Category: Golf

USA Team Demanding to be Paid to Compete in the 2025 Ryder Cup

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

What’s the reason?

The PGA of America recently announced that each of the 12 players on Keegan Bradley’s side will receive $500,000 (£395,000), with $300,000 (£237,000) of that donated to a charity or charities chosen by each player. The remaining $200,000 (£158,000) has been termed a “stipend”.

The USA Ryder Cup team’s desire to be paid stems from a combination of factors related to revenue generation, player workload, and perceived fairness. Here’s a breakdown of why this topic has become increasingly relevant.

Massive Revenue Generation

The Ryder Cup generates hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and merchandise. However, the players themselves do not receive a direct payment for participating, which some view as unfair considering they are the main attraction driving the event’s success.

Time and Commitment

Playing in the Ryder Cup requires a significant time commitment, including preparation, travel, and participation in team events. Unlike regular PGA Tour events where players earn prize money, the Ryder Cup does not offer financial compensation, despite the players sacrificing personal time and energy.

Growing Player Influence

With the rise of high-paying golf leagues like LIV Golf and the evolving power dynamics within professional golf, top players have begun to realize their value as assets. Many believe that they should share in the financial rewards, especially when the event profits so heavily.

Historical Context

This debate isn’t new. Back in 1999, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson raised concerns about players not being compensated, suggesting that some earnings could go to charities or player causes. While a portion of Ryder Cup proceeds does go to charitable donations and player-nominated foundations, some players feel their contributions are undervalued.

Pressure on the PGA of America

The PGA of America organizes the Ryder Cup and reaps the financial benefits. Unlike the European Tour, where profits help sustain the tour itself, many players question where the PGA of America’s profits are allocated and why players do not see a share.

Changing Perception of “Playing for Pride”

While the Ryder Cup has always been about playing for pride, passion, and country, younger generations of players may have different expectations. In an era where professional sports are more commercialized than ever, the idea of unpaid participation feels increasingly outdated to some.

Ultimately, this issue highlights a clash between tradition and modern commercial realities. The players recognize their role in making the Ryder Cup a global spectacle and believe they deserve compensation that reflects their contribution to its success.

What is the 2025 Team Cup?

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

The Team Cup is a professional golf tournament that pits teams from Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) against those from Continental Europe. Held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s National Course, the event is scheduled for January 10-12, 2025.

The primary purpose of the Team Cup is to provide European golfers with experience in team match play formats, serving as preparation for the Ryder Cup. The event offers players the opportunity to compete in a team environment, which is valuable for those aiming to represent Europe in future Ryder Cups.

In the 2025 edition, Major Champions Francesco Molinari and Justin Rose were named as the Playing Captains for the second edition of the Team Cup. Molinari captained Continental Europe to victory two years ago and will go head-to-head with his Ryder Cup teammate Rose, who assumes the Great Britain & Ireland captaincy for the first time.

The tournament format includes one session of fourballs on Friday, two sessions of foursomes on Saturday, and one session of singles on Sunday, with every player participating in all sessions. Each match is worth one point, and the first team to reach 12½ points wins the Team Cup. 

The event is also seen as a platform for rising stars to showcase their skills in a competitive team setting, contributing to the development of golf talent in Europe.

10 Gifts You Can Buy for a Golfer this Christmas

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

VPAR Premium Membership

A golf membership for the modern golfer! The VPAR app allows you to take your pick from over 40K golf courses and effortlessly track scores, stats, use GPS maps and compete against friends! A VPAR Premium membership will add an additional twenty in-app features specifically designed to significantly enhance your game experience.

Putter Fitting

A personalized fitting session to determine the perfect putter for your game. With expert guidance,you will find the ideal putter to help improve putting performance, and therefore lower your handicap.

ProSendr

A training aid which will improve your game and make your training more precise and beneficial. It’s used by lots of professionals and is highly rated in the golf world.

Personalised Pro V1’s

A dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls, personalized with your name or custom text. They are something every golfer needs but with a personal twist.

Waterproofs

High-quality waterproof golf apparel designed to keep you dry and comfortable in any weather. If you’re based in the UK, this is a must.

RipIt Grips

A set of RipIt Grips, designed to enhance your comfort and control during your golf swing. These innovative grips are made with advanced materials to improve traction and reduce hand fatigue. They are also very unique and stand out compared to most golf grips!

FootJoy Classics

A pair of FootJoy Classics golf shoes, offering timeless style and unmatched comfort. Known for their durability, support, and superior traction, these shoes are perfect for both performance and all-day wear on the course. You can’t go wrong with a plain white or black pair.

Fifty Places to Play Golf Before You Die Guide

A beautifully illustrated book featuring 50 of the world’s most iconic and exclusive golf courses. Perfect for any golfer looking to plan their next bucket-list golf trip.

Thermals

High-performance thermal golf wear designed to keep you warm in cold weather without restricting your movement. They make a big difference when temperatures start to drop low and can be used in day to day life too.

Golf Bag

A stylish and functional golf is a must, especially if you carry. There are plenty of options out there, with many different styles depending on what you like.

The PNC Championship Returns

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

The PNC Championship is an annual golf tournament that pairs major champions with family members in a 36-hole scramble format. The 2024 edition is scheduled for December 21-22 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida.

To qualify, players must have won either a Major Championship or Players Championship and, with the likes of Tiger Woods, Nelly Korda and Nick Faldo teeing it up, it’s set to be an exciting and feel-good watch.

As of now, the official field for the 2024 PNC Championship includes notable teams such as:

| Tiger Woods and his son, Charlie Woods.

| Defending champions Bernhard Langer and his son, Jason Langer.

| John Daly and his son, John Daly II.

| Annika Sörenstam and her son, Will McGee.

| Nelly Korda and her father, Petr Korda.

Regarding favorites, while specific betting odds for the 2024 PNC Championship are not widely available, teams like the Langers, given their defending champion status, and the Woods duo, due to their popularity and past performances, are expected to be strong contenders.

However, some individuals won’t be playing as a number of current PGA Tour players, as well as some who have moved to LIV Golf, won’t be making the trip over to Florida. 

Here is a list of notable pairings who won’t be competing:

| Justin and Mike Thomas.

| Jordan and Shawn Spieth.

| Henrik and Karl Stenson.

| Jim and Tanner Furyk.

| Bubba and Caleb Watson.

| Tom and Michael Watson.

| Rich and Micheal Beem.

European Ryder Cup 2025 Team Prediction

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

Rory McIlroy

No explanation needed. The first name on the team sheet and the heartbeat of the European team.

Jon Rahm

Bringing the Spanish fire! Rahm is an incredible golfer and walks straight into the team, whether it’s on points or a captain’s pick.

Tyrrell Hatton

A great end to the 2024 DP World Tour season means he should have a good chance of qualifying. That said, I think he will be a captain’s pick regardless, and will likely play in the first pairing on Friday morning with Jon Rahm.

Viktor Hovland

The poster boy in Rome. Arguably the best player of 2023, and a real inspiration for the next generation of Ryder Cup players. His chip-in on the first hole on Friday morning in Rome was a real momentum shifter, and I think he’ll embrace the hostile environment of New York fans.

Ludvig Åberg

Arguably a generational talent. Åberg is on the rise and should play a crucial role in New York. Paired with Hovland, they are a force to be reckoned with. His driver is his superpower, and he can put opponents under immense pressure in the match-play format.

Tommy Fleetwood

Fleetwood needs another solid season. A win would secure his place on the team, and he’s a consistently reliable Ryder Cup player. The Ryder Cup seems to bring the best out of Tommy Fleetwood every year.

Matthew Fitzpatrick

A U.S. Open champion for a reason. Fitzpatrick has performed at the highest level consistently for a few years now and is one of the best putters in the world. He can be utilized by Luke Donald in many ways due to his short-game capabilities and ability to make a lot of birdies in the foursomes format.

Shane Lowry

The source of energy. He will bring the fire, like Rahm. The Ryder Cup means everything to him, and I’m sure he’ll find a way to silence the American fans. He’ll need to have a strong PGA Tour and DP World Tour season, but I’m certain he’ll do everything necessary, given it’s a Ryder Cup year, and he won’t want to miss out on that team.

Bob MacIntyre

A point of difference being a left-handed golfer. His rookie Ryder Cup in Rome was a great success, and he handled the pressure immensely. After a tough start to his PGA Tour career in 2024, he found his feet and ticked off two national opens in Canada and his homeland of Scotland. He is a fan favorite and will be carrying the hopes of Scotland around Bethpage Black with him.

Justin Rose

If Luke Donald needs some added experience in what is sure to be a cauldron of an atmosphere at Bethpage, the European captain may turn to one of his most trusted lieutenants to provide an element of calm amidst the chaos! Rose is a Ryder Cup legend and will be hard to leave out of an away Ryder Cup!

Rasmus Højgaard

We may see another brotherly pairing in the Ryder Cup! Rasmus had a great year in 2024, earning his PGA Tour card for next season. This will only help him prove to Donald that he is ready to compete with the best players in the world on the biggest stage. His career path has been steadily improving over the past few years in Europe, and the time is right for him to enter the Ryder Cup arena.

Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen

The risk that Luke Donald may take. Donald and his team are not afraid to select someone with limited experience, as shown in the selection of Ludvig Åberg in 2023. Neergaard-Petersen is a special talent who has just moved from the Challenge Tour to the DP World Tour. He is a winner, having triumphed three times on the Challenge Tour this season and topping the Road to Mallorca Rankings. He is a star for the future, and I don’t think that future is too far away! Donald has already shown an interest by selecting him for Continental Europe in the Team Cup in January. I believe this will be a stepping stone in Neergaard-Petersen’s career, and the golf world will soon begin to see the player Team Europe potentially has in their hands.

Other options:

Nicolai Højgaard

A strange season for Nicolai, but there were glimpses of brilliance. He has a great all-around game with very few weaknesses. Luke Donald backed him in 2023, and there is a chance he will again in 2025. However, he will need to be more consistent than he was last season to give Donald a reason to select him.

Aaron Rai

Aaron Rai is Mr. Consistent on the PGA Tour. He’s currently ranked among the top 25 players in the world and is an excellent all-around player, especially from tee to green, which can be relentless in match play. He has experience competing in America and will head into the 2025 season with hopes of qualifying in the top six of the Ryder Cup points standings.

Are LAB Golf Putters Worth The Hype?

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

LAB (Lie Angle Balance) putters have gained attention for their innovative approach to solving the issue of torque in the putting stroke. Here’s a breakdown of their value and whether the technology might represent the future of putting:

What Makes LAB Putters Unique?

Lie Angle Balance Technology

LAB putters are designed to remain perfectly square to the path of your stroke, minimizing torque.

This design helps golfers who struggle with face rotation and inconsistent putting strokes.

Customisation:

LAB putters are often tailored to the player’s specific setup, including lie angle and weight preferences.

Alignment Features:

Many LAB models include unique alignment aids, which can improve aim for golfers who struggle with traditional putters.

Build Quality:

The materials and craftsmanship are premium, justifying the price to some extent.

    Are They Worth the Money?

    Yes, If:

    You struggle with face stability during the stroke or have significant torque issues.

    You’re looking for a highly customized putting experience.

    You value innovation and are willing to invest in tools that might genuinely improve your game.

    No, If:

    Your putting stroke is already consistent, and torque isn’t a problem.

    You’re not comfortable investing £500–£750 in a putter without a trial period or fitting.

    Is LAB Technology the Future?

    Potential Influence:

    LAB’s success may inspire other manufacturers to adopt similar anti-torque designs or more advanced customization.

    The concept aligns with modern golf trends: using technology to optimize performance and consistency.

    Market Adoption:

    While LAB is currently niche, broader adoption will depend on continued performance validation and the willingness of players to adapt to their unconventional aesthetics.

    Should You Try One?

    If you’re intrigued, a fitting session or trial is crucial to see how the putter feels and performs for your stroke. LAB putters might not suit everyone, but for those they work for, the results can be transformative.

    Why does Matt Fitzpatrick Chip Cross-Handed?

    Posted on by Ivana Miteva

    Cross-handed chipping has gained popularity among professional golfers like Matt Fitzpatrick because it provides a few distinct advantages that help with consistency and precision in short-game shots. Here’s why it has caught on.

    Stability and Control

    In the cross-handed grip (also called left-hand-low for right-handed players), the lead hand takes a more dominant position, which can stabilize the wrist and reduce unwanted flipping or scooping of the club at impact.

    This leads to more consistent contact and better control over the ball’s trajectory.

    Simplifies Technique

    By keeping the wrists quieter, cross-handed chipping promotes a pendulum-like motion similar to putting. This reduces the complexity of the stroke and helps players focus on consistent mechanics.

    Many golfers struggle with “yippy” or jerky movements in chipping. Cross-handed chipping addresses this issue by limiting excessive wrist action.

    Improved Clubface Control

    With the lead hand controlling the motion, players often find it easier to keep the clubface square to the target throughout the swing. This can improve accuracy and predictability.

    Confidence Booster

    The technique provides a structured, repeatable method for chipping, which can inspire confidence, especially under pressure.

    Influence from Putting

    Cross-handed putting is already a popular grip among many professional golfers. Its application in chipping feels natural for those accustomed to this grip in putting.

    Why Matt Fitzpatrick and Others Adopted It

    Matt Fitzpatrick has been known to experiment with various techniques to improve consistency. His adoption of cross-handed chipping highlights his focus on refining his short game, and it has influenced other players and amateurs to explore this style.

    The rise in adoption reflects a broader trend in golf toward exploring unorthodox methods that can provide measurable benefits.

    While cross-handed chipping may not suit everyone, it’s an excellent option for golfers looking to eliminate inconsistency in their short-game mechanics. Have you tried it yourself?

    Players Who Earned DP World Tour Cards 

    Posted on by Ivana Miteva

    21 Players Who Earned DP World Tour Cards Through Q-School 2024

    The DP World Tour Qualifying School is often considered the toughest test in golf due to several factors that make it an incredibly gruelling challenge!

    Q-School spans multiple stages, culminating in a six-round Final Stage where players must maintain peak performance over an extended period. The Final Stage alone involves 108 holes, which demands exceptional endurance, consistency, and mental resilience!

    For many participants, Q-School represents a make-or-break opportunity to secure playing rights on the DP World Tour. The pressure to perform is immense, as failing to qualify often forces players to seek alternative careers or lower-level tours.

    Q-School recently concluded at INFINITUM in Tarragona, Spain, where 21 players secured their coveted Tour cards. This intense six-round tournament serves as one of golf’s most challenging pathways to the professional circuit, blending seasoned veterans, rising stars, and global newcomers.

    Highlights and Notable Stories

    Edoardo Molinari (Italy)
    The 43-year-old former Ryder Cup star claimed the top spot with a 29-under-par performance. Molinari’s consistent play saw him reclaim a spot on the DP World Tour after a difficult season that saw him lose his playing rights​.

    Niklas Lemke (Sweden)
    A consistent presence at Q-School, Lemke finished second, narrowly missing the title. His strong performance continued a pattern of successfully navigating the qualifying process​.

    Jean Bekirian (Armenia)
    Making history, Bekirian became the first Armenian to earn a DP World Tour card. His achievement symbolizes the growing global diversity of golf​.

    Jacob Skov Olesen (Denmark)
    Turning professional after securing a card, Olesen foregoes an amateur invite to The Masters to join the Tour​.

    Wil Besseling (Netherlands)
    Besseling’s dramatic finish, birdying the last three holes, secured his spot, epitomizing the high-stakes nature of the event​.

    Davis Bryant (USA)
    Climbing through all three Q-School stages, Bryant’s nine-under 62 in the final round highlighted his determination.

    Other Qualifiers

    • Clément Sordet (France)
    • Wilco Nienaber (South Africa)
    • Justin Harding (South Africa)
    • Ryggs Johnston (USA)
    • Corey Shaun (USA)
    • Bastien Amat (France)
    • Gregorio de Leo (Italy)
    • Dan Erickson (USA)
    • Benjamin Follett-Smith (Zimbabwe)
    • Joshua Berry (England)
    • Ben Schmidt (England)
    • Jacob Tadek (Czech Republic)
    • Danny List (Australia)
    • Alexander George Frances (Denmark)
    • Albert Boneta (Spain)

    These players reflect a mix of experience and youthful ambition, ready to compete at golf’s highest levels. The Final Stage of Q-School continues to serve as a gateway for talent, offering life-changing opportunities to players worldwide​.

    Nullarbor Links: The World’s Longest Course

    Posted on by Ivana Miteva

    Nestled across Australia’s sprawling outback, Nullarbor Links claims the title of the world’s longest golf course, stretching an impressive 1,365 kilometres across the states of South and Western Australia. This unique course takes golfers on an unforgettable journey across the Nullarbor Plain, combining 18 holes, vast desert landscapes, and quintessential outback towns. From the coastal town of Ceduna in South Australia to the charming town of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia, Nullarbor Links invites golfers not just to play a round but to embark on a cross-country adventure unlike any other.

    Source: Pinterest

    The course was put together to promote tourism through the Nullarbor Plain and to offer a unique experience for avid golfers and adventurers. Inaugurated in 2009, it provides golfers with a travel experience that provides a twist to the traditional 18-hole format. Each hole is in a different town or roadhouse, stretching across some of Australia’s most remote regions. As players travel from one location to the next, they encounter rich Australian landscapes, from red sand dunes to limestone cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, blending natural beauty with a challenging and unorthodox game of golf. Depending on the way you travel, the course starts in the gold mining town of Kalgoorlie, and winds across to coastal Ceduna in Southern Australia.

    Challenges on the Links

    Nullarbor Links is no ordinary golf course. Players are required to drive hundreds of kilometres between holes, which means a round can take days or weeks to complete. Each hole is designed with a unique landscape and challenge that reflects the environment. The holes are set up with tees and greens that use artificial grass, with the natural land left untouched in between. While some holes are set against the backdrop of small outback towns, others are located on rugged, isolated stretches of land where kangaroos and emus might wander by.

    Weather on the Nullarbor Plain can also pose a challenge, as golfers face harsh sunlight, strong winds, and fluctuating temperatures. Even seasoned golfers will find the course’s mix of wide-open spaces, unexpected wildlife, and variable terrains a unique challenge.

    Highlights Along the Course

    Each hole along Nullarbor Links tells a story, adding to the overall experience. The 5th hole at Nundroo, for example, is near one of Australia’s best-kept secrets, Fowlers Bay, where players can enjoy pristine beaches. It is named Dingo’s Den, after the dingoes that can be found in the area.The 18th hole is named after CY O’Connor, the engineer that designed the Mundaring to Kalgoorlie pipeline that supplies water to this day.

    Golf and Adventure Combined

    Nullarbor Links is more than just a test of skill, it’s an exploration of Australia’s heartland and a unique travel experience. Each stop encourages travellers to encounter something new. It’s this fusion of sport and travel that makes Nullarbor Links an enticing adventure for those looking to explore Australia’s vast, open landscapes in an unconventional way.

    Whether you’re a dedicated golfer or simply an adventurer seeking the thrill of the Australian outback, Nullarbor Links offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience, making every stroke as memorable as the vast landscape it spans.

    Review of the 2024 Creator Classic

    Posted on by Ivana Miteva

    The 2024 Creator Classic golf tournament was a highly entertaining and competitive event, bringing together an exciting mix of YouTubers, golf influencers, and professional athletes at East Lake Golf Club. It was a pioneering event for the PGA tour, becoming the first time it had invested in YouTube golf and further solidified the ever-merging worlds of online content creation and professional sport.

    The event saw players compete over the back 9 holes at East Lake, under a stroke play format. The top four, after 8 holes, would go head-to-head in a sudden death playoff on the 18th. If there was a tie after the 8 holes, a chipping competition around the 17th green would have decided the four finalists. In the case of a tie after the sudden death 18th, they would play the hole again before going to a chip-off around the 18th green to decide who comes out victorious.

    The star-studded 16 player lineup featured the likes of Wesley Bryan, Roger Steele, Paige Spiranac, and Tyler Toney from Dude Perfect making appearances. The event was marked by a combination of impressive skill and light-hearted antics. Former PGA Tour member Wesley Bryan led for much of the tournament, displaying his usual golf prowess, while Luke Kwon emerged as the standout player. Kwon, who is also a content creator known for his golf-themed YouTube channel, clinched the title in a thrilling four-man playoff against Bryan, Steele, and Sean Walsh. Kwon’s clutch six-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole secured his win, making him the first-ever winner of the Creator Classic. His victory was the highlight of the tournament, proving that Kwon’s talents extend beyond just creating golf content and he can perform when under pressure.

    On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tyler Toney had a rough day. Known for his impressive trick shots with Dude Perfect, Toney struggled in the traditional format, finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard with a score of 10-over-par.

    Other notable performances included Steele’s stunning 55-foot birdie putt, one of the standout moments of the tournament, and Spiranac’s solid play, which earned her a respectable 9th place finish. As always, the event balanced serious competition with light-hearted fun, which is exactly what makes it so appealing to fans.

    The 2024 Creator Classic was praised for its combination of high production value and fan engagement. With creators live-streaming their rounds and interacting with fans in real-time, the event felt immersive and interactive, making viewers feel like they were part of the action. The use of drones, slow-motion replays, and on-course interviews also gave the tournament a professional polish that matched its growing reputation.

    For context, Sean Fairholm of MyGolfSpy pointed out that the LIV Greenbrier had 168k viewers for a duel between Rahm and Koepka. When Kwon was putting for the victory, more than 118,000 viewers were watching live on YouTube. If you consider the additional ESPN+ audience on top of everyone who watched the event on-demand, the Creator Classic likely superseded the LIV audience. YouTube golf events are well and truly on the rise, and these figures would strongly suggest they are here to stay.

    It hasn’t just been a success from a fans point of view though. Spiranac also highlighted “There’s really no place for our followers to watch us in person, so to have this opportunity for us to be together in a competitive setting where they can see all of us at the same time is unlike anything we ever expected. I think it’s special for us and special for them. It’s just been a crazy, amazing experience.”

    Looking ahead to 2025, fans are already buzzing about what next year’s event might hold. With the Creator Classic growing in popularity, there’s speculation that more big-name creators and athletes could join the lineup. Viewers are also hoping for even more creative challenges and unconventional twists on traditional golf, which could add an extra layer of excitement.

    Overall, the 2024 Creator Classic was a resounding success, blending serious golf with the spontaneous world of digital content creation. Whether you watched for the impressive golf on offer, or the entertaining personalities, the event offered something for everyone. With Luke Kwon as the reigning champion and a bright future ahead for the tournament, the Creator Classic is set to become a staple in the world of sports and online entertainment.