Categories
LPGA Tour

Jin Young Ko: Cambia Champion

PORTLAND, OREGON - SEPTEMBER 19: Jin Young Ko of the Republic of Korea hits her tee shot on the 14th hole during the final round of the Cambia Portland Classic at the Oregon Golf Club on September 19, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

THE MODERATOR: Really happy to be here with Jin Young Ko, winner of the 2021 Cambia Portland Classic.

Jin Young, you came here off several weeks off. Did you think your first event back would be a win?

JIN YOUNG KO: No, I didn’t. Yeah. I spent a great time in Korea after the Olympics, maybe over six or seven weeks. I had a lot of practice with my same coach and I had a lot of workouts, three times or four times each week. My body weight is getting higher so, (laughing) but I had a great week this week and I’m so happy for the name on the trophy. Yeah, it’s a great win, I think.

THE MODERATOR: Absolutely. It was a great week for you. I wanted to go to 18, to your final putt. That was a long putt and great to drain in for the win. Did you know you had that putt? Did you think that you had that putt in you.

JIN YOUNG KO: Yes, I did. But I was thinking, I just make 2-putt easy, but the ball goes in, so, who knows.

Q. How long was the putt?

JIN YOUNG KO: I guess, oh, 7 meters. Yeah.

THE MODERATOR: Overall, what was the course like today considering how much rain we got? Do you think the course conditions were able to help you at all? You played bogey-free today.

JIN YOUNG KO: Yeah. I really wanted to play yesterday, but we couldn’t play. I tried to make a no bogey-free round today, but I made it. I had a lot of missed shots and I had a lot of missed chipping or something, so I had to make great par saves, but I made it.

And this course was really amazing, perfectly clearing, and fairways and greens are really perfect. So I can’t wait to play for next year.

THE MODERATOR: What did you do yesterday?

JIN YOUNG KO: Well, we went to the H Mart with my parents and my manager and I bought Korean food, some Korea food and ice cream. So I ate ice cream and I watched, I was watching Netflix, Korean drama and taking a rest. Yeah, I took a rest.

THE MODERATOR: The nice thing about this golf course. You can work off the ice cream, right?

JIN YOUNG KO: Yes. (Laughing).

THE MODERATOR: A good workout on this golf course.

JIN YOUNG KO: Yes, I think so.

THE MODERATOR: Outside of the win, what were some of the highlights of the week for you?

JIN YOUNG KO: Yeah, I went to the Columbia mall. So I bought a lot of things. Like, inside this one were a lot of great jackets or hiking shoes and it was fun, with my parents.

THE MODERATOR: Glad to have your parents here with you?

JIN YOUNG KO: Yes.

Her parents got the chance to see a win like this in Texas

THE MODERATOR: Have they seen you win before?

JIN YOUNG KO: Yes, in Texas.

THE MODERATOR: So two this year.

JIN YOUNG KO: It ridiculous, you know? I want to win without my parents, but this year, I had two wins with my parents. But we’ll see what’s going to happen for next three weeks.

THE MODERATOR: Are they going with you the next three weeks?

JIN YOUNG KO: Yes.

THE MODERATOR: All right. Well, then you’re going to win four in a row.

JIN YOUNG KO: We’ll see. (Laughing).

Her thoughts on the course

THE MODERATOR: What are your thoughts on this golf course, on the challenge it was, but you played so solid over the three days?

JIN YOUNG KO: It was like fairways really narrow and greens are too, so we had to hit it straight to the fairway or even green as well and greens are really fast so we had to make sure great speed on it. But I did a great job this week.

THE MODERATOR: You mentioned him in your speech, but Tom Maletis, who is retiring, if you wouldn’t mind just saying what it means to the LPGA players to have people like Tom and Cambia and Oregon Golf Club, who support women’s golf and support you.

JIN YOUNG KO: Yeah, I want to say thank you for who supports the LPGA Tour, even Tom or a lot of people are behind us. So I want to say thank you to all and Cambia, this year is the 50th anniversary, so I want to say congratulations and thank you.

THE MODERATOR: I know you’re on a plane tonight to go out to the next event, this was the first of four weeks in a row. How do you manage playing four weeks in a row to keep yourself from getting too tired or too stressed.

JIN YOUNG KO: Well, yeah, four weeks in a row is really tiring and tough, but two weeks is like just three days and, you know, not bad. And then after that I go back to Korea and then I will keep reminding myself, Okay, I can go back to Korea after New Jersey. So it will help me a lot.

Q. What can you say about coming to Oregon, the beauty of Oregon, the state, and your experience here, the nature and the other stuff?

JIN YOUNG KO: Yeah, I love this place. I like this weather, even — well I like this weather, like rain, but today it wasn’t rain, but I like this, like British weather, I like this. Even a few days ago it was perfect, so I went to the park, anyway, it’s a famous one, and I went there with my caddie and parents and Sue and we hiked, we went hiking, and the weather was really good. Yeah, and I heard there’s a lot of good wine here. I love drinking wine (laughing). Do you have wine right now? (Laughing).

THE MODERATOR: We can get you some.

JIN YOUNG KO: Oh, thank you.

THE MODERATOR: Yes, lots of good wine here. Definitely next year we can get a wine tour next year.

JIN YOUNG KO: Yeah, a winery.

THE MODERATOR: All right. Well, congratulations, we’ll see you down the road and we’ll see you here next year.

JIN YOUNG KO: Okay. Thank you.

Interview Transcript by Asap Sports

Categories
LPGA Tour

Brooke Henderson: “It was tougher than I was expecting”

PORTLAND, OREGON - SEPTEMBER 16: Brooke Henderson of Canada hits her tee shot on the 14th hole during Round One of the Cambia Portland Classic at the Oregon Golf Club on September 16, 2021 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Q. Brooke, opening round 70, only two back of the lead. After your practice rounds and pro-am, did you expect the course play this difficult today?

BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, it was tougher than I was expecting. It was very cold this morning, which I think played a huge factor, and also the wind has been pretty high. On a few shots really affected as well.

I feel like all in all it was a good day. Nice to get in under par. I felt like I left one out there on 18, but other than that, hopefully I can just make a lot of birdies tomorrow and climb up.

Q. You hit an inordinate number of shots today, at least during our coverage, that never left the flagstick or your target. Is that the result of finally getting to see your dad who’s also your instructor?

BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, I think so. It’s a really nice feeling to be hitting it a little better and seeing some good results, you know, shooting under par today. I feel like I’ve gained some confidence back over these last few week, which is big thing for me, and I’m excited just to play and see where it goes.

Q. How much practice will you do? It’s a course that is really difficult to walk, kind of taxing on everybody. I know you’re young and very fit, but how much practice will you do and will it be less than normal?

BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, it’s a very hilly here and Brit is definitely getting a big workout in. I’m proud of her how she’s been able to cope the last few days.

Yeah, I’ll do a little practice this afternoon, get ready for tomorrow. But definitely have to pay attention to the rest and proper amount of fluids as well.

Henderson is happy to finish under par on day one

Q. You seemed to have a pretty steady round today, pretty quiet round. What was the story of your day out here?

BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, it was is nice to start off first hole with a birdie. That felt nice. Got some confidence there.

Then, yeah, nothing else really happened. Made a few more birdies, one bogey I guess.

But happy to finish under par today. Nice feeling. Felt like I hit some good shots and played the holes pretty well. Hopefully just continue that the next three days.

It was a little chilly out there today, how did it affect Henderson?

Q. You saw a little bit of everything today. It was downright cold first thing this morning; nice and warm now. What’s the challenge of seeing a bunch of weather conditions like that in one round, particularly starting out like that?

BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, it was very cold this morning. Wasn’t really expecting that, so definitely had to deal with that. Also the wind, it was pretty high at times. On certain holes it really blew, so just trying to calculate solid numbers and hit good shots under those conditions.

Q. Overall did the golf course play as you expected today? It’s so tough coming into a place you’ve never seen before and having to tee it up.

BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, it’s really hard to judge on a place you never competed on before, so I felt like it played a little bit tougher that I was expecting I think mainly just because of the colder weather this morning.

I’m excited. Tomorrow afternoon should be a little warmer than this morning, so hopefully go out and continue to hit it well and make a lot of birdies.

Q. This was your first event since you had your break. Had time to go home and work with dad, coach. Do you feel what you worked on was of use, that you’re still using it today?

BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, definitely. I think it was a big key for me to go home and see my family and also my coach, my dad, just get some solid work in and build the confidence back up.

Really looking forward to the rest of this week, and, yeah, coming weeks. Got four in a row, so excited to see where it goes.

Q. Anything in specific you’re working on with your dad or just fine tuning?

BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, just really everything. I hadn’t seen him in so long that we just kind of went over all parts of the game. Was able to give me a couple pointers in every single one, and I feel like it made a big difference.

Q. Last question: How did you and Brit handle the walk today, the beast?

BROOKE HENDERSON: Yeah, definitely is very hilly. I was happy when we finally made it to the back nine because it’s a little flatter. Yeah, hopefully we make it the next three days.

Interview Transcript from Asap Sports

Categories
Ladies European Tour Ladies Tours LPGA Tour

Halmstad Golf Club confirmed as 2022 Scandinavian Mixed Hosted by Henrik and Annika venue

Skyview of Halmstad Golf Club, located in Tylösand

Date: Friday September 17, 2021

The innovative event, co-sanctioned by the European Tour and Ladies European Tour, features a field of 78 men and 78 women playing for one prize fund and one trophy. Earlier this year, Northern Ireland’s Jonathan Caldwell triumphed in the inaugural edition hosted at Vallda Golf and Country Club near Gothenburg.

The famous North Course at Halmstad, located in Tylösand, previously provided the backdrop for the 2007 Solheim Cup, where tournament host Annika Sörenstam contributed 2.5 points for Team Europe.

Designed by Rafael Sundblom, the father of Swedish golf course architecture, it was given the seal of approval from the Swedish Golf Federation in May of 1938 and was officially opened for play in September of the same year.

First time for Halmstad Golf Club to host an European Tour event, but not a bit unprepared.
It is the first time that Halmstad will host the European Tour, but over the years it has staged events on the European Challenge Tour and Ladies European Tour, most recently welcoming amateur golfers for the ANNIKA Invitational Europe in 2017.

“I’m excited for the next edition of the Scandinavian Mixed and to be playing at Halmstad Golf Club, a course that hosted the Solheim Cup and the ANNIKA Invitational Europe a few years ago. I know it will be a great week for everyone involved,” said Sörenstam.

“Bringing women and men together in a combined professional tournament was a huge success and we learned a lot from the event this year. Henrik and I want to bring our game to the younger generation in Sweden and we can’t wait to have fans back next year to enjoy the special atmosphere.”

Henrik Stenson, an 11-time European Tour winner, added: “It’s great that we are able to take the Scandinavian Mixed to Halmstad next summer. I have played some junior events at the course but never at this level, and I think it will be an excellent host venue for the European Tour and Ladies European Tour, both in terms of golf course and the whole setup within the region.

“It was a lot of fun to host the tournament with Annika earlier this year but the only thing missing for us was the crowds not being able to attend. We are both looking forward to welcoming back the Swedish fans next year for an even bigger and better event.

“We are in it for the long run and our hope is that through the Scandinavian Mixed, Annika and I can help inspire the next generation of golfers in Sweden and around the world. Our game is inclusive in so many ways and this tournament continues to highlight that fact on a global stage.”

Jonas Bergman, Mayor of Halmstad, said: “When the opportunity arose for Halmstad to host the 2022 edition of the Scandinavian Mixed Hosted by Henrik and Annika, we could only see benefits of being involved with this new concept.

“The ongoing pandemic has made a stamp on our society and the way we live, but to our great joy, golf has still been practised and has grown even stronger in Sweden and on an international level.

The mixed format of this event brings different groups together in our society, with various ages and a focus on inclusion and equality, all of which we are proud to be associated with moving forward.”

European Tour Communications

Categories
European Tour PGA Tour

Who has better club golfers? Europe or America?

Edinburgh, United Kingdom – 15/9/21 – Shot Scope, the industry-leader in advanced GPS and automatic shot tracking technology, has announced some exclusive statistics comparing the ability of European and American club golfers, ahead of the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.

In true Ryder Cup fashion, Shot Scope compared European and American golfers in a 12 v 12 ‘Sunday singles’ style event. Each match featured a different performance statistic designed to set apart the ability of golfers from either side of the Atlantic. After all 12 matches concluded, the score was tied, with the USA eventually taking the title of the ‘best club golfers’ in a playoff decided by number of total hole outs.

The data for this project was taken from 1,000 European and 1,000 American Shot Scope users. In 2020 these groups of golfers totalled the exact same score to par – this ensured that the playing field was totally level for this match.

The data highlighted that European Shot Scope users play golf more often, with an average of 5.76 rounds per month, versus 4.28 rounds played by US golfers each month. European’s also played a greater variety of courses, playing an average of 2.84 different courses per month compared to 2.36 played by US golfers. However, the data identified that US golfers tend to play on longer courses, with an average length of 6,239 yards, compared to the slightly shorter 6,176-yard average in Europe.

While the results show that Team Europe were clearly on top when it came to average score, Team USA dominated both off the tee and on the greens to clinch the overall victory. Some of the results in this list come with context, for example, Team USA took the point in the ‘Driving distance’ category by a comfortable six yards on average, which could perhaps be down to higher average temperatures. Team USA also picked up the points on the greens, which may be testament to the more consistent putting surfaces they enjoy year-round.

Shot Scope have now tracked in excess of 100 million golf shots around the world. From that data set, they have determined that golfers miss the green short 46% of the time, however both Team Europe and Team USA surpassed that total in this study, with 51% and 49%, respectively.

The percentage of fairways hit was also a tightly contested match, with the USA taking it by just 2.7%. This is a common theme with golfers around the world, as Shot Scope have confirmed that across all ability levels, the smallest difference in performance is on fairway hit accuracy.

Shot Scope’s pioneering performance tracking technology has the ability to help any golfer improve, with the average Shot Scope user improving their handicap by 2.7 shots. The company’s performance tracking V3 watch also boasts ultra-accurate GPS technology as well as ClubSense and PinCollect technologies that automatically detect shots and putts on the course.

V3 users have unlimited access to Tour-quality performance statistics with the touch of a button. More than 100 different analytics can be reviewed via the Shot Scope V3 mobile app or Shot Scope’s online dashboard on different clubs, tee shots, approaches, short game and putting.

Categories
European Tour

McDowell excited for Dutch Open return

KLM-previews-2021
Graeme McDowell (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

Tournament Preview

Major Champion Graeme McDowell will tee it up at the Dutch Open for the first time in 17 years when Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt plays host to the 101st edition of the prestigious tournament.

The Northern Irishman took two months off to recuperate from a forearm injury over the summer, returning to action last week at the BMW PGA Championship to finish tied 49th, and while the 11-time European Tour winner admits he has one eye on his vice captaincy role for Team Europe at the Ryder Cup in Whistling Straits next week, the key focus remains on his own game this week.

Joost Luiten is thrilled to be back at his national open after the event was cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Fans will be out in force to cheer on the 35-year-old as he attempts to claim a third victory on home soil having previously won the event in 2013 and 2016.

The six-time European Tour winner regularly practices at Bernardus Golf alongside another former winner of the Dutch Open in Thomas Pieters, who routinely makes the journey from Belgium to make use of the world class facilities on offer to the players.

The Belgian recorded his second top ten of the year last week and is currently 69th in the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, and will be hoping for a strong finish to his season to make sure he will tee it up at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.

Player Quotes

Graeme McDowell: “I had to pull up the European Tour website to find out the last time I was here for the Dutch Open and it was 2004, so here we are 17 years later, so delighted to be here first and foremost but when I saw the facilities here at Bernardus, it’s probably one of the best practice facilities that we ever see. The chipping areas, the putting greens, and the range is all five star.

“The golf course here is designed by Kyle Phillips, who did Kingsbarns, he has done a spectacular job here. Like I say, delighted to get here and be rewarded with the commitment to come with an amazing golf course, and I am here to compete this week so looking forward to being part of this tournament.

“I was happy the way I felt on the golf course. I felt healthy and I felt very motivated and excited to be back on the course. The BMW PGA was a great week, the golf course was in magnificent shape, the weather behaved itself and it was great to see people back out there supporting us. For me, it was off the back of a couple months off where I was rehabbing a forearm injury that I had and it is always tough to sit out the middle of the summer when there is so much going on but I felt like it was a commitment for the next five to ten years of my career, where I need to stay healthy. It is more about the mental side of things now for me going into my 40s, I need to be there in the right frame of mind to compete and those couple of months helped me.

“I had my watch on yesterday when I was playing my practice rounds and it kept blowing up, buzzing, text messages coming in. Now that we have the 12 players set it’s exciting to start working on the chemistry, working on the pairings, and our strategies for what we want to do Friday, Saturday, into the weekend, so it’s exciting.

“You know I wish I was playing, but the next best thing is to be part of that captaincy backroom staff and I’m excited to jump on the plane Monday morning with the guys. You get that European logo on your chest, it’s just a special thing and something I have great memories off, so I am really excited for Whistling Straits. It would be nice to play well here this weekend and then take my competitive golfer hat off and put my vice captains hat on, to go do the best job I can for Team Europe.”

Joost Luiten: “It was a shame to miss it, but we all know what the situation was in the world. I think last year was probably a good decision not to have it because if we couldn’t have any spectators, why would we have the tournament. At the end of the day, those people make the event, and it is good to see them back in some decent numbers this week.

“I have been playing some solid golf, it’s not been special but sometimes you can just feel like it is coming and at the end of the day it is all about giving yourself chances and that is what I have been doing, and now I need to start taking some of those chances. I know what I can do in this event, I love playing in front of my home crowd and I love the golf course, so it will be a good week and hopefully we can do what we have done in the past and be there on Sunday.

“I think for me because I have won it, there is no pressure for me to show that I can do it. I have done it twice, so it takes off the pressure if you have won it in the past.

“I practice here a lot, it is one of the best practice facilities we have in Holland, so a lot of the top players – even the Belgian players Thomas Detry and Thomas Pieters – and I think that will tell you how good this golf course is. It is a great design, it is in great shape and hopefully we have a great week.”

Thomas Pieters: “Bernardus does feel like a home away from home. They have welcomed me ever since I first started coming here two years ago and have been happy for me to practice here and use the facilities which is nice. The course is amazing, so I am really excited to see what they do with everything this week.

“All the Dutch pros play here and you can see why. The facilities are amazing, the condition of the course is always good and I don’t really have anything like it in Belgium, so I make the trip over all the time.

“I do feel like I am getting very close with my game and just having the mentality of wanting to play good golf, so I am excited to tee it up this week with my friends and family here to watch.”

Press Release from the European Tour Communications

Categories
Highlights Tours Live

Padraig Harrington, the Captain at the helm of the European Team for the Ryder Cup 2021

Team Europe Ryder Cup Captain Padraig Harrington pictured with the Ryder Cup

Padraig Harrington is a professional Irish golfer who plays in the PGA Tour and the European Tour. Harrington has a long golf career, carrying three major championship victories on his back, his playing record speaks for itself. Harrington collects a total of 15 European Tour victories. The Irish golfer showed manners since the begining, raising his first trophy little more than six months after turning professional, in 1996 at the Peugeot Spanish Open with a six shot lead.

According to the European Tour official reports, Harrington became the first European to win back-to-back Major Championships by adding the 2008 US PGA Championship to the 2008 Open Championship crown he won a month earlier, having successfully defended the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale, and climbing up to T3 in the OWGR. He had also previously won the 2007 Open Championship in Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland, finsihing with a total of 7-under par and ranked T6 in the OWGR.

European Captain Padraig Harrington is in a mission for the Ryder Cup 2021.
In 1999, Harrington accomplished his ultimate goal as a player when he qualified for the European Ryder Cup at the “Battle of Brookline.” The Irish golfer participated in other five occasions (1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010).
This year, in 2021, Padraig Harrington is tasting the was selected to develop one of the hardest tasks within the golf world, and that is to put the Captain hat on and to lead the entire European Team to glory during the 2021 Ryder Cup.
His responsibilities started to be on the spotlight when it was time for him to announce the Captain’s picks for this year.

Harrington felt the preassure throughout the process of picking his players, which he narrowed down to three after the first announcement. Finally he published the twelve players and that handful of doubts disappear and all the focus moved into a clear goal and the purpose behind the Europe Team and the Ryder Cup. It is time to get familiar with the course and plan on the best way to execute the strategy that will make Europe touch the sky once again.

The power of the Europe team bound behind the Ryder Cup.
Sergio Garcia, the Spanish golfer who is also one of the last three Captain’s pick, shared a long part of his golf career period with his now Captain Padraig Harrington. However, they are not friendship goals by all means, the competitiveness and strong personalities marked the difference and did not play in the favor of them getting along. On the positive side, they both appreciate each other’s game and work regardless, and Captain Harrington is convinced that the Ryder Cup is bigger than that and the team bound will improve their relationship.

The power of the Europe team bound behind the Ryder Cup.
Sergio Garcia, the Spanish golfer who is also one of the last three Captain’s pick, shared a long part of his golf career period with his now Captain Padraig Harrington. However, they are not friendship goals by all means, the competitiveness and strong personalities marked the difference and did not play in the favor of them getting along. On the positive side, they both appreciate each other’s game and work regardless, and Captain Harrington is convinced that the Ryder Cup is bigger than that and the team bound will improve their relationship.

“It was a tough decision” as he explained in several interviews but he followed his professional criteria and closed a solid team ready to take all chances to bring the trophy home. Harrington believes that it a very strong balanced team where every individual player has the right and the will to play every single match, although that is not possible.

Check out the list of the players committed to the European Team

Categories
European Tour

HENRIK STENSON NAMED AS EUROPEAN VICE CAPTAIN FOR THE 2020 RYDER CUP

Henrik-stenson-ryder-cup-vice-captain
Henrik Stenson (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

European Captain Pádraig Harrington has announced that Henrik Stenson will be the fifth and final Vice Captain for Team Europe in the 2020 Ryder Cup, which gets underway at Whistling Straits next Friday.
 
The 2016 Open Champion will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to Harrington’s backroom team in Wisconsin having played in five of the biennial contests against the United States (2006, 2008, 2014, 2016 and 2018); being on the winning side on three of those five occasions.
 
During that time, the two-time European Tour Number One amassed 11 points for Europe from 19 matches, including a 100% record of three wins out of three during his last outing at Le Golf National in 2018 where he rounded out his perfect week with a 5&4 singles victory over Bubba Watson. He also secured the winning point for Europe on his debut at The K Club, in Ireland, in 2006 where he beat Vaughn Taylor 4&3.
 
It will be Stenson’s first stint as Vice Captain and the 45 year old Swede will join his compatriot Robert Karlsson, Englishman Luke Donald, Germany’s Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland in the role. Between them the quintet boasts the experience of 19 Ryder Cups for Europe and 40 points scored.
 

Stenson comments on his new position


Stenson said: “It’s a great honour to get the call and to be involved with Team Europe. I’ve been part of five Ryder Cup teams in the past and to be given the opportunity as a Vice Captain to help Europe’s quest to retain the Ryder Cup is exciting.
 
“Pádraig called me on Monday morning and it was not a long conversation. I accepted straight away and I assured him that myself, along with the other Vice Captains, are there to help and assist him and the team in any way we can.
 
“We have a very strong team. It’s a mix of huge experience along with three guys who will take on their first Ryder Cup – and that’s a great combination. We have strength in depth so I’m looking forward to getting out there and seeing the boys perform.
 
“It’s no secret that winning on away soil is always a little bit harder, but the boys are ready for that challenge. It’s all going to come down to how well we play during the week but I have every faith in our team.”
 
Pádraig Harrington, European Ryder Cup Captain, said: “I am delighted to add Henrik Stenson to our backroom team as a Vice Captain. Following on from Sunday when the 12 players were confirmed, we now have Team Europe complete and I could not be happier.
 
“Henrik will bring so much to the week in all aspects both on and off the course. His playing record speaks for itself and he has the full respect and confidence of all the players. He knows what it takes to win a Ryder Cup and that experience and knowledge will be crucial for us.
 
“Everyone is aware that the Ryder Cup can be a tense week at times too so Henrik’s renowned wit and sense of fun will benefit our team room immensely. It will also be helpful to have the cool head of the ‘Ice Man’ around should any stressful situation emerge.”
 

It is almost Ryder Cup time

The 43rd Ryder Cup will be played at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin from September 24-26 where Europe will aim to retain the trophy they won 17 ½ – 10 ½ at Le Golf National in France in 2018.

Press Release from the European Tour Communications

Categories
Europe Travel

The World’s First International Olympic Academy Course with José María Olazábal

A Ryder Cup legend and captain of the victorious European team that won in such memorable fashion at Medinah in 2012, José María Olazábal has written his name into Ryder Cup folklore with his achievements over the last four decades.

Now a successful golf-course designer, the two-time Masters champion will unveil the first of two new 18-hole courses that he has created at Navarino Hills in Costa Navarino, Greece, this November with the launch of the world’s first International Olympic Academy Course.

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Here we have an exclusive interview with Olazábal discussing the Navarino Hills project and where his inspiration came from.

Q: When and how did your involvement in the Navarino Hills project come about?
José: I first came to Costa Navarino around six years ago when they were looking for a designer for the two new courses planned at Navarino Hills. My team and I all absolutely love the region here and we put in our very best effort to win the design job. Obviously, we were very happy when Achilles Constantakopoulos (chairman of Temes, the developers of Costa Navarino) chose us and we are working hard to repay his trust. 

Q: What were your impressions when you first saw the site?
José: Simply WOW. The property is spectacular, the views are breathtaking and the characteristics of the site are wonderful for golf. It surely ranks among the most beautiful properties we ever got the chance to work on. 

Q: What makes the landscape at Navarino Hills and Costa Navarino’s approach to developing golf courses so special?
José: The views are absolutely stunning, not just across the historic Bay of Navarino but also towards the mountains in the background. This sets the tone for the whole site and gives it a very strong character amidst the garrigue vegetation which is typical for the Mediterranean. Costa Navarino has found an absolute jewel with this property and they are trying to develop it sensibly with great focus on protecting the environment. I am delighted with their approach and we are trying to use all the latest modern techniques to contribute our share to the sustainability goals.

Q: Where did your inspiration for each course come from and have you tried to include any elements of your favourite courses in the world?
José: Well, I am privileged and have got to play many of the great golf courses around the world. Courses like Augusta, the Old Course, Valderrama, Loch Lomond and many others certainly leave an impression on you and influence you. I am a fan of the classics and am probably more of a traditionalist but, for the new designs we have undertaken, it is the land itself that gives you the inspiration. What is important is how the property sits in its surroundings, what features stands out and how we can model the golf course harmoniously into the terrain so that it feels like a natural fit.

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Q: What are the key characteristics of each course and what are the different challenges that golfers will face?
José: The International Olympic Academy Course has stunning views over Navarino Bay and is the longer and tougher of the two courses. It’s more compact and, in style, a bit posher than the Navarino Hills course. Navarino Hills has a more rural feel and takes you into the outback where you can enjoy a stroll in beautiful nature.

Q: Can you pick out a couple of holes on each course that you especially like and tell us a bit about them?
José: I think they all have their own little personality but, of course, a few will be talked about more than others. On the International Olympic Academy Course, the 12 th and 16 th holes are two beautiful but challenging par threes with great views over the bay where I am sure most golfers will stop to take a photo. Holes 10 and 15 will also get some attention. On the Navarino Hills course, I would say the sixth hole, a downhill par-five, stands out as well as the stretch from the 14th to the 17th.

Q: When the Navarino Hills project is completed, what will it do to elevate Costa Navarino’s status on the world stage as a golf destination?
José: Costa Navarino is already well known around the world but what the two new courses will do is to lift Costa Navarino from the status of a golf resort to being a full golf destination. With four golf courses, Costa Navarino will appeal to the global golf-travel market and I’m
sure will be successful in attracting many new guests.

Q: Why do you think Costa Navarino stands out as a golf destination?
José: We are spoiled as golfers because there are so many great places to go, but I have said it before and will be happy to repeat it: Costa Navarino is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. It is more than just the golf offering there, it is the whole experience that is exceptional – from the nature, the culture and the people with their amazing hospitality to the food, the beach and so many activities to choose from. Don’t be surprised if you see me at Costa Navarino from time to time in the future.

Q: How important is the issue of sustainability to you when building a golf course?
José: It is a must. There is no alternative and, luckily, the topic has arrived in society as one of the most pressing issues of our time and for generations to come. Golf is only a small piece of this, but we must contribute our share and do everything to be as conscious about
environmental, social and economic sustainability as we can. Costa Navarino is certainly a leader in this and I am proud to be a part of it.

Q: In your opinion, what are the qualities of a good golf course and the characteristics that make you want to play it again and again?
José: It does not matter whether the course is extra tough or easy or long or short, what is important is that golfers have a great time. For that to happen, I think the course has to be fair and also has to fit seamlessly into the surroundings so that it creates this special
ambience.

Interview transcript provided by The Azalea Group

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European Tour Top Tours

Billy Horschel celebrates his victory at the BMW PGA Championship with his lucky golf bag and the West Ham United football team

Billy Horschel of the United States of America signals the West Ham United Irons sign after winning the BMW PGA Championship

The BMW PGA Championship is a tournament that started in 1972, and it has been taking place in Wentworth Golf Club, Virginia Water, Surrey, England, since 1984. Previous to that year, other courses such as the Royal St George’s Golf Course also served as the venue to the European Tour event. The first time the BMW PGA Championship was celebrated, the winner, Tony Jacklin earned the respective quantity to the total prize fund of 25.000 €. This year, the American golfer, Billy Horschel has pocketed a total of 1.125.951,98 € and made history, becoming the second American golfer to win this tournament, after Arnold Palmer raised the trophy in 1975.

Billy Horschel finshed T1 after four hard rounds of 70-65-69-65 to sign a total of 19-under par, only one shot ahead from the second position. Horschel secured the title at the third Rolex Series event of the year, and his second major BMW title after the BMW Championship in Denver, USA with an excellent final round of 7-under par (65), including an impresive birdie on hole 18th.

“I think started off, making par at No. 1 was huge. Fooch and I played a flyer like we have all week and hit it over the green and made a big putt for par. I played really great all around. Making the birdie at 15 was huge. Getting me I think tied for the lead at the moment at 18-under with three holes to play, three birdie holes, and I knew if I could birdie two of the three I probably would win the event. But one birdie was good enough.” – Billy Horschel.

The relatipnship must be a two ways street: Billy Horschel and The West Ham United football team.
The American golfer feels very comfrotable playing the English course of Wentworth, Horschel is closer to the British crowd than the audience may think. This is one of his favorite courses, and he would play it more often if that was possible, as he explained in some of the interviews made throughout the European Tour event.

“Man, I’m speechless, which is very, very rare. As I’ve said two years ago and as I said this week the crowds are absolutely unbelievable here and they supported me when I came over in 2019 and they supported me this year. Played really good today, really well. Obviously missed a few putts. To win this event means a lot.” – Billy Horschel.

The West Ham United soccer club had designed a golf bag for him to carry his clubs at The Open this year. It was supposed to be his lucky charm. Although he finsihed T53 with a total of 1-over par at The Open, his luck finally came this weekend, and he could have not shown a better appreciation to the West Ham United club than raising a trophy on british lands. Billy has not had bag sponsor for a year and a half then and he has always been a fan of the Hammers so why not making a Hammer’s golf bag? He combined both of his passions together and now he will celebrate his victory with the West Ham United team.

The golf bag of Billy Horschel designed for the English soccer club of West Ham United

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Official World Golf Ranking: The No.1 Englishman in the official WGR is currently Tyrrell Hatton

Tyrell Hatton of England (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
Keep up with our compact analysis, to brief you on how the key events of the last week have effected the official world golf rankings.

Top 5 OWGR Leaderboard

# Name Nationality Points Total Points Gained Events
1 Jon Rahm ESP 524.02 340.59 49
2 Dustin Johnson USA 379.38 147.35 43
3 Collin Morikawa USA 430.01 315.33 52
4 Patrick Cantlay USA 322.75 242.87 42
5 Xander Schauffele USA 359.64 238.03 48
Jon Rahm leads in the official world golf ranking this week. The Spaniard’s points average is 10.6943 at the time of publication. Rahm’s rank has not changed since the last count. Next up on the official world golf ranking list is Dustin Johnson, 37 years old, at rank 2. The American has, compared to last week, not moved in the rankings. Third in the rankings this week is Collin Morikawa, 37, with a points average of 8.2694. Max Schmitt has climbed the most places in the official world golf rankings this week. Schmitt has managed to jump 385 places in the world ranking list, and is now sitting at 826 rank. The German jumped in just one week from rank 1211, and now has a points average of 0.1108. The No.1 Englishman in the official world golf rankings is currently Tyrrell Hatton, in place 19 and is in the same position as last week.