The PGAPappas Podcast - Episode 2: Leigh Steinberg Talks the PGA and DP World Tour Merger with PIF and LIV Golf

Yesterday's bombshell news of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour merging with the PIF (Public Investment Fund) and LIV Golf is making a potential golf super league look more and more probable.  The PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf will all exist under one umbrella and professional golf may never be the same again.

My guest for Episode 2 is superstar sports agent Leigh Steinberg, and his insights into the proposed merger and issues surrounding it are profound and penetrating.  Leigh and I talk about the winners and losers in the deal, what PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan has done wrong and what opportunities exist for him to do right, as well as sportswashing, player and fan vested interests, and a whole lot more.

PGA Tour, DP World Tour and PIF Announce Newly Formed Commercial Entity to Unify Golf

The PGA TOUR, DP World Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) today announced a landmark agreement to unify the game of golf, on a global basis. The parties have signed an agreement that combines PIF’s golf-related commercial businesses and rights (including LIV Golf) with the commercial businesses and rights of the PGA TOUR and DP World Tour into a new, collectively owned, for-profit entity to ensure that all stakeholders benefit from a model that delivers maximum excitement and competition among the game’s best players.

In addition, PIF will make a capital investment into the new entity to facilitate its growth and success. The new entity (name TBD) will implement a plan to grow these combined commercial businesses, drive greater fan engagement and accelerate growth initiatives already underway. With LIV Golf in the midst of its second, groundbreaking season, the PGA TOUR, DP World Tour and PIF will work together to best feature and grow team golf going forward.

Celebrate Father's Day with Gifts He's Guaranteed to Love from Linksoul

With Father's Day just around the corner, Linksoul invites you to discover an exceptional collection of gifts that will make every dad feel truly appreciated. As a brand deeply rooted in a philosophy that values family, community, and the pursuit of soulful experiences, Linksoul offers a range of products designed to cater to dads of all types and passions.

When Dad Hits the Course. For the golf-loving fathers, Linksoul presents the perfect collection of polos and shorts that combine performance and style on and off the course. This Father's Day, give your dad the gift of comfort and sophistication with our selection of golf polos and Boardwalker shorts. Introducing the Rincon Polo, Delray Polo, and Solid Boardwalker Shorts.

Need a Fittervention? Club Champion Offering Exclusive Gift Card Bonuses

The first step is admitting there is a problem…with off-the-shelf clubs. It’s time for a Fittervention and Club Champion is here to help. Just in time for Father’s Day, Club Champion is kicking off their Fittervention campaign by offering a 20% bonus card on gift card purchases made June 9-18, 2023. A Fittervention is the perfect gift for a golf-obsessed dad!

“Many times, it’s not you, it’s the clubs,” said Club Champion founder, Nick Sherburne. “Sometimes you need an intervention — or a Fittervention, in this case — to see what custom clubs can really do for your game.”

Odds of Winning 2024 Masters Ticket Lottery

The 2024 Masters ticket lottery is open, and would-be patrons have two weeks left to apply ahead of the June 20 deadline.

So what exactly are the golf odds of winning Masters tournament tickets through the lottery? After doing some research, Bookies.com put together a complete guide of the process of deciding the odds and found the odds of winning the Masters lottery for a single-day tournament ticket to be 0.55%.

Uneekor EYE XO2 Discount for Father's Day and US Open

Uneekor, makers of the world’s most obsessively and meticulously engineered golf simulator technologies, is pleased to announce a special Father's Day promotion for their most powerful launch monitor, the EYE XO2. Customers can now receive a discount using the promo code "EYEXO2SPRING" at checkout for $2000 off now through June 30, 2023.

The EYE XO2 is the ultimate overhead golf launch monitor. With the addition of a third camera, advanced infrared sensor technology, and nearly double the hitting zone, it accurately measures ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and more to provide golfers with comprehensive data and feedback about their ball flight and swing. The EYE XO2 also includes the addition of the new Trouble Mat which simulates rough and bunker lies just like they are on the course.

USGA Welcomes 20 Pathways Interns to 2023 U.S. Open Championship

Demonstrating a commitment to foster a welcoming and inclusive golf industry by providing more work opportunities, the United States Golf Association (USGA) has hired 20 students from underrepresented communities for its 10-day Pathways Internship Program, held during U.S. Open Championship week in Los Angeles.

Launched in 2022 as the Lee Elder Internship, the career training program returns as part of the USGA’s four-pillar U.S. Open community engagement strategy that aims to utilize USGA resources and expertise to propel a healthier future for the game. Supported by foundational sponsor Deloitte, as well as Cisco, Sentry Insurance, NBC Sports, Peter Millar and host community partners The Los Angeles Country Club and Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC), the program aims to expose students to various career offerings in golf.

USGA, Cisco Announce Partnership Extension

Cisco and the United States Golf Association (USGA) have announced a multiyear extension of their partnership, which began in 2018 and established the global technology leader as the Official Technology Partner of the USGA and its championships. Through the new term, the two organizations will leverage Cisco’s industry-leading solutions, innovation and expertise to strengthen the USGA’s technological infrastructure at their championships and foster continued innovation and inclusion in golf.

Over the past five years, Cisco and the USGA have implemented several innovations benefiting fans, media and event organizers, including debuting the first-ever “Connected Course” at the 2019 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links. That USGA championship marked the first launch of course-wide Wi-Fi. Cisco played a key role in the USGA’s ability to seamlessly and securely deploy virtual connectivity solutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing Webex by Cisco to the forefront of both fan engagement and media operations. Additionally, Cisco powered the use of 4D technology as part of the broadcast experience of USGA championships, giving fans watching at home a new perspective on their favorite players’ swings.

New Par-3 Layout Under Construction Next to Tiger Woods Designed Payne's Valley Golf Course

One of America’s most in-demand golf destinations just got even more appealing with news that it is adding another golf course, this one a dramatic par-3 18-hole layout under construction adjacent to Payne’s Valley, the astounding championship course designed by Tiger Woods and Beau Welling that is drawing players from around the globe.

Construction is still in its early stages and no timetable for completion was shared.

Original Penguin Launches Chi Chi Rodriguez Collection

Original Penguin by Munsingwear, a division of Perry Ellis International, is pleased to announce the launch of the Chi Chi Rodriguez 2023 Summer Collection. Introducing a retro yet modern look, combined with the classic Original Penguin heritage and style, the Chi Chi collection brings his trademark swagger on and off the course.

“The Chi Chi Rodriguez collection fully incorporates what it means to be an original,” stated Oscar Feldenkreis, CEO of Perry Ellis International. “El Toreador is a true icon in the game and one of the most popular golfers of all time. This collection perfectly reflects his distinct style, from his hallmark fedora to his signature “sword dance” celebration. We are excited to bring this collection of products to market, merging Chi Chi’s original style with Penguin’s trademark performance.”

Give Dad a Premium Duca del Cosma Shoes and Glove Pairing this Father's Day

Luxury Italian golf shoe brand Duca del Cosma is offering a premium leather golf glove with every pair of golf shoes purchased from its latest range to coincide with Father’s Day next week.

Several glove models can even be paired up with a selection of the latest SS23 golf shoes to deliver a super stylish feel-good factor on the golf course.

PING Signs William Mouw to Multi-Year Agreement

William Mouw, a three-time All-American at Pepperdine University, has turned pro and joined PING’s global tour staff, company CEO & President John K. Solheim announced today. The 22-year-old Mouw, who makes his professional debut at this week’s Korn Ferry BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD Synnex, was previously under contract with PING through an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreement.

“William’s record is extremely impressive, going back to his victory at the Junior World Championships as a 14-year-old and his recent success at Pepperdine that included an NCAA team title in 2021,” Solheim said. “Since then, he’s continually added to his long list of accomplishments. I really like his approach to the game. He plays with a lot of confidence and has a well-rounded game. He has a strong faith, and his outgoing personality is very engaging.  He’ll be fun to watch, and we’re excited to have him join our staff and represent PING.”

Galvin Green Sales Soar in New York

Sales of the latest Galvin Green premium hi-tech apparel collection have been soaring across the PGA Met Section in New York since the brand introduced its full range of garments to some of the country’s most prestigious golf clubs and stores earlier this year.

“We presented leading golf outlets in the Met Section and the New York area to the strongest ever range of Galvin Green garments across all layers – from award-winning outerwear in various colorways to some of the most exceptional shirt designs on the market – and the results have been pretty spectacular,” said Lou Delfino, General Manager in North America.

PXG Announces New Summer Sweepstakes with Darius Rucker

Together with GRAMMY award-winning artist and PXG® Ambassador Darius Rucker, PXG is thrilled to kick off the summer with an exclusive giveaway. The PXG Summer Swingstakes with Darius Rucker contest is officially calling all golfers to sign-up for a chance to win a golf outing with Darius, concert tickets, and a custom fitted PXG GEN6 full bag. The contest is available in four PXG Fitting & Retail Studio markets: Paramus, Boston, Chicago, and Minneapolis.

To enter the Summer Swingstakes, golfers and music lovers are encouraged to stop by select PXG stores – PXG Paramus, PXG Boston, PXG Chicago North, PXG Chicago West, and PXG Minneapolis – to complete their entry. Enthusiasts can also enter on social media by following @PXG, tagging their concert buddy, and hash tagging a participating PXG store location on the official announcement post.

PXG Pro Tips with Actor, Comedian, and Golf Club Junkie Rob Riggle: LPGA Edition

PXG recognizes that more women than ever are trying, enjoying, and succeeding in golf, and the company is doing its part to continue this momentum and ensure everyone feels welcome. During Women’s Golf Month, PXG is featuring its talented LPGA Tour players, celebrating its employees, and making a mark in the community through several key initiatives aimed at growing the game.

Premiering today, PXG pairs comedy icon and golf addict Rob Riggle with LPGA Tour Professionals, including Celine Boutier, Austin Ernst, and Christina Kim, for some core stimulating, performance-powering tips and tricks. Spanning the fundamentals to the game’s finer points, the nine-episode series, PXG Pro Tips with Rob Riggle: LPGA Edition, is available on PXG’s website and YouTube.

Now on Tour: New Titleist T-Series Irons (T100, T150, T200, and T350)

The next generation of the PGA TOUR’s most played irons – Titleist T-Series – will debut this week at the Memorial Tournament.

Titleist irons have been the longstanding top choice of the best players in the world. In each of the last nine seasons (and 18 of the last 19), more players on the PGA TOUR have had Titleist irons in their bags than any other brand.

USGA Announces that Jupiter Hills Club will Host Two USGA Championships

The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced that Jupiter Hills Club, in Tequesta, Fla., will be the host site for two USGA championships: the 2027 U.S. Mid-Amateur and the 2032 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur. This will be the third and fourth USGA championships held at the club.

“The USGA is pleased to return to Jupiter Hills Club and continue a partnership that enthusiastically supports amateur competition on many levels,” said Mark Hill, USGA managing director, championships. “We know that the club’s courses will challenge the best male and female mid-amateurs from around the world and that South Florida will embrace these two championships.”

Emiliano Grillo Captures Charles Schwab Challenge Sporting PUMA Golf Footwear and Apparel

 PUMA GOLF athlete Emiliano Grillo fought off the competition on Sunday with a final round 68 and eight-under-par total to win the Charles Schwab Challenge, his second career victory on the PGA Tour. Grillo’s first win in over seven years came in dramatic fashion, as he outlasted Adam Schenk in a playoff to grab the prestigious title.

The 30-year-old Argentinian cruised around the famed Colonial Country Club in style, sporting PUMA PROADAPT DELTA Mids for solid footing and comfort, as well as PUMA DEALER TAILORED pants and a MATTR RISING polo shirt for style and performance. MATTR (Materials, Technology, & Research) is a performance fabric designed to provide the highest level of comfort in a wide variety of conditions. A technical, moisture-wicking and fast-drying material, MATTR performance no doubt played a hand in keeping Emi cool and calm on his way to victory.

Adidas Signs Top Amateur Golfer Rose Zhang

The most decorated athlete in amateur women’s golf history will now be wearing the 3-Stripes as she begins her professional career. Today, adidas announced the signing of Rose Zhang to a multi-year contract that will see her wearing adidas apparel, footwear and accessories while on the course.

Zhang’s accolades as an amateur are unmatched. Beyond capturing every women’s amateur major championship – U.S. Girls’ Junior (2021), U.S. Women’s Amateur (2020) and Augusta National Women’s Amateur (2023) – Zhang finished her sophomore season by becoming the first woman to ever win back-to-back NCAA individual titles. In May of last year, Zhang became the first student-athlete to sign a Name, Image and Likeness endorsement agreement with adidas.

The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village - Aon Risk Reward

Since being redesigned two years ago, the 15th hole at Muirfield Village Golf Club has been one of the most balanced risk-versus-reward par 5s all season on the PGA TOUR. Players have been almost split down the middle when it comes to the second shot decision: 52 percent go for the green, while 48 percent lay up. And while hitting the green in two has enormous value (eight-tenths of a stroke), a well-positioned layup can be beneficial, too. Laying up into the fairway can gain two-tenths of a stroke over players who go for it and miss with their approach.

At the end of the regular season, the most consistent player across each tour, with the lowest average score under par, on the Aon Risk Reward Challenge holes captures the $1 million prize.