The BMW Ladies Championship is going to be at the Oak Valley Country Club in the Republic of Korea. (Foto: Twitter/@LPGA)
Four events remain in the 2022 LPGA Tour schedule, including the third edition of the BMW Ladies Championship this week in the Republic of Korea at Oak Valley Country Club.
Rolex Player of the Year
A quick look at the standings of the season-ending awards and races: There are 18 players who have a mathematical chance of winning the Rolex Player of the Year award. Of the top four in contention, Minjee Lee, Brooke Henderson or Atthaya Thitikul would earn their first Player of the Year honors if they were to win by the end of 2022. Lydia Ko would earn her second POTY award; she won in 2015 with 280 points Ko would be the 16th player since 1966 to earn the award at least twice in her LPGA Tour career.
1
Minjee Lee*
149 points
2
Brooke Henderson
130 points
3
Atthaya Thitikul*
124 points
4
Lydia Ko*
120 points
*In the BMW Ladies Championship field
Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year
Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year honors is mathematically down to Atthaya Thitikul and Hye-Jin Choi, which Choi only trailing by 243 points. If she were to win by the end of 2022, Thitikul would become the second consecutive player from Thailand to earn the honors, following Patty Tavatankit, who clinched Rookie of the Year following the 2021 BMW Ladies Championship. She would also become the third player from Thailand to win, along with Tavatanakit and Moriya Jutanugarn (2013).
1
Atthaya Thitikul*
1,425 points
23 events
2
Hye-Jin Choi*
1,182 points
24 events
*In the BMW Ladies Championship field
Vare Trophy
Lydia Ko currently leads in the hunt for the Vare Trophy. Minjee Lee would need an average strokes per round of 68.389 in her remaining events to pass Ko’s current average. Atthaya Thitikul would need an average round score of 67.158 to contend If she were to win by the end of 2022, Ko could become the first back-to-back winner of the award since Stacy Lewis in 2013 and 2014. Ko would also become the 15th multiple winner of the Vare Trophy since 1953 The average winner’s scoring average since its inception in 1953 is 71.35451. Annika Sorenstam holds the record for the lowest scoring average – 68.70 – in 2002.
Mizuno collection for fall and winter. (Photo: Mizuno)
Mizuno, the Japanese equipment manufacturer known for its attention to detail in the production of high-performance golf equipment, is delighted to release a new collection of cold weather golf apparel combining refined, soft touch materials with practical golf tailoring on a foundation of proven Mizuno core apparel technologies. The collection proves that “Nothing Feels Like a Mizuno.”
Mizuno’s Autumn-Winter 2022 Apparel Collection showcases exceptional Mizuno technologies married with refined style and ultimate comfort. Core technologies in the collection offer heightened performance in challenging conditions:
In the rainNexlite Flex offers complete waterproofness and incredible flexibility.
Incredible warmth is delivered by Mizuno’s Breath Thermo Technology, a fabric that captures and generates heat from escaping body vapour. Also featuring is Mizuno Thermal Plus, a material that regulates the dissipation of body heat.
Dynamic movement comes through Biogearwhich reduces muscle/joint fatigue due to stretch, pressure and shape. Mizuno Move Tech, is an anatomically patterned, four-way-stretch fabric.
The Mizuno Autumn-Winter 2022 Apparel Collection includes:
The Nexlite Flex Jacket, available in Coral Red, Black, Deep Navy and Grey, is so lightweight and free moving, that you might forget to take it off when the rain stops. Water resistant to 20,000mm, breathable at 25,000g/m2, and with 15% additional stretch. The jacket remains water repellent even after numerous washes. In addition, the material is free from environmentally harmful perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
Available in Deep Navy and Black, Nexlite Flex Trousers feature all the same technologies as the Nexlite Flex Jacket, and they come with an elasticated waistband for maximum comfort.
The Breath Thermo Move Down Jacket and Gilet offer the promise of absolute warmth and comfort from the moment you slip them on thanks to Breath Thermo warming technology. Available in three colours, Grey, Black and Reds, the garments Instinctively fit snugly to the body, trapping warm air but providing a surprising level of movement and golfing flexibility. These ultimate cold weather garments are so warm and so stylish, you’ll also wear them away from the course.
The Breath Thermo Move Tech Jacket and Gilet are highly efficient all-round, mid-weight garments providing a well-considered balance of warmth, and movement. Available in three colours, Grey, Black and Blue, they offer great warmth thanks to Breath Thermo Technology, while Mizuno’s Move Tech lining provides ease of golfing movement.
Breath Thermo ST Polo, in White, Black, Purple and Red and in heat-generating Breath Themro fabric, is a soft touch, substantial weight polo which will keep you warm in the winter’s midday sun. It features a striking chest stripe line with contrasting bold colours to cut through the winter light. The Breath Thermo Graphic Polo, in White, Black, Red and Blue, features a unique graphic pattern design running across the chest. The Breath Thermo Long Sleeve Polo, in White, Black, Blue and Olive is also constructed from heat generating Breath Thermo fabric.
The Winter Breeze Block ¼ Zip, in Grey, Blue, Olive and Purple, is a mid-weight garment with a comfortable, relaxed cuff offering a bold, contrasting and athletic design. The Winter Breeze Elite ¼ Zip, in Grey, Blue, Black and Purple, delivers classic golf style with an athletic design. It’s a mid-weight garment featuring a comfortable relaxed cuff. It offers contrasting shoulder piping and the Runbird logo on chest and yoke. The Winter Breeze ¼ Zip, in Grey, Blue, Olive and Purple, features a unique contrasting combination on the back and front. It’s a mid-weight garment with a comfortable, relaxed cuff providing functionality and style.
The Winter Elite Trousers, available in Grey, Black and Deep Navy, are substantial cold weather trousers featuring Mizuno’s Move Tech four-way stretch fabric for ease of movement. They have a brushed lining for warmth and comfort.
Also in the Autumn-Winter collection, the Breath Thermo Biogear Base Layer is an essential winter garment. Not only do the Breath Thermo and Thermal Plus technologies help maintain a consistent body temperature but the BiogGear fabric also helps to reduce muscle fatigue through its snug fit and pressure.
The Breath Thermo Graphic Beanie features Mizuno’s heat generating Breath Thermo fabric to keep you warm in the coldest conditions. It’s available in four different colour options: Grey, Black, Blue and Olive. Breath Thermo Pom Pom Beanie offers an old-school look in heat-generating Breath Thermo Fabric. It’s available in Grey, Black, Blue and Red. Both beanies come in packs of three.
Completing the Autumn-Winter 2022 apparel line-up, the Mizuno Players Belt is available in three bold colours – Charcoal Grey, Black and Deep Navy.
Mizuno has always strived to “create the best products for consumers,” and the entire Autumn-Winter 2022 Apparel Collection adheres firmly to that spirit and desire, while offering the best performance benefits that modern technology can bring. #nothingfeelslikeamizuno
For further information on Mizuno’s full range of golf equipment, apparel and accessories visit: MizunoGolf.com.
Club building and starter cottage - Modern Art is omnipresent. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The beginnings of today’s Royal Zoute Golf Club date back to 1899, when golf was first played in Knocke-sur-Mer (French name). The Flemish name of the place is Knokke-Heist. At first, it was part of the golf and sports club in nearby Bruges but then in 1909, the clubs parted ways and the Knocke Golf Club was founded. From the beginning, the club was strongly influenced by the English. Both its first captains and its course architect came from the British Isles whilst in 1907, it was redesigned by the famous Brit Harry Colt, who at the beginning of the 20th century designed not only some world-famous golf courses in England, but also in continental Europe. In Germany, too, he has left his mark on several clubs: the Hamburger Golf Club Falkenstein is just as much a part of this as the Frankfurter Golf Club and the Golf- & Landclub Berlin-Wannsee. After the First World War, when the Germans used the course as a military site, it became necessary to build a new course which was given its present name Zoute Golf Club. Subsequently, in 1925, it was made a ‘Royal’ by the Belgian King. After the Second World War when the course was occupied by the Germans, the course had to be renovated. The English Lieutenant Colonel Allen designed the layout for two 18-hole links courses, which resulted in today’s par 64 Executive Course and the par 72 Championship Course. The club hosted a total of six Belgian Opens between 1912 and 2000 when winners included Miguel Angel Jimenez, Darren Clarke, Nick Faldo and Lee Westwood, who won twice (1998 and 2000).
It couldn’t be more central
Entrance to the club buildings (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The various imposing club buildings are placed around a circular courtyard which boasts a huge steel figure sculpture created by one of the most renowned sculptors and conceptual artists of our time, Frenchman Bernar Venet, who is highly acclaimed internationally.
Imposing sculpture in the courtyard (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The complex includes a hotel with ten modern, well-equipped rooms and certainly, the spacious junior suite where we are housed is extremely comfortable. From the balcony, we enjoy the wide view over the restaurant terrace, to the starter’s cottage behind it, the first tees of the two courses and the driving range in the background.
Best view from the hotel room (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The hotel interior is extremely elegant with dark wood that harmoniously complements the modern tiles on the walls and floor that also feature at the reception. The electronic scoreboard provides information on tee times and players on both courses whilst the bar is reminiscent of a traditional English club.
Representative hotel and restaurant entrance (l) Clubhouse bar in traditional style (r) (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Before we turn our attention to the golf courses, we would like to get to know the city. Of course, this includes a walk along the long sandy beach and a stop at one of the numerous beach clubs. In the shopping streets of Zoute, the northernmost district of the seaside resort, we come across numerous boutiques of the finest designer labels and art on virtually every corner. More than 60 galleries alone offer art lovers a rich selection. In addition, there are huge sculptures scattered all over the city.
Objects of art permeate the entire town (Photo: Juergen Linnebuerger)
In case the shopping bags get too heavy, a large electric golf cart is available to chauffeur shoppers through the city’s shopping streets silently and free of charge.
An attractive offer in the centre of Knokke-Heist (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
We round off the first day with a delicious dinner on the clubhouse terrace. The menu is varied and the dishes extremely tasty. The recommended prawn croquettes impress us just as much as the baked sole.
Links and parkland course elements combined
The club is embedded in an untouched, slightly overgrown landscape with pines, hawthorn hedges, birches and poplars. The two pure links courses have been turned into a combination of links and parkland courses due to plantings after the Second World War. Heathland course elements can also be found here, though the courses run largely through flat terrain and light dune landscape. We start with a round on the 18-hole par 64 ‘Intérieur’ – or Executive – Course. It is a perfect opportunity to practice one’s short game under real conditions.
With its eight par 3 and ten par 4 holes, it has a length of 3,564 meters from yellow tees and 3,261 meters from red tees. The longest hole is 286 meter long whilst the greens are well guarded and have it all. We particularly like hole four, where a group of trees has to be taken on in order to hit the green. Unlike its big brother, this course is also open to non-members at weekends.
Charming fourth hole of the Executive Course (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The Championship Course
The next day, the par 72 “Extérieur” – or Championship – Course, awaits us. From the Championship tees, it has a length of 6,241m so we play from yellow and red tees that give us 5,880 metres and 4,795 metres respectively in front of us. With four exceptions, the holes run along the outer left edge of the terrain. They are lined by old trees, which are repeatedly interrupted by the neighbouring residential houses.
First tee of the Championship Course (Photo: Juergen Linnebuerger)
The first tee offers plenty of space on both sides whilst the next holes are also mentally moderate. The course becomes more attractive from the fifth hole onwards and from there, develops its charm and more and more its links elements come into play. You can see St. Margaret’s Church on several holes, such as the sixth, the most difficult hole. The par 4 with a length of 363 metres (yellow) is laid out as a dogleg and ends with an ondulated green that rises sharply towards the back.
Challenging green of hole six (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
From the ninth, the links character of the course comes into its own. It does not end at the clubhouse, but in the middle of the course.
Links Feeling on hole nine (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Behind the green, the two courses intersect at the unique halfway station. The thatched cottage and its inviting decoration is just as extraordinary as the delicious, freshly prepared snacks. We liked the avocado mousse with shrimps and the pasta salad with cashews. Anyone who passes by here without stopping in is missing out.
This makes the break a pleasure (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Relaxed and refreshed, we set off from one of the various elevated tee boxes for the second nine holes. From the green of the tenth, you can see the typical adjacent development, with the tee box of the 11th, an attractive par 3, directly behind it. Its green is well guarded by no less than five bunkers.
Greens and bunkers in perfect condition (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The course also has pot bunkers, such as on 16, a slightly downhill par 3 with a length of 145 metres from the yellow tee. Two huge ones await on the left and on the opposite side, it is protected by an even steeper monster.
Pot bunkers at its best (Photo: Juergen Linnebuerger)
The 18th tee is then another challenge. It has to be played from an elevated tee through a narrow alley into the fairway. The course then opens up and ends with a large green in front of the starter’s cottage. The Championship Course does not have a dull hole and water hazards do not come into play. We like its varied layout and the absolute tranquillity.
Knokke convinces
We enjoyed the trip to the Belgian coast with golf, shopping and art. Two rounds in the best weather on the different courses of the Royal Zoute Golf Club were worth the trip alone. We will gladly repeat them when the course has recovered from the drought of the past months and presents itself in a greener state. Then its real character will certainly come to the fore even more; the quality of the greens and bunkers already convinced us during our first visit. We are already looking forward to this, as well as to the overnight stay in the beautiful clubhouse, to the great gastronomic offering and to the warm friendliness which we received in all areas in one of the leading Belgian golf clubs. Le Zoute – we will be happy to come back.
Lexi Thompson triumphs in New York. (Photo: Aramco Team Series)
New York, (October 15, 2022): American star Lexi Thompson is back in the winner’s circle after holding her nerve to take the individual title at the Aramco Team Series – New York.
The Ladies European Tour win at Trump Golf Links Ferry Point marks the 27-year-old World Number Four’s first title since the ShopRite LPGA Classic in 2019.
In bright and breezy conditions in New York, Thompson held off the challenge World Number Six Brooke Henderson and Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom on Saturday with a final round of 69 to finish three shots clear on eleven-under-par.
Starting the final round two shots clear, Thompson took advantage of an early Korda bogey to birdie her first hole and build an early cushion that she maintained all day. Thompson’s putter remained hot all week and four birdies on the friendlier back nine eased her away from a chasing pack.
“I came into today just the way I played yesterday, just playing aggressive golf, and being kind of fiery,” she said.
“I hit a great shot on No. 1 to like six, seven feet and made it and I wanted to play fearless golf and not play away from pins by any means and commit to my shots. I hit some really good ones and I hit some iffy ones but with this wind and everything, you have to take the bad ones as best you can.”
Thompson’s win, with her brother on her bag this week, comes off the back off several top tens this year with the hard work off the course paying off for the Floridian.
“I’ve been working extremely hard on my game. I felt like it was a matter of time but just wanted to play golf and put myself in contention in the final rounds and learn from the losses that I had and what I needed to work on which I brought into today.”
Brooke Henderson, making her Aramco Team Series debut, found her best form of the week in the final round to make a late charge with a flurry of late birdies on the back nine in conditions that suited the supreme ball-striker. The Canadian carded a round of 68 for a tie of second on eight-under-par with Sagstrom.
“I feel like I was just trying to make some birdies and climb as much as I could,” said the two-time major winner.
“I was happy to shoot 4-under out there in the wind. I feel like my game is in a good spot which is exciting leading into the rest of the LPGA season in a few weeks and hopefully I can finish strong because it’s been a really fun year.”
Nelly Korda was bidding for back-to-back Aramco Team Series wins but three bogeys on her front nine stalled her progress. The World Number 4 unsurprisingly battled back, coming home in 33 shots with three birdies for a round of 72 and fourth place (-7).
“It was very frustrating start to the day – very odd on the front nine, said Korda. “I just didn’t feel like myself. But then got it going on the back nine and I finished strong. It was a good confidence boost. It’s really nice to see Lexi win and it’s really good for golf for her to win as well. She played really solid golf and she’s been playing really solid golf this year. It was just around the corner,” she added.
Madelene Sagstrom was frustrated to not get over the line today but admitted it was nice to be back in contention in a big tournament playing alongside Thompson and Korda in the final group.
“We all come out here to try and win,” she said. “That’s what the mindset was coming in for the week. I haven’t really been in this kind of situation for a while, so it’s nice to be back. I think every time we play with top players, it makes you a little better. Playing with them and being comfortable and being in that situation is always good.”
The Aramco Team Series reaches its 2022 climax next month for the final event of the year in Jeddah at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.
Johanna Gustavsson of Sweden, Jessica Karlsson of Sweden, Karolin Lampert of Germany and Jennifer Rosenberg. (Credit: Ladies European Tour)
Thompson & Korda set for Saturday head-to-head at Trump Golf Links
Team Gustavsson have swept to an impressive victory in the team competition at the Aramco Team Series – New York on the Ladies European Tour.
Swedish skipper Johanna Gustavsson led a quartet at Trump Golf Links that included Jessica Karlsson, Karolin Lampert and New York college star Jennifer Rosenberg who took advantage of perfect conditions to finish on 23-under-par.
The winners held off late challenges in the $500,000 team event, from a host of international talent, to mark first LET victories for Gustavsson and Karlsson.
“It’s a win and it’s a team win and it’s just great to celebrate with the others and have this kind of experience,” said Gustavsson. “The joy of winning is so much better when you share it as well. It’s just been great and having Jennifer with us, she’s got a bright future, turning pro soon, and I think we’ll see her again”.
It was back-to-back wins for Karolin Lampert who also was part the winning team at last year’s Aramco Team Series – New York at Glen Oaks Golf & Country Club.
Runners up in the team competition was Team Hewson (-21) with Team Maguire (-19) and Team Babnik (-19) in third respectively.
In the second round of the individual competition World Number eight Lexi Thompson made the most decisive move, showing her class on Friday with a round of 65 to finish on eight-under-par – a slim one shot lead heading into the final day tomorrow. Thompson’s round included five birdies and an eagle with the American star’s putter red hot in the New York sunshine.
Thompson said: “It was a great day out there. We couldn’t have asked for better weather compared to yesterday and it was obviously a little softer due to the rain. It’s a tough track and it can get windy – so you just have to take advantage of the easier holes.”
A victory would mark the 27-year American’s first professional win since the ShopRite LPGA Classic in 2019.
“All I can focus on is my game and my emotions, so I’ll just try and take that into tomorrow,” added Thompson. “I’m sure I have to come out and play my A Game. But all I can focus on is my game and my emotions.”
Just one behind is tournament headliner and World Number 4 Nelly Korda who was another to stamp her authority on the Ferry Point Links. A round of 67 included four birdies and an eagle to finish on seven-under-par. Korda is aiming for back-to-back wins on the Aramco Team Series – a format she is becoming increasingly dominant at.
Chasing Thompson and Korda is Madelene Sagstrom (-5) and World Number Six Brooke Henderson (-4.)
“I’m just going to try to stay aggressive and I need to get the putter a little bit hotter, so hopefully that will help me tomorrow,” said Sweden’s Sagstrom. “A win would mean the world to me, and I’m going to go out there and give myself a good chance.”
Saturday’s final day of play will see only the lowest scoring 60 players and ties from the opening two days return to the course to battle it out for a share of another $500,000, this time in individual earnings.
About the Aramco Team Series
The Aramco Team Series is the first team event series of its kind on any professional tour. Part of the Ladies European Tour it takes place across four continents, the tournaments will see the world’s best players team up with amateur golfers to compete for a $1M prize funds.
Using a unique draft system, team captains will pick one pro teammate, before being allocated a third via a random draw. Completing each team will be one amateur golfer. As well as competing for the team trophy, the professionals will also vie for an individual title, offering Rolex Rankings and Solheim Cup ranking points, and will be part of the Race to Costa del Sol Official Rankings.
Jeddah hosts the final regular event of the 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Series this week. Teams are earning their final points before the LIV Team Championship, which takes place in Miami in two weeks. From a team perspective, Brooks Koepka’s Smash GC is doing well in Jeddah, sharing the lead with Garcia’s Fireballs. The team captain himself is making a big contribution with the singles lead.
Click here for the leaderboard of the LIV Golf Event in Jeddah. Brooks Koepka will be looking to challenge for his first LIV Golf Series victory with a flawless performance. His round of 62 is by far the best score he has signed in his previous LIV tournaments. That gives him a three-stroke lead over six players sharing second place, including Sergio Garcia. Previously, a ninth-place finish was Koepka’s best final result on the LIV Tour. His “Smash” team, ranked 8th in the season standings, also needs a few more points to reach the Team Championship. Koepka’s brother Chase contributes to the team score on T11 with a -3, as does Peter Uhilein.
LIV Golf: Bernd Wiesberger with unlucky finish
Bernd Wiesberger starts strong into the penultimate tournament of the season, but had bad luck in the finish. Starting on hole 9, he didn’t let an opening bogey get him down, where he got caught in the rough, and recovered the shot right at the 10th. The Austrian held at even par until just before the end of his round, when he began a fantastic final spurt that was, however, undone by two final bogeys. A birdie on the second hole was followed by an eagle on hole 4, immediately followed by another stroke gain. His final stroke losses dropped him to a share of 19th place.
Martin Kaymer, who is T30 after the first round, experienced ups and downs in his round but came out just one shot under par in the end. In the team standings, things are not looking so good for Kaymer’s Cleeks after last week’s podium finish. Only Richard Bland is one stroke better than the team captain, plus Graeme McDowell’s even-par round. Together they are only good enough for the last place in the team ranking after the first round.
Former NFL stars Eddie Royal and Brice Butler playing at the Aramco Team Series in New York. (photos: Getty)
The football stars join the team competition over the event’s first two days as the unique tournament format sees each four-player team including three professional golfers and they will be the team’s one amateur. Each team’s best two scores per hole count toward the team total, so each of the four team members can contribute to the team’s chances at a share of the $500,000 prize fund. The individual competition for the pro golfers spans the three days of the event, with the three-day total scores determining the leaderboard and chance at the share of the $500,000 individual prize.
During their NFL careers, the trio of wide receivers in Tate, Royal and Butler combined to score 83 touchdowns, while on the defensive side Green grabbed 25 interceptions and returned three for touchdowns.
Speaking ahead of participating in the LET event with the world’s top women golfers, former 11-year NFL pro and Super Bowl champion Golden Tate shared: “As a competitor, I always look forward to competing. Getting a chance to compete with the best ladies in the world is extra special. Hopefully I can do my part to help our team win. Competing and having fun is what it’s all about for me.”
He shared advice for girls who hope to become professionals in golf or other sports, “Continue to play and enjoy the process. Enjoy the ups and downs because the ups and downs are what build character and that’s how you get through those low moments. Preparing you for when those lights are shining on you or when you have that opportunity. You may get one chance, you might get five chances – you just want to be prepared to maximize that opportunity.”
Tate on his preparation for golf versus football, “The prep has been done for years now for golf. The practice and repetitions – football is week to week with game plans and figuring out how to beat your opponent. The game of golf is you versus the course really.”
Speaking ahead of his first round of the Aramco Team Series – New York, six-year NFL proBrice Butler said, “Just having fun with the ladies. It’s always fun playing with ladies because as a football player, you look at other people as not as physically gifted as you because maybe they’re not as big. They’re about to be out there hitting the the ball as far as me, hitting greens in reg, hitting fairways. It’s going to be fun – I’m playing with Lexi Thompson, it’ll be great to play with a great golfer out there.”
Butler shared advice for girls who aspire to become professional athletes, “Keep grinding. There are always going to be naysayers. The confidence lies within. All you need is your confidence and your grind. It’s almost like a psychotic sense of you’re going to make it regardless of what happens. If you do that, and you work hard – obviously there’s going to be some cookies that fall the way you don’t want them to fall but you gotta pick them up and eat them.”
Butler went on to discuss preparing for a golf tournament versus an NFL game ahead of Aramco Team Series – New York, “[In a] Football game I’m very confident because I know my skills and capabilities. I was doing it for a long time. This game of golf I’ve only been playing for six years, so I’m basically a baby in the game. The mind is scrambled, this mind is real scrambled [going in].” The Ladies European Tour event features 78 golfers with several of the world’s top pros including no. 4 ranked Nelly Korda, no. 6 Brooke Henderson, no. 8 Lexi Thompson, no. 14 Jessica Korda, no. 18 Charley Hull and no. 19 Leona Maguire with a $1M prize purse.
Manon De Roey takes the lead at the New York event on the LET.
New York, (October 13, 2022): The world’s top golfers battled the elements in challenging conditions at the opening round of the Aramco Team Series – New York. Belgium’s Manon De Roey overcame the wind and rain in the Big Apple to take the early lead in the individual event at Trump Golf Links on the Ladies European Tour (LET).
LET: “I’m very pleased with my score today” – De Roey claims a good start in New York
De Roey, who clinched her first LET title winning at the Aramco Team Series – Bangkok earlier this season, was flawless with a bogey-free round of 68 to finish on four-under-par. Only four players at Trump Golf Links were able to shoot under par with better conditions expected for Friday and Saturday for a course favoring the long hitters.
“I’m very pleased with my score today,” said De Roey.
“It was tough out there. We had some rain, strong winds and just tried to keep it together for the team as well – being bogey-free today which is nice. I knew today was going to be tricky but I think for the next few days it’s going to be sunny and 19 degrees, so I’m looking forward to that. It can only get better from today, so I’m looking forward to it,” added the Belgian 30-year-old.
De Roey is in fourth place on the LET’s Race to Costa Del Sol standings with a good showing in New York contributing to valuable points with just three tournaments to go in the 2022 season.
Nelly Korda, champion at the last Aramco Team Series event in Spain, sits behind De Roey after a two-under par round of 70. The American world number 4 showed her class in the wind on her back nine – with her team of Noora Homulainen, Celine Herbin and amateur James Rawson in the mix in the team event also in second place.
“The weather wasn’t that great so we were all saving each other and thankfully we all had each other’s back,” said Korda. “We played pretty well today. It was pretty windy and then it started kind of raining toward the start of our back nine and it stopped around on the 14th and the wind died”.
Talented 18-year-old rising star Pia Babnik joins Korda on two-under with four birdies and just the one bogey on her second hole in a controlled round of golf.
“I tried to really keep my ball flight much lower in the wind – I definitely needed to make some adjustments,” said Babnik.
LET: Team Leona Maguire leads the team event
Team Leona Maguire leads the way in two-day team competition on 11-under-par alongside Liz Young, Tvesa Malik and former NFL star Golden Tate – winner of Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seattle Seahawks.
Irish star Maguire said: “It’s a good test out there and was playing long with lots of woods and hybrids needed. It will be a little kinder tomorrow and we can make plenty of birdies to keep it going.”
Team Pelaez Trivino are just one back led by captain Ana Pelaez, Nicole Garcia, Emma Grechi and amateur Michael Singer.
“It’s really important to be patient around this course and because sometimes you’re not going to hit the best shot and you’re not going have the best bounce and stuff like that,” said Pelaez.
Native New Yorker Annie Park enjoyed her day on the links and first experience of the unique team and individual event.
“This is my first time playing at this golf course and it felt like I was in Scotland today with the golf course and the weather. This is such an individual sport, and to have a little bit a team aspect into it, I think it’s fantastic with a lot on the line which is individual and team.”
There is a new format this year for the Aramco Team Series where the teams will compete over only 36 holes – the Thursday and Friday of the tournament – with $500,000 prize-money being split between the lowest scoring fourballs. Saturday’s final day of play will see only the lowest scoring 60 players and ties from the opening two days return to the course to battle it out for a share of another $500,000, this time in individual earnings.
Preview for the Aramco Team Series Event in New York. (Photo: Aramco)
The stage is set for the Aramco Team Series – New York tournament to tee off on Thursday with the world’s top stars of women’s golf at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point in the Bronx, New York. The Ladies European Tour event features 78 golfers with several of the world’s top pros including no. 4 ranked Nelly Korda, no. 6 Brooke Henderson, no. 8 Lexi Thompson, no. 14 Jessica Korda, no. 18 Charley Hull and no. 19 Leona Maguire with a $1M prize purse.
Speaking to the media in New York on Wednesday, Nelly Korda commented: “We play so many events on the LPGA Tour, it’s nice to switch it up for a team aspect. It’s very different and it’s fun. Throughout the season, competing and traveling gets a little tiring. It’s a breath of fresh air having a team and doing a little something different throughout the season.”
Lexi Thompson shared the following on Wednesday on the setting for Aramco Team Series – New York 2022: “It’s an amazing golf course and it’s in great shape. I got to play about 14-15 holes yesterday. Besides the traffic in New York, everything is great. To take on this golf course, keep it in the fairways. There’s some fescue out there. It’ll be all weather-dependent as well, if it gets super windy there’s obviously not too much to block it. Keeping a good trajectory on ball flight. It’s in great shape for us.” Regarding the opportunities Aramco Team Series is creating for female golfers, she continued: “It’s amazing what they’re doing. As an athlete of any sport, we want to grow our game and our sport individually. What they’re doing with golf and giving other girls an opportunity to bring out their best is great. They’re very grateful for this opportunity.”
Brooke Henderson shared her excitement this week on her first visit to New York City: “First time for me in actual New York City, which is hard to believe as I’m only a seven-and-a-half-hour drive from here, but I’ve never experienced the city. I was able to walk around Central Park a little bit, so I’m enjoying the hustle and bustle and the craziness. It’s all very exciting.”
On Tuesday evening, the players gathered for the Aramco Team Series – New York team draw where 26 captains selected their teams for the tournament. The event features a unique scoring system, allowing an amateur player to contribute to the final result of the Ladies European Tour event as the competition features individual and team champions vying for the $1M prize. The team event covers the first two rounds, with individuals making the cut for a chance at the individual title on day three.
Headlining teams following the draw include the below and the full tee times list is available here
Team N. Korda: Nelly Korda, Noora Komulainen, Celine Herbin
Team Henderson: Brooke Henderson, Christine Wolf, Linda Wessberg
Team Thompson: Lexi Thompson, Kelly Whaley, Laura Fuenfstueck
Team J. Korda: Jessica Korda, Jillian Hollis, Kylie Henry
Team Hull: Charley Hull, Laura Davies, Julia Engstrom
Team Maguire: Leona Maguire, Liz Young, Tvesa Malik
Tickets are available from just $5 for adults and are free for kids under 16 years-old. To secure tickets or to find out more, visit www.aramcoteamseries.com or follow the event on social media @aramco_series.
These two all-encompassing Cleveland Golf sets, alongside the brands’ Junior set are available now and represent the perfect Christmas gift for any budding golfers in your friends or family circle.
“These three package sets are ideal for beginner and intermediate golfers of all ages, providing them with all the technology and forgiveness they require to get the most out of their game,” commented Joe Miller, Product Expert at Cleveland Golf Europe. “As a company we strive to make products that ultimately make the game more enjoyable and our package sets do exactly that!”
Men’s complete set:
Take your game up a few notches with the Men’s Complete package set with clubs developed with distance and forgiveness at the forefront of its design. This 10-piece set includes, titanium driver 10.5* & #5 fairway, #5 hybrid, 6 iron – SW and putter along with a full-feature stand bag and driver, fairway, hybrid and putter headcovers
(Photo: Cleveland Golf)
Ladies bloom set:
The new Bloom all-in-one, 9-piece set features lightweight, distance driven technology that was specifically engineered for the beginner and intermediate female golfer.
Bloom 14* Driver – A large and forgiving head shape combined with high loft and a low center of gravity make the new Bloom driver both longer and straighter off the tee. Bloom #5 Fairway Wood – A low center of gravity creates ideal launch conditions to hit the ball high and land it soft with new Bloom fairway woods. Bloom #5 Hybrid – Bloom Hybrids are versatile clubs that can help players of all skill levels. The unique design gives the accuracy of an iron, the distance of a wood, and a high launching trajectory for increased forgiveness and distance.
Bloom SW-7 Irons – Designed with advanced lightweight technology. Bloom Irons feature a forgiving cavity-back design and a responsive face for maximum distance. Bloom Putter – With a traditional, confidence-inspiring look of the classic 10i, the Bloom Putter makes it easy to line up and the perimeter weighting promotes consistency on the green. Bloom Max Cart Bag – The Bloom Max Cart Bag features a stylish 8 pocket design. This functional bag is perfect for your full set that incorporates a lightweight, classic design with convenient pocket placement.
Junior package set:
Cleveland Golf’s Junior Sets make it easy for youngsters to grow into a game they can enjoy for a lifetime. With three different optimised set options, ranging from a three-piece set for juniors aged 4-6 to a seven-piece set for ages 10-12, each junior club features similar technology found in Cleveland Golf’s standard equipment. Carry bag is also included.
Large Set – 7-piece set suits juniors aged 10-12 or 137cm – 160cm tall. Includes: Driver (18°), Fairway (22°), Hybrid (28°), 7 & 9 Iron, Wedge (56°), Putter Medium Set – 6-piece set suits juniors aged 7-9 or 111cm – 135cm tall. Includes: Driver (18°), Hybrid (28°), 7 & 9 Iron, Wedge (56°), Putter Small Set – 3-piece set suits juniors aged 4-6 or 91cm – 110cm tall. Includes: Fairway (22°), 7 Iron, Putter
(Photo: Cleveland Golf)
Retail Information and Pricing:
Cleveland Golf Package Set – Available with graphite and steel shafts. RH only. 10-piece graphite shafted set + bag – £999 / €1,099 / CHF 1,199 / SEK 11,149 10-piece steel shafted set + bag – £899 / €999 / CHF 1,099 / SEK 10,149 Bloom Set – RH only. 9-piece set + bag – £949 / €1,049 / CHF 1,149 / SEK 10,649 Junior Set – RH only. Small Set £179 / €219 / CHF 239 / SEK 2,229 – Medium Set £279 / €349 / CHF 389 / SEK 3,549 – Large Set £349 / €419 / CHF 459 / SEK 4,249 Retail Launch Date: October 1st 2022.
