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Highlights Tours

18 days to go: the Masters 2021

Get excited for the Masters 2021 with the start of our daily countdown!

With everyone looking forward to a slight return to normality at this year’s Masters – taking place in April as scheduled – Golf Post is brining you daily instalments in our countdown series as we get closer the Masters 2021.

Each day, you’ll get a daily dose of fun facts and interesting stories, both about the masters and golf in general. Each instalment will be related to the number of days left on the countdown before the first tee-off on April 8.

Sunday marks 18 days before the first round starts.

No points for guessing why we’re starting at 18. We all know that it’s the number of holes on a golf course but have you ever thought about why golf courses have 18 holes?

18 is now the standard but it’s not an obvious number to choose and it turns out that it wasn’t always that way. Go back to the early 1700s and you would find basic golf layouts with any number of holes. 

Our story goes back to a group of golfers in St Andrews who decided to combine some short holes and reduce the number of the Old Course from 22 to 18. That was in 1764. Even then, you could have predicted that this would become the standard. The standard golf-course layout at that time was actually 10 holes, 8 of which were played twice in a normal round. 

The Old Course in St Andrews, home to the R&A, is known fondly as the home of golf and has played a huge role in the history of the sport. (Image: Getty)

The original architect of Augusta National, Alistair MacKenzie, deeply admired the Old Course and is said to have based the design for his course on the layout in St Andrews.

By the 1900s, golf course design followed the St Andrews model and adopted 18 holes as standard. In 1958 the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews issued a set of new rules.

The very first of these new rules would make a round of the Links, or 18 holes a match, unless otherwise stipulated. What had become common practice was now official and the number 18 has ever since been central to the game of golf.

Other rumours about the number being based on managing the time it took to maintain early courses or even the time it takes to drink a bottle of whiskey while playing are interesting but unfortunately this cannot be proven!

Check back on Monday for number 17 on our countdown to the Masters.

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Products

HONMA Unveils Its New T//WORLD Wedge For 2021

(Image: HONMA)

HONMA has unveiled a new T//WORLD Wedge for 2021 that features precisely engineered centre of gravity locations for optimal distance and spin control on shots around the green.

Building on the performance benefits of the award-winning TW-W4 model – voted the MyGolfSpy ‘2019 Most Wanted Wedge’ – the new T//WORLD Wedge incorporates improved design features across a multitude of sole and bounce options to fit a wide range of golfers and comes in seven loft options.

“As a brand that prides itself on crafting the highest performing products, we were inspired by the challenge of improving our award-winning TW-W4 model and early testing indicates that the new T//WORLD Wedge performs even better,” said Tony Scott, Head of Marketing at HONMA Golf Europe.

“Our R&D team has placed the centre of gravity in the optimal position on the club face, while offering enough loft and sole options to cater for the vast majority of golfers,” he added.

The classic club face made in mild soft steel with a satin, half-mirror finish, incorporates the premium brand’s proprietary CNC milling process to ensure unrivalled control is achieved. The milling pattern on the face provides exceptional levels of spin and ‘bite’ on finesse shots around the green, while aluminium back inserts have replaced steel to create discretionary weight that improves the CG location.

The reverse taper blade design in the 56°, 58° and 60° lofts of the T//WORLD Wedge delivers a high CG that gradually increases in thickness from bottom-to-top and laterally from heel-to-toe, to ensure the ball grips to the club face longer, especially on high face
strikes.

A flat blade design in the 48°, 50°, 52° and 54° lofted wedges projects constant thickness throughout for a mid-low CG, optimal spin and precise distance control on full shots. Three grinds deliver versatility for golfers seeking a wedge that performs at the highest level in varying turf conditions and angles of attack into the ball.

The I-Sole in the 48°, 50°, 52° and 54° lofts features a slight trailing edge relief across the back of the blade for full sole performance with improved turf interaction at impact.

The C-Sole grind in the 56°, 58° and 60° lofts delivers aggressive heel and toe trailing edge relief with a flat bounce surface for shot making versatility. This grind suits those golfers who like to open the club face and get creative around the green in particular.

The S-Sole is available in the 58° and 60° higher lofted wedges and features four-way relief for shot making with added forgiveness. The wide, full sole ensures this grind is effective across a variety of turf conditions, particularly from bunkers.

Holistically engineered with the T//WORLD club head in Sakata, Japan, the VIZARD IB-105 WEDGE graphite shaft delivers faster dynamic face closure for a low launch at impact, as well as increased contact time between the ball and the club face for more spin. The Nippon N.S.PRO MODUS3 115 WEDGE steel shaft is also available as a stock offering.

The new T//WORLD Wedge is available now across Europe at a RRP of £149 / €169.

(Text: HONMA Press Release)

Categories
European Tour

Aaron Rai Returns to ‘Second Home’ for the Magical Kenya Open

Rai describes his 2017 Challenge Tour win in Karen as his fondest memory of a win (Image: Getty)

Aaron Rai returns to the scene of an emotional victory and one of his career highlights at this week’s Magical Kenya Open presented by Johnnie Walker, an event which he won on the Challenge Tour in 2017 in front of his Kenyan-born mother and jubilant crowds.

The Englishman has a special connection to this week’s venue Karen Country Club, where he triumphed four years ago:

It feels like a home away from home here, my mum was born here and my sister lives here in Karen now. It very much has a home feel for me, it’s always going to be a special place with the memories I’ve had here down the years – I don’t think that’s something I’ll ever forget so I think any time that I’m here to play golf or here full stop is a blessing.

It was his first of three Challenge Tour victories, and the win came on Mothers’ Day as his own mother watched on proudly, having returned to her birthplace for the first time since leaving as a teenager. Additionally, Rai’s sister now calls Karen, the neighbourhood in the outskirts of Nairobi which hosts this week’s event, her home.

While the crowds will not be there to support him this week, Rai is feeling confident that his connections to the club, and the country, can give him a timely boost.

Guido Migliozzi of Italy defends his title this week, two years after winning his first of two titles in the 2019 season at Karen Country Club – the event was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Darren Fichardt will reach a notable milestone on his home continent as the South African makes his 400th European Tour event, while Englishman Sam Horsfield – a two-time winner in the 2020 Race to Dubai – returns to action for his first appearance of 2021 after an injury lay-off.

Categories
Rules

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club & Yas Links Abu Dhabi To Eliminate All Single-Use Plastic Bottles

The view across the 18th hole at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (Image: Aldar Properties)

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 09 March 2021: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi, both of which are owned by Aldar Properties, have eliminated all single-use plastic bottles from its premises as of March 2021, underlining their commitment to environmental sustainability.

A combined total of over 100,000 plastic water bottles are consumed by golfers between the two properties on an annual basis. Joining the global movement to reduce the consumption of single-use plastics and conserve the environment, the goal is to reduce this figure by 40% this year. Members and guests will be encouraged to use and refill their own reusable water bottles from the water coolers throughout their round, these water coolers will be equipped with hand sanitizers following health & safety directives as well as ensuring a hygienic environment for players and associates alike.

Commenting on the new sustainable initiative Francisco de Lancastre David, Cluster General Manager at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi, commented:

“As plastic waste and pollution increases, we should all be making a conscious effort to do our part. I’m proud to have both golf clubs onboard with this new sustainable initiative, which will reduce our carbon footprint significantly and I hope that our members and visitors will be encouraged by this when visiting the course.”

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi are committed to preserving the environment and promoting environmental best practice. With that in mind, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has successfully completed the Audubon certification process and the golf course has been officially certified as a sanctuary. The International Audubon Society is dedicated to protecting diversity in bird species. The programmes include habitat protection, green energy development and the management of protected areas while encouraging the public to become a part of the birding community. The emphasis is on conserving urban habitats by promoting planting trees and dedicating time to creating bird friendly environment.

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is home to over 180 bird species, families of Mountain Gazelle and is also a natural nesting area for the Hawksbill turtles, all these elements create an unparalleled experience which should be taken good care of. The programme is designed with sensitivity to the surrounding natural environment and in compliance with strict environmental guidelines.

To further cement their green footprint and dedication to making a difference, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is already accredited for a number of certifications, such as Environmental Planning, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management and Chemical use Reduction and Safety.

The move to eliminate single-use plastic from the golf clubs is in line with the clubs’ owner, Aldar Properties’ sustainability strategy which is built around the key pillars of economy, community, people and environment. In December 2019, Aldar launched its first sustainability report which outlines its strategy and initiatives in detail.

Categories
Ladies Tours

Major tournament, BMW Ladies Championship and Scandinavian Mixed premiere: BMW strengthens involvement in ladies golf

(Image: BMW Press Group)

Munich. The BMW global involvement in professional golf will include a strengthened presence in ladies golf for the 2021 season. In addition to holding the second edition of the top-level BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea, BMW will be partnering at a Ladies Major for the first time – the Amundi Evian Championship – and at another first in the world of professional golf, at the Scandinavian Mixed Hosted by Henrik & Annika, where women and men will be competing for one prize fund and one trophy.

Swedish Major winners Annika Sörenstam and Henrik Stenson will host the innovative competition co-sanctioned by the European Tour and Ladies European Tour in June. Vallda Golf and Country Club in Sweden will see 78 women and 78 men battle for victory on the same course. Distribution of prize money will be based solely on the final placings. Points for the season-long competitions (Race to Dubai, Race to Costa del Sol) and the world rankings will be assigned using separate standings for women and men. BMW is supporting the premiere for this future-oriented tournament format as Official Partner.

One month later, the elite players from the world of women’s golf will be competing in the fourth Ladies Major of the year at Lake Geneva. The Amundi Evian Championship does not just boast a spectacular field. Nestling at the foot of the Alps, the Championship Course in the Evian Resort Golf Club is regarded as one of the most attractive golf courses in Europe, with a challenging layout that demands strategic and precise play. BMW is celebrating its debut as Official Partner at this Major, as it was not possible to hold the tournament last year.

South Korea is the dominant force in ladies golf. It is therefore no surprise that the public is so looking forward to the only LPGA event in this country, the BMW Ladies Championship. The top-class field and exhilarating location attracted more than 70,000 spectators to the tournament at the LPGA International Busan in 2019. It was also not possible for the BMW Ladies Championship to take place last year, meaning that the success story will now continue this October.

(Text: BMW Press Group)

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European Tour

Linna Golf and Estonian Golf & Country Club renew with European Tour Destinations

Linna Golf, Finland (Image: European Tour)

European Tour Destinations is delighted to announce that its two most northern venues in Finland and Estonia, Linna Golf and Estonian Golf & Country Club respectively, have extended their long-running affiliation with the network. 

Located 100km from the Finnish capital Helsinki and ranked 60th in the Top 100 Resorts in Continental Europe in the recent Golf World rankings, Linna Golf is home to a spectacular 18-hole Championship golf course with a clubhouse, superb practice facilities and a host of other outdoor pursuits which can be enjoyed throughout the long summer days.  There are three restaurants at the venue alongside the Vanajanlinna Hotel & Club Rooms, which offers atmospheric rooms in the main building and modern suites in the golf club area. 

Esa Honkalehto, CEO of Linna Golf, said: “Linna Golf has been a member of the European Tour Destinations network since 2005 and renewing our partnership is testament to both the work they do and support they provide.  As we enter another phase of our relationship, we look forward to continuing to grow Linna Golf and showcasing our venue on a global scale by being part of the European Tour family.”

Estonian Golf & Country Club is situated 25km from the capital Tallinn in a rural, coastal environment beside the Baltic Sea.  Home to the 18-hole Championship centerpiece, the Sea course, and its sister, the 9-hole Stone course, the venue has been a constant in the European Tour Destinations network for over a decade. 

Estonian Golf & Country Club, Estonia (Image: European Tour)

The Sea course meanders more than 7,000 yards through virgin forest which reaches out to the beach and along the Jägala River, while the Stone course lies on a limestone plain between junipers, restored stone fences and a protected national heritage site.  During the winter season when the golf courses are closed, a 5.3km ski trail which weaves through the Sea course opens to guests.

There is also a variety of exclusive and distinct real estate opportunities available at the resort, with each development divided into ‘villages’, where a different architect has designed a unique property cluster. 

Hanno Kross, CEO at Estonian Golf & Country Club, said: “For a young golfing nation like Estonia, we are very happy and proud to be part of the European Tour Destinations network.  Estonian Golf & Country Club has hosted the World Cup qualifiers twice plus multiple individual and team European Championships, and working with the European Tour has given us the chance to get the knowledge and expertise required to achieve our goals.   

“The new contract to extend our relationship is another great point in our 15-year history which allows us to continue our development and service delivery that we pride ourselves on in northern Europe.”

Ian Knox, Head of European Tour Destinations, said “We are delighted to start off 2021 with Linna Golf and Estonian Golf & Country Club both renewing their membership with European Tour Destinations.  Having our two northern European venues extend their long association with us shows the value they place in affiliation with golf’s global brand and maintains the quality of the network. We look forward to supporting them achieve their goals in the years ahead.”

Categories
Live

Watch: Professionals make Tiger Tributes

Rory McIlroy dressed in Tiger's signature style for the first time in his career on Sunday. (Image: Getty)

A handful of players have been praised for their touching show of support to Tiger Woods, following his car crash last week near Los Angeles.

Those paying respects include LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam.

Official statements given via Twitter report that Tiger is recovering and is in “good spirits” in the Cedars-Cinai Medical Centre, where he has received follow-up treatment on Friday.

READ: Reactions to Tiger Woods’ Accident

However, not all players could participate in Sunday’s tribute, with Max Homa, winner of last week’s Genesis Invitational receiving backlash for having not joined in.

His long time hero, Tiger Woods, host of this year’s Genesis Invitational, handed Homa the trophy last weekend in California.

He defended himself, citing his contractual obligations to wear his pre-packed clothes.

It is expected that the injuries sustained in the crash will have a severe impact on Woods’ future in professional golf.

Categories
Highlights Tours

European Tour, LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour Join Forces for ISPS Handa World Invitational in Northern Ireland

The Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort hosted the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in September 2020 (Image: Getty)

The European Tour, LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour will join forces for another innovative mixed tournament at the ISPS HANDA World Invitational presented by Modest! Golf Management in Northern Ireland, hosted by Galgorm from July 29 – August 1, 2021.

The agreement heralds an exciting new chapter for the event, which has been elevated to European Tour status following a hugely successful inaugural edition on the European Challenge Tour in 2019. The 2021 event will continue to be played over two courses, Galgorm Castle and Massereene and will form part of the European Tour’s 2021 UK Swing, taking in tournaments in Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and England across July and August.

It will be the first time an event of this format is tri-sanctioned by the European Tour, LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour in the northern hemisphere – following in the footsteps of the ISPS HANDA Vic Open in Australia which has the same format.

The ISPS HANDA World Invitational will attract a field of 288 players, 144 men and 144 women. The women’s field will be split equally between the LPGA and the Ladies European Tour. The $2.35 million purse will be split evenly, with men and women competing for two equal prize funds.

The tournament will count towards the European Tour’s Race to Dubai and carry Team Europe Ryder Cup points, while the women’s tournament will count towards the Race to the CME Globe for women on the LPGA Tour, the Race to Costa del Sol on the Ladies European Tour (LET) and Solheim Cup points for both Team Europe and Team USA.

ISPS HANDA Founder and Chairman, Dr Haruhisa Handa, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to continue our support as Title Sponsor of the ISPS HANDA World Invitational, an event which epitomises our belief in the Power of Sport to unite communities and break down barriers. To see the tournament grow to a European Tour and LPGA sanctioned event is a testament to the importance of providing equal playing opportunities for men and women. I am grateful to the dedication to this cause by all tournament partners; Modest! Golf, Galgorm, European Tour, LPGA and LET.”

Economy Minister Diane Dodds said: “The decision to bring the ISPS HANDA World Invitational back to Galgorm is another ringing endorsement for golf in Northern Ireland. It is wonderful to welcome this innovative tournament which will bring together the best that both the men’s and women’s games have to offer. Following the recent successes of the Open Championship at Royal Portrush in 2019 and last year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Galgorm, I have no doubt this event will further strengthen Northern Ireland’s reputation for delivering high-profile international competitions.

“It is my hope that the situation with Covid 19 restrictions will improve sufficiently to allow as many spectators as possible to attend the event. However, as the event will reach hundreds of millions of homes across the globe, I am delighted that once again Northern Ireland will get the opportunity to show the world that it is made for golf.”

Niall Horan, owner of Modest! Golf Management, said: “This is a key moment for professional golf in this part of the world, and with the help of ISPS HANDA along with both the LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and European Tour we have been able to take the ISPS HANDA World Invitational to a new level, which will without doubt reach new audiences around the world.

“The message behind the tournament perfectly aligns with Modest! Golf’s ethos of providing opportunities for all and ensuring golf is a game for everyone. These are vital messages which we plan to further develop with The R&A having recently announced our partnership with them.

“I have been attending European Tour events for as long as I can remember. To host a co-sanctioned LPGA Tour and European Tour event on the island of Ireland gives me so much pride and I cannot wait to return to the amazing Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort this summer, the perfect venue to host such a tournament.”

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “We are excited to once again work alongside ISPS HANDA and Modest! Golf Management, both of whom share our vision of driving golf further through innovation and inclusivity.

“We thank Dr Handa for his continued support of the European Tour, and also Niall Horan and Modest! Golf Management for their hard work and determination in helping elevate this event after building strong foundations on the Challenge Tour in 2019. Galgorm Castle was a hugely popular addition to our Race to Dubai schedule in 2020 and we are all looking forward to returning there in July.”

Michael Whan, LPGA Commissioner, said: “ISPS HANDA has long been a visionary in how sports can be an agent of change, and now we are excited to help them move to a whole new level and deliver a message of equality to fans in Northern Ireland with the ISPS HANDA World Invitational.

“To have the best women and men compete alongside each other at the same venue for the same purse, is exciting for fans and it showcases what is great about this global game.”

Alexandra Armas, LET Chief Executive Officer, added: “Our members are delighted to be playing in this ground-breaking tournament, which marks another significant development for the LPGA-LET joint venture, and I would like to thank all of the sponsors and organisers for their support of our vision and desire to elevate European women’s golf to new heights.

“We are committed to providing more playing opportunities for Europe’s most talented golfers to thrive and flourish and to enable them to reach the highest levels in golf. This tournament offers a unique platform which will no doubt raise the game and inspire more women and girls to take up the sport.”

John McGrillen, Chief Executive of Tourism NI, said: “The ISPS HANDA World Invitational is an exciting opportunity that will deliver significant participant bed nights and positive media attention for Northern Ireland. The exposure will come at a critical time in our recovery, helping to rebuild our tourism economy and bolster consumer confidence. As demonstrated with golfing events last year we can still leverage opportunities for our destination with restrictions in place. Looking further ahead we are very eager to welcome spectators back when it is safe and appropriate to do so.”

A traditional 72-hole stroke play format will be in place with men and women competing at two venues, Galgorm Castle Golf Club and Massereene Golf Club, over the first two days before a halfway cut reduces the field to the top 60 professionals, including ties, in the men’s and women’s draws.

The third round will take place at Galgorm Castle before a further 54-hole cut takes place with the top 35 and ties from the men’s and women’s draws advancing to the final round on Sunday.

“We are delighted that our home-grown event has been elevated to this level and a special thank you must go to Tourism Northern Ireland, Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, who have been ardent supporters of the event since its inception in 2010,” said Gary Henry, Tournament Promoter and Managing Director Galgorm Castle. “Thanks must also go to Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council, Tourism Ireland, Sport NI and Golf Ireland for their continued support. I would like to make a special mention to the hundreds of volunteers who I’m sure will be thrilled and excited for what is to come in July, their ongoing support is invaluable and greatly appreciated.”

(Text: LPGA Communications)

Categories
Senior Tours

Royal Aberdeen to host Scottish Senior Open

A view of the clubhouse of the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, where the first 3 Scottish Senior Opens were held between 1993-95. (Image: Legends Tour)

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club will provide the setting for the 2021 Scottish Senior Open hosted by Paul Lawrie, when the Legends Tour returns to the venue for the first time in 26 years from September 10-12, 2021.

The 2021 Scottish Senior Open marks professional golf’s return to Balgownie Links – one of two courses at Royal Aberdeen – after it hosted the first three editions of the Scottish Senior Open from 1993-1995, The 2005 Senior Open, the 2011 Walker Cup and the 2014 Scottish Open.

Aberdeen native and 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie, who is an Honorary Member of Royal Aberdeen, takes on hosting duties as well as returning to the event as defending champion, after winning his first Legends Tour title in the 2019 edition at Craigielaw Golf Club.

Royal Aberdeen Golf Club has a rich and storied history having been initially founded in 1780, making it the sixth-oldest golf club in the world, before receiving royal patronage in 1903. It was originally designed by the Simpson brothers, Archie and Robert of Carnoustie, and re-bunkered and lengthened by James Braid.

The renowned front nine at Balgownie Links is widely regarded as one of the best in the world as it weaves through the wonderful dune formation down towards the sea, while the inward nine boasts spectacular views of the Aberdeenshire landscape.

There will be opportunities to play alongside the professionals in both the pre-tournament Pro-Am and the Alliance Pro-Am, where amateur players are given the opportunity to play alongside the stars of the Legends Tour in tournament play.

Mark Aspland, Head of the Legends Tour, said: “We are incredibly excited to be returning to Royal Aberdeen for the first time in 26 years for the 2021 Scottish Senior Open hosted by Paul Lawrie.

“It is a club steeped in history and is a true gem in a country which is inundated with outstanding golf courses. We thought it was important to take this event somewhere which means something to Paul, as tournament host, and having a venue of such stature on his doorstep makes complete sense.

“Paul will be a fantastic host and I am sure he will be working closely with Keith Grant and his team at Royal Aberdeen to ensure we enjoy a brilliant event in September.”

Paul Lawrie, tournament host and defending champion, said: “I am incredibly excited to be given the opportunity to host the Scottish Senior Open at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, which is such a wonderful venue.

“It is a truly stunning golf course and being a local lad, it is a venue close to my heart and I cannot wait to welcome my fellow Legends Tour players to Aberdeenshire in September.

“I am looking forward to working closely with Keith Grant and his team at Royal Aberdeen, as well as Mark Aspland and the Legends Tour, to deliver the best event possible and help to show off our region.”

Richard Noble, Captain of Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming the Scottish Senior Open to Balgownie Links in September 2021, with a field including 1999 Open Champion Paul Lawrie, who will be defending the title he won at Craigielaw in 2019.

“We hope that by September fans will be able to attend the event and support the venue as they have done in the past, when we have proudly been host to The Senior Open, Scottish Open, the Walker Cup and The Amateur Championship.”

Paul Bush, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “It’s exciting to see the Scottish Senior Open heading to such an iconic venue as Royal Aberdeen in 2021.

“The Scottish Senior Open has long been an important part of Scotland’s world-class golf event portfolio and it is great to see it return this year. We look forward to working with colleagues at the Legends Tour to support them in delivering the best possible event this September.”

(Text: European Tour Communications)

Categories
Live

European eTour announces 2021 schedule

Image: Getty

The 2021 European eTour schedule will feature five regular season events and a Global Finals as the popular golf esports series returns for a second year.

Launched by the European Tour in 2020, in partnership with esports specialists DreamHack Sports Games and Topgolf Entertainment Group, the inaugural season saw more than 800,000 entries as the world’s best players competed in the world’s most popular online and mobile golf game, World Golf Tour (WGT) by Topgolf.

The Portugal Masters is the first event of the 2021 season, starting today, with players competing in a five-week qualification process, which culminates in the top 128 players competing in a bracket style playoff tournament. From there, the top 8 players will qualify for the live event on April 29 with players going head-to-head in a knock-out format to determine the winner.

Three further events will coincide with European Tour tournaments from May to September before the final regular season event, the Nedbank Golf Challenge, starts in October. The season comes to a close with the second edition of the Global Finals in December.

American Payton Gordley, known by his in-game name golfx3, will be the player to beat in 2021 having won five regular season events last year and claiming the US$30,000 grand prize in January’s Global Final, as thousands tuned in to the livestream on the European Tour’s YouTube channel.

After taking a break from WGT to focus on his studies in 2019, he returned to the game after learning of the launch of the European eTour and went on to earn more than US$50,000 for his performances throughout the inaugural season.

Rufus Hack, Chief Operating Officer of the European Tour, said: “After the successes of the inaugural season, we are looking forward to writing the European eTour’s next chapter as we continue our partnerships with DreamHack Sports Games and Topgolf Entertainment Group. The feedback we have received from our fans, broadcast partners, sponsors and players has been extremely encouraging and we are looking forward to another season of exciting eTour action.”

“The eTour is the first of its kind in the golf esports segment and that is a leading position we want to maintain in 2021 and beyond” Roger Lodewick, DreamHack Sports Games CEO said. “Last season’s events were broadcast in over 70 countries with almost 500,000 players participating, playing over 30 million holes. This is an amazing start for a new esports property, and together with our great partners in the European Tour and Topgolf Entertainment Group, we can’t wait for the season to start.”

Ashley Groth, Director of Marketing at Topgolf Media commented, “We’re very excited to be bringing the European eTour and the opportunity to compete for US$100,000 to the WGT community for a second season. Together with our partners, the European Tour and DreamHack Sports Games, we look forward to continue building on the success of the partnership in 2021.”

2021 Schedule

Portugal Masters – February 24 – April 29

European Event – May – June

European Event – June – July

European Event – August – September

Nedbank Golf Challenge – October – November

Global Finals – December

(Text: European Tour Communications)