https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news.atomMy Sports Analysis - Golf News2023-09-11T14:49:36+01:00My Sports Analysishttps://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/wentworth-club-ready-for-biggest-ever-bmw-pga-championship2023-09-11T14:49:36+01:002023-09-11T15:04:33+01:00Wentworth Club ready for biggest-ever BMW PGA ChampionshipMatt Nicholson
Stage is set at one of the world’s most historic and prestigious venues as McIlroy, Rahm and Lowry headline star-studded line-up Wentworth Club, one of the most storied venues in golf, is preparing to host the biggest event in its 101-year history as the BMW PGA Championship returns from September 13-17 with a world-class field, a star-studded celebrity and entertainment line-up and an elevated spectator experience. The famed West Course is undergoing its final preparations for the arrival of the […]
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Stage is set at one of the world’s most historic and prestigious venues as McIlroy, Rahm and Lowry headline star-studded line-up
Wentworth Club, one of the most storied venues in golf, is preparing to host the biggest event in its 101-year history as the BMW PGA Championship returns from September 13-17 with a world-class field, a star-studded celebrity and entertainment line-up and an elevated spectator experience.
The famed West Course is undergoing its final preparations for the arrival of the world’s biggest golfing superstars, including four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy, reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm, recent FedEx Cup winner Viktor Hovland and Shane Lowry, winner of the coveted BMW PGA Championship title 12 months ago.
WENTWORTH CLUB HOSTS 102ND TOUR EVENT
Wentworth’s hosting of the BMW PGA Championship, for the 40th successive time and the 44th edition in total, will mark the 102nd European Tour group-sanctioned event to be staged at the prestigious Surrey venue – more than any other venue by some distance.
Indeed, the Club has been marking its glorious history through a five-year Centenary Celebration which began last year, on the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Club in 1922 – the original lay-out, the East, was opened in 1924 before the West welcomed its first guests in 1926. The John Jacobs-designed Edinburgh course, meanwhile, was founded in 1990.
The excitement around the fourth Rolex Series tournament of the DP World Tour season will be further elevated as it comes just two weeks before Europe face the United States in the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Italy, which itself takes place exactly 70 years after Wentworth hosted the 1953 edition of golf’s greatest team event.
FESTIVAL OF GOLF AWAITS
As ever, the BMW PGA Championship will provide a veritable “Festival of Golf” for spectators, with fun for all the family in the Championship Village as well as an improved on-course viewing experience with new grandstands and viewing platforms from which to watch the world’s best in action.
Wednesday’s Celebrity Pro-Am boasts a star-studded line-up including legendary footballer Gareth Bale, ‘Spider-Man’ star Tom Holland and England cricketers Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Harry Brook and Sir Andrew Strauss.
In the Championship Village, the official tournament charity partner, mental health charity CALM, will be the beneficiaries of the popular Mega Putt Challenge while there will also be a chipping challenge for spectators to test their skills.
Titleist will be on-site to offer a golf-ball fitting service, while a nearest-the-pin simulator and ‘BMW Long Drive’ challenge are among countless activities guests can enjoy in the village, just a stone’s throw from the grandstand overlooking the all-important 18th green.
LIVE PERFORMANCES AT WENTWORTH
Live music will come from Rudimental star DJ Locksmith and Grammy-nominated DJ Jax Jones after the day’s golf is wrapped up on Wednesday and Saturday respectively alongside performances from as-yet-unannounced artists during the day.
Platinum-certified indie band The Wombats will bring the curtain down on the weekend after the final putt has been sunk on Sunday – but the identity of the winner is anyone’s guess with so many modern golfing greats in action.
“We could not be more excited for this year’s BMW PGA Championship and it is shaping up to be the biggest and best event our club has hosted in its distinguished history of elite golf tournaments,” said John Blanch, general manager at Wentworth Club.
WEST COURSE IN IT’S BEST EVER CONDITION
“The West Course is perhaps in the best condition it has ever been and is going to provide a firm but fair test for the elite line-up of players, while the spectators will be treated to a better viewing and off-course experience than ever before.
“Our members and staff cannot wait to welcome the famously respectful and knowledgeable British golf fans to our hallowed grounds at Wentworth Club and we hope everyone enjoys a spectacular week of golf.”
One of the UK’s most iconic and respected golf clubs, Wentworth Club is known as the headquarters of the European Tour group and the ever-present host of the BMW PGA Championship.
The West Course, which was designed by Harry Colt and redesigned in modern times by four-time Major winner Ernie Els, is complemented by three more world-class layouts: the East Course, Edinburgh Course and the nine-hole Executive course. The rich history of the club and 19th-century clubhouse is currently being celebrated by a five-year Centenary Celebration.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/england-seniors-claims-men-s-european-crown2023-09-11T13:49:06+01:002023-09-11T14:04:28+01:00England Seniors claims men’s European crownNick Bayly
The England Senior Men’s team have been crowned European champions after a thrilling win over France in the final held at Marianske Lasne in the Czech Republic. England finished in third during the stroke play stages before the match play part of the competition, where they defeated Sweden in the quarter-finals, Ireland in the semi-finals and France in the final to lift the trophy. The winning team comprised Ian Ashenden, Richard Jones, Stephen Creed, Ed Richardson, Adrian Firman and Trevor […]
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The England Senior Men’s team have been crowned European champions after a thrilling win over France in the final held at Marianske Lasne in the Czech Republic.
England finished in third during the stroke play stages before the match play part of the competition, where they defeated Sweden in the quarter-finals, Ireland in the semi-finals and France in the final to lift the trophy.
The winning team comprised Ian Ashenden, Richard Jones, Stephen Creed, Ed Richardson, Adrian Firman and Trevor Foster.
Andrew Atkinson, England Senior men’s captain, said: “From pillar to post the guys have all just played amazing golf this week. It was a fantastic week where everything just fitted into place. We were up till 2am Saturday night so it was very quiet on the bus on Sunday!”
Sunday’s final day wasn’t without its drama. England were 4-1 up over France after six holes, but the game swung the other way quickly. Ian Ashenden and Richard Jones managed to win one-up after the French went into the trees and couldn’t get up-and-down, while Trevor Foster romped home 6&5 against Jean-Charles Gouvernaire, as he was six-under for his round.
However, Adrian Firman lost 2&1 in a tremendous match with Christophe Muniesa, and Ed Richardson was defeated 4&3 by Albert Galloy. That left Stephen Creed needing to win the final match against Jean-Jacques Wolff, despite falling ill during the contest.
Atkinson explained: “I got a call on the 12th from Stephen’s caddy saying he had double vision, stomach cramps and a headache, so we asked the referee for a 15-minute timeout and got a pair of sunglasses and some sugary drinks into him. He went out and lost on 12 and missed a short putt on 15 to win. The match went down 18 and the French’s approach hit a tree and ricocheted onto the green, just 15 feet from the hole!”
However, Stephen managed to sink a 38-footer for birdie and Wolff missed his putt, as the win secured a 3-2 victory for England – the same score line for all their team results at the event.
Atkinson added: “Without our wives and caddies we wouldn’t have got past the first round. They make such a difference. The support these guys get is incredible – Trevor’s wife Debbie has been caddying for him for 44 years, and Adrian wouldn’t have played without his wife and caddy Katy! We were the envy of the rest of Europe through our team spirit and camaraderie and I’m so proud of the whole team.”
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/tested-spornia-spg-7-golf-practice-net2023-09-11T09:41:31+01:002023-09-11T14:04:38+01:00TESTED: Spornia SPG-7 Golf Practice NetNick Bayly
Golf News Editor Nick Bayly – and son – put the Spornia SPG-7 Golf Practice Net through its paces and finds that this lockdown essential is well worth the investment even when practice facilities and swing studios are open for business
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Golf News Editor Nick Bayly – and son – put the Spornia SPG-7 Golf Practice Net through its paces and finds that this lockdown essential is well worth the investment even when practice facilities and swing studios are open for business
Looking back on those dark times of the pandemic when golf courses and driving ranges were shut, one of ways I passed those long, long days stuck at home was watching social media posts showing the various inventive and mostly madcap ways that golfers came up with to keep their golf game ticking over during the enforced hiatus. From turning their living rooms into mini crazy golf courses and chipping balls into dustbins, to hitting balls into bedsheets hanging from washing lines, desperation proved the mother of invention for golfers deprived of their regular fix.
While I bought a load of random stuff from the internet during those crazy times, including an outside tiki bar, a dartboard, a roulette table, a pizza oven and some sourdough starter, the one thing I regret not investing in was a pop-up golf hitting net. With everyone using the garden all at once it didn’t seem fair to take up the space for a hobby for which I was the only participant in my household. Not when someone else wanted a hot tub (that never happened).
Anyway, it turns out I probably couldn’t have ordered one if I had been given the go-ahead as golf hitting nets were selling faster than toilet rolls during the height of the first lockdown and that it soon became harder to get anything resembling a half-decent hitting set-up than it did to get a couple of 1kg bags of 00 flour or, indeed, a haircut. With my fun spoiled, I soon lost interest in watching those videos of smug so-and-so’s who had got in early and were merrily smashing real golf balls in their back garden without fear of breaking their neighbour’s bedroom windows. Some – mainly club pros – had launch monitor and simulator set-ups and were able to play virtual golf courses all from the comfort of their own home. Good for them.
Best Practice Golf Hitting Nets
So, fast forward three years and – not ever to be accused of being late to the party – I’ve just taken delivery of one of the hottest selling items of the Pandemic Period – a Spornia SPG-7 Golf Practice Net. Yes, I know that driving ranges have re-opened and that golf courses are now accepting visitors and, on occasion, new members, but they require me to jump in the car and drive a few miles. This net is right here, right now, and doesn’t charge me £6.50 every time I want to hit a bucket of balls.
Looking at the size of the cardboard box as it came off the delivery van, I was more than a little dubious as to how it could possibly expand to create anything close to a hitting bay capable of containing my random dispersion of shots. But once out of its container, and following a cursory glance at the instruction guide, I had the thing up and running within 15 minutes – probably 10 of which were spent moving it from location to location under the instruction of Mrs Bayly before a compromise was found.
Covering an area roughly the size of a 4-person hot tub – the precise dimensions are 2.1m x 2.1m x 2m high – the net is robust enough to contain the hardest of drives, and wide enough to cope with most errant iron shots, although my garden shed suffered some minor damage when my 15-year-old son decided that he wanted to give it a go having not picked up a club in several years. The upside of his consistent shank is that he now wants to have golf lessons, and at his age there is still time for him to develop into a LIV golfer and keep me in my dotage. For those that, like my son, are prone to the odd huge miss-hit there are extra side nets that can be purchased, but for those possessing a modicum of ability the net as it comes is more than adequate –providing you set up the hitting matt fairly close to the bay.
The hitting matt – which is an optional extra (£59) – offers three levels of all-weather turf to replicate fairway, fringe and light rough, and while it was fine for me, its narrowness means that new golfers might occasionally find themselves whacking the front of the matt rather than the ball if they get too steep at impact, although there are plenty of bigger matts to choose from.
Another boon of the Spornia’s design is that it returns the ball back to your feet, saving your back and your time, and meaning that you only need a couple of balls, while there is also a separate chipping net that can be strung up for when you want to work on your short game. With concentric catching nets, you can quickly devise a game to award yourself points based on your accuracy. While the net has a roof to prevent higher shots from escaping skywards, I’d advise against using lob wedges unless you have pro-level insurance.
After a month or so’s use, in which time my son and I have hit over 500 shots, I can attest to the net’s durability and its ability to groove your swing and keep your game in shape between rounds. I paired it with a SwingCaddie that had been sitting around in the garage – RRP £285 – that provides distance, swing speed, ball speed and smash factor stats – which provided some useful feedback and helps focus the mind, but with or without a launch monitor it’s a great piece of kit, providing you have the space, a patient partner, and understanding neighbours, whose don’t mind their peaceful evenings being regularly broken by the repetitive ‘thud, thud, thud’ of balls hitting the net.
While I set up the net outdoors, it could just as well be used indoors, in a double garage or large garden shed, or even a specially designed outbuilding, for extended winter use, and paired with all levels of simulator game play options and swing training set ups – but that’s another level of conversation for this particular household!
The SPG-7 Golf Practice Net has an RRP of £319.99 and can purchased at spornia.co.uk, along with a range of other training accessories and launch monitor/simulator bundle packages.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/european-ryder-cup-team-headline-star-studded-field-for-bmw-pga-championship2023-09-11T08:56:41+01:002023-09-11T09:53:42+01:00European Ryder Cup team headline star-studded field for BMW PGA ChampionshipNick Bayly
All 12 members of the European team that will take on the United States in this month's Ryder Cup in Rome will join Captain Luke Donald for this week’s renewal of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
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All 12 members of the European team that will take on the United States in this month’s Ryder Cup in Rome will be joining Captain Luke Donald for this week’s renewal of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
Defending champion Shane Lowry, world no.2 Rory McIlroy and world no.3 Jon Rahm, newly-crowned FedExCup champion Viktor Hovland, Major winners Matt Fitzpatrick and Justin Rose and home heroes Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton all return to Wentworth Club for the fourth Rolex Series event of the season from September 14-17.
Ludvig Åberg, who sealed his first DP World Tour title last week, and two-time PGA TOUR winner Sepp Straka are set to appear at the BMW PGA Championship for the first time, and will also make their Ryder Cup debuts alongside Nicolai Højgaard and Robert MacIntyre – both winners around Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for the latest edition of golf’s greatest team contest.
WHO ARE THE EUROPEAN VICE CAPTAINS
Captain Donald is a two-time BMW PGA Championship winner, and the former World Number One will also be joined in the field by four of his five Vice Captains – Europe’s victorious 2018 Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjørn, Francesco Molinari, winner of both The Open and the BMW PGA Championship in 2018, and former Ryder Cup players Edoardo Molinari and Nicolas Colsaerts.
HOW MANY SPECTATORS ARE EXPECTED AT THE BMW PGA
Weekend general admission tickets for the BMW PGA Championship have sold out for the second consecutive year, with more than 100,000 spectators expected to line the fairways throughout the week to see a host of global players including Australian Major champion Adam Scott, American Billy Horschel, winner of the BMW PGA Championship in 2021, and his compatriot Tom Hoge, who will make his debut alongside fellow PGA TOUR winnerTom Kimof Korea.One of the highlights of the British sporting calendar, the BMW PGA Championship brings together some of the world’s best golfers, globally renowned music acts and celebrity stars in a highly-anticipated Festival of Golf.Away from the golf course, the unmissable entertainment in the Spectator Village includes a DJ set from Locksmith, founding member of Rudimental, on Wednesday afternoon, with GRAMMY-nominated producer Jax Jones and indie rock band The Wombats performing on the Show Stage over the weekend.
WHICH CELEBRITIES ARE PLAYING IN THE PRO-AM
That is followed by the Wednesday Celebrity Pro-Am which will bring together global celebrities, including Hollywood A-lister Tom Holland, football superstar Gareth Bale and England cricketers James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook and Sir Andrew Strauss – with some of golf’s most famous players in a fun-filled curtain raiser to the main event, the BMW PGA Championship, which tees off on Thursday September 14.
General admission tickets are available from Tuesday to Friday, with availability very limited on Friday. Limited Premium Experience options are still available for Saturday in the Green on 18, within the imposing Championship Pavilion on the West Course’s famous closing hole, and The Ballroom, which is located inside Wentworth’s Clubhouse.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/norrman-storms-to-irish-open-victory2023-09-10T22:43:31+01:002023-09-10T23:04:39+01:00Norrman storms to Irish Open victoryNick Bayly
Sweden's Vincent Norrman fired a final round 65 to storm to the top of the leaderboard at the Irish Open on Sunday and claim his second tour title in the space of just two months.
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Sweden’s Vincent Norrman fired a final round 65 to storm to the top of the leaderboard at the Irish Open on Sunday and claim his second tour title in the space of just two months.
The 25-year-old from Stockholm, who won the PGA Tour’s Barbasol Championship in the United States in July – an event which is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour – started the final day at The K Club six strokes behind the overnight leaders and was well off the pace after pars on his opening six holes. He made his first birdie on the seventh and ninth holes before play was suspended for 90 minutes due to the threat of lightning.
Norrman showed no signs of slowing down after the restart as he birdied four of his next five holes from the tenth. His birdie at 13 saw him move into a share of the lead for the first time and he then made his seventh gain of the day at 18 to set the clubhouse target of 14 under par.
Germany’s Hurley Long was also on 14 under par after 12 holes, but consecutive bogeys saw him slip back to 12 under. The 28-year-old gave himself an eagle look at the last, but he left his putt short, handing Norrman his second DP World Tour title.
Norrman said: “It feels unbelievable. It’s a world-class event, and it’s the coolest thing I’ve ever done in golf I think, and to do it in front of these fans and in a field stacked with great players is unbelievable.”
Home favourite Shane Lowry finished in a four-way tie for third with Ryan Fox, Grant Forrest and Thriston Lawrence, while Rory McIlroy, who started the final round just two shots off the lead, endured a horror show on Sunday, racking up a double bogey on the par-4 seventh and then a triple-bogey at the par-5 16th en route to a closing a 74 which dropped him into a share of 16th.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/pin-up-traffic-enhancing-the-best-solutions-for-the-business2023-09-10T21:43:51+01:002023-09-11T09:04:51+01:00PIN-UP Traffic: Enhancing the best solutions for the businessMatt Nicholson
PIN-UP Global is an ecosystem of independent companies involved in the life cycle of various entertainment products. PIN-UP Global is divided into segments depending on the profile: PIN-UP.TECH, PIN-UP.BUSINESS, PIN-UP.TRAFFIC, PIN-UP.CARE, PIN-UP.TEAM. Each segment can have one or more companies that interact with each other through both competition and cooperation. Ecosystem companies implement innovative technologies and non-standard solutions for the development and scaling of products and services. As we see, PIN-UP.TRAFFIC functions as a part of the PIN-UP Global […]
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PIN-UP Global is an ecosystem of independent companies involved in the life cycle of various entertainment products. PIN-UP Global is divided into segments depending on the profile: PIN-UP.TECH, PIN-UP.BUSINESS, PIN-UP.TRAFFIC, PIN-UP.CARE, PIN-UP.TEAM. Each segment can have one or more companies that interact with each other through both competition and cooperation. Ecosystem companies implement innovative technologies and non-standard solutions for the development and scaling of products and services.
As we see, PIN-UP.TRAFFIC functions as a part of the PIN-UP Global ecosystem. It specializes in supplying high-quality traffic that generates a profit for clients’ affiliate marketing goods and services on the world market. It has been operating under the banner of the group of firms’ PIN-UP Partners cooperation program since 2016.
What is PIN-UP TRAFFIC?
PIN-UP Traffic is a well-known direct marketer of business offerings known for dominating the global affiliate industry. During 2022, the business received honors from significant organizations. PIN-UP’s main goal is to obtain ROI traffic for PIN-UP brand goods using the CPA and Revenue Share models, mainly through SEO, ASO, PPC, and INFLUENCE sources from affiliate partners.
PIN-UP MEDIA BUYING is a specialized team that oversees the complete cycle of internal media and performance traffic purchasing for iGaming goods. The department is in charge of the six primary full-cycle procurement verticals. PIN-UP SEO is a group of webmasters that offers product search engine optimization and uses outside media sources to drive traffic from natural search engine results.
PIN-UP.TRAFFIC expertise
A team of affiliate specialty experts with over three years of expertise in creating the best solutions for business goals make up the PIN-UP.TRAFFIC team. It can maximize the potential of products thanks to their deep understanding of search and optimization for all forms of visitors. The team members work on analytical tasks, test media outlets, and create technical solutions daily to increase the product’s authority and relevance in search engines.
The PIN-UP.TRAFFIC team has over 100 individuals, including outstanding partner and sales managers, marketers, SMM and PR managers, specialists in special events, expert media buyers, designers across specialties, and SEO experts. The venture grows by 40% yearly and welcomes applications from competent traffic professionals.
Teamwork makes the dream work
This division aims to support PIN-UP Global in keeping its position as the market leader. The division’s staff has developed individualized training programs emphasizing traffic sources that all candidates must complete, drawing on their combined seven years of affiliate marketing expertise. In addition, the team actively participates in more than 20 of the top affiliate conferences annually and attends industry training events to further their skills. Here, it is all about people and their work. The power of human minds brings prosperity to the ecosystem.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/tamburlini-wins-rose-ladies-open2023-09-10T10:10:31+01:002023-09-10T22:04:28+01:00Tamburlini wins Rose Ladies OpenNick Bayly
Switzerland’s Chiara Tamburlini secured a second victory on LETAS this season by winning the Rose Ladies Open at Brocket Hall.
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Switzerland’s Chiara Tamburlini secured a second victory on LETAS this season by winning the Rose Ladies Open at Brocket Hall.
The 24-year-old had a stunning final day carding nine birdies and two bogeys to finish on 12-under-par, two shots ahead of fellow friend and Swiss player Elena Moosmann. It was a Swiss showdown on the final day as both players became clear contenders for the lead after the front-nine.
Speaking about the round, Tamburlini said: “It feels amazing, it’s quite overwhelming to be honest. It’s starting to settle in. I’m quite speechless now.”
The recent University of Mississippi graduate had her first win on the LET Access Series three weeks ago at the PGA Championship Gothenburg where she also led from the front to clinch victory on twelve-under-par.
“My time at Gothenburg was a great setting stone for me, there was a lot of excitement with it. So, I have just tried to keep the momentum going and keep playing as good as I can and try to make it into that top six on LET Access. During the round today I knew Elena was going low and to be honest, I didn’t quite realise that I was seven under until I realised in the scoring. There was pressure out there, but I didn’t really feel it. I loved it. The bounce back birdie on 11 was so important to me. That was a huge momentum shift there for me. It gave me a lot of energy as well to keep going and keep grinding.
Moosmann matched Tamburlini’s round of 65 with eight birdies and one bogey to finish in second place on 10-under-par. There was a tie for third place with English amateur Jessica Hall having a final strong round of 67 to finish alongside Scotland’s Hazel Macgarvie on seven-under-par.
One shot behind, Australian Amy Walsh and Home favourite Georgina Blackman finished on six-under-par whilst Australian Kelsey Bennett and Spain’s Clara Moyano Reigosa finished in tied seventh position.
This week has caused shifts in the LETAS Order of Merit with Dane Sofie Kibsgaard Nielsen retaining her top spot but with Switzerland’s Elena Moosmann moving up to second on 1,400.67 points. Tamburlini now sits in third on 1,283.10 points whilst England’s Emily Price and Gemma Clews round sit fourth and fifth respectively.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/chervo-unveils-stylish-autumn-winter-apparel-collection2023-09-08T07:50:44+01:002023-09-10T10:24:11+01:00Chervò unveils stylish Autumn/Winter apparel collectionNick Bayly
Premium Italian clothing company has turned to one of Italy’s most famous settings as inspiration for its Autumn/Winter collection after drawing on the vibes of the city of Venice for its latest innovative range.
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Premium Italian clothing company has turned to one of Italy’s most famous settings as inspiration for its Autumn/Winter collection after drawing on the vibes of the city of Venice for its latest innovative range.
Inspired by the capital of the Veneto region, Chervo’s newest collection is a further example of everything that people have come to know and love about the brand, with hand-drawn, birds-eye prints of Venice from above and eclectic patterns taking centre stage.
The collection explores the palette of all the primitive colours that makes up the famous city, including the blues of the lagoon, the greens of the sandbanks and gardens and the pinks of the walls crossed by the calli – the endless selection of narrow intersecting streets.
The island of Burano and the tapestries of Venice find their motifs in a selection of some of the patterns, while the camouflage designs are a direct reflection of the lagoon and feature heavily across all four moods; Denim Blue, Ash Grey, Abundant Green and Terracotta.
Lightweight and insulating jackets, thermal sweaters, moisture-wicking base layers and everything else you’d expect from a Chervò AW collection are available to purchase, while Venice’s calli has inspired the new smart athletic-leisure items featured in the collection, with joggers and bucket hats designed to suit a more street-styled, youthful audience.
Not only do Chervò clothes look different, but they also feel different. High-tech polyamide fabrics – fabrics the brand believes are the most premium, highest-performing around – are incorporated into the garments to aid sport performance, while the collection also combines the latest in aqua-block, stretch, wind-lock and pro-therm fabric technology – keeping golfers dry and warm over the year’s colder months.
Garments have also been created with easy movement and comfort in mind, with materials such as pique knitwear, jersey and Sherpa fleece used to ensure ultimate comfort while on course.
With items available for both golfers looking to push the boundaries, and those who love the more traditional look, Chervò’s AW23/24 collection has something for everyone who enjoys the game.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/resort-focus-el-gouna-eygpt2023-09-08T07:43:09+01:002023-09-11T10:23:44+01:00RESORT FOCUS: EL GOUNA, EYGPTNick Bayly
Golf News Editor Nick Bayly and family enjoy a week-long stay at the Steigenberger Golf & Hotel Resort in El Gouna, a purpose-built holiday destination located on the sandy shores of Egypt’s Red Sea, where cloudless skies and a gentle breeze provides the perfect backdrop to pristine and uncrowded fairways…. and a whole load of kite surfers
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Golf News Editor Nick Bayly and family enjoy a week-long stay at the Steigenberger Golf & Hotel Resort in El Gouna, a purpose-built holiday destination located on the sandy shores of Egypt’s Red Sea, where cloudless skies and a gentle breeze provides the perfect backdrop to pristine and uncrowded fairways…. and a whole load of kite surfers
For a country not short on sand, it’s somewhat surprising that Egypt has so far failed to produce a professional golfer of global renown. But then again, with just 25 courses to go around a population of just over 100 million, and with a certain Mo Salah doing his thing, it’s safe to say that golf isn’t high up the list of activities that young Egyptians are looking to pursue after the school bell rings.
Of course, as with most holiday destinations, golf isn’t provided in Egypt exclusively for the locals, however much the national golf federation no doubt insists that they are. They are there to attract tourists. Hotel? Tick. Spa? Tick. Swimming pools and beach club? Tick. Restaurants & Bars? Tick. Kids club? Tick. Golf course? Tick. These are the things that draw millions of people to leave the comfort of their homes in search of something different for two or three weeks of the year. That, and some decent weather.
Fortunately, El Gouna, a man-made, purpose-built temple to hedonism located on the western side of the Red Sea – some five hours drive south of Cairo, if that’s your only geographical touchpoint in Egypt – ticks all of those boxes and some. The dream-turned-reality of Egyptian billionaire Samih Sawiris, chairman and CEO or international property and hotel and development company Orascom Holdings, El Gouna is described on Wikipedia as a ‘self-sufficient, fully integrated resort town’. Built on 36 interconnected islands surrounded by lagoons along a 5km stretch of coastline, El Gouna is located 20 miles north of Hurghada International Airport, the main hub for southern Egypt’s holiday hotspots.
The first hotels and houses went up in 1990, and some 33 years later the number of hotel stands at 18, and the number of residential properties at around 10,000. Interspersed between the hotels and the houses – and the accommodation for the 12,000-plus employees that work in the town – are three marinas stacked with superyachts, miles of sandy beaches, seven kiteboarding centres, dozens of shops, 80-plus restaurants and bars, a school, a hospital, churches and mosques, a winery and, thankfully, a couple of very decent golf courses.
Like Sharm El Sheikh, which is located on the northern shore of the Red Sea, El Gouna is designed to provide a safe space for well-healed visitors to relax and unwind – the travel industry calls it ‘Fly & Flop’ – between trips to the historical sites for which Egypt is famous. Hence, you’d be hard pressed to find a guest at El Gouna that hasn’t snuck in a day-return trip to Cairo to check out the Pyramids and the Sphinx or hopped on a tour bus for a guided tour around the Valley of the Kings or the temple at Luxor. My family did, and it was something none of us will ever forget.
Our ‘flop’ for the week was the Steigenberger Golf Hotel & Resort, a five-star venue that, in addition to 268 recently renovated guest rooms and suites, six bars and restaurants, three swimming pools, a spa and a private lagoon-side beach, also boasts its very own 18-hole championship golf course at El Gouna Golf Club. As it turned out, it was also our ‘very own’ golf course, in that during our two-round experience, my youngest son and I didn’t see any other golfers during the first 18 holes, and only two during our second – but that might have been something to do with the fact that only mad dogs and English golf journalists and their offspring play golf in Egypt in early July, where the temperature is a steady 35°c (although it is much more comfortable mid-20s during the peak visitor months between November and March).
Fortunately, El Gouna enjoys an almost persistent on-shore breeze, which not only helps wick away perspiration, but also explains why the oversized luggage collection area at Hurghada airport was mainly populated by fit-looking young people picking up bags filled with unfeasibly large amounts of heavy kit, which I soon discovered were kiteboards. Yes, 35°c is a little on the warm side for us lily-livered Brits, but with factor 50 sunblock applied, the aforementioned breeze on our backs, and the welcome shade provided by a golf buggy, conditions were manageable provided you didn’t dally too long over your bunkers shots or agonise over the read of a curling 25-footer for a double bogey.
While we certainly weren’t for dallying, neither were we up for rushing around, as the El Gouna course demands your full attention, especially when you miss a fairway and end up in the semi-rough, which is capable of swallowing a ball whole. Designed by Gene Bates and Fred Couples – yes, the very same no-socks wearing, smooth-swinging, 1992 Masters-winning Floridian – El Gouna GC first opened in 1999 and has been providing travelling golfers with a very decent standard of holiday golf ever since.
Before we get into the golf, the journey from our hotel to the course was an adventure in itself. With the bridge that leads directly to the clubhouse undergoing repair during our stay, the only alternative mode of transport was by boat. Arriving at a golf club by sea, or in this case, lagoon, felt very James Bond, and although we didn’t have to battle with any evil villains en route to the first tee, it did get our early morning round to a suitably memorable start. Sadly, the standard of our golf wasn’t quite so memorable, but there was plenty to enjoy about the quality of the course, which circles its way around the lagoon. With water coming into play on the left side of holes 5, 7, 8 and 9, this is certainly not a course for right-handers suffering from a dose of the hooks, while the final two holes will be equally troubling for slicers, with the lagoon very much in play on the right side.
With the course a testing 6,858 yards off the competition tees, we were grateful of the 6,358 yellows, and even more so for the blues, which took the course down to a gettable 5,816. There are also two sets of more forward tees at 5,300 and 4,750 yards, ensuring there are tees to suit all levels of golfer. Playing alongside a novice golfer, and me being a decidedly average golfer, we found the blues very much to our liking, making it challenging but without busting a gut, especially on the holes that played into the wind, which required considerable clubbing up.
In addition to its standard practice facilities, El Gouna also boasts one of the world’s few aqua driving ranges, where you tee off from dry land and aim at a series of greens that are located at various distances across the lagoon. Thankfully, the balls float and are regularly scooped up. The clubhouse, it should be noted, is currently undergoing a complete rebuild, and will be open in all its glory, complete with restaurant and gym, early next year.
Warming to our task, our next game was at the impressive sounding Ancient Sands Golf Club, a delightful full-length 9-hole course that opened in 2017 and winds its way around the resort of the same name. Occupying the highest point of the town, the course was designed by American architect Karl Litten – who has a reputation for being able to work with difficult terrain – and enjoys superb views to the distant mountain range and the Red Sea and also enjoys a pleasant breeze. With holes running alongside and intersected by the inland waterways, it’s a desert-style course that requires careful shot management to avoid reloading, but it is beautifully presented, with generous, pristine fairways, superbly kept bunkers (which didn’t seem very ancient), and large, well-watered greens that ran smooth and true. Design and presentation-wise, I think it just edged El Gouna, hole for hole, and the opening of a second nine next year will only enhance the offering at this excellent venue, which is also attached to a five-star Moorish-style hotel.
Golfers prepared to travel further afield can drive an hour or so south to the Madinat Makadi Golf Resort, while Soma Bay, another resort owned and created by Mr Sawiris, is a further half-an-hour on from there and has an 18-hole championship designed by Gary Player on offer. But with so much else to do in El Gouna, we saved that experience for another time.
And what of the other experiences? Well, as previously mentioned, El Gouna boasts 18 hotels and, although you’re obviously only staying at one, guests welcome to take advantage of the other hotels’ facilities. Thus, if you fancy a luxury spa experience – or some seriously good sushi – you can head to The Chedi, while if you want to try your hand at kitesurfing you might want to mosey over to the Club Pardiso. Regardless of where you are staying, you can sign up to El Gouna’s ‘dine around’ programme, which enables you to eat at a variety of hotels and restaurants around the town for discounted prices. It certainly provides a welcome break from your own hotel’s dining options for those staying on a bed & breakfast deal only, which is the norm for guests in El Gouna now, after initially mainly offering all-inclusive packages.
That’s not to say the Steigenberger was short of dining options, with the main restaurant and poolside bar offering an excellent choice of freshly cooked dishes, while Harumaki, a brand new Japanese restaurant, offers diners a ringside seat to watch skilled chefs preparing a variety of tasty teppanyaki and sushi dishes with a dazzling display of knife skills.
The Steigenberger hotel itself is designed in what is described as a ‘contemporary Nubian’ style, with the the main buildings featuring arched windows and large domes that are a feature of houses in the Nubian region, an area which links southern Egypt to northern Sudan. Guest rooms, which come in various shapes and sizes – all of which are spacious and tastefully furnished – offer terraces with views over the lagoon and are all a short walk away from the hotel facilities, and just a few yards from a private beach, where rows of low-slung barusti huts offer welcome shade between darts into the cooling salty waters of the Red Sea. The staff are super friendly and extremely professional, and many were keen to know my thoughts on Liverpool’s chances of winning the Premier League this season.
While some visitors to El Gouna rent cars to make the 40-minute journey from Hurghada airport, many chose to take advantage of airport transfers and then travel around the town in one of the many three-wheeled TukTuks that whizz around the byways and highways at breakneck speed and can flagged down for just £1-£2 to take you anywhere in town, although that will mainly be to the central marina, where the majority of the bars and restaurants are to be found.
At night, the marina – which is packed with rows of large and very expensive-looking superyachts – has a party vibe, with live music sounding out from various clubs and bars, while the water’s edge is lined with diners and people out enjoying themselves. At times it felt like an adult version of Disneyworld, where the only people are tourists, but without the fairground rides, popcorn and Mickey Mouse.
In between our rounds of golf, endless all-you-eat breakfast buffets and magnificent dinners, we packed in a trip on glass-bottomed boat to the check out the amazing coral reef that lies 20 minutes off the coast of El Gouna that attracts divers from all over the world. We also enjoyed a 45-minute boat tour around the lagoon, which is worth doing just to get an understanding of the scale of the place, as well as to have a nose at some of the impressive waterside mansions that line the waterways. Keen to tick off a big box, we also got up at 4.30am one morning to take the 45-minute flight from Hurghada up to Cairo to explore the Pyramids and visit the Museum of Egypt. It was a very long and hot day, but a local guide with an air-conditioned car made it a thoroughly recommended trip if you are prepared to drag yourself away from the sun lounger for a few hours.
On our final night, we joined a group of Italian kite surfers on a desert mountain safari that saw us board a trio of battered-looking 4x4s and drive deep into the mountains that are some 45 minutes inland of El Gouna. Covering some challenging terrain through Wadi Bileh and stopping along the way to explore some impressive geological sites, and do a thankfully limited amount of hiking, we eventually reached a plateau and set up a makeshift camp. Here, under cloudless skies, we enjoyed a barbecue as we watched the sun go down across the endless sands. The silence was golden and after the sun dipped below the horizon the sky was so dark that we saw stars that we’d never been able to see at home. It was a magical moment, and is just one of the many reasons why a trip to El Gouna will live longer in the memory than most beachside summer breaks.
EL GOUNA FACTFILE
WHERE TO STAY: Nick Bayly and family were guests of the five-star Steigenberger Golf Hotel & Resort in El Gouna, which offers seven-night B&B stays from £540 for a double room. For more details, visit hotels.elgouna.com/hotel/steigenberger-golf-resort-el-gouna WHERE TO PLAY: El Gouna Golf Club, 18 holes, Green Fee: €85/€50 (Oct-Apr/May-Sept) Bookings: golf.club@elgouna.com.
Ancient Sands GC, 9 holes, Green Fees: €50/€30. Bookings: golf@ancientsadsresort.com. HOW TO GET THERE: EasyJet offers non-stop flights from London Gatwick to Hurghada, with a flying time of 51/2 hours. Flights from £400 return. If flying via Cairo, connecting internal flights to Hurghada are around £100 return.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/frankish-tied-for-the-lead-at-rose-ladies-open2023-09-08T07:42:24+01:002023-09-08T07:44:02+01:00Frankish tied for the lead at Rose Ladies OpenNick Bayly
Cloe Frankish and Billie-Jo Smith both carded six-under-par 66s to share the lead after the first round of the Rose Ladies Open at Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire. Smith had a flawless card and got off to a hot start with a birdie on the first followed by an eagle on the fifth. Two birdies at the turn on holes 10 and 11 set Smith off to a strong back nine where she finished by nearly eagling the 18th and instead […]
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Cloe Frankish and Billie-Jo Smith both carded six-under-par 66s to share the lead after the first round of the Rose Ladies Open at Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire.
Smith had a flawless card and got off to a hot start with a birdie on the first followed by an eagle on the fifth. Two birdies at the turn on holes 10 and 11 set Smith off to a strong back nine where she finished by nearly eagling the 18th and instead walked away with a fourth birdie. It’s been a tough year for the Lincolnshire based player who has split her time between the LET and the LET Access Series this year with her strongest finish being 37th at the LETAS Link Series at Ramside Hall.
Smith said: “To have a strong finish this week would mean quite a lot as I’ve had a tough year this year with various things and injuries. It would be nice to finish on a bit of a high and carry that forward to the end of the year.”
Frankish, from hart Hills in Kent, matched Smith’s scorecard as day one closed with a birdie on the par-five 18th to add to four gains she made on the front nine. Speaking about the round, Frankish said: “I’m really pleased My iron shots were good. I had family out there supporting me today so that helped. Coming into the 18th I saw Billie was on six-under and knew I had to match her. I’m so happy I did it.”
It’s a very red and white leaderboard further down as Nottingham-based amateur Esme Hamilton had the best round of the morning to finish on four-under-par. It was a faultless round for Hamilton who carded three birdies on her front nine and one on the back to finish in third position after day one.
All three player in the top three have been injured this season, with Frankish sustaining injuries to her foot in February, while Hamilton was out for a while after dislocating her thumb.
Australia’s Amy Walsh had the most colourful scorecard of the day. Starting on the 10th, she double bogeyed her first hole before following it up with three consecutive birdies and ending her front nine with an eagle. Walsh sits in tied fourth alongside third-ranked Order of Merit player Switzerland’s Elena Moosmann. Further down, 12 players, including three season winners, sit in a tie for sixth on one-under-par.
For all the latest scores from the Rose Ladies Open, click here.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/8-ways-golf-tournaments-boost-local-tourism2023-09-07T10:55:39+01:002023-09-07T11:04:43+01:008 Ways Golf Tournaments Boost Local TourismMatt Nicholson
Almost anywhere you travel, you can find a world-class golf course or resort where you may work on your swing and short game. Hundreds of thousands of golf enthusiasts take annual journeys to world-famous courses and exotic locales to indulge in their favourite pastime alongside a five-star holiday or to attend a professional event, making golf tourism one of the industry’s largest subsets. Tourism connected to golf not only has substantial monetary value, but also plays a crucial role in […]
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Almost anywhere you travel, you can find a world-class golf course or resort where you may work on your swing and short game. Hundreds of thousands of golf enthusiasts take annual journeys to world-famous courses and exotic locales to indulge in their favourite pastime alongside a five-star holiday or to attend a professional event, making golf tourism one of the industry’s largest subsets. Tourism connected to golf not only has substantial monetary value, but also plays a crucial role in the labour market. Golf facilities are responsible for the creation of an estimated 95% permanent and 94% full-time jobs. Significantly higher rates than the average for the country.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at 8 ways golf tournaments boost local tourism:
No. 1 – Golf Tournaments Boost Local Tourism…
By encouraging investment-generating spending. Not only the investments that are made in the golf courses, but all the other spending that it entails, that is, bars, restaurants, equipment suppliers, golf pro’s/coaches, taxi, airport shuttle services, and other complementary services.
No. 2 – Golf Tournaments Boost Local Tourism…
By generating quality tourism. This tourism encompasses a segment of the population with a rather high socioeconomic profile, so their average daily spending is approximately five times higher than the expense that a regular tourist could make.
No. 3 – Golf Tournaments Boost Local Tourism…
By attracting tourists to locations that assist in compensating for the effects of seasonality. In contrast to the more conventional sun and beach tourism, golf is a sport that can be played during each and every month of the year, making it one of its most notable advantages. Golf tourism helps to provide a solution to the seasonal adjustment problem, which has always been one of the issues that the tourism industry in Spain has had to deal with. The months of October through April represent the peak season for golf, which enables other industries to recover and make better use of their resources during the off-peak months.
No. 4 – Golf Tournaments Boost Local Tourism…
By its own natural evolution and growth. This means that the number of followers of this sport is increasing. This is due to the fact that there is, more and more, a desire for contact with nature, it is an activity that is available to almost all the physical conditions of the population, etc.
No. 5 – Golf Tournaments Boost Local Tourism…
By being a green or ecofriendly activity that doesn’t compromise the environment. Respect for the natural world is crucial to the future of this sport because it guarantees the sport’s continued existence.
No. 6 – Golf Tournaments Boost Local Tourism…
Many destinations prolong the season with golf tourism. Portugal, Spain, Turkey are just a few established golf destinations that have managed to minimises the seasonality effect by developing a strong golf product.
No. 7 – Golf Tournaments Boost Local Tourism…
By adding value to the tourism products by enhancing and diversifying them with new activities, facilities & services. Take the Trump empire as an example, wherever in the world they set up a new facility, state of the art facilities are sure to follow.
No. 8 – Golf Tournaments Boost Local Tourism…
By contributing positively to the development and growth of other leisure sectors such as the health and wellness sector.
There are a few things you should have in place before you book a vacation to a golf resort or begin planning your own trip to one of the world’s top golf courses in order to make the most of our own tourism-boosting adventure…
Do Your Research:
There are many great golf courses around the world, but not all of them live up to their hype. As the golf tourism industry has grown, several courses have sprung up promising top-notch amenities and picturesque settings, but in reality, they often offer nothing more than a standard round of golf with minimal difficulty. You can avoid being let down and instead enjoy first-rate amenities on a fascinating and tough course by reading evaluations written by seasoned golfers, which can be found on a variety of websites. This strategy has the potential to uncover some so far undiscovered treasures. Even though a course doesn’t look like much on paper, it might surprise you with breathtaking scenery and thoughtful design if you play all eighteen of its holes.
Practice, Practice, Practice:
It’s in your best interest to get some practice done before making the trip to your golfing destination. The last thing you want to do if you have a tee time at a world-class course is waste time and strokes getting reacquainted with the game. Playing a few rounds at your home club or course before you leave will help you get back into the swing of things and make the most of your trip. It would be smart to invest in a golf simulator. Before you even take your first swing on vacation, you may use one of these to fine-tune your technique at home.
Ship Your Equipment:
Even under the best of circumstances, the process of checking in and out of a hotel or an airport can be a major source of anxiety for any traveler. What makes things worse is having to lug around a full set of golf clubs and all the necessary accessories. And if the worst happens, and you are unfortunate enough to lose or break your clubs on the journey! If you want to make your vacation smoother and less stressful, you might want to think about shipping your clubs and equipment to the destination so they are there when you arrive. It may be an extra expense you hadn’t originally budgeted for, but it will be worth every penny when you get to the resort ready to hit those greens, with no worries or stress.
Having an enjoyable journey to a new destination while taking in the sights, sounds, and cuisine of a foreign land is easy when you take a golfing holiday. With any luck, you won’t have to recall your vacation for the wrong reasons (like losing your clubs at the airport, playing a terrible course, or struggling to play while you get your swing back) thanks to the advice provided here.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/meet-the-golfer-with-12-aces-including-2-in-9-days2023-09-07T10:28:38+01:002023-09-07T18:23:38+01:00Meet the golfer with 12 aces – including 2 in 9 days!Matt Nicholson
he 69-year-old has enjoyed aces in each of England, Scotland and Wales. If that’s not impressive enough, in August, John registered a second hole-in-one in just nine days, at his home course Isle of Wedmore. One of those was on the 9th hole, where he has now enjoyed FOUR holes-in-one, and the other was on the 11th, where he now has two. A total of SEVEN aces have come at Wedmore, while two have come at Shirehampton Park on a […]
John Russell is one of the game’s most fortunate players to have shot not just one – but 12 holes-in-one!
The 69-year-old has enjoyed aces in each of England, Scotland and Wales.
If that’s not impressive enough, in August, John registered a second hole-in-one in just nine days, at his home course Isle of Wedmore. One of those was on the 9th hole, where he has now enjoyed FOUR holes-in-one, and the other was on the 11th, where he now has two.
A total of SEVEN aces have come at Wedmore, while two have come at Shirehampton Park on a 143-yard par-three, where the man from Pill has a particularly freaky story.
He told England Golf: “I got my first hole-in-one in 1977 at Shirehampton where I’d been a member for 14 years to that point. I didn’t think I’d ever get another one.
“42 years later I was there playing for Wedmore in a friendly and when we got to the hole, I said to the two Shirehampton guys: “Believe it or not, I had my first hole-in-one here 40-odd years ago.” One of the guys turned round and said: “I bet you can’t do it again!” And guess what happened?!
“The hole slopes quite a lot so we didn’t see it go in, but it was very nice to get it! It was so spooky!”
His playing partner that day, Graham Hayes, added: “I remember it well as he broke his driver on the 1st tee – it just snapped in half when he hit a shot down the middle!
“John’s quite a straight-hitter but it’s amazing really. You don’t even think about getting one really, so to have 12 is just being greedy, isn’t it?!”
From his first ace at 23, John had to wait 19 years for his next one, which came at Oake Manor (Somerset). Just two years later he enjoyed a third, this time in Scotland at Scotscraig.
Seven years later he bagged his first at Wedmore in a seniors stableford competition, and just four years later he had a fifth ace, on the same hole. The next one came in Wales at St Pierre on the Championship course, where John used to play annually in a captains’ charity day.
Just a year later he was at it again, this time on the 11th at Wedmore in the club’s annual mixed knockout. Just three years later, number eight arrived on the 4th, and then nine months after that he landed his third ace on the 9th!
Another three years passed before the magical moment back at Shirehampton Park for his 10th.
John’s 11th ace came recently, on July 31, playing with two others in a monthly seniors’ stableford competition. He hit an eight-iron on the 11th hole from 153 yards. He explained: “We saw it go in. It’s a bit of a signature hole because you’ve got a superb panoramic view of Cheddar Gorge, Wells (smallest city in England) and also Glastonbury. It’s a gobsmacking view.
“Because it was a qualifying competition, part of my subscription at the club meant that they stumped up £75 for drinks, and on top of that I’m insured by an in-house insurance, so we had £125 to spend on the seniors’ drinks at the bar that day, which just about covered it!”
His 12th hole-in-one came just nine days later in a Wednesday roll-up, as he struck gold with his five-rescue from 160 yards. He admitted: “It was a good shot, held the line and we saw that one go in. It was disbelief really, having had one only nine days prior. I waited nearly 20 years between my first and second holes-in-one and two in nine days was just unbelievable.
“Sadly the 12th hole-in-one wasn’t in a qualifier, so I didn’t get the £75 insurance and I had to put my hand in my pocket to pay most the balance!”
He joked: “Let’s hope that’s the end to it!”
The odds of a single hole-in-one for an amateur golfer are 12,500-1, while it is estimated that over 90% of golfers will never make one in their lifetime. So, for John, now having 12 to his name, is simply incredible.
John, an 11.8-handicapper, revealed: “We’ve got a guy who dominates the Club Championship year on year, who plays off two. He’s in his 50s and he’s never had a hole-in-one and it pains him to this day. Every time I get one it’s a nail in the coffin for him I think! It’s strange because he is a superb player and hits his fair share of greens but has just never seen one drop!
“If you’re trying to get one, that’s the worst. I think you just have to keep going. There’s no logic behind it at all. I feel like a very lucky person, certainly with my golfing hat on.”
John, who now lives in Draycott, Cheddar, said he won’t be trying to add Ireland to his list of countries where he’s enjoyed a hole-in-one, following successes in England, Scotland and Wales.
He admitted: “My partner and I have holidayed in Scotland for the past 20 years and we enter as many mixed opens as we can as it’s a cheap way to play great courses. We’ve played a bit in Ireland but I haven’t got any plans to go there and try and complete the Slam!”
Asked whether he has any specific golfing targets, John said: “All I’ve won really is the 2013 Club Championship at Wedmore, and that was after three play-off holes, but I did get down to a 5-handicap for a fortnight when I was at Shirehampton. I was a category-one golfer then!
“I’m not a particularly ambitious person. I’ll just be happy to keep playing.”
John, who used to own a chain of sports stores, sold his business in 2010 and began playing golf regularly upon retirement. He now plays three or four times a week, all year round.
He turns 70 on December 18 and added: “I love golf because it keeps you physically and mentally fit. It’s the golf that keeps you going!”
John Russell’s 12 Holes-in-One
1. Shirehampton Park (the old 3rd hole) May 25, 1977
2. Oake Manor (6th) July 25, 1996
3. Scotscraig, Scotland (13th) June 11, 1998
4. Isle of Wedmore (9th) May 16, 2005
5. Isle of Wedmore (9th) July 9, 2009
6. St Pierre, Wales (6th) August 29, 2011
7. Isle of Wedmore (11th) August 7, 2012
8. Isle of Wedmore (4th) April 25, 2015
9. Isle of Wedmore (9th) February 1, 2016
10. Shirehampton Park (old 3rd, now 13th) August 15, 2019
11. Isle of Wedmore (11th) July 31, 2023
12. Isle of Wedmore (9th) August 9, 2023
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/teed-up-for-success-how-golf-and-football-thrive-in-the-uk2023-09-07T09:39:10+01:002023-09-07T09:53:43+01:00Teed Up for Success: How Golf and Football Thrive in the UKMatt Nicholson
Sports have played a prominent role in UK society for centuries. The country has a national team in virtually every international competition, and horse racing boasts deep roots in British culture. Naturally, when one thinks of athletic competitions in Britain, football is the first sport to come to mind, followed by rugby or cricket. The country has a rich heritage in all three, and golf is another pastime that not only enjoys a decent level of popularity in this part […]
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Sports have played a prominent role in UK society for centuries. The country has a national team in virtually every international competition, and horse racing boasts deep roots in British culture. Naturally, when one thinks of athletic competitions in Britain, football is the first sport to come to mind, followed by rugby or cricket. The country has a rich heritage in all three, and golf is another pastime that not only enjoys a decent level of popularity in this part of the Old Continent but originated in Scotland as an activity practiced by gentlemen from The Land of the Brave.
Despite what some Brits may think, golf is still enjoying stunning growth in the UK. The latest data shows that around 5.6 million residents played it in 2022, a figure that represents the second-highest number in well over three decades. Some say that participation-wise, golf is now on par with football in the United Kingdom. However, concerning public interest, it is no contest. In 2022, Premier League clubs’ revenues hit £5.5 billion, with England’s premium football club competition getting watched by an audience surpassing three billion people globally.
Moreover, the list of online bookmakers on UK sites that see tremendous betting action on football is immense. Golf cannot match these stats, or any other realistically. Still, the sport itself has carved out a massive fan base in Britain, and below, we shall do a quick dive exploring the distinctive relationship between it and Europe’s favorite pastime, the second most important thing in life – football.
Shared Sporting Values
Without argument, golf gets super commonly played by footballers. Even though one is an individual sport and the other a team one, they share surprisingly many similarities. Both require composure and cooperation. Of course, stamina has an essential role in football, and golf is a more leisure-based activity. Still, the demand for participants to stay calm under pressure is the same in the two. Furthermore, strategy in set pieces is also a shared aspect, not to mention maintaining high levels of sportsmanship.
Hence, it is easy to see why many Brits like combining these two activities on the weekend, whether as something they engage in or watch at home on the TV. The Open Championship, nicknamed the British Open, draws an annual US audience of over two million. And it posts even higher numbers in Old Blighty, proving the previous statement.
Famous Golfers/Footballers That Love Football/Golf
The pack of British footie stars, active and retired, who adore teeing off in the morning is extensive. It includes the likes of Gareth Bale, Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Alan Shearer, and Gary Lineker. Even renowned footballer turned Hollywood star Vinnie Jones likes to hit the greens now and again.
On the flip side, golfers who have gotten obsessed with football include Rory McIlroy, a lifelong Manchester United fan, and Ian Poulter, who supports Arsenal. Justin Rose is an ardent Blues supporter. And High Wycombe native Tyrell Hatton pledges allegiance to Liverpool.
What About FootGolf?
What is FootGolf? It is a novel hybrid sport that seeks to combine football and golf, implementing many of the rules of the latter. It now gets played in more than thirty countries, receiving a mixed reception from fans of both sports.
Invented in the Netherlands in 2009, this bizarre mix is not going anywhere soon. That is so because it even has a FootGolf World Cup, with the first such tournament getting held in Hungary in 2012, with eight countries participating. The UK even managed to notch a female World Champion in Footgolf in the 2018 World Cup when Sophie Brown took home the women’s individual gold for Britain.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/top-5-career-options-in-golf-if-you-are-not-a-player2023-09-07T09:20:30+01:002023-09-07T09:23:33+01:00Top 5 Career Options in Golf If You Are Not a PlayerMatt Nicholson
Golf is a sport that people of all ages and social statuses enjoy. Although it is considered a high-class sport, it doesn’t mean average people do not play it. A round of golf costs under $30, which is quite affordable for many people. Hence, it is not surprising that many make a career in the industry. The obvious dream for every golfer would be the lifestyle of a professional golfer playing on tour. Meanwhile, the harsh reality is that most […]
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Golf is a sport that people of all ages and social statuses enjoy. Although it is considered a high-class sport, it doesn’t mean average people do not play it. A round of golf costs under $30, which is quite affordable for many people. Hence, it is not surprising that many make a career in the industry.
The obvious dream for every golfer would be the lifestyle of a professional golfer playing on tour. Meanwhile, the harsh reality is that most don’t make it to that level. If you fall into this category, a solution awaits you in this article. We have collaborated with experts from job aggregator Jooble to enlighten you on the top 5 career options to explore in golf as a non-player.
Best 5 Careers to Consider in Golfing If You Are Not A Player
To many people, playing golf is the only lucrative job in the industry. However, that’s not true. Golfing is a whole industry that generates many jobs. For instance, sports journalist jobs thrive well in the industry, and you can earn a lot of money from the profession.
With a vast number available, you can take your pick of jobs in the industry, from entry-level positions to expert jobs. Below are some golf jobs you can do, even if you are not a player.
1. Golf Director
A golf director oversees the total operation and services, including the golf shop, golf range, golf services areas, and golf car operation. This job requires a balanced blend of organization skills, a business brain, and a passion for golfing.
2. Golf Writing
Golf writing is a promising and exciting career if you have a passion for writing and an adequate knowledge of the sport. One fascinating thing about this profession is that it is not yet saturated. However, you must be able to capture the essence of the sport with words to give readers a vivid and enjoyable peek into the game.
3. Golf Retailer
A golf retailer career is one you should consider if you have a passion for golf, a knack for sales, and are good at customer service. You also need an adequate knowledge of golf equipment and materials. The duty of a golf retailer is to make golf materials available to golfers.
4. Caddy
The popular belief is that golf caddies only carry golf bags and equipment. However, the profession goes beyond that. Caddies are the tour guides, friends, and companions of golfers. Hence, you need adequate golfing knowledge and be a problem solver to thrive in the profession.
5. Golf Club Fitter
As the name suggests, a golf club fitter fits a player with the right club. They help golf players get the best club that fits them instead of going to any club on the market. This can help enhance the golfer’s performance.
Conclusion
Contrary to what is being projected, the golf industry is great and even growing better. With more people interested in the exclusive sport, there is never a better time to pitch your tent with it, even as a non-player.
This article has explored top career options that also pay well in the golf industry. Prepare yourself and go for the profession that suits your personality the most. Remember, nothing beats making money doing what you love.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/walton-heath-wins-english-women-s-champion-club2023-09-06T13:22:31+01:002023-09-06T13:23:43+01:00Walton Heath wins English Women’s Champion ClubNick Bayly
Walton Heath Golf Club in Surrey were crowned the first ever winners of the English Women’s Champion Club after beating 17 other teams at St Ives Golf Club. Nicola Taylor and 14-year-old twins Annabel Peaford and Emily Peaford helped their team win the event by 14 shots ahead of Ganton Golf Club. Emily’s 74 and 67, along with sister Annabel’s pair of 70s across both days, helped them to a comfortable victory. In second place was Ganton’s Staveley, Sara Gilmore […]
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Walton Heath Golf Club in Surrey were crowned the first ever winners of the English Women’s Champion Club after beating 17 other teams at St Ives Golf Club.
Nicola Taylor and 14-year-old twins Annabel Peaford and Emily Peaford helped their team win the event by 14 shots ahead of Ganton Golf Club. Emily’s 74 and 67, along with sister Annabel’s pair of 70s across both days, helped them to a comfortable victory.
In second place was Ganton’s Staveley, Sara Gilmore and Heather Butcher with Northamptonshire County’s Hattie Billson, Lila Bissett and Olivia Holioak Church in third place. Eighteen clubs represented each of their counties at the first annual Women’s Champion Club, with three players from each club playing 18 holes on each of Saturday and Sunday, and the two best scores from three players on each day counting.
But it was a particularly extraordinary tournament because of the course record for their category being broken not just once, but three times over the two days.
First it was Walton Heath’s Annabel Peaford with a 70 (-2) on day one, before Ganton’s Amy Staveley made 69 (-3) on the second day. However, Annabel’s twin sister Emily broke the record just two hours later, with an eagle and four birdies on her way to 67 (-5). Emily’s astonishing eagle included a stunning 257-yard drive on the par four 13th hole, which finished just a foot from the pin for a tap-in.
She said: “I was excited because I knew I could try and drive it but on the first round I hit into a bush! The second day I was just thinking to get it to the green for a birdie or par and it ended up a foot away from the flag. It was amazing! I’ve never had a hole-in-one and I know quite a few who have, including my sister, so hopefully I’ll have one in the future!”
Emily and Annabel weren’t aware of Annabel’s course record on the Saturday until they arrived for the final day of action. Emily continued: “It was strange, we didn’t realise it was the course record on Saturday, it was only when we got to the course on the second day. Nobody had told me, so afterwards when people said I had taken the record away from my sister, it was quite pleasing. She’s had a really good season and overtaken me, so it was nice to get back at her with that one!”
Even more remarkably, Emily has now broken two course records in a week, with a stunning -9 at North Hants Golf Club just five days before her St Ives success. She admitted: “It was a Justin Rose Daily Telegraph Qualifier on the Tuesday morning and I didn’t play too well so I didn’t qualify, but in the afternoon it was a Stableford competition, so I tried to play freely. I birdied the first three holes, before an eagle on the 4th and another birdie on the 5th. I was six-under through five but one bogey on 7 brought me down to earth before a nice eagle on the 18th! I finished with 45 points to win it which, off scratch, I wasn’t expecting. One of the eagles was a par four, where I drove it over the back of the green and chipped in! There has obviously been some wind helping but I’ve definitely gained some distance in the last few months.”
Commenting on the inaugural Women’s Champion Club event, Emily, said: “We all worked really hard and there’s always such a good atmosphere at Walton Heath so to bring a team together to not just play in the first year of the Women’s Champion Club, but to win it, was amazing! The event was great as was the club, the course and the atmosphere.”
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/luke-donald-names-his-captain-s-pick-for-the-ryder-cup2023-09-04T14:53:22+01:002023-09-06T07:43:37+01:00Luke Donald Names His Captain’s Pick for the Ryder CupDarren Redwood
Luke Donald has selected his captain’s pick for the Ryder Cup. Ludvig Aberg, Tommy Fleetwood, Nicolai Højgaard, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose and Sepp Straka complete his 12-man European Team in Italy. His 6 captain’s picks join Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland, Robert MacIntyre, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm. All of these golfers qualified automatically for the contest against the United States. The competition between Europe and USA takes place at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome, from September 29 – October 1. […]
Luke Donald has selected his captain’s pick for the Ryder Cup. They are Ludvig Aberg, Tommy Fleetwood, Nicolai Højgaard, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose and Sepp Straka complete his 12-man European Team in Italy.
His 6 captain’s picks join Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland, Robert MacIntyre, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm. All of these golfers qualified automatically for the contest against the United States. The competition between Europe and USA takes place at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome, from September 29 – October 1.
About Team Europe’s Ryder Cup Captain’s Picks
Sweden’s Aberg, Denmark’s Højgaard and Austria’s Straka will be making their first appearance for Europe in the Ryder Cup. Ireland’s Shane Lowry will be playing in his first on European soil having been part of the team at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin two years ago.
It will be Englishman Fleetwood’s third consecutive Ryder Cup. Fleetwood memorably made his debut in 2018 when he won four points out of five in Paris. Justin Rose returns to the European Team for the first time since that contest at Le Golf National five years ago. Rose will make his sixth Ryder Cup appearance overall, having previously featured in 2008, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018.
What Luke Donald Said About Team Europe
European Captain Donald said: “I am delighted to announce Ludvig, Tommy, Nicolai, Shane, Justin and Sepp as part of Team Europe, joining the six players who qualified automatically.
“We have great depth of talent in Europe, and that is perfectly illustrated with the team we now have confirmed for Rome, which is a strong blend of players with previous experience combined with exciting and talented rookies.
“I’m really pleased to have this team now in place, and we are all looking forward to going to Rome later this month and trying to win back the Ryder Cup.”
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/ryder-cup-2023-irish-star-needs-a-helping-hand-from-donald2023-09-04T09:04:20+01:002023-09-07T09:23:44+01:00Ryder Cup 2023: Irish Star Needs a Helping Hand from DonaldMatt Nicholson
Republic of Ireland golfer Shane Lowry will need a favour from Luke Donald if he is to feature for Team Europe at this year’s Ryder Cup. Lowry’s chances of earning an automatic spot ended after he missed the cut at the Czech Masters and he now needs Donald to make him a captain’s pick. The Irishman has been inconsistent in recent weeks but will feel he deserves a spot given he is eighth on the world points list and tenth […]
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Republic of Ireland golfer Shane Lowry will need a favour from Luke Donald if he is to feature for Team Europe at this year’s Ryder Cup.
Lowry’s chances of earning an automatic spot ended after he missed the cut at the Czech Masters and he now needs Donald to make him a captain’s pick.
The Irishman has been inconsistent in recent weeks but will feel he deserves a spot given he is eighth on the world points list and tenth in the European standings.
In a recent interview with the Beyond the Clubhouse podcast, Donald indicated that Lowry’s current form may not impact his chances of being selected.
“Shane brings a lot to the team room,” Donald said. “I think he’s a great energy – he absolutely loved the experience of Whistling Straits despite the result, which I think shows a lot.
“Obviously, winning is important, but he enjoyed what the Ryder Cup is about. It’s coming together as a team unit.
“His game fell off a little bit three or four months ago – struggling a little bit on the greens. Steadily, he’s been a lot better. He’s starting to play some really good golf. He’s had some good performances in the Majors.
“I’ve played quite a few practice rounds with him in tournaments and his game looks really solid. I wouldn’t have any worries about where he is with this game and I think he’s in a good spot.”
Donald will be eager to assemble the strongest possible line-up for this year’s Ryder Cup as Europe strive to gain their revenge against the United States.
Europe were demolished 19-9 in 2021 – the largest margin of victory since European players joined the competition in 1979.
Online bookmakers have backed the US to retain the trophy, installing them as 4/5 favourites to win on European soil for the first time in 32 years.
Given that record, odds of 6/4 for Team Europe to win on the best Irish betting sites will undoubtedly entice punters seeking a value wager.
Comparison websites, which feature in-depth reviews of reliable sportsbooks operators, will help you find the best prices in the run up to the tournament.
In addition to Lowry’s possible inclusion in the European squad, Irish golf bettors will also be keeping a close eye on Rory McIlroy’s fitness over the next few weeks.
The Northern Irishman failed in his quest to win a fourth FedExCup title last weekend, eventually finishing fourth behind runaway winner Viktor Hovland.
McIlroy has been troubled by a muscular injury in his back, but expects to be fully fit to compete in the Irish Open at the K Club in early September.
He won the tournament the last time it was staged at the course in 2016 and is among the bookies’ favourites to repeat the trick this year.
The Team Europe squad will feature in the tournament as they strive to put the finishing touches to their individual preparations for the Ryder Cup.
McIlroy believes the event will provide an ideal opportunity for the team to bond ahead of what promises to be a thrilling encounter against the US.
“I think we’re all excited,” McIlroy told Sky Sports. “There’s a lot of us that were in that team at Whistling Straights and that didn’t feel very nice – didn’t feel good.
“So, yeah, I’m excited to get back over to Europe. We’re all sort of making our way over to Europe a couple weeks early.
“It will be nice to all get together, get some early team dinners before the week in Rome and sort of really feel like that sort of team chemistry is starting already.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/soenderby-wins-women-s-irish-open-after-three-way-playoff2023-09-04T08:30:49+01:002023-09-04T08:43:41+01:00Soenderby wins Women’s Irish Open after three-way playoffNick Bayly
The denouement of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open at Dromoland Castle ended in drama when Anne Van Dam had her driver snapped in two by a spectator rope as she was driven back to the 18th tee in a buggy to take part in a three-way play-off for the title. As it turned out, Van Dam still managed to reach the green on the par-5 hole in two, despite having only a 3-wood to tee off with, but she lost […]
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The denouement of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open at Dromoland Castle ended in drama when Anne Van Dam had her driver snapped in two by a spectator rope as she was driven back to the 18th tee in a buggy to take part in a three-way play-off for the title.
As it turned out, Van Dam still managed to reach the green on the par-5 hole in two, despite having only a 3-wood to tee off with, but she lost the play-off, which also included Sweden’s Lisa Pettersson, after only being able to make a birdie to against Smilla Tarning Soenderby eagle, which secured the Dane her first LET title.
Soenderby headed into the final day in a tie for 21st place after rounds of 71, 67 and 72, but the 23-year-old powered up the field on Sunday with a 10-under-par 62 to post the clubhouse lead on -16, a score later joined by Van Dam and Sweden’s Lisa Pettersson.
Dutch star Van Dam held a three-shot lead going into the final round but had an up and down day with four bogeys and five birdies on her card for a 71, but one of those birdies came at the last to make it a three-way playoff. Pettersson who had an eagle, four birdies and two bogeys on her scorecard for a round of 68. In the playoff, she also found the green in two but her second shot rolled down the back of the green and she was unable to make her eagle or birdie putts.
Victory provided redemption for tSoenderby, who three-putted the last green in this same event last year to miss out her first win. “It means so much. Last year I could barely grip my putter, whereas this year I was more calm. I just knew how to handle it.”
She added: “I’m not quite sure what happened in the playoff. I hit very long drive and had just 178 yards in. I wanted to hit a 5-iron to the middle of the green but missed it a bit left. It sounded like I almost holed it and then the putt went in. I didn’t think my score was enough when I got into the clubhouse, but it turned out to be enough.”
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/aberg-surges-into-ryder-reckoning-with-european-masters-win2023-09-03T21:13:45+01:002023-09-03T22:23:38+01:00Aberg surges into Ryder reckoning with European Masters winNick Bayly
Sweden's Ludvig Aberg claimed a maiden victory in only his second DP World Tour event as a professional courtesy of a stunning finish at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland, and put himself firmly in the running for a captain's pick for this month's Ryder Cup.
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Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg claimed a maiden victory in only his second DP World Tour event as a professional courtesy of a stunning finish at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland, and put himself firmly in the running for a captain’s pick for this month’s Ryder Cup.
The former top amateur confirmed his status as one of golf’s rising stars with a closing 64 at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club to deny Matt Fitzpatrick a hat-trick of titles in the Swiss mountains, after turning professional in June.
Aberg birdied four of his last five holes to finish on 19 under par, two ahead of fellow countryman Alexander Björk, with long-time leader Fitzpatrick eventually finishing in a tie for third with Connor Syme after dropping three shots in his last four holes.
After a bogey at the first for Aberg left the 23-year-old three off the pace, he rolled in a 14-footer for birdie on the fifth. A tee shot to five feet at the eighth and a delicate up-and-down on the ninth saw him turn in 33, although he still had work to do to catch overnight leader Fitzpatrick at that stage.
Four successive pars on the inward nine looked to have ended his chances, but Aberg had other ideas as he cashed in on the back-to-back par-five 14th and 15th, rolled in a 15 footer on the 16th and stiffed his approach to tap-in range at the 17th. He might have had another birdie on the daunting 18th, but came up a touch shy with his putt from 13 feet.
Aberg said: “I‘ve always had that belief that one day I could win out here on tour, but to do it so soon is pretty cool. To be able to put together four rounds here in the mountains is a dream come true. It’s a testament that I’m doing good stuff. I’ve been asked about the Ryder Cup a lot. I feel like I’ve done a good job of not letting it affect me too much. I try to just play golf and see where that golf takes me. Luckily today, I’m sitting here with a trophy, so it took me quite some way. Any European growing up is watching the Ryder Cup, you want to be on that team. To be in those conversations is very flattering.”
With his tied third place finish, Fitzpatrick secured a place on the European Ryder Cup team after taking the last spot via the World Points list, with Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre guaranteeing a debut in Rome by claiming the last remaining place on the European Points List. The remaining six places will be filled by captain’s picks which will be announced by Luke Donald on Monday.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/usa-rallies-to-win-walker-cup2023-09-03T21:02:29+01:002023-09-03T21:04:30+01:00USA rallies to win Walker CupNick Bayly
Team USA has won the 49th Walker Cup after defeating Great Britain & Ireland 14½-11½ over two days of intense competition at St Andrews watched by a crowd of over 14,000 fans.
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Team USA has won the 49th Walker Cup after defeating Great Britain & Ireland 14½-11½ over two days of intense competition at St Andrews watched by a crowd of over 14,000 fans.
America’s best amateur talent rekindled memories of its last away win at Royal Liverpool in 2019 with another stunning second day singles display to reverse a three-point overnight deficit and secure victory at the Old Course.
USA captain Mike McCoy’s team trailed 7½-4½ going into day two, but handled the windy conditions over the links superbly to triumph against Stuart Wilson’s GB&I side. It was the fourth consecutive win for the USA in the biennial international match and they now lead the overall series 39-9-1.
Sunday Foursomes
It was a morning that belonged to the visitors in the foursomes. McCoy’s side were desperate for a fast start and they achieved it in the sunny and breezy conditions. At one point over the opening nine holes, they were up in all four matches.
The USA eventually secured the session 3-1, with only the Irish duo of Liam Nolan and Mark Power victorious for GB&I after their 4&3 triumph included four birdies in their last five holes against Dylan Menante and Austin Greaser.
In the opening match, Caleb Surratt and Ben James triumphed 2&1 against John Gough and Matthew McClean. A key moment came at the 12th when Gough found a gorse bush with his drive and the lost ball saw GB&I trail by two holes. When the USA duo birdied the next, they stood firm to close out the tie.
Preston Summerhays and Nick Gabrelcik were also 2&1 victors against James Ashfield and Alex Maguire, helped by a three-up lead established in the opening six holes as the home team struggled. GB&I were back to one down after the USA bogeyed the par-5 14th, but their bridie at the 16th proved decisive.
Gordon Sargent was vital to the one-hole win for the Americans in match two, inflicting a first defeat on Calum Scott and Connor Graham. He secured his third win of the weekend to highlight why he is the world’s number one male amateur golfer. The 20-year-old holed vital six feet putts at 16 and 18 as he and US Amateur champion Dunlap celebrated in front of a huge crowd on the final hole.
Sunday Singles
Surratt drew the USA level at 8½-8½ after defeating Scott 3&2 in the first singles match. The American edged ahead early in the match, winning the 2nd hole and was three -up by the 14th after clinching it with a birdie. Despite dropping a hole back with a bogey on 15, Surratt showed his class to see the match out with another birdie at the next hole.
Stewart Hagestad nudged the away team ahead for the first time in the afternoon session after beating Graham 3&2. The Walker Cup veteran held off the advances of the Scottish debutant to close out the encounter with wins on 15 and 16 holes to give the USA a 9½-8½ lead.
The USA then turned up the heat shortly after as Dunlap fought back from being three down through 14 holes to take Barclay Brown down the last after winning 15 and 16, before securing a dramatic half point with a birdie on 18.
Summerhays secured a full point after a convincing 4&3 performance against Ashfield to put his side 11-9 ahead overall. Sargent and Gough slugged it out in a close contest than swung back and forth with both players holding narrow leads throughout – the highlight coming on the 6th hole when the Englishman holed out from the fairway for an eagle two.
The match crucially swung the American’s way again on 17 after Gough went out of bounds and lost the hole after a double bogey. The two players then matched each other with birdies at 18 to give Sargent a narrow one-hole win and ensure a perfect 4-0 record in the match overall. Jack Bigham hauled GB&I back to within two points at 12-10 after an impressive 3&2 victory against Gabrelcik, before McClean and Menante halved their match to give both sides a share of the spoils.
It was left to David Ford to win the match overall for the USA, draining a birdie putt on the 16th to seal a 3&2 win against Maguire to give his side an unassailable 13½-10½ lead. Power restored pride for the home side after coming out on top against James by one hole, but it was left to Greaser to put the icing on the cake with a 3&1 victory over Nolan. The USA won the singles 7-3 leave the final score 14½-11½.
US captain Mike McCoy said: “It’s a pretty good feeling to have won the Walker Cup. We had a great day, and it was these fantastic players, they’re the ones who did it.Last night we kind of mixed the pairings up a little bit, and we knew we needed a strong morning. Our goal was to sweep the morning. We didn’t quite sweep it, but we got the points we needed. Then as far as lunchtime team talk went it was ‘one shot at a time, guys, just play one shot at a time’.
“I put a lot of effort into this for two years and tried to do anything I could that would help make the team successful. We had a lot of support. Ben Albert, a friend of mine, he knows amateur golf in America better than anybody, and he was a sounding board for me in terms of the players, and he knew their parents, he knew their coaches, and through that, I was able to get to know them better, as well. I learned a little bit about what made each of them tick, and it just worked out, but there was a lot of effort by a lot of people to make this happen.”
GB& I captain Stuart Wilson said: “It was a great performance from the boys yesterday to get those three points ahead and then still have a slight advantage going into the singles. We were all still quite optimistic. But I think the Americans just handled the conditions slightly better than us, and to be fair to the boys, without being too harsh or that, I’m sure they’ll be quite disappointed in the way they played. They tried their hardest, but they didn’t turn up with their ‘A’ games this afternoon in some of the matches. They’ll be the ones that will feel it and hurt tomorrow, but the good thing is for them is they’ve got the future. They’ve got tomorrow. I’m sure they can start focusing on the next thing.”
FULL SCORES
Day 1 – 4 x Foursomes(GB&I players first)
Barclay Brown / Mark Power lost to Gordon Sargent / Dylan Menante 3&2
Calum Scott / Connor Graham beat Caleb Surratt / Ben James 3&2
Matthew McClean / John Gough beat Preston Summerhays / David Ford 1 Hole
Alex Maguire / James Ashfield beat Nick Dunlap / Stewart Hagestad 1 Hole GB&I 3 – USA 1
Day 1 – 8 x Singles
Barclay Brown lost to Caleb Surratt 4&3
Calum Scott beat Nick Gabrelcik 2&1
Jack Bigham lost to Gordon Sargent 1 Hole
Liam Nolan beat Austin Greaser 1 Hole
Mark Power beat David Ford 1 Hole
Matthew McClean halved with Preston Summerhays
Alex Maguire lost to Stewart Hagestad
John Gough beat Nick Dunlap 6&5 GB&I 4.5 – USA 3.5
Day 2 – 4 x Foursomes
Matthew McClean / John Gough lost to Caleb Surratt / Ben James 2&1
Connor Graham / Calum Scott lost to Nick Dunlap / Gordon Sargent 1 Hole
James Ashfield / Alex Maguire lost to Preston Summerhays / Nick Gabrelcik 2&1
Liam Nolan / Mark Power beat Dylan Menante / Austin Greaser 4&3 GB&I 1 – USA 3
Day 2 Singles – 10 x singles
Calum Scott lost to Caleb Surratt 3&2
Barclay Brown halved with Nick Dunlap
Connor Graham lost to Stewart Hagestad 3&2
John Gough lost to Gordon Sargent 1 Hole
James Ashfield lost to Preston Summerhays 4&3
Matthew McClean halved with Dylan Menante
Jack Bigham beat Nick Gabrelcik 3&2
Mark Power beat Ben James 1 Hole
Liam Nolan lost to Austin Greaser 3&1
Alex Maguire lost to David Ford 3&2 GB&I 3 – USA 7
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/virtual-vegas-vibes-roll-the-dice-and-win-big-in-the-world-of-online-casinos2023-09-01T23:27:27+01:002023-09-01T23:44:07+01:00Virtual Vegas Vibes: Roll the Dice and Win Big in the World of Online CasinosMatt Nicholson
In an era where technology is reshaping every facet of our lives, it’s no surprise that gambling has also undergone a significant transformation. The allure of Las Vegas, with its dazzling lights and glamorous casinos, has now found a virtual counterpart in the form of online casinos. This article takes you on a journey through the digital realm of gambling with the top 50 online casinos UK, exploring the evolution, benefits, game offerings, safety considerations, and tips for a rewarding […]
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In an era where technology is reshaping every facet of our lives, it’s no surprise that gambling has also undergone a significant transformation. The allure of Las Vegas, with its dazzling lights and glamorous casinos, has now found a virtual counterpart in the form of online casinos.
This article takes you on a journey through the digital realm of gambling with the top 50 online casinos UK, exploring the evolution, benefits, game offerings, safety considerations, and tips for a rewarding experience in online casinos.
The Evolution: Transitioning from Brick-and-Mortar Casinos to Virtual Gambling Hubs
The Digital Revolution and its Impact on Gambling
In the wake of the digital age, the gambling industry has undergone a sweeping transformation, altering the way people engage with games of chance. This metamorphosis is particularly evident in the transition from conventional land-based casinos to the virtual realm of online gambling.
The rise of online casinos has redefined convenience, accessibility, and the overall gambling experience, challenging the long-standing dominance of their brick-and-mortar counterparts.
Convenience Redefined: The Rise of Online Casinos
Unveiling Unprecedented Accessibility
One of the most notable advancements in gambling is the emergence of online casinos, which have harnessed the power of the internet to offer a novel gambling experience. Unlike traditional casinos, online platforms are accessible from virtually anywhere with an internet connection.
This accessibility eliminates the need for players to travel to physical casino locations, eradicating geographical barriers and bringing the thrill of gambling to individuals who previously lacked proximity to a casino.
Seamless Immersion: From Clicks to Chips
Online casinos have ushered in a new era of convenience, enabling players to engage with their favorite games through simple clicks. Players no longer need to navigate through labyrinthine casino floors; instead, they can easily browse game catalogs, choose their preferred titles, and initiate gameplay with unprecedented ease.
The transition from land-based to online casinos has eradicated the time-consuming process of traveling to casinos and has streamlined the gambling experience into a user-friendly digital interface.
A Plethora of Games at Your Fingertips
The digital transformation has opened the doors to various games catering to every gambling inclination. Slot machines, those iconic symbols of casinos, have evolved into digital wonders, offering themes ranging from ancient civilizations to futuristic space adventures.
Table games like blackjack, poker, and roulette have also transitioned to the virtual realm, preserving their essence while adding a layer of digital convenience.
Live Dealer Games: A Bridge Between Real and Virtual
For those who crave an authentic casino experience, live dealer games have emerged as a bridge between digital and real-world gambling. These games combine the convenience of online play with the interaction of a live dealer, streamed in real-time to your device.
Players can now place bets, interact with the dealer, and relish the camaraderie of fellow gamblers, all without leaving their homes.
Unveiling the Perks of Online Casinos
The allure of online casinos extends beyond the mere availability of games. One of the primary draws is the convenience factor. Unlike their physical counterparts, online casinos are open 24/7, allowing players to indulge in their favorite games whenever they please.
Additionally, these platforms shower players with generous bonuses, promotions, and loyalty rewards, enhancing the overall gambling experience.
Ensuring a Safe Bet: Navigating the Online Casino Landscape
While the digital sphere offers exciting opportunities, navigating it with caution is crucial. Legitimacy and security are paramount. Reputable online casinos are licensed and regulated, ensuring fair play and secure transactions.
Secure payment methods and advanced encryption technologies safeguard your financial data, providing peace of mind during virtual gambling.
Strategies for Success in Online Gambling
As with any form of gambling, success in online casinos requires strategy and discipline. Effective bankroll management is essential, as setting limits on your spending to ensure a sustainable experience.
Choosing games that align with your skills and preferences can also enhance your odds of winning. Learning the rules and strategies of games further tips the odds in your favor, making your gambling journey more rewarding.
The Future of Online Casinos: Technological Advancements
The realm of online casinos is on a constant journey of innovation. Technological advancements are shaping the future of virtual gambling.
Virtual reality (VR) casinos offer an immersive experience replicating physical casinos’ grandeur. The integration of cryptocurrencies is also becoming more prevalent, offering heightened security and anonymity for transactions.
Conclusion
The digital age has ushered in a new era of gambling, where the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas are available at the tap of a screen. Online casinos have revolutionized the gambling experience, making it accessible, convenient, and exciting.
As technology advances, the virtual gambling world is set to evolve even further, offering new avenues for entertainment and innovation.
Remember, while online casinos are filled with possibilities, responsible and informed gambling remains the key to a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/surrey-claim-boys-county-crown2023-09-01T08:58:52+01:002023-09-01T09:04:30+01:00Surrey claim Boys’ County crownNick Bayly
Surrey won the Boys’ County Finals at John O’Gaunt Golf Club in Bedfordshire following a dominant 8.5-0.5 win over Worcestershire on the final day.
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Surrey won the Boys’ County Finals at John O’Gaunt Golf Club in Bedfordshire following a dominant 8.5-0.5 win over Worcestershire on the final day.
Surrey only led by a single game point heading into the final day, but a 3-0 result in the foursomes, followed by a 5.5-0.5 victory in the singles, completed an emphatic win to secure the trophy, while Yorkshire beat Wiltshire 5-4 overall to finish second.
On Tuesday’s opening day, Wiltshire thumped Worcestershire 6.5-2.5, with Yorkshire beating Surrey 5.5-3.5, while day two saw Worcestershire and Surrey bounce back, winning 5.5-3.5 and 6.5-2.5 against Yorkshire and Wiltshire respectively. It meant that all of the four teams could still win the title going into the competition’s final day.
Surrey player Monty Holcombe said: “We’re so pleased, the whole group has put in so much work. We had a tough first day against Yorkshire, we played well but results didn’t quite go our way but we’re a determined group and we knew anything could happen as it’s a three-day tournament and we came out firing on the final day.”
Surrey County Head Coach John Noble added: “I’m delighted for the boys; this is topping up a great year for them as we won the qualifier here in July. They’ve all had some fantastic individual performances in this tournament and a big thanks go to my assistant coaches for their hard work in helping us achieve this.
“It’s such a fantastic feeling as I’ve been trying to win this for 11 years and to win it with this bunch of guys is amazing. What’s more, we can still come back again next year as an under-18 group, as they’re all still so young.”
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/abacus-launches-official-ryder-cup-apparel-collection2023-08-31T12:22:08+01:002023-09-03T21:04:45+01:00Abacus launches official Ryder Cup apparel collectionNick Bayly
Golf fans heading out to Rome for the 44th Ryder Cup, or those simply watching on TV from the comfort of their home, clubhouse, or sports bar, can show their support for the event by kitting themselves out with a selection of bespoke official Ryder Cup golf apparel from Abacus Sportswear.
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Golf fans heading out to Rome for the 44th Ryder Cup, or those simply watching on TV from the comfort of their home, clubhouse, or sports bar, can show their support for the event by kitting themselves out with a selection of bespoke official Ryder Cup golf apparel from Abacus Sportswear.The premium Swedish performance sports apparel company is an exclusive licensed apparel brand for the biannual match play event, which tees off at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club on September 29, before coming to its traditional Sunday singles finale on October 1.
Ahead of this unmissable event, the DP World Tour has selected an official collection of Abacus garments and accessories, all of which have been designed to help golfers play their best as well as look the part, and support professional golf’s most highly anticipated team event.
The Abacus Ryder Cup 2023 Collection includes a variety of performance polos, gilets, wind shirts and rain jackets for men and women – all of which prominently feature the trademarked Ryder Cup 2023 logo and are available to buy in the merchandise outlets at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club during the Ryder Cup or via the Ryder Cup’s online shop. GROVE HYBRID JACKET
This stylish, lightweight, windproof jacket features quilted padded front and back panels for warmth, while a stretch fleece fabric in the sleeves, side panels and shoulders enables unrestricted movement and ensures a snug, yet comfortable fit. Added wind protection comes from using a ‘heat pressed’ quilt, a process that avoids the small holes left behind from stitching therefore enhancing the overall windproofness of the jacket.
Design features include a full zipper at front with chin guard and inside wind flap to keep neck and throat away from wind and cold air and is finished with reflective piping, two handy front pockets with zip closure, Abacus logo on right sleeve and prominent Ryder Cup logo on left chest. Available in Black for men and navy for ladies. RRP: £120
GROVE HYBRID VEST GILET
The Grove Hybrid Gilet features all the same material and performance benefits as the Grove Jacket – seamless, quilted and padded windproof fabric to the front and back with side panels and shoulders constructed from stretchy fleece – but without the full sleeves. Ideal for wearing over a long-sleeved base layer or midlayer, the Gilet features elastic binding around the armholes to keep the wind out and ensure the body remains warm. Other design features include a full zipper at front with reflective piping, two handy front pockets, and prominent Ryder Cup logo on left chest. Available in green for ladies. RRP: £100
LYTHAM SOFTSHELL JACKET
Made from a stretchy softshell fabric that is also very breathable, the Lytham jacket is perfect for playing championship links venues and local parkland courses alike. Moisture and heat transportation properties will help you stay warm without over-heating, while built-in stretch enables total freedom of movement while delivering a secure, fitted feel, aided by elastic bindings in the cuffs and waist area.
Offering two front pockets to keep your hands warm, the jacket features the Abacus logo on the upper right sleeve and below the collar on the back, and the all-important Ryder Cup 2023 log on the left chest. RRP: £100
CRAY POLO SHIRT Offered in crisp solid black or striking red for both men and women, the Cray Polo shirt is ideal for wearing on its own in the summer sunshine or being paired with gilet or midlayer if the temperature drops. Featuring DryCool properties and excellent breathability, it will help keep you cool in Italy’s late summer sun or wherever you play your golf, while its built-in stretch ensures complete comfort throughout the phases of the swing. Available in sizes S-XXXL, it features the Ryder Cup 2023 log on the left chest. RRP: £50
SUNNINGDALE HALF-ZIP
Perfect for keeping warm while watching or playing golf, the long-sleeved Sunningdale Half-Zip boasts a soft, brush fleeced inside, which offers good heat retention, while a high collar keeps out the wind. Offered in a solid navy colour in sizes S-XXXL for both men and women, it features an Abacus logo on the right shoulder and a prominent Ryder Cup 2023 logo on the left chest. RRP: £85
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/ryder-cup-usa-favourites-to-retain-the-trophy-for-the-first-time-in-30-years2023-08-31T10:13:59+01:002023-08-31T12:23:50+01:00Ryder Cup: USA favourites to retain the trophy for the first time in 30 yearsMatt Nicholson
The Ryder Cup is not just one of the greatest golfing events, but one of the greatest sporting spectacles on the planet. The bi-annual competition sees the leading golf players from Europe face off in a team event against the United States of America. This year’s event is hugely significant for Americans for a number of reasons. The USA team will be looking to win back-to-back Ryder Cups for the first time in 30 years. They last secured consecutive success in […]
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The Ryder Cup is not just one of the greatest golfing events, but one of the greatest sporting spectacles on the planet. The bi-annual competition sees the leading golf players from Europe face off in a team event against the United States of America.
This year’s event is hugely significant for Americans for a number of reasons. The USA team will be looking to win back-to-back Ryder Cups for the first time in 30 years. They last secured consecutive success in 1993.
This year’s event in Italy will also represent the USA’s seventh attempt to finally win on European soil, since the glory of 1993. They have lost in England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, France and Spain in their previous European ventures for the competition.
USA are favourites to end 30-year winless streak in Europe
The North Americans are predicted the edge in this year’s Ryder Cup despite their poor recent record on the continent. They are the favourites to win the event in Rome this Autumn, offered at 8/13 in golf betting. The European team are far from minnows though, in the Ryder Cup odds they are offered at 6/4 to lengthen the USA’s woes in Europe.
The first-ever Ryder Cup held in Italy could well see the United States put an end to a number of unwanted records in their modern tournament history. But the quality of Europe should not be underestimated.
Europe has golfers ranked from second to fourth in the official world rankings. Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland will all fight for the European cause this year.
With the European team featuring an abundance of talent, what makes the USA appear even stronger going into the Ryder Cup of 2023?
The Americans have the world’s number one
The USA team may be competing against a number of highly ranked individuals in the world rankings. However, they have the greatest player in the world according to the official rankings in Scottie Scheffler.
Scheffler has already claimed the Players’ Championship this year at the expense of the likes of Norwegian Hovland. He won comfortably by five strokes over runner-up Tyrrell Hatton – who will compete for Europe in the Ryder Cup and could be fired up for revenge.
The 27-year-old American is simply the greatest golfing talent on the planet right now. In 2023, he has featured in more events than McIlroy and Rahm, yet he has maintained a higher points average per event.
Many golfers peak on certain stages, but Scheffler offers a strong level of consistency across all of the competitions he features in.
The depth of the USA team
Hosting the greatest golfer in the world is of course a huge boost for the team, but their stronger overall depth could be where the difference between the two teams is made.
Of the top 10 players in the world, six players hail from the USA and will feature in the nation’s Ryder Cup team including Patrick Cantlay and veteran Brian Harman who will make his debut in the competition.
The North Americans have half a dozen players that are genuinely top-tier which is a level of depth that Europe cannot compare to. They have three superstars in McIlroy, Rahm and Hovland, but the remainder of their roster is certainly weaker than the US.
The US are well-suited to make the Ryder Cup a successful landmark event for their nation this year. This could be the greatest chance they will get to finally end their barren spell in Europe.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/the-hero-dubai-desert-classic-drives-sustainable-golf2023-08-30T10:17:07+01:002023-08-31T08:23:48+01:00The Hero Dubai Desert Classic drives sustainable golfMatt Nicholson
The Hero Dubai Desert Classic (HDDC) has become the first golf event in the Middle East and first within the DP World Tour Rolex Series to achieve GEO Certified® Tournament status, demonstrating the event’s leadership among sustainable golf events. The distinction is awarded and assured by the international non-profit GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, and is based on the strength of commitment, breadth and depth of action, and range of tangible measured impacts across a broad sustainability agenda. Obtaining GEO […]
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The Hero Dubai Desert Classic (HDDC) has become the first golf event in the Middle East and first within the DP World Tour Rolex Series to achieve GEO Certified® Tournament status, demonstrating the event’s leadership among sustainable golf events.
The distinction is awarded and assured by the international non-profit GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, and is based on the strength of commitment, breadth and depth of action, and range of tangible measured impacts across a broad sustainability agenda.
Obtaining GEO Certified® status has become a notable achievement showcased by many of the world’s most renowned golf venues and events.
The First DP World Tour Venue to Become GEO Certified®
Commenting on the achievement, Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director for the Hero Dubai Desert Classic said, ‘We are delighted that the Dubai Desert Classic is the first golf event in the Middle East to achieve this important distinction, and milestone. It speaks to our strong dedication to tackling priority environmental and social issues, as we strive to deliver meaningful net positive impacts through the event. With the wide reach that the tournament has, we hope this achievement will help to raise awareness and inspire other events, businesses, and individuals across the region and beyond.”
Additionally, Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) at Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), commented: ‘With 2023 being the Year of Sustainability in the UAE, and as the country prepares to host COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai, the Dubai Desert Classic’s certification is a laudable achievement and a meaningful step towards achieving the wider, national Net Zero objectives. We congratulate them on their inspiring commitment to resource efficiency and climate action. This accomplishment sets an exceptional example of sustainable best practice within such high-profile global mass events, further reinforcing the city’s position as an international events hub in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033 launched by our visionary leadership to further consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the top three global cities.”
Gaining GEO Certification
The criteria for the certification of tournaments spans a range of priority sustainability themes and action areas; supported by detailed best practices; which are in turn weighted and scored. A minimum number of points are required to achieve certification. These are verified by an accredited, third party and expert verifier, who visits during event week to observe practices, projects, and other activations on site. A verifier report is then submitted to the GEO Certification Ltd team, a subsidiary of the GEO Foundation. If the criteria are met, certification is then awarded accompanied by key Continual Improvement Points.
Andrew Lynch, Head of Sustainability for the European Tour group said: ‘It is wonderful to see events across the DP World Tour schedule leaning into sustainability in this way. Making it integral to the way they are planned, staged, and promoted. It aligns fully with our own Green Drive strategy, and leadership actions we are taking across our own operations and our owned and staged events. We encourage all of our valued tournament promoters to join the Hero Dubai Desert Classic in making their tournaments a true showcase for sustainability.”
How is Dubai Driving Sustainable Golf?
Highlights from the Hero Dubai Desert Classic included:
Wide use of solar power with the Media Centre and 80% of the fan area between 11th and 15th holes powered by solar
Free water refill points have helped divert 80,000 single-use plastic bottles from landfill since 2022
100% biofuel used in temporary generators throughout the event helping accelerate towards Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050, with up to 92% less carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel generators
Spectators actively encouraged through campaigns and discount codes to use public transport or car share as more sustainable transport options
Park and Plant – for those who did travel by car, there was a charge of 50AED for parking on site and the event planted three trees for each car
Digital ticketing and programme reduced paper waste
Extensive recycling and composting initiatives to reduce waste to landfill
Along with actions to reduce carbon emissions, credibly offsetting unavoidable emissions via the Rolex Series portfolio with the Gold Standard, supporting the Central Mozambique safe water programme, alongside local Mangrove ecosystem restoration project
PVC and vinyl from event infrastructure re-used or turned into laptop bags and other products
2000 native Ghaf tree seeds planted across Dubai Emirates Golf Club
Support for Heroes of Hope, introducing people of determination to golf via organised clinics with the Academy at Emirates Golf Club.
Renewable energy event partner Aggreko won ‘best sustainability initiative’ award for its involvement in Dubai Desert Classic 2022 and 2023 at Middle East Event Awards June 2023
A Proud Moment for Hero Dubai Dessert Classic
Furthermore, Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf, said: “Credit to the leadership and team at Falcon Golf. Over the last three years they have progressively built out a comprehensive sustainability strategy; and then with determination, creativity and collaboration taken this out across the staging, legacies, and communications around the event. This has been complimented by the longstanding work undertaken by the host venue, Emirates Golf Club. We look forward to seeing where their Continual Improvement Points can take them over the coming 12 months and the years beyond”.
The Hero Dubai Deserts Classic’s GEO certification serves as a proud testament to Dubai’s position as a global leader in its unwavering commitment to a greener future. Along with its role as host of COP28, the city strives to inspire positive change and set a precedent for others worldwide.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/zach-johnson-announces-captain-s-picks-for-us-ryder-cup-team2023-08-29T15:59:09+01:002023-08-31T10:23:52+01:00ZACH JOHNSON ANNOUNCES CAPTAIN’S PICKS FOR US RYDER CUP TEAMNick Bayly
Zach Johnson has announced his captain's picks for the US Ryder Cup team to face Europe in Rome next month. They are Sam Burns, Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.
Zach Johnson has announced his captain’s picks for the US Ryder Cup team to face Europe in Rome next month. They are Sam Burns, Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa, Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.
They join the six automatic qualifiers – Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Max Homa and Xander Schauffele – who accumulated the most Ryder Cup points over the last two years.
The US Team will travel to Rome hoping to win a Ryder Cup on European soil for the first time since 1993. It will do so with an evident emphasis on experience. While three automatic qualifiers (Clark, Harman and Homa) will make their Ryder Cup debut, Burns is the only captain’s pick that has not appeared in the event. The other five captain’s picks have a combined 14 Ryder Cup appearances with a 25-21-11 record.
Thomas is the lone team member who failed to make the FedExCup Playoffs. The 15-time PGA Tour winner has had a disappointing 2022-23 season. Although, he has been one of the top-performing Americans in each of the last several team events. Thomas finished 15th in the Ryder Cup Points List, the lowest of any of the captain’s picks.
“In my mind, he was born for this,” Johnson said regarding Thomas. “You don’t just leave JT at home. He is without question the heart and soul of the US Team. Our emotional leader.”
Fowler returns to the team after missing the previous two Ryder Cups. Koepka, Morikawa, Spieth and Thomas were part of the US team’s record 19-9 victory at Whistling Straits in 2021. Koepka is the only LIV Golf League player to make the team, having missed out on automatic qualification by just one place.
Which Players Missed Out for the US Ryder Cup Team
Among the players to narrowly miss out on a captain’s pick were Cameron Young and Keegan Bradley, who were 9th and 11th on the points list. Lucas Glover also put himself into contention with two late wins, but he was ranked 16th in the points list, one behind Thomas.
The European Team will be finalised following the conclusion of the DP World Tour’s Omega European Masters on Sept 3. Captain Luke Donald will announce his six captain’s picks on Sept 4 to go with the six automatic qualifying players.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/team-usa-announced-for-solheim-cup2023-08-29T08:32:56+01:002023-08-30T05:05:20+01:00Team USA announced for Solheim CupNick Bayly
Team USA captain Stacy Lewis has named Ally Ewing, Cheyenne Knight and Angel Yin as her captain’s picks for the Solheim Cup. The final three picks were made in a special announcement on Monday as Team USA look to avoid a third consecutive Solheim Cup defeat for the first time in the tournament’s history. Two-time LPGA Tour winner Knight makes her Solheim Cup debut whilst Ewing and Yin both make their third appearance. World No.1 Lilia Vu and No.2 Nelly […]
Team USA captain Stacy Lewis has named Ally Ewing, Cheyenne Knight and Angel Yin as her captain’s picks for the Solheim Cup.
The final three picks were made in a special announcement on Monday as Team USA look to avoid a third consecutive Solheim Cup defeat for the first time in the tournament’s history.
Two-time LPGA Tour winner Knight makes her Solheim Cup debut whilst Ewing and Yin both make their third appearance.
World No.1 Lilia Vu and No.2 Nelly Korda lead the list of nine automatic qualifiers for Team USA, who will take on Team Europe and captain Suzann Pettersen at Finca Cortesin in Spain from September 22-24.
Lewis captains the squad for next month’s biennial competition in Spain, which includes five others based on Solheim Cup point standings – Allisen Corpuz, Megan Khang, Jennifer Kupcho, Danielle Kang and Andrea Lee – plus Lexi Thompson and LPGA Tour rookie Rose Zhang, the two highest Americans in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings who were not in the top seven in the US Solheim Cup standings.
“The last year has been exciting – and challenging – and to have these players locked in has me pumped for the week in Spain,” Lewis said. “Even the rookies aren’t true rookies in my eyes. Over the last two years, they have proven to be great competitors and I have no doubt that they won’t be overwhelmed by the experience. When we add in the captain’s picks, this is definitely going to be a very strong team.”
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/hovland-wins-fedex-cup-after-dominant-display-at-east-lake2023-08-28T08:02:36+01:002023-08-28T08:04:25+01:00HOVLAND WINS FEDEX CUP AFTER DOMINANT DISPLAY AT EAST LAKENick Bayly
Viktor Hovland hit a final round 63 at East Lake in Atlanta to win the Tour Championship by five shots – and the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup title –and pick up the winner’s check for a cool $18m. The in-form Norwegian, who won the previous week’s BMW Championship, led by six shots going into Sunday’s final round, after shooting 68, 64 and 66, but was pressed by Xander Schauffele, who shot a 62 and closed to within three strokes with […]
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Viktor Hovland hit a final round 63 at East Lake in Atlanta to win the Tour Championship by five shots – and the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup title –and pick up the winner’s check for a cool $18m.
The in-form Norwegian, who won the previous week’s BMW Championship, led by six shots going into Sunday’s final round, after shooting 68, 64 and 66, but was pressed by Xander Schauffele, who shot a 62 and closed to within three strokes with six to play. However, Hovland birdied the final three holes to win by five strokes on 27 under.
“It’s pretty surreal to be standing here right now,” said Hovland, who moves up to world no.4 with the win. “The gameplan before starting was to hit the middle of the green, make a lot of pars and make Xander get after it, which he did early so I had to change my gameplan a little bit.”
Hovland and Schauffele had equally fast starts, both picking up four birdies in their opening six holes after a near two-hour delay because of lightning and heavy rain. The American holed further birdie putts on 8, 11 and 12 to reduce the deficit to three as Hovland missed chances of his own but also made some crucial par putts.
It looked like Hovland’s advantage may be further reduced at 14 after he hit a poor chip, but he sensationally holed a 23-foot putt to save par. “That was just huge for momentum because two shots with four holes to go is a lot different from three shots,” Hovland said. “And after that I really relaxed.”
His fifth birdie of the day came on 16, to end a run of nine pars, and he added two more on the 17 and 18 to seal his sixth PGA Tour victory and the biggest win of his career in the season-ending tournament.
Schauffele also had a bogey-free round as he finished on 22 under to claim the $6.5m runner-up prize from the $75m bonus pot. US Open champion Wyndham Clark finished third on 16 under.
World no.1 Scottie Scheffler, who started the week two shots ahead of Hovland on 10 under par as leader of the FedEx Cup standings, had a disappointing week and closed with a level-par 70 to finish on 11 under. Three-time champion Rory McIlroy, who had been battling a back injury all week, closed with a 65 to finish fourth on 14 under.
“As the week went on it got looser and today it was pretty close to 100%,” the Northern Irishman said. “I wish I had felt like this the rest of the week, but even without a bad back I’m not sure I’d have been able to hang with the two guys in front.”
For the final leaderboard from the Tour Championship, click here.
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/clements-calls-the-shots-at-czech-masters2023-08-28T07:37:57+01:002023-08-28T07:43:28+01:00Clements calls the shots at Czech MastersNick Bayly
Hertfordshire's Todd Clements carded a final round 63 to claim his maiden DP World Tour title at the D+D REAL Czech Masters on Sunday.
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Hertfordshire’s Todd Clements carded a final round 63 to claim his maiden DP World Tour title at the D+D REAL Czech Masters on Sunday.
The 27-year-old player from Brocket Hall, who is currently in his first season on the DP World Tour after graduating from the Challenge Tour last year, started the final day three shots off the lead, but immediately cut the deficit with consecutive birdies on his opening three holes. Another hat-trick of birdies followed from the sixth as he made the turn six under par, taking the outright lead for the first time after the eighth.
He then made a third run of three birdies from the 11th and parred his remaining five holes to sign for a 22 under par total, facing an agonising wait as countryman Matt Wallace still had four holes to play.
Wallace moved to within one stroke after his fifth birdie of the day on the 14th, but was unable to draw level as his birdie attempt from nine feet at the 18th slid agonisingly past the hole, leaving the Londoner to sign for a 67 and handing Clements his first victory on his 30th start on Europe’s top tier tour.
Nicolai Højgaard took third on 18 under, making a late push for consideration for Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup team, while Bob MacIntyre, who still occupies the third and final automatic spot on the European points list with one qualifying event left to play, finished fourth alongside five other players.
Clements, whose victory took him up to 51st in the DP World Tour ranking, and whose previous best finish was 21st in the KLM Open, said: “I’ve dreamt of this for a long time. It’s the reason I play golf. To win out here takes some people a few years, but I had my luck today and managed to take it. I’m over the moon.
He added: “I took inspiration from seeing my friend Dan Brown winning in Ireland last week. We grew up playing amateur golf together and I was delighted for him. That gave me the belief that I could do it as well. I know my game’s there and I know I can compete at this level.”
“Today, I had a hot start and holed a few good putts. I feel like I did my job on every shot. I wasn’t really paying too much attention to the leaderboards, but I knew it was a birdie fest out there, and I was five or six groups ahead of the final pair, so I knew I had to put my foot to the pedal and I managed to do that.”
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https://mysportsanalysis.com/blogs/golf-news/joy-for-johnson-at-us-women-s-senior-open2023-08-28T07:17:02+01:002023-08-28T12:43:58+01:00Joy for Johnson at US Women’s Senior OpenNick Bayly
Trish Johnson made up for some of the disappointment of losing last month’s Senior LPGA Championship when she had the tournament in her grasp, when winning the US Women’s Senior Open by one shot at Waverley Country Club in Oregon.
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Trish Johnson made up for some of the disappointment of losing last month’s Senior LPGA Championship when she had the tournament in her grasp, when winning the US Women’s Senior Open by one shot at Waverley Country Club in Oregon.
The Bristol-born 57-year-old, who won the inaugural Senior LPGA Championship in 2017, doubled her senior major tally after firing a closing 72, to go with earlier rounds of 73, 72 and 67, to finish on four-under and just one shot ahead of runner-up Leta Lindley, with Scotland’s Catriona Matthew a shot further back in third.
After dropping three shots between the fourth and the seventh holes on Sunday, Johnson feared that the collapse that she suffered at the LPGA Championship was about to repeat itself, but she steadied the ship with a birdie at the 9th, and made further gains at 15 and 17 to keep her head in front. However, a bogey at the par-5 17th briefly opened the door for Lindley and Matthew, but the latter dropped at the last to drop into a third, while Lindley’s birdie on 18 wasn’t enough to get past Johnson, who made a par to win by the minimum margin.
“I’ve got to be honest; I am so knackered!” was Johnson’s immediate response to her victory. “I just gutted it out. After the front eight holes I thought, here we go again. But I rallied a bit and hit some decent shots coming in. I wasn’t brilliant today. I hit some good shots, but I hit some ropey ones as well, but I just got away with it.”
She added: “Beth, my caddie, was brilliant. I think she could see the colour draining out of my face, so she kept giving me water as she didn’t want me to faint in front of everybody. She was fantastic and a big part of why I won this week.”