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European Tour PGA Tour

New Membership Opportunities outlined for PGA Tour Members on the DP World Tour

The DP World Tour today announces new membership opportunities for PGA TOUR members in its 2024 season, a further illustration of the strength of the relationship between the two Tours through the existing Strategic Alliance.

DP World Tour 2024: Two new memberships

The opportunities fall into two categories: (i) Full membership of the DP World Tour available for players who finish in positions 126 to 200 on the 2022-2023 FedExCup Fall Points List; or (ii) Affiliate Membership of the DP World Tour available to any other PGA TOUR Member when participating in any Race to Dubai ranking tournament in the 2024 season. Affiliate Members and Non-Members will now automatically appear on a new ‘Non-Member Race to Dubai Points List’ following the first tournament where they earn points.

This list will see players accrue Race to Dubai Points and, based on their points, can see them potentially qualify for (a) the DP World Tour play-offs in 2024 and (b) the season-ending Bonus Pool in 2024 if they have played four or more counting tournaments outside the Majors, in line with the current DP World Tour Member regulations.

Should they choose to additionally take up Affiliate Membership, this will give them the potential to earn full ranked membership of the DP World Tour in the following season if their final ranking qualifies them.

PGA TOUR Members who take up Full Membership (Option (i) above) will play from a newly created Category 12 in the 2024 DP World Tour Exemption Category list. Only five players from this category can play in a DP World Tour event in any given week.

To access this category, eligible players must join the DP World Tour as members by Wednesday, December 20, 2023, to compete in tournaments in the 2024 calendar year, but by Wednesday November 22, 2023, if they want to compete in any of the 2024 season tournaments scheduled for November or December 2023.

Consequence of the Strategic Alliance between DP World Tour and PGA Tour

These initiatives – which were discussed and ratified by the DP World Tour’s Tournament Committee – follow on from the one announced last year that will see the leading ten players on the 2023 Race to Dubai (not otherwise exempt) earn PGA TOUR cards for the 2024 season – these cards being ranked after the top 125 finishers on the 2022-2023 FedExCup Fall Points List.

David Howell, Chairman of the DP World Tour’s Tournament Committee, said: “When we announced our Strategic Alliance with the PGA TOUR in November 2021, one of the prime objectives was to give as many opportunities as possible to members of both Tours, and this is another perfect example of how this is working.

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the DP World Tour, said: “Our Ten Cards initiative will give the opportunity for DP World Tour members to excel on the PGA TOUR next season and this new membership opportunity announced today will give PGA TOUR members the chance to do exactly the same on our Tour. I am excited at the possibilities.”

(Text: European Tour Group Communications)

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European Tour Live PGA Tour

World Golf Ranking: Rory McIlroy Hunting For Number 1

English Charge in the World Golf Ranking

There is only slight movement in the World Golf Ranking for British players. England’s Matt Fitzpatrick is holding firm at seventh for the second consecutive week, demonstrating consistent top-level performance. Tyrrell Hatton, also from England, falls one position to 12th. Slightly further down the rankings, Tommy Fleetwood has dropped one spot to rank 14th.

Check out the entire World Golf Ranking here

Shuffling Order for the Brits Beyond the top 10

British representation continues in the World Golf Ranking with Justin Rose of England sliding three positions to 39th. Scotsman Robert MacIntyre sits in 56th spot. He’s followed by Aaron Rai and Jordan Smith. Completing the best-performing British professionals this week is Matt Wallace, who has made an eight-position surge to reach 89th position.

Review of the worlds top 3

Examining the top of the World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler of the United States remains in pole position, echoing his firm hold on the top spot these last few months. Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy follows him at second place, with Jon Rahm of Spain close behind at third.

No movement in the top 10 of the world

The middle and tail end of the top ten in the world see an unchanging continuity of strong performances. Norway’s Viktor Hovland, USA’s Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele are steadfast at positions four to six, respectively. Max Homa, Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark, all from the United States, have also managed to maintain their ranks at positions eight to ten.

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Live

Scottie Scheffler Holds Top Spot in World Golf Ranking, Matt Fitzpatrick Advances To Seventh position

Scottie Scheffler maintains his grip on the pinnacle of the World Golf Ranking, while the best-placed British golfer, Rory McIlroy, safeguards his second position.

More British Representatives at the Top of the World Golf Ranking

Matthew Fitzpatrick advances to seventh position from the eighth spot in the World Golf Ranking, due to a win at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Tyrrell Hatton retains his status as the 11th best golfer globally.

Tommy Fleetwood, another English golfer, retains his 13th place in the rankings. Justin Rose has advanced one spot to the 36th position, rounding up the top five British players in the World Golf Ranking.

First Three Positions in the World Golf Ranking

Continuing the synopsis of the World Golf Ranking, Jon Rahm of Spain remains steadfast at the third position, following Scheffler and McIlroy. Viktor Hovland, a proficient player from Norway, secures the fourth position and Patrick Cantlay rounds up the top five, remaining steadfast in his placement from the previous week.

In the second half of the top 10 of the World Golf Ranking, Xander Schauffele holds his sixth spot. Max Homa dropped to the eighth position from the seventh, making way for Fitzpatrick to rise. Brian Harman holds firm at the ninth, while Wyndham Clark completes the top 10 without any shift in his ranking.

(This article was created with the help of AI)

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Highlights Tours Knowledge Rules

Fourball – an exciting form of tournament play

Fourball (also called bestball or fourball) is played in golf with two, three or four players per team. Each golfer in a team plays his or her own ball. However, after each hole, only the best score is included in the team score. If one player locks in a four and the team partner needs five or more strokes, only the four is scored.

The fourball format holds some tactical possibilities: In the team it can be decided, for example, that one player plays more on risk and attacks the flag directly in order to win the hole (in match play). The other team partner tries to provide back-up by trying to place the ball safely on the green and thus take the pressure off. Who takes on which role depends on the current game situation.

Fourball with numerous variations

If a player with a very low handicap competes against players with a higher handicap, another variant is conceivable: The strong golfer is on his or her own and plays alone against a team that can take advantage of the synergy. In addition, the pairing of low handicap with high handicap is advantageous in fourball tournaments played according to Stableford. Such tournaments are often offered at the beginning or end of the season, when the course is not yet or no longer in the best condition.

In stroke play, the best scores of all the holes played by a team are added together and the total number is counted at the end of the course. In match play, as it is played at the Ryder Cup or Solheim Cup for example, you play against your opponents for each hole. The team that needs fewer strokes for the respective hole gets a point. In the event of a tie, the hole is split – both teams receive half a point. The team that wins the most holes wins the match.

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Highlights Tours Knowledge Rules

Foursome format – the rules in match play

In foursomes, two teams (usually two players each) compete against each other. Within a team, players take turns stroke by stroke: Player “A” tees off. Once at the ball, player B takes the second shot with the same ball. This continues until the respective team has holed the ball in team work.

A tactically extremely important decision is made by the team before the match even begins: the two team members agree on who will tee off on the even holes and who will tee off on the odd holes. Depending on who feels confident with their driver or irons, the par 3 and par 5 holes can be divided accordingly.

Foursomes – Matchplay with your partner

Foursomes can be played both as stroke play and as match play. Alltough the match play variant is the most common and is also played in this form at major team events such as the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup. In English, the foursomes format of play is also often referred to as the “Alternate Shot”.

The Foursome Teams at the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup

In major tournaments such as the Ryder Cup or the Solheim Cup, the captains of both teams have to take great care in deciding their lineups for the foursomes format. Playing strength and current form must be factored into the decision on pairings, but equally the captains would have to pay attention to the human element in the lineup – the players must function as a team.

In addition, golfers should ideally complement each other in many ways. For example, a popular option is to pair rookies, who are on the team for the first time in a major tournament, with an experienced player. Some pairings have already proven themselves in previous events and have a strong record together – so it is logical not to change anything. In the end, gut feeling certainly plays a not insignificant role in the pairing of the captains.

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Top Tours

Open Championship 2023: Who will defy the weather?

The British Open is one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments in the world. It will be held this year at the Royal Liverpool Golf Course. The weather conditions on the rugged coast of Great Britain will in itself have a major impact on the tournament, but rain or storms can make the already demanding links course even more challenging for the professionals.

Weather forecast for the Open Championship 2023

The golf course has been through almost every weather condition in the past week. There have been thunderstorms, heavy rains, lots of wind and even the sun has made an appearance once. At least the start of the tournament is supposed to stay mostly dry.

Thursday, 20.07.

The tournament will start with a mostly sunny day and possible small showers.

Friday, 21.07.

On the day of the decision, who will be allowed to continue the weekend, it will be very cloudy with again small rainfalls.

Saturday, 22.07.

In the night from Friday to Saturday there may be heavier rain. On Moving Day, rain is expected to be almost continuous, easing during the day.

Sunday, 23.07.

On the final day, light showers are expected again and there may even be thunderstorms. On the other hand, the wind will drop a bit.

Can we rely on the forecast?

No. Especially in Great Britain, the weather is very erratic and can change every minute. Even professional golfers like Jon Rahm, don’t pay very much attention to the forecast. “We’re in England. We’re right next to the Channel, too. I don’t really look at the forecast because it changes so quickly. I hope we still see certain weather conditions because it’s the Open. There will always be wind. Hopefully the rain will stay away, but there will always be a period that favors some more than others. It doesn’t look like it’s going to play extremely fast or extremely firm because the rain and some of the humidity should stay, but you never know. I think it will play similar to 2014.”

Impact of weather conditions on the tournament and players


The weather in Liverpool can play a crucial role during The Open Championship. Rain can soften the ground on links golf courses and affect ball roll speed. The strong and unpredictable wind can affect the trajectory of the balls and pose tactical challenges to the golfers. Players will need to adapt to the changes and adjust their shots accordingly to be successful.

The 2023 Open Championship promises to be a compelling tournament on the links course near Liverpool. Weather conditions could play an important role and increase the challenges for the players. With the right preparations, golfers can bring out the best in each other. It is sure to be a tournament full of excitement, skill and fascinating moments as the best golfers in the world compete for the coveted title.

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Uncategorized

DP World Tour and KPGA formalise relationship with new Strategic Alliance

The DP World Tour and Korea Professional Golfers’ Association have formalised their partnership with the signing of a Strategic Alliance, which expands the pathway for KPGA Korean Tour players on to the DP World Tour and will see co-sanctioned tournaments held in Korea through to 2025.

DP World Tour Chief Tournament Business Officer Ben Cowen and KPGA Chairman Koo Ja-cheol confirmed the enhanced relationship following the inaugural Korea Championship Presented by Genesis, which marked the DP World Tour’s return to Korea for the first time in more than a decade.

Currently the KPGA’s Genesis Point Award winner secures a one-year DP World Tour exemption in Category 16 for the following season. From next season, the opportunities will increase, with the next two leading players on the Genesis Point Award also receiving exemptions in Category 17.

New co-sanctioned tournament announced

In addition, as part of the DP World Tour’s commitment to supporting professional golf in Korea, the two organisations will co-sanction a tournament in Korea for the next two seasons, as well as continuing to collaborate in key business areas including strategic development and commercial growth. 

Ben Cowen, DP World Tour Chief Tournament Business Officer said: “Following on from the inaugural Korean Championship Presented by Genesis, we are delighted to be strengthening our partnership with the KPGA. 

“With the leading player in the Genesis Points Award already securing a DP World Tour exemption for the following season, this new pathway will allow more access for Korean players from the 2024 season onwards. We also look forward to co-sanctioning events in Korea with the KPGA each season through to 2025.”

Koo Ja-cheol, KPGA Chairman, said: “We are pleased that this agreement will give KPGA Korean Tour players the opportunity to compete on the international stage. The KPGA will strive to strengthen its global competitiveness through this agreement.

“This agreement will be an important step for the KPGA and DP World Tour to grow together.”

Spain’s Pablo Larrazábal lifted the inaugural Korea Championship Presented by Genesis trophy at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea on Sunday, in the first DP World Tour event on Korean soil since the 2013 Ballantine’s Championship. 

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European Challenge Tour

Challenge Tour announces 2023 global schedule

The European Challenge Tour today announced its global 2023 Road to Mallorca schedule, featuring a record overall prize fund and a minimum of 29 tournaments, staged across three continents in 18 different countries.

Players will compete for total prize money of €8,200,000 on the 2023 Road to Mallorca, which will begin with the Bain’s Whisky Cape Town Open in February, the first of four co-sanctioned events with the Sunshine Tour in South Africa.

India returns as a host country for the first time since 2013 with two events in March, the Duncan Taylor Black Bull Challenge followed by The Challenge presented by KGA.

The Challenge Tour also returns to the United Arab Emirates in April for the first time since 2018 with back-to-back events, including the Abu Dhabi Challenge, as part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation.

The Challenge Tour will head to Spain in May for the Challenge de España, which will kick-start a run of 20 tournaments in 22 weeks and see the Road to Mallorca travel through 15 countries in Europe, including Italy for the Italian Challenge at Golf Nazionale, the venue which will then host the first two days of the 2023 Junior Ryder Cup in September.

The 2023 season will conclude with the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final supported by The R&A, at Club de Golf Alcanada from November 2-5, as the top 45 players on the Rankings battle it out for one of the life changing 20 DP World Tour cards.

Those 20 players who benefit from this formal pathway to the DP World Tour will then be eligible for the DP World Tour’s Earnings Assurance Programme, guaranteeing them minimum earnings of $150,000 for the 2024 season if they play in 15 or more events.

The top five graduates will also benefit from the John Jacobs Bursary, similarly designed to provide security and a strong platform for their first season on the European Tour group’s top tier.

Jamie Hodges, Head of Challenge Tour, said: “Our expansive global schedule gives our members the opportunity to play for a record total prize fund and benefit from our formal pathway to the DP World Tour, as we continue to provide an incredible platform for the next generation of golf’s superstars.

“I would like to thank the integral support of our promoters, national federations, and tournament sponsors, who have helped make this possible. The fact that 20 of our current national federations and promoters have extended their support through to next year is testament to their commitment and the strength of our Tour heading into 2023.

“We are also very grateful for the commitment of Rolex, The R&A, and DP World through their title partnership of the DP World Tour, all of whom have helped us to provide this comprehensive global schedule for some of the brightest talents in world golf.”

In 2022, 25 former Challenge Tour players won on the DP World Tour – including 2021 graduates Ewen Ferguson and Yannik Paul, while five finished inside the top ten on the DP World Tour Rankings in Partnership with Rolex. Sean Crocker became the 200th former Challenge Tour player to win on the DP World Tour when he secured a wire-to-wire victory at the Hero Open, while the total number of wins by Challenge Tour alumni is now 544.

The full 2023 Road to Mallorca International Schedule can be viewed below or by clicking here.

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Live

DP World Tour: G4D Tour announces expanded 2023 schedule

Launched in 2022 with an initial seven-event schedule, the G4D Tour sees the world’s best golfers with a disability compete on the same course, the same week, as professionals on the DP World Tour.

The 2023 season will see additional uplifts to the G4D Tour, including the introduction of a season-long Order of Merit to crown the Number One player.

2023 G4D Tour schedule

Dec 2-4, 2022Australian All Abilities Championship @ ISPS HANDA Australian OpenVictoria Golf Club, Australia
Jan 13-14, 2023G4D Tour @ Hero CupAbu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi
Feb 6-7, 2023G4D Tour @ Singapore ClassicLaguna National Golf Resort Club, Singapore
TBCEvent TBCTBC
Jun 5-6, 2023G4D Tour @ Volvo Car Scandinavian MixedUllna Golf & Country Club, Sweden
Jun 26-27, 2023G4D Tour @ Betfred British MastersThe Belfry,
England
Aug 14-16, 2023G4D Tour @ ISPS Handa World Invitational presented by AVIV ClinicsGalgorm Castle Golf Club, Northern Ireland
Sep 11-12, 2023G4D Tour @ BMW PGA Championship, a Rolex Series EventWentworth Club,
England
Nov 10-11, 2023G4D Tour @ DP World Tour Championship, a Rolex Series EventJumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai

Each G4D Tour event is open to amateurs and professionals players of all eligible impairments, men and women. For 2023, players will be able to qualify from both their ranking on the gross division of the World Ranking for Golfers with a Disability (WR4GD) and events on the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) Tour, ensuring an international pathway to reach the G4D Tour. The European Tour group pays the expenses of players as they travel around the world, to ensure that the Tour is open to all players regardless of their financial circumstances.

To be eligible, all players must have a World Ranking for Golfers with a Disability and an EDGA Player Pass. Since the G4D Tour launched earlier this year, applications for a World Ranking and Player Pass have reached record levels, with 20% of all passes secured in 2022 alone – showing the impact the G4D Tour is having on raising awareness and increasing participation. The DP World Tour will continue to utilise its social media channels, and relationships with global broadcasters, to showcase the G4D Tour on a range of media platforms throughout the 2023 season.

This year’s inaugural season, which had its finale at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, saw England’s Kipp Popert win four G4D Tour titles and regain his position as World Number One on the WR4GD. The other tournament winners were England’s Mike Browne, Italy’s Tommaso Perrino and Sweden’s Rasmus Lia. Players from ten different nationalities competed, showing the international reach of the Tour.

The Australian All Abilities Championship, starting on Friday December 2, will be the first event of the 2023 G4D Tour season, with World Number One Popert leading the field of 12 competitors teeing it up at Victoria Golf Club. The Australian All Abilities Championship forms part of a festival of golf on Australia’s world-renowned sandbelt, taking place concurrently with the ISPS HANDA Australian men’s and women’s Opens.

“Tremendous success”

The tournament will be played across three rounds at Victoria Golf Club, with World Number Two Brendan Lawlor and Spaniard Juan Postigo Arce, ranked fourth on the WR4GD also competing. World Number 12 Geoff Nicholas leads the home charge, having made history in 2019 as the first amputee golfer to qualify for The Senior Open presented by Rolex at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

Speaking about the enhanced 2023 schedule Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour group, said: “The G4D Tour has been a tremendous success since it launched earlier this year. We have seen unprecedented numbers of golfers with a disability enquire about playing on the Tour and getting a World Ranking, thanks to the ability for these inspirational players to play Tour level courses next to the best players on the DP World Tour.

“We have developed a very close relationship with EDGA and the European Tour group will continue to support the association in its focus on developing capacity within the golf industry, through a variety of education and development activities. I firmly believe that golf has the potential to be the most inclusive sport in the world and the G4D Tour is a major step in realising this ambition.”

Tony Bennett, President of EDGA, added: “The G4D Tour is the visible manifestation of EDGA’s development of golf for the disabled – a process that started 22 years ago. Since our first collaboration with the European Tour group and DP World Tour, there has been exponential growth at all levels. The G4D Tour has created greater awareness and resulted in a cascade effect with more tournaments at every level, more national federations building accessible activities, and of course, more grassroots programmes than ever before. The support that the European Tour group and DP World Tour provide to EDGA helps make all of this possible.”

(Text: Press release DP World Tour)

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European Tour

DP World Tour: Teams unveiled for Hero Cup in Abu Dhabi

European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald has announced 18 players, including an exciting mix of Ryder Cup stars, Major Champions and the most promising young players in world golf, to make up the Continental Europe and Great Britain and Ireland teams for next year’s Hero Cup in Abu Dhabi from January 13-15.

In consultation with the respective Hero Cup Captains Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari, who will both compete as playing Captains, Donald confirmed the teams for next year’s match play contest at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, with one remaining position for each team to be allocated at the conclusion of the DP World Tour calendar year.

Match Play Tournament on the DP World Tour

Donald and Molinari have constructed a strong mix of proven winners with Sweden’s Alex Noren and Belgium’s Thomas Pieters bringing Ryder Cup experience to the Continental Europe ranks one week before the Belgian defends his Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship title at Yas Links.

Molinari’s team will be completed by a host of exciting young players including Austrian Sepp Straka, who won his maiden PGA TOUR title at The Honda Classic in 2022, three-time DP World Tour winner Rasmus Højgaard, two-time winner Victor Perez and Adrian Meronk, who became the first Polish player to win on the DP World Tour when he claimed the 2022 Horizon Irish Open.

Belgium’s Thomas Detry has also enjoyed a strong start to his rookie PGA TOUR season finishing in the top-12 in three of the five events played – including second place in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship – and has six top-15 finishes on the DP World Tour. He is joined by three-time DP World Tour winner Guido Migliozzi, who claimed the biggest victory of his career in September at the Cazoo Open de France.

The Great Britain and Ireland team, led by two-time Ryder Cup player Fleetwood, boasts 2019 Open Champion Shane Lowry and four-time Rolex Series winner Tyrrell Hatton amongst its ranks.

They will be joined by a stream of Ryder Cup hopefuls including Irishman Séamus Power, who has enjoyed a stunning start to the 2023 PGA TOUR season and currently leads the FedEx Cup Standings, and DP World Tour winners Ewen Ferguson, Robert MacIntyre, Callum Shinkwin, Jordan Smith and Matt Wallace.

Luke Donald wants to “combine experience and youthfulness”

Donald, the 2023 European Ryder Cup Captain, said: “Having worked closely with Tommy and Fran on building the two teams, I’m delighted with the mix of players who will be on show at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in January.

“We all thought it was important to combine experience and youthfulness and I think we have found that balance with a mixture of Major Champions and Ryder Cup players, alongside guys who are hoping to secure a spot in Rome next year.”

Prep at the highest level

Molinari, the Continental Europe Captain and 2018 Open Champion, said: “Our team is packed full of exciting players who all have the attributes to excel in a match play contest and I’m excited to lead them into the Hero Cup next year.

“Some of our younger players have already shown incredible maturity in high-pressured situations and proved they can perform in big moments, so giving them the opportunity to compete on this stage alongside the likes of Alex Noren and Thomas Pieters will be really important at the beginning of what could be a big year for them.”

Fleetwood leads the island Europeans

Fleetwood, who combined with Molinari to collect four points from four matches at the 2018 Ryder Cup in France, said: “I am really pleased with the players who will form the Great Britain and Ireland team next year.

“Having the experience of Shane and Tyrrell will be invaluable for the rest of the team in a match play environment but I think we are really strong throughout the team. We have proven winners in some of the biggest DP World Tour events and it will be great to have Séámus with us following his excellent start to the season in America.”

Dr Pawan Munjal, Chairman and CEO, Hero MotoCorp, said: “We are delighted to see the best of emerging talent from Europe together with established Major Champions and Ryder Cup stars at the upcoming Hero Cup in January. It is going to be a fantastic week of top class golf and a keen tussle on the course between these two strong teams.”

2023 Hero Cup Teams

Continental Europe Great Britain & Ireland
Francesco MOLINARI (C) Tommy FLEETWOOD (C)
Thomas DETRY Ewen FERGUSON
Rasmus HØJGAARD Tyrrell HATTON
Adrian MERONK Shane LOWRY
Guido MIGLIOZZI Robert MACINTYRE
Alex NOREN Seamus POWER
Victor PEREZ Callum SHINKWIN
Thomas PIETERS Jordan SMITH
Sepp STRAKA Matt WALLACE
Player TBC Player TBC

(Text: Press release DP World Tour)