during his 2024 PGA Tour season.

Top 10 Players in the OWGR

Scottie Scheffler remains the leader in the Golf World Ranking, followed by Xander Schauffele. Rory McIlroy retains his third position, maintaining stability among the top three. Collin Morikawa and Ludvig Aberg sit in the fourth and fifth positions, respectively, with no changes from the previous week. Similarly, Wyndham Clark and Hideki Matsuyama hold their positions at sixth and seventh. Viktor Hovland is consistent at eighth, while Patrick Cantlay and Bryson DeChambeau round out the top ten without any shifts in their rankings.

Rank Player Name Nationality Average Points Ranking Last Week
1 Scottie Scheffler USA 10.42 1
2 Xander Schauffele USA 9.50 2
4 Collin Morikawa USA 8.75 4
6 Wyndham Clark USA 8.35 6
9 Patrick Cantlay USA 8.10 9
Categories
Equipment

WITB: Billy Horschel with Titleist to Playoff Victory in England

WITB: Billy Horschel at the BMW PGA Championship 2024 (Photo: Getty)
WITB: Billy Horschel at the BMW PGA Championship 2024 (Photo: Getty)

The BMW PGA Championship 2024 kept things exciting right up to the last shot. In the end, Billy Horschel prevailed in a triple play-off against Thriston Lawrence and Rory McIlroy to celebrate his second victory in one of the DP World Tour’s most prestigious tournaments after 2021. With the exception of a PING putter, Horschel relied on Titleist equipment.

WITB: Billy Horschel at the BMW PGA Championship 2024

(Photo: Titleist)
Image: Titleist

Fairwaywood (3&5): Titleist TSi2

The modern Titleist T100 Tour iron. (Photo: Titleist)
Image: Titleist

Irons (3&5): Titleist T100

Image: Titleist

Irons (6-9): Titleist 620 MB

Titleist Vokey Design Spin Milled 9 Wedge(Foto: Titleist)
Image: Titleist

Wedge: Titleist Vokey Design SM 10

Ping Sigma 2 ZB 2 Putter(Foto: Ping)
Image: PING

Putter: PING Sigma 2 Tyne 4

The new Titleist Pro V1x golf ball 2023. (Photo: Titleist)
Image: Titleist

Golf Ball: Titleist Pro V1x