The 10th hole at Riviera is one of the most acclaimed short par 4s in all of golf. As more players have decided to go for this green, wind coming from the left has become a valuable defense.
When the wind comes from the left side, players go for the putting surface 12 percent less often. If the wind is coming from the opposite side (right to left), players have decided to go for it 71% of the time, with an up and down from the left side much easier than the bunkers on the right.
Tiger Woods makes his return to PGA TOUR competition at this week’s Genesis Invitational from Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif., headlining live golf tournament coverage this week on GOLF Channel, Peacock and NBC Sports digital platforms.
In addition to Woods, the star-studded field at the Genesis Invitational features 19 of the top 20 players in the Official World Golf Ranking including World No. 1 and last week’s WM Phoenix Open winner Scottie Scheffler, World No. 2 Rory McIlroy, World No. 3 Jon Rahm, and 2021 Genesis champion Max Homa.
The game of golf requires a certain optimism — players keep coming back regardless of the challenges. The golf industry has seen the perseverance of that optimism in recent years and Club Champion, the globe’s top custom club fitter, is proud to report on exceptional growth in 2022. Following international acquisitions in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, Club Champion has further solidified its place atop the club fitting industry.
The company’s thorough fitting process, hand-built clubs, and attention to detail have gained a strong recognition among golfers, leading to over 94,000 fittings in 2022 alone.
PAYNTR Golf, North America’s fastest growing golf footwear brand, today announced 2022 World Long Drive Champion, Martin Borgmeier, as its newest ambassador ahead of the 2023 World Long Drive season. Borgmeier is currently wearing the Payntr X 002 LE, the brand’s celebrated full grain leather offering with graphite propulsion plate.
“We are thrilled to establish a partnership with Martin and look forward to witnessing his continued success on the World Long Drive circuit this coming year,” said Mike Forsey, Co-founder and President of PAYNTR Golf. “This was a tremendous step forward for PAYNTR Golf to show golfers how our technology will help improve their on-course performance. Martin has proved to be a true student of the game and obsesses over every detail of his craft just like we have in the development of our products.”
Japan’s Takumi Kanaya secured a convincing victory in the US$2 million International Series Oman today to record his first professional victory outside of Japan and suggest that the gifted young golfer is coming of age.
The 24-year-old from Hiroshima shot a final round one-under-par 71 to finish on 10 under and beat American Berry Henson (70) and Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana (72) by four strokes.
Japan's Takumi Kanaya held off a strong challenge from Thailand's Sadom Kaewkanjana and American Berry Henson to secure a dominant four-shot victory and claim the International Series Oman 2023 title at Al Mouj Golf, part of an enhanced series on the Asian Tour.
Starting the final day on 9-under-par, one shot clear of Ryo Hisatsune, Kanaya shot a resolute 71 to tame the testing conditions that Oman’s first ever links course has become renowned for across the globe.
Golfers far and wide are familiar with the multi-colored umbrella logo and the world-famous sports icon it represents. Fittingly, on National Umbrella Day, PUMA GOLF is introducing its latest collaboration with Arnold Palmer Enterprises.
Comprised of apparel, footwear, and accessories, all of which were designed by drawing inspiration from Arnold Palmer’s legacy both on and off the course, the newest PUMA Golf x Arnold Palmer Collection embodies the essence of what golf’s greatest style icon would be wearing today.
Recent Asian Tour Q-School Final winner Jack Thompson has continued to impress making the cut at the first International Series Oman, the first of 10 elevated tournaments on the Asian Tour in 2023.
The Australian has played in a field consisting of major champions Brooks Koepka and Charl Schwartzel, in just his second International Series event following last year’s England tournament at Slaley Hall.
Takumi Kanaya, one of Japan’s most exciting young prospects, made the most of slightly easier conditions in the morning to take the halfway lead in the US$2 million International Series Oman today.
The world’s former number one ranked amateur shot a one-under-par 71 to reach four under par for the tournament, an unassailable lead with the wind getting progressively stronger and blowing the field off course at Al Mouj Golf.
Ralph Lauren RLX Golf’s Pre-Spring 2023 collection is now available on RalphLauren.com.
The latest collection from RLX Golf, spanning men’s and women’s fashion, takes inspiration from Key Largo’s active lifestyle and use of color. Key new colorways include beautiful shades of rose, green, yellow, blue, and peach. Sustainability and performance attributes are featured across both traditional and modern silhouettes alike.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced that four exemption categories will be added for the U.S. Open Championship, beginning with the 2023 championship at The Los Angeles (Calif.) Country Club’s North Course, June 15-18.
One additional exemption will be introduced beginning with the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open, to be contested July 6-9 at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links.
Motocaddy has appointed Californian Mark Kuryak as its new President/General Manager in the Americas to drive sales and raise awareness of the world’s biggest-selling electric golf caddy brand in the golf playing nations across both continents.
With over two decades of high-level management and sales experience across a number of successful sporting goods and lifestyle brands, Mark is now responsible for maximizing on-course, big box retailers and online sales opportunities for the innovative brand that ranks as global market leader in electric caddies and complementary golf bags.
Yonggu Shin took advantage of benign early morning conditions to shoot a six-under-par 66 to take the first round in the inaugural International Series Oman at Al Mouj Golf today.
The Canadian, who first shot to prominence last year when he finished joint second in the Shinhan Donghae Open, carded six birdies and impressively was bogey free – in the second event of the season on the Asian Tour, and first International Series tournament.
Ahead of the first round at the International Series Oman, Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia, Sihwan Kim and Azzan Al Rumhy attended a press conference at Al Mouj Golf.
The quartet were asked questions on the upcoming event which is the first of 10 on the Asian Tour. Koepka and Garcia gave their first impressions on the stunning golf course here in Muscat as well as sharing their inspirations for taking up the game of golf as kids, whilst Omani Al Rumhy offered his thoughts on the arrival of the International Series to the Middle East.
Women’s Golf Day (WGD) has announced the winners of the 2022 Inspire Action Awards. This year’s awards reflect the tremendous international reach of WGD with winners from: North America – Mark Gore, SVP Golf Operations Invited: Canada – Shannon Cole, Vice President, Brand Marketing, RBC: Scotland – Iona Stephen, Presenter: and Spain – Finca Cortesin.
The awards, which were announced during the PGA Merchandise Show are presented annually and acknowledge the important role that these individuals and organizations play to Engage, Empower and Support women and girls through golf. Founder Elisa Gaudet also announced that WGD 2023 will be a weeklong celebration, for the first time, offering locations the chance to host an event on any day from May 30th, the same date as WGD’s PALOOZA digital event, through to WGD’s birthday on Tuesday June 6th.
Luxury lifestyle brand and golf footwear innovator, G/FORE is excited to announce the opening of their new retail store location, G/FORE Supply Scottsdale.
This new aesthetically pleasing, monochromatic storefront is in the heart of the Scottsdale Quarter, featuring limited edition styles that customers could previously only explore online at gfore.com, gfore.co.uk, and select international locations.
The International Series Oman commences on Thursday 9 February, at Official Host Venue Al Mouj Golf – one of the Middle East’s top ranked courses making the perfect setting for the first of the 10 elevated Asian Tour events in 2023.
With enhanced investment for the 2023 season, the 132-player field comprising many of the world’s best golfers will compete for US$2m on the Greg Norman designed layout, which stretches across 2km of stunning oceanfront adjacent to the Gulf of Oman.
Live Coverage of WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale in Arizona – Featuring Eight of the Top 10 Ranked Players in the World – Begins Tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel and Peacock.
Golf Central and Golf Today Studio Coverage Live from 16th Hole at TPC Scottsdale All Week on GOLF Channel.
We Go Farther,” a new four-part docuseries chronicling the Titleist Speed Project, an R&D breakthrough that drove the resurgence of Titleist drivers on the PGA TOUR, debuts today on the Titleist YouTube channel and Titleist.com/We-Go-Farther.
I teased a little of this at the PGA Show a few weeks ago and encourage you to watch all episodes. Some really interesting, really dramatic, and really compelling insight and backstory into the Titleist Speed Project.
The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced the launch of GS3, a state-of-the-art golf technology tool that calculates putting green speed, firmness, smoothness and trueness – all with one device.
A rechargeable smart ball that is the same size and weight as a standard golf ball, GS3 creates accurate, measurable, first-of-their-kind agronomic benchmarks that superintendents can use to facilitate change more effectively on their course. The tool has sensors that collect over 15,000 data points, empowering analytics-driven decisions.
Water Oak Country Club and Estates, a Sun Communities destination, has opened its newly renovated golf course to community residents and the public. The course recently received USGA accreditation as a championship course and is part of a larger multi-million-dollar revitalization project for the 55+ living community.
Water Oak Country Club and Estates is an active residential community with more than 1,300 homes and resort-style amenities such as the new championship golf course, community swimming pools, clubhouses and various outdoor activities. The community recently announced the expansion of the property with an additional 267 homes available for residents seeking a fun and active lifestyle.
This week both the WM Phoenix Open and Super Bowl 57 descend upon the Greater Phoenix area. Naturally, our minds might gravitate toward the real possibility of being able to attend both events.
But how much can fans expect to dish out to experience the ultimate Arizona sports weekend? Bookies.com calculated the expenses and determined that the lowest possible cost for one person to attend all four days of the Waste Management Phoenix Open AND Super Bowl 57 comes to a total of $10,209.20!
The Aon Risk Reward Challenge is a season- long competition on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour testing the abilities of the world’s best players to make thoughtful, strategic decisions on the most challenging holes (“Aon Risk Reward Challenge holes”) throughout the year.
And this week the Challenge touches down at the WM Phoenix Open and the 17th hole at TPC Scottsdale.
The Galleri Classic continues to build on its prolific professional field as it announced a foursome with California ties – two-time major champions John Daly and Mark O’Meara, 1995 U.S. Open champion Corey Pavin and 10-time PGA TOUR Champions winner John Cook – are all committed to play in the inaugural tournament held March 22-26 on the iconic Dinah Shore Tournament Course at Mission Hills Country Club.
The Galleri Classic, named after title sponsor GRAIL’s multi-cancer early detection test, brings PGA TOUR Champions golf back to the Coachella Valley for the first time since 1993, The Galleri Classic will feature 78 PGA TOUR Champions pros – including World Golf Hall of Fame members — playing 54 holes (three rounds from Friday, March 24 through Sunday, March 26) for a $2.2 million purse.
Dundonald Links earned distinction in two categories at the Scottish Golf Tourism Awards last week, the new luxury resort collecting first-place prizes for Best Clubhouse and Best Sustainability Project.
The popular golf course was transformed into a full, opulent resort that had its first full season in 2022, spearheaded by an extensive overhaul of its clubhouse. The spacious facility has received much acclaim for its Highlands-inspired aesthetic and exceptional Canny Crow restaurant. A quintessentially Scottish whisky room offers tasting sessions, while the resort’s state-of-the-art gym boasts a wide range of equipment. Guests report that the refined, sumptuous clubhouse is the perfect place to relax in post round, with panoramic views over the 18th green and beyond.
Tour Edge, the pound for pound industry leader in performance and innovation, announces four new iron sets as part of the all-new Exotics 723 Series.
Today, Tour Edge announced the all-new Exotics 723 Series irons, including the more compact C723 Iron and the feel enhanced E723 Iron.
Tour Edge, the pound for pound industry leader in performance and innovation, introduces their new Exotics 723 Series of metals.
Following the path of the previous Exotics, the tour-winning 722 Series, the Exotics 723 launch features two separate drivers, fairway and hybrid designs designated as Extreme (E) and Competition (C) spec.
PXG, the golf equipment and apparel company founded by American entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons, has expanded its on-course offerings to include game-changing golf balls. Fueled by a desire to solve a problem for consumers, the dreaded choice between distance and control, PXG developed PXG Xtreme Golf Balls to be the one ball that does it all for players of all levels.
Since its inception, PXG has disrupted the golf industry with its innovative approach to research and development, renouncing traditional product release cycles and placing a premium on performance. PXG has applied the same proven processes to creating golf ball technology, and after nearly a decade of research and development, the company has released PXG Xtreme Golf Balls ahead of the 2023 golf season.
You've seen the PXG commercials. You can't look away really. Whether it's about PXG clubs or PXG fittings the hype is immense. And the craziest thing? If you've played PXG clubs or went through a PXG fitting you know the reality actually exceeds even the hype.
You can add Darren (@steelstate18 on twitter) to the growing list of PXG Troops. Darren won my PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas (Letters from Santa) PXG Sugar Daddy II wedges and Battle Ready putter fitting and was blown away by the entire experience.
Marriott Golf Global Getaways has a couple of great deals going on right now in Alabama and Arizona.
And if you've always wanted to play the courses at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, Alabama, or the Westin Kierland Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona there hasn't ever been a better time than now.
The motherland of golf is joining the Club Champion family in 2023. The globe’s top club fitter and builder announced the opening of a new fitting studio located at Unit 2, 14 Buccleuch Av, Hillington, Glasgow, Scotland. The store is open and accepting fitting appointments.
This is the first location in Scotland for Club Champion, who also has partnered affiliations in Canada, England, and Australia. Club Champion acquired the UK-based club fitter Golf Principles in early 2022.
PUMA Golf showed off two new golf shoes at the 2023 PGA Show, the IGNITE ELEVATE and Alphacat NITRO.
The main story with both the IGNITE ELEVATE and Alphacat NITRO is improved comfort and traction.
LA Golf introduced two new putter models and customization options at the 2023 PGA Show as demand for their unique (and high-priced) carbon composite putters continues trending upward.
Bel Air is the new blade model and Malibu the new mallet, and LA Golf told me they've increased MOI with both models to even higher levels than before.
The first guest review of the year is a good one. A really, really good one actually. Rich (@golfafter60 on twitter) won the Club Champion iron fitting in my PGAPappas 12 Days of Christmas Golf Giveaway and had an amazing day at his fitting.
I've been fit multiple times for clubs at Club Champion, including most recently for irons. And every single time it's been educational, eye-opening, and ultimately one of the best fitting experiences I could have possibly have. Rich was fit at Club Champion - Columbus, and in his own words, "the whole experience couldn’t have been better, and I’m extremely happy with the clubs I ended up with."
The 2023 Part One collection launching this month from leading high-performance apparel brand Galvin Green ensures golfers can focus on playing each round of golf in confidence and style knowing the garments will stand the test in all weather conditions to help achieve the joy of top performance.
Offering the most extensive choice of long-lasting sustainable apparel on the market, the latest range for men, women and juniors comprises almost 90 pieces in a selection of vibrant color combinations and size options. Innovative fabric technologies crafted into performance-driven designs give golfers the edge to get the most out of their game and enjoy it to the fullest. From exposure to cold and rain, to wind and sun, Galvin Green designers have ensured the eye-catching styles can be worn all-year round.
PUMA GOLF announced their all-new update to their IGNITE footwear franchise, the IGNITE ELEVATE. The shoes are designed to raise the level of function, comfort, and style for players looking for the ultimate in spikeless performance. Combining four distinct design elements, the IGNITE ELEVATE line aims to provide outstanding comfort in a variety of conditions with progressive PUMA styling that will boost any player’s confidence.
To ensure the new IGNITE ELEVATE shoes are as comfortable and functional as possible, the PUMA design team utilized IGNITE Foam in the midsole. Proprietary to PUMA, IGNITE FOAM not only provides exceptional cushioning throughout a round, both while swinging and walking, it also provides energy return for reduced foot fatigue. IGNITE Foam significantly contributes to the new IGNITE ELEVATE shoe’s level of step-in comfort, eliminating the need for a break in period before being ready for a trip to the course or practice range.
Original Penguin Golf, a division of Perry Ellis International, is excited to announce the signing of PGA TOUR® Player Nico Echavarria as a brand ambassador. Echavarria is making his PGA Tour debut this season wearing Original Penguin’s Spring 2023 collection.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nico as our next Original Penguin brand ambassador,” said Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO of Perry Ellis International. “Nico is a very talented player whose style, personality and international background makes him a perfect fit for our Original Penguin team.”
Four-time major champion Brooks Koepka will join an elite field at Al Mouj Golf, Muscat on 9-12 February at the International Series Oman.
The 32-year-old American will be making his debut in the Asian Tour’s enhanced tournament series, which features 10 events in 2023 with a minimum prize fund of US $2M.
Fujikura, the leader in performance golf shafts, was honored to be winning driver and wood shaft on the DP World Tour this week. The three-time Dubai Desert Classic champion used all VENTUS in his woods and driver shaft on his way to his first win in 2023. The eventual winner and current World Number One used the VENTUS 6X Black in his driver and the VENTUS 9X Black in his 5-wood on his way to victory.
Over on the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open, Fujikura was once again the #1 driver and wood shaft for the week. Over 32% of the field used a Fujikura driver shaft, with another 29% of the field using a Fujikura wood shaft. The winner at Torrey Pines was also included in this, using the VENTUS TR Blue 8X in his 3-wood on his way to victory in California.
The Masters Tournament, The R&A and the USGA have announced that the ninth edition of the Latin America Amateur Championship (LAAC) will be contested at Santa MarÃa Golf Club in Panamá City, Panamá, January 18-21, 2024. The LAAC will return to Panamá for the second time in the event’s history and make its debut at Santa MarÃa Golf Club.
“It is an honor to host the top men’s Latin American amateurs at our beautiful venue for the 2024 Latin America Amateur Championship,” said José Ignacio Olea, General Manager of Santa MarÃa Golf Club. “Santa MarÃa Golf Club will provide a quality backdrop to showcase some of the best players in our region.”
Wilson Sporting Goods Co. today announced that professional golfers Willie Mack III and Alex Knappe have joined its professional Golf Advisory Staff. Mack joins Wilson’s PGA TOUR roster that includes John Augenstein, Kevin Chappell, Quade Cummins, Padraig Harrington, Kevin Kisner, Trey Mullinax, Brendan Steele, Kevin Streelman, Martin Trainer and Kevin Tway; and LPGA Tour player Sophia Schubert.
“Wilson’s momentum and player adoption on worldwide tours highlights the quality, consistency and, most of all, the performance of our premium golf equipment,” said Tim Clarke, President, Wilson Golf. “Having up-and-coming players like Willie and Alex choose to play our products mirrors what’s happening on golf courses around the world: better players are trusting Wilson Golf equipment.”
Duca del Cosma, the luxury Italian fashion brand that sells its distinctive handcrafted golf shoes in 46 countries worldwide, wowed American retailers attending the PGA Show last week to secure a record number of forward orders for its latest collection that offers something completely different from any other brand on the market.
Exhibiting in Orlando for the sixth successive year to an audience of nearly 7,000 PGA professionals and more than 800 media, Duca del Cosma unveiled its most advanced range in a host of vibrant colorways, including its feature-packed PRO SPIKE collection offering Tour-level performance and stability to both men and women golfers.
Reynolds Lake Oconee has been recognized on two of Golfweek’s Best lists for 2023: Top 200 residential golf courses in the U.S. and the Top 200 resort courses in the U.S.
Reynolds Lake Oconee boasts some of the most diverse golf experiences in the southeast with courses designed by legendary architects: Great Waters by Jack Nicklaus, The National by Tom Fazio, The Oconee by Rees Jones, The Landing and The Preserve by Bob Cupp, as well as the members-only Creek Club by Jim Engh.
Sacks Parente Golf (SPG), is delivering a shiver in the golf industry by introducing the newest addition to its innovative putter portfolio – the DRAC, a fang-shaped mallet putter built for golfers who want to make more putts. SPG is the creator of exceptional putting instruments and a growing portfolio of golf shafts, grips and other golf related products.
Short for Dracula, the Series 02 DRAC boasts a striking silhouette that delivers stability on every stroke; a straighter roll, even on off-center hits; a square putter face at impact; and the distinctive feel that all SPG putters provide – all resulting in more putts made.
Recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional efforts in volunteerism, innovation and golf literature, the USGA has announced the 2023 recipients of its Annual Awards, including the Joe Dey Award, the Herbert Warren Wind Award and the Green Section Award.
Robin Farran is the recipient of this year’s Joe Dey Award in recognition of nearly 30 years of meritorious service to the game as a volunteer. “Bless•ed One,” by James Roth, has been selected as the winner of the USGA’s Herbert Warren Wind Award. Roch Gaussoin is the Green Section Award honoree for introducing new technologies and processes that advance putting green construction and management.
Major winner and 2020 European Ryder Cup Captain Padraig Harrington is set to tee it up at the upcoming Ras Al Khaimah Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club from February 2-5, 2023.
The 15-time DP World Tour winner joins an already-impressive field which includes defending champion Nicolai Højgaard, his twin brother Rasmus and New Zealand's Ryan Fox, who finished second in the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex last season.
The International Series returns in 2023, making its Middle Eastern debut at Al Mouj Golf, Oman, from 9-12 February with the Asian Tour’s enhanced tournament series’ strongest field to date.
The 132-player field including golfers from 23 countries across 6 continents is headlined by major winners Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen, and Charl Schwartzel.
Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, has announced the new e9 Long Drive, a new golf ball designed in conjunction with World Long Drive professionals. The new e9, the Official Ball of World Long Drive, will be used in all WLD competitions and is the longest ball in the Bridgestone Golf portfolio.
The new ball, which is aimed at players looking for maximum carry and the ultimate in overall distance, features a two-piece construction with injection molded seamless Surlyn cover and Bridgestone’s Tour-proven 330 dimple pattern. An extreme gradational core (softer in the center, firmer toward the exterior) promotes extreme ball speed and lower long game spin. The uniquely-designed e9 Long Drive also offers higher launch, more carry, and more overall efficiency.
The all-new Frontline Elite Putter line from CLEVELAND GOLF features eight carefully crafted models with improved forward weighting and face technology, all designed to help golfers hit straighter putts with consistent speed and distance. The Frontline Elite Putters are slated to launch Feb. 22.
Frontline Elite Putters were carefully designed to reduce adverse effects of off-center strikes and help players sink more putts, regardless of stroke type.
Arccos – the pioneer of big data and Artificial Intelligence for golf – has announced a series of product innovations and platform extensions as it continues to leverage the power of its unrivalled and largest on-course dataset that now includes 700 billion data points and more than 625 million shots taken by Arccos users during over 13.5 million rounds.
Geared to help golfers and golf businesses harness the power of data to perform their best, Arccos releases for Q1 2023 will include the following.
