Bryson DeChambeau has had to deal with several rumours surrounding him recently. (Photo: Getty)
In the past few weeks, various rumours have been circulating about the American Bryson DeChambeau. The offer for a move to the Saudi Golf League is said to have been significantly increased and DeChambeau has announced that he no longer wants to play on the PGA Tour. Last Monday, the Major winner posted a statement in which he tried to clarify his current situation.
Bryson DeChambeau: “This is just another erroneous report”
At the recent Waste Management Phoenix Open, Charley Hoffman caused a stir by getting upset with the PGA Tour via Instagram after the second day. Hofmann collected two penalty strokes for what he considered a correct drop on the water and accused the PGA Tour of a “lack of responsibility” and “lack of protection for players”. Among other pros, Bryson DeChambeau also reacted to Hoffman’s strong criticism and commented that he wholeheartedly agreed. In addition, rumours surfaced that DeChambeau’s offer for a move to the Saudi Golf League had been increased to over $200 million. “That’s just another erroneous report,” the 28-year-old countered the rumour mill surrounding his person.
DeChambeau justifies tour break with injury
Furthermore, it was reported on the golf podcast “No Laying Up” that DeChambeau had apparently said at the Saudi International that he would not play on the PGA Tour again. “The information that I know from very reputable sources is the current state of affairs,” No Laying Up confirmed. DeChambeau’s cancellation for this week’s Genesis Invitational further fuelled the rumour of his move to the Saudi League. But Bryson DeChambeau also addressed his current break in his latest statement, stressing that he is in the process of healing his hand and hip injuries. The two injuries also forced the Major winner to pull out of the Saudi International. “Any news about my health or my game plan will come directly from me and my team,” the 28-year-old added, concluding by mentioning that he was looking forward to being back soon and seeing everyone again.
Jon Rahm wins Seve Ballesteros Award (foto: Getty)
Jon Rahm has won the Seve Ballesteros Award after being voted the 2021 Player of the Year by his fellow professionals on the DP World Tour.
The Spaniard scoops the prestigious accolade for the second time in three years after another spectacular season in which he claimed his first Major Championship, spent 27 weeks as World Number One and finished as Europe’s leading points scorer at the Ryder Cup.
A spectacular season for the Spaniard
Rahm became the first Spanish player to win the U.S. Open, and just the fourth player from his country to win any Major, when he finished one shot clear of Louis Oosthuizen at Torrey Pines Golf Course in June.
The 27-year-old, who only two weeks earlier had tested positive for Covid-19, produced a sensational finish to hold off the challenge of South African Oosthuizen, draining a 25 foot birdie putt on the 17th hole before closing out with another birdie from 18 feet on the last.
Earlier in the year, Rahm finished tied fifth in the Masters and tied eighth at the US PGA Championship, and he extended his remarkable form in the Majors by finishing in a share of third position in the Open Championship at Royal St George’s in July.
His impressive 2021 season also included a share of fifth position in the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play and seventh place in the abrdn Scottish Open, the second Rolex Series event of 2021, while his statistics were equally notable on the PGA TOUR where he recorded 15 top ten finishes in total.
Rahm also took his stunning individual form in golf’s biggest events into September’s Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits where he finished as Europe’s leading points scorer with 3.5 points from his five matches. Three of those points came from his undefeated partnership with compatriot Sergio Garcia which evoked memories of the legendary Spanish pairing of José María Olazábal and Seve Ballesteros.
Rahm also followed in the latter’s footsteps by returning to the Number One spot on the Official World Golf Ranking, spending more than half the calendar year at the summit of the game.
Jon Rahm first winner of the new award
He receives the Player of the Year award named in his compatriot’s honour which, for the first time this year, now also incorporates the former Golfer of the Year award into one singular honour voted for by the players, helping further commemorate Ballesteros’ incredible legacy as the European Tour group embarks on its 50th anniversary year.
Rahm said: “Winning anything with Seve’s name on it is a huge honour for me, as is the fact that this is voted for by the players of the DP World Tour.
“It is very unique to be recognised by your peers like this. It is a true honour to be able to win this award for a second time and hopefully I can continue to make the DP World Tour proud.”
Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour group, said “In the first year of this being the Tour’s combined Player of the Year award named in honour of one Spanish great, it is fitting the winner is another incredible Spaniard who is creating his own remarkable legacy on the global stage.
“Jon’s form throughout 2021 was simply outstanding and his victory at the U.S. Open, in front of his family, was undoubtedly a highlight that will live long in the memory. That cemented his place among the pantheon of Europe’s all-time leading players and his contribution in the colours of Europe at the Ryder Cup also demonstrated what an extraordinary competitor he is.”
The R&A is planning several special events for the 150th Open week. (Photo: Getty)
The time has come again in mid-July. With the British Open in St. Andrews, golf fans are in for an exciting and thrilling week. On the occasion of this year’s 150th anniversary of the Open, the R&A is organising several special events before the top-class field of participants s tarts the official tournament.
Open week kicks off with Champions event
One of the special events kicks off on Monday of tournament week, 11 July 2022, with the Celebration of Champions seeing former Open, Women’s Major, male and female amateur and handicap winning golfers compete in a 4-hole tournament on the St Andrews Links Course. The 1st, 2nd, 17th and 18th holes will be played by a field of 48 golfers and this will also be broadcast live on TheOpen.com.
“We are bringing together the biggest names in golf with current and future stars of the sport for a unique event on the Old Course,” said Martin Slumbers, the R&A’s chief executive. In addition, Slumbers added that the R&A Celebration of Champions will be a real highlight of this special and eventful week. Among the 48 golfers, current Open champion Collin Morikawa will also be competing at the event, with the American feeling very honoured.
British Open to take centre stage in upcoming golf documentary
The 150th British Open will be the focus of the Netflix-produced golf documentary and golf fans will get to see insights about the proceedings of the anniversary week. Particularly from the pros’ point of view, there will be some footage worth watching that has not been revealed in this way before. There will be special coverage of Collin Morikawa’s mission to defend his title, but also of Major winners Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia and numerous other pros. In addition, the world’s number one amateur Keita Nakajima makes his Open debut and offers the viewers interesting insights in the process.
The Emporda Golf Club will host two Scandinavian golf events. (Photo: Azalea)
The cream of Scandinavia’s male golfers are preparing to pack their bags and head to Spain’s renowned Empordà Golf Club later this month to put their skills to the test in the 2022 Golfstar Winter Series.
Two top events for Scandinavian golf
The popular resort in the Costa Brava will be home to the field of top 150 of Scandinavian players for 10 days as they compete in two 54-hole tournaments on Empordà’s two 18-hole championship golf courses, the Links and the Forest.
Sanctioned by the Swedish Golf Federation, the first event will be played from February 18-20 with the second taking place from February 22-24. Both tournaments will be included on the Official World Golf Ranking, and Golfbox Road to Europe, with each featuring a total prize fund of 600,000 Swedish Kronor (around €58,000).
The first class destination Empordà Golf Club
Empordà has had the honour of staging numerous high-profile professional and amateur tournaments during its evolving history including events on the European Challenge Tour and the European Tour Qualifying School.
The resort received widespread acclaim from both players and the media last October after staging two Challenge Tour events in successive weeks – the Empordà Challenge and Costa Brava Challenge – and the Challenge Tour has already confirmed Empordà will host another tournament at the venue this summer.
Flavio Papa, director of golf at Empordà Golf Club, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the Swedish Winter Series in February. It demonstrates the quality of our facilities here at Empordà Golf, that we are able to host multiple tournaments each year.”
“I am looking forward to welcoming the players and watching some high-performance golf take place over our challenging courses.”
Located 30 minutes from Girona in the heart of the Costa Brava region, Empordà Golf Club’s impressive facilities include two 18-hole championship courses – Empordà Links and Empordà Forest, both designed world-renowned architect Robert von Hagge.
As part of the extensive renovation plans over the last two years, both courses have undergone significant investment to elevate the golf experience being offered to members and guests. Work has included the reconstruction of all bunkers using the Better Billy Bunker method, a comprehensive tree clearance programme and purchase of new greenkeeping equipment to improve the all-round condition of tees, fairways and greens.
Away from the fairways, Hotel Empordà Golf rebranded as Hotel Terraverda at the end of 2021. Hotel Terraverda has been transformed with a contemporary new look in the bedrooms, communal areas and restaurant after all being redesigned and renovated. Guests of the hotel can also now enjoy the new outdoor swimming pool that has been installed.
For more information on Empordà Golf Club, please visit: www.empordagolf.com
Sam Ryder makes an Ace on the 16th hole at PGA Tour's WM Phoenix Open. (Photo: Getty)
You couldn’t pick a better place for the first hole-in-one of your career. At the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Sam Ryder hits the perfect shot on what is probably the biggest party hole on the PGA Tour and makes the crowd go crazy.
The 32-year-old played the ball with a 54-degree wedge onto the green at the 124 yard par-3, the ball bounced briefly and rolled into the hole! After that, the cheers knew no bounds. Sam Ryder himself jumped into his caddie’s arms, high-fived his group partners and could hardly believe his luck. “Still kind of coming down off the adrenaline,” Ryder said, “it was pretty crazy.”
But it was not only a special moment for the golfer: the numerous fans at the legendary hole, which is completely surrounded by grandstands, knew no bounds. No one in the spectator stands was left dry, drinks were ecstatically spread into the air and cups were hurled onto the course. The 16th hole was a party mile and the title sponsor of the tournament was able to pursue his main occupation. The clean-up lasted about fifteen minutes before Brian Harman and his group could continue their round. For the spectators, too, the hole-in-one was unique: “The craziest thing I have ever seen” and “the greatest experience of my life”.
The ace on the 16th at TPC Scottsdale was the first since Francesco Molinari teed off at the same spot in 2015. It also brings back memories of other legendary hole-in-ones like Tiger Woods’ 25 years ago. For Sam Ryder, however, it’s quickly getting down to daily business. The American brought an even-par round into the clubhouse and will start Sunday’s final round in tied 29th place. “I’ll try and get ready for tomorrow and hopefully have a good day and finish the tournament strong,” Ryder said. He will, however, make sure that the staff around the event are well compensated: “All the drinks on me!”
Hole 18 and 9 at Vipingo Ridge. (Photo: Twitter/@LETgolf)
The Magical Kenya Ladies Open is taking place in Kenya this week. After Moving Day, Sweden’s Linnea Strom is in first place. Her 3-under-par gives her a two-stroke lead over second-placed Luna Sobron Galmes. The third place is shared by the two Germans Esther Henseleit and Sophie Hausmann with even par. Everything is still open for tomorrow’s final.
The British Open is a major annual sporting highlight in the UK. (Photo: Getty)
A strong end to 2021 kept the annual number of rounds of golf played in Great Britain ahead of 2020 and 2019.
Continuing growth of golf in the UK
As expected, there was some drop off against the peak months in 2020 when lockdowns ended and golf reopened to a groundswell of pent-up demand. In October and December 2020 rounds played were well above equivalent levels in previous years. Although in 2021 quarter four could not maintain the strong 2020 demand levels, it still outperformed previous seasons. When compared against the pre-pandemic period, 2021 surged past equivalent figures from 2019. Against Q4 2019, for example, 2021 was up 40%, contributing to a year-end 17% rise in rounds played against 2019.
While it is hard to make exact comparisons with 2020 because of course closures and the subsequent rush for tee times, the comparisons with 2019 do suggest an enduring uptick in the popularity of golf in the UK.
Taking a longer-term view, rounds played have now risen for four consecutive years. 2021’s annual rounds were up 12% against 2020 and 17% against both 2019 and 2018.
Richard Payne, Director of Sports Marketing Surveys welcomed the figures, while noting the potential impact of rising living costs in the year ahead.
“First and foremost, it’s great to see rounds played growing, proving that demand for golf is strong as we head into an exciting 2022. Rising costs and inflation are likely to put pressure on leisure budgets this year and so, particularly for those who came into golf during the pandemic, the key question now is how embedded has it become in their sporting and lifestyle DNA. Is it a core hobby that they will continue to play even if the costs of access and equipment rise in line with inflation in other areas of the economy? The strong results for Q4 do suggest golfers continuing to play through the inclement winter months, and so we are optimistic that people will stay in the game.”
Phil Anderson wants to continue to make golf more accessible
Phil Anderton, Chief Development Officer at The R&A, welcomed the results. He said: “We have seen full-length course user golf participation rise to over 66 million worldwide in 2021 and almost 11 million in Europe. The rounds played for Great Britain in 2021 continue to support the evidence that more golfers are playing more often and realising the benefits of the sport for their physical and mental health. Golf, however, cannot become complacent as a sport and the industry must grasp the opportunity to maintain this interest by offering new and returning golfers the opportunity to stay in the sport and enjoy it at all levels – from traditional forms to new formats.”
Sports Marketing Surveys has been tracking rounds played in Great Britain for over 20 years but the monitor continues to evolve. For that reason, Sports Marketing Surveys is formalising a partnership with the Revenue Club to track online golf bookings, and ensure the rounds played monitor gathers as much data from as many different sources as possible.
Nicolai Hojgaard is confident to claim back-to-back titles on the European Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Nicolai Højgaard returns to Al Hamra Golf Club this week for the Ras Al Khaimah Classic and, following a stunning display which yielded a four-stroke victory last week, the big-hitting Dane is feeling confident he can claim back-to-back titles in the United Arab Emirates. “I’m feeling pretty good. It was a grind out there and I had to dig deep so it felt really good and I’m really looking forward to teeing up again on Thursday.”, Nicolai said.
Nicolai Hojgaard: One of golf’s brightest young stars
That impressive win at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship presented by Phoenix Capital only strengthened the 20-year-old’s reputation as one of golf’s brightest young stars – alongside his twin brother Rasmus.
Nicolai needs one more win to equal his sibling’s tally of three DP World Tour titles and, following a performance which – barring a stumble midway through the final round – was nigh on perfect, he feels he is in with a great chance of claiming wins in successive weeks. “The phone has been buzzing the last few days so I haven’t talked or texted anyone yet, I’m trying to get into tournament mode now and focus on the week ahead, and hopefully play some good golf again.” the Dane told the reporters.
“For me the most important part of this victory was that I was struggling quite a bit before coming here and then I struggled around 9 to 12. I had to dig deep, two shots behind with six to play. From there on I played some really good golf and that gave me some confidence. I think I can use that quite a bit in the future.”
Smith aimes for another win at Al Hamra
Jordan Smith, meanwhile, has enjoyed a strong start to his 2022 campaign, with a top ten at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a tie for 12th at the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic and then coming close to a second career victory last week – only to finish runner-up. “Really pleased with my start to the season. Been asked the question a few times, and there have obviously been some changes from previous years. I knew something needed to change and we had a look back at stats and performances and how I was feeling. We weren’t sure how it was going pan out this year but it’s worked out really well, I’m really happy with how everything is with the game and off-course.”, Smith said after the last weekend.
The Englishman is riding a wave of confidence, having won in Ras Al Khaimah on the Challenge Tour in 2016, and is hoping he can emerge victorious once again at Al Hamra. “Coming back I had good memories from 2016, obviously from winning here. So I came here with good memories and thoughts and I feel really comfortable around this course, don’t know what it is about it. It’s just nice and relaxed and a bit quieter than Dubai, I love the place.”
What is not written about fitness, which promotes our golf game, about what golf can do to us. The list of health benefits of golf is endless, the golf cosmos is full of medical treatises and gymnastic instructions. Who wouldn’t know that golf is a sport played primarily between the ears? The mental component affects the constitution. And vice versa. “Mens sana in corpore sano”, a healthy mind in a healthy body: this is mutually dependent.
Play golf longer, live longer
There are enough studies on this. The Swedes found that golfers who play regularly – about twice a week – live on average five years longer than non-golfers. The Karolinska Institute analysed the lifespan of around 300,000 active golfers who were born after 1920 and started playing golf before 2001. Ageing through play, in other words. Who doesn’t wish for a longer healthy life? You’re only one club away to achieve so.
“Moderate physical activity, such as golf, increases life expectancy,” says Dr Andrew Murray, head of the Golf & Health Project at the University of Edinburgh. The sport supports the prevention and treatment of more than 40 major chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, breast and colon cancer. It also helps with psychiatric conditions such as depression and dementia, and simply promotes health and well-being.
Playing one round of golf a week already adds to the quality of life in the long run. (Getty Images)
Care your mind. Golf is a mental sport
The reasons are as obvious as they are plausible. “Golf is a mental sport with aerobic and thus healthy exercise in the fresh air and in the green – and that for several hours. It doesn’t get any better than that,” says Hamburg preventologist Andrea S. Klahre, who, as a therapist for mind-body medicine and prevention coach, is professionally concerned with the coherence of body and mind.
For the therapist, the game is pure Zen beyond its “swing-technical, anatomical, physiological and also preventive aspects”. “Golf, played alone, is a kind of movement meditation and, like sitting meditation, changes the brain waves in centres that are responsible for attentional performance and the ability to cope with stress,” clarifies Klahre. “In addition, the autonomic nervous system is regulated, in the sense of a relaxation reaction.”
It is precisely this combination of flexibility, endurance and alertness that makes golf the ideal form of training for many existing ailments, from exhaustion syndromes to respiratory diseases. Or simply as a school for concentration, “as long as holistic health awareness can be promoted at the same time,” adds Klahre.
Training from head to toe – Complete sport
The key data of the time- and above all age-less game are well known, but cannot be repeated often enough: an 18-hole round burns at least 1,200 calories, five to ten kilocalories per minute. In contrast to other ball sports, such as football or tennis, golf burns mainly fats. This lowers blood fat levels, especially LDL cholesterol, which is harmful to the cardiovascular system. A skilful swing also tenses 124 of a total of 434 muscles. So training from head to toe.
A skilful full swing tenses 124 of a total of 434 muscles (Getty Images)
Golf is benefitial and this is why
Golf is a passion for many people. Some go to the range five times a week, others only twice a month – but all golfers have one thing in common: the fun of hitting the little white ball. Golf takes place in the fresh air, in nature. You move around a lot, you are often out for 4-5 hours. “Golf is good for your health,” some say. “Golf ruins your back,” say others.
What does golf actually do to our psyche? The series “Golf and Health” deals with these questions and statements and helps to get a better insight into the health of our beloved sport.
Change of mind – Golf is for healthy
When people think of golfers, they no longer think of overweight gentlemen with cigars in their mouths. The sport has become more athletic, thanks in part to Tiger Woods. Young junior golfers therefore train specifically and holistically – also to prevent injuries. The series “Golf and Health” deals, for example, with whether and how the modern golf swing is related to back problems. The amateur golfer also gains interesting insights, e.g. why golf is a health sport and offers the perfect relaxation for the mind.
Striving for a healthy swing
However: “Healthy golfing has nothing to do with the pursuit of a better handicap, but is the pursuit of an individual, but also healthy golf swing,” Prof. Dr. Eduard David, physiologist at the private university of Witten-Herdecke, said years ago.
More than any other sport, golf is suitable for everyone, young and old. And with optimal interaction, the game is the perfect sport for brain, heart, soul and all other systems. Golf should be available on prescription!
Stacy Lewis becomes the new captain of the American Solheim Cup team.
Two-time major champion Stacy Lewis has been named captain of the 2023 USA Solheim Cup Team. Lewis, a four-time member of Team USA, will lead a team of the top 12 American female golfers as they work to reclaim the Solheim Cup from Team Europe at Finca Cortesin in Spain on Sept. 22-24.
Stacy Lewis: “It is an incredible honor”
“To be named captain for the USA Solheim Cup Team is an incredible honor and I’m beyond grateful to the Committee for choosing me,” said Lewis. “I have so many amazing memories from my years on the team and the two opportunities I’ve had to work alongside the team. I absolutely love the Solheim Cup and I want 2023 to be as great an experience for my team as my years wearing Red, White and Blue have been for me.”
Impressive history on the LPGA Tour
Lewis is a 13-time LPGA Tour winner, earning major titles at the 2011 Chevron Championship and the 2013 AIG Women’s Open. She spent 264 consecutive weeks from 2011-16 ranked in the top 10 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, including 25 weeks at No. 1, and was the 2012 and 2014 Rolex LPGA Player of the Year. In 2016, Lewis was a member of Team USA at the Summer Olympics in Brazil, finishing tied for fourth.
Lewis represented the USA on the 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017 Solheim Cup Teams. In 2019, Lewis served as an unofficial assistant captain under Juli Inkster after withdrawing from competition due to injury, and she worked in that role in an official capacity under Pat Hurst in 2021. At 38 years, 7 months and 6 days old on the first day of competition in 2023, she will be the youngest American captain in Solheim Cup history and the second-youngest captain for either side. Patty Sheehan was 45 when she served as USA captain in 2002, while Catrin Nilsmark was 36 when she was the European captain in 2003.
“I have learned so much from the past captains on the Solheim Cup Committee, and the fact that they chose me to lead this team is one of the proudest moments of my career,” said Lewis. “Juli gave me my first taste of captaincy when she asked me to help her with the singles lineup in Germany in 2015. Being an assistant captain for Pat was honestly the most fun week I’ve had at a Solheim Cup. I’m more than ready to step into this role.”
Prior to joining the LPGA Tour, Lewis enjoyed a standout amateur career as a four-time All-American at the University of Arkansas, taking the NCAA Division I national title in 2007 as one of her 12 titles. She graduated in 2008 with a degree in finance and accounting, the same year she became the first player in Curtis Cup history to go 5-0 during a 13-7 USA victory over Great Britain and Ireland on the Old Course at St Andrews.
Lewis is married to Gerrod Chadwell, the head women’s golf coach at Texas A&M University, and has a 3-year-old daughter, Chesnee. She currently serves as a Player Director on the LPGA Board of Directors.
The 2023 Solheim Cup will be held at Finca Cortesin in Spain on Sept. 22-24, with Suzann Pettersen serving as captain for Team Europe. Information on ticket options and prices is available at solheimcup2023.eu.
