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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Bitter disappointment after unbelievable par

Dylan Frittelli unknowingly made a costly mistake. (Photo: Getty)
Dylan Frittelli unknowingly made a costly mistake. (Photo: Getty)

Bizarre moments in the fourth round of the RBC Heritage: Dylan Frittelli’s ball got stuck in a tree at the edge of the fairway on the par-4-6. Literally standing under the ball, he played the ball onto the fairway with his driver and subsequently saved par. On Twitter, Frittelli wrote, “I thought this would be the greatest par of my life.”

Rejoiced too soon

However, Frittelli was hit with a hefty penalty. Two penalty strokes went to the account of the South African. The penalty was based on Rule 10.1c, which provides information on the correct execution of a stroke. Frittelli’s mistake: He stood frontally to his line of play, so that he placed his feet to the left and right of it. “The player must not make a stroke from a stance with a foot deliberately placed on each side of, or with either foot deliberately touching, the line of play or an extension of that line behind the ball. The term line of play in this rule includes only the actual line of play without reasonable distance on either side.”

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PGA Tour

Morgan Hoffmann: Comeback after diagnosis of muscular dystrophy

With a big grin: Morgan Hoffmann is back on the PGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)
With a big grin: Morgan Hoffmann is back on the PGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)

It’s been five years since Morgan Hoffmann, U.S. professional golfer, was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. This disease is a genetic defect in which muscle metabolism is impaired, leading to gradual muscle loss. For about three years, Morgan Hoffmann was no longer able to compete on the PGA Tour. His search for alternative cures to combat the previously incurable disease led Hoffmann and his family to Costa Rica. His therapy, he says, included urine therapy, a diet of hundreds of grapes a day, powerful hallucinogens, and lots of meditation and surfing.

As if nothing had happened: Return to the PGA Tour

On April 14, 2022, the time had come: After a break of 923 days, Morgan Hoffmann felt ready to compete again on the PGA Tour. A medical exemption enabled him to regain his Tour card with three starts. His first round was something to behold. He played even par with three birdies and three bogeys: “I felt great. The first tee shot wasn’t as nerve-racking as I thought it would be. I had a great group. It was easy keeping it light out there. We played fast, which was nice. The game didn’t feel anywhere near as bad as I thought it was, so it was pretty exciting.” With a big smile on his face, Hoffmann adds, “It felt like two minutes ago I was out here.”

The only thing Hoffmann is not satisfied with is his drives: “My putting felt great. I’m really confident. Hit all my lines today pretty much. Just a couple of misreads and mis-speed, that were a little slower than what I practiced, I guess. I’m driving it really short. So I’d love to have a little bit more speed.”

Two different worlds

From the jungles of Costa Rica back on the PGA Tour scene – a night and day difference. Morgan Hoffmann seems to like the change: “It was pretty surreal, a lot different than the lifestyle I’ve been living the last 2 1/2 years, and having people cheer your name out there, it’s very special.” Hoffmann also wants to use this media attention to raise awareness about his illness and the natural health and wellness center he is currently building in Costa Rica.

For now, however, Hoffmann’s focus is on the RBC Heritage. With his score of even par after Round 1, he is currently tied for 71st place and has a real chance of making the cut, provided he plays a good round on Day 2.

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Panorama

Thumbs up: Bryson DeChambeau reports after successful surgery

Bryson DeChambeau: Despair at the 2022 Masters is followed by confidence after surgery. (Photo: Getty, Instagram/@brysondechambeau)
Bryson DeChambeau: Despair at the 2022 Masters is followed by confidence after surgery. (Photo: Getty, Instagram/@brysondechambeau)

Bryson DeChambeau injured his left hip as well as his left wrist while playing ping pong during the Saudi International in February 2022. As a result, DeChambeau was forced to drop out of two tournaments and missed the cut several times as he apparently failed to properly heal his injury. Disappointment also followed at the Masters at the beginning of April: After it had initially been said that DeChambeau would return to the first major of the year 100 percent fit, he still seemed to have had problems with his wrist and failed to make the cut. There was now no getting around surgery.

Bryson DeChambeau wants to play “at golf’s highest level” again

The injury in Bryson DeChambeau’s wrist involves the hamate bone, a carpal bone. Following the surgery, which was performed by renowned hand surgeon Dr. Thomas Graham, DeChambeau reached out on Instagram and Twitter with an update.

In his statement, the 28-year-old expressed his usual confidence. He is looking forward to playing at the highest level again in the coming months. DeChambeau seems to want to forget the past few weeks: “I made attempts to play through this injury at three recent events, including the Masters, but this is typically an injury that requires surgical treatment. Through continued discomfort from the fracture, it has caused me to alter my grip and swing, resulting in my inability to compete at golf’s highest level. This has not been easy physically and mentally for me.”

DeChambeau faces hard work ahead

Bryson DeChambeau also wrote that he will now take enough time to recover so that he can return to his usual form afterwards: “Thank you to my family, team, partners, and supporters during this tough stretch but I am excited to work hard to get back competing soon.”

It doesn’t look like DeChambeau will compete at the PGA Championship in May 2022 due to the length of time his wrist will take to heal. A return by the US Open in June 2022 would be desirable for the golfer.

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Live

Greg Norman and the Saudi Golf League: “We’re in talks with major winners”

Greg Norman ant the Saudi Golf League. (Photo: Getty)
Greg Norman ant the Saudi Golf League. (Photo: Getty)

Shortly after the US Masters 2022, the Saudi Golf League (SGL) is making headlines again. Just a few kilometers from Augusta National Golf Club, Greg Norman is said to have met with potential players of the new league. Among them were some high-profile members of the PGA and European Tour. “The interest we’ve had … Well, I had a player sitting in my office 48 hours ago who’s won a couple of major majors,” Norman told the Telegraph in an April 12, 2022, interview. The PGA and DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) are not pleased: “They can’t park their tanks on our turf much more obviously.”

The first names are fixed

The turmoil surrounding Phil Mickelson and the various cancellations of PGA stars, including Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm and Collin Morikawa, set back the Saudi Golf League. Greg Norman revealed in an interview with The Telegraph, “It was a slap in the face, no question about it.” But Norman is not letting that get him down. According to him, interest in SGL continues unabated. “We respected the Masters and let it play out, but now our trip [ed. to Augusta] is finally coming to fruition – for the players, not for me,” Norman told the newspaper. “They have a right to get what they want. That’s why they’re still very, very, very interested. We have players under contract, as opposed to the white noise you hear out there.” Four of those players are said to be Ryder Cup stars Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, as well as five-time PGA Tour winner Kevin Na and two-time major winner Bubba Watson. The latter, however, made it clear only a few hours after the publication of the interview with Greg Norman that he would continue to play on the PGA Tour.

Bubba Watson prefers US Open and 150th Open over Saudi League

The former world number two recently published his tournament schedule for the coming months. What is striking is not the tournaments he is playing, but which ones he is foregoing. Bubba Watson has been linked to the Saudi League in the past, but now he’s playing the RBC Canadian Open, as he revealed on Twitter. The tournament stands out from his tournament schedule because the first of eight events in the LIV Golf Internation Series starts in London at the same time. Watson’s goal, he said, is to qualify for the US Open and the 150th Open Championship. If he succeeds in doing so, Watson said there will be further changes to his tournament schedule.

Greg Norman remains convinced of the concept of the Saudi Golf League

“Honestly, it doesn’t matter who plays, we’re going to run the event,” he said. “There is a first prize of $4 million. I hope a junior player who is ranked 350th in the world wins. It will change his life, his family’s life. And then a couple of our events will go by and the top players will see someone win $6 million or $8 million and say, ‘Enough is enough, I know I can beat these guys week after week with my hands tied behind my back.” The first event addressed will be held in two months at the London Centurion Club. After that, it’s off to the U.S., among other places, where Greg Norman and SGL are guests at the Trump courses, which are outlawed by the PGA.

Two world number one to join SGL

This was reported by the Daily Mail, also at the beginning of the week. The report says that SGL has already recruited two former world number one players, names were not mentioned. After the withdrawal of world stars such as Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson, it is unclear who the players mentioned will be.

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European Tour

Tiger Woods: Commitment for another tournament in Europe

Tiger Woods announces another tournament in his schedule. (Photo: Getty)
Tiger Woods announces another tournament in his schedule. (Photo: Getty)

Just a few days after Tiger Woods successful US Masters appearance, the next date in his schedule has been set. The Hall-of-Famer played in golf’s first and arguably most famous major just 14 months after his car accident, and now the Twitter page of the JP McManus pro-am confirmed Tiger’s participation. The tournament will be played just one week before the 150th Open Championship. This will mark Tiger’s fourth time teeing it up at Adare Manor Golf Club. The top club in Ireland is a popular stop before the Open Championship and will host the Ryder Cup in 2027 . Tiger will be joined by Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa and Dustin Johnson.

Tiger Woods confirms another tournament start after his US Masters comeback

The host of the tournament, JP McManus is looking forward to seeing Tiger and tells in an interview, “Tiger has been a great friend and avid supporter of the Pro-Am for a very long time and we are absolutely thrilled he has committed to play once again in the tournament”. The 15-time major winner will tee it up in Ireland alongside various celebrities, including actor Mark Wahlberg and singer Niall Horan. “His presence at Adare Manor will undoubtedly bring huge excitement to the thousands of spectators and we are very grateful to him for giving up his free time to be with us”.

Tiger Woods playing the big events

Tiger’s participation in Ireland is probably preparation for the 150th Open. The tournament is seen by many as a preparation for St. Andrews and the Old Course. On top of that, there’s Tiger’s connection to the only major not being played in America. “I would love to play at St. Andrews, there’s no doubt about it. It’s my favourite golf course in the world. To be a two-time Open champion there and even just being a part of the Champions Dinner is really neat.”

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Panorama

Bryson DeChambeau undergoes surgery on left hand

Undergoing surgery on his left hand: Bryson DeChambeau (Photo: Getty).
Undergoing surgery on his left hand: Bryson DeChambeau (Photo: Getty).

Bryson DeChambeau has been suffering from pain since the beginning of the year

It is not yet a good calendar year for Bryson DeChambeau. The American has just six tournament appearances to his name so far in 2022, with two early withdrawals. The reason for his rather weak performances: injuries to his wrist and hip have kept BDC at bay for several weeks now.

This was also the case about a week ago during Scottie Scheffler’s triumph in Augusta, when Bryson DeChambeau said he felt 80% fit. Although his doctor had advised him against teeing off at the Masters, the 28-year-old decided to take part. The result: twelve over par after two rounds and a missed cut.

Now DeChambeau is taking the consequences and is undergoing surgery on his left hand to treat the fracture of his hamate bone. Curiously, he suffered the fracture while playing ping pong during the Saudi International. His agent Brett Falkoff told Sports Illustrated: “We look forward to a smooth recovery and rehab process. Bryson looks forward to returning as soon as he is cleared to do so”.

PGA Championship at risk due to surgery?

The surgery is scheduled to take place today, thursday. Actually, the 28-year-old would have been a guest at a Professional Long Drivers Association event in Florida this weekend. “He’s going to have surgery on Thursday” Bobby Peterson ,one of the organizers of the event, told Sports Illustrated. He added, “It’s unfortunate more for him. I hate that he’s not going to the event. But I hate it more for him. Obviously it’s not good or he wouldn’t be doing that. I know he was trying to avoid it, but I guess he felt it was something he had to do”.

The second major tournament of the season is already coming up next month. In May, golf’s elite head to Southern Hills Country Club for the PGA Championship. According to one long time PGA Tour trainer, the recovery time after surgery on the hamate bone is approximately 10-12 weeks. This means that participation in the PGA Championship is unlikely for the American. A more realistic goal for DeChambeau could be the US Open in June, which he already won in 2020. When the 28-year-old will finally return to the golf course depends largely on how the surgery and the recovery process turn out.

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European Tour

“The 14 Club Challenge” on the European Tour – Viktor Hovland vs. Rory McIlroy

Stars of the European Tour: Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy. (Photo: Getty)
Stars of the European Tour: Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy. (Photo: Getty)

The “14 Club Challenge” demands precise play from the players of the DP World Tour (formerly: European Tour) despite a completely wrong choice of clubs. At Emirates Golf Club, DP World Tour stars Viktor Hovland and Rory McIlroy compete against each other on Hole 4, a 155-yards par-3. At the end of the challenge, there is a clear winner.

Only on the DP World Tour: Driver on a par-3?

A point is awarded for every tee shot that comes to rest on the green. The challenge: Each of the 14 clubs that the players have in their bags may be used a maximum of once. If one player uses his pitching wedge, it is unavailable for the rest of the game and for the other player. The longer the challenge runs, the more diffuse the choice of clubs becomes…

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Panorama

Golf in the UK and Ireland defies the Corona pandemic

Golf is experiencing a real boom despite Corona (Photo: Getty).
Golf is experiencing a real boom despite Corona (Photo: Getty).

While other sports had to take a break for months and it was difficult to practice under pandemic conditions, golf emerged from the pandemic as the lucky winner. Studies from the UK show that the number of golfers has increased, especially in Great Britain and Ireland. It is even higher than before the pandemic.

Strong figures in the UK and Ireland

The company Sports Marketing Surveys has been investigating developments in a wide variety of sports for over 30 years and always finds surprising things. Golf is also constantly analyzed and new studies from Great Britain and Ireland come to the conclusion that the participation in golf in these countries in 2021 was significantly above the level before the pandemic. In figures, this means that 5.3 million people played a golf course with 9 or 18 holes in the UK and Ireland in 2021. For the research, which was undertaken by Sports Marketing Surveys on behalf of a number of major golf associations, this represents the second-highest number since the surveys began more than 30 years ago.

In the UK alone, there have been around 4.8 million people actively playing golf in 2021. In 2017, the number was just 3 million. Even though there is a small decline compared to the previous year (5.2 million), participation in golf remains high and it is also evident that not only many new players are joining the game, but that long-time golfers are also remaining loyal to the game.

The number of women in golf also continues to increase. While the percentage of women in the UK is now 34%, it is also on the rise in Ireland at 21%. Furthermore, not only did the number of golfers record the second highest number since data collection began, but visitor numbers to driving ranges in the UK also reported the second best result in over 30 years. More than 3.5 million Britons used a driving range last year. Incidentally, in Ireland, 18% of all people tried golf or found a way back into the sport during the pandemic.

Golf boom despite Corona pandemic

As mentioned at the beginning, some sports had to take a forced break in the past two years due to the Covid 19 pandemic in order not to endanger the health of the players. Not only sports, but also large parts of public life experienced restrictions and can now enjoy fewer restrictions again.

A major beneficiary during the pandemic, however, was golf. During the last two years, the sport experienced a real upswing, because the outside practice, in smaller groups and with sufficient distance was possible almost the whole time.

Of course, golf has not remained unaffected by the Corona crisis, but looking at the figures there is a significant increase in the number of players. And despite the gradual reopening of other leisure activities, the sport was able to record rising numbers last year.

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PGA Tour

The return is near: Phil Mickelson about to make a comeback at the US Open 2022?

Could be back on the golf course at the US Open in June: Phil Mickelson (Photo: Getty)
Could be back on the golf course at the US Open in June: Phil Mickelson (Photo: Getty)

It was quiet around the six-time major winner for a long time. Phil Mickelson played his last official tournament at the end of January, when he failed to make the cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. After his clear criticism of the PGA Tour, the American subsequently apologized for his statements and announced a break from golf. Since then, little has been heard from “Lefty”. Now, however, the bang for the buck: Phil Mickelson could make his return at the US Open in June.

List of contenders for the US Open raises hopes for Mickelson comeback

Many had probably expected a return of Phil Mickelson at the Masters. However, this assumption did not materialize and so the American missed the prestigious tournament at Augusta National Golf Club for the first time in 28 years and with it Scottie Scheffler’s triumph. In the run-up to the tournament, there were also rumors as to whether Mickelson had been disinvited or whether the American had voluntarily decided not to take part. The latter was confirmed afterwards.

Now, however, there seems to be some movement in his comeback plans, even if the information about this caused a little confusion. An article from golfmonthly.com reports about the list of applicants for the US Open on the homepage of the United States Golf Association. Phil Mickelson was also mentioned on this list. In the meantime, the aforementioned USGA website is no longer accessible. Accordingly, this is not yet a firm commitment, but there are many indications that Mickelson could participate in a tournament again in June.

The US Open takes place from June 16 to 19 at the Country Club in Brookline in the US state of Massachusetts and is the second oldest of the four Major tournaments. Last year, Jon Rahm became the first Spaniard to win the tournament there.

It remains to be seen who will have the best cards this year. Phil Mickelson will probably also be there. The American is only one victory away from a career Grand Slam at the US Open, as he has already won the other three majors. All the more reason for Mickelson to return to the golf course.

PGA Championship not yet an issue for Mickelson

Before the US Open takes place in June, the PGA Championship is still on the agenda for May. From May 19 to 22, the golfing elite will meet at Southern Hills Country Club for the second major of the year. It is still unclear whether Phil Mickelson will be taking part, as the American has neither confirmed nor cancelled his participation. Last year he won the title with a par on hole 18, but whether he can defend it this year is still questionable.

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European Tour

Fortinet Australian PGA Championship to launch the 2023 DP World Tour season

Jed Morgan is heading as defending champion to the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship on DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Jed Morgan is heading as defending champion to the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship on DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)

The tournament will return to Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane, with Jed Morgan defending the Joe Kirkwood Cup against an international field competing for a prize fund of AUD$2million.

Earlier this year, Morgan stormed to a tournament record victory in the rescheduled 2021 edition of the event. Making just his 20th start as a professional, Morgan finished 11 strokes clear of Andrew Dodt, joining an elite group of former winners of the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship including Adam Scott, Cameron Smith, Geoff Ogilvy, Gary Player and Seve Ballesteros.

Return to DP World Tour’s schedule

In 2019, the last time the event took place on the DP World Tour schedule, former World Number One and Masters Tournament winner Adam Scott delighted the home crowds as he secured a two-stroke victory and his first title on home soil in six years.

The event returns to the DP World Tour’s schedule as part of its renewed Strategic Alliance with the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and will be co-sanctioned until 2026.

Ben Cowen, DP World Tour Chief Tournament Business Officer, said: “When we announced the extension to our Strategic Alliance with the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia at the event in January, we stated the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship was a key part of that partnership, underlining our joint commitment to providing playing opportunities for both memberships as well as pathways for players to compete on the biggest stage.

“Today’s announcement reaffirms that, and we are therefore delighted to confirm our return to Australia this November to start the new season at Royal Queensland Golf Club with a record prize fund of AUD$2million.”

Gavin Kirkman, PGA of Australia Chief Executive Officer, said: “I think the return of the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship in 2021 will stay in our hearts for a long time.

“Everyone’s been through so much in the last two years in so many ways, so to see so many people out on the course at Royal Queensland following their favourite players, and to see the players themselves getting that opportunity to compete, it was just very heart-warming for us.”

Tickets for this year’s edition of the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship are now on sale with a full programme of off-course activity scheduled for fans, including the Taylormade Party Hole, with a resident DJ, hospitality suites, food and public bars.

The event continues to confirm Queensland’s status as a premier tourism destination, with Royal Queensland already confirmed as the venue for the Men’s and Women’s Olympic Golf Competitions for the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane.

(Text: Press release DP World Tour)