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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Scottie Scheffler still out of action

Scottie Scheffler still injured. (Image: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler still injured. (Image: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler, who already missed the PGA Tour’s first tournament of the year with The Sentry, is also withdrawing from the American Express, he announced on Instagram on Monday.

PGA Tour: Scottie Scheffler withdraws from American Express

“After consulting with my medical team, I have made the decision to withdraw from the American Express tournament next week to give my injury more time to heal,” Scheffler said on Instagram.

Scheffler had injured himself on Christmas Day while cooking Christmas dinner on broken glass and had to have surgery on his right hand to remove small pieces of glass. Following the injury, Scheffler’s manager Blake Smith spoke of a recovery period of “three to four weeks”. While Scheffer withdrew from The Sentry, he was still targeting The American Express to start the year at that point.

Instead, the two-time Masters winner is taking some more time to heal and has the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the second signature event of the year, as his next target. It takes place from January 30 to February 2. After an absolute 2024 season in which he earned the title of “Player of the Year” for the third time in a row, it remains to be seen whether Scheffler can continue his dominance on the tour.

Categories
Equipment

TaylorMade Golf presents the new Qi35 series: Revolutionary technology for drivers and irons

The new Qi35 driver family from TaylorMade. (Photo: TaylorMade)
The new Qi35 driver family from TaylorMade. (Photo: TaylorMade)

Moreover TaylorMade Golf announces the release of Qi35 fairway woods and hybrids. Collectively, the family gives golfers of all abilities added levels of versatility, adjustability, and consistent performance with optimised CG projections, high MOI designs, and the addition of loft sleeves in many of the heads.

To unlock another level of performance, the Qi35 driver combines lowered CG projection with maximum MOI resulting in more distance from more of the face.

CG projection is a measurement of the balance point of the head projected onto the face. This metric can help define the inherent launch conditions of the driver. When the ball is struck above that balance point, it is launched higher with less spin for a longer drive. When the ball is struck below that balance point, it creates more spin, lower launch and a shorter drive.

By lowering the balance point and optimising weight in the head, TaylorMade engineers activated a larger area of opportunity on the face for improved launch conditions. These improved launch conditions result in more distance from more of the face for each driver in the Qi35 driver family.

Through interchangeable Trajectory Adjustment System (TAS) weights, the CG projection of Qi35 LS and Qi35 can be further optimised to create the most mass efficient CG adjustments for shot shape and control.

The use of chromium carbon fibre in various parts of the head paired with a fourth generation Carbon Twist Face™ and Infinity Carbon Crown allowed engineers to remove excess weight and apply it farther back to increase MOI in Qi35. The result is a considerable jump in forgiveness creating 13 percent tighter dispersion than Qi10* when the 13-gram weight is in the rear setting. Qi35 Max continues to offer maximum forgiveness with 10K MOI.

Qi35 drivers deliver the ultimate suite of technologies when combining the above features with prior TaylorMade innovations such as Carbon Twist Face, Thru-Slot Speed Pocket™ and a 4° loft sleeve.

The drivers:

  • Qi35: The compromise model that ideally combines performance and forgiveness (from €689).
  • Qi35 Max: Perfect for golfers who need high launch conditions and maximum forgiveness (from €689).
  • Qi35 LS: Low-spin variant for golfers with strong handicaps and precise demands (from €689).
  • Qi35 Max Lite: Ideal for players who want to increase their clubhead speed with an ultra-light design (from €689).
  • Qi35 Designer Series: Exclusive design for players who value performance and aesthetics (from €719).

Fitting Has a New Face with Qi35 SelectFit Heads

To further improve accuracy and efficiency of the fitting process, TaylorMade introduces a groundbreaking technology by creating the first launch monitor enabled fitting heads. For the first time ever, reflective fitting markers are built directly into every Qi35 SelectFit driver face and will be available at all TaylorMade experiential events and retail fitting locations. The built-in fitting markers deliver the most accurate face delivery and impact information
possible allowing fitters to fully optimise the technology of Qi35 drivers exactly to the golfer’s skillset without needing to apply stickers onto the face.

In conjunction with Foresight Sports’ camera-based technology, the reflective fitting markers are tracked by GCQuad or Quad Max launch monitors within the impact interval. Additionally, TaylorMade has provided Trackman clubhead measurements for the most accurate face impact and club delivery data possible. Within the Trackman app, fitters can select the Qi35 head model which will automatically populate the clubhead measurements.

TaylorMade Golf fairway woods and hybrids of the Qi35 family

The new Qi35 fairways from TaylorMade. (Photo: TaylorMade)

Qi35 fairway woods are packed with proven TaylorMade technologies like Twist Face, Thru-Slot Speed Pocket, and an Infinity Carbon Crown. These same technologies made
TaylorMade fairway woods the most played on the PGA TOUR in 2024. All Qi35 fairway woods utilise multi-material construction that optimises mass placement for maximum performance in a way that seamlessly blends form and function.

A New Level of Fitting

Like never before, Qi35 fairway woods allow golfers to unlock another level of optimisation through the incorporation of 4° loft sleeves in all 3 and 5-woods and the Qi35 Tour 7-wood.
At the same time, the Qi35 fairway wood family gives them plenty of different head styles to unlock their full potential with this part of their bag.

The fairway woods: 

  • Qi35: For all-rounders looking for fast ball speeds, great distances and adjustment options (€399).
  • Qi35 Max: Perfect for players who need maximum forgiveness and an easy ball launch (€399).
  • Qi35 Tour: Designed for experienced golfers who prefer compact heads and precise adjustments (€479).
  • Qi35 Max Lite: Ideal for golfers who want to achieve higher swing speeds through an ultra-light design (€399).

The hybrids:

Qi35 hybrids feature multi-material construction consisting of chromium carbon, steel and aluminum to provide golfers consistent performance and versatility from any lie. Qi35 hybrids also utilise optimised CG locations to promote high launch conditions. TSS weights are aligned centre with the CG to enhance energy transfer between the clubface and ball, while also allowing for optimisation of custom swing weights during the assembly process. Qi35 hybrids incorporate proven TaylorMade technologies like Twist Face™ and an ultralightweight Carbon Crown. The Thru-Slot Speed Pocket™ has been engineered to provide consistent face performance in every loft.

  • Qi35: Versatile; for golfers looking for easy loft adjustment and precise gapping (€349).

  • Qi35 Max: Ideal for players who need maximum forgiveness, easy launch and exceptional distance (€349).

  • Qi35 Max Lite: Ultra-light design for increased swing speed (€349).

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Tour Championship changing to a group format?

A change to the Tour Championship format might be in the works. (Photo: Getty)
A change to the Tour Championship format might be in the works. (Photo: Getty)

Schedule: The PGA Tour is considering a change to the tournament format for the Tour Championship. According to US media reports, a bracket solution is being discussed for the season finale at East Lake Country Club, i.e. dividing the field of participants into two groups, which will then play out the champion in stroke play and match play. The current format is controversial among active players, but a format with direct duels would be well received. ‘I’d like to see something the players are excited about and the fans are excited about,’ said Patrick Cantlay, a member of the PGA Tour Policy Board, which has to approve a change. As only the top 30 players of the season or the play-offs are competing in East Lake anyway, the problem that makes a match play format unattractive for standard tournaments would also be obsolete: because no underdogs could fight their way through to the semi-finals or final and then possibly rather unattractive names with low ratings would duel each other at prime time on Sunday.

Categories
Panorama

Lexi Thompson: Proposal in the snow

Boyfriend Max Provost proposing to Lexi Thompson. (Photo: Instagram.com/@lexi)
Boyfriend Max Provost proposing to Lexi Thompson. (Photo: Instagram.com/@lexi)

Private happiness: At the end of May last year, Lexi Thompson announced her extensive retirement from the tournament circuit in order to escape the constant public spotlight and have more time for her personal life. The 29-year-old explained that she wanted to get married and have a family. The first step in this direction has now been taken: In the Canadian ski resort of Whistler, a good hour and a half’s drive from Vancouver, boyfriend Max Provost got down on one knee in front of the eleven-time Tour winner on New Year’s Day and proposed to her. Naturally, Lexi Thompson said yes and posted the emotional moment on Instagram with appropriate comments. The comment bar reads like a who’s who, by the way:

Lexi Thompson’s future plans

The future husband works as a salesman and expert in the field of medical technology and specifically in surgical robotics and has been on Lexi Thompson’s bag at several Pro-Ams. Speaking of the bag: the professional life is not quite over for the 2014 major winner (then Kraft Nabisco Championship, now Chevron Championship). Thompson has always emphasised that she no longer wants to play a full LPGA Tour schedule, but that leaves one or two back doors open. For example, for the 2025 Chevron Championship: ‘Even though it’s a different venue and a different sponsor now, it’s still a memory that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life because I won my first major at that event,’ she said in a recent interview. And: ‘Yes, it’s probably one of the events I have circled in my calendar.’ It will be interesting to see.

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Uncategorized

Expensive Rules Faux Pas: Zalatoris and Davis Play the Wrong Balls

Will Zalatoris (left) and Cameron Davis were penalized for a violation of the golf rules. (Photos: Getty)
Will Zalatoris (left) and Cameron Davis were penalized for a violation of the golf rules. (Photos: Getty)

Will Zalatoris and Cameron Davis made a costly mistake in the final round of The Sentry on the PGA Tour: On hole 15 of the Plantation Course in Hawaii, the two pros accidentally swapped their balls. Both had reached the par 5 in two shots and were positioned just short of the green: Zalatoris still had 34 meters to play, Davis was 44 meters from the hole. However, they mistakenly played the other’s ball. Realizing their mistake before completing the hole, they corrected it by going back to the correct spot and playing their ball from there.

Rules: Playing the Wrong Ball Leads to General Penalty

According to Rule 6.3(c), playing the wrong ball is an offense punishable by two penalty strokes: “In stroke play, the player gets the general penalty (two penalty strokes) and must correct the mistake by continuing play with the original ball by playing it as it lies or taking relief under the Rules” (R&A).

The rule also states that the error must be corrected immediately: If they had teed off on the next hole without correcting the error, disqualification would have been the result: “If the player does not correct the mistake before making a stroke to begin another hole or, for the final hole of the round, before returning their scorecard, the player is disqualified” (R&A).

Penalty Strokes Cost Placings and Prize Money

As they followed the rules correctly and realized their mistake early enough, Davis and Zalatoris finished the tournament in regulation, Will Zalatoris on T26 and Cameron Davis on T13. However, the two penalty strokes had a significant impact on their final positions and therefore also on the prize money. Especially in a tournament with such high prize money, even a few strokes can mean differences of tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. In exact figures, this means that Davis would have received 306,625 dollars more with two strokes less, while Zalatoris missed out on 119,866.67 dollars.

Categories
Highlights Tours

TGL “Boston Common Golf”: Blend of Politics and Bullfrog Emblem

Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Hideki Matsuyama, and Adam Scott make up the Boston Common Golf team. (Photos: TGL Media Hub and Getty)

Boston is one of the most iconic sports cities in the United States, so it’s no surprise that the inaugural season of the high-tech TGL golf league includes a team from this New England hub. Named “Boston Common Golf,” the team is headlined by TGL co-founder Rory McIlroy. No Boston-based sports lineup would be complete without Keegan Bradley, a passionate fan of the Celtics, Red Sox, and New England Patriots. The team is rounded out by Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama. Backing the team financially are the Fenway Sports Group (FSG), pop sensation Niall Horan, and McIlroy himself.

A Touch of Politics

The inclusion of Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott on the roster seems far from coincidental. Both players are members of the PGA Tour’s Transaction Subcommittee, which is negotiating with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). Also on this committee is John W. Henry, principal owner of Fenway Sports Group. The FSG is a key player in the Strategic Sports Group (SSG), which struck a multi-billion-dollar deal with the PGA Tour in January 2024. The SSG features numerous billionaires who own major U.S. sports franchises.

Team Identity

The team’s name pays homage to Boston Common, the first public park in the United States. Appropriately, the logo features a bullfrog—a nod to the Frog Pond located in the heart of Boston Common. According to the team’s official website, the team colors also hold special significance:

“The primary color for Boston Common Golf, Common Green, symbolizes the richness of the sport and city: namely, the abundance of green spaces, the proud Irish heritage, and the walls of Fenway Sports Group’s namesake. Along with Earth White and Navy, the palette includes a pop of vibrant lime green (Boston Volt) to represent a new, modern vision for golf and the vivid digital and dimensional environment in the SoFi Center – TGL’s new tech-forward venue in Palm Beach, Florida.”

 
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Quick Facts About “Boston Common Golf”

Team NameBoston Common Golf
Team MembersAdam Scott (Australia), Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), Keegan Bradley (USA), Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)
InvestorsFenway Sports Group (FSG), Niall Horan (Singer), Rory McIlroy
LogoBullfrog with its inflated chest forming a golf ball
Team ColorsCommon Green, Earth White, Navy, and Lime Green

Upcoming Matches

  • January 27, 2025: vs. Jupiter Links GC
  • February 4, 2025: vs. Los Angeles Golf Club
  • February 17, 2025: vs. The Bay Golf Club
  • February 24, 2025: vs. Atlanta Drive GC
  • March 3, 2025: vs. New York Golf Club
Categories
PGA Tour

TGL “Jupiter Links GC”: Tiger’s Team in Signature “Tiger Red”

Jupiter Links GC featuring Tiger Woods, Tom Kim, Kevin Kisner, and Max Homa. (Images: Getty and TGL Media Hub)

The Jupiter Links Golf Club represents the TGL team of co-founder Tiger Woods. Joined by Kevin Kisner, Max Homa, and Tom Kim, Tiger has assembled a dynamic roster of distinctive personalities.

Kevin Kisner, a four-time PGA Tour winner, is known as much for his candid TV appearances with NBC as for his golfing prowess, even though his current form falls short of his peak. Meanwhile, Max Homa, a fan-favorite on social media, is celebrated as one of the most exciting players of the new generation.

Speaking of rising stars, the inclusion of Tom Kim is a testament to Tiger’s eye for talent. The 22-year-old South Korean has already claimed three PGA Tour titles, showcasing his passion and charisma on the course. A standout moment was his role as an emotional leader during the 2024 Presidents Cup, where he electrified crowds with his performances.

Naming and Branding: A Nod to Jupiter and the Sunshine State

Named after Tiger’s hometown of Jupiter, Florida, the team has backing from TGR Ventures (Tiger Woods) and David Blitzer, a prominent investor involved with teams like the Washington Commanders (NFL) and Philadelphia 76ers (NBA).

“The Palm Flag” and “Tiger Red”

The team logo, dubbed the “Palm Flag,” blends beach and golf themes. It features a palm tree and a golf flag, with a segmented flagpole representing the three players who compete in each match. The red circle at the base symbolizes the rising sun on the horizon.

When it comes to colors, the legendary “Tiger Red” is front and center, paying homage to Tiger’s iconic Sunday attire. Complementary tones include midnight blue, sand, and sunrise red, reflecting Jupiter’s coastal charm.

Fast Facts About Jupiter Links GC

Team NameJupiter Links GC
PlayersTiger Woods, Kevin Kisner, Max Homa (USA), Tom Kim (KOR)
InvestorsTiger Woods (TGR Ventures), David Blitzer
LogoPalm Flag
Team ColorsTiger Red, Midnight Blue, Sand, Sunrise Red

Schedule

  • January 14, 2025: vs. Los Angeles Golf Club
  • January 27, 2025: vs. Boston Common Golf
  • February 18, 2025: vs. New York Golf Club
  • February 25, 2025: vs. The Bay Golf Club
  • March 4, 2025: vs. Atlanta Drive GC
Categories
Uncategorized

PGA Tour Opens Own Production Studios

The new PGA Tour studios are located next to the headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo: Getty)
The new PGA Tour studios are located next to the headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Photo: Getty)

Just in time for the start of the 2025 PGA Tour season, the PGA Tour has opened its own state-of-the-art production center in Florida. The PGA Tour Studios will be used to produce a wide range of media content relating to the PGA Tour.

PGA Tour Studios: In-House Media Productions Using Latest Technology

After construction of the production facility was completed in 2022, it opened at the beginning of 2025 following test runs. The three-storey building was constructed next to the PGA Tour Headquarters. It will be the centerpiece of all PGA Tour media productions, including live broadcasts, as well as short-form video, documentary and social media content from the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Champions. It also houses the world’s largest library of golf videos with footage dating back to 1920.

The studio has eight production rooms, seven LED studios with a 270-degree LED display and technical equipment for up to 144 cameras. In addition, there are specialized podcast studios where a radio will be produced from 2026.

Monahan: “A Landmark Step in Golf Media”

The studio will also provide international content such as a new “World Feed” with specific coverage of international players. The aim is to better reach fans worldwide and make golf more attractive to the media: “PGA Tour Studios is a landmark step in golf media, signaling a tangible investment to more deeply connect with our fans through energetic, compelling content that brings them further inside the ropes and closer to their favorite stars”, said PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan.

Rick Anderson, CEO of the PGA Tour, emphasized: “With PGA Tour Studios now live, our team can deliver for fans new, dynamic productions that chronicle the incredible stories of our athletes in a new era of golf media.”

Tiger Woods kicked things off in the studio by reviewing the great moments of his career. He commented on videos and photos of his successes, which are shown on a curved screen.

Categories
Professionals

Rory McIlroy: A Season Between Victories and the Futile Hunt for the 5th Major

Rory McIlroy's 2024 season in review. (Photo: Getty)
Rory McIlroy's 2024 season in review. (Photo: Getty)

A year full of contrasts – characterised by triumphs, setbacks and the eternal dream of the next major title. Rory McIlroy looks back on an eventful season highlighted by great moments on the course and personal turmoil off the fairway.

Rory McIlroy’s majors, personal crises and a missing fifth title

The season got off to a successful start for Rory McIlroy: he made an early statement on the DP World Tour with a victory at the Dubai Desert Classic. Back on the PGA Tour, he showed a different face – not alone, but as part of a well-rehearsed duo. Together with Shane Lowry, he triumphed at the Zurich Classic, a team event that often promises more fun than strategy. But when it came to the play-off, there was no more relaxation: McIlroy’s approach on the 18th hole was accurate to the millimetre and the subsequent putt secured the first PGA title of the season.

But McIlroy’s individual brilliance on the PGA Tour was evident at the Wells Fargo Championship. At Quail Hollow, he secured his fourth title at this tournament and dominated with a flawless final round, which was characterised by two eagles and a spectacular birdie putt on the 15th hole. ‘When Rory is on form, he’s unbeatable,’ said second-placed Xander Schauffele. The victory marked McIlroy’s 26th PGA Tour title – a strong signal ahead of the upcoming majors.

A rocky road to the US Open

But golf remains a game of uncertainties – and 2024 also had some bitter moments in store for McIlroy. The US Open was another chapter in the quest for his fifth major, which has been going on for years. Two shots ahead, only a few holes left to play, the end almost in sight – and yet victory slipped away from him. Two missed putts on the final holes not only left their mark on his score, but also on McIlroy’s expression. His withdrawal without talking to the media spoke volumes.

‘It was incredibly painful,’ admitted McIlroy at a later point after he was ready for interviews again. ‘I could be sitting here with a fifth major title – but I’m not. It stings and that’s something I have to come to terms with.’ At the same time, he looked at the positive aspects of his season: ‘I was incredibly consistent again. I’m proud of that. But the thoughts of the missed opportunities remain.’

Headlines off the fairways too

In addition to his sporting achievements, Rory McIlroy also made headlines off the course in 2024. Active as ‘Player Director’ on the PGA Tour Policy Board since 2022, he became a central figure in the negotiations between the PGA Tour and the controversial LIV Golf League. But the burden grew: ‘It wasn’t what I signed up for,’ McIlroy explained after his surprise resignation in November.

Just a few months later, however, he hinted at a return to the committee after Webb Simpson vacated his seat. ‘I think I can be helpful,’ said McIlroy, who continues to see a united golf world as a goal.

This back-and-forth comes alongside another setback for the Northern Irishman: reports of an impending divorce from his wife Erica Stoll appeared to be weighing on his mind. But in a surprise twist just before the US Open, the separation was withdrawn – a personal birdie putt that put McIlroy back on his feet.

The grand finale in Dubai: a worthy end to the season

The months between the majors were a rollercoaster ride of emotions: From missing the chance to win the Irish Open at home to losing the play-off at the BMW PGA Championship to the season finale, McIlroy experienced highs and lows. This phase, characterised by frustration, culminated in a moment of redemption: the triumph in Dubai.

Like the experienced golfer that he is, McIlroy found his way back to his best form. At the DP World Tour Championship, he left no doubt as to why his name has been at the top of the world’s leaderboards for years. The duel with young Dane Rasmus Højgaard had it all: setbacks, comebacks, and finally a determined McIlroy, who sealed his third title of the tournament and sixth DP World Tour title of the season with a birdie on the 18th hole.

blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”>

That feeling when you win your sixth Race to Dubai title😎🏆#DPWTC | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/ACZjqqLGcz

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 18, 2024

With tears in his eyes, he spoke about the legacy of this victory: ‘Seve was always a role model for me. To catch up with him in the number of wins this season is something I never thought possible.’ For a moment, it was clear that even a player like McIlroy, whose name has long been a legend, is still inspired by the great gestures of the game.

The comparison with Seve Ballesteros emphasises McIlroy’s position in golf. But despite this historic success, there was still one downer: McIlroy’s long search for a fifth major title, which did not lead him to his goal in 2024.

A year full of meaning

Rory McIlroy’s 2024 season was a mixture of extraordinary successes and painful moments. While he equalled Seve Ballesteros and further cemented his place in golf history, the pursuit of more majors remains the drive of a player who is never satisfied. ‘If I had to rate the season, it would probably be an eight out of ten,’ said McIlroy in Dubai. ‘Not perfect, but a solid year.’

Categories
PGA Tour

Scottie Scheffler Withdraws from Season Opener

Scottie Scheffler during the third round of “The Sentry” 2024 in Maui, Hawaii. (Image: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler during the third round of “The Sentry” 2024 in Maui, Hawaii. (Image: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler misses the PGA Tour season opener in Hawaii. The 28-year-old suffered an injury to his right palm while preparing dinner on Dec. 25. Scheffler’s manager, Blake Smith, said in a statement released Friday: “On Christmas Day while preparing dinner, Scottie sustained a puncture wound to the palm of his right hand from a broken glass. Small glass fragments remained in the palm which required surgery. He has been told that he should be back to 100 percent in three to four weeks. Unfortunately, he will have to withdraw from The Sentry.”

The US American will therefore not be able to compete at “The Sentry” in Hawaii, the season opener. The tournament takes place from January 2 to 5 on Maui, a Hawaiian island. The venue is the “Plantation Course at Kapalua” (par 73). Scheffler’s next planned tournament is “The American Express” from January 16 to 19, according to his manager Blake Smith.

Scottie Scheffler and his historic season

Scottie Scheffler has had a memorable 2024 season. He won seven official PGA Tour tournaments, including the US Masters and the Players Championship, where he became the first player ever to successfully defend the title. In August, he won Olympic gold and shed tears at the award ceremony afterwards. Scheffler was also successful in team competitions in 2024. With Team USA, he defeated Team International by 18 1/2 to 11 1/2 points at the Presidents Cup in Canada at the end of September.

As a logical consequence of all this success, Scheffler was voted Player of the Year on the PGA Tour (Jack Nicklaus Award) for the third time in a row. He is also the first player since Tiger Woods in 2009 to spend an entire year at the top of the world rankings.