Categories
Panorama

The 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome Generated Record €262 Million in Economic Activity

Over 270,000 people attended the event in Rome. (Photo: Getty)
Over 270,000 people attended the event in Rome. (Photo: Getty)

The 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome boosted economic activity in Italy by €262million, according to an independent report.

The figure, a record for a Ryder Cup held in Europe, is an 11% increase on the €235million generated in 2018 when the biennial contest was held at Le Golf National in Paris, France.

Researchers from Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC) took into account spending by all spectators and other event attendees, plus all organisational spending, including by Federazione Italiana Golf (FIG) on the course and infrastructure upgrades, as well as other indirect or induced spending.

More than 271,000 people from 100 different countries attended last year’s contest at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, where Europe, led by Captain Luke Donald, reclaimed the Ryder Cup with a 16½ -11½ victory against the United States. It was the first-time the Ryder Cup had been held in Italy, which became only the third country in continental Europe to host the biennial contest, following Spain in 1997 and France in 2018.

2023 Ryder Cup: Key Findings

  • Spectators staying in paid accommodation in Rome during Ryder Cup week generated in excess of 318,000 commercial bed-nights, which was worth €34million in revenue for the local accommodation sector.
  • There was €72million in non-accommodation related expenditure by spectators.
  • Around 19% of event-specific visitors to Rome decided to extend their visit prior to or following the event.
  • Almost two-thirds of international spectators who visited for the event expressed a desire to return to Italy for leisure purposes in the next year, fuelled by their Ryder Cup experience.

The report concluded that: “Ultimately, an event responsible for €262million of economic activity in Italy is testament to the time and resources committed to delivering such a memorable sporting spectacle. These findings vindicate the decision to award the Ryder Cup to Rome.”

Guy Kinnings, Chief Executive Officer of the European Tour Group, said: “The figures highlighted in this independent economic impact report demonstrate the major benefits that Ryder Cup delivers for a host country through spectator and visitor spending, as well as an enduring legacy.

“From a sporting and fan engagement perspective, Rome 2023 has already gone down as one of the greatest Ryder Cup’s in history. We can now confidently conclude that the 2023 contest at Marco Simone also generated record financial rewards, providing a significant direct boost to the economy in Rome and in Italy.

“We would therefore like to thank the Italian Government and the Federazione Italiana Golf for their bold vision in helping to bring one of global sports leading events to Italy for the first time.

“I’d also like to recognise two magnificent teams: Team Europe led by Luke Donald, who performed so wonderfully inside the ropes, and everyone at Ryder Cup Europe, who worked so tirelessly on all facets outside the ropes to deliver the greatest Ryder Cup played in Europe.”

The team from Sheffield Hallam University utilised the same eventIMPACTS.com compliant approach as used previously in Scotland (2014) and France (2018) to estimate the direct economic impact of the 2023 match at three levels of geography – Rome, Lazio and Italy – as well as the wider economic activity supported by the event.

The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held in the United States of America at Bethpage Black in New York, with Adare Manor Resort, in Ireland, hosting the next edition in Europe in 2027 when the Ryder Cup celebrates its centenary.

(Text: European Tour Group)

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: Tyson Alexander and Fellow American Players at ISCO Championship

Tyson Alexander. (Photo: Getty)
Tyson Alexander. (Photo: Getty)

The ISCO Championship will be held at Keene Trace Golf Club (Champions Course) in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Part of the PGA Tour, the tournament features a par 72 course and a total prize fund of $4,000,000. The defending champion is Vincent Norrman. Broadcasting will be available on Sky with coverage starting on Thursday and Friday at 22:30, and on Saturday and Sunday at 22:00.

PGA Tour Tee Times

Tyson Alexander opens his ISCO Championship with a round starting at 6:45 on Thursday alongside fellow American Greyson Sigg and Spain’s Ivan Cantero Gutierrez. His second round will tee off at 12:10 on Friday.
Vincent Whaley will start his first round at 6:56 on Thursday with Austria’s Lukas Nemecz and England’s Ben Taylor. His second round is scheduled for 12:21 on Friday from Tee 10.
Adam Long will tee off at 6:56 on Thursday from Tee 10, playing with Kelly Kraft and Denmark’s Sebastian Friedrichsen. His second round is set for 12:21 on Friday.
Troy Merritt will start his campaign at 7:07 on Thursday with South Korea’s Seung-Yul Noh and England’s James Morrison. His second round will begin at 12:32 on Friday from Tee 10.
William McGirt is scheduled to start at 7:07 on Thursday from Tee 10, joined by Italy’s Renato Paratore and fellow American Will Gordon. His second round will tee off at 12:32 on Friday.

Round 1 Start Time Player 1 Name Player 1 Nationality Player 2 Name Player 2 Nationality Player 3 Name Player 3 Nationality Round 2 Start Time
06:45 Tyson Alexander USA Greyson Sigg USA Ivan Cantero Gutierrez ESP 12:10
06:56 Vincent Whaley USA Lukas Nemecz AUT Ben Taylor ENG 12:21
06:56 Adam Long USA Kelly Kraft USA Sebastian Friedrichsen DEN 12:21
07:07 Troy Merritt USA Seung-Yul Noh KOR James Morrison ENG 12:32
07:07 William McGirt USA Renato Paratore ITA Will Gordon USA 12:32
Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: Ben Taylor, James Morrison, Andy Sullivan and More

Ben Taylor, James Morrison and Andy Sullivan. (Photo: Getty)
Ben Taylor, James Morrison and Andy Sullivan. (Photo: Getty)

The PGA Tour Tee Times for the upcoming ISCO Championship in Nicholasville, Kentucky, USA, have been announced. This event, held at the Keene Trace Golf Club (Champions Course), will see top British, Welsh, and Scottish players competing. First-round play begins Thursday, while the second round follows on Friday. The tournament boasts a par of 72 and a total purse of $4,000,000. Vincent Norrman is the defending champion. You can catch the TV coverage on Sky: Thursday and Friday from 22:30, and Saturday and Sunday from 22:00.

PGA Tour Tee Times

Ben Taylor (ENG) will tee off in the first round at 06:56 together with Lukas Nemecz (AUT) and Vincent Whaley (USA). His second-round tee time is 12:21.
James Morrison (ENG) is set to start his first round at 07:07, with Troy Merritt (USA) and Seung-Yul Noh (KOR). His second-round tee time is 12:32.
Andy Sullivan (ENG) has his first-round tee time at 07:51. He will be playing with Matthew NeSmith (USA) and Marcus Kinhult (SWE). Andy’s second-round start is at 13:16.
David Skinns (ENG) will start at 08:13 in the first round alongside Nick Watney (USA) and Clément Sordet (FRA). His second tee time is at 13:38.
Paul Waring (ENG) begins his first round at 13:05, with Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR) and Michael Kim (USA). His second-round tee time is at 07:40.
Russell Knox (SCO) starts his first round at 13:16, playing with Josh Teater (USA) and Jacques Kruyswijk (RSA). His second-round tee time is at 07:51.

Round Time Player Nationality Player 2 Nationality 2 Player 3 Nationality 3
1 06:56 Ben Taylor ENG Lukas Nemecz AUT Vincent Whaley USA
1 07:07 James Morrison ENG Troy Merritt USA Seung-Yul Noh KOR
1 07:51 Andy Sullivan ENG Matthew NeSmith USA Marcus Kinhult SWE
1 08:13 David Skinns ENG Nick Watney USA Clément Sordet FRA
1 13:05 Paul Waring ENG Fabrizio Zanotti PAR Michael Kim USA
1 13:16 Russell Knox SCO Josh Teater USA Jacques Kruyswijk RSA
2 12:21 Ben Taylor ENG Lukas Nemecz AUT Vincent Whaley USA
2 12:32 James Morrison ENG Troy Merritt USA Seung-Yul Noh KOR
2 13:16 Andy Sullivan ENG Matthew NeSmith USA Marcus Kinhult SWE
2 13:38 David Skinns ENG Nick Watney USA Clément Sordet FRA
2 07:40 Paul Waring ENG Fabrizio Zanotti PAR Michael Kim USA
2 07:51 Russell Knox SCO Josh Teater USA Jacques Kruyswijk RSA
Categories
Travel

Explore Victoria Golf Club Valbonne: Packages for Every Skill Level

Image: VICTORIA GOLF CLUB
Image: VICTORIA GOLF CLUB

The Victoria Golf Club is situated in Valbonne, France. Nestled in the heart of a forest, the club offers a serene environment away from any disturbances, making it an ideal location for golf enthusiasts of varying skill levels.

Great Greenfee Deals at Victoria Golf Club in France

The golf course caters to both beginners and experienced players. Beginners can appreciate the diverse aspects of the game provided by the course layout, while more seasoned golfers can find it equally engaging. The course’s design ensures that every player can find their game challenged, no matter their proficiency level.

The Victoria Golf Club provides different playing options through various packages. The Albatros package costs 48 euros and includes one token, nine holes, and a meal. The Eagle package, priced at 49 euros, comprises nine holes and a golf cart. For those opting for the Birdie package at 30 euros, the offer includes one token and nine or more holes.

In summary, the Victoria Golf Club in Valbonne offers a picturesque setting perfect for both novice and advanced golfers. The club’s diverse packages provide flexibility and accessibility for all players, enhancing their overall golfing experience.

Categories
Ladies Tours Live

LPGA Tour Tee Times: Nelly Korda and Other Americans at The Amundi Evian Championship

Tee Times for The Amundi Evian Championship. (Photo: Getty)
Tee Times for The Amundi Evian Championship. (Photo: Getty)

The Amundi Evian Championship, part of the LPGA Tour, is set to take place at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France. The course is a Par 71, and the total prize fund for the tournament stands at $8,000,000. Celine Boutier is the defending champion. The championship will be broadcast on DAZN, starting at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

LPGA Tour: Tee Times of The Amundi Evian Championship

Nelly Korda starts her first round at 7:36 a.m. alongside Amy Yang from Korea and Sei Young Kim from Korea. Her second-round tee time is still to be confirmed.

Lilia Vu’s first-round tee time is at 7:48 a.m. She will be playing with Lydia Ko from New Zealand and Charley Hull from England. Her second-round tee time has not been set yet.

Angel Yin takes to the course at 8:00 a.m. for her first round. She will be accompanied by Hyo Joo Kim from Korea and Megan Khang from the USA. The timing for her second round will be updated later.

Marina Alex tees off at 8:36 a.m. for her initial round and will play with Sarah Kemp from Australia and Jin Hee Im from Korea. Her second-round start time remains to be confirmed.

Ally Ewing starts her first round at 12:48 p.m. Her group includes Paula Reto from South Africa and Jin Young Ko from Korea. The second-round tee time is still to be determined.

Schedule of selected American Players

Round Time American Player Player 1 Nationality Player 2 Nationality
1 7:36 Nelly Korda Amy Yang KOR Sei Young Kim KOR
1 7:48 Lilia Vu Lydia Ko NZL Charley Hull ENG
1 8:00 Angel Yin Hyo Joo Kim KOR Megan Khang USA
1 8:36 Marina Alex Sarah Kemp AUS Jin Hee Im KOR
1 12:48 Ally Ewing Paula Reto RSA Jin Young Ko KOR
Categories
Live

LPGA Tour Tee Times: Charley Hull and Georgia Hall at The Amundi Evian Championship

Amundi Evian Championship Tee Times. (Photo: Getty)
Amundi Evian Championship Tee Times. (Photo: Getty)

The Amundi Evian Championship will be held at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France. This event is part of the LPGA Tour and features a Par 71 course with a total prize fund of $8,000,000. The reigning champion is Celine Boutier. 

LPGA Tour: Tee Times for selected British Players at Amuni Evian Championship

Charley Hull, representing England, tees off at 07:48 AM in the first round. Her group includes Lydia Ko from New Zealand and Lilia Vu from the USA. 

Another English player, Georgia Hall, begins her first round at 13:24 PM with Carlota Ciganda of Spain and Kristen Gillman from the USA. 

Gemma Dryburgh from Scotland has her first-round tee time set for 08:48 AM on Thursday. She will play alongside Yuna Nishimura from Japan and Wei Ling Hsu from Chinese Taipei. 

Jodi Ewart Shadoff from Great Britain starts her first round at 09:00 AM on Thursday. She is paired with Lindy Duncan from the USA and Stephanie Meadow from Northern Ireland.

All Amundi Evian Championship Tee Times
RoundTimeBritish PlayerNationalityPlayer 2NationalityPlayer 3Nationality
107:48Charley HullENGLydia KoNZLLilia VuUSA
108:48Gemma DryburghSCOYuna NishimuraJPNWei Ling HsuTPE
109:00Jodi Ewart ShadoffENGLindy DuncanUSAStephanie MeadowNIR
113:24Georgia HallENGCarlota CigandaESPKristen GillmanUSA
Categories
Equipment

With TaylorMade: Scottie Scheffler’s Unbeatable Stats on the Green

Scottie Scheffler took a liking to the Mallett putter from TaylorMade. (Photo: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler took a liking to the Mallett putter from TaylorMade. (Photo: Getty)

An incredible run of success began for Scottie Scheffler at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March 2024. In just ten starts on the PGA Tour, the 28-year-old recorded six victories and immortalized himself among the most successful players in the history of the PGA Tour. Not only a second Masters title, but also a title defense at the Players Championship have graced his resume since then.

He used a new putter for the first time at the Arnold Palmer Invitational: Scheffler opted for the TaylorMade Spider Tour X putter. With this model, a Mallett putter, the world number 1 has since been more successful than ever before, as his statistics on and around the green show.

Scottie Scheffler: With TaylorMade to birdie rain

Scottie Scheffler played his way to his six victories in the last few months with a total of 121 birdies, 27 of which he made in the final rounds of the tournaments. He made 28 birdies from over 15 feet, 11 from over 20 feet and six from over 30 feet. Figures that prove that the world number one has nerves of steel: seven times in the six tournaments he achieved a birdie series of three birdies or more.

He usually holed his longest birdie putts from 30 t0 40 feet. In the third round of the US Masters, he holed twice from this distance for birdies, putting his strong competitors under real pressure. Another statement at the first major of the year: an eagle putt from 31 feet.

However, Scottie Scheffler converted his longest birdie putt to date at his first tournament with the TaylorMade Spider Tour X putter, at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He converted the birdie from almost 45 feet on the 15th hole of the second round.

While Scottie Scheffler excelled with his long putts, he also frequently made it easy for himself thanks to his precise approaches. He often drove the ball off the fairway and onto the stick or made long putts close to the hole. For example, at his last triumph, the Travelers Championship, he put the ball from 132 yards directly on the 18th hole of the Moving Day.

The TaylorMade Spider Tour X putter

Scottie Scheffler played a blade putter for most of his career. He played his first rounds with a Mallett putter, the model with the significantly larger club head, in 2023, but returned to the familiar blade head. TaylorMade then developed a new prototype that would be perfectly matched to Scheffler’s putting. After various adjustments, Scottie Scheffler finally found the perfect model in the TaylorMade Spider Tour X putter for a winning streak that hardly any golfer had achieved before.

Categories
Live

PGA Tour Tee Times: Plenty Americans Cross the Pond for the Genesis Scottish Open

PGA Tour Tee Times for the Genesis Scottish Open of the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. (Source: Getty)
PGA Tour Tee Times for the Genesis Scottish Open of the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. (Source: Getty)

The PGA Tour Tee Times for the highly anticipated Genesis Scottish Open have been released. The event takes place at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland. This DP World Tour adn PGA Tour co-sanctioned event features a par 70 course with a prize fund of $9,000,000. Rory McIlroy is the defending champion, and the tournament will be broadcast on Sky from 9:30 AM on Thursday and Friday, and from 11:30 AM on Saturday and Sunday.

DP World Tour Tee Times for American Players

Will Zalatoris starts his first round at the Genesis Scottish Open on Thursday at 7:44 AM alongside Rasmus Højgaard from Denmark and Rikuyo Hoshino from Japan. Zalatoris’ second round is scheduled for Friday at 12:59 PM.

Andrew Novak will tee off on Thursday at 7:00 AM, paired with Marcus Armitage from England and Ryo Hisatsune from Japan. Novak’s second round begins on Friday at 12:15 PM.

Andrew Putnam’s first round begins on Thursday at 7:11 AM. He will be playing with Joost Luiten from the Netherlands and Callum Shinkwin from England. Putnam’s second round is scheduled for Friday at 12:26 PM.

Denny McCarthy is set to start his first round on Thursday at 7:33 AM, playing alongside Christiaan Bezuidenhout from South Africa and Keita Nakajima from Japan. McCarthy’s second round is on Friday at 12:48 PM.

Lucas Glover will take the course on Thursday at 7:55 AM with his fellow Americans Padraig Harrington and Billy Horschel. Glover’s second round is set for Friday at 1:10 PM.

Round Time Player Nationality Player 2 Nationality 2 Player 3 Nationality 3
1 07:00 Andrew Novak USA Marcus Armitage ENG Ryo Hisatsune JPN
1 07:11 Andrew Putnam USA Joost Luiten NED Callum Shinkwin ENG
1 07:33 Denny McCarthy USA Christiaan Bezuidenhout RSA Keita Nakajima JPN
1 07:44 Will Zalatoris USA Rasmus Højgaard DEN Rikuyo Hoshino JPN
1 07:55 Lucas Glover USA Padraig Harrington IRL Billy Horschel USA
2 12:15 Andrew Novak USA Marcus Armitage ENG Ryo Hisatsune JPN
2 12:26 Andrew Putnam USA Joost Luiten NED Callum Shinkwin ENG
2 12:48 Denny McCarthy USA Christiaan Bezuidenhout RSA Keita Nakajima JPN
2 12:59 Will Zalatoris USA Rasmus Højgaard DEN Rikuyo Hoshino JPN
2 13:10 Lucas Glover USA Padraig Harrington IRL Billy Horschel USA
Categories
Live

PGA Tour: Rory McIlroy and Ewen Ferguson at Genesis Scottish Open

The Tee Times for the Genesis Scottish Open of the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. (Source: Getty)
The Tee Times for the Genesis Scottish Open of the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. (Source: Getty)

The  Tee Times for the upcoming Genesis Scottish Open in North Berwick, Scotland, have been announced. Held at The Renaissance Club, this prestigious event is part of the DP World Tour. The tournament will be played on a course with a par of 70, and offers a prize fund of $9,000,000. The defending champion is Rory McIlroy. Broadcast times are Thursday and Friday starting at 9:30 AM and Saturday and Sunday beginning at 11:30 AM on Sky Sports.

DP World Tour Tee Times

Rory McIlroy tees off at 8:28 AM in the first round, partnering with Robert MacIntyre from Scotland and Viktor Hovland from Norway. Their second round will start at 1:43 PM.

Ewen Ferguson, who won in Munich last week, begins his first round at 1:54 PM, playing alongside Jordan Spieth from the USA and Matthew Fitzpatrick from England. For the second round, they start at 8:39 AM.

David Law starts his first round at 7:44 AM with Erik Van Rooyen from South Africa and Simon Forsström from Sweden. Their second round is set for 12:59 PM.

Connor Syme tees off at 7:11 AM in the first round with Thriston Lawrence from South Africa and Eric Cole. Their second round is at 12:26 PM.

Richie Ramsay will play his first round at 12:48 PM, alongside Bernd Wiesberger from Austria and Mackenzie Hughes from Canada. The second round starts at 7:33 AM.

Round Time Player 1 Nationality Player 2 Nationality Player 3 Nationality
1 7:11 AM Connor Syme SCO Thriston Lawrence RSA Eric Cole USA
1 7:44 AM David Law SCO Erik Van Rooyen RSA Simon Forsström SWE
1 8:28 AM Rory McIlroy NIR Robert MacIntyre SCO Viktor Hovland NOR
1 12:48 PM Richie Ramsay SCO Bernd Wiesberger AUT Mackenzie Hughes CAN
1 1:54 PM Ewen Ferguson SCO Jordan Spieth USA Matthew Fitzpatrick ENG
2 7:33 AM Richie Ramsay SCO Bernd Wiesberger AUT Mackenzie Hughes CAN
2 8:39 AM Ewen Ferguson SCO Jordan Spieth USA Matthew Fitzpatrick ENG
2 12:26 PM Connor Syme SCO Thriston Lawrence RSA Eric Cole USA
2 12:59 PM David Law SCO Erik Van Rooyen RSA Simon Forsström SWE
2 1:43 PM Rory McIlroy NIR Robert MacIntyre SCO Viktor Hovland NOR
Categories
Highlights Tours

Olympics 2024: Why Is Rory McIlroy Competing for Ireland?

Rory McIlroy will compete for Ireland again at the 2024 Olympics. (Source: Getty)
Rory McIlroy will compete for Ireland again at the 2024 Olympics. (Source: Getty)

As in Tokyo 2020, Rory McIlroy has once again decided to compete for Ireland at the Olympic Games. McIlroy comes from Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, and should therefore actually be competing for Great Britain. However, there is an exemption for athletes from Northern Ireland.

Rory McIlroy chooses Ireland for the 2024 Olympics

Northern Ireland has a unique position in international sport. Olympic athletes from Northern Ireland have the opportunity to compete for either the Republic of Ireland or Great Britain and Northern Ireland (effectively the United Kingdom). This choice reflects the complex and divided history of the region. “Team GB” is the name under which athletes from Great Britain compete at the Olympics, a name that does not directly include Northern Ireland. There have been calls in the past to rename the team ‘Team UK’ to reflect this inclusion.

McIlroy, who always played under the Irish flag in his youth, chose Ireland despite saying he felt more British. “I made it more difficult for myself than it needed to be,” McIlroy explained. “My thoughts were more about what other people would think. Once I put that behind me and just did what was right for me, the decision became easy. It was an internal battle with all those thoughts.” He continued, “Once I gave up trying not to upset anyone, the decision was pretty easy. I’m going to play golf for the country or nation I’ve always played for, from my junior and amateur days through to the professional game. Although the Olympics give me that choice, there really wasn’t a choice because I’ve played golf for Ireland all my life. Why should that change just because the tournament changes? That was my decision.”