Catriona Matthew captained Europe to victory twice at the Solheim Cup. (Photo: Getty)
The captain of the winning Solheim Cup team, Catriona Matthew, was awarded for her achievements as a player and captain.
Catriona Matthew has been honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG). The Scot received the award for her achievements in her long career as a player and captain.
Catriona Matthew: “Very prestigious”
The Lifetime Achievement Award, which was introduced in 2011, has been given to Seve Ballesteros (posthumously), Alison Nicholas, Bernhard Langer and José María Olazábal, among others. “It is very prestigious to be following on from these fantastic names” commented Matthew, as she received the award at her home club, The North Berwick Golf Club. “I am delighted and honoured to be given this award. It is fantastic recognition for how I have played and performed over the years.”
The 52-year-old has had a successful career on the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour, and recorded her greatest success of her singles career in 2009 when she won the British Women’s Open. As a player on the European Solheim Cup team, Matthew claimed victory over her American counterparts on three occasions. Most recently, the four-time LPGA Tour winner captained the women’s continental competition in 2019 and 2021, leading Europe to victory each time.
“We are delighted to be able to recognise Catriona with this award for the significant achievements she has had as a player and more recently as a captain” commented CPG Chief Executive, Ian Randell. “This year’s Solheim Cup success for Europe was one of, if not the, highlight of the golfing year and Catriona’s leadership of a team that contained 8 different nationalities from across Europe was truly outstanding. The fondness and respect that Catriona commands across the game is there for all to see and I could not think of a more deserving recipient of this year’s award.”
The European Challenge Tour has today announced a record-breaking global schedule for the 2022 season which will see the Road to Mallorca’s total prize fund surpass the €8,000,000 mark for the first time. The first 20 players will earn DP World Tour cards for the 2023 season.
The 2022 Road to Mallorca will consist of 31 tournaments staged across three continents in 18 different countries.
It includes a return to Scotland for the first time in four years when the Farmfoods Scottish Challenge supported by The R&A takes place in the final week of May. The event, which will be held in association with 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie, will be the first of 19 tournaments in consecutive weeks where the Road to Mallorca will weave through 15 countries and end in France, from September 29 – October 2.
The comeback of the Road to Mallorca to China in the Challenge Tour Schedule 2022.
The Challenge Tour also returns to China for the first time since 2019 with back-to-back events, including the Foshan Open, where players will be given a final chance to earn their spot in the season-ending Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by The R&A.
The Grand Finale of the Challenge Tour 2022 takes another bite from the venue of 2021.
The finale of the 2022 Road to Mallorca will return to Club de Golf Alcanada, the setting for the 2019 Grand Final, where the top 45 players on the Road to Mallorca Rankings will compete for one of 20 life changing DP World Tour cards for the 2023 season. The top five graduates will also receive the John Jacobs Bursary, announced last month as part of DP World’s title partnership of the European Tour group’s main Tour.
The 2022 schedule includes seven co-sanctioned events with the Sunshine Tour, including a maiden visit to Tanzania for the Mount Kilimanjaro Klassic at Kilimanjaro Golf & Wildlife Estate with Tanzania set to become the 52nd country to stage a Challenge Tour event.
Jamie Hodges, Head of Challenge Tour about the 2022 schedule:
“I am incredibly proud to unveil our schedule for the 2022 Road to Mallorca season, which boasts the biggest total prize fund since the Challenge Tour’s inception in 1989.”
“This expansive global schedule would not be possible without the incredible support of our promoters, national federations and tournament sponsors, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank them.
“We are also very grateful for the commitment of Rolex and The R&A, as well as DP World through their title partnership of the DP World Tour, all of which has helped us raise prize funds and increase playing opportunities for our members, further strengthening the Challenge Tour’s reputation as the perfect platform for players to achieve global success.”
The full 2022 Road to Mallorca International Schedule:
Date
Tournament
Venue
February 10-13
Dimension Data Pro-Am
Fancourt Golf Estate, George, South Africa
February 17-20
Bain’s Whisky Cape Town Open
Royal Cape GC & Rondebosch GC, Cape Town, South Africa
February 24-27
Jonsson Workwear Open
Durban CC & Mount Edgecombe CC, Durban, South Africa
March 3-6
Manguang Open
Bloemfontein Golf Club and Schoeman Park Golf Club, Bloemfontein, South Africa
March 24-27
SDC Open
Zebula Golf Estate & Spa and Elements Private Golf Reserve, Limpopo, South Africa
March 31 – April 3
Limpopo Championship
Euphoria Golf & Lifestyle Estate and Koro Creek Bushveld Estate, Limpopo, South Africa
April 7-10
Mount Kilimanjaro Klassic
Kilimanjaro Golf & Wildlife Estate, Arusha, Tanzania
May 5-8
Challenge de España
TBC
May 12-15
Czech Republic Event Confirmed
TBC
May 26-29
Farmfoods Scottish Challenge supported by The R&A
Newmachar GC, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
June 2-5
Czech Republic Event Confirmed
TBC
June 9- 12
Spain Event Confirmed
TBC
June 16-19
Czech Republic Event Confirmed
TBC
June 23-26
Open de Bretagne
Golf Bluegreen de Pléneuf Val André, Pléneuf, France
June 30-July 3
Italian Challenge
TBC
July 7-10
Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge
Golf PGA France du Vaudreuil, Le Vaudreuil, France
July 14-17
Euram Bank Open
GC Adamstal, Ramsau, Austria
July 21-24
Big Green Egg German Challenge powered by VcG
Wittelsbacher Golfclub, Neuburg an der Donau, Germany
July 28-31
Irish Challenge
TBC
August 4-7
Vierumäki Finnish Challenge
Vierumäki Resort, Vierumäki, Finland
August 11-14
Made in Frederikshavn Challenge
Frederikshavn Golfklub, Denmark
August 18-21
Dormy Open
Österåkers Golfklubb, Stockholm, Sweden
August 25-28
Indoor Golf Group Challenge
Allerum Golfklubb, Helsingborg, Sweden
September 1-4
B-NL Challenge Trophy by Hulencourt
Hulencourt, Genappe, Belgium
September 8-11
English Trophy
TBC
September 15-18
Open de Portugal at Royal Óbidos
Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort, Vau Óbidos, Portugal
September 22-25
Swiss Challenge
Golf Saint Apollinaire, Folgensbourg, France
September 29 – October 2
France Event Confirmed
Golf International de Pont Royal, Mallemort, France
October 13-16
China Event Confirmed
TBC
October 20-23
Foshan Open
Foshan GC, Guangdong, China
November 3-6
Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by The R&A
Club de Golf Alcanada, Port d’Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
As part of the new agreement, the Hawaii-based brand, Maui Jim, not only renowned for their superior lens technology and premium collections. But also, it will supply eyewear to DP World Tour staff working at events across the world.
Benefiting from global marketing rights as well as an onsite presence at several tournaments throughout the season. The agreement will also enable Maui Jim to further engage with golf fans around the world across traditional news media and digital platforms.
Besides being the Official Eyewear Supplier to the DP World Tour, Maui Jim will also become the Official Eyewear Supplier to two Rolex Series events each season. The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club in the UK, and the season-ending DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai.
The brand is already a familiar site in professional golf, with brand ambassadors including professionals such as Miguel Angel Jimenez and Jorge Campillo.
About Maui Jim
Invented more than 30 years ago to combat the harsh rays of the Hawaiian sun. All Maui Jim sunglasses cut 100 percent of harmful UV rays and 99.9 percent of glare from above, below and behind each lens.
Maui Jim’s PolarizedPlus2® lenses increase definition and depth perception. This is particularly important for golf, and can be found in a wide variety sport and casual styles for both men and women.
Martijn Van Eerde – Senior Director, Marketing EMEA & APAC of Maui Jim.
“We take great pride in the renewal of our partnership. In 2019 we boosted our presence in golf by becoming official supplier of the Tour. A relationship that quickly proved to work very well. Therefore, we immediately saw a great fit between our teams and culture. The pandemic of course abruptly interrupted progress. However, now we feel very fortunate to be able resume our joint efforts with this milestone agreement.
Golfers around the world, as well as many working in and around the sport, can benefit greatly from using our products and technology. We look forward to working with the European Tour group across the DP World Tour. As well as to further develop that potential alongside our efforts in tennis, Formula 1, SailGP and of course Manchester United partnerships.”
Max Hamilton – Commercial Director at the European Tour group.
“We’re delighted to welcome Maui Jim as our Official Eyewear Supplier. Also excited to see their products in use by our teams across the world during the new DP World Tour season. The brand is premium, high tech, and globally minded. Therefore, this partnership felt like a perfect fit for both parties. We look forward to promoting the brand to golf fans through a series of digital and tournament specific activations.”
Press Release by European Tour Group Communications
Just under ten months after being seriously injured in a car accident, Tiger Woods has confirmed his participation in the PGA Tour’s upcoming family tournament, the PNC Championship. Tiger will play in with his son Charlie. At the time, the 45-year-old Woods suffered serious leg injuries and his comeback to the Tour was far from becoming a reality.
PNC Championship kept Woods’ tournament place free
In mid-November, Tiger Woods reported back via Instagram with a swing video and wrote that he was “making progress“. More and more swing videos came after that and, in mid-November, the news suprised the fans once again for good. Tiger Woods and his son Charlie would count with a spot in the limited tournament field of the PNC Championship. As host of the Hero World Challenge, the 15-time major winner also showed up on the driving range several times. Contrary to the previous videos, the social media witnessed Tiger hitting his driver. That is for sure one way to know that the grind continues.
During an interview, he confirmed that he plans to return to professional golf, but ruled out a full-time comeback on the PGA Tour. “I think it’s realistic to play on the Tour one day. Never full-time again, but just selectively, like Mr [Ben] Hogan did. You pick a few events a year and play around them.” Tiger explained. It was an “unfortunate reality” but one that he understood and accepted.
Tiger concludes a challenging year
After a long healing process, Woods finally decided to make his comeback to the golf stage at the PNC Championship, a family tournament in Florida. The 45-year-old shared his decision on Twitter. Woods said that although it has been a “challenging year” for him, he is “excited to end it by playing in the PNC Championship.” Also, he added that he will be playing the tournament as a “Dad and he couldn’t be more excited and proud.” His teammate Bryson DeChambeau as well as many other fellow golfers also wanted to show happiness for Tiger’s great news.
Matti Schmid has become the second German to be crowned Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year, after Martin Kaymer in 2007. Also following a breakthrough season during which the 24-year-old secured his status for the DP World Tour in 2022 just three months after turning professional.
The same year Schmid also earned the Silver Medal as the leading amateur at the Open Championship in July, turning professional directly after his performance at Royal St George’s and instantly going on to prove his worth in the paid ranks.
Matti Schmid, who also claimed a top 15 finish as an amateur at the BMW International Open in June, made the cut in his first two professional appearances on the European Tour. He really made his mark with a runner up finish at September’s Dutch Open, finishing three strokes back from winner Kristoffer Broberg.
That went a long way in securing his status for the 2022 season, before a top ten finish at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, and a tied eleventh place finish at the Mallorca Golf Open rubber-stamped his membership. Schmid finished 114th in the final Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex.
Matti Schmid continues to accomplish goals.
Schmid becomes just the second German to be crowned Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year after being selected by the Tour’s Tournament Committee. In 2007, Kaymer claimed the prestigious award before going on to become a World Number One golfer, two-time Major Champion and Ryder Cup legend.
“It feels incredible to be named the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year for 2021,” said Schmid. “It was a very intense year, but I am delighted with my start to life as a professional.
“To win the Silver Medal at The Open Championship was a very special achievement but going out into the professional ranks is a different challenge. I think that I am capable to compete at the very highest level which gives me the confidence for the future.
“To secure my card on the DP World Tour in just seven starts is something I am proud of and to win this award is just a wonderful bonus and a nice reward for the hard work I have put in.”
Keith Pelley, the European Tour group’s Chief Executive Officer.
“I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Matti for being selected as the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.
“It was clear from his record as an amateur and his performance at the 2021 Open Championship that Matti Schmid is a special talent, but to come out and perform as he did in his first few outings in the professional ranks proves that he is surely destined for big things.
“Many great players from Germany have graced our Tour down the years and to join Martin Kaymer as the only other German to win this award is a special achievement. We look forward to following Matti’s progress.”
David Howell, Chairman of the Tournament Committee
“I would like to congratulate Matti, on behalf of the Tournament Committee, for his wonderful performance in the 2021 season which made him a worthy winner of the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year Award.
“The transition from amateur to professional golfer can be a daunting one at times and his Silver Medal award at the Open Championship could have increased the pressure on him, but he handled it incredibly and proved straight away that this is where he belongs.
“Matti clearly has a great golf game and a strong mentality to boot, so I have no doubt he will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. I look forward to seeing him out on Tour.”
Press Release by the European Tour Group Communications
The European Tour group’s Golf for Good raised a total of £125,000 for UNICEF through its season-long ‘Every Birdie Counts’ campaign. The campaign, supporting UNICEF’s work as part of the COVAX Facility, raised sufficient funds to help the children’s charity. The did so by delivering 50,000 vaccines to some of the world’s most vulnerable and hardest-to-reach nations.
‘Every Birdie Counts’ is an integral part of the European Tour group’s overarching CSR Programme ‘Golf for Good’ during the 2021 season. Also, it raised a minimum of €1 for UNICEF for every single birdie made during the campaign, with €10 donated for every eagle and €1,000 for every albatross.
DP World Tour Championship boosted up the total.
The season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai gave a significant ‘Birdie Boost’ to those numbers. Then, the European Tour group’s Golf for Good pledged €75 for every birdie made at the final Rolex Series event of the season. This was to mark UNICEF’s milestone 75th anniversary as well as World Children’s Day, which coincided with day three of the prestigious tournament.
There was a total of €77,451 raised prior to the finale at Jumeirah Golf Estates, thanks to 57,641 birdies, 1,681 eagles and three albatrosses across a season which began with January’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
The DP World Tour Championship, meanwhile, yielded 862 birdies and 19 eagles, raising a total of €66,550 in a brilliant week for Collin Morikawa. Morikawa claimed the title in a dramatic fashion, becoming the first American golfer in the history of the DP World Tour to top the season-long rankings.
The European Tour group’s Golf for Good rounded up the total from approximately £121,250 to £125,000. Of course, the full amount will support UNICEF’s work as part of the COVAX Facility, and its aim of delivering three billion vaccines globally.
Supporting the UNICEF work.
UNICEF is leading the end-to-end supply of vaccines, as well as providing tests and treatments, in low-and middle-income countries. For instance, UNICEF focuses the aim to deliver three billion doses of vaccines in 2021 for frontline health workers, social workers, teachers and those at highest risk.
UNICEF
The commitment of Paul Casey with the cause.
Paul Casey, a 15-time DP World Tour winner and UNICEF USA Supporter, said: “It’s unbelievable what the European Tour group and Golf for Good have done. So much is talked about what we do on the golf course, but I don’t think enough is mentioned about what goes on for every community and country we visit.”
“In this case, it’s the global reach – partnering with UNICEF and £125,000 will go so far in assisting UNICEF’s work as part of the COVAX Facility, rolling out COVID-19 vaccines around the world. I couldn’t be more proud. Things like this make me proud of being part of the DP World Tour.”
“As a father, children are my primary focus when it comes to charity. It was World Children’s Day on Saturday during the final tournament, so I think this is very timely. You have a right as a human being to have access to certain things and children are always the most vulnerable. I tip my cap to all of those involved in getting this off the ground.”
The European Tour shows full support with the most vulnerable.
Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour group, said: “We are proud to have partnered with UNICEF in their 75th anniversary year, by supporting their work as part of the COVAX Facility though our ‘Every Birdie Counts’ campaign.”
“As a global tour we committed to supporting communities and worthy causes around the world. Therefore, to that end, this donation is a fitting end to our 2021 Golf for Good campaign. It will provide enough funding to help deliver 50,000 vaccinations to some of the most vulnerable and hardest-to-reach nations on earth.”
“It was also fitting that the ‘Every Birdie Counts’ campaign should finish with such a flourish at an event sponsored by our new tour title partners DP World. They have been supporting UNICEF in the logistics and delivery of the vaccine globally. Our sincerest thanks to UNICEF, DP World and of course all of our players who, through their wonderful golf all season, helped make this happen.”
UNICEF is one step closer to accomplish its mission.
Steven Waugh, Interim Executive Director of the UK Committee for UNICEF said: “If we have learned anything from the coronavirus crisis, it is that our lives are interconnected. COVID-19 does not respect borders. At UNICEF, we know that if we only protect high-income countries, life will not return to normal. If COVID-19 is spreading anywhere, it’s a risk to people everywhere.”
“As part of COVAX, UNICEF is leading the biggest health and logistics operation in history to procure and deliver vaccines. A total of 3 billion vaccines around the world by the end of 2021. In order to achieve this historic mission, we need the help of our supporters and partners.”
“I would like to share my sincere thanks to everyone at the European Tour group, who have helped raised an incredible amount for UNICEF’s work around the world. Your support means that we can help deliver 50,000 vaccinations in low- and middle- income countries around the world.”
Press Release by the European Tour Group Communications Team.
New official reports highlight great golf participation growth across Europe. According to the EGA (European Golf Association) reports, there are currently 10.6 Million golfers playing the sport among The R&A’s European Affiliates and in the EGA members’ markets, a healthy increase from the 7.9 million last monitored for 2016.
Since the pandemic, the sport fans had to get used to follow their favorite sports through the screen. Teams and organizers suffered the hard consequences economically speaking because of the decreasing number of affiliates. However, golf has come out stronger, and the reason is simple – The players are outside, it is easy to keep the social distance at all times, and it reconnects you with the world after a global lockdown.
Golf Participation Growth in Sweden
Markets with a greater proportion of registered golfers include Spain and Sweden (10% independent / 90% registered). “We believe that counting independent golfers together with those who are registered as club members gives a more accurate view of the total number of golfers playing on a full-length course each year and reflects how the sport is being consumed from country to country.” – Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A.
Since 2019, Swedish golf participation increased by 54.6k golfers. Reports situate Sweden 3rd in the leaderboard of countries with the highest number of new registered golfers. Nowadays, there are 600,000 golfers in Sweden and 650 courses. Due to the rapid increment of new participants, the course demand has also grown. This is a gap to cover that could potentially pump up the National federations and Organizations to continue to expand the interest in golf among the Swedish population.
Women’s and Junior Participation – The biggest increment
Regarding women’s golf, there’s also a clear increase in Europe. Only in Sweden, the female participation increased by 27%, which translates into 129,949 new golfers. The sport of golf almost benefit from the global Covid-19 pandemic. Moreover, there’s no denying that this is an unique opportunity to mediatise women’s golf and make more visible the quality among women golfers.
The Swedish are well-known for inculcating sports education in children from an early age. There’s also a reflection of that on the new reports by the R&A. Sweden leads the top of the list of European countries that has increased the number of junior participation. The junior enrolment has risen by 11%, or in other words, 61,839 new kids practice now the sport of golf. Junior participation is specially important because it represents the quarry of the future national teams.
Rory McIlroy commits to Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic.(Getty Images)
Four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy is returning to Emirates Golf Club in January 2022 in a bid to win his third Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic title. McIlroy will be looking to add to his impressive record in Dubai. This will be the second Rolex Series event of the 2022 DP World Tour season.
The Northern Irishman returns at the event for the first time since 2018. Then, he came close to adding to the titles he won in 2009 and 2015. McIlroy finished just one shot behind winner Li Haotong. Rory has an enviable record over the Majlis Course with a further six top-ten finishes in 11 previous appearances.
The 32-year-old has enjoyed many memorable moments in Dubai throughout his illustrious career, winning the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in 2012 and 2015. Furthermore, he topped the season-long DP World Rankings three times – in 2012, 2014 and 2015.
McIlroy adds further star power to an elite field at the 2022 Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic, which includes World Number Two and newly-crowned DP World Rankings winner Collin Morikawa. Also, fellow Major winner and 2017 Dubai Desert Classic winner Sergio Garcia, and defending champion Paul Casey.
About the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic
Slync.io, the logistics technology provider that is revolutionising the way global logistics works, will debut its new title partnership of the iconic event in 2022. This is also the first year the Dubai Desert Classic will climb up to Rolex Series status. Therefore, the event becomes part of the DP World Tour’s premium series of events.
The 2022 Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic will be the second of back-to-back Rolex Series events in the region, following the season-opener in Abu Dhabi. These tournaments in January form part of the traditional ‘Desert Swing’ and attract the sport’s leading players.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to Emirates Golf Club for the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic in 2022.” – McIlroy.
“I have so many wonderful memories from playing in Dubai over the years, and particularly over the Majlis Course. I’ve been able to win twice there. I look forward to coming back to Dubai and aiming to get my hands on that incredible trophy again.”
“As a fan of golf, it’s important that we bring a field that other fans will enjoy.” – Chris Kirchner, Chairman and CEO of Slync.io stated. “Rory is one of my favourite players. I’m thrilled to have him as part of the inaugural title partnership for Slync.io.”
Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic Executive Board welcome their new star McIlroy
Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director, Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic, added: “The addition of Rory McIlroy to an already strong field emphasises the pedigree of this golf tournament. As one of the most talented golfers in the world, he brings plenty of energy and excitement to the historic event. We look forward to seeing Rory battle it out with Collin Morikawa, Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey and others in a truly world-class field at this year’s event.”
Organisers confirmed that general entry to the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic will be free to all over the four days. Corkill continued: “With the UAE set to celebrate its Golden Jubilee… We are delighted to announce that entry will be free for everyone over the duration of the tournament.”
“We made the decision in recognition of this special moment in the UAE’s history. While also giving something back to sports fans near and far. What better way to celebrate than through a truly global sporting event which everyone can enjoy.”
A little bit of history about it…
Founded in 1989, some of golf’s greatest names won the event. Including Major Champions Seve Ballesteros, Ernie Els, Fred Couples, and Jose Maria Olazábal. Also, Mark O’Meara, Tiger Woods, Henrik Stenson, Rory McIlroy, Danny Willett, Sergio Garcia and Bryson DeChambeau.
The winner’s circle over the past 32 years has also featured Ryder Cup stars. Mark James, the inaugural champion in 1989, Eamonn Darcy, Colin Montgomerie, David Howell, Thomas Bjørn, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Rafa Cabrera Bello and Stephen Gallacher.
The tournament is now set for an even brighter future with the support of Slync.io and Rolex.
The golf fanatics keep up with the news that relate to what happens on and off the course. Luckly, October and November brought some happiness not only to the golf fans, but to all the sport lovers. Beginning of October, Tiger Woods was first spotted without a walker after his terrible car accident back in February. Woods has one of the greatest reputations as an athlete and people claim to see him back in action on the golf course.
The recovery progress was always upward and recently, Tiger surprised his Instagram followers by showing himself making a full swing with his club for the first time since the accident. Tiger swinging a short iron to its fullest fueled significant hype and speculation on a return. However, reality goes one step ahead and it often doesn’t match the popular desires.
No reason not to prepare for a few events in the future.
GolfDigest had the opportunity to interview with him and ask him about his future golf career. The popular opinion tended to be optimist but not so much. Many thought that the professional career of The Goat was over, but at the same time all wished otherwise. Tiger Woods announced the exclusive that it would be realistic to think that he could return to compete on the PGA Tour, but on a part-time basis.
The 15-time major winner has previously proved his stregnth by overcoming several back and knee injuries before. Woods stood back up every time after falling, and the American star will not give up now. However, Woods just confirmed that he is taking his foot off the gas in the future and will not attempt to play golf full time ever again.
How Tiger Woods faces the next phases
Practicing correctly is key after the accident. Tiger Woods sees the light at the end of the tunnel, he has come off surgeries before and why not returning to the field once again: “I’ve come off long layoffs and I’ve won or I’ve come close to winning before. I just gotta get to a point where I feel comfortable enough where I can do that again.” – Tiger states in the PGA Press Conference.
The professional golfer knows that there is still a long way ahead to reach full recover. Nevertheless, Woods feels happy to see his unstoppable progress. Although, his physical shape has exponentially improved, he might not be tournament sharp in the sense of he hadn’t played tournaments, but a right practice plan could drive him back to the part-time competition.
The European ladies did it again! They proved once more that women’s golf can get as wild as the men events. Hundreds of people witnessed the Andalucia Spanish Open, and surrounded the fairways of Los Naranjos Golf Course, following their favorite players. The Spanish Open doubled its money prize from the previous year in 2019. The winner, Carlota Ciganda (ESP) pocketed a total of 90,000€. Ciganda started with a round of 70(-2), but she never let the guard down. The Spaniard shot rounds of (70-66-70-67) and took the trophy home with a total of 15-under par, finishing with a birdie on Hole 18 and having all the eyes on her.
Head Vs. Heart.
Carlota Ciganda feels loved at home but always returns to the LPGA Tour.
The Ladies European Tour struggles to offer high monetary rewards due to the lack of external support. The audience increased a little more since LPGA players take part in the Saudi Arabia events in New York that are part of the LET Tour. The sponsorships also reflect the big gap between LET Tour and LPGA.
The women players in Europe find it harder to find sponsors than the American players. The winner, Carlota Ciganda studied in the United States, and as much as she loves her country and to play for Spain, Ciganda remains in the LPGA leaderboards because of the economic benefits, among other things.
The leading players overcame all obstacles to finish on a high note.
Los Naranjos welcomed us with sunny days but yet some strong wind came through during the third round specially. Not to mention the perfomance of one of the referees towards the leading group. He made the time the protagonist instead of the players. Regardless, the scores didn’t show much red numbers except for Jessica Karlsson(SWE) who shot 68(-4), the best Scandinavian score of the day.
The last round started off calm and steady, until the wind picked up again half way through. However, the players faced it as what they are, professionals. Ursula Wikstrom(FIN) played in the second to last group fighting for the podium. Wikstrom had a strong long-distance game throughout the tournament, however her putting was not on her side and it hurt the scores by few strokes. The Finnish golfer finished 4-under par for a 7th position.
The Swedish, Maja Stark was 5-under par after round three, and she slipped into the leading group of the Andalucia Spanish Open. Stark was only 1 shot ahead from the fourth player, the Spaniard Fatima Fernandez Cano. At the end, Stark sped up and finished with a total of -11, only four shots behind the lead, and a 3-shot advantage over the third position. The Spaniard, Fatima finished strong in a 4th place after a great performance. She recently earned the LPGA card, but yet Cano behaves as if she had been competing in the Main Tour for many years now.
Ladies European Tour
Andalucia Costa del Sol – Open de España
Course
Los Naranjos Golf ClubMalaga, Spain
Prize Money
600,000€
Defending Champion
Carlota Ciganda (ESP)
Focus players
Alice Hewson, Felicity Johnson, Gabriella Cowley, Hannah Burke, Maja Stark, Ursula Wikstrom
