Tuesday, October 17, 2023

2023 World Amateur Team Championship – Inside the Field

This week 36 teams will compete in the 33rd World Amateur Team Championship.

Italy will try to become the first team to win consecutive WATC titles since the USA did so in 2012 and 2014. Last year’s gold in the Eisenhower Trophy was Italy’s first medal in 32 championship appearances.

Patrick Cantlay, Wyndham Clark, Lucas Glover, Min Woo Lee, and Kevin Kisner Complete Committed Player Roster for TGL Presented By SoFi

PGA TOUR stars Patrick Cantlay, Wyndham Clark, Lucas Glover, Min Woo Lee and Kevin Kisner announced their commitment to complete the 24-player roster of TGL presented by SoFi, a new golf league that fuses advanced tech and live action with six teams of PGA TOUR stars across a season of matches in prime time starting on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, on ESPN and ESPN+.

These players join the sport’s top names including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Matt Fitzpatrick, Keegan Bradley, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Xander Schauffele, Max Homa, Cameron Young, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, Rickie Fowler, Tom Kim, Sahith Theegala and Billy Horschel.

NBA Star Steph Curry to Receive The Charlie Sifford Award Presented by Southern Company for Advancing Diversity in Golf

The World Golf Hall of Fame announced today that NBA star Stephen “Steph” Curry will receive The Charlie Sifford Award presented by Southern Company, which honors recipients for their spirit in advancing diversity in golf. Curry will be presented the award on Monday, June 10, 2024, at the World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony presented by CME Group held during the 124th U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club in the Village of Pinehurst, N.C.

The Charlie Sifford Award was created in 2021 to honor an individual who personifies Sifford’s groundbreaking achievements through perseverance, confidence, respect, and adaptability. Curry will be recognized as the recipient of The Charlie Sifford Award during the 2024 World Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony presented by CME Group, at which Padraig Harrington, Sandra Palmer along with the late Johnny Farrell, Beverly Hanson, Tom Weiskopf and the 13 LPGA Founders will be inducted as part of the World Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

The Peninsula Club Breaks Ground on Next Generation Golf Renovation

The Peninsula Club, the esteemed golf and country club located on the shores of Lake Norman just north of Charlotte, NC, broke ground on an extensive golf course renovation project on October 2, 2023.

Led by Beau Welling Design (BWD), the project is set to be completed by October 2024 and will feature significant renovations to both the 18-hole championship golf course as well as other facilities which will result in a brand new feeling and playing experience for the club’s membership.

Duca del Cosma Announces Partnership with PGA of Alberta

Award-winning Italian lifestyle brand, and golf footwear trendsetter, Duca del Cosma, announced today that the company has partnered with the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of Alberta, one of the nine district zones within the PGA of Canada. This partnership appoints Duca Del Cosma as the Presenting Sponsor for three PGA of Alberta Players Tour events for the 2024 and 2025 golf seasons.

“We are thrilled that the PGA of Alberta has selected Duca Del Cosma to be a Presenting Sponsor for three distinct events to be held in the North, South, and Central venues in Alberta, Canada,” said Evelien Lauwers, Managing Director of Duca del Cosma North America. “The Duca del Cosma brand continues to grow throughout Canada and this exclusive sponsorship opportunity will help to further grow brand awareness as well as product recognition in the respective region.”

Shriners Children's Hospital Open Winner Plays Graphite Design Tour AD IZ Hybrid

Pro’s Choice Golf Shafts, Inc. announced today that the winner of the Shriners Children’s Open, held at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, NV was playing a Graphite Design Tour AD IZ Hybrid Prototype X-Stiff flex shaft in his Titleist TSR3 19° hybrid.

The champion shot a 4-day score of 68, 68, 62, 66 resulting in a score of 20 under par to claim his 3rd PGA Tour Victory.

True Spec Tuscon Opens at The Club at Starr Pass

True Spec Golf, the global leader in custom club fitting and club building, is pleased to announce that they have partnered with one of the most highly regarded golf facilities in the state, The Club at Starr Pass. True Spec Tucson will open on October 31st and is the latest undertaking in a series of partnerships that brings True Spec’s bespoke fittings and best-in-class customer service to prominent clubs and resorts across the country.

The premium facility features outdoor fittings utilizing the industry’s first quadroscopic launch monitor, Foresight GCQuad. True Spec’s brand-agnostic fitting matrix has more than 50,000 club head and shaft combinations from every major equipment manufacturer which helps its master fitters find the best equipment to improve a player’s game. Each club will be custom built at True Spec’s Scottsdale headquarters to the exact specifications derived from the fitting process.

Tiger Woods Announces Initial Field for the 2023 Hero World Challenge

Tournament host Tiger Woods has announced the field for the 2023 Hero World Challenge, set to return to Albany, Bahamas, November 30 – December 3.

This year’s field features eight of the top 10 players in the world, including two-time defending champion Viktor Hovland and world No. 1-ranked Scottie Scheffler. Three members of the winning European Ryder Cup team will compete at Albany, joined by 11 members of the U.S. team. Two major champions from the 2023 season will make their debuts in the Hero World Challenge – U.S. Open winner Wyndham Clark and Open Championship winner Brian Harman. The 2023 field features nine players who boast a total of 13 major victories.

Monday, October 16, 2023

Titleist TSR3 Fairway Wood and TSR3 Hybrid Review - PGAPappas Guest Review (Jeff)

This guest review is from Jeff (@Jeff17Black on twitter) on his new Titleist TSR3 Fairway Wood and Hybrid.  Jeff was one of the players in the Play With Pete Invitational at Scioto Country Club where everyone was fit for and received a new Titleist TSR driver for their rounds.

You guys know how much I've loved playing the entire TSR line with a TSR4 driver, TSR2 and TSR3 wood and TSR3 hybrid of my own.  And Jeff's gone all in on the TSR family, saying he "can hit any shot" with the TSR3 fairway wood and calls the TSR3 hybrid "an absolute weapon."

Mizuno Introduces the New Mizuno Pro 241, 243, 245 Irons: A New Era of Forging

Mizuno, a revered name in golf equipment, proudly introduces the highly anticipated Mizuno Pro Irons, including the Mizuno Pro 241, Mizuno Pro 243, Mizuno Pro 245, and Mizuno Pro Fli-Hi.

These irons signify a revolutionary leap in golf club design, a testament to Mizuno’s enduring commitment to precision craftsmanship and forging excellence.

World’s Top-Ranked Amateurs Set to Compete in Abu Dhabi

The list of players that will represent their countries on the 36 men’s and 36 women’s teams in the 2023 World Amateur Team Championships (WATC) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, has been finalized.

The Championships are hosted by the Emirates Golf Federation and will be played at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. The men will compete for the Eisenhower Trophy from 18-21 October and the women will play for the Espirito Santo Trophy from 25-28 October.

All True Spec Fittings Nationwide Only $100 with Any Club Purchase in October

True Spec Golf, the global leader in custom club fitting and club building, is pleased to announce the launch of their “Keep It 100” promo offer.

Until October 31st, promo code “KEEPIT100” will allow True Spec clients to take advantage of the discounted pricing, regardless of whether they are being fit for a single club like a driver, or for a full bag— either way, the cost will be $100, as long as they purchase at least one club on the day of the fitting.

Lexi Thompson Confidently says “I AM HERE” As She Becomes the Seventh Woman to ever Compete Alongside Men on PGA Tour

Major winner and Solheim Cup veteran Lexi Thompson made her first ever appearance on the PGA Tour this week via a sponsor’s exemption at the Shriners Children’s Open in Las Vegas.

Lexi supporters will celebrate with the slogan “I AM HERE,” which is a play on her being “here,” competing against the men this week, as well as being “her,” a confident woman.

Sunday, October 15, 2023

The PGAPappas Podcast - Episode 3: Chris Gotterup

Chris Gotterup locked up his PGA Tour card over the weekend on the last day of the Korn Ferry Tour Finals Championship and joins The PGAPappas Podcast to talk about all the emotions he experienced from that crazy day in a very genuine way.

Chris and I talk about all things under the sun and you see very quickly who Chris is. Yes he's that guy with every shot in the bag top to bottom, who hits laser bombs off the tee, and is most definitely a player to watch on Tour in 2024.

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Historic Lineup of Championships Coming to The Country Club

The United States Golf Association (USGA) today announced that The Country Club, in Brookline, Mass., will be the host site of four upcoming USGA championships: the 2030 U.S. Girls’ Junior, 2034 U.S. Amateur, 2038 U.S. Open and 2045 U.S. Women’s Open.

"We are thrilled to return to The Country Club and bring four exceptional championships to a venue with such rich history," said John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer. "This partnership with The Country Club gives juniors, amateurs and professionals alike the opportunity to vie for a USGA championship and etch their names in golfing history at one of the nation’s most iconic venues. We look forward to witnessing the incredible talent and passion that will be on display in the coming years."

PING Golf HOVI Signature PLD Limited Putter Drops Tuesday October 10

In honor of Viktor Hovland’s remarkable season, highlighted by winning the FedExCup and playing a starring role on the victorious European Ryder Cup team, PING is offering a “Hovi” Signature PLD Limited model available exclusively on pingpld.com. Only 100 of the precision-milled putters will be available for purchase ($990, limit one per customer) beginning at 2 pm ET on Tuesday, October 10.

Each putter is serialized, and custom-built to the exact shape, specs, and weight of Viktor’s DS72 putter, right down to the red Winn 15” “Long Pistol” grip. The limited model, which is fully machined at PING’s Phoenix, Arizona, headquarters, is further distinguished with his nickname, “Hovi,” engraved on the sole. A custom putter cover was designed exclusively for this limited offering. It’s emblazoned with a Viking graphic as a nod to Viktor’s Norwegian heritage and several other icons, each symbolic of his life and interests.

Thursday, October 5, 2023

ESPN Acquires TGL by SoFi U.S. Media Rights to be Seen Exclusively on ESPN Platforms

TGL presented by SoFi, the new tech-forward, team golf league developed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TMRW Sports in partnership with the PGA TOUR, and ESPN have announced a multi-year partnership that makes ESPN the exclusive home of TGL matches in the United States beginning in January 2024. The announcement was made today by Rosalyn Durant, ESPN Executive Vice President, Programming and Acquisitions, and Mike McCarley, Founder & CEO, TMRW Sports and TGL.

TGL programming will be featured across ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN+.  ABC will air a TGL presented by SoFi preview show on Saturday, Dec. 30. The inaugural TGL match will air in prime time on ESPN and ESPN+ on Tuesday, Jan. 9, the night following the the College Football Playoff National Championship. The second TGL match will air in prime time on ESPN and ESPN+ on Tuesday, Jan. 16, the night following ESPN’s Monday Night Football NFL Wild Card game. All Matches will air on either ESPN or ESPN2 and simulcast on ESPN+.

Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Shane Lowry, Tom Kim are Latest Commitments to Presented by SoFi

On the heels of last week’s Ryder Cup, victorious European Team members Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton and Shane Lowry, along with South Korea’s Tom Kim, who made his Presidents Cup International Team debut in 2022, announced their commitment to TGL presented by SoFi. The quartet joins previously announced TGL commits Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose, Adam Scott, Xander Schauffele, Max Homa, Rickie Fowler and Billy Horschel.

TGL presented by SoFi is a new primetime golf league in partnership with the PGA TOUR that will begin play in 2024. This announcement was made by TMRW Sports co-founders Woods, McIlroy, and founder and CEO Mike McCarley.

Club Champion Offers Putter Fittings at Furyk & Friends Tournament

Constellation FURYK & FRIENDS kicks off this week in Jacksonville, FL. The PGA Tour of Champions event is returning to Timuquana Country Club for a third year and Club Champion will be on-site to work with patrons on their short game.

Club Champion, one of Jim Furyk’s brand partners, will be offering abbreviated SAM PuttLab putter fittings October 6-8 during tournament play for guests at the event. They will be located at The Hangar Bar near the 11 green and 12 tee. As Furyk’s designated club fitting partner, they’re excited to showcase their fitting services at the event.

Gallagher Holds Off Corrie Kuehn to Win Title at Troon

After playing a practice round with Sarah Gallagher before the start of the 61st U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur, Brenda Corrie Kuehn had a premonition. “I was like dang, this girl is hitting it really well. This girl is going to win the thing.”

Fortunately for Gallagher, Kuehn turned out to be right. Unfortunately for Kuehn, she was Gallagher’s opponent in Thursday’s final.