USGA, The R&A Announce 2024 World Handicap System Revisions

The USGA and The R&A today announced the first update to the World Handicap System™ (WHS™) as part of an ongoing review of the Rules of Handicapping™ and Course Rating System™ with a continued emphasis on accuracy, consistency and equity. The latest revisions will go into effect beginning January 1, 2024.

Many countries have seen significant increases in the number of scores being submitted for handicapping purposes since the WHS was introduced in January 2020, reflecting golf’s broadening appeal. More than 100 million scores have been posted each year, unifying millions of golfers through a standard measure of playing ability. The 2024 update leverages the performance data gathered from around the world, in addition to feedback received from many of the 125 countries now using the system.

Introducing the New KBS Tour Pro + Shaft

The KBS Golf Experience R&D and Build Teams have created KBS TOUR PRO + as an exclusive product for the golf club fitting community.

The KBS TOUR PRO + is weight sorted to the same standards as shafts used on professional tours worldwide, and features a NEW KBS PRO + shaft band label along with exclusive KBS PRO + silk screen located at the tip section.

Aon Risk Reward Challenge: The ANNIKA Driven by Gainbridge at Pelican Golf Club

The Annika Driven by Gainbridge kicks off this week and the 14th hole at Pelican GC is a long, straight par five with bunkers protecting landing areas both on the fairway and near the green. Only the longest players in the field will be able to go for the green in two: in 2022, just 7.8% made that decision. Those who did gained more than half-a- stroke on the field. Nelly Korda took advantage of her prowess off the tee here last year, going for the green in two of three rounds on her way to victory.

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.

TGL Presented by SoFi to Include Shot Clock, Timeouts, and a Referee

TGL presented by SoFi has announced several competitive elements bringing fundamentals from other sports like a shot clock, timeouts, and a referee to the new primetime, team golf league developed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TMRW Sports in partnership with the PGA TOUR.

“The competitive format and tech-heavy environment enables TGL presented by SoFi to incorporate elements that are familiar to sports fans from other sports in ways that would not translate on a traditional golf course but are commonplace in a sports arena environment. Instituting a shot clock and timeouts will help make matches entertaining, fast-paced, and exciting for sports fans. These elements also add another level of strategy for the players in how they approach team decisions similar to other sports,” said Mike McCarley, CEO and Founder TMRW Sports and TGL.

PXG Introduces Two New Stunning Finishes for Celebrated PXG GEN6 Irons

Introduced in early 2023, PXG GEN6 Irons are loaded with advanced technologies, made from top-quality materials, and feature the most impactful precision weighting system in the golf industry. Now, in addition to its original statement-making two-tone finishes, PXG has released two gorgeous new options – Double Black and Double Chrome.

The new Double Black option features a black Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coating that significantly increases the surface hardness of each club’s finish. Its counterpart is a new Double Chrome. The sleek, all chrome finish is engineered for enhanced performance and durability. Paired with matching weighting elements, these tone-on-tone irons wrap PXG’s industry leading technology in a strikingly clean aesthetic.

PXG Pro and Major Champion Celine Boutier Claims 4th Win of the Year

PXG LPGA Tour Professional Celine Boutier continued her winning streak with a spectacular victory at the Maybank Championship at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. With eight birdies during her final round, Boutier found herself tied for the lead after 18-holes. The tournament went into a head-to-head nine-hole playoff, tying the record for second-longest playoff in LPGA Tour history. Boutier ultimately came out on top, conquering the competition to clinch the win.

“I feel like my game has been solid this season and was confident if I stayed focused this week, I could earn another win,” PXG LPGA Tour Professional Celine Boutier shared. “Lifting the trophy after playing an additional nine-holes was very overwhelming. I am so proud to celebrate this win with my family, friends, caddie, and the rest of my team – including PXG – who have invested so much to help me pursue my dreams.”

Inspired Sunday Secures Second PGA Tour Title for ECCO Golf Ambassador Erik van Rooyen

ECCO GOLF ambassador, Erik van Rooyen, delivered a sensational Sunday afternoon comeback to win the World Wide Technology Championship in Mexico.

Van Rooyen, who was battling to secure his PGA Tour status at the start of the week, sat four shots adrift at the turn on Sunday afternoon, before shooting an incredible back-nine 28 to triumph by two shots.

Odyssey Announces Transformative New Ai-ONE and Ai-ONE Milled Putters

Odyssey has been the Number 1 Putter on Tour for 13 years, the Number 1 Putter on the DP World Tour, Champions Tour, and LPGA Tour for 20 years, and Odyssey putters have compiled over 1,800 tournament wins since 2000.

And now Odyssey wants to unlock the next frontier of putting performance with the new Ai-ONE and Ai-ONE Milled putters.

Pinehurst Resort and Country Club to Host Six Additional USGA Championships

Following the monumental announcement in 2020 of the establishment of "Golf House Pinehurst" and the first U.S. Open Anchor Site at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, the United States Golf Association (USGA) announced today that Pinehurst will serve as the host for six more prestigious USGA championships in the coming years. These events include the 2027 U.S. Women’s Amateur, 2032 U.S. Junior Amateur and U.S. Girls’ Junior, 2038 U.S. Amateur, 2044 U.S. Women’s Amateur and a future U.S. Adaptive Open. The 2027 and 2044 U.S. Women’s Amateurs and 2038 U.S. Amateur will be held on Pinehurst No. 2, with the remaining championship’s courses to be determined at a later date.

“Bringing more championships to a venue like Pinehurst is a testament to the USGA’s commitment to our long term partnership with the Resort and our promise of expanding the presence of our organization in the area,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer. “Pinehurst's rich golfing heritage and commitment to excellence make it the perfect setting for all of the USGA’s world-class events. Their commitment to our Open championships is incredible, and now we are able to shine a light on the amateur game here as well.”

The Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG Double Down for Veterans with a $10 Million Match

For the 12th consecutive year, Semper Fi & America’s Fund (The Fund) is partnering with The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation (The Foundation) and PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf) for the Double Down for Veterans match campaign. Through the end of the year, The Foundation, with support from PXG, will generously match up to $10 million in donations made to The Fund. If met, this match will bring support of The Fund from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG to $100 million!

The Fund will celebrate its 20th anniversary this Spring. Since its inception in 2004, it has given more than $320 million in grants to support 31,000 combat-wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families.

Kyle Berkshire Captures Third World Long Drive Title with Cobra PUMA Golf

Kyle Berkshire captured his third World Long Drive Championship on Sunday, tying the all-time record for championship wins. He sealed the deal at the Bobby Jones Golf Course in Atlanta with a 398-yard bomb in the final, making him officially the longest hitter on the planet. His longest drive of the day came in the quarterfinals, where he launched a 432-yard drive straight down the middle of the grid.

“Kyle worked closely with our R&D and innovation teams to build the fastest driver we have ever created,” said Dan Ladd, President COBRA PUMA GOLF. “It’s a remarkable feat to be the longest in the game and we are thrilled to have an athlete like Kyle showcase our speed innovations.”

USA Wins its 16th Eisenhower Trophy, First Since 2014

The United States of America surged to its 16th Eisenhower Trophy win, and its first since 2014, on Saturday in the 33rd World Amateur Team Championship at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. David Ford, the No. 5 ranked amateur in the world, posted an 8-under 64, while 2023 U.S. Amateur champion Nick Dunlap contributed a 4-under 68.

“I just feel so happy for these guys,” said USA Captain Mark Newell. “This is a great championship filled with lots of good players and they really earned their victory with great play all four rounds and especially today.”

USA Leads at Midway Point in Abu Dhabi

The United States of America’s Nick Dunlap, who is No. 4 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking®/WAGR®, tallied seven birdies en route to a 5-under 67 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club to position the Americans one stroke clear of France and the People’s Republic of China through the second round of the 33rd World Amateur Team Championship.

“I just like the vibe out here,” said Dunlap, the 2023 U.S. Amateur champion. “It’s a little bit different so I’m just trying to embrace it. There are a couple holes that I like hitting 3-wood where a lot of people are hitting driver, so I’m trying to play to my strengths and play to what looks good to my eye and go from there.”

TGL Announces San Francisco Team Ownership Group Led by Marc Lasry's Avenue Capital Group and Steph Curry

TGL presented by SoFi, the new tech-forward, prime time, team golf league developed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TMRW Sports in partnership with the PGA TOUR, today announced the formation of the ownership group that is acquiring the rights to TGL’s San Francisco team.

This fifth ownership group to be announced by TGL is led by Marc Lasry’s Avenue Sports Fund and Stephen Curry. Additional investors include NBA stars Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompson. The announcement was made today by Marc Lasry, Avenue Capital Group Chairman and CEO, and Mike McCarley, CEO, TMRW Sports Group and TGL presented by SoFi.

Opening Round Matchups Announced for 2023 LIV Golf Team Championship

LIV Golf today revealed the matchups for Friday’s quarterfinal round of the 2023 LIV Golf Team Championship, teeing off October 20-22 at Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami. Team opponents were announced at a captains’ selection show press conference to kick off this week’s three-day tournament taking place at the iconic Blue Monster course, site of LIV Golf’s 14th and final event of the year.

For each head-to-head team matchup, three matches will take place: two singles matches and one alternate-shot (foursomes) match. All 32 players amongst the eight participating teams will compete simultaneously in a shotgun start and matches will be played until a winner is determined. Each match winner receives one point, and the first team to earn two points will advance to Saturday’s semifinals.

The TPC Sawgrass Experience

Have you always wanted to play where the pros play and experience all that TPC Sawgrass has to offer?

Well now you can enjoy a round on Stadium and Dye’s Valley with accommodations at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa thanks to Marriott Golf.

Galvin Green Unveils Open Skies Capsule Collection

Leading high-tech golf apparel brand Galvin Green has today unveiled a new premium OPEN SKIES capsule collection of top-performing garments in supremely vibrant aquatic color combinations and patterns that will brighten up any golfing wardrobe and golf trip.

Ideal for serious golfers looking to play in warmer regions this winter, the latest collection from the innovative Swedish brand features six fashionable shirts, a pair of shorts, plus two sweaters and a matching baseball cap centred around the vibrant Aqua color and lighter shades of Grey and White that form the mix of colors associated with vast open skies.

Club Champion Putter Fitting Review (Franklin, Tennessee) - PGAPappas Winner Guest Review

No matter who you are, what your game is like, or what you want to accomplish, a Club Champion fitting will help you play better golf and in the process make the game more fun.  I recently had a Club Champion putter fitting that was educational, eye-opening, and ultimately one of the best fitting experiences I could have possibly had.

And the winner of my recent Club Champion putter fitting giveaway also had himself one heck of a day.  Ty was fit at Club Champion - Franklin, and describes his fitting as "thorough, detailed, and high quality."

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.