The LPGA Tour shortens the Pelican Women's Championship by one round. (Photo: Getty)
After meeting with senior LPGA and tournament leadership and in consultation with our on-site meteorologist, Pelican Golf Club will be closed on Thursday due to Tropical Storm Nicole. Due to the chance of a delay in Friday’s start of play, the LPGA has made the decision to shorten the Pelican Women’s Championship to 54 holes.
Forecasts call for 1-3 inches of rain and strong winds, with gusts up to 50 MPH. Local authorities have closed schools and may need to close bridges, which would affect access to the course. Due to the high winds, it is not safe to have players, caddies, fans, volunteers and staff on site.
The first round of the Pelican Women’s Championship will begin no earlier than Friday at 6:55 a.m. Friday morning’s forecast from our on-site meteorologist, who is constantly monitoring the latest data, includes a chance of a lingering thunderstorm. The Friday forecast is thankfully trending in a positive direction, and we will share additional information with you as soon as we can.
With a full field and limited daylight, we feel this decision provides the fairest test to the entire field. All services at Pelican Golf Club will be closed on Thursday, including dining, the gym and all practice facilities. We will have an update on Friday’s start of play on Thursday afternoon.
NELLY KORDA READY TO DEFEND TITLE AFTER ROCKIEST PATCH OF PLAY THIS SEASON
After taking five weeks off from LPGA Tour competition, NellyKorda will defend her title at the Pelican Women’s Championship presented by Konica Minolta and Raymond James and make what she hopes will be a triumphant return. However, Korda would prefer to win in a different fashion than last year, when she survived a four-person playoff against majorchampions Lydia Ko, Lexi Thompson and Sei Young Kim.
“Last year it was definitely a very interesting finish. I think I tripled 17 and then I birdied 18 to get into the playoff, and then I birdied my first hole in the playoff. So, yeah, didn’t make it very easy for myself,” laughed Korda, who birdied the first playoff hole in 2021 to take home the title. “I definitely lost a couple years off my life with the stress that I caused. Other than that, amazing memories coming back here. Hopefully I can make some really good ones this year.”
Korda’s victory at Pelican Golf Club is her most recent win on Tour, and the event was one of the last she played before she suffered a blood clot in her left arm in February of 2022, which forced her to spend nearly four months away from the game. She returned to the Tour in June in resounding fashion, earning five top-10 finishes in 10 events since coming back. But it all hasn’t been smooth sailing.
“I would recap (this season) in it was a rollercoaster. There was definitely a lot of ups, a lot of downs,” Korda said. “I played some solid golf since coming back, but I’ve also overdone it and also played some poor golf. So, definitely a learning year, more about myself, more about my body.”
Korda missed the cut in her two most recent LPGA starts, the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G and The Ascendant LPGA benefiting Volunteers of America, the first of which marked the first time she missed playing the weekend since June of 2021. The seven-time Tour winner has only missed one cut in each of the 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons. Luckily, Korda says it isn’t an injury that has contributed to her lackluster play as of late, but rather an overly competitive desire to make up for lost time.
“I think I missed so much of the year that I kind of wanted to make it all up in a sense,” she said. “I think I came back at the time that I needed to, or that was acceptable. The only thing that I may have made a mistake in is then trying to catch up and just being on the road too much and not taking a breather and stepping back and being fresh.”
Georgia Hall and Olivia Cowan on the European Tour. (Photo: Ladies European Tour)
Star female golfers Georgia Hall and Olivia Cowan are in confident mood and excited to tee it up at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club this week in the final Aramco Team Series event of the year. Hall returns to Jeddah following incredible recent success in King Abdullah Economic City after winning the Aramco Saudi Ladies International here in March, while Olivia Cowan is in the form of her career after winning her first Ladies European Tour title in the Hero Women’s Indian Open, two weeks ago. Both are relishing the opportunity to be back in Saudi Arabia this week with Hall commenting: “I love coming back here. I really like this golf course; it is one of my favourites to play in my season and it is always in great condition. The weather is always good, and the wind can get up quite a bit in the afternoons which makes the course have a linksy feel which I really enjoy. “There are some tough holes out there, but I can also reach pretty much every par 5 which is nice so that gives me some really good eagle opportunities and the chance to try and shoot some low rounds. Every time we come here as players, we also get really well looked after, so it’s just a really fun week.”
Olivia Cowan and Georgia Hall: “We are thrilled to be playing here”
Cowan echoed the sentiments of Hall and added: “I feel really confident about my game at the moment coming off the back of that first win in India. I’m just really looking forward to playing this course, I really love playing it and being back here in Jeddah. It’s challenging and fun to play in, and the team event makes it a bit more relaxing. I just love coming back here and can’t wait for the week to get going.” The tournament draft took place last night where the teams for this week’s event were selected. Each of the 36 Captains have one individual pick, before they are allocated a random player at the draft, with the team element of the tournament being decided after day two of the event. Individual player scores are then carried over to the final day as an individual winner is crowned. Hall will be joined in her team by young compatriot, Lily May Humphreys, as well as French golfer Anais Meyssonnier. Cowan used her pick to select young English star, Cara Gainer, while Team Cowan will be completed by another English player in Rachael Goodall. Other standout teams are Team Charley Hull with the highest ranked player in the field, Hull, selecting Isabella Deilert, and being allocated Moroccan star Maha Haddioui, while Team Alison Lee will be completed by Camilla Lennarth and Diksha Dagar. Defending individual champion Pia Babnik will be joined by Kristyna Napoleaova and Lauren Taylor for the first two days of competition as she looks to start her title defence in the best way. All teams will be completed by a championship amateur which differentiates the Aramco Team Series as unique and innovative and both Hall and Cowan believe golf’s global series as been an extremely welcome addition to the Ladies European Tour schedule. Hall commented: “It is fantastic to get this support from Aramco and Golf Saudi and having the five events on the calendar of the Ladies European Tour has really boosted the Tour. I know speaking to a lot of players, they are really grateful for that support. “All the players just really enjoy coming to these events, it’s something different and just brings a different aspect to the game.” Cowan emphasised Hall’s opinion adding: “The set up and everything they do for the players is amazing. The weeks are set up like a major and the Aramco Team Series puts a lot of effort into the event and looking after the players for the week. We really appreciate that and hope other companies continue to show the same support for growing women’s golf.”
This week’s tournament takes place at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club from 10-12 November with tickets available free of charge. To secure tickets please visit aramcoteamseries.com and follow the event on social media @aramco_series.
For the first time in her career, Atthaya Thitikul has reached No. 1 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings as of the latest Rankings update. She becomes the 16th different player to reach No. 1 as well as the second player from Thailand to sit atop the Rolex Rankings following Ariya Jutanugarn, who was No. 1 for 23 total weeks between June 2017 and March 2019. Thitikul is also the second player to reach the No. 1 ranking in her LPGA Tour rookie year, after Sung Hyun Park in November 2017.
Rolex Ranking: Jin Young Ko must relinquish top position
Thitikul moved one spot on the Rolex Rankings to World No. 1, passing Jin Young Ko, who has held the top spot since Jan. 31, 2022. Ko first became World No. 1 in April 2019 and has spent 152 total weeks atop the Rankings, six weeks shy of Lorena Ochoa’s record 158 weeks at the No. 1 position.
Thitikul is only the second player under age 20 to reach No. 1 at 19 years, 8 months and 11 days, joining Lydia Ko. Ko was 17 years, 9 months and 9 days when she first reached No. 1 in February 2015, and 18 years, 6 months and 2 days the second time she ascended to the top spot of the Rolex Rankings in October 2015.
Atthaya Thitikul: “It is a great honor”
“It means a lot for my team, my family, my supporters and myself. It is such an honor to have my name at the top amongst the biggest names of the game,” said Thitikul. “It is very special to get to the top but it is much harder to retain it. I still have a lot to learn from all the legends and current players both on and off the course. I will continue to work hard for my family, my team, my fans and my country.”
Thitikul has two victories so far in 2022, becoming a Rolex First-Time Winner at the JTBC Classic presented by Barbasol and adding another win at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G. Along with her wins, Thitikul has recorded 12 additional top-10 finishes this season, including three at major championships. She currently leads in the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year standings with 1,487 points, is third in scoring average on Tour (69.432) and fourth in the race to become Rolex Player of the Year (129 points). Thitikul also ranks first on Tour in birdies (375), second in rounds in the 60s (44) and tied for fourth in number of eagles (11).
The successful step onto the LPGA Tour
Prior to joining the LPGA Tour, Thitikul became the youngest player ever to win the Ladies European Tour’s Race to Costa del Sol in 2021 while also securing Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honors. At 14 years, 4 months and 19 days, Thitikul also became the youngest golfer to ever win a professional golf tournament with her victory at the LET’s Thailand Championship in 2017.
Imposing views to the Rock of Gibraltar and the clubhouse (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Ambitious for the future
The US Millenium Hospitality Group has big goals. With La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort, it wants to become one of the leading and most luxurious golf resorts in Spain. It has entrusted this task to the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Group, which is one of the most renowned luxury hotel brands worldwide.
The first steps have already been taken. The golf course, previously known as ‘Alcaidesa’, was rebuilt at a multi-million dollar cost and shines in a complete new splendour. The new, stylish clubhouse with its cool restaurant and the extraordinary beach club are already in place. The same goes for the huge driving range with new grass tees and the large putting, pitching and chipping area. Added to this is the already existing 18-hole Heathland Golf Course, so that the resort has two completely different golf courses.
By Easter 2024, a five-star hotel complex comprising 153 exclusive rooms and 51 villas is to be built on an area of 400 hectares. Several more villas, all with private pools, will be available for purchase. Various restaurants and bars will be part of the complex as well as swimming pools, a spa and fitness centre and event facilities. A halfway house is under construction on the newly designed links course.
Millenium’s plan to become the flagship in Southern Europe with the resort seems to be working, because they have already been accepted as a member of the European Tour Destinations and are happy about this seal of quality.
All in white
As soon as you enter the white clubhouse of La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort, shining in the sun, you sense something special. The arc of tension is slowly built up, starting on the steps to the entrance. It continues as you cross the huge entrance hall and ends in front of an infinity pool with a view of the Mediterranean.
Unique: infinity pool at the clubhouse Terrasse (Photo: La Hacienda Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort)
The modern pro shop offers everything you need on a round. The rental clubs are of the best quality. The first tees of the two courses are in opposite directions. We first play the Heathland Course, which leads into the hinterland.
The Heathland Course
The 18-hole Heathland Course was designed by former Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas. The par-72 layout has a length of 6,373 m from the back tees and features different landscapes. While holes 1 to 5 and 17 and 18 are located on a plateau and resemble a heath landscape, the other courses wind their way down into the valley with magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea, where several water hazards await.
This is also the case at the 13th, a par-5, where the tee shot has to be hit well in order not to land in the water hazard crossing the course head-on.
Challenging Par-5 on the Heathland Course (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Due to the sometimes considerable distances between the individual holes and the considerable differences in altitude, a buggy is highly recommended. Some of these are brand new and of course equipped with GPS.
Unique Links Golf Course
The next day we played the only links course in southern Spain. The origin of the course dates back to 1992 and was designed by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark. Its current redesign is due to the US-American Kurtis Bowman, who redesigned all greens and added several bunkers. The course was only opened this summer but is already in great condition.
The par-72 course has a sensational layout and is suitable for all handicappers. The course is teed off from four tees. Players with a handicap of less than nine are recommended to use the white tees. The course then has a length of 5,841 m. At the moment, there is no table of playing conditions. I play off the yellows and am looking forward to the 5.5 km journey ahead of me. I know of no other course in Spain that offers such sensational views. The Rock of Gibraltar, which is clearly visible on a clear day, keeps attracting attention on various courses and distracts from the game. We are lucky with the weather and after a short initial rainfall, we enjoy the sunshine on the rest of the round.
Tee off to enjoy (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The varied courses, the constant ups and downs and the great views over the course make the round of golf an unforgettable experience. Everything is extremely well-maintained and also perfectly matched visually.
The water hazards are impressively designed and interrupt the different shades of green of tees, fairways and greens with their brilliant blue. The course is not only great to play, but also meets the highest aesthetic standards. Some holes run directly along the sea.
Everything at its best (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Development is already encroaching on some of the holes. This will increase further with the Fairmont Hotel La Hacienda, which is being built in terraces level with the back end of the beach with the best views across the course to the sea.
Directly along the beach (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The palate will also be pampered
What could be better than finishing off a successful round of golf with a great meal and special drinks? The fact that this is possible at the resort is thanks to the Azotea Group. Behind it are the journalist Cristina Lasvignes and her husband José Manuel García. Among other things, they have founded various restaurants and bars in Spain under the Sal Verde brand that meet the highest standards.
Attractive location above the golf course (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
These include the Clubhouse Restaurant as well as the Arena Bar in the Beach Club, which is located directly below the golf course. Both combine a great ambience, the highest quality and outstanding creativity.
Arena bar at the beach club (Photo: Azalea)
Exceptional dishes and creative cocktails are created by the Michelin-starred Executive Chef Manuel Berganza and the renowned mixologist Luca Anastasio. The latter plays a special role in Sal Verde’s concept, because high-quality cocktails play an essential role in Sal Verde’s gastronomy concept.
Spectacular from the air as well (Photo: James Hogg)
Those who have a choice are spoilt for choice. Either you choose the Spicy Moscow Mule, the Senorita Margarita, the Amalfi Ten Tonic, the Galan or Paloma, or you try them all. With one exception, they were all new to me and impressed me as much as the menus of the latest Spanish star chef. The tuna tartare, popular in Andalusia, served here with truffles and spring onion dressing, melted in my mouth just as much as the mussels au gratin with spicy tomato sauce, to name just two of the various delicacies tasted.
As the Fairmont accommodation is still under construction, we are staying at the Aldiana Club near the golf courses while we get to know the new resort.
Adiós Aldiana Andalusia
The sun still rises every morning over the Aldiana Club Costa del Sol in Alcaidesa. But this will come to an end on 21 November 2022, because the resort will soon change hands. After the planned renovation, it will be called Sun Club Costa del Sol from next year and will continue as a four-star hotel under a new flag.
Sunrise at Aldiana Alcaidesa (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The current all-inclusive concept will then be replaced by an offer that includes a choice of breakfast, half board or full board. It remains to be seen whether the great barbecue in the beach restaurant, which is still part of the club, will be offered.
I enjoyed the freshly prepared Andalusian specialities and especially the extremely spicy chorizo sausages. These remain in my positive memory as well as the varied and high-quality offer in the entire club. The well-maintained facilities and the friendliness and attentiveness of all the staff contributed in equal measure to my feeling of well-being during my stay. Not to forget the bright and clean room with the extremely comfortable bed.
Spicy and extremely delicious (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)
I am convinced that the Millenium/Fairmont concept will work out and that their guests will be delighted with the high-quality offer. I already am and look forward to another round on one of the most impressive golf courses in southern Europe. Hasta luego.
The first round matches of the LIV Golf Team Championship with Martin Kaymer. (Photo: Getty/ Twitter @livgolfinv)
A total of eight events are on the schedule for the new LIV Golf Invitational Series this year. The last event in Miami will be a Team Championship with prize money of 50 million US dollars. The league led by Greg Norman has announced the pairings for the final tournament. There is also a short explanation of the format, which brings some innovations.
A new team format will be played with a combination of stroke play and match play. The event at the Trump National Doral Miami will of course also be held over three days from 28 to 30 October and will include a knockout stage from quarter-finals to finals. In the first round Martin Kaymer and his “Cleeks” will meet Joaquin Niemann and Team “Torque”. Dustin Johnson is granted a rest and will only start the Team Championship on Saturday with the “4 Aces”.
LIV Golf Team Championship in knockout stage
On the first day, the quarter finals will be played. In this round, the top four teams of the regular season will get a bye and move directly into the semi-finals. The remaining teams (places 5 to 12) will play each other in head-to-head matches. The pairings will not be determined by a seeded list (5th against 12th, 6th against 11th, etc.), as is often the case, but the best teams will be allowed to choose their opponents.
From the teams of four, the two team captains compete against each other in match play. In addition, another individual match as well as a classic foursome is played by the team mates. All matches are played until a winner is decided, so there are no draws. One point is awarded for each victory, so two points are needed to win. The winning teams then advance to the semi-finals, which are played in the same mode.
Final in stroke play
The final day of the Team Championship, however, is different. The four winners of the semi-finals will tee off in a stroke play format. In contrast to the previous events, the performances of all players will be included in the team ranking and thus decide the outcome of the tournament. The 16 golfers play in groups of two, with the captains teeing off together. The team with the lowest overall score will ultimately become the LIV Golf Invitational Series Team Champion.
During the final tournament, LIV Golf stays true to its spirit. The event will of course be played over three days and in a shotgun start.
DJ has a bye
Currently (as of 26.10.2022), the “4 Aces” around Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Talor Gooch and Pat Perez clearly lead the team ranking after four victories in a row, as well as another three top-6 finishes and can redeem their bye in the quarter-finals of the Miami event. Behind them follow the “Crushers”, the “Fireballs” start in 3rd place in Miami. Louis Oosthuizen and the “Stingers” secure the last place for a safe entry into the semi-finals.
Martin Kaymer as captain of the “Cleeks” is currently ranked tenth among the teams. Bernd Wiesberger is part of the “Hy Flyers” with captain Phil Mickelson, who currently hold 8th place in the team standings. Based on the results of the first seven events, the teams received staggered points (32 points for the winner, 0 points for places 9 to 12).
“The Invitational Series finale, played at the fan-favorite Blue Monster at Doral, is befitting our game-changing model that delivers an innovative, one-of-a-kind experience for players and fans,” said Greg Norman, CEO of LIV Golf, on the announcement of the format. “I’m looking forward to this monumental event that will harness the beloved traits of team golf and head-to-head rivalries in a historic setting.”
The first pairings are fixed
In the quarter-finals, places 5 to 12 will have to play each other first. Martin Kaymer (Cleeks) will face Joaquin Niemann (Torque) on Friday, Ian Poulter (Majesticks) will play Kevin Na (Iron Heads). It will be exciting in the duel of the giants, Phil “Lefty” Mickelson (HyFlyers) will meet the “Golfer of the Year” Cameron Smith (Punch) in this first round. Brooks Koepka (Smash) faces a challenge in the form of Harold Varner III (Niblicks) in the quarter-finals.
In addition to the “captain’s matches”, the other team members will also go round. In a classic foursome, for example, Bernd Wiesberger and Cameron Tringale will compete for Mickelson’s team “Hy Flyers” against Wade Ormsby and Matt Jones. Matthew Wolff represents the HyFlyers in the second singles against Marc Leishman from team “Punch”.
Ewen Ferguson and Henrik Pantzar. (Photo: Cobra Puma Golf)
The 26-year-old Scot will continue to play with Cobra clubs and carry a Cobra staff bag, while wearing Puma apparel, footwear and accessories.
Ferguson first joined Puma in 2019 and started using Cobra equipment in 2020. During his time with the brand, he graduated from the 2021 Challenge Tour and took little time to secure his first professional win at the 2022 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
In August, Ewen went wire to wire to secure his second title at the ISPS Handa World Invitational at Galgorm Castle Golf Club.
Henrik Pantzar, Head of Golf Europe at COBRA PUMA Golf, said:“We are very excited to be extending our partnership with Ewen Ferguson, Ewen will continue to be a leading figure in our roster of athletes. Ewen has taken his game to the next level during the current season with two wins, and his trust in our equipment is a testament to it being at the forefront of the game, and we are looking forward to working with him on the next stage of what is an already impressive career.”
Ferguson’s victory at the ISPS Handa World Invitational saw him use Cobra’s LTDx Driver, LTDx LS Fairway, LTDx Hybrid and Cobra King Tour MiM Irons, as well as being dressed head to toe in Puma apparel and footwear.
“I couldn’t be more excited to continue my journey with the COBRA PUMA Golf team,” said Ferguson, who is currently 13th in the DP World Tour ranking and 143rd in the world ranking. Having already had huge success with their products, I’m excited to see them continue their innovation with the clubs.
”I also love the PUMA apparel and footwear. It’s so important to have products to support me through all the different climates we experience on the DP World Tour, and PUMA not only do that, but they also make sure I can look cool at the same time.”
The BMW Ladies Championship is going to be at the Oak Valley Country Club in the Republic of Korea. (Foto: Twitter/@LPGA)
Four events remain in the 2022 LPGA Tour schedule, including the third edition of the BMW Ladies Championship this week in the Republic of Korea at Oak Valley Country Club.
Rolex Player of the Year
A quick look at the standings of the season-ending awards and races: There are 18 players who have a mathematical chance of winning the Rolex Player of the Year award. Of the top four in contention, Minjee Lee, Brooke Henderson or Atthaya Thitikul would earn their first Player of the Year honors if they were to win by the end of 2022. Lydia Ko would earn her second POTY award; she won in 2015 with 280 points Ko would be the 16th player since 1966 to earn the award at least twice in her LPGA Tour career.
1
Minjee Lee*
149 points
2
Brooke Henderson
130 points
3
Atthaya Thitikul*
124 points
4
Lydia Ko*
120 points
*In the BMW Ladies Championship field
Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year
Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year honors is mathematically down to Atthaya Thitikul and Hye-Jin Choi, which Choi only trailing by 243 points. If she were to win by the end of 2022, Thitikul would become the second consecutive player from Thailand to earn the honors, following Patty Tavatankit, who clinched Rookie of the Year following the 2021 BMW Ladies Championship. She would also become the third player from Thailand to win, along with Tavatanakit and Moriya Jutanugarn (2013).
1
Atthaya Thitikul*
1,425 points
23 events
2
Hye-Jin Choi*
1,182 points
24 events
*In the BMW Ladies Championship field
Vare Trophy
Lydia Ko currently leads in the hunt for the Vare Trophy. Minjee Lee would need an average strokes per round of 68.389 in her remaining events to pass Ko’s current average. Atthaya Thitikul would need an average round score of 67.158 to contend If she were to win by the end of 2022, Ko could become the first back-to-back winner of the award since Stacy Lewis in 2013 and 2014. Ko would also become the 15th multiple winner of the Vare Trophy since 1953 The average winner’s scoring average since its inception in 1953 is 71.35451. Annika Sorenstam holds the record for the lowest scoring average – 68.70 – in 2002.
Mizuno collection for fall and winter. (Photo: Mizuno)
Mizuno, the Japanese equipment manufacturer known for its attention to detail in the production of high-performance golf equipment, is delighted to release a new collection of cold weather golf apparel combining refined, soft touch materials with practical golf tailoring on a foundation of proven Mizuno core apparel technologies. The collection proves that “Nothing Feels Like a Mizuno.”
Mizuno’s Autumn-Winter 2022 Apparel Collection showcases exceptional Mizuno technologies married with refined style and ultimate comfort. Core technologies in the collection offer heightened performance in challenging conditions:
In the rainNexlite Flex offers complete waterproofness and incredible flexibility.
Incredible warmth is delivered by Mizuno’s Breath Thermo Technology, a fabric that captures and generates heat from escaping body vapour. Also featuring is Mizuno Thermal Plus, a material that regulates the dissipation of body heat.
Dynamic movement comes through Biogearwhich reduces muscle/joint fatigue due to stretch, pressure and shape. Mizuno Move Tech, is an anatomically patterned, four-way-stretch fabric.
The Mizuno Autumn-Winter 2022 Apparel Collection includes:
The Nexlite Flex Jacket, available in Coral Red, Black, Deep Navy and Grey, is so lightweight and free moving, that you might forget to take it off when the rain stops. Water resistant to 20,000mm, breathable at 25,000g/m2, and with 15% additional stretch. The jacket remains water repellent even after numerous washes. In addition, the material is free from environmentally harmful perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
Available in Deep Navy and Black, Nexlite Flex Trousers feature all the same technologies as the Nexlite Flex Jacket, and they come with an elasticated waistband for maximum comfort.
The Breath Thermo Move Down Jacket and Gilet offer the promise of absolute warmth and comfort from the moment you slip them on thanks to Breath Thermo warming technology. Available in three colours, Grey, Black and Reds, the garments Instinctively fit snugly to the body, trapping warm air but providing a surprising level of movement and golfing flexibility. These ultimate cold weather garments are so warm and so stylish, you’ll also wear them away from the course.
The Breath Thermo Move Tech Jacket and Gilet are highly efficient all-round, mid-weight garments providing a well-considered balance of warmth, and movement. Available in three colours, Grey, Black and Blue, they offer great warmth thanks to Breath Thermo Technology, while Mizuno’s Move Tech lining provides ease of golfing movement.
Breath Thermo ST Polo, in White, Black, Purple and Red and in heat-generating Breath Themro fabric, is a soft touch, substantial weight polo which will keep you warm in the winter’s midday sun. It features a striking chest stripe line with contrasting bold colours to cut through the winter light. The Breath Thermo Graphic Polo, in White, Black, Red and Blue, features a unique graphic pattern design running across the chest. The Breath Thermo Long Sleeve Polo, in White, Black, Blue and Olive is also constructed from heat generating Breath Thermo fabric.
The Winter Breeze Block ¼ Zip, in Grey, Blue, Olive and Purple, is a mid-weight garment with a comfortable, relaxed cuff offering a bold, contrasting and athletic design. The Winter Breeze Elite ¼ Zip, in Grey, Blue, Black and Purple, delivers classic golf style with an athletic design. It’s a mid-weight garment featuring a comfortable relaxed cuff. It offers contrasting shoulder piping and the Runbird logo on chest and yoke. The Winter Breeze ¼ Zip, in Grey, Blue, Olive and Purple, features a unique contrasting combination on the back and front. It’s a mid-weight garment with a comfortable, relaxed cuff providing functionality and style.
The Winter Elite Trousers, available in Grey, Black and Deep Navy, are substantial cold weather trousers featuring Mizuno’s Move Tech four-way stretch fabric for ease of movement. They have a brushed lining for warmth and comfort.
Also in the Autumn-Winter collection, the Breath Thermo Biogear Base Layer is an essential winter garment. Not only do the Breath Thermo and Thermal Plus technologies help maintain a consistent body temperature but the BiogGear fabric also helps to reduce muscle fatigue through its snug fit and pressure.
The Breath Thermo Graphic Beanie features Mizuno’s heat generating Breath Thermo fabric to keep you warm in the coldest conditions. It’s available in four different colour options: Grey, Black, Blue and Olive. Breath Thermo Pom Pom Beanie offers an old-school look in heat-generating Breath Thermo Fabric. It’s available in Grey, Black, Blue and Red. Both beanies come in packs of three.
Completing the Autumn-Winter 2022 apparel line-up, the Mizuno Players Belt is available in three bold colours – Charcoal Grey, Black and Deep Navy.
Mizuno has always strived to “create the best products for consumers,” and the entire Autumn-Winter 2022 Apparel Collection adheres firmly to that spirit and desire, while offering the best performance benefits that modern technology can bring. #nothingfeelslikeamizuno
For further information on Mizuno’s full range of golf equipment, apparel and accessories visit: MizunoGolf.com.
Club building and starter cottage - Modern Art is omnipresent. (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The beginnings of today’s Royal Zoute Golf Club date back to 1899, when golf was first played in Knocke-sur-Mer (French name). The Flemish name of the place is Knokke-Heist. At first, it was part of the golf and sports club in nearby Bruges but then in 1909, the clubs parted ways and the Knocke Golf Club was founded. From the beginning, the club was strongly influenced by the English. Both its first captains and its course architect came from the British Isles whilst in 1907, it was redesigned by the famous Brit Harry Colt, who at the beginning of the 20th century designed not only some world-famous golf courses in England, but also in continental Europe. In Germany, too, he has left his mark on several clubs: the Hamburger Golf Club Falkenstein is just as much a part of this as the Frankfurter Golf Club and the Golf- & Landclub Berlin-Wannsee. After the First World War, when the Germans used the course as a military site, it became necessary to build a new course which was given its present name Zoute Golf Club. Subsequently, in 1925, it was made a ‘Royal’ by the Belgian King. After the Second World War when the course was occupied by the Germans, the course had to be renovated. The English Lieutenant Colonel Allen designed the layout for two 18-hole links courses, which resulted in today’s par 64 Executive Course and the par 72 Championship Course. The club hosted a total of six Belgian Opens between 1912 and 2000 when winners included Miguel Angel Jimenez, Darren Clarke, Nick Faldo and Lee Westwood, who won twice (1998 and 2000).
It couldn’t be more central
Entrance to the club buildings (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The various imposing club buildings are placed around a circular courtyard which boasts a huge steel figure sculpture created by one of the most renowned sculptors and conceptual artists of our time, Frenchman Bernar Venet, who is highly acclaimed internationally.
Imposing sculpture in the courtyard (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The complex includes a hotel with ten modern, well-equipped rooms and certainly, the spacious junior suite where we are housed is extremely comfortable. From the balcony, we enjoy the wide view over the restaurant terrace, to the starter’s cottage behind it, the first tees of the two courses and the driving range in the background.
Best view from the hotel room (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The hotel interior is extremely elegant with dark wood that harmoniously complements the modern tiles on the walls and floor that also feature at the reception. The electronic scoreboard provides information on tee times and players on both courses whilst the bar is reminiscent of a traditional English club.
Representative hotel and restaurant entrance (l) Clubhouse bar in traditional style (r) (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Before we turn our attention to the golf courses, we would like to get to know the city. Of course, this includes a walk along the long sandy beach and a stop at one of the numerous beach clubs. In the shopping streets of Zoute, the northernmost district of the seaside resort, we come across numerous boutiques of the finest designer labels and art on virtually every corner. More than 60 galleries alone offer art lovers a rich selection. In addition, there are huge sculptures scattered all over the city.
Objects of art permeate the entire town (Photo: Juergen Linnebuerger)
In case the shopping bags get too heavy, a large electric golf cart is available to chauffeur shoppers through the city’s shopping streets silently and free of charge.
An attractive offer in the centre of Knokke-Heist (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
We round off the first day with a delicious dinner on the clubhouse terrace. The menu is varied and the dishes extremely tasty. The recommended prawn croquettes impress us just as much as the baked sole.
Links and parkland course elements combined
The club is embedded in an untouched, slightly overgrown landscape with pines, hawthorn hedges, birches and poplars. The two pure links courses have been turned into a combination of links and parkland courses due to plantings after the Second World War. Heathland course elements can also be found here, though the courses run largely through flat terrain and light dune landscape. We start with a round on the 18-hole par 64 ‘Intérieur’ – or Executive – Course. It is a perfect opportunity to practice one’s short game under real conditions.
With its eight par 3 and ten par 4 holes, it has a length of 3,564 meters from yellow tees and 3,261 meters from red tees. The longest hole is 286 meter long whilst the greens are well guarded and have it all. We particularly like hole four, where a group of trees has to be taken on in order to hit the green. Unlike its big brother, this course is also open to non-members at weekends.
Charming fourth hole of the Executive Course (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The Championship Course
The next day, the par 72 “Extérieur” – or Championship – Course, awaits us. From the Championship tees, it has a length of 6,241m so we play from yellow and red tees that give us 5,880 metres and 4,795 metres respectively in front of us. With four exceptions, the holes run along the outer left edge of the terrain. They are lined by old trees, which are repeatedly interrupted by the neighbouring residential houses.
First tee of the Championship Course (Photo: Juergen Linnebuerger)
The first tee offers plenty of space on both sides whilst the next holes are also mentally moderate. The course becomes more attractive from the fifth hole onwards and from there, develops its charm and more and more its links elements come into play. You can see St. Margaret’s Church on several holes, such as the sixth, the most difficult hole. The par 4 with a length of 363 metres (yellow) is laid out as a dogleg and ends with an ondulated green that rises sharply towards the back.
Challenging green of hole six (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
From the ninth, the links character of the course comes into its own. It does not end at the clubhouse, but in the middle of the course.
Links Feeling on hole nine (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Behind the green, the two courses intersect at the unique halfway station. The thatched cottage and its inviting decoration is just as extraordinary as the delicious, freshly prepared snacks. We liked the avocado mousse with shrimps and the pasta salad with cashews. Anyone who passes by here without stopping in is missing out.
This makes the break a pleasure (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Relaxed and refreshed, we set off from one of the various elevated tee boxes for the second nine holes. From the green of the tenth, you can see the typical adjacent development, with the tee box of the 11th, an attractive par 3, directly behind it. Its green is well guarded by no less than five bunkers.
Greens and bunkers in perfect condition (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The course also has pot bunkers, such as on 16, a slightly downhill par 3 with a length of 145 metres from the yellow tee. Two huge ones await on the left and on the opposite side, it is protected by an even steeper monster.
Pot bunkers at its best (Photo: Juergen Linnebuerger)
The 18th tee is then another challenge. It has to be played from an elevated tee through a narrow alley into the fairway. The course then opens up and ends with a large green in front of the starter’s cottage. The Championship Course does not have a dull hole and water hazards do not come into play. We like its varied layout and the absolute tranquillity.
Knokke convinces
We enjoyed the trip to the Belgian coast with golf, shopping and art. Two rounds in the best weather on the different courses of the Royal Zoute Golf Club were worth the trip alone. We will gladly repeat them when the course has recovered from the drought of the past months and presents itself in a greener state. Then its real character will certainly come to the fore even more; the quality of the greens and bunkers already convinced us during our first visit. We are already looking forward to this, as well as to the overnight stay in the beautiful clubhouse, to the great gastronomic offering and to the warm friendliness which we received in all areas in one of the leading Belgian golf clubs. Le Zoute – we will be happy to come back.
Lexi Thompson triumphs in New York. (Photo: Aramco Team Series)
New York, (October 15, 2022): American star Lexi Thompson is back in the winner’s circle after holding her nerve to take the individual title at the Aramco Team Series – New York.
The Ladies European Tour win at Trump Golf Links Ferry Point marks the 27-year-old World Number Four’s first title since the ShopRite LPGA Classic in 2019.
In bright and breezy conditions in New York, Thompson held off the challenge World Number Six Brooke Henderson and Sweden’s Madelene Sagstrom on Saturday with a final round of 69 to finish three shots clear on eleven-under-par.
Starting the final round two shots clear, Thompson took advantage of an early Korda bogey to birdie her first hole and build an early cushion that she maintained all day. Thompson’s putter remained hot all week and four birdies on the friendlier back nine eased her away from a chasing pack.
“I came into today just the way I played yesterday, just playing aggressive golf, and being kind of fiery,” she said.
“I hit a great shot on No. 1 to like six, seven feet and made it and I wanted to play fearless golf and not play away from pins by any means and commit to my shots. I hit some really good ones and I hit some iffy ones but with this wind and everything, you have to take the bad ones as best you can.”
Thompson’s win, with her brother on her bag this week, comes off the back off several top tens this year with the hard work off the course paying off for the Floridian.
“I’ve been working extremely hard on my game. I felt like it was a matter of time but just wanted to play golf and put myself in contention in the final rounds and learn from the losses that I had and what I needed to work on which I brought into today.”
Brooke Henderson, making her Aramco Team Series debut, found her best form of the week in the final round to make a late charge with a flurry of late birdies on the back nine in conditions that suited the supreme ball-striker. The Canadian carded a round of 68 for a tie of second on eight-under-par with Sagstrom.
“I feel like I was just trying to make some birdies and climb as much as I could,” said the two-time major winner.
“I was happy to shoot 4-under out there in the wind. I feel like my game is in a good spot which is exciting leading into the rest of the LPGA season in a few weeks and hopefully I can finish strong because it’s been a really fun year.”
Nelly Korda was bidding for back-to-back Aramco Team Series wins but three bogeys on her front nine stalled her progress. The World Number 4 unsurprisingly battled back, coming home in 33 shots with three birdies for a round of 72 and fourth place (-7).
“It was very frustrating start to the day – very odd on the front nine, said Korda. “I just didn’t feel like myself. But then got it going on the back nine and I finished strong. It was a good confidence boost. It’s really nice to see Lexi win and it’s really good for golf for her to win as well. She played really solid golf and she’s been playing really solid golf this year. It was just around the corner,” she added.
Madelene Sagstrom was frustrated to not get over the line today but admitted it was nice to be back in contention in a big tournament playing alongside Thompson and Korda in the final group.
“We all come out here to try and win,” she said. “That’s what the mindset was coming in for the week. I haven’t really been in this kind of situation for a while, so it’s nice to be back. I think every time we play with top players, it makes you a little better. Playing with them and being comfortable and being in that situation is always good.”
The Aramco Team Series reaches its 2022 climax next month for the final event of the year in Jeddah at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.
