Categories
Panorama

Alongside Michael Jordan: How Justin Thomas got his first car of his own

Justin Thomas was recently a guest on Stephen Colbert’s ” The Late Show” and chatted about his appearance in the second season of the Netflix series “Full Swing” and his love of the Ryder Cup. He also explained how he ended up on the golf course alongside basketball legend Michael Jordan at the age of 15.

Justin Thomas: At the age of 15 at Michael Jordan’s side

Through a mutual friend, Michael Jordan ended up playing golf for several years in a row at the golf club in Kentucky where Justin Thomas’ father Mike was head coach. Justin Thomas himself initially had the task of accompanying the golfers as a caddie – until he was allowed to swing a club in the flight himself at the age of 15. He was allowed to play seven holes in a team with Michael Jordan, surprised everyone, holed out four times for birdies and won a lot of money. The money with which he was subsequently able to finance his first car. Watch the video for the whole story:

Categories
Panorama

“Happy Gilmore 2”: Paige Spiranac as part of the cast?

The legend lives on: it seems that there will soon be a sequel to the 1996 comedy “Happy Gilmore” – “Happy Gilmore 2”. Producer and leading actor Adam Sandler is working on a second version of the film, as Christopher McDonald aka Shooter McGavin revealed. The hearts of “Happy Gilmore” fans are beating faster at this news and the first wish casts are spreading on the Internet. Definitely set, according to social media users: Instagram star Paige Spiranac in the role of the “Public Relations Lady”.

Paige Spiranac seems to be made for the role

Back in 2021, Adam Sandler had already hinted that he would like to see a sequel to the comedy. Now it seems to be getting serious, as McDonald reported. “I saw Adam about two weeks ago, and he says, ‘McDonald, you’re gonna love this. He shows me the first draft of Happy Gilmore 2,” the actor said in an interview in Cleveland, “He did show me that, and I thought, ‘Wow, that would be awesome.’ So it’s in the works. Fans, demand it, damnit!”

Since the news has been doing the rounds on the internet, fans have already been fantasizing about a possible cast: alongside Will Zalatoris and Tiger Woods, they also want to see Paige Spiranac. The 30-year-old used to play professional golf but has been concentrating on golf training and social media since 2017 for health reasons. She regularly shares photos and videos from her life and the golf course with her 4 million followers on Instagram.

She recently posted a photo of herself on Twitter, which she originally took in 2022, in which she sees herself in the role of the “public relations lady”. With the words “I was born ready”, she agrees with the fans’ suggestion. Will we see Spiranac on Netflix soon?

This is “Happy Gilmore”

The 1996 film comedy is about Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler), a clumsy but talented ice hockey player who decides to use his talent on the golf course to earn money. In the process, he gets into numerous absurd and comical situations as he struggles through the world of professional golf. The film is known for its quirky humor and over-the-top golf tournaments, as well as the unconventional way the main character approaches the sport.

Categories
Panorama

Scottie Scheffler and his wife: A highschool love story

Scottie Scheffler, the renowned golf champion, is not just celebrated for his prowess on the golf course but also for his enduring love story with his wife, Meredith Scudder.

Scottie Scheffler and his wife: Highschool sweethearts…

Their journey began at Highland Park High School in Dallas, where their paths crossed during their freshman year. Although it took until their senior year for romance to blossom, their bond endured even as they pursued higher education at rival colleges, with Meredith attending Texas A&M and Scottie at the University of Texas.

Meredith, initially unaware of Scottie’s golfing talents, was astounded when she saw him featured in a commercial for a major tournament. This revelation marked a turning point in her understanding of his dedication and skill in the sport.

…turned lifetime partners

Their wedding in December 2020 was a testament to their enduring love, complete with a winter wonderland-themed celebration surrounded by family and friends. Since then, they have celebrated milestones together, including Scottie’s numerous victories on the golf course.

Beyond the fairways, faith plays a central role in their marriage, with both Scottie and Meredith leaning on their Christian beliefs for strength and guidance. Their shared values extend to their involvement in philanthropic endeavors, including supporting organizations like Behind Every Door, which provides opportunities for underprivileged youth in their community.

Scottie Scheffler: A golf phenomenon

Scottie Scheffler’s achievements in golf are nothing short of remarkable. From his early days as a standout high school athlete to his rise as a professional golfer, Scheffler has consistently showcased his talent and determination on the course. With multiple PGA Tour victories, including prestigious titles like the US Masters and back- to-back The Players Championship, Scheffler has cemented his status as one of the sport’s elite players. Despite Meredith’s initial unfamiliarity with golf, she has embraced Scottie’s passion for the sport, even stepping in as his caddie on occasion.

Scottie Scheffler and his wife Meredith ath the Par 3 Contest at the US Masters. (Source: Getty)

Beyond golf, Scheffler’s love for pickleball is a testament to his passion for sports and competition. In August 2023, he became an investor in the Texas Ranchers, a pickleball team, demonstrating his enthusiasm for the game.

Categories
Equipment

Callaway for sale? – This is what the company says about the rumor

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.”

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.

Categories
Panorama

How much does Paige Spiranac earn from social media?

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

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.

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.