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Highlights Tours

Bernhard Langer: One last time at The Masters

(Photo: Getty)
(Photo: Getty)

Bernhard Langer, a pioneer of golf in Germany, will take part in the Masters Tournament in Augusta for the last time in 2025. After four decades on the famous course and two victories in 1985 and 1993, the 67-year-old will finally bid farewell to the stage that has played a key role in shaping his career.

End of an era: Bernhard Langer plays his last Masters in 2025

‘It’s time to say goodbye,’ says Langer, the 67-year-old from Anhausen. A post shared by the PGA Champions Tour and the PGA Tour confirms Bernhard Langer’s decision to play his last Masters in 2025. This was actually already planned for 2024 before ‘Mr Consistency’ ruptured his Achilles tendon. After decades that have shaped the sport of golf, the German golf legend is bidding farewell to the stage that made him famous. The Masters was always more than just a tournament for him – it was the stage on which he made golfing history in 1985 and 1993.

 
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Ein Beitrag geteilt von PGA TOUR Champions (@pgatourchampions)

Between triumph and tradition

In 1985, Bernhard Langer slipped into the green jacket, the symbol of victory at the Masters, for the first time. His triumph was not only a milestone for him personally, but also for golf in Germany. His performance brought the sport out of its niche and into the limelight. Eight years later, he repeated this success at Augusta National Golf Club and proved that his first victory was no fluke.

The challenge of the new generation

At the age of 67, Langer has now achieved almost everything that is possible in golf. Nevertheless, he himself describes the increasing physical demands of the game as one of the reasons for his retirement. ‘It’s a totally different course for the young players,’ he explained. ‘They are 80 to 100 yards ahead of me at times. They are hitting a wedge and I got a 2-hybrid off a sidehill, downhill lie,’ he reflected with a grin.

Despite these challenges, Langer has managed to remain competitive. On the PGA Champions Tour, he set the all-time record with 47 victories.

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Equipment

Contract extension: Rickie Fowler stays with Cobra Puma

Rickie Fowler stays with Cobra Puma. (Image: Getty)
Rickie Fowler stays with Cobra Puma. (Image: Getty)

COBRA PUMA GolfTM, a leader in golf club and apparel innovation, is pleased to announce the signing of Rickie Fowler to a long-term extension that will keep the California native in the CPG family for years to come. Fowler, who initially signed with PUMA Golf in ’09 and COBRA Golf in ’12, will continue to wear head-to-toe PUMA Golf apparel and carry a full bag of COBRA clubs.

Rickie Fowler: “Cobra Puma is like family”

“The COBRA PUMA Golf brands are like family to me,” said Fowler. “The clubs and apparel are as good as it gets and the fact that they know what I look for in fashion and style gives me extra confidence on and off the course. While their products are incredible, I also truly value all the relationships I’ve built here throughout my career. Extending this partnership was a simple decision and I’m excited to stay part of these amazing brands.”
A six-time winner on the PGA Tour including the ’15 Players Championship, Fowler has been a stalwart in team competitions over the years as a five-time US Ryder Cup team member and three-time member of the US Presidents Cup team. The Oklahoma State alum also boasts top three finishes in all four majors and multiple international wins including the Scottish Open.
In addition to his success on the course, Fowler has also been a style icon since turning professional in ’09. Initially known for wearing his signature Sunday Orange, Fowler continues to lead the way in bringing style and fashion to the golf course, making him an ideal partner for COBRA PUMA Golf.
“We are thrilled to officially extend our relationship with Rickie and look forward to continuing our work with him for many years,” said Dan Ladd, President of COBRA PUMA Golf. “Rickie is a special talent who brings a competitive spirit and style to the game that we absolutely love. We’re very excited to keep him in the fold and watch how his career continues to develop.”

Text: Cobra Puma Golf

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Equipment

Wilson launches new Triad and DUO Soft Golf balls

The new Triad golf ball from Wilson (Photo: Wilson).
The new Triad golf ball from Wilson (Photo: Wilson).

Wilson, has launched two new models with game-changing technology to enhance performance and empower players of all skill levels. Wilson promises the all-new Triad and DUO Soft balls offer industry-leading balance and softness so golfers can find more fairways and sink more putts. 

According to Wilson the new Triad is building on the success of its award-winning release two years ago and is recognised as the world’s most balanced golf ball. With its patented Tri-Balanced Construction, the updated design ensures uniform density across all three layers, delivering a perfect center of gravity for the purest roll, describes Wilson.

What’s behind the new Triad Ball from Wilson?

The advanced design on the latest 80-compression Triad ball features a high moment of inertia designed to maximise ball speeds, while reducing driver spin for enhanced accuracy off the tee. In contrast, a thin, high-friction urethane cover increases club face interaction for best-in-class control and feel on approach shots. These enhancements are due to a reduction in compression and a redesign of the core and mantle composition. The homogeneous density of the golf ball allows for a lower spin rate while maintaining distance performance.

“The soft three-piece urethane ball provides performance benefits to help golfers find more fairways, attack more pins, and sink more putts. The re-designed Tri-Balanced Construction makes it more consistent than its predecessor,” said Frank Simonutti, Global Director of Golf Ball Innovation at Wilson Golf.

“During testing, * the new Triad had the longest driver distance and highest iron spin of competitive three-piece urethane balls. This was matched by having the highest average spin rate on 7-iron, 9-iron and 56˚ wedge shots,” he added. Triadis the only perfectly balanced golf ball on the market with no “heavy” spots, which can have a negative effect on putting and prevent a “true” roll.  

The new Wilson Triad ball will be available this month in white and yellow, priced at an RRP €45/ CHF 45 per dozen.

The softest golf ball – the DUO Soft from Wilson

The DUO Soft golf ball from Wilson (Photo: Wilson).

Accroding to Wilson the new DUO Soft remains the world’s softest golf ball, featuring a two-piece surlyn construction that delivers exceptional distance, straight ball flights, and an ultra-soft feel.

With its carefully calibrated design, the newly engineered high-energy core maximises distance off the tee. The soft core and stiff cover result in a compression of 37 for the softest feel of any golf ball. It also provides distance performance longer than any two-piece premium ball while minimizing spin rate for lower sidespin and straighter flight. 

“The new DUO Soft provides golfers with premium performance at an incredible price,” said Simonutti. “During testing** the innovative high energy core showed that the new DUO Soft carried longer than other competitive two-piece balls, yet continues to provide the softest feel of any golf ball, making it great for players looking for straighter flight and help finding the fairway.

The new DUO Soft will be available this month in five highly visible colours — red, orange, green, yellow, and pink — making it easy to track shots in flight and locate the ball quickly in any type of ground cover. It is priced at an RRP of €30/ CHF 30 per dozen.

(Text: Wilson)

*Based on internal testing against leading competitors conducted by Wilson Golf at Humboldt, TN research test facility. 105 mph Driver testing performed – June 7th, 2024 | 7-iron testing performed facility – April 17th, 2024 | 9-iron testing performed – April 17th, 2024 | 56° Wedge testing performed – April 17th, 2024.

**Based on internal testing against leading competitors conducted by Wilson Golf at Humboldt, TN research test facility. 90 mph Driver testing performed – June 9th, 2024 | 105 mph Driver testing performed – May 20th, 2024 | 7-iron testing performed – June 7th, 2024 | 9-iron testing performed – May 31st, 2024.

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Favorit Xander Schauffele WDs from American Express

Xander Schauffele WDs from American Express on PGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Xander Schauffele WDs from American Express on PGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)

After Scottie Scheffler withdrew from the American Express on the PGA Tour due to his hand injury, Xander Schauffele, the world No. 2 and two-time major winner, was considered the main favourite for the tournament. But on Monday, the 31-year-old also withdrew from this week’s event, which is regarded as one of the easiest tournaments on the PGA Tour.

PGA Tour: Xander Schauffele withdraws from American Express

The reason for Schauffele’s cancellation is medical reasons, ESPN was told by his manager, but no specific details were given. Schauffele had most recently started his season at The Sentry and suffered a heavy defeat at the TGL premiere with the New York Golf Club.

Following the cancellation of Schauffele and Scheffler, who wants to give his hand more time to heal after an injury at Christmas, Wyndham Clark is the only player from the world’s top 10 who will be competing this week. Like Schauffele, Clark took part in the TGL premiere in Florida and was part of the victorious Bay GC. He starts the tournament in 7th place in the world rankings. Defending champion Nick Dunlap, who won the tournament last year as an amateur, will also be competing. He was the first winning amateur since 1991.

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Uncategorized

World Golf Ranking: Rory McIlroy Steady at Third as Tommy Fleetwood Slips

Rory McIlroy keeps steady at third place as Tommy Fleetwood slips a place int the world golf ranking. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy maintains his grip on the third position in the OWGR, unchanged from the previous week. The Northern Irishman’s consistent play is reflected in his stable average points score, a testament to his continued dominance in the upper echelons of the sport. Meanwhile, Tommy Fleetwood, who started the week ranked 9th, has dropped to 10th.

See the complete Official World Golf Ranking here

MacIntyre and Hatton Hold Key Positions in the Top 20

Robert MacIntyre retains his 14th spot in the rankings, mirroring his position from the previous week. Tyrrell Hatton, however, has experienced a slight dip, sliding from 16th to 17th. Similar to Fleetwood, Hatton’s average points remain unchanged, emphasizing the marginal differences that separate players at this elite level.

Elsewhere, England’s Matt Fitzpatrick has seen a more notable decline, falling three places to 44th. His drop serves as a reminder of how fiercely contested every position in the rankings can be.

Top 10 Rankings: Scottie Scheffler Reigns Supreme

The pinnacle of the leaderboard remains firmly in Scottie Scheffler’s grasp, as he holds onto the coveted world number one position. The rest of the top ten is marked by stability, with one exception: Bryson DeChambeau’s improvement from 10th to 9th. This shift comes at the expense of Fleetwood, who now occupies the final spot in the top ten.

RankPlayerNationalityChange
3Rory McIlroyNIR0
10Tommy FleetwoodENG-1
14Robert MacIntyreSCO0
17Tyrrell HattonENG-1
22Aaron RaiENG0
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Uncategorized

World Golf Ranking: Bryson DeChambeau Climbs a Place

Bryson DeChambeau advances to 9th of the World Golf Ranking. (Photo: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler continues his dominance in the World Golf Ranking, holding onto the number one spot. His average point score has solidified his position at the top, unchanged from last week. Right on his heels, Xander Schauffele remains steady at second place, matching his previous ranking with a consistent performance average.

See the complete Official World Golf Ranking here

Changes in the World Golf Ranking

Collin Morikawa maintains his fourth place, showing no change from last week, reinforcing his strong standing. Meanwhile, Wyndham Clark holds his ground at seventh, also without a change in his ranking. Bryson DeChambeau climbs one spot to take the ninth position from the previous tenth, an indication of his upward momentum in the ranking.

Current Top 10

At the summit of the Ranking stands Scottie Scheffler, followed by Xander Schauffele. Rory McIlroy maintains third place with no movement. Hideki Matsuyama stays fifth, while Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland retain their respective sixth and eighth placements. Significant movement includes Bryson DeChambeau’s rise to ninth, swapping places with Tommy Fleetwood, who now rounds out the Top-10.

RankPlayer NameRank Last Week
1Scottie Scheffler1
2Xander Schauffele2
4Collin Morikawa4
7Wyndham Clark7
9Bryson DeChambeau10
Categories
Panorama

Justin Bieber Shows Off Golf Skills with Bold ‘Driver Off the Deck’ Shot

Justin Bieber tries daring golf "Driver off the Deck" shot. (Source: Instagram@golfdigest)

It’s no secret that many celebrities find refuge on the golf course, and Justin Bieber is no exception. Over the years, the now 30-year-old singer has been vocal about his passion for golf, once claiming to have played to a 15-handicap. Bieber recently gave his fans a glimpse of his golf game by posting a video showcasing an ambitious shot: the challenging and rarely-seen “Driver off the Deck.”

Justin Bieber Takes on the “Driver Off the Deck” Challenge

For those unfamiliar, hitting a driver off the fairway is a bold move, even for seasoned golfers. It requires precise technique and control, as the shot eliminates the support of a tee, demanding the utmost accuracy. In the video, Justin Bieber can be seen addressing the golf ball with confidence before attempting this high-risk play. Bieber’s swing and the result of the shot sparked interest across social media. While opinions on his performance varied, the video highlights his enthusiasm for the game.

 
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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Golf Digest (@golfdigest)

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Panorama

Big TGL premiere with a clear winning team

(Photo: X.com/@ShaneLowryGolf)
(Photo: X.com/@ShaneLowryGolf)

On Tuesday night, the long-awaited TGL finally premiered on ESPN in prime time. The indoor league led by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy made its first big appearance and after much has been reported about the format and features of this entertainment product, many were eager to see what the final product would look like.

TGL: Clear victory for Bay GC

On the first day of play, Shane Lowry, Wyndham Clark and Ludvig Åberg played for the Bay GC against Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler and Matt Fitzpatrick from the New York GC. In two hours, they competed in a match over 15 holes, with Bay GC as the clear winner: 9 to 2 was the final score.

The players hit their long shots onto a video screen, some from real grass, others from turf, and bunkers filled with real sand from Augusta National Golf Club. Once the teams got to within 45 metres of the pin, it’s on to a short game complex – with a green set on a 37-metre-wide turntable and around 600 pieces of equipment underneath to change the contours. Over the first nine holes, all three players compete at the same time, taking turns to hit the ball. The last six holes are played 1 against 1.

Shane Lowry hit the first tee shot in league history and a few minutes later Ludvig Åberg secured his team’s first birdie and the first hole won. From then on, the Bay Golf Club was unstoppable. With a ‘hammer’, the team immediately secured two points on hole 3 and after six holes they were 6-0 up. That was not to be expected, explained Wyndham Clark afterwards. In a practice match the day before, Schauffele & Co. were already 6-0 up after three holes. But when it counted, they had the system and its tricks down pat.

The ‘hammer’ is one of the special features of the TGL. Each hole is normally worth one point. The team in possession of the hammer can ‘throw’ it and thereby increase the value of a hole in order to gain an advantage or increase the pressure on the opponent. The hammer then becomes the property of the opposing team. If the hammer is thrown before the start of a hole, it is automatically accepted; if it is thrown after the tee shot, the opposing team has the option of rejecting it. In return, however, it automatically loses the hole.

New York GC scored the first point after nine holes, but was ultimately unable to catch up.

The TGL will have to prove itself in the long run

The reactions to the first event show a lot of enthusiasm, but also room for improvement. The players emphasised how much fun they had during the event: ‘It’s a game, it’s not necessarily pure golf, it’s a bit more game and trick,’ said Wyndham Clark after the team victory. ‘I feel like we were very comfortable with it. I have to say we had a lot of fun.’

Paige Spiranac wrote on Twitter, ‘It’s fun to see the boys a little more relaxed! I think we’ll really let their personalities shine in this format,’ and both journalists and players praised the shot clock for keeping the game brisk and the energy high. The fans on site were enthusiastic, cheered the players – and also acknowledged bad shots with boos.

There is still room for improvement. As a TV viewer in particular, you have to be prepared for a lot of background noise between the players’ conversations, commentators, interviews and music from the hall. Michael McEwan (Bunkered) describes the event as ‘entertaining, but largely forgettable’ and James Colgan (Golf.com) is also of the opinion that the TGL still needs to find the ‘balance between flash and substance’.

Tiger Woods, however, seemed satisfied. ‘It was just a dream,’ he said on the ESPN broadcast. ‘Rory and I have talked about it; it’s hard to believe that this dream has become a reality and we’ve been able to take golf into another stratosphere, really.’

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Panorama

Wildfires in LA threaten historic Riviera Country Club

Wildfires in LA threaten historic golf course. (Image: Getty)
Wildfires in LA threaten historic golf course. (Image: Getty)

The dramatic images from Los Angeles show the destructive power of the fires that have been ravaging the region for days. While over 50,000 people have had to leave their homes, a golfing landmark is also in danger: the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades. The flames are not only threatening a place steeped in history, but also the planned Genesis Invitational, one of the most prestigious tournaments on the PGA Tour.

Wildfires in LA: Thousands of people fleeing the flames

The fires started near the Pacific Palisades Highlands and spread rapidly due to strong Santa Ana winds. Within hours, more than 1,200 hectares of land were covered and the evacuation zone grew steadily. Firefighters battled under difficult conditions as water hydrants failed in some areas. Thousands of people, including prominent residents of the neighborhood, had to leave their homes, often with little more than the bare essentials.

A historic golf course under threat

In the midst of this tragedy, the Riviera Country Club also becomes the target of the flames. The golf course, a masterpiece of architecture and home to the Genesis Invitational, is considered one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the world. For players such as Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, Riviera is a place that is highly praised – a “sanctuary” for golf.

In addition to its sporting significance, the course is deeply rooted in history. It has not only hosted legendary tournaments, but will also host the 2028 Summer Olympics and the 2031 US Open in the coming years.

The Genesis Invitational in danger?

The Riviera Country Club is not only a place for golf enthusiasts, but also home to the prestigious Genesis Invitational, which is due to take place in a few weeks’ time. The tournament, organized by Tiger Woods’ foundation, is a highlight of the PGA Tour calendar. But now everything is in doubt. As the flames relentlessly approach, it remains unclear whether the course, as part of the evacuation zone, can be saved in time.

Firefighters try to keep the flames away from the course, but the danger remains real. This is not the first time golf courses have been affected by natural disasters. The Atlas Fire of 2017 damaged infrastructure at the Silverado Resort in Napa, but the current situation in Los Angeles could be more devastating.

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Scottie Scheffler still out of action

Scottie Scheffler still injured. (Image: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler still injured. (Image: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler, who already missed the PGA Tour’s first tournament of the year with The Sentry, is also withdrawing from the American Express, he announced on Instagram on Monday.

PGA Tour: Scottie Scheffler withdraws from American Express

“After consulting with my medical team, I have made the decision to withdraw from the American Express tournament next week to give my injury more time to heal,” Scheffler said on Instagram.

Scheffler had injured himself on Christmas Day while cooking Christmas dinner on broken glass and had to have surgery on his right hand to remove small pieces of glass. Following the injury, Scheffler’s manager Blake Smith spoke of a recovery period of “three to four weeks”. While Scheffer withdrew from The Sentry, he was still targeting The American Express to start the year at that point.

Instead, the two-time Masters winner is taking some more time to heal and has the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the second signature event of the year, as his next target. It takes place from January 30 to February 2. After an absolute 2024 season in which he earned the title of “Player of the Year” for the third time in a row, it remains to be seen whether Scheffler can continue his dominance on the tour.