Westwood taking a winning swing on last year's tour. (Source: Getty)
Reigning Race to Dubai Champion Lee Westwood begins 2021 with the defence of his Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship title this week, and the 47-year-old feels as ready as ever for the challenge ahead in the opening Rolex Series event of the season.
The Englishman kicked off his historic 2020 campaign with the second Rolex Series victory of his career, courtesy of a two-stroke triumph over Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood and Victor Perez at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
That win helped propel Westwood to history, kick-starting a remarkable season which culminated in him becoming the oldest player to be crowned European Tour Number One, at the conclusion of the Race to Dubai almost exactly one month ago. Unsurprisingly, the ten-time Ryder Cup player is brimming with confidence on his return to the Middle East.
The man Westwood dethroned last year, winner of the 2019 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Shane Lowry, is also returning with high hopes. The reigning Open Champion is targeting a return to his best form as the European Points List re-starts in the race for qualification to Padraig Harrington’s 2021 European Ryder Cup team.
Lee Westwood: “It’s always good coming back to a tournament and a venue where you’ve won before. You have that little bit of confidence. I played the back nine today. I was walking up on to that 18th green and the last time I was there was when I was winning the tournament last year. It’s always a confidence booster when you come back to somewhere where you’ve won, you’re familiar with and feel like you can score well. Other than the win last year, I’ve had some good performances here. It’s a golf course that sets up well for me.
“I feel good. I came out early to the Middle East to do some pre-season. Can’t do anything at home at the moment because the golf courses are closed, and the weather is no good.
“My game feels in good shape, I don’t feel like I’ve had much of an off-season. The year finished so late last year and we’ve started early this year. I feel in good shape and driving the ball well and putting feels good. I was saying to Helen this morning that I’ve done everything, I’m getting bored and I wish it was Thursday.”
Shane Lowry: “I think if I get another win on the board and head to America in September and win the Ryder Cup that’s my goal for the year, to focus on myself and try and get another win on the board soon enough and then hopefully go to Whistling Straits in September and bring back the Ryder Cup to Europe. Obviously I want to make the team but I also want to go out there and win as well, stamp my name on that part of golf.
“Obviously I’ve had some success here in the past, in 2019. I didn’t play here for quite a few years so it was nice to come back that year and then win in my first trip back for a while. I like the tournament and I like the place but I haven’t played a tournament in definitely eight weeks, maybe more.
“The fact that we’re all competing, and we’re here in Abu Dhabi this year with the prize fund gone up a million dollars. It’s incredible what both Tours have done, the European Tour and the PGA Tour, and it’s great to be back playing and doing our jobs, and it has been for around six months now. I’d be fairly optimistic in thinking everything will go ahead, it’s just how much of a level of normality will it be, who knows.”
Christiaan Bezuidenhout tees-off in Sun City at the South African Open in Dec 2020. (Source: Getty)
The European Challenge Tour and the Sunshine Tour today jointly confirmed the postponement of the three co-sanctioned tournaments in South Africa.
Following thorough consultation with the medical teams from both Tours, it has been agreed to reschedule the three co-sanctioned events, that were due to take place in February, until later in the year.
The Challenge Tour’s ‘South African Swing’ will now begin in the week of 22-25 April. An announcement will be made shortly regarding this tournament and its venue. This will be followed by the Cape Town Open at Royal Cape Golf Club from 29 April – 2 May, and then the Dimension Data Pro-Am at Fancourt Golf Estate from 6-9 May.
Jamie Hodges, Head of Challenge Tour, said: “The decision to postpone these events follows consultation with all stakeholders and was made with the health and well-being of all players and staff as our absolute priority.
“I want to express our thanks to the Sunshine Tour, and each of the tournament venues, sponsors and stakeholders for their flexibility and understanding of this situation. We greatly appreciate our partnership with our friends at the Sunshine Tour and look forward to co-sanctioning the three events later this year.”
Thomas Abt, Sunshine Tour Commissioner, said: “In light of the current worldwide increase in COVID-19 cases and after consultation with our own health experts and GolfRSA and its Risk Mitigation Strategy, we believe it is the most responsible course of action to postpone these tournaments.
“The safety of our members as well as our staff is our primary concern. I’d like to thank the Challenge Tour as well as our own Sunshine Tour Board of Directors and sponsors for their guidance, patience and understanding amidst what remains a very fluid situation for world golf.”
The Off-Season Beauties are for the winter golfing months. There's something for everyone here.
Fancy a golf trip to somewhere warmer? We can forget it for the moment. Wait until mid-March? No way.
As long as we don’t have a Siberian winter and snow is covering the courses, there are absolutely no winter conditions that can stop us from hitting a few balls at the range every now and then or playing a quick 9-hole round.
With a nice warm thermos of tea -or something stronger if you must-, the right clothing and the right partner, it can be quite nice. After all, how else are we going to shift those extra pounds from Christmas?
I’ve selected a few of our favourite winter pieces that will keep you warm and dry – while still looking good. Like always, I’ll bring you the best golf apparel tips while avoiding the brands and labels that you can find in every golf shop, looking beyond the mainstream to the ever-increasing amount of emerging brands that are out there.
Rhoback – The Snow Day Q-Zip
The American brand Rhoback is a brand for clean-cut and timeless styles. They’ve got a good selection of golf clothing and accessories, but also shorts and shirts that seem more like something you’d wear at a California beach. Golf, beach life, surfing, hanging out at the pool – they seem to concentrate their image on the finer things in life. Avoiding large prints, their pieces are fine crafted and designed in a classy, stylish way. However, since we (sadly) don’t all live in the year-round California sunshine they also have pieces designed to keep you warm- without scarfing style. Take this quarter zip sweater for example, which, as they describe, doesn’t affect your swing or handshake. It’s a very nice and warm piece in a quintessentially Nordic design. Available for $ 120 on rhoback.com
Bagjack Golf – Full Zip Quilted Vest
Next up is Bagjack, a Berlin label and a big household names in messenger bags. Their design ethos is uniquely well thought-out, very technical, always lightweight and practical, just like bike couriers like it. The label is very popular in Japan, and a local golf-loving investor teamed up with them to launch Bagjack Golf to not only produce great bags, but also many accessories and practical clothing for our favorite sport- including a lot for the colder days. This padded vest not only keeps you warm, but also offers plenty of pocket depth and options. The stretch material ensures that this piece will not restrict your swing. It’s a little on the expensive side, but trust us, it’s worth every yen. Available for ¥ 43,000 via bagjack-golf.com
Almigos – Nuevo Basic Hoodie
I already introduced Almigos to you in one of our posts last year. A rather small, yet first-rate label from the Californian desert, which inspires many of their designs. Ever since Tyrrell Hatton caused an uproar when he competed in one of their hoodies on the European Tour (and won Surrey), the previously unpopular piece of etiquette-defying clothing should somehow have made it – we live in the 21st century, right? After all, even etiquette hardliners should ease their minds in the off-season, especially when it comes to such a harmless and lovable design as this one. $ 55 on almigosgolf.com
Birdies Double – Knit Golf Hat
There is however one big disadvantage of hoodies: having your hood up while you swing greatly restricts the lateral field of vision and movement. That’s why we might suggest that a classic beanie is definitely the better choice for a companion on cold days. You can’t go wrong with this minimalist piece from the relatively new small golf label from Chicago. It’s got no screaming colors or huge lettering, just a small logo patch on the side, otherwise just restrained, simple, warm and cozy. Get it now for just $15 via birdiesdouble.com
Linksoul – Revolution Gaiter
Another annoying thing about winter: the cold that creeps into your collar. Scarf? No, it’s inconvenient, dangling, often too bulky, and just plain irritating. Turtleneck? Too narrow. Remember the saying: wearing a turtleneck is like being strangled by a really weak guy all day. This neck warmer with the beautiful slogan “Make Par Not War” is the ideal solution. It’ll keep your neck toasty warm without being too tight, and if you need to visit the clubhouse’s restrooms, but you do not have your mask on hand, this one easily covers your mouth and nose. An all-round good choice, even during the pandemic. Order here for € 20 linksoul.com
Birds Of Condor – Breezy Windbreaker
And yes, it’s time to admit: I’m a Birds of Condor fan. The Australians do it best here with this lightweight, hooded windbreaker made of waterproof material comes with three pockets and bags of style. Actually, we I’d even go as far to say that it should never leave your bag- it’s always a good call when the weather suddenly changes on you and it’s too late to turn back. At just under € 70, I can say from experience that this is a bargain and that the Australian brand always delivers super fast and for reasonable shipping prices. For AUD 109.95, it’s yours. Available on birdsofcondor.com
Stitch Golf – Bonesman Umbrella
I’ve been looking for an original Arnie Palmer umbrella for a long time, but this good piece actually does a better job of showing the bad weather what you think of it. It’s also a nice piece of small, on-course rebellion opposing to the same-same and mostly bland umbrellas from more mainstream manufacturers. If this buccaneer design goes a step too far for you, you can use the classic stitch logo design. Get it for $80 at stitchgolf.com
State Apparel – Competition Pant
The next piece was originally developed for golfing below 10°C in the rain. These trousers have inside of the pockets that are made of fabric with the function of a towel. Goodbye wet hands! However, the absolute top-tier feature that makes this piece a must-have is in the leg hem. There is also a second layer of fabric underneath, on which you can wipe your clubs. Normally, nobody would ever really want to do this with their pants, even if it often seems tempting. However, since this second layer disappears under the folded trouser leg, so the mud, wet and grass don’t stick to the leg on the and when entering the clubhouse, all you have to do is simply roll down the hem to look presentable and clean. They are currently priced at $ 205, and are absolutely worth every penny stateapparel.com
Straight Down – Gunner Jacket
This brand from San Louis Obispo has been around for 30 years now, but still hasn’t made it in Europe. The Gunner Jacket is extremely light, folds up to a conveniently small size and still keeps you warm thanks to its fluffy lining. It’s available in three different colors for $ 134 at straightdown.com
Cut Made Club – Hazard Camo Windbreaker
Finally, another fresh label from Europe! Cut Made Club, a brand new label from Sweden willing to bring the street style to the fairways with clean looks just released its first collection a few weeks ago. It’s currently still a limited range, but definitely promising in appearance. In addition to fleece jackets, shirts, sweaters, long-sleeved polos, caps, bucket hats and socks to match this camouflaged windbreaker are also available. So you better watch out you don’t get lost out there of the fairway! Get it for € 101.95 at cutmade.club
Mike Whan leaves LPGA following record performance in 2020 (Source: Getty)
“One of the hardest jobs of a leader is to know when their work is done”
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Jan. 6, 2021 – After completing his 11th year as LPGA Commissioner, Mike Whan has notified the LPGA Board of Directors that he has made the difficult decision to transition out of the LPGA in 2021. While no firm date has been set for his departure, this announcement begins the start of a thorough and thoughtful Commissioner succession process.
Whan shared his decision today with LPGA staff, Members and sponsors in the attached letter, including the following messages:
“When I first joined the LPGA, I told the Board it would be a four-year term, giving me time to help the organization achieve its immediate goals. Now, as the longest-serving LPGA Commissioner, I look back on these 11 years with enormous pride and satisfaction at what we’ve accomplished together to provide opportunities for women to achieve their dreams in golf.
“You may be wondering why I’ve made the decision to step down – and why now? In many ways, this past year – with all the pandemic challenges – was also the LPGA’s most triumphant. We are entering 2021 on a wave of momentum – a strong schedule with record purses, new events/sponsors, double-digit viewership growth, and a talented team that demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience and capability to lead through challenging times.
“I simply wouldn’t leave the LPGA if I thought the future was uncertain or not trending straight up. In fact, even after the challenges we faced in 2020, the LPGA has NEVER been more financially secure, deeper in leadership talent, or more anchored by passionate, diverse sponsors from all around the world. The LPGA is poised for even greater heights; and as such, I’m excited to hand the baton to the next leader and become their biggest supporter.
“One of the hardest jobs of a leader is to know when their work is done. If the COVID-19 pandemic taught me anything, it was that the LPGA executive staff has full control of our business and is capable of incredible things. We have leaders who are visionary, compassionate, collaborative and humble. You may not agree with every decision they make, but they have led our Tours to new heights virtually every year.”
LPGA Board Chair Diane Gulyas said, “Mike Whan has been a transformational leader of the LPGA and we’ve been fortunate to retain him for 11 years. When he told of me of his intention to step down this year, I had two reactions: First, can we persuade him to stay? And, when that wasn’t possible, to fully respect his decision and begin a seamless transition.
“Mike’s leadership legacy will be felt for years: in the LPGA’s financial strength and value proposition; in its global reach; in the breadth of programs and services it now offers for women and girls in golf; and in the diversity and quality of companies wanting to partner with the LPGA. He has effectively guided the LPGA through a range of economic cycles and challenges, including the COVID 19 pandemic. And, he has been the voice of our Association and its commitment to opportunities for women in golf.”
“Mike has absolutely been the right leader at the right time,” said Vicki Goetze-Ackerman, the LPGA Tour’s Player President. “He rebuilt the Tour – and then reimagined its future – by bringing new events, new sponsors and a new value proposition around diversity and inclusion to the LPGA. He has that rare ability to get people of all ages and backgrounds excited and on board with his vision. We’re grateful for his leadership over these 11 years and know he’ll remain an advocate for the LPGA long after he departs.”
Marvol Barnard, President of the LPGA’s 1,800 teaching Professionals, said, “When Mike joined the LPGA in 2010, we were essentially a Tour and a Teaching division. Today, we are a bigger, broader, integrated organization dedicated to women in golf of all ages and abilities. Mike will always be an incredibly important person in the history of the LPGA Professionals, and we will always be grateful for his leadership, vision and guidance.”
Gulyas said the Board will establish a Commissioner Selection and Transition Committee and consider candidates from the LPGA’s talented executive staff as well from outside the organization. “It’s clear the LPGA today is a very different Association than the one Mike joined in 2010,” said Gulyas. “Our commitment to the LPGA – and all of our stakeholders – is to find the right leader to guide the Association through this next chapter in its storied history.
“We are so grateful for Mike’s passion and leadership of the LPGA over more than a decade of service as our Commissioner. He will leave the LPGA well positioned for continued success, with an outstanding team of leaders and a strong and sustained culture – Act Like A Founder – that will endure for years to come.”
The state of the Tokyo Summer Olympics is still uncertain. (Source: Getty)
Financial concerns are mounting as the Tokyo Olympic Games -postponed due to the pandemic- is now among the most over budget Olympic Games of all time. But what does this mean for golf?
Yet another consequence of the ongoing pandemic is the ever dwindling prospect of a business-as-usual (whatever that means) Tokyo Summer Olympics. The games were postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic and official sources estimated this has set the country’s Olympic preparations back $7.2B at the time of writing.
One year on: is it really still worth it?
Then prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced in late March 2020, after many countries had entered a full or partial lockdown, that the Games will be postponed until 2021. Since then, the estimated budget has reached an alarmingly unexpected high, with initial estimates of the total cost of the delay ranging from only $2B to $6B.
According to Safebettingsites, the postponement of the games has become a source of tension between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Japanese government, with both sides disagreed on who will foot the bill for the delay.
In recent years, the financial burden of hosting the Summer Olympics has cast an inescapable shadow on the event’s marketability to the countries who compete to host them. On top of this, with the pandemic affecting more people around the world than ever before, many in Japan are starting to ask whether the Tokyo Olympics should take place at all.
Should the games still go ahead in 2021?
If you were to ask someone from Japan, their answer may very well be no.
The pandemic continues to fan the flames of uncertainty in many aspects of our daily lives. In Japan, like in many countries, the daily death toll reached an all time high at the end of December.
With this uncertainty in mind, it may not be surprising that according to Safebetttingsites, a survey of 1000+ Japanese participants, conducted in August, found that 70% of respondents believed that the event should be postponed further, or in some cases (33.7%) outright cancelled.
What does this mean for golf?
2020 would have been only the second chance in recent history to see golf played at the Olympics. The most recent Summer Olympics in Brazil saw 120 players from 41 nations, including Justin Rose (GB) and Henrik Stenson (Sweden), play at the Olympic golf course in Rio de Janeiro. Before 2016, the last Olympic tee-off was in 1904 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Sadly, we missed out on the chance to relive the excitement of the 2016 games in 2020. However, the good news for golf fans is that even in the event of an outright cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics, the pandemic has so far not had such a noticeable impact on much of the global professional calendar for 2021, with the PGA Tour starting again on Friday (08/01).
While the near future of the Olympics doesn’t look good for spectators or organisers, golf fans are lucky enough to still have plenty to look forward to in the upcoming year.
Lee Westwood is European Tour "Golfer of the Year". (Picture:Getty)
The 47-year-old Englishman began the season with victory in the year’s first Rolex Series event, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January, and ended it by winning the Race to Dubai after finishing runner up to Matt Fitzpatrick in the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai earlier this month.
In between those two standout performances, he showed remarkable consistency, missing only one cut in 15 European Tour appearances and recording six consecutive top 20 finishes from the ISPS Handa UK Championship in August to the Scottish Championship presented by AXA in October.
The ten time Ryder Cup player also hosted the Betfred British Masters for the second time at Close House in July, with the tournament marking the full resumption of the European Tour’s 2020 season following a three month pause due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Westwood made history in Abu Dhabi when he became the first active golfer to win across four separate decades by claiming his 25th European Tour title.
The former World Number One entered the record books again in the Middle East at the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai as he birdied two of the last three holes in the season-finale to secure solo second place, becoming only the sixth player to win the Harry Vardon Trophy three times or more since the European Tour came into existence in 1972.
He was previously crowned European Number One in 2000 and 2009, with the span of 20 years between his first and most recent Harry Vardon trophy surpassing the previous record of 15 years held by Seve Ballesteros. His longevity was further underlined by the fact he also became the oldest winner of the Race to Dubai at the age of 47 years, seven months and 20 days.
Westwood has now added his fourth European Tour Golfer of the Year award to that list of achievements, having also claimed the honour in 1998, 2000 and 2009. He was chosen as the 2020 recipient by a panel comprising members of the golf media.
Lee Westwood said: “I am very honoured and extremely flattered to have been named European Tour Golfer of the Year as I know the competition for the award this year would have been extremely high.
“Thank you to the media for voting for me and also huge congratulations again to everyone at the European Tour who did a tremendous job this year managing to put on a full International schedule under such difficult times.
“I never forget that I am extremely fortunate to do a job which I love, and which has sent me around the world playing in the most amazing places and meeting some wonderful people, so to win this award is very humbling.
“I am looking forward to the 2021 season, the 28th season of my career, which I will start by defending at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.”
Keith Pelley, Chief Executive Officer of the European Tour, said: “Lee has been an incredible ambassador for golf and for the European Tour, not just throughout 2020 but also across his entire career.
“His performances and his professionalism are matched by his longevity and his commitment to European golf. For Lee to call shortly before our resumption and ask what he could do to help the Tour is testament to the person and the player he is.
“To then go on to become the European Tour’s Number One player for a third time, 20 years after he first achieved that accolade, was a storybook way to end this most challenging of years. Lee is therefore a thoroughly deserving winner of the European Tour’s Golfer of the Year award.”
Panel Member James Corrigan, Golf Correspondent for the Daily Telegraph, said: “Lee Westwood is the worthy recipient on his golf alone – winning the Race to Dubai having prevailed in Abu Dhabi and racking up another seven top 20s. Yet the fact that he lifted his third Harry Vardon Trophy as a 47-year-old, 20 years after his first, makes his candidature all the more irresistible.
“He has been incredibly loyal to his home circuit and as Matt Fitzpatrick said in Dubai: “Lee is the definition of this tour.”
Ryder Cup Qualifikation starts in January. (Photo: Getty)
The European Tour today confirmed that the qualification process for next year’s Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin will resume on January 1, 2021 and conclude at the BMW PGA Championship on Sunday September 12, 2021.
The process, which began at last September’s BMW PGA Championship, was suspended after the conclusion of the 2020 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in March this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic which shut down the European Tour at that point.
Upon the Tour’s resumption in July, and due to the fractured nature of the season, it was decided then to freeze the Ryder Cup points for the remainder of the year although all points gained prior to the suspension still counted.
However, to recognise the in-form European players around the world, when the qualification process resumes next month it will feature a new weighting as the season progresses, a specific request from European Captain Pádraig Harrington that was ratified by the Tour’s Tournament Committee.
Firstly, all Race to Dubai and Official World Golf Ranking points earned between January 1 and May 9 will be multiplied by 1.5. This means that the Sentry Tournament of Champions on the PGA TOUR (Jan 7-10) will restart the World Points List while the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (January 21-24) will do the same for the European Points List.
Furthermore, all points earned from the Betfred British Masters hosted by Danny Willett, which concludes on May 12, through to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, ending on September 12, will be multiplied by 2.
The 12-man European Team will comprise the first four players from the European Points List, followed by the leading five players from the World Points List. Captain Harrington then has three wild card picks to complete his line-up, a decision which will be unveiled in the week after the 2021 BMW PGA Championship.
European Captain Pádraig Harrington said: “I am delighted to see the qualification campaign getting back underway next month. The weighting of the points will further reward our in-form players and will give added interest to what already looks like an exciting season ahead.
“I have been keeping a keen eye on all European players in action on both sides of the Atlantic in recent months and have been very encouraged by what I have seen. I look forward to seeing how that form translates into points on the two respective lists in the coming months.”
Similar to the process for The 2018 Ryder Cup, qualification points will not be available anywhere in the world from a tournament played opposite a Rolex Series event – excluding Challenge Tour tournaments – nor from the 2021 Men’s Olympic Golf Tournament.
Tommy Fleetwood, who made his Ryder Cup debut at Le Golf National in 2018, currently leads the European Points list, while Tyrrell Hatton, who also made his first Ryder Cup appearance in Paris is currently the first qualifier from the World Points List.
The 43rd edition of The Ryder Cup will be played on the Straits Course at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin from September 21-26, 2021.
Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas tee off at the Abu Dhabi Championship on the European Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, both Major Champions and Ryder Cup superstars, have confirmed their participation at the 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship from January 21-24, 2021.
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship will mark the first Rolex Series event on the 2021 Race to Dubai, with a world-class international field set to assemble at the iconic Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
McIlroy, the current World Number Four, will be looking to start the year off on a high note when he returns to Abu Dhabi for the first time since 2018. The Northern Irishman has finished second on four occasions in his quest to lift the Falcon Trophy and will be hoping he can go one better when he returns in January.
“I’m looking forward to coming back to Abu Dhabi,” said former World Number One McIlroy. “It’s always a great event for the players and it’s the perfect place for me to start the 2021 season. Abu Dhabi Golf Club is a world-class golf course, one that I have come close to winning on several times over the years, so hopefully I can do well again and be right up there contending come Sunday.”
World Number Three Thomas, who recently recorded his best result at Augusta National when he finished fourth at the Masters Tournament, will make his debut in the Middle East at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The 27-year-old has become a prolific winner on the global golf stage with 13 victories to his name, his most recent coming at the 2020 WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational, and will make his third Rolex Series appearance having previously teed it up in France and Scotland.
“I’m excited to play for the first time in Abu Dhabi,” said Thomas. “I’ve heard really great things about the course and with it being the first Rolex Series tournament of the year, I’m sure it is going to deliver a strong field. I enjoy new challenges, I like playing different golf courses around the world, and competing against the best players in the game, so of course I have my eye on trying to take home the Falcon Trophy.”
His Excellency Aref Al Awani, General Secretary of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome back Rory McIlroy to Abu Dhabi for our award-winning Championship and we are thrilled to host Justin Thomas for the first time as he makes his debut in the UAE at this prestigious tournament. Abu Dhabi is a global capital of world sport and the presence of players such as these only strengthens that position and reinforces our esteemed reputation.”
Abdulfattah Sharaf, CEO of HSBC UAE commented: “The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is one of golf’s premium tournaments with an unwavering ability to attract the world’s best players. Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas are two of golf’s most exciting superstars, and will help the event continue to play its vital role in shaping the future of golf in the region by inspiring the next generation.”
First staged in 2006, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is hosted at the iconic Abu Dhabi Golf Club for the 16th consecutive year from January 21-24, 2021.
The European Tour today announces its 2021 schedule which will feature a minimum of 42 tournaments in 24 countries, as golf’s global Tour resumes a full international programme.
Running from January to November, the schedule also features 18 returning tournaments which were either postponed or cancelled in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
The 2021 season is headlined by a refined Rolex Series which now features the European Tour’s four premium events spread across key points in the global golfing calendar, each one enhanced by a prize fund increase, elevated Race to Dubai points and enriched media, content and broadcast coverage.
Launched in 2017, to coincide with the 20th anniversary of Rolex’s enduring partnership with the European Tour, the Rolex Series highlights the Swiss watch manufacturer’s ongoing commitment to the sport at the highest level.
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (January 21-24), the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open (July 8-11) and the BMW PGA Championship (September 9-12) will each now have a prize fund of US$8million – an increase of $1million. They will also all have 8,000 Race to Dubai points available, the same as on offer at the four World Golf Championship events.
There will also be new opportunities for all players to qualify for both the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open and the BMW PGA Championship with three places now available from respective mini orders of merit based on a series of European Tour events leading up to them. Full details of these will be announced in due course.
The prize fund for the fourth and final Rolex Series event of the season – the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai – also increases by US$1million to US$9million. The European Tour season-ending finale will also continue to feature the largest winner’s cheque in the world of golf – US$3million – with, additionally, 12,000 Race to Dubai points available, some 2,000 points above those on offer at the four Major Championships.
While not in a position to announce the prize funds for all 2021 tournaments at this stage, some key points are:
Prize funds for all four UK Swing events in July / August will be increased
The second event of the UK Swing (July 29-Aug 1) – whose details will be announced early next year – will be co-sanctioned with the LET/LPGA
The UK Swing will have a Bonus Pool for the players in addition to a charity element
Prize funds for the new tournaments in Tenerife and Gran Canaria in April will each be €1.5million. The Portugal Masters, which follows these two events, will also increase to €1.5million
Prize fund for the Betfred British Masters hosted by Danny Willett will rise to €2million from €1.25million
Prize funds for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and the Italian Open will each rise to €3million, from €1.25million and €1million respectively
In addition to increased prize fund levels, the 2021 European Tour season also offers considerable playing opportunities across the 11 months with a schedule intended to reduce travelling wherever possible.
Illustrating that point, in addition to the traditional group of tournaments in the Middle East at the start of the year, the schedule also includes the return of the Iberian Swing in April and the UK Swing in July and August, which follows on from the run of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, the Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open and The Open Championship. Also next to each other on the schedule are the Open de España and the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters in Spain in the first two weeks of October followed by the Trophée Hassan II in Morocco the following week.
Keith Pelley (Photo: Getty)
Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “I am incredibly proud to announce our 2021 global schedule today, one that once again sees us journey through continents and across the world.
“With the pursuit of Ryder Cup points beginning again in January for our European members; qualification spots now available for our Rolex Series events; a sustained pursuit of innovation and a continued celebration of our wonderful heritage, it is understandable that our overarching narrative for this season is that: ‘Every Week Counts.’
“There is no question that the challenge of reshaping our 2020 season in many ways informed our approach to 2021. One of the key learnings was to group events together in terms of their geographical location to create a more travel friendly season for our members. That is reflected in numerous concentrations of event locations.
“Another was to continue to enhance our Rolex Series events at strategic points in the global golfing calendar when the European Tour will be the focal point of golf on the world stage. This is one of the many aspects we will continue to develop in our Strategic Alliance discussions with the PGA Tour, following our historic partnership announcement last month.
“Our events in the initial part of the 2021 season will continue to operate under the guidelines of our world-class Health Strategy, which will evolve aligned to the latest medical advice.
“However, with the incredible progress that has been made in recent months in terms of a vaccine, we look forward to hopefully welcoming the gradual return of the fans we’ve so dearly missed, whilst at the same time continuing to entertain viewers at home through our unrivalled World Feed TV output and across our award-winning digital platforms.”
Christmas is coming. As a passionate golfer, we see a bunch of gifts coming, for which we still have to thank somehow: the small pen golf bag for the desk (which will never make it there), the ugly lamp made from an old 7 iron (hidden somewhere in a dark corner) and if you are really lucky, you’ll get at least a dozen balls of a brand that you’d actually play. And even if it’s the new driver you wanted so badly for months, we still have to wait all winter for the golfing season to come. And golf travels aren’t a smart idea either in these pandemic times. We have a few nice last-minute ideas with which you can make the winter a beautiful one by yourselves (because those giving presents will hardly read here) and transform your home discreetly and tastefully into a stylish understatement clubhouse. Whether all of this will arrive before Christmas is an open question, but winter is (unfortunately) still long – that’s why you should make yourself nice at home.
The Golfer’s Journal
In my honest opinion this is the world’s best golf magazine. You won’t find any product tests of the 30 best drivers of 2021, home stories with a DJ and tips for better putting here. Instead, there are stories about interesting places and people you’ve most likely never heard of (a 97-year-old pro, slum golfer in Mumbai or a man who for almost 20 years has built a full 18-hole course with his son every day after work on his property etc.), Trivia, entertaining and really readable articles in short and long form, rich and well illustrated with great photographs in a good layout and with very little advertising. I devour every issue from cover to cover. Single issue for $ 20 or subscription from $ 60 via golfersjournal.com
Evan Schiller – Photo Prints
Evan Schiller not only seems to have traveled to pretty much all the relevant courses on earth, he also took impressive photos of them. Almost every photo by him creates the desire to be there immediately. You can order each of your photos as art prints in various sizes on photo paper or metal from $ 95 in his shop – as seen here the 15 in Tralee. Of course, everyone should have our Golf Post calendar, but there is nothing against ordering Evan Schiller’s one as there is also a calendar with his best pics on evanschillerphotography.com
Evalu18 – Old Course Fine Art Print
A good selection of photos by various photographers, but also many graphic art prints, colored course maps and views of individual world-famous tracks are available at Evalu18. Playing the course is certainly more desirable for most, but hanging the Old Course on Hahnemühle museum paper over the couch or behind the desk, as in this example, also has something and is after all for less than the price of one To get green fees. Various designs and sizes from € 83.95 (including shipping) on shop.evalu18.com
Good Boy Originals – Match Play Poster
This idea is almost more charming for wall hanging: the Match Play poster from Good Boy Originals. The signature match boxes of the Top 10 (Golf Digest) courses, i.e. Pine Valley, Cypress Point, Sand Hills and others, combined on a fine art print on approx. A3 size, so it looks good in a 40 x 50 cm frame. Fits great in the smoking area. But actually on every wall. In addition to many other beautiful motifs available for $ 100 via goodboyoriginals.com
Hazard Golf – Mullet Poster
A bit for the funnier ones: John “Long John” a.k.a. “Wild Thing” Daly, the chain-smoking, game-addict and beer-drinking white trash version of the pro golfer who, despite all his trashy appearnce, somehow amiable mullet wearer, here abstracted to the essentials, on a poster of approx x 30 cm. Something for the true fans. Available for $ 25 on hazardgolf.co
Sweetens Cove – Stash Box
Sweetens Cove, the pearl of the Appalachians. After a unique renovation, this run-down and almost bankrupt goat track became a must-play destination for many within a few years, a course that made it into the bucket list of the very big ones with only nine (!) holes (ranked 21st place in the Best Courses You Can Play in the US, Golfweek). Now the very sympathetic owners also have a small line of really nice shirts, caps, prints and other accessories in their shop. And since we have already presented a lot of art for the wall, we go for the wooden stash box. It comes with an engraving and 100 logo tees. We’ll use the tees out in the fields upcoming season and then we use it for the love letters, keys, smoke wear, souvenirs, the scorecard collection, whatever. Pretty. For $ 120 from sweetenscovegolfclub.com
Caddie Magazine – Lofted „Remarkable & Farflung Adventures for the Modern Golfer“
Unfortunately I couldn’t grab a copy of this 1.5kg hardcover tome from Caddie Magazine called “Lofted”. But since the Australian Caddie Magazine is my personal No. 2 of the best golf magazines and the best articles from the first eight issues are collected here and displayed on more than 260 pages, it should be worth every penny. The photos in the magazine, which is more specialized in travel destinations, have always been unique and make you wanna crawl into the mag. € 24.99 on amazon
Tight Lies – Kingsbarns Golf Links Poster
Back to the walls: Tight Lies has a great collection of beautiful and graphically fine crafted course maps as prints. Reduced to the essence, in minimalist colors, these maps of the great courses of the world are real eye-catchers. Carnoustie, Machrihanish, Bandon Dunes or, as here, Kingsbarns Golf Links as A3 posters for £ 25 (unframed) available from tightlies.club
Course Maps – Tobacco Road Poster
Similarly reduced, but different, based more on classic monochrome course maps, there is a large selection of well-known course classics with a greater focus on the states. Kiawah, TPC Sawgrass, Oakmont, Erin Hills, Royal Dornoch or here Mike Strantz’masterpiece in North Carolina, Tobacco Road. All with course information and selectable basic colors. Without frame for $ 45, with frame for $ 94 via course-maps.com
Lie + Loft – Quiet Pennant
Also cool: not only on the wall, but you can also hang it on your bag or cart if that one flight partner really annoys – the Quiet Please pennant. Of course, it fits just as well on the desk if you really have to concentrate in a shared office space. Or on the coffee table during the next tournament broadcast. Understatement for golf fanatics, available for $ 24.99 at lieandloft.com
