A report in the South Korean newspaper Chosun Daily suggests that one of the leading manufacturers of golf equipment could be up for sale. According to the report, the major shareholders of Topgolf Callaway have instructed a key manager to look into the possibility of spinning off the golf equipment and hardware business to focus solely on the state-of-the-art Topgolf driving ranges. The report states that Callaway would be valued at nearly $3 billion and that a South Korean “strategic investor is reportedly interested in acquiring the company.” To put the reported value in perspective: Korea-based Centroid Investment Partners acquired TaylorMade Golf in 2021 from New York-based KPS Capital Partners for $1.7 billion – a figure that remains the largest acquisition in the history of the golf equipment industry. After the report was published on Wednesday, Topgolf Callaway’s share price rose by more than ten percent.
Callaway denies rumors
When asked by Golf.com, a Callaway representative issued the following statement: “While it is our long-standing practice not to respond to market rumors and speculation, in light of the unusual market activity today and a recent media report in Korea about discussions of a possible sale of the company or its golf equipment business, we confirm that we are not aware of any such discussions. We do not intend to comment further on this matter and we assume no obligation to make any further announcements or disclosures should circumstances change.”
Topgolf Callaway CEO Chip Brewer emphasized that Callaway equipment would remain a big part of the message at Topgolf, particularly the Chrome Tour golf ball. “The business has performed exceptionally well from a brand perspective in 2023,” he said. “Our U.S. dollar market share positioned us as the No. 1 club brand and the No. 2 golf ball brand. In clubs alone, we were No. 1 in total clubs, drivers, fairway woods, hybrids and irons.”
PIF reportedly interested in Callaway
Shortly after the rumor that Callaway was up for sale emerged, wild speculation arose on social networks. Even multiple major winner and LIV golfer Phil Mickelson commented on one of them. Golf journalist Bob Ball published the idea on X (formerly Twitter) that the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund PIF could be interested in a takeover of the manufacturer and explained why he thought this was likely: “The acquisition of Callaway Golf by PIF would create an alliance between LIV Golf, Top Golf and Callaway,” Ball explained. “This would be a direct counter-offensive against the alliance of Tiger Woods, the PGA Tour, TGL, Popstroke and TaylorMade.” The integration of LIV Golf into Top Golf would lead to a wider audience, he explained: “With LIV Golf integrated into every Top Golf, local amateur teams could compete in fun local competitions – league play days with lots of food and free drinks. This would attract a lot of new and younger fans to LIV Golf.”
Finance insiders have known for a while that Callaway Golf is for sale. I think there’s a good chance that PIF might buy it for a couple big reasons.
First, it creates an alliance of LIV Golf, Top Golf, and Callaway. That is a direct counter offense to Tiger’s alliance; the… pic.twitter.com/HsD4FsjmYw — Bob “Golf” Ball (@BobBallPdx) March 21, 2024
Ball also pointed out that a purchase of Callaway Golf by PIF would thwart the plans of TGL and the PGA Tour to utilize Top Golf to compete with the team concept introduced by LIV. Lastly, Ball emphasized that the purchase would likely be cheaper than investing in the PGA Tour and that Callaway is a solid revenue source. Additionally LIV stars Jon Rahm and Phil Mickelson are strongly associated with Callaway. The latter has already shown enthusiasm for Ball’s idea on X. Even after Callaway dismissed the rumors as false, Ball remained steadfast in his belief that the acquisition of the equipment giant would be a good deal for PIF and LIV Golf.
I haven’t heard anything about this but what a great idea and I pray this happens ?
— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) March 21, 2024
Golf influencers continue to grow in popularity and Paige Spiranac tops the list. With four million followers on Instagram and around one million on X (formerly Twitter), she is well ahead of her peers, with Grace Charis in second place with around 2.8 million followers on Instagram. But how much is Spiranac’s social media network worth?
Paige Spiranac with five-figure sums per Instagram post
The answer should come as no surprise when you look at the earnings of other influencers outside of golf. At up to 12,000 dollars per social media post on Instagram and at least 8,500 dollars per post, even the “cheaper” ones are well above a normal monthly pay cheque.
The article from Vegas Insider doesn’t stop at just Paige Spiranac, but compares the earnings of professional golfers with those of golf influencers. Scottie Scheffler typically earns between 2,000 dollars and 3,000 dollars per post. The average post price for professional golfers is around 994 dollars, whereas golf influencers generally earn about 4,837 dollars per post.
Golf Earnings Comparison
| Name | Role | Earnings Per Post |
|---|---|---|
| Paige Spiranac | Golf Influencer | $8,477 – $12,716 |
| Scottie Scheffler | Professional Golfer | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Average Professional Golfer | Professional Golfer | $994 |
| Average Golf Influencer | Golf Influencer | $4,837 |
Who is Paige Spiranac?
For those who aren’t frequently active on Instagram and X, Paige Spiranac may not be a name you recognise. She is a former college golfer who has gained notoriety in the golf world as a social media influencer. She played collegiate golf at the University of Arizona and San Diego State University, where she earned All-Mountain West Conference honours in the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 seasons. After retiring from professional golf, Spiranac became known for her social media presence, particularly on Instagram, where she shares golf tips, tricks and her personal experiences.
Last month there was bad news: Bernhard Langer, probably the most successful German golfer of all time, had torn his Achilles tendon at the age of 66. The tournament golfer suffered the injury during training, preventing him from taking part in the first highlights of the calendar year. Langer now revealed in the “Musings on Golf” podcast that there was another cause behind the injury.
Bernhard Langer: Achilles tendon rupture while playing pickleball
Bernhard Langer did not tear his Achilles tendon during golf training, as he originally explained. The injury resulted from a maneuver while playing pickleball. Pickleball is an American ball sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. The question now arises as to why Bernhard Langer, a professional golfer for whom his body is his asset, would expose himself to such a risk of injury. “I play all sorts of sports to stay fit, and this was part of my fitness regime,” Langer explains in the podcast.
The situation in which his Achilles tendon ruptured sounds like a classic move: “Somebody was trying to lob me. I did a few steps backward and hit an overhead, and as I landed on the ground with my feet I heard this huge pop, very loud, like a gun shot. I knew right away it was a torn Achilles.”
Chances of recovery and comeback
Immediately after his injury, it was questionable whether or when the 66-year-old would return to the golf course. The chances of him taking part in this year’s Masters, which he also wanted to celebrate as his farewell to the major tournament, were promptly negligible. His appearance at the BMW International Open 2024 in Munich was also in the stars. However, in conversation with Dr. Tino Lorenz, sports physician and surgeon from Dresden, Golf Post learned that the golfer had a good chance of returning to the sport soon thanks to the optimal support that would most likely be offered to him after the operation.
Bernhard Langer’s positive update from rehab
Bernhard Langer has now confirmed this in person by revealing his tournament plans. In the podcast, he revealed that he is aiming to start at the Insperity Invitational in Houston from May 3 to 5, 2024. Langer would probably surprise many with a start at this tournament – only around three months after his injury. Hopes are growing that he will be able to make his planned start in Munich at the beginning of July.
Although Langer will not be able to play in Augusta this year, he would like to make the trip to golf’s most famous major. As a two-time Masters champion, the German would at least like to take part in the Masters Club Dinner for Champions.
Things are getting serious for Charlie Woods in Florida. The 15-year-old will play a PGA Tour pre-qualifier at Lost Lake Golf Club on Thursday to qualify for next weekend’s Cognizant Classic. Should the teenager finish in the top five or share one of the places, however, that would only be the first step for Charlie Woods. Advancing would initially mean taking part in next week’s Monday Qualifier. There he would have to finish in the top four to take part in the Cognizant Classic and have a chance of winning a share of the nine million US dollars in prize money.
Charlie Woods: Almost a tournament winner at the age of 13
Charlie, who was born in 2009, is not in the spotlight for the first time. He has already played with his father four times at the PNC Championship, which Bernhard Langer won for the fifth time last year with his son Jason. In 2021, the Woods duo and Charlie, who was 13 at the time, even managed to finish runner-up. Tiger’s offspring also seems to practise a lot outside of father/son tournaments. His handicap is currently +3 and therefore clearly fulfils the requirements for pre-qualifiers, which demand a handicap of 2 or better. In the pre-qualifier, he is now fighting for progress in the flight with Olin Browne Jr, son of three-time Tour winner Olin Browne, and Ruaidhri McGee.
Tiger Woods’ son far from the age record
At the Cognizant Classic, which will take place between 29 February and 3 March at Palm Beach Gardens, Charlie Woods would probably be one of the youngest participants in the tournament on the course. It would be far from historic on the PGA National’s Champion Course. Because in the history of golf, Don Dunkelberger is unlikely to be overtaken any time soon. At the age of just 11, Dunkelberger played in the 1937 Chicago Open, but withdrew from the tournament after the first round. The youngest participant of this millennium is Lorens Chan, who took part in the 2009 Sony Open at the age of 14. In 1992, Charlie’s father Tiger made his debut at the Nissan Open at the age of 16. He failed to make the cut at his first PGA Tour event at the Riviera Country Club before going on to win 15 major titles in his career.
In the latest World Golf Ranking update Scottie Scheffler is still at the top, Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland retains the second spot with Jon Rahm from Spain remaining in third. The movements within the World Golf Ranking top 10 include a significant leap made by American Wyndham Clark, ascending from rank 10 to six. In positions one through three, there have been no changes, with Scottie Scheffler from the USA holding firmly onto the top position. Further down, from positions four to 10, we observe Viktor Hovland from Norway and Xander Schauffele from the USA remaining consistent, whereas Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa and Brian Harman from the USA experienced a slight drop in ranking like Matt Fitzpatrick. Each movement within the top 10 holds potential implications for upcoming tournaments and the overall dynamics of the World Golf Ranking.
World Golf Ranking: UK’s Players
Among British players, England’s Matt Fitzpatrick is on position nine, loosing one rank from last week. England’s Tommy Fleetwood, looses one at rank 12, and Tyrrell makes up one place and is in 15th place. Looking down the World Golf Ranking list, Justin Rose from England saw improvement, reaching rank 41 from a previous 45. In contrast, Robert MacIntyre from Scotland dropped slightly to rank 67 compared to last week’s 64, a negative trend similarly experienced by England’s Aaron Rai who now stands at 73 after descending from position 68.
(Created with AI)
What a feat from Harry Kane! If a new video is to be believed, the FC Bayern Munich player doesn’t just have an excellent feel for the ball. As part of a collaboration between Kane and supplier Reflo, the 30-year-old showed off as yet unknown talents.
Harry Kane launches new partnership with circus act
Although the Three Lions captain is known for his love of golf, few fans would have thought that his passion would take on such proportions. The video was made to mark Harry Kane’s new role as ambassador and investor of Reflo. Founded in 2021, the wearing brand prides itself on its strong focus on sustainability. Kane’s performance in the video also made a lasting impression, with the Englishman seemingly suspending the rules of physics. Whether everything is above board is up to you to decide.
The Golf Post community has for the sixth time decided on the best golf courses. Whether inside or outside Europe, the community has been visiting golf courses worldwide and made recommendations. Thanks to the large Austrian Golfpost Community, the winners once again include many locations in Germany’s neighboring country. But other regions were also convincing and received praise at the Golf Post Community Award 2024. Only one thing is certain about all the recommendations: special experiences await golfers there.
Golf Post Community Award 2024: The category winners
In two categorys, the “Landscape” category and the “Course Condition” category, the winner is the Aphrodite Hills Golf from Cyprus. Among other things, the golf club is known for its special views. Surrounded by a protected forest and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the resort extends over 234 hectares of land, 92 percent of which are purely native plantations. In addition to its good cuisine, the golf club offers unique course conditionn. With view on the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, you will experience a world-class course, that has achieved the status of a PGA National.
The prize in the “Gastronomy” category went to The Montgomery Maxx Royal in Turkey. It’s not only the 18-hole course designed by tour player Colin Montgomery that impressed the voters, but also the delight that comes first. This resort in Belek offers an excellent culinary experience. Guests can look forward to several first-class restaurants and bars offering a variety of delicious food.
In addition to the community recommendation, Golf International Soufflenheim Baden-Baden S.A. can also look forward to winning the “Welcome Culture” category. The golf course from Soufflenheim in France was especially highlighted by the community. Whilst the course designed by Bernhard Langer and Kurt Rossknecht inspires golfers, the atmosphere is particularly familial. If you’re looking for hospitality, you need to look to the French side of the Upper Rhine.
Golfpark Migros, Golfpark Waldkirch, is delighted to receive the award in “Best Value” category. With its 36 holes the Waldkirch Golf Park offers a unique golfing experience in Switzerland. The club conquers the hearts of golfers with its great variety of different holes. Between St. Gallen and Wil, numerous opportunities await guests here. Additionally, to the 18-hole par 71 course, there are two 9-hole courses, a practice center with driving range as well as putting and pitching greens.
From golfers for golfers
The Golf Post Community Award was presented for the sixth time this year, and for the second time international golf clubs were honored as well. The “jury” is the Golf Post community, whose ratings paint an authentic picture of the international golf courses. Up to five stars can be awarded in each of five categories. In addition to winners of each category of the Golf Post Community Award 2024, a total of 20 clubs receive the title “Top Golf Club” thanks to the best ratings. 44 other international clubs with an average rating of at least 4.5 out of 5 stars and a relevant number of ratings in the previous year will be honored with the award as a recommendation from the community.
The intenational top golf clubs:
- Golfpark Mieminger Plateau (Austria)
- Golf Son Gual (Spain)
- GC Adamstal Franz Wittmann (Austria)
- GC Radstadt (Austria)
- Golfclub St.Vigil Seis (No. 1 in Italy)
- Golfclub Dolomitengolf Osttirol (Italy)
- GC am Mondsee (Austria)
- Club de Golf Alcanada (No. 1 in Spain)
- Arabella Golf Son Muntaner (Spain)
- GC Achensee (No. 1 in Austria)
- Buenavista Golf (Spain)
- GC Wilder Kaiser Ellmau (Austria)
- GC Zillertal Uderns (Austria)
- Golfpark Klopeinersee-Südkärnten (Austria)
- Golfclub Fontana (Austria)
- Arabella Golf Son Vida (Spain)
- GC Seefeld (Austria)
- Golf Costa Adeje (Spain)
- Alcaidesa Links Golf Resort (Spain)
- GC Westendorf Kitzbüheler Alpen (Austria)
More Golf Post Community recommendations in Germany:
- Golfpark Migros, Golf Park Waldkirch (Category winner “Best Value” + No. 1 in Switzerland)
- Archduke Johann Maria Lankowitz Golf Club (Austria)
- Thermengolf Loipersdorf (Austria)
- GC Lungau/Katschberg (Austria)
- Millstätter See golf course (Austria)
- Golf Club Lignano (Italy)
- Pinnacle Point Golf Club (South Africa)
- Gardagolf Country Club (Italy)
- Bregenzerwald Golf Park (Austria)
- Lana Golf Club (Italy)
- GC Kitzbühel (Austria)
- Dolomiti Golf Club (Italy)
- Golf de Bitche (No. 1 in France)
- Golf Bogliaco (Italy)
- West Cliffs Golf Links (Portugal)
- Golf International Soufflenheim Baden-Baden S.A. (France, Category winner “welcome culture”)
- Golf Club Verona (Italy)
- GC Schwarzsee (Spain)
- Arabella Golf Son Quint (Spain)
- GC Reit im Winkl Kössen (Austria)
- Aphrodite Hills Golf (Category winner “course condition” & “landscape”) + (No. 1 in Cyprus)
- Carinthia Golf Club Dellach (Austria)
- Franciacorta Golf Club (Italy)
- Golf Son Servera (Spain)
- Anfi Tauro Golf (Spain)
- GC Zell am See – Kaprun – Saalbach Hinterglemm (Austria)
- Colony Club Gutenhof (Austria)
- Canyamel Golf (Spain)
- Lopesan Meloneras Golf (Spain)
- Gloria Golf Resort Belek (No. 1 in Turkey)
- Diamond Country Club (Austria)
- Chervò Golf San Vigilio (Italy)
- Golf Club Novo Sancti Petri (Spain)
- Fuerteventura Golf Club (Spain)
- Golf & Country Club Praia d’El Rey (Portugal)
- Quinta da Ria/Quinta de Cima (Portugal)
- Quinta da Ria (No. 1 in Portugal)
- Carya Golf Club (Turkey)
- Schloss Finkenstein (Austria)
- Monte Rei Golf & Country Club (Portugal)
- ABAMA Golf (Spain)
- The Montgomery Maxx Royal (Turkey, Category winner “Gastronomy”)
- Costa Navarino – The Bay Course (No. 1 in Greece)
- Costa Navarino – The Dunes Course (Greece)
Have you already played these golf courses? Then rate them now in the Golf Post Course Finder. Other golfers will benefit from your experience and you too can view tens of thousands of ratings and plan your next golfing experience. You can also rate all other golf courses in Europe.
Over the past twelve months, golf has constantly evolved on various levels. All areas of golf are changing over time and are constantly experiencing key moments that point the development of the sport in a new direction. We take a look at various decisions, announcements and moments that have had a lasting impact on golf in 2023.
The OWGR turned down LIV Golf
The Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) announced in October that players in the LIV Golf League would remain excluded from the world ranking points. The decision resulted from a lack of comparability of the LIV format with other tours and problems such as a lack of cuts and questionable qualification methods. OWGR Chairman Peter Dawson emphasised that the rejection was not politically motivated, but was based on technical reasons. LIV Golf reacted angrily and questioned the trustworthiness of the OWGR system. However, Dawson emphasised that the rejection was not final and LIV could resubmit applications if they showed a willingness to compromise.
Sanctions and suspensions for LIV defectors
After months of discussion and speculation about possible sanctions to be imposed on LIV defectors from the DP World Tour, a decision was made in the middle of the year. The Tour officially imposed sanctions on players who had taken part in LIV Golf League and Asian Tour tournaments without authorisation. The offences against the “Conflicting Tour Regulation” were deemed reasonable and proportionate. The penalties, which include fines of up to £100,000 for each individual offence and possible tournament bans, were determined on an individual basis depending on the impact on broadcast partners, sponsors and DP World Tour stakeholders.
PGA-PIF-Deal: Merger of the tours
An earthquake in the golf world: the PGA Tour, the LIV Golf League and the DP World Tour unexpectedly merged under one umbrella at the beginning of June and immediately settled all legal disputes. The new merger, steered by the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF), was the result of months of hostilities between the tours. An official statement said the parties have signed an agreement that brings together the rights and operations of the three tours involved “into a new, collectively owned, for-profit entity to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from a model that maximises excitement and competition among the game’s best players”.
Delay in the start of “The Golf League”
The premiere of “The Golf League” (TGL), which was originally scheduled to take place in January 2024, had to be postponed to 2025 at the end of the year after a power failure during construction work led to the collapse of the dome of the SoFi Centre on 14 November. Although no injuries were reported and most of the technology was unaffected, the incident had a huge impact on the schedule. The decision to postpone was made after discussions with key partners, including players, team owners, PGA Tour leadership and sponsors. The TGL is confident that the extension will improve the quality. League co-founders Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy expressed disappointment about the delay but remained optimistic about the future of the TGL.
Confirmed: Golf ball rollback will come into force
The USGA and R&A rule makers announced that the driving distance of golf balls will be reduced from January 2028. The new test procedures for the “ODS” (Overall Distance Standard) are intended to limit the effects of increased hitting distances and ensure the sustainability of the sport. The rule changes affect both professional and amateur players. For average male professionals, this means a loss of nine to eleven yards, while proettes can expect a loss of five to seven yards. Male amateur players could hit their ball three to five yards shorter. The far-reaching changes for the recreational sector will take effect from 2030.
PGA Tour players on the DP World Tour
From 2024, PGA Tour players will have the opportunity to compete on the DP World Tour. PGA Tour players ranked 126th to 200th in the FedEx Cup Rankings will receive full membership on the DP World Tour. In addition, all PGA Tour players competing in a Race to Dubai tournament in 2024 will be eligible for Affiliate Membership to earn Race to Dubai points and qualify for the 2024 DP World Tour Playoffs. A new category, “Category 12”, will allow five of these PGA Tour players per week to participate in DP World Tour events.
Progress in ladies’ golf
It is not only men’s golf that is undergoing constant development. A lot has also happened in women’s golf in 2023: never before has so much money been paid out in the women’s leagues as in 2023. On the LPGA Tour, there was a total of over 101 million dollars in prize money. In addition, the US Women’s Open was held at the legendary Pebble Beach golf course for the first time since the inaugural Women’s Major 72 years ago. This move marked a milestone for women’s golf and increased media exposure and financial support. The event also introduced shot tracker technology, enabling live shot tracking. The prize money was increased to a total of eleven million dollars – a lot of progress that promotes equality in women’s golf.
2023 was marked by major tournaments and outstanding shots, often coinciding. The Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup provided particularly memorable moments alongside prestigious individual events. However, even on a smaller stage, the odd shot or two caught the golf world’s attention. So, let’s enjoy the most brilliant shots of the year together.
Ryder Cup 2023: Hovland’s Pro Practice Hole-in-One Sets the Course
Leading up to the Ryder Cup, Viktor Hovland delivered an exceptional shot from over 270 meters during a practice round. The Norwegian set the stage for victory at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club with a Hole-in-One on the Par-4 of the fifth hole. Initially, the celebration was delayed, but joy knew no bounds when the ball landed on the green, took two small bounces, and rolled into the hole. While Hovland didn’t replicate the albatross during the tournament, his outstanding shot set the tone for an extraordinary performance.
? VIKTOR HOVLAND MAKES A HOLE-IN-ONE ON A PAR 4! #TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/OnsEG19UC6
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 28, 2023
On the tournament’s first day, Hovland showcased his prowess at shorter distances, delivering a remarkable chip-in despite chipping not being his forte. Hovland contributed significantly to Team Europe’s strong start in the Ryder Cup with that fantastic shot. The hosts secured a 4-0 lead on the opening day, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
VIKTOR HOVLAND! ?#TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/olIR1Zq7Jy
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 29, 2023
Inspired by Hovland’s chip-in, Jon Rahm, also known as ‘Rahmbo,’ demonstrated his nerves of steel during the Fourballs on the first day. The Spaniard excelled in crucial moments throughout the Ryder Cup and gave free rein to his emotions after winning the hole against Scheffler and Koepka. Rahm and Hojgaard ultimately tied the match against the Americans and played a significant role in Team Europe’s dream start.
JON RAHM, WOW! ?#TeamEurope | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/CqUUwBjtGX
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 29, 2023
Solheim Cup 2023: Ciganda’s Brilliance Leads Team Europe to Victory at Home
A week before the Ryder Cup, European women golfers showcased how winning on home soil is done. Carlota Ciganda stood out during the Solheim Cup 2023 in an exceptional home game in Andalusia, Spain. The singles at the Solheim Cup 2023 could hardly have been more thrilling, as both teams entered the final day with a tie. Almost all matches were close, with the teams alternating securing hole wins. The initial matches were split, with the USA securing four points and Europe another four.
The score was 13-13, with two matches still to play. Ciganda played a decisive role in one of these matches, ensuring the crucial point against Nelly Korda. Ciganda was already leading with ‘3 up’ after eight holes, but the tide turned on the back nine. The American won three holes and went ‘All Square’ to the 16th. Ciganda excited the fans, repeatedly regaining the lead with a birdie. On the 17th, she attacked the flag of the Par-3 with an outstanding drive. Korda missed the green on the left, and the Spaniard had no trouble securing the 14th point for her team with a short putt. Sky reporter Jamie Weir called it the “best golf shot of the year so far.” An unbelievable shot at a moment when the pressure could hardly be higher.
Given the circumstances I’m calling this the best golf shot of the year so far. Still can’t get over how she did this under that pressure. https://t.co/qOzOOHUly8
— Jamie Weir (@jamiecweir) September 25, 2023
The Solheim Cup 2023 featured another historic shot by Emily Kristine Pedersen, who not only won an essential hole for Team Europe through a hole-in-one on the par-3 12th hole but also created an unforgettable memory with only the second hole-in-one in the history of the Solheim Cup.
? SOLHEIM CUP ACE! ?
Emily Kristine Pedersen makes the second ace in Solheim Cup history on the 12th hole! ?#SolheimCup2023 pic.twitter.com/sO58VSwmM9 — LPGA (@LPGA) September 22, 2023
Incredible hole-in-one Hat-Trick at the Players Championship
The Players Championship 2023 was a record-breaking tournament. Not only did it feature the highest prize money in the history of the PGA Tour, with $25 million, but it also witnessed a parade of holes-in-one at the 17th hole. There had been ten holes-in-one in the tournament’s history on the 17th hole, and the 11th came swiftly. Hayden Buckley, who started in the second flight at the 10th hole, set the bar high and sank the ball with a single stroke. The ball landed a distance to the flag’s right and then rolled towards the hole, perfectly lining up for the jackpot.
The second hole-in-one set a record as well. On Moving Day, Aaron Rai thrilled the spectators with an ace and became part of a historic moment: The first time in 49 years of the Players Championship that two holes-in-one occurred in the same year on the 17th hole.
As if that weren’t enough, the final day was yet to come, and Alex Smalley delighted the audience with the third ace of the week.
THIRD ACE OF THE WEEK!!! @ASmalley_Golf cards a 1 on No. 17 @THEPLAYERSChamp! pic.twitter.com/Itl4abCS1Y
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) March 12, 2023
Near Miss Excellence: Nicolai von Dellingshausen’s Heart-Stopping Shot at the British Masters
During the British Masters, Nicolai von Dellingshausen narrowly missed a hole-in-one at the British Masters, with his tee shot on the 14th hole at The Belfry coming within two centimetres of the cup.
Wait…what? ?
As close to a hole-in-one as you’ll ever get for Nicolai von Dellingshausen ?#BetfredBritishMasters pic.twitter.com/StNmVmYXSI — DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) June 29, 2023
Sepp Straka’s Dream Shot at the Masters
The US Masters 2023 had barely begun, and Sepp Straka already had a reason to celebrate. During the preparatory round leading up to the tournament, the Austrian made a hole-in-one on the 12th hole. His caddy and the entire flight rejoiced along with the Vienna-born player for the magnificent shot.
The loudest roar of the week thus far. #themasters pic.twitter.com/ofwXwbQr7x
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 3, 2023
Sahith Theegala then caused a sensation with a stroke of genius during the tournament. The American delivered an impressive overall performance on the final day of the US Masters 2023. The 67-round of the Masters rookie was crowned by an incredible chip-in on the 16th hole. The dream shot reminded some spectators of a legendary shot from the US Masters 2005. Back then, golf legend Tiger Woods also holed the ball from a similar position, sending the audience into a frenzy.
Sahith Theegala chips in for birdie on No. 16 to move into a tie for third place. #themasters pic.twitter.com/NBtrLAW2BV
— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 9, 2023
Koepka Makes it Rain at LIV Golf’s ‘Watering Hole’
The party hole at the LIV Golf event in Adelaide, Australia, lived up to its name, “The Watering Hole,” as the party hole at Hole 12 was christened at the LIV Golf League in Australia. On the final day, Chase Koepka gave the crowd a reason to celebrate, delivering an impressive hole-in-one.
HOLE-IN-ONE FOR CHASE KOEPKA! ?#LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/hFyd1qLopw
— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) April 23, 2023
Michael Block’s PGA Championship Fairy Tale
Michael Block delighted fans as the underdog at this year’s PGA Championship. As the only PGA Professional to make it to the weekend of the 2023 PGA Championship, he entered the final round from the top 10 after three rounds in the 70s, alongside none other than Rory McIlroy. Fans celebrated him as a star, and he crowned his week with a hole-in-one on the 15th hole. The fan favourite could hardly believe that the ball landed in the hole. ‘It didn’t go in, did it?’
MICHAEL. BLOCK. ACE. #PGAChamp pic.twitter.com/YitD2QLDB7
— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 21, 2023
Nick Hardy’s Brilliant Birdie With a Shattered Club
Nick Hardy created a highlight on the PGA Tour with a sensational shot. His drive landed unfavourably right in front of a tree. He took the entire risk and hit the ball over the water onto the green. The club struck the tree so forcefully during the swing that it was no longer usable afterwards. However, the ball landed three and a half meters from the flag, allowing him to achieve one of the most spectacular birdies of the year. Even Billy Horschel congratulated him.
One of the best birdies I’ve ever seen! Unbelievable shot! ??? https://t.co/Q58mPhyvBC
— Billy Horschel (@BillyHo_Golf) July 27, 2023
From impressive rounds to triumphant victories, the year 2023 in golf has been filled with astonishing moments. Bernhard Langer claimed the title of the most successful golfer on the PGA Tour Champions, Bryson DeChambeau left everyone in awe with a remarkable 58, and Scottie Scheffler’s wallet is likely brimming after a unique season. Let’s revisit the memorable records of 2023.
Bernhard Langers All-Time Record
At the 2023 US Senior Open, Bernhard Langer achieved a historic milestone by securing his 46th victory on the PGA Tour Champions, surpassing Hale Irwin’s record of 45 wins set in 2007. Langer, at the age of 65, showcased his excellence with an impressive seven strokes under par, maintaining a lead of two to three strokes over his competitors. This victory marked Langer’s twelfth major win on the Champions Tour, further solidifying his own record for the most senior majors. With numerous other successes in his illustrious career, Bernhard Langer remains a golf legend.
King. Legend. GOAT. All the above. ?#Langer46 pic.twitter.com/9Zl98qIxCT
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) July 2, 2023
Bryson DeChambeau’s Picture-Perfect Round and a Double Record by Matt Wallace
While Bryson DeChambeau may not have reached legendary status yet, he astounded the golf world with a legendary round this year. At the Greenbrier Event of the LIV Golf League, the American clinched an undisputed victory, concluding the tournament with an impressive 58. A 59 is a rare feat, but a 58 in men’s golf is exceptionally uncommon. The last time such a low round was recorded was in 2016 by Jim Furyk on the PGA Tour and Stephan Jäger on the Web.com Tour.
5️⃣8️⃣ FOR THE TITLE!
A FIRST WIN FOR BRYSON, AND A FIRST ROUND UNDER 60 IN #LIVGOLF HISTORY! ? A final round for the history books @b_dechambeau! pic.twitter.com/dxAvkGNXFv — LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) August 6, 2023
However, record-breaking rounds were not limited to the LIV Tour. Matt Wallace set two records in a single round at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. While nine birdies in a round are impressive on their own, Wallace achieved nine birdies on the back nine, matching James Nittier’s record for the most consecutive birdies on the European Tour/DP World Tour and setting a new record for the Back Nine.
Long-Drive Record: No One Hits Farther than Kyle Berkshire
Kyle Berkshire, a multiple-time world champion and the number one-ranked long driver, set two new records in 2023. During his world record attempt, Berkshire struck the ball at an incredible speed of 241.6 miles per hour, a feat never before achieved in golf. This equates to approximately 388.8 kilometers per hour, establishing a new world record for the long-haired American from Maryland.
??? Kyle Berkshire set a new ball speed World Record — 241.6 MPH ? ?
[?: @KyleBerkshire] @WorldLongDrive pic.twitter.com/81dw1nsTAY — NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) October 3, 2023
Just under two weeks later, Berkshire made another record-breaking announcement. In Wyoming, he launched the ball an astonishing 529 meters, aided by a tailwind of 32 km/h.
PGA Tour Money Shower
Early in the year, it became evident that 2023 would be a record-breaking year for players’ wallets, thanks to the generous prize money at PGA Tour Designated Events. In April, Jon Rahm surpassed the prize money record previously held by Scottie Scheffler in the 2020/21 season. Rahm had earned a record-breaking $14,465,840 at that point, driven by four victories, including the Sentry Tournament of Champions, Genesis Invitational, and the Masters, along with five additional top-10 finishes. By the end of the season, Rahm ranked second in the money standings with $16,522,608. Scottie Scheffler, however, outearned everyone, amassing an incredible $21,014,342 during this season.