Categories
Panorama

Bernhard Langer reveals: This is how he really sustained his injury

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.

Categories
Uncategorized

Charlie Woods aims for PGA Tour debut in Florida

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.

Categories
Live Panorama

Leaders of the World Golf Ranking: Scheffler and UK’s Finest

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)

Categories
Panorama

Harry Kane impresses with an “unbelievable” trick shot

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.

Categories
Panorama

Golf Post Community Award 2024: These are the recommendations from the community

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:

More Golf Post Community recommendations in Germany:

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.

Categories
Panorama

Milestones: Key moments that shaped the 2023 golf year

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.

Categories
Panorama

Ryder Cup Triumphs to Ace Hat-Trick: The Best Golf Shots of 2023

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?’

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.

Categories
Highlights Tours

Record hunt 2023: Bernhard Langer’s great triumph and more impressive performances

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.

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.

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.

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.

Categories
Panorama

Emotions, triumphs and tears: The memorable golf year 2023

The year 2023 in golf was characterized by personal stories that went beyond the competition. From the joy of the birth of Brooks Koepka’s first son to the moving success of Camilo Villegas after the tragic loss of his daughter, golf revealed its human and compassionate side this year. Let’s dive into the most emotional moments that shaped the golf year 2023.

Cheers on one side, tears on the other – The Ryder Cup 2023 in Rome

The 2023 Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club just outside Rome was not only the athletic but also the emotional highlight of the year. Hundreds of thousands of fans created a breathtaking atmosphere and cheered the European team on to a magnificent victory. Shane Lowry was infected by the atmosphere and celebrated a chip-in from Viktor Hovland on the first hole of the tournament as emotionally as the victory itself.

The incomparable atmosphere was also palpable with a putt from Justin Rose. The Englishman held his nerve during his fourball match on the first day and converted an important putt on the 18th green to level the match. This goosebump moment is one of the situations for which Rose received the Nicklaus Jacklin for his sportsmanship.

The Europeans had to wait a long time for the decisive point, despite their superiority. In the end, it was Tommy Fleetwood who put up 2 on hole 16 in his match and was thus unable to lose to Rickie Fowler. He secured the decisive half point for his team. It was the USA’s seventh defeat in a row on European soil. The often favored team has not won an away game since 1993. In the end, there was no stopping the fans and players and a night of partying began that would not end until the early hours of the morning.

As good as the victory was for the Europeans, the Ryder Cup experience was a bitter one for the Americans. With the Europeans holding a huge lead on the first day, the pressure was on the American players. When the Scandinavians Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg then demolished the US stars Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka in the third session on Saturday morning, the dams burst. In the highest Foursome victory in the history of the traditional continental tournament, the duel was decided after just eleven holes with a nine-stroke lead. The severe humiliation was particularly hard on superstar Scheffler, who could no longer hold back his tears afterwards and had to be comforted by his wife Meredith.

Even after the Ryder Cup, there were both happy and tragic events. Firstly, Patrick Cantlay took advantage of the trip to the eternal city and married his partner Nikki Guidish after the tournament. Just one day later, a major fire broke out on the grounds of the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, burning down the entire hospitality tent.

New additions to the Koepka family

But let’s get back to more pleasant topics. For example, the birth of little Crew Koepka, the first baby of five-time major winner Brooks Koepka and his wife Jena Sims. The couple welcomed their son on July 27, six weeks before the actual due date. However, both mother and son were well up, so that Brooks Koepka was back on the golf course just one week after the birth.

 
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an
 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Brooks Koepka (@bkoepka)

The most emotional victories of the year

Many different players have managed to win a tournament this year. Some won a professional event for the first time ever, others added more trophies to their collection. However, two victories are particularly memorable as they touched us deeply. At the beginning of November, Erik van Rooyen won only the second tournament in his ten-year professional career and dedicated the victory to his friend Jon Trasamar, who is suffering from cancer. “You imagine being full of euphoria and just ecstatic, but I was just numb,” the AP agency quoted van Rooyen as saying. The South African then decided not to take part in the remaining Fall Series tournaments and spent the time with his sick friend.

Just one week after van Rooyen’s victory, the Colombian Camilo Villegas celebrated a similarly emotional triumph. Villegas lost his daughter Mia in 2020 at the age of just 22 months. Little Mia suffered from a severe brain and spinal tumor. Villegas returned to the tour a month later. “Mia is not here with us physically, but she will remain in our hearts forever,” said the Colombian in an emotional interview that day.

More than three years later, Villegas won again on the PGA Tour for the first time since the death of his daughter. It was the Colombian’s fifth title on the tour. However, his last victory was nine years ago. “It’s hard to put into words right now,” he said during the interview shortly after the last putt. “What a rollercoaster ride! I love this game. This game has given me so many good things and in between it kicks your butt.” Villegas had repeatedly lost his Tour card in recent years and also only got eleven starts on the PGA Tour this season. “I’ve got my little girl up there watching,” he remembered Mia. Villegas and his wife have been parents for the second time since December 2022.

Categories
Panorama

From tea-gate to hat-gate: the biggest outrages of 2023

This year once again had some explosive moments, because while there were open disputes among some, things became unexpectedly controversial around Tiger Woods. Patrick Cantlay was at the center of a heated situation more than once in 2023 and climate activists also made their presence felt on golf courses around the world on several occasions. A Canadian player made the acquaintance of security and Patrick Reed feels unfairly treated.

Outrages at the 2023 Ryder Cup: Patrick Cantlay’s hat-gate and McIlroy vs. LaCava

As if the Ryder Cup didn’t have enough to offer this year, Patrick Cantlay’s non-existent headgear was to take center stage in Rome. Triggered by a tweet, rumors quickly spread over the course of Saturday that the non-existent cap was a protest by Cantlay to demand money for the American players at the Ryder Cup. The 31-year-old said that the cap simply didn’t fit him, but the European fans in Rome had already found their battle cries:

The resulting heated situation erupted towards the end of the fourball between Matt Fitzpatrick/Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay/Wyndham Clark. Joe LaCava, Cantlay’s caddie and former companion of Tiger Woods, caused a stir. Inspired by the European spectators, he and the rest of the US team took off their hats after Cantlay’s birdie putt and began to twirl them above their heads. Rory McIlroy , who was on the verge of a crucial putt on 18 with which he could theoretically have equalized the match. McIlroy made his opinion clear to LaCava and there were also arguments with other members of the European team.

But it had an aftermath, because as the players, caddies and consorts were getting ready in the parking lot of the Marco Simone Golf Club for transportation to the hotel, the conflict was about to boil over again. A visibly heated Rory McIlroy wanted to let the American team know once again what he thought of LaCava’s action and snapped at Jim Mackay, Justin Thomas’ caddie, who was just leaving the clubhouse. Shane Lowry intervened and maneuvered McIlroy into the waiting car. According to McIlroy himself, he then had to cool down in an ice bath at the hotel.

Slow play heats things up

It was not only at the Ryder Cup that Patrick Cantlay was to become the focus of outrages. Cantlay did not only make positive headlines at the US Masters in April. The eight-time winner on the PGA Tour drew the ire of the other players on the final day due to his slow play. This went so far that his flight partner Viktor Hovland played his chip from next to the green on one hole before Cantlay was even close to the green. Brooks Koepka in particular, who was competing for victory with Jon Rahm in the flight behind, had few good words for his compatriot. “The group in front of us was brutally slow,” he said after losing the final round. “Jon went to the loo seven times during the round and we were still waiting.”

Cantlay was not the only cause of delays. Carlota Ciganda, who won the Solheim Cup with the European team this year, was also slow at the women’s major in France – too slow according to the referees. The Spaniard was given two penalty strokes for her slow play and was in danger of missing the cut. But Ciganda refused to accept the penalty and did not bow to the officials’ judgment. She refused to note the extra strokes and signed the scorecard anyway. She was later disqualified from the major for signing an incorrect scorecard.

Climate activism: golf courses become a target for the last generation and co

Controversial actions by climate activists, who protested several times in a prominent and media-effective manner, also accompanied the world of golf throughout the year. On European golf courses, the protests mainly took the form of damage to property. In Switzerland, the group “Grondements des Terres” (rumblings of the earth) caused a stir with vandalism and the placing of potatoes on torn up turf. On the links course at GC Budersand on the island of Sylt, the “Last Generation” also worked on the green and placed a sign saying “nature reserve” to draw attention to the renaturation of the area, which they consider necessary. DGV President Kobold criticized the action and referred to the ecosystem services provided by golf courses. And a major also became the target of activists. On day 2 of the British Open 2023, people from the “Just Stop Oil” organization blocked the 17th green of the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, but were removed from the green without causing a major stir.

Tiger Woods’ tampon prank backfires

What was Tiger Woods thinking? At the Genesis Invitational in February, some people asked themselves exactly this question. It was Woods’ first regular tournament in a long time and the veteran had come up with a special “fun” idea. Together with Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy, he set off on the round and things got explosive on the hole afterwards. Because when Thomas played his drive shorter than Tiger, Woods pressed a tampon into his friend’s hand as he left the tee box and they both burst out laughing. However, the incident did not go down well with everyone, especially on social media. The tampon as a sign that JT hits like a woman was seen by some as a derogatory statement about women and their golfing achievements. Tiger himself came out afterwards and apologized.

The tackle of the year

One of the most unexpected clips of this year took place at the Canadian Open. For the first time since 1954, a Canadian, Nick Taylor, won the tournament on the PGA Tour. Compatriot and fellow golfer Adam Hadwin wanted to celebrate the victory on home soil together with the newly crowned winner, but a security employee interpreted the approaching golfer as a potential danger and pulled him to the ground.

Fortunately, what looked like a lot of excitement ended without injury to Hadwin. He took the tackle with humor in Canadian style and re-enacted the scene with his wife on Halloween.

American Tour pro exposed with attempted fraud

Also in Canada, a player caused a scandal when he tried to stay in the tournament by manipulating his scorecard. At a PGA Tour Canada tournament, Justin Doeden asked for his scorecard after his round, allegedly to check something. When hole 18, a par 5, finally showed a par for Doeden on the leaderboard, his flight partners expressed their doubts to the officials about the accuracy of this score. It was revealed that Doeden had erased the 7 on the scorecard and written in a 5 in order to make the cut. His action would have had far-reaching consequences for many other players, as his alleged score would have shifted the cut line from -2 to -3, costing 13 additional players the cut. Doeden admitted his offense afterwards and called it “the biggest mistake of his life.”

Tee-Gate: Cold reunion of Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed

Rory McIlroy was not only involved in an explosive situation at the Ryder Cup at the end of the golf year, he was also involved in a dispute at the beginning of the year, but this time it was directed at him. At the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at the beginning of the year, there was a reunion between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed, who had switched to LIV. But when the US American tried to greet the Northern Irishman on the driving range, Rory gave him the cold shoulder. An annoyed Reed then threw a tee in the direction of the four-time major winner. As unspectacular as this action looked in the video, the outrage that followed was all the greater.

The background was a legal dispute between the two professionals. Reed’s lawyer had sent McIlroy a subpoena at Christmas and had a negative impact on the holidays at McIlroy’s home. As a result, “Rors” said of the incident: “If I was in his shoes, I wouldn’t expect a hello or a handshake. I was down by my bag and he came up to me and I was busy with my work and my training and I didn’t really feel the need to say hello to him.”

“If the roles were reversed and I’d thrown the tea at him, I’d expect a lawsuit,” Rory added.