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Equipment

TaylorMade: The new Kalea Gold family for women of all handicap levels

The new TaylorMade Kalea Gold womens clubs. (Image: TaylorMade)
The new TaylorMade Kalea Gold womens clubs. (Image: TaylorMade)

TaylorMade has taken a further step in the development of golf clubs specifically for women with the introduction of the new Kalea Gold line. The Kalea Gold irons are part of this new premium line characterised by innovative technology and elegant design, according to TaylorMade. The clubs were designed by women for women and are intended to help players of all abilities improve their golf game.

The Kalea Gold irons are the result of a comprehensive development process in which TaylorMade involved a wide range of groups, playing strengths and types. This included the TaylorMade Women’s Advisory Board, which is made up of female golf professionals from different areas of the industry. This group, along with other test panels and feedback from users of the previous model, Kalea Premier, helped to accurately identify the needs and preferences of female golfers. A particular focus was placed on the appearance and performance of the clubs.
The Kalea Gold family focuses on elegant colours such as white, blue and gold, a deliberate departure from the pastel shades often used for women’s clubs. The club heads of the irons are slim and modern in design, with a thinner topline that offers a clear, clean look in play.

Image: TaylorMade

TaylorMade Kalea Gold: Optics and performance should go hand in hand

The Kalea Gold Driver utilises the Carbonwood™ construction which allows the mass to be strategically placed in the club head. This optimises energy transfer, increases launch angle and maximises distance while ensuring a high level of forgiveness and stability.

The fairway woods and rescue clubs in the line are also equipped with the latest technologies. The Speed Pocket™ and Inverted Cone Face technology minimise miss-hits on off-centre shots. In addition, the ultra-light carbon construction ensures better launch conditions and higher ball speeds.

TaylorMade Kalea Gold irons: Maximum performance in a new design

Technologically, the Kalea Gold irons are characterised by several features that are designed for maximum performance. They utilise the Cap Back™ design in combination with Speed Pocket™ technology to optimise ball launch and forgiveness. The irons also feature an ECHO® Damper for improved sound and feel. The club faces are specially designed to enable higher ball speeds, which should lead to more length.

Another feature of the Kalea Gold irons is their increased loft option compared to the previous Kalea Premier version. This should better cover the gaps between the different clubs in the set and help players to achieve a consistent trajectory. In addition, the irons have a progressive upright lie angle, which supports a slight draw bias and should therefore help against the slice.

The Kalea Gold irons are not only suitable for beginners, but also for advanced golfers looking for a powerful club that will help them take their game to the next level. TaylorMade offers the irons with customisation options so players can tailor their clubs perfectly to their needs.

The Kalea Gold clubs will be available to pre-order from 20 August 2024 and will be available in stores from 6 September 2024. The prices for the individual clubs are in the premium segment: the driver costs £449 / EURO 599, fairway woods £249 / EURO 329, rescue clubs £199 / EURO 269, irons £122 / EURO 165 per iron and the putter £249 / EURO 329.

Categories
Travel

Explore Massereene Golf Club: Perfect Greens and Scenic Views Near Lough Neagh

Antrim in Northern Ireland. (Source: instagram @massereenegc)
Antrim in Northern Ireland. (Source: instagram @massereenegc)

Massereene Golf Club is located in Antrim, Northern Ireland. Positioned near Lough Neagh, it offers a picturesque setting for golfers who appreciate both the sport and scenic landscapes. The course is also conveniently situated just ten minutes from Belfast International Airport, making it accessible to both local and international visitors.

The club is known for its well-maintained greens. Golfers often highlight the quality of the putting surfaces, which contribute significantly to the overall experience. The course features several par 3 holes, which are particularly noted for their challenging yet engaging design. Massereene Golf Club provides an enjoyable round for golfers of various skill levels.

Dream Destination for Gourmets and Golfers

Additionally, the club offers in-house gourmet catering services. This feature enhances the experience for those looking to combine their round of golf with high-quality dining. The availability of catering underscores the club’s commitment to providing a comprehensive experience for its members and guests.

In summary, Massereene Golf Club in Antrim, Northern Ireland, stands out for its location near Lough Neagh and its proximity to Belfast International Airport. The club is characterized by its well-maintained greens and the variety of par 3 holes. In-house gourmet catering further adds to the appeal, making it a well-rounded destination for golfing enthusiasts.

Categories
Travel

Mid-Handicap Perfection: Discover Lisbon’s Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course

The 14th hole at Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course. (Source: Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course)
The 14th hole at Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course. (Source: Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course)

Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course is situated in Belas, a suburb in the Lisbon region of Portugal. This golf course is known for its greens and is often considered among the best in the Lisbon area.

Masters Flair at Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course

The course is particularly suitable for mid-handicap players who are advised not to take too many risks. Among its notable features is the 11th hole, a par 5 known as ‘Augusta,’ which was built in homage to the 13th hole of the famous Augusta National Golf Club, the venue of the US Masters Tournament. The 11th hole is on a slope of under 500 meters, where the wind usually aids play. It can be approached in two different manners – one can either hit a driver to the left of the dog-leg and then to the right to reach the green in two shots, avoiding a water obstacle in front of the green, or play it as a conventional par 5 with a short pitch for the third shot. In both scenarios, positioning the ball below the hole is advisable to ensure an uphill putt.

Belas Clube de Campo offers twilight green fees, which provide an opportunity for golfers to enjoy the course in the late afternoon at a reduced rate. This option might appeal to those who prefer playing in cooler conditions or have daytime commitments.

In summary, Belas Clube de Campo Golf Course combines challenging play with strategic elements, particularly evident in the design of the 11th hole. Its reputation for having some of the top greens in the Lisbon region makes it a notable destination for golf enthusiasts, especially those with a mid-handicap looking for a balanced mix of risk and reward in their game.

Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Nick Watney at the Danish Golf Championship

DP World Tour Tee Times US (Image: Getty)
DP World Tour Tee Times US (Image: Getty)

The DP World Tour Tee Times for the upcoming Danish Golf Championship at the Lübker Golf Resort in Aarhus, Denmark, have been announced. The tournament, part of the DP World Tour, will feature top golfers from around the world. Rasmus Hojgaard, the current titleholder, will be defending his trophy. The golf course has a par of 71.

DP World Tour Tee Times

Gunner Wiebe, an American golfer, will tee off at 07:40 on Thursday alongside Stephen Gallacher from Scotland and Casey Jarvis from South Africa. His second-round tee time is 12:40 on Friday.

James Nicholas is set to start at 08:40 on Thursday with JJ Senekal from South Africa and Jonathan Gøth-Rasmussen from Denmark. They will continue their tournament at 13:40 on Friday.

Nick Watney, another American, will begin his Danish Golf Championship at 12:50 on Thursday. He will be joined by Søren Kjeldsen from Denmark and Dylan Frittelli from South Africa. Their second round is scheduled for 07:50 on Friday.

Chase Hanna will tee off at 14:10 on Thursday with partners Kristoffer Reitan from Norway and Dan Bradbury from England. They will hit their second round at 09:10 on Friday.

Player 1 Nationality Round 1 Tee Time Round 2 Tee Time Player 2 Nationality Player 3 Nationality
Gunner Wiebe USA 07:40 12:40 Stephen Gallacher SCO Casey Jarvis RSA
James Nicholas USA 08:40 13:40 JJ Senekal RSA Jonathan Gøth-Rasmussen DEN
Nick Watney USA 12:50 07:50 Søren Kjeldsen DEN Dylan Frittelli RSA
Chase Hanna USA 14:10 09:10 Kristoffer Reitan NOR Dan Bradbury ENG
Jordan Gumberg USA 14:10 09:10 Oliver Wilson ENG Adrien Saddier FRA
Theo Humphrey USA 14:30 09:30 Marc Warren SCO Oliver Jørgensen DEN
DP World Tour Tee Times

The Text was written with the help of AI.

Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Stephen Gallacher and Other UK Players at Danish Golf Championship

DP World Tour Tee Times (Image: Getty)
DP World Tour Tee Times (Image: Getty)

The DP World Tour Tee Times for the upcoming Danish Golf Championship at Lübker Golf Resort in Aarhus, Denmark, have been released. This event is part of the DP World Tour, and it will be a Par 71 competition.

DP World Tour Tee Times for UK Players

Stephen Gallacher begins his rounds at the Danish Golf Championship alongside Casey Jarvis from South Africa and Gunner Wiebe from the USA. Their first round starts on Thursday at 7:40 AM local time, and their second round takes place on Friday at 12:40 PM.

Matthew Southgate is paired with Brandon Stone from South Africa and Hurly Long from Germany. Their initial tee time is on Thursday at 7:50 AM, with the second round scheduled for Friday at 12:50 PM.

Andy Sullivan will tee off with Julien Guerrier from France and Hamish Brown from Denmark. They are scheduled to start their first round on Thursday at 7:50 AM, and the second round on Friday at 12:50 PM.

Richard Mansell plays with Robin Williams and Sam Bairstow. Their first round begins on Thursday at 8:30 AM, followed by the second round on Friday at 1:30 PM.

Eddie Pepperell shares the course with Lorenzo Scalise from Italy and Jack Davidson from Wales. Pepperell’s first tee time is scheduled for Thursday at 9:00 AM, with the second round starting on Friday at 2:00 PM.

Player Other Player Other
Player 		 Starting time R1 Starting time R2
Stephen Gallacher Casey Jarvis Gunner Wiebe 07:40 12:40
Matthew Southgate Brandon Stone Hurly Long 07:50 12:50
Andy Sullivan Julien Guerrier Hamish Brown 07:50 12:50
Richard Mansell Robin Williams Sam Bairstow 08:30 13:30
Eddie Pepperell Lorenzo Scalise Jack Davidson 09:00 14:00
DP World Tour Tee Times

Text written with the support of AI.

Categories
Top Tours

Jon Rahm: “They just Make something Up”

Jon Rahm (Image: Getty)
Jon Rahm (Image: Getty)

Just under a week ago, US golf journalist Jaime Diaz fueled the rumor mill surrounding Jon Rahm. In a lengthy Golf Digest article, Diaz cited an alleged statement from an unnamed “veteran tour insider” who said of Rahm: “I am 100 percent positive that if Jon could give the money back to the Saudis and come back to the tour, he couldn’t write the check fast enough. Now there are only four times a year when he’s playing that anybody is remotely interested. He thought his stature in the game was secure no matter where he was playing, and it was a bad miscalculation”. During a rain delay at the LIV event at Greenbrier last weekend, Rahm was confronted with the statement and asked for a reaction, according to the X account “Pro Golf Critic”. A video recording of Rahm’s reaction does not exist, so it is not 100 percent verifiable whether he really reacted as follows.

Jon Rahm: “Couldn’t be further from the truth”

The Spaniard responded: “Yeah that’s why I can’t stop smiling out here. They just make something up.[The claim of the insider] Couldn’t be further from the truth”. The two-time major champion’s answer – if it was really given – can now be believed or not. To realize that the alleged claim of the “veteran tour insider” may not be completely out of thin air, you only need to recall a few of Jon Rahm’s statements during 2024.

Here are three statements made by the 29-year-old during the season: “Not being there was difficult. It’s a decision I made, and I’m comfortable with it. […] But I hope I can come back”. That is a statement made by Rahm at the beginning of 2024, when talking about the three PGA Tour tournaments he was not allowed to defend due to his defection to LIV. With regard to a change in the LIV format from 54- to 72-hole tournaments, he made the following comments in April: “The closer we can get LIV to do some of these things, the better”. In the run-up to the 2024 PGA Championship, the former Masters champion caused a stir when he said the following: “I’m still a PGA Tour member, whether suspended or not & I still want to support the PGA Tour”.

Categories
Travel

Versatile and Inclusive Golfing at Modena Golf & Country Club in Italy

The beauty of Italy. (Source: Modena Golf and Country Club)
The beauty of Italy. (Source: Modena Golf and Country Club)

The Modena Golf & Country Club is situated in Colombaro di Formigine, within the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. This location provides an accessible yet serene setting for golf enthusiasts from various parts of the region and beyond.

The Modena Golf & Country Club offers a course suitable for every type of player, providing a versatile golfing experience. The design of the course is crafted to respect traditional golfing principles while accommodating diverse playing styles. This flexibility allows players to enjoy the course in various ways, enhancing their overall golfing experience.

Dynamic Golfing Environment at the Golf & Country Club Modena

Throughout the year, the Modena Golf & Country Club hosts a range of bargains and events, making it an attractive destination for both local and visiting golfers. These events cater to different player preferences and skill levels, ensuring that there is always something engaging happening at the club. The continuous array of activities and competitive opportunities contribute to the club’s dynamic golfing environment.

In summary, the Modena Golf & Country Club stands out for its inclusive course design and commitment to providing varied and extensive golfing experiences. Its location in Colombaro di Formigine, alongside a year-round schedule of events, reinforces its status as a notable golfing destination in the Emilia Romagna region.

Categories
Travel

Experience Gudhjem Golfklub: Bornholm’s Best View and Affordable Membership

The beauty of Denmark at Gudhjem Golfklub. (Source: Gudhjem Golfklub)
The beauty of Denmark at Gudhjem Golfklub. (Source: Gudhjem Golfklub)

Located in the picturesque surroundings of Bornholm, Denmark, Gudhjem Golfklub offers a unique golfing experience that captures the essence of the island’s natural beauty. The golf club is situated in the quaint town of Gudhjem, which provides an idyllic backdrop for both seasoned golfers and newcomers to the sport.

Gudhjem Golfklub: The best view in Danish Golf

The Gudhjem Golfklub is known for its well-maintained courses that reflect the charm and landscape of Bornholm. The courses cater to all players, ensuring that everyone from beginners to experienced golfers can enjoy a round of golf. With strategically designed courses, the club emphasizes playing down the middle, providing a seamless and enjoyable golfing experience without undue challenges.

A standout feature of Gudhjem Golfklub is its claim to the best view in Danish golf. Golfers can enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding area, making each game not only about skill but also about the stunning scenery. These views enhance the overall experience, making it a memorable destination for golf enthusiasts.

One of the primary attractions of Gudhjem Golfklub is its affordability. The club boasts the cheapest full membership in Denmark, making it accessible to a wider audience. This cost-effective membership option does not compromise on the quality of the golfing experience, ensuring that members receive excellent value for their investment.

In summary, Gudhjem Golfklub offers a unique golfing experience on the island of Bornholm, highlighted by its well-crafted courses, breathtaking views, and affordable membership. It serves as an inviting destination for golfers of all skill levels.

Categories
Professionals

Surgery: Jordan Spieth Uses Early End of Season to Take a Big Step

Jordan Spieth will undergo wrist surgery after FedExCup out. (Image: Getty)
Jordan Spieth will undergo wrist surgery after FedExCup out. (Image: Getty)

After more than a year in which his wrist has repeatedly caused problems, Jordan Spieth will now undergo an operation. He made the announcement on Sunday after the first PGA Tour play-off event, in which he finished third last. The problem is a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist, which holds the tendon in place. The tear first appeared a week before the 2023 PGA Championship, and Spieth has tried various treatments to avoid surgery. Spieth did not comment on the details of the upcoming procedure, saying only that doctors need to “recreate the tendon” in his left wrist “so it doesn’t dislocate.”

Unavoidable: Jordan Spieth needs an operation

Jordan Spieth’s season has ended early for only the second time in his career, as his performance was not good enough to qualify for the remaining play-off events. Spieth now wants to make the most of this time and have an operation as soon as possible. Spieth reckons it will take around three months for his wrist to recover. “Yeah I’m going to get operated on ASAP, we’ll go through the process from there.” said Spieth after the FedEx St. Jude Championship 2024.

As Spieth explained to reporters a few weeks ago, the injury began with a broken bone in his wrist, which caused inflammation. This injury had even occurred in 2018. However, as he played golf largely pain-free, he tried to treat the problem without surgery. Since the 2023 season, the condition of his wrist deteriorated and he dropped from 10th place in the world rankings to 43rd. The former world number 1 missed the cut eight times in 21 tournament starts.

‘I am very hopeful’

The wrist treatment gives Spieth hope of finally emerging from his slump, although he has never had any pain in his wrist while swinging: “But it doesn’t seem coincidental based on the amount of time, and really the results being the exact same every single week. So I’m very hopeful.” Apart from playing off the tee, the injury has been a constant burden: “Anything that impacted the ground was not a good situation for me this year,”

As Spieth has no firm plans for upcoming tournaments, he wants to approach the wrist surgery with as much patience as possible, which he finds difficult.”Other than two kids under 3, which makes it quite a bit harder with one arm,” he said.

Categories
Panorama

Swedish Double Win at the Girls’ and Boys’ Amateur Championships

The two Swedish winners of the Girls' and Boys' Amateur Championships 2024. (Image: R&A)
The two Swedish winners of the Girls' and Boys' Amateur Championships 2024. (Image: R&A)

Torstensson surged to a 8&7 triumph over Matylda Krawczynska of Poland in the 36-hole Final at Alwoodley to win the 95th staging of the Girls’ Amateur. In the 97th edition of the Boys’ Amateur at nearby Moortown, Olsson Mörk came back from five down after 12 holes to defeat Scott Woltering from the Netherlands 4&3 in their showdown. Both players emerged victorious from the global 144-player fields at the renowned West Yorkshire venues this week.

Boys’ Amateur Championship

Olsson Mörk capped a glorious week for Sweden with his impressive comeback in the Final. By virtue of his win, he earns exemptions into Final Qualifying for The Open, The Amateur Championship and the US Junior Boys’ Championship. The first Swedish winner since his friend, Albert Hansson in 2022, he joins other past champions including Sir Michael Bonallack, José María Olazábal, Sergio Garcia, Matthew Fitzpatrick and David Howell.

While Woltering was more attack-minded with the driver, the 17-year-old – who went to the same high school as PGA TOUR winner and Ryder Cup team member Ludvig Åberg – opted for a different strategy and used his long irons regularly.

In a topsy-turvy morning session, Woltering, 18, settled quickest and surged to a four-up lead after only seven holes. Birdies at the 1st and 7th and bogeys from his opponent at the 5th and 6th secured the advantage. Woltering then made key putts from 15 feet and five feet to halve both the 10th and 11th before he highlighted the Final at the par-5 12th.

Having pushed his tee shot into the right rough, Woltering chipped out before flighting a pitching wedge down the hill from 160 yards into the hole for a stunning eagle. Olsson Mörk refused to buckle and replied with a winning birdie at the 13th and soon claimed three holes in-a-row after costly errors from Woltering at the 14th and 15th to reduce his deficit to two.

A roar of delight took the Netherlands player back three ahead after a nine-feet birdie putt on the 16th, but he took two shots from a greenside bunker on the short 17th and then pulled his drive on the 18th to take a penalty drop and lose both holes.

Woltering – winner of the Dutch national open match play this year – claimed the 19th with a birdie but a run of three bogeys then allowed his rival to lead for the first time at the 22nd. Woltering immediately replied after a glorious tee shot set up a winning birdie at the next but he was one down again when Olsson Mörk birdied the par-5 25th. He then misjudged his approach putt at the 28th for bogey and a two-hole deficit. As the Swede continued his steady play, Woltering bogeyed at the 31st to fall three down and another bogey at the 33rd ended the contest.

Girls’ Amateur Championship

Havanna Torstensson savoured the biggest win of her young career at the Girls’ Amateur. The 16-year-old put in a composed and clinical display to beat Krawczynska and join a decorated roll of honour which includes major champions and Solheim Cup players such as Suzann Pettersen, Anna Nordqvist, Azahara Munoz and Georgia Hall.

Torstensson’s victory also gains her an exemption into Final Qualifying for the AIG Women’s Open, The Women’s Amateur Championship, the US Girls’ Junior Championship and, by tradition, an invitation to compete at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

Torstensson seized an early advantage with a six-feet birdie putt on the 3rd hole of the morning’s opening round and, from then on, she was in total control.

As Krawczynska, a three-time Polish junior champion, struggled to replicate the form that had swept her into the Final, Torstensson’s assured play fortified her position of authority and she was six-up through 11 holes. Krawczynska could not gain a foothold in the tussle but the 18-year-old trundled in a 25-footer on the 15th for a birdie to give herself a much-needed lift.

The Pole then clawed another hole back on the 17th when Torstensson shanked her second shot into the trees but the Swede moved back into a five-hole lead on the 18th.

Having won the opening two holes of the afternoon to extend her lead to seven, Torstensson was in charge and Krawczynska’s day would unravel on the 28th hole when she thinned a bunker shot over the green and lost her ball.

Her concession there meant that Torstensson was seven-up with just eight to play and the victory was sealed on the short 29th when Krawczynska’s par putt lipped-out and Torstensson tidied up a title-winning three.

She becomes just the third Swede, after Nordqvist and Maria Hjorth, to win the Girls’ Amateur.