golf Archives

VPAR at the AIG Women’s Open 2025

Posted on August 5, 2025August 5, 2025 by Ivana Miteva

Last week we were at Royal Porthcawl for the AIG Women’s Open 2025. A full week of golf, coastal weather, and a busy schedule across two great venues.

AIG Women’s Open 2025 kicked off on Tuesday with the Partners’ Pro-Am at Royal Porthcawl. Team Husqvarna, led by Carlota Ciganda, came out on top with a score of -28. Carlota also made a hole-in-one during the round on the 8th hole. Pretty casual. Among the players that day was Miyu Yamashita, who would go on to win the AIG Women’s Open later in the week. On Wednesday, it was time for the AIG Pro-Am. Charley Hull’s team won the net competition with a score of -22. And Rose Zhang’s team took the gross shooting -9.

In between the Pro-Ams, we got to watch some golf ourselves and honestly, Royal Porthcawl really stood out. It’s hidden away, but it’s one of the best championship golf venues we’ve been to. The course was in unbelievable condition, and we were lucky with some gorgeous afternoon weather. Locals were out kite surfing along the coastline next to the 1st green. What a stunning course with a special backdrop for the event!

On Saturday, we moved over to Celtic Manor for another Pro-Am. The format was a scramble, and it was time to see who could rack up the most birdies on this 2010 Ryder Cup course. Linnea Strom’s team won it with -11, finishing things off with a 20-foot putt on the last to seal the win.

Special mention to Charley Hull, who was incredible to watch on Sunday. She had the crowd fully behind her and created a great spectacle for women’s golf. A fantastic performance, and an even better atmosphere. Also, congratulations to the eventual winner of the AIG Women’s Open 2025, Miyu Yamashita, who showed great patience and consistency throughout the week, leading her to her first major victory.

Well done to everyone involved in the tournament organisation and setup. It’s always a pleasure to be a part of AIG Women’s Open 2025.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

A former professional cricketer, Will played for Essex County Cricket Club from 2018 to 2023 before joining the VPAR team in 2024. During his cricket career, he competed in First Class, List A, and T20 matches, contributing to the club’s recent successes.
Now, Will’s focus has shifted to golf. He plays off a VPAR Handicap of 4.5 and is aiming to reach scratch in the near future. His favourite course is Poppy Hills, a hidden gem just above Pebble Beach, and his top venue to work at is Waterville Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland.
Whether you’re seeking top golfing destinations, a fresh perspective on the ever-changing professional game, or betting tips for major events, Will offers valuable insights. For him, golf is more than just a sport – it’s a lifestyle, and he loves sharing that passion with the VPAR community.

The VPAR Team’s Open Championship Picks

Posted on July 17, 2025August 8, 2025 by Ivana Miteva

Will B’s Picks:

Winner: Tommy Fleetwood
Each way: Tyrrell Hatton

Fleetwood’s been knocking on the door for a while now and it feels like it’s only a matter of time before he gets that win at The Open. Hatton’s been solid too, always hanging around the top of the leaderboard and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make a run.

Andy’s Picks:

Winner: Justin Rose
Each way: Aldrich Potgieter

Rose has the experience and still has the game to pull off his second major win. Potgieter’s a bit of a wildcard, but he’s got serious talent. Could be a surprise package if things go his way.

Will G’s Picks:

Winner: Scottie Scheffler
Each way: Robert MacIntyre

Scheffler‘s consistency and composure make him the clear favourite at Royal Portrush. MacIntyre had an impressive runner-up finish at the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont, where he was the only player to card both weekend rounds under par. Additionally, his T6 finish at the 2019 Open Championship there shows he’s got a feel for the place.

Joakim’s Picks:

Winner: Jon Rahm
Each way: Tommy Fleetwood

Rahm has finished in the top 15 in all the other majors this year and is coming off a strong performance on LIV. As for Fleetwood, he’s been knocking on the door for a while. He’s on the path to a big win and could finally get one under his belt at Royal Portrush.

Steve’s Picks:

Winner: Rory McIlroy
Each way: Ryan Fox

Rory’s course record at Royal Portrush speaks volumes about his comfort level of the layout. With that and his Masters win in April, he’s the top pick. Also, Fox might be under the radar, but his ball striking capability makes him a smart each-way bet.

Jack’s Picks:

Winner: Sepp Straka
Each way: J. J. Spaun

Straka’s been consistent this season, with a win at The American Express and a solid showing on a links course at the Genesis Scottish Open last week. Spaun, fresh off his U.S. Open victory, is a great course fit. All in all, his accuracy could really pay off around Royal Portrush.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

Five Amazing Golf Venues the VPAR Events have Visited this Year

Posted on June 19, 2025June 19, 2025 by Ivana Miteva

PGA Frisco – Texas, USA

PGA Frisco is a bold new chapter in American golf. A destination with unlimited fun on and off the course. This expansive and state of the art golf venue is home to two championship courses. The Fields Ranch East is a strategic masterpiece by Gil Hanse. And Fields Ranch West is a more accessible yet equally engaging design by Beau Welling. Later this year it will host the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. And is already set to host the 2027 PGA Championship. With world class golf, modern amenities, and an electric atmosphere, PGA Frisco delivers an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.

Killeen Castle – Dublin, Ireland

Just 30 minutes from Dublin, Killeen Castle Golf Club combines world-class golf with genuine Irish hospitality. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Course offers a rewarding challenge for players of all abilities. It’s set in the stunning grounds of a 12th-century castle. What truly sets Killeen Castle apart is its friendly, welcoming vibe and the outstanding service from its staff. The club made history in 2011 as the proud host of the Solheim Cup, confirming its place among Europe’s top golf venues.

St Georges Hill Golf Club – Surrey, England

Built for luxury in the 1920s, St George’s Hill Golf Club is a masterpiece of classic design set in the heart of Surrey. The Harry Colt course flows effortlessly through the beautiful Surrey heathland. The clubhouse is widely regarded as one of the most stunning in the world. A combination of character and history. With a superb carvery lunch and a team known for their exceptional service, St George’s Hill is a golf venue where tradition and quality come together in every detail.

Valle Del Este – Costa Almería, Spain

Located just 40 minutes from Almería Airport, Valle del Este Golf Resort is the perfect all-in-one destination for a golf getaway. With the hotel, golf course, driving range, and pool all on-site, everything you need is just a short walk away. It’s incredibly convenient for both individuals and groups. The course itself features some truly memorable holes. Quirky, fun layout and dramatic elevation changes that keep things exciting from start to finish. Add in the super friendly and helpful staff, and you’ve got a relaxed, welcoming environment that makes you feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

El Camaleón Golf Club – Riviera Maya, Mexico

El Camaleón Golf Club, part of the Mayakoba Resort in the Riviera Maya, is a Greg Norman designed gem. The course mixes seaside views with jungle vibes for a fun and challenging round. One of the standout spots is Hole 7. It features a fairway cave called ‘the Devil’s Mouth,’ a natural cenote that really shows off the course’s stunning natural beauty. El Camaleón has hosted professional events from the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, and LIV Golf. Hence, it has a reputation as a top golf destination. All in all, with super friendly staff and a laid back vibe, it is a golf experience you will not forget.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

VPAR’s Featured Holes at Oakmont Country Club

Posted on June 13, 2025 by Stephen

Hole 3

Accuracy off the tee is critical, with the famous Church Pew bunkers guarding the left and deep fairway traps on the right.

Finding the fairway is key to maximizing your chances of controlling the ball on the approach to an elevated green.

The green is relatively flat by Oakmont standards, but still demands precise distance and spin control.

Notoriously one of the most difficult par 4s in the country.

Hole 8

One of the longest par 3s in the world, par is an excellent score here.

Anything slightly left is likely to find the ‘Sahara bunker’, a sprawling 100 yard long hazard that punishes even the slightest miss.

The putting surface is not as heavily contoured as others at Oakmont, but birdie chances are rare given the hole’s length.

Famously, it was the only blemish on Johnny Miller’s card, making a bogey during his historic final-round 63 to win the 1973 U.S. Open.

Hole 17

The penultimate hole presents a crucial risk-reward challenge that could decide the championship on Sunday afternoon.

Most players will take driver off the tee, with multiple strategies to attack this birdie opportunity.

The most troublesome bunker is short, right of the green, named ‘Big Mouth’ for its ability to swallow approaches.

During the 2016 U.S. Open, the hole produced 129 birdies, though champion Dustin Johnson played it smart, making four pars on his way to victory

Hole 18

One of the toughest closing holes in golf.

A long, straight tee shot is a must, with trouble waiting on both sides of the fairway.

The uphill approach plays to a large, undulating green where even a safe shot can leave a difficult two-putt.

Dustin Johnson made birdie here in the final round of the 2016 U.S. Open to secure his first major victory.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

Can Scottie Scheffler catch Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus?

Posted on May 23, 2025June 24, 2025 by Ivana Miteva

Mindset

Scottie Scheffler doesn’t carry the same intensity as Tiger Woods or the aura of Jack Nicklaus. But beneath his calm demeanor is a killer instinct that mirrors theirs. He remains grounded and focused on the process, often deflecting praise in interviews and pointing instead to faith, family, and the basics. While Tiger thrived on intimidation and Jack thrived on control, Scottie thrived on consistency. And doing the basics right week in week out, grinding his opponents into the ground.

Consistency

Scheffler’s statistical dominance is no fluke. He’s posted record-breaking strokes-gained numbers and leads fields week after week, especially with his iron play. He’s also become remarkably consistent despite struggles on the greens. That makes his success even more impressive. If he can maintain around this level for over a decade, the comparison to Tiger and Jack becomes less speculative and more data-driven. While Tiger had dominant peaks and Jack had consistent major performances, Scheffler may be a hybrid model of both.

Injury Risk

One major issue in Scottie catching Woods and Jack is injury risk. Tiger Woods’ career was repeatedly set back by injuries which came from his explosive power and the toll of playing under intense physical and mental strain. Scheffler’s swing is controlled and efficient, and his swing doesn’t look like it will grind down his body the way Tiger’s did. But professional golf is a marathon and you never know how a player’s body will handle the grind. Avoiding serious injury will be a non-negotiable if Scheffler wants to chase 15 or 18 majors.

Time Frame

Scheffler turned pro in 2018 and, as of now, is still just 28 years old. At the 2025 PGA Championship, Scheffler joined Woods and Nicklaus in winning three or more majors and 15 or more PGA Tour events before the age of 29. Nicklaus won his 18th major at age 46, and Tiger won his 15th at 43. That gives Scottie nearly two decades to build his resume. If he stays healthy and keeps winning the way he is, he’s suddenly in the GOAT conversation. But golf history is full of players who shined brightly for a few seasons, only to fall off. However, something feels different with Scottie Scheffler so we’ll have to sit back, and watch it unfold.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

VPAR Feature Blog: Advert Free

Posted on May 12, 2025May 12, 2025 by Ivana Miteva

At VPAR, we’re all about delivering the best experience for golfers who live and breathe the game. That’s why we’re excited to introduce VPAR Premium – the ultimate way to enjoy the app, now completely ad-free.

A Cleaner, More Tailored Feed

With VPAR Premium, you can say goodbye to distractions and hello to a more personalized experience. No more interruptions—just the content that matters most to you. Whether you’re tracking your stats, keeping up with friends, or planning your next round, your feed is now fully tailored to your game.

A More Convenient Way to Play

We know that time on the course is precious, and we want to make sure your digital experience complements that. Removing ads means a smoother, faster journey through the app, letting you focus on what’s important—your game.

Elevate Your Golfing Experience

VPAR Premium isn’t just about an ad-free experience; it’s about creating a seamless and more immersive way to interact with your golfing world. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a dedicated competitor, upgrading to Premium ensures you get the most out of every moment.

Upgrade today and take your VPAR experience to the next level!

Niall Ashworth is VPAR’s Business Development Manager.

A golf industry stalwart, Niall has spent the majority of his career helping Corporates and Charities take their guests Golf Day experience to the next level having run 1,000+ events in countries around the World.
Niall attended Nottingham Trent University, where he studied Business and Sport, before working at the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

He spends any free time he has on the fairways of Worplesdon Golf Club in Surrey trying to maintain his 6.1 Handicap Index! His three favourite Golf Courses are Clearwater Bay in Hong Kong, Torrey Pines in San Diego and Trump International in Scotland. With special mentions to Sentosa and Kingsbarns!
He uses a Taylormade M4 Driver & Fairway Woods, Titleist T100 irons, Titleist Vokey Wedges and a Bettinardi Arm-Lock putter with a Left Dash ProV1 Golf Ball (not that it matters!)

If you have any feature requests or golf news that you’d like Niall to review please contact him @vpargolf across socials!

VPAR Feature Blog: Club Recommendation

Posted on May 5, 2025April 29, 2025 by Ivana Miteva

Golf is a game of precision, strategy, and continuous improvement. Having the right tools at your disposal can make all the difference. Regardless if you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend enthusiast. VPAR, the leading app for real-time golf scoring and GPS, offers a feature that is quickly becoming indispensable for golfers. The Golf Bag & Club recommendation feature. After all, this tool does more than track your performance—it actively helps you make smarter decisions on the course. Let’s dive into how the VPAR Golf Bag feature enhances customization and provides valuable course assistance.

Customization for Every Golfer

No two golfers are the same, and VPAR recognizes this. The Golf Bag feature is designed to be fully customizable. Above all, it ensures that your virtual golf bag reflects your real-life preferences and setup. From drivers to putters, you can easily log the clubs you use, providing a digital version of your golf equipment at your fingertips. Here’s how this helps:

Easy Club Tracking: Inputting your specific clubs into the VPAR app lets you track how well each club is performing over time. By seeing your stats, you can easily identify patterns—whether your 9-iron is your go-to, or your wedge game needs improvement. It’s like having your caddy provide regular performance reviews.

Personalized Club Suggestions: Based on your previous performance, you are able to manually update how far you hit each club. Then VPAR will recommend which club to use. This level of personalization ensures that you’re always playing with the right club for the situation. And it helps you make informed decisions especially when you’re under pressure.

Optimized for Your Game: The app allows you to adjust and fine-tune your bag setup at any time. Whether you want to try a new driver or remove a club that’s been underperforming, you can make those adjustments easily within the app. The flexibility means you’re not just stuck with one static setup—you can evolve your golf bag as your game evolves.

On-Course Assistance: Smarter Play with Data

While customization is key, VPAR takes it a step further with its course assistance features. The app integrates club recommendations into real-time course play, leveraging GPS technology, historical data, and the current course environment.

Club Suggestions in Real-Time: Imagine being on a tricky par-4 hole with water hazards and unpredictable wind conditions. Instead of second-guessing yourself, the VPAR app gives you data-driven recommendations on the best club to use, considering your past performance and the conditions around you. It’s like having an AI-powered caddy by your side, helping you navigate each challenge.

Yardage Accuracy: VPAR uses highly accurate GPS to provide exact distances to the green, hazards, and other landmarks. By pairing this data with the clubs in your virtual golf bag, it offers club recommendations based on the distances you’re comfortable with. This feature can help you make more confident swings, knowing you’ve got the right tool for the shot.

Post-Round Analysis: After your round, the app provides detailed insights into how your clubs performed. How many Fairways did you miss? And how many Greens did you hit in regulation? Did your short game let you down? This data is invaluable for improving your game. You can adjust your strategy and equipment for future rounds, ensuring you’re always playing at your best.

Elevating Your Game with VPAR

The VPAR Golf Bag feature isn’t just about customization. It’s about leveraging modern technology to make smarter, more informed decisions on the golf course. Whether you’re an amateur golfer looking to improve or a seasoned player aiming for consistency, the app’s club recommendation and tracking system can provide the edge you need.

Summary of Key Benefits:

Complete customization of your golf bag to match your actual setup.

Real-time club recommendations based on course conditions and your past performance.

GPS-integrated yardage data for accurate club selection.

Post-round analysis to help you fine-tune your game.

Golf has always been about making the right choices on the course. And with the VPAR Golf Bag feature, those choices become a lot easier. Also, by combining customization and advanced course assistance, the VPAR app empowers you to play smarter, improve faster, and enjoy the game even more.

Niall Ashworth is VPAR’s Business Development Manager.

VPAR Feature Blog: Guest Profiles

Posted on April 28, 2025April 28, 2025 by Ivana Miteva

Save Time on the 1st Tee with VPAR Premium Guest Profiles

At VPAR, we’re always looking for ways to make your golf experience smoother and more enjoyable. That’s why we’ve introduced an exclusive VPAR Premium feature: Guest Profiles – a game-changing addition that saves you time and adds unmatched convenience.

What’s New?

With this feature, you no longer need to enter a valid email address when adding a player. Simply create a profile, input their name, and get straight into the game. No delays, no hassle—just seamless setup so you can focus on what really matters: your round.

Why It’s a Game-Changer

Faster Setup: Say goodbye to time-consuming email verification. Adding players is now quicker than ever.
More Convenience: Ideal for casual rounds, corporate days, or when playing with guests who don’t have the app.
Enhanced Experience: Get your group ready to tee off without the distractions of admin work.

How to Use Guest Profiles

Open the VPAR app and start a new game.

When adding players, select Guest Profile instead of requiring an email.

Input their name, and you’re good to go!

Effortless, quick, and built for golfers who value their time—Guest Profiles feature ensure you spend less time setting up and more time enjoying the game. Upgrade to VPAR Premium and experience it for yourself today!

Niall Ashworth is VPAR’s Business Development Manager.

Golf Equipment: Mini Golf Drivers and High-Lofted Fairway Woods

Posted on April 23, 2025June 13, 2025 by Ivana Miteva

As golf technology evolves, the variety of golf clubs in golfers’ bags has never been greater. With more club options available and the rise of specialized fittings, players are fine-tuning their setups to match their personal swing characteristics. In 2025, one of the biggest trends in golf equipment is the growing use of mini golf drivers and high-lofted fairway woods. Both at professional and amateur levels.

Mini Drivers: Accuracy Meets Power

Mini golf drivers are becoming an increasingly popular choice for players looking for a reliable alternative off the tee. With a smaller clubhead than a traditional driver, mini golf drivers offer increased accuracy. At the same time they maintain the power and distance expected from a driver. Many golfers struggle with the inconsistency of a full-sized driver, and a 3-wood often sacrifices too much distance. Mini drivers provide the perfect middle ground. These golf clubs are particularly useful on tighter fairways, where keeping the ball in play is crucial. Pros and amateurs alike are realizing the benefits of mini drivers as a go-to fairway finder without giving up too much yardage.

The Rise of High-Lofted Fairway Woods

As mini golf drivers gain popularity, the traditional 3-wood is becoming less of a necessity. Therefore many golfers explore the benefits of higher-lofted fairway woods (like 5-woods, 7-woods, and even 9-woods).

Why Use High-Lofted Fairway Woods?

Easier to launch – The extra loft helps get the ball in the air more easily. Ideal for players with slower swing speeds or those who struggle with long irons.

More control and accuracy – Higher-lofted woods provide more backspin, helping to keep shots straighter and more predictable.

Soft landings – These golf clubs generate extra height and spin, allowing shots to land softly on greens. Perfect for long approaches.

Versatility – High-lofted fairway woods can be used from the tee, fairway, or rough, making them a great all-around club.

Who’s Using Them?

If you’re an amateur golfer wondering whether it’s worth carrying multiple fairway woods, just look at the pros. Many of the world’s best players routinely carry 7-woods and 9-woods for specific shot selections and conditions on the golf courses.

Some notable names using high-lofted woods include:

Scottie Scheffler & Xander Schauffele – Both have been seen gaming 7-woods.

Tommy Fleetwood & Dustin Johnson – Yes, even these elite ball strikers use 9-woods.

Adam Scott, Joaquin Niemann, Ludvig Åberg, & Sahith Theegala – More pros than ever are trusting 7-woods for their height and stopping power.

Final Thoughts

Trends in golf equipment are constantly evolving. And 2025 has proven to be the year where customization is king. With mini drivers offering a new level of control off the tee and high-lofted fairway woods providing versatility and forgiveness, there’s no shame in adjusting your bag setup to suit your game.

Joakim is VPAR’s Events Manager.

With golf and hospitality in his blood, growing up in the industry was inevitable. His first taste of the professional golf world came through an internship at London Golf Club, an experience that led to a six-year career at the prestigious venue.

On the course, he enjoys a steady 14.1 handicap, embracing the art of bogey golf while still chasing the dream of single figures.

After an amazing time in club operations, he made the leap into the events and tournament world with VPAR, where he has spent the past two years helping deliver over 400 golf events across the UK and Europe. With each event bringing new experiences and incredible people, the journey is just getting started—let’s see what year three has in store!

VPAR Feature Blog: VPAR Fitness

Posted on April 14, 2025April 14, 2025 by Ivana Miteva

Unlock Your Full Potential with VPAR Fitness

Are you ready to take your golf game to the next level? Introducing VPAR Fitness! The latest addition to the VPAR app designed to enhance your performance on the course through targeted training. You can improve mobility, build strength or increase flexibility. VPAR Fitness has everything you need to optimize your swing and overall game.

Why Fitness Matters in Golf

Golf is more than just technique—it’s about how your body moves, generates power, and maintains endurance throughout a round. With VPAR Fitness, you can now train smarter and improve key areas that directly impact your swing, ball striking, and overall consistency. A stronger, more flexible body leads to greater distance, better accuracy, and reduced risk of injury.

What You Get with VPAR Fitness

By upgrading to VPAR Premium, you gain exclusive access to our detailed fitness section. It focuses on four essential elements for every golfer:

Mobility – Improve your range of motion for a smoother, more efficient swing.

Power – Generate more clubhead speed and increase your driving distance.

Strength – Build core and lower body strength for better stability and control.

Flexibility – Enhance movement patterns to maintain a repeatable, effortless swing.

With over 15+ exercises and home workouts, this feature provides easy-to-follow drills that you can do anytime, anywhere—no fancy equipment needed! Whether you’re warming up before a round or looking to build long-term strength, our expertly designed routines will help you unlock your full golfing potential.

Achieve More This Season

Golf is a game of inches, and the right training can make all the difference. Upgrade to VPAR Premium today and start training like a pro with VPAR Fitness. Your best golf game is just one workout away!

Download the VPAR app now and take the first step towards lower scores and a stronger game.

Niall Ashworth is VPAR’s Business Development Manager.