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The VPAR Team’s 2025 PGA Championship Picks

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Ivana Miteva

Niall’s Pick

Viktor Hovland has all the tools to win the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow. Known for his elite ball-striking and remaining calm under pressure, Hovland thrives on demanding courses that reward precision, exactly what Quail Hollow requires. His steady improvement around the greens, combined with major championship experience and a FedEx Cup title under his belt, makes him a serious threat. If he brings his A-game, especially with the putter, there’s every reason to believe he can capture his first major title in Charlotte.

Will B’s Pick

At odds of 200-1, Ryan Fox presents an intriguing opportunity for this week’s PGA Championship. Fresh off his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Myrtle Beach Classic, Fox comes into the tournament with confidence and form. The New Zealander is no stranger to high-pressure situations, having secured significant wins around the world including the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. His proven ability to compete on big stages, combined with a game well-suited to Quail Hollow, makes him a great each-way choice. Fox’s length off the tee will be a valuable asset on this demanding layout, and if he can maintain his recent momentum, he has the potential to contend well into the weekend.

Andy’s Pick

Off the back of my successful Masters pick, and all of the stick that was thrown in my direction, there’s only one man I’m backing for the 2025 US PGA Championship and that’s Rory McIlroy. The shackles are off and I’m ready for the Major floodgates to open!

Joakim’s Pick

Justin Thomas, a two-time PGA Championship winner, including a memorable victory at Quail Hollow, remains a formidable presence in any major field. If he can maintain his recent form, Thomas is well-positioned for another strong showing. As we’ve seen with his performances at the RBC Heritage and last week at the Philadelphia Cricket Club, when he’s on his game, he’s a constant threat to climb the leaderboard.

Jack’s Pick

At Quail Hollow, Rory McIlroy has been nothing short of dominant, being a remarkable 109-under par over the past decade, compared to the next closest competitor at around 50-under par. His elite distance off the tee allows him to fly many of the course’s natural bottlenecks that force others to lay back, giving him a clear strategic edge. Combine that with his deep familiarity with a course he knows like the back of his hand, and McIlroy enters the PGA Championship with a significant advantage over the field.

Will G’s Pick

Despite a disappointing start to the year due to injury, I believe Xander Schauffele will defend his title at the PGA Championship. He has an impressive track record at Quail Hollow, having finished runner-up at the Wells Fargo Championship in both 2023 and 2024. Class is permanent!

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.

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

Posted on April 23, 2025April 23, 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?

Source: PGA Tour – Why Tommy uses a mini driver

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!

Favourite Golf Courses I’ve Played – James’ Top 5

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

Source: The Belfry

5. The Belfry ( The Brabazon)

Location: Sutton Coldfield, England.

The Belfry is truly a course that needs no introduction. Famous for hosting multiple Ryder Cups and British Masters events, it’s steeped in golfing history. I’ve been lucky enough to play here several times, including during my stag do, which made for unforgettable memories. The combination of great weather and fantastic playing partners (one of whom managed to drive onto the iconic 10th green only to three-putt for par) made for a day filled with laughter and enjoyment. The Belfry is beautifully set up for visitors, ensuring an immersive and thrilling golf experience, solidifying its place as my number five course. Each of these courses has left an indelible mark on my golfing journey, offering not just challenges and beauty, but also cherished memories that I will carry with me for years to come. I hope you get the chance to experience them too!

Source: Close House

4. Close House (Lee Westwood Colt Course)

Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, England.

During a society trip to the North East of England, 20 of us embarked on a golfing adventure to play the Colt Course at Close House. A course that has played host to Asian Tour events and The British Masters. The property itself added a special touch to our experience, and the welcoming charm of the staff perfectly complemented the beautiful presentation of the course. We were blessed with magnificent weather, a rare treat in this stunning corner of England. The layout is challenging yet rewarding, and knowing it’s the home base for former world No. 1 Lee Westwood only adds to its allure. If you get the chance, it’s absolutely worth the visit!

Source: Top 100 Golf Courses / Kevin Murray

3. Dom Pedro Old Course Golf Club

Location: Vilamoura, Portugal.

While my international golf trips have been limited to Portugal and Spain, Dom Pedro Old Course left a lasting impression on me. Ranked the 7th best course in Portugal according to Top 100 Golf Courses, its tree-lined fairways and pristine condition year-round make it a true delight. Golf is often about camaraderie, and I cherish the fond memories of a group trip here, where laughter and enjoyment were as abundant as the picturesque views.

Source: Hollinwell

2. Hollinwell (Notts Golf Club)

Location: Nottingham, England.

Steeped in history and nestled within stunning surroundings, Hollinwell comfortably holds a spot among England’s Top 20 courses. The back nine will certainly test your skills, but it’s the 13th Par 3 that captures my heart, a signature hole that exudes charm and challenge. It’s no wonder this course serves as a venue for Open Final Qualifying; every round here is a blend of tradition and excitement.

Source: JCB Golf & Country Club

1. JCB Golf & Country Club

Location: Staffordshire, England.

JCB takes the top spot on my list, and I can’t help but feel fortunate to have played it twice. Thanks to a friend who works as a greenskeeper there, I got the chance to tee off at this exclusive gem. Despite being relatively new, the course feels remarkably mature, with the vision of Lord Bamford and JCB shining through in every detail. The facilities and practice areas are immaculate, and the spacious, challenging layout is clearly designed for significant events. Who knows, maybe a future Ryder Cup is in the works! With risk-reward holes that keep you on your toes and perfectly positioned tee boxes, both tour pros and amateurs can find joy here. The standout moment? The iconic 17th island green, a breathtaking 255-yard par 3 that needs no introduction.

If you want to keep up with my adventures in golf, be sure to follow my Instagram page @golfaddyventures.

VPAR Fantasy Golf

Posted on September 2, 2024January 24, 2025 by Ivana Miteva

Fantasy leagues and competitions are becoming ever popular in the world of sports. The ways fans can consume their favorite games grow and evolve. Fantasy Golf is increasingly on the rise and particularly attracts many participants hoping to top the tables when it comes to carefully picking their teams during the four Major tournaments. If you think you know which star is going to peak just at the right time or have been following a lesser-known player that is on a hot streak of form and is destined to shoot low, then maybe Fantasy Golf is the game for you.

Many of these competitions see participants choose players from a range of categories to construct a team, which is exactly how VPAR Fantasy (powered by Hunch) works. Managers get to choose one player from each of the following categories: Hot Favorites, Strong Contenders, American Challengers, European Challengers, Rest of The World Challengers, and Wildcards. The aim of the game is to achieve the lowest cumulative stroke play total across all selected players. If at the end of the tournament fantasy players cannot be separated, the winner will be decided via a tiebreaker. This is based on what they chose the score to par of the winning player to be before the tournament commenced.

Sounds easy right?

Fantasy Golf with VPAR is open to everyone. Want to join on your own and take on the masses? No problem! We offer a public league for all. Have a handful of friends or colleagues that also want to take part? Then why not create your own league and battle it out. There have been a range of great prizes on offer, from vouchers worth £125 at a golf retailer of your choice, to free VPAR premium annual memberships.

Takeaway

If you think you have the knowledge and guile to take home the fantasy title and bag yourself a prize (alongside the bragging rights), keep your eyes on our socials and website for our next fantasy competition and go head-to-head with your fellow golf fanatics!