Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy play together in preparation for the 2022 British Open. (Photo: Twitter/@RMTracker)
Earlier this week, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods competed in the famous JP McManus Pro-Am together with many other stars of the (golf) world. But while most professionals are now using the Scottish Open as a final rehearsal for the upcoming British Open 2022, the two superstars are preparing in their own way. McIlroy and Woods played a round of golf at Ballybunion Golf Club, one of Ireland’s top courses.
Tiger Tracking on Twitter
When Tiger Woods gets on a plane or plays a practice round, the golf world looks intently at social media. So it was before the other majors this year that the 15-time major winner played again a year after his nasty car accident. When Tiger landed at Augusta, crazy scenes played out on Twitter. Well, before the British Open, Tiger had flown across the pond early for the charity pro-am – not unnoticed by the attentive fan community either, of course.
— Ballybunion Golf Club (@BallybunionGN) July 7, 2022
Several pictures and videos of the relaxed round on the links course of Ballybunion GC with his friend Rory McIlroy are circulating on social media. In typically dreary weather, preparations are underway for the 150th Open Championship, which will be played on the Old Course at St Andrews next week. The Scottish Open followed by a Major would probably be too much for the convalescent who had cancelled the US Open. The superstar was also out in a cart at the JP McManus in order to rest the leg that had been so badly injured.
— Ballybunion Golf Club (@BallybunionGN) July 7, 2022
Together with Rory McIlroy, who is also taking a break from tournaments after energy-sapping weeks, Tiger seems to be enjoying the round of links golf. McIlroy shares memories of “back in the day”, as a video reveals. “I used to aim down the middle of the fairway, it would start down the right edge and then draw back to the middle of the fairway,” “Rors” told his playing partner, demonstrating his skills.
Waves crashing, wind blowing off the water, two fellas talking about ball flight. Pretty surreal scene from Rory and Tiger's buddies trip to Ballybunion today (via aidohanrahan IG) pic.twitter.com/xz7WxyMWsH
Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy ahead of the British Open 2022
Of course, we don’t want to deny you the pictures and videos of the two superstars. Simply two legends of golf playing a casual round of links golf – delightful!
New and limited: Standbag "Geo Fast" and Cartbag "Terra Texture" from OGIO Europe. (Photo: OGIO Europe)
The OGIO 2022 all-elements Woode hybrid golf bags have been released in eight colour schemes, ranging from ‘Black’ up to the bright red galactic design named ‘Nebula’. The stylish and imaginative patterns have been developed to ignite a sense of awe within the marketplace, and lead golfers to marvel at the creation of the unique bags on offer.
Golfers looking to stand out on the course can select one of the other six patterns on offer – outer space ‘Terra Texture’ with white and grey hues, jungle green ‘Shibori Mountain’, fast-paced blue
‘Warp Speed’, purple palm leaves ‘Midnight Jungle’, multi-coloured geometric ‘Geo Fast’ or camouflage-inspired ‘Double Camo’ with orange detailing.
OGIO Europe focuses on functionality in addition to design
As well as being eye-catching, the bags are highly durable and created with functional organisation in mind for the modern golfer. But most important to European golfers, will be the fully waterproof functionality of the bags.
Designed specifically for play in any climate, all cart and stand bags in the collection are produced in a waterproof fabric and include a premium waterproof valuables pocket, to keep even electronic items dry. Both cart and stand bags are available in all eight patterns, allowing golfers to select any of the daring designs on offer.
Stand bags in the range come with an eight-way water-resistant Woode top, while the cart bags incorporate a 15-way Woode top, created to provide the ultimate organisational feature for golf clubs.
Further organisational elements include a low profile ball silo. Cart bag users will benefit from push car lock-down straps and a padded single strap, while stand bag users can enjoy the double-strap fit disc system for carrying.
European-based golfers can purchase an OGIO Golf 2022 cart bag for €359 or stand bag for €349.
You can rely on OGIO Europe
OGIO’s mission is to create the most trusted bags in sport – wherever competition happens. The brand’s expertise extends lends itself to the creation of golf bags that can cope on even the most testing of golf courses.
Throughout the year, OGIO has its ambitions set in the direction of developing eye-catching products. The 2022 golf collection is one of multiple ranges being released in wild and imaginative patterns, including backpacks and luggage.
Owned by Callaway Golf Company, OGIO is a premium active lifestyle company alongside a portfolio of global brands, including Callaway Golf, Odyssey, TravisMathew, Jack Wolfskin Toptracer and Top Golf.
Younger sister Nelly (left) and Jessica Korda (right) will compete in Spain. (Photo: Aramco Team Series)
American superstar sisters Nelly and Jessica Korda are heading to Spain for the first time, with both confirmed for next month’s $1million Aramco Team Series – Sotogrande. The sibling pair will tee-it-up in front of their maiden Spanish crowd at La Reserva Club, August 18-20th, in what will be their second Aramco Team Series presented by PIF event.
The Kordas can build on great successes
Both Nelly and Jessica were part of history when they played in last year’s debut Aramco Team Series – New York, the first ever Ladies European Tour event to be played on U.S soil. And for older sister Jessica – a six-time LPGA-winner – that was just the start of a history-making week, as she captained her team to victory in the event’s unique fourball format.
Former world number one and US Olympic Gold medalist Nelly was one-shot shy of bagging the same tournament’s concurrent solo contest.Now, both will return to battle it out against the biggest and best names on the Ladies European Tour under the Sotogrande sun this summer.
Both sisters will be in Spain for the first time
“I’m so excited to be heading to play in Spain for the first time,” said major-winner Nelly, currently ranked world #3.
“It’ll actually be my first ever time visiting Spain, so I’m really looking forward to getting there and seeing and experiencing what I’ve always imagined to be this amazing culture. The golf course at La Reserva looks incredible too so it should be a great week.”
“Jess and I both played in the Aramco Team Series event in New York last year and loved the format. It’s something different having the separate team-individual formats going on at the same time which is fun. With the Solheim Cup taking place just round the corner from Sotogrande next year, this will also be the perfect opportunity for me and some of the other Americans in the field to get a bit of a lay of the land and a feel for playing in Spain, with the hope of being back there 12 months later. I’m excited to get out there and can’t wait to see what Sotogrande has in store for us.”
“Spain has had such a massive influence on golf”
Jessica – who has finished in the top ten in all five women’s majors – said: “New York’s Aramco Team Series was a great event. Having won the team side of it was a lot of fun! I am looking forward to getting a chance to play that same format again.
“I’ve never actually played in Spain – this will be my first time. Spain has had such a massive influence on golf, from big name players like Seve, Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm to Carlota Ciganda and the many Spanish girls making an impact on both the LPGA and LET.
“The Spanish fans are known to have some fiery passion too, so I can’t wait to tee it up in front of them for what should be a pretty special atmosphere in Sotogrande.”
The headline pair will be joined in Sotogrande by a host of big-name Spanish golfers, including Solheim Cup hero Carlota Ciganda, rising talent Ana Peláez Triviño, Nuria Iturrioz and Carmen Alonso, as part of a field packed with global stars, more of whom will be announced in due course.
Keith Pelley at the JP McManus Pro-Am in Ireland. (Photo: Getty)
Following a hearing before HHJ Sycamore CBE, appointed by Sport Resolutions (UK), suspensions imposed on Ian Poulter, Adrian Otaegui and Justin Harding have been temporarily stayed, pending determination of their substantive appeals by an Appeal Panel in due course.
Keith Pelley about the lifting of the sanctions
Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the DP World Tour, said: “Out of respect for JP and Noreen McManus, their wonderful Pro-Am and the outstanding fundraising they undertake on behalf of charities in the west of Ireland, I will not be giving a detailed response on this matter right now.
“I will simply say we are disappointed by the outcome of today’s hearing, but will abide by the decision. It is important to remember, however, this is only a stay of the sanctions imposed, pending the hearing of the players’ appeal as to whether those sanctions were appropriate.
“The make-up of the field for the Genesis Scottish Open will be advised in due course, but based on this decision the field size will increase beyond 156.
“We will make further comment on this in due course, but not during our time at Adare Manor.”
Flags waving in front of the traditional clubhouse and England’s flagship golf course
(Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger and RSG/Jason Livy)
The best of the best
In many rankings it is considered England’s number one. It is currently ranked 22nd in the world, making it one of the most recognised on the golfing globe. Tradition and style meet the highest quality and class. Everything here is special.
Impressive history
Its beginning dates back to 1887, when it was founded by Dr William Laidlaw Purves as England’s equivalent of St Andrew’s in Scotland. It is beautifully situated, right on Sandwich Bay on the shores of the English Channel. In 1894, the first Open Championship outside Scotland took place here. In the meantime, this event, which is regarded as one of the world’s most important tournaments, has taken place 15 times at this location. Nowhere has it been held more often outside Scotland. The club last hosted the tournament in 2021, the 149th time it has been held. The list of notable professional and amateur competitions held here is endless.
The board hanging in the clubhouse lists winners from three centuries now. Darren Clarke in 2011 and Collin Morikawa in 2021 were the last two winners to take possession of the coveted Claret Jug trophy in Kent. The sensational layout of the course owes much to several notable architects. In addition to the founder mentioned above, they include Allister McKenzie and Frank Penning.
A perfect routing of 18 impressive holes (Photo RSG/Jason Livy)
Style and Etiquette
The club is a Private Members Club, but opens its doors to non-members on certain days at certain times. Guests are welcome and will receive a warm welcome. However, some rules apply to them, as published on the club’s website. They may sound antiquated, but from my point of view they fit perfectly with the tradition, to which a lot of importance is still attached. Nothing is modern here, but everything is dignified and noble. Old school golf at its best. This includes, among other things, that golf clothing may only be worn in the clubhouse until 11.00 am. After that, gentlemen wear a jacket and tie, ladies an appropriate outfit although on the terrace and in the snack bar, golfing outfits are accepted all day. If gentlemen opt for shorts, they are to be worn with knee-high socks with members often wearing red and green striped club socks. Golf shoes and caps, as well as wet weather golf clothing, are taboo in the clubhouse. Guests are requested not to change in the car park, but in the locker rooms, which are furnished with fine wood. Mobile phones are frowned upon on the course and in the clubhouse but fine to use whilst in the car park.
Originally, it was planned to have lunch before our round in the famous dining room of the venerable clubhouse. However, this reservation was cancelled at short notice, as on the day of our visit about 300 members had gathered there to commemorate the life of a recently-deceased former President. So the sacred halls remain inaccessible to us. Instead, we spend some time on the al fresco terrace overlooking beautiful gardens.
Snack on the terrace where coffee and water are free of charge (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
More tension is impossible
While changing, I clearly notice how my excitement slowly increases. Then it’s off to the course as my adrenaline level continues to rise and my heart races. I try to block out who has teed off at this spot since 1887 and concentrate on my first tee-shot. St George’s is a 2ball course except on Tuesdays which is when the majority of visitors usually play as 3balls or 4balls.
Tee-off every eight minutes (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Unfortunately, the initial sunshine leaves us and the cloud cover increases considerably, but it stays dry and the usual strong wind stays within limits.
Huts at the first tee ( Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Then it starts. I take a deep breath and try to block out everything else. Richard, our caddie, recommends me to play an easy draw. Nothing easier than that.
Caddies are an indispensable help (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
‘Well done’ Richard comments on my tee shot. Then we race off as leisurely golfing is not the order of the day here. Anyone who needs more than 3 1/2 hours for the 18 holes as a 2ball is out of place.
Perfect conditions throughout the course
The par 70 course has a length of 7,204 yards from the championship tees. Unlike most classic links courses, the front nine does not run away from the clubhouse and the back nine back to it. Instead, the holes are laid out in more of a big loop, so you don’t play one hole into the same direction. This means having to readjust to the usual wind on each hole. On eight of them you play directly along the Channel.
The natural beauty speaks for itself (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Even the tee boxes stand out because of their perfect condition. Other clubs would be happy to have greens like this. This impression continues seamlessly on the course. The very undulating fairways are mown extremely short. I hardly dare to hit a divot. The balls roll without end. They don’t always go where they’re supposed to, but they make length. Even if I think I’ve hit the middle of the fairway, that doesn’t mean the ball will come to rest there, but Richard, who seems to have eagle eyes, helps.
The views of the Channel are magnificent. The naturalness of the course cannot be surpassed. Nothing here has been artificially created, but everything has been left in its original look and feel. The dunes are huge and sometimes severely restrict the view of the fairways. These blind tee shots require confidence and self-assurance. The dune grass sways in the not too strong wind. After last week’s rain and the subsequent sunshine, it has literally exploded. It looks more harmless than it is. Getting out of the dense rough is almost impossible.
The sportiest possible challenge
After only a short time, we realise that the HCP limit of 18.4 is completely justified. If we stay in the game, greens await us that we have not yet experienced in this form. Where and how should the ball come to rest on the partly huge, inverted saucers?
Professional reading help is worth its weight in gold (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
They are ondulated, furiously fast and surrounded by huge run-off areas. Two putts are a great result, but we only manage this if we hit the greens perfectly. And that doesn’t happen too often. The white flags bear the red cross of the patron Saint George. We need his help. And then there are the bunkers – the regular and the pot bunkers. They are as pristine as you would expect on a true links course. The highlight is the one at the four. Until recently, it was still supported by 93 railway sleepers on the sides though these were recently removed for safety reasons. This blind tee shot must be played uphill over a dune.
The sleeping giant (Photo Royal St. George’s GC/Jason Livy )
After about 150 metres, lies the deepest and steepest bunker in the entire United Kingdom. Richard tells us that it is also called ‘coffin’: once you are in it, you never get out again! I am the best example, as the photo proves. After three unsuccessful attempts, I buried the score on this hole.
The monster cut into the dunes (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
It is the second most difficult hole of the 18 exciting holes, which are all different and have their own names. This one is unsurprisingly called The Himalayas whilst other well known ones are called The Maiden, Sahara and Suez Canal. Each hole has its own great charm and remains memorable for us. The front nine should allow for the better score, as the back nine is even more challenging. The lengths are brutal for average HCPers, especially when the wind comes into play. This kicks in on the back nine and makes the last holes a special test for us.
Drinking water is available at various points on the course, even for four-legged friends. Only toilets we look for in vain. Richard thinks we should use mother nature.
Fresh water for everyone (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
After 18 holes we are exhausted: mentally and physically. But richer by an experience that is one of the most extraordinary we have ever had on a golf course. Golf at its purest. This alone counts. The result is absolutely secondary.
Happy and satisfied on the tee of the 18th hole (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
We politely thank Richard for his great job, pay him the usual fee of GBP 50,- and give him the well-deserved tip. This was already because of the balls he found again in the deep rough. So our loss was absolutely manageable. We will keep every moment of this unforgettable day on one of the world’s most impressive golf courses in best memory. Cologne, June 2022 Juergen Linnenbuerger
Industry leading range technology provider, Toptracer, is today launching a brand-new
game mode: Toptracer30.
Toptracer has a new game mode
The exciting new game mode puts players in 30 realistic virtual on-course scenarios, and measures how successfully the player navigates them – providing a mountain of data in just 30 shots. Each shot provides data which accumulates to a total score designed to offer an accurate and objective snapshot assessment of the player’s current performance level.
The new game mode has been designed as a bridge between the range and the golf course, simulating on-course pressure for players as they are tasked with a series of different situations. Toptracer30 consists of nine tee shots and 21 approach shots, with each shot evaluated depending on a number of variables – ranging from distance and accuracy when driving, to hole proximity and greens hit when approaching.
During gameplay, players are additionally provided with a series of ‘Insights’. As each is observed, evaluated, and analysed, players are given real-time feedback into the strengths and weaknesses of their performance during that play-through of Toptracer30. Finally, upon completion of the Toptracer30 game, each shot is assessed and attributed to a ‘Performance Handicap’ – an estimated handicap that reflects the player’s performance across the entire 30 shots. Ben Sharpe, Toptracer President, commented on the new development: “Toptracer30 is yet another impressive innovation in our range technology. This new game mode provides players with brilliant insights into their performance, and it offers the player with an opportunity to health check their game in just 30 shots. “We can’t wait to see how players, and indeed coaches, use this new game mode to further their game and make all-important improvements,” he added.
About Toptracer
Toptracer, an innovative technology from Topgolf Entertainment Group, is the most-used and most-trusted advanced ball-tracing technology. The first of its kind to be introduced to the game of golf, Toptracer has revolutionised the way viewers experience the game at select Topgolf venues, driving ranges and while watching major golf tournaments. Today, Toptracer technology powers over 550 Toptracer Range driving ranges in 31 countries.
“There has been a leak to the media of a letter we received on behalf of a number of LIV Golf players which contains so many inaccuracies that it cannot remain unchallenged.
“Before joining LIV Golf, players knew there would be consequences if they chose money over competition. Many of them at the time understood and accepted that. Indeed, as one player named in the letter said in a media interview earlier this year; ‘If they ban me, they ban me.’ It is not credible that some are now surprised with the actions we have taken.
“The letter claims that these players ‘care deeply’ for the DP World Tour. An analysis of the past participation statistics on our Tour in recent years of several of the leading players named, suggests otherwise.
“One player in particular named in the note has only played six Rolex Series events in the past five years. Another one, only four. I wish many of them had been as keen to play on our Tour then as they seem to be now, based on the fact they have either resigned their membership of the PGA TOUR or, if they are still in membership, have been suspended indefinitely.
“Furthermore, given how deeply these players say they care about the DP World Tour, perhaps some of them could have played in Ireland this week in support of our new title sponsor, in particular one player who gave us a signed commitment to play at Mount Juliet.
“With that player currently in action at Pumpkin Ridge, you can imagine the allegation in the letter that we are in the wrong, is hard to accept.
“We also take great exception to an allegation made near the end of the letter which states we are somehow playing ‘second fiddle’ to the PGA TOUR. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“We held a player meeting in Ireland on Tuesday where we outlined in great detail all the many benefits of our expanded relationship with the PGA TOUR.
“One of those is an unprecedented ten cards on offer to the PGA TOUR, cards that many of the players named in this letter desperately wanted to attain in the early stages of their careers. Why now be critical of those trying to do the same?
“The letter also expresses supposed concern about the future of the DP World Tour. Rest assured no-one should have any worries on that score.
“The DP World Tour is a vibrant, independent and global Tour with increasing and guaranteed prize fund growth over the next five years. We have fantastic tournaments across the year including a host of wonderful national Opens, all played in front of huge crowds, illustrated perfectly by this week’s Horizon Irish Open.
“Finally, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any potential legal matters.
“I will simply reiterate that our Members’ Regulations which have been in force for more than 30 years, have been accepted by all the players, are there to protect all of our members, and we will use them to take all necessary steps to protect their interests.
“The sanctions for those members who knowingly broke our rules by playing at the Centurion Club without a release are proportionate, fair and, I believe, considered necessary by the majority of our members.”
Shane Lowry looking forward to the Irish Open on the DP World Tour. (Credits: Getty)
Pádraig Harrington, Shane Lowry and Séamus Power are excited to tee it up in front of the packed home crowds at Mount Juliet Estate for this week’s Horizon Irish Open.
The home favourites will be backed by Irish golf fans in their thousands, with a sold-out weekend and only a limited number of tickets remaining for the first two days, as all three players return to compete on home soil for the first time this year. Harrington, the 2007 winner of this event, arrives in County Kilkenny having secured his maiden Senior Major title at last week’s U.S. Senior Open at Saucon Valley, where he earned a one-stroke victory over fellow former Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker.
Power, the World Number 36, returns to his home Open for the first time in three years and the first time since becoming a PGA TOUR winner at the 2021 Barbasol Championship in Kentucky.
The highest-ranked player in the field at Mount Juliet is 2019 Open Champion Lowry, who currently occupies 24th on the Official World Golf Ranking, and arrives home off the back of an excellent run of form during which he has missed only one cut in 2022.
Australia’s Lucas Herbert will defend the title he won in wire-to-wire fashion at Mount Juliet last year, while Rolex Series winners Tyrrell Hatton, Thomas Pieters, Aaron Rai and Min Woo Lee will also tee it up this week. Make-A-Wish Ireland, the Official Charity of the Horizon Irish Open, will benefit from the Birdies for Wishes initiative this week whereby every birdie on the 18th hole at Mount Juliet during tournament play will result in a €500 donation to the charity.
PLAYERS QUOTES:
Pádraig Harrington: “It’s great to be back after a win. Great to have won on the Champions Tour. I’ve gone out there for that very reason, to win, rather than play regular events and finish in the top ten.
“Coming here, the crowds, it was a nice atmosphere with people congratulating me. I’m sure it will be like that for the rest of the week. It can be tough being at your home Open, especially if you don’t play well or you’re in the middle of the pack and things aren’t going so well, you feel like you’re letting down the fans. I think Mount Juliet lends itself to a great event. It’s got a great atmosphere. All the players are on site. So the players enjoy themselves, and with the crowds coming in, there should be a great buzz. Whoever wins here or gets themselves in contention this week will know all about it. I’m looking forward to it.
“The fans are out and it’s a great week, great venue, Mount Juliet, so I’m going to enjoy myself no matter what, wave to the crowds. My display of golf today wouldn’t give you any great confidence about how the rest of the four days, but 24 hours is a long time in golf so I’m hoping that I’ll be well rested by tomorrow.”
Shane Lowry: “I say it every year, it’s always great to come back to this event. It’s kind of close to me, and I owe a lot to it for where I am in the game with the start that I had with the Irish Open in 2009 and it gave me the kick start to my career that I really needed. It definitely gave me one up on the rest of the guys around my level at the time.
“It’s nice to come back here every year. I’m playing some good golf, and I’m just kind of excited for the week ahead, and I’m very hopeful that I put in a good performance. It’s been a nice stretch for me, and I feel confident, I feel good about my game. It’s just about managing expectation in a week like this really, but I feel like I’m doing that every week because I feel like every week I play now is such a big week, and every week I really want to do well.
“I’d love myself to do well this week. I’d love myself to be the Irishman to do well. I think obviously Séamus or Padraig, or even anybody, we were all up there on Sunday afternoon, and one of us won it. So it would be great for the tournament and it’d be great for golf if that was the case.”
Séamus Power: “It’s one I’ve had circled on the calendar for probably six months now, it’s going to be great. I haven’t played since 2019 as obviously the last couple years with COVID has been tricky. I think it’s going to be sold out, and it’s going to be a great week.
“As soon as I saw the draw with Shane, I thought this is going to be pretty cool. Probably some of the biggest crowds that I’ve seen, I’d imagine, with Shane. I’ve known Shane a long time. Haven’t played a ton of competitive rounds as professionals together. We played quite a few practise rounds together, so I think it’s going to be really, really good out there. Big crowds and hopefully the weather is good. It’s a completely different experience for me. I’ve played in the States for a long time. I haven’t played that many Irish Opens, and obviously none really as someone near a featured group.
“So it’s going to be a different experience. I feel like I have a good plan set up for it. At the end of the day, I’m going to start a golf tournament tomorrow morning. No matter where it is, I still have to be prepared, do proper warm-ups, having everything taken care of preparation-wise and see where my game stands.”
THOMASTOWN, IRELAND - JUNE 28: Alex Fitzpatrick of England during a press conference prior to the Horizon Irish Open at Mount Juliet Estate on June 28, 2022 in Thomastown, Ireland. (Photo by Oisin Keniry/Getty Images)
Alex Fitzpatrick will follow in his brother Matt’s footsteps when the Englishman makes his professional debut this week at the Horizon Irish Open, the same tournament in which the recently-crowned U.S. Open Champion entered the paid ranks in 2014.
The Fitzpatrick family made global headlines less than three weeks ago when the older of two brothers, Matt, claimed a maiden Major title at The Country Club in Brookline, prompting emotional scenes on the 18th green with Alex, along with their parents Russell and Sue.
Having watched his brother make history in Boston, 23-year-old Alex is now ready to make his own mark on the professional game as he plays his first event as a professional at Mount Juliet Estate – following an impressive amateur career which included Walker Cup appearances in 2019 and 2021.
He has already had some experience among the professional elite – making the cut as an amateur at last year’s Cazoo Open supported by Gareth Bale, before playing at the PGA TOUR’s Valspar Championship three months ago.
Matt Fitzpatrick claimed a share of 29th position when he made his own professional debut at the island of Ireland’s national open eight years ago, kicking off a career which has thus far yielded a Major title among seven other DP World Tour victories.
Australia’s Lucas Herbert will return to Mount Juliet Estate this week to defend the title he won in wire-to-wire fashion last year, while Tyrrell Hatton will be targeting his first win of the 2022 season in an event at which he has already claimed two top five finishes.
Player quotes:
Alex Fitzpatrick: “I found out about the invite probably two or three weeks ago, I was incredibly excited.
“So obviously it’s funny, following in your brother’s footsteps but sometimes that isn’t a bad thing, especially the route that he’s gone. Hopefully it might open a few doors, but if it doesn’t, I still have to play good golf and if I don’t play good golf, then doors will be shut. Just all about enjoying myself and working hard and hopefully get some good results.
“We’re different in a lot of ways. Our games are completely different. I would say he’s a great driver of the golf ball and a great putter, and I would say my iron and short game would be better than his, which is hard to say when he’s just won the U.S. Open. I think if we were one player, we would be pretty good as well.
“Mainly he tells me all the time, “Hit it straight and you’ll be just fine.” If I can start doing the same stuff he does, then hopefully I’ll be fine.
“I’ve got a great caddie this week in Martin, one of Billy Foster’s friends. Incredibly knowledgeable and incredibly funny as well. So I noticed he was a Leeds fan, so giving each other a bit of stick about that.”
Lucas Herbert: “It’s pretty sweet to be back. Just getting around the property, seeing it all again, bringing back memories from last year, it’s pretty nice.
“I just went to play the back nine now and hit a lot of the shots that I sort of remember hitting last year.
“I feel like I’ve watched the highlights so many times; all the pins are right there in the back of my memory so distinctly. It’s been kind of nice to get back and just have a bit of a stroll down memory lane.
“This year it’s just finding that consistency has been tough. I feel I turned a little bit of a corner. The game feels like I have the ability to hit the shots. It’s just putting everything and the structure in place around it to produce a little bit more of that consistency. I think we’ve turned a corner.
“Most of our practice round today we were discussing the crowd, how excited, especially around 14 green, how excited they were getting.
“They are always really respectful. Obviously they are getting pretty vocal for me last year but I feel like they are really respectful. They knew when to clap and when not to and in terms of what a good shot looked like.
“This week and the next two weeks in Scotland and The Open, everyone on Tour knows they are some of the best crowds on Tour. They appreciate good golf when they see it. It’s something I’m definitely looking forward to having around again this year.”
Tyrrell Hatton: “The course seems good. Obviously had quite a bit of rain over the last few days so it’s pretty soft out there, which is to be expected. It should be a fun week.
“The U.S. Open and the week prior wasn’t great. I did a bit of work with my dad last week to get back to how I should be swinging it. We’ll see come Thursday if I’m able to play a bit better, but I’ll try my best.
“That was obviously amazing watching Fitzy win there. Obviously delighted for him and his family, his whole team, it’s brilliant. It would be nice if we could kind of follow in his footsteps now.
“I’d say it definitely motivated me last week out there and try and sort my swing out again rather than just going through the motions.
“If I can have a good week here, hopefully that leads into a good week at the Scottish and The Open. Like I said, we’ll be trying our best to play well.”
DP World Tour and PGA Tour strengthen alliance. (Photo: Getty)
The DP World Tour and the PGA TOUR have moved to significantly strengthen not only their existing alliance but also help develop players to compete at the pinnacle of men’s professional golf, by unveiling a ground-breaking new 13-year operational joint venture partnership.
The partnership, through to 2035, builds on the success of the existing Strategic Alliance between the two Tours that was unveiled in November 2020 and which has already seen tangible benefits for members of both Tours, not least the co-sanctioning of the Genesis Scottish Open on the DP World Tour, alongside access for both memberships into the Barbasol Championship and the Barracuda Championship on the PGA TOUR.
Collaboration has already borne fruit for the DP World Tour with the introduction of new tournament title sponsors such as Genesis and Horizon and new Tour partners such as Fortinet and Velocity Global.
In addition, working together to drive prize funds and commercial revenue will not only benefit the entire range of both memberships immediately, but also develop immense strategic opportunities for all members of both Tours for the future.
As part of the new joint venture, the PGA TOUR will increase its existing stake in European Tour Productions from 15 percent to 40 percent, while utilising the DP World Tour’s recognised international credentials and global footprint to continue to coordinate a worldwide schedule.
The DP World Tour will guarantee growth in annual prize funds to its membership for the next five years, all above the record 2022 levels unveiled as part of the DP World Tour title partnership arrangement announced last November.
The new joint venture will provide additional competitive opportunities for professional golfers of both Tours and also establish a clearly defined pathway for top players around the world. Players from the Sunshine Tour and ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia, with whom the DP World Tour already has existing Strategic Alliances, now enjoy a formal pathway to the DP World Tour. With today’s announcement, DP World Tour members will now have direct and formal access to the very pinnacle of the men’s professional game on the PGA TOUR.
To achieve that, from 2023, the leading ten players on the end of season DP World Tour Rankings [in addition to those already exempt] will earn PGA TOUR cards for the following season.
Furthermore, the DP World Tour will work closely on the development and implementation of the new international events announced by PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan last week at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut, and DP World Tour members will gain access to those events.
Keith Pelley, Chief Executive Officer of the DP World Tour said: “Building on the success of the existing Strategic Alliance between ourselves and the PGA TOUR, this move will significantly enhance the meritocracy that has successfully served the professional game on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 50 years.
“It is a natural extension and progression of what we have been doing over the past few years and I passionately believe that this move is the right thing for our players, our Tour, our fans, and the game of golf in general.
“Our two tours have undoubtedly drawn closer over the past few years and today’s announcement strengthens both Tours for the betterment of both memberships.”
Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR, said, “It was clear from the outset that our Strategic Partnership with the European Tour Group was a powerful agreement for both sides, and we are thrilled with today’s announcement of this expanded partnership.
“We will continue to collaborate on a global schedule and key commercial areas as we draw our organizations and memberships even closer together while innovating to provide the most entertaining and compelling golf possible to fans around the world. On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I want to credit and commend Keith Pelley and his team at the European Tour Group for their incredible commitment to this effort.”
