Nick Dunlap, the latest name in the rare league of amateur golfers who have won events on the PGA Tour, is a thoroughbred. The 20-year-old, who turned professional on January 25, has created a space that may take time to fill as the PGA Tour renews its wait for the next amateur golfer to win on Tour.

The reigning US Amateur champion won The American Express on January 21, 2024, and with it rolled out a list of achievements that will inspire amateur golfers eyeing a spot on the PGA Tour, professional golf’s biggest and toughest workspace. The Tour kicked off on January 4 with its first event in Maui and concludes on September 1.

What a week it was that propelled the University of Alabama second-year student into a group that is rare and coveted. All it takes is a week to change life on and off the golf course, so the saying goes. For Dunlap, the final up-and-down par putt on the 18th hole of the La Quinta did not make him eligible for the USD 1.5 million top cheque — his amateur status prevents him from accepting prize money — but the solitary-shot win did make us reach out for the record books to understand the enormity of Dunlap’s feat of breaking into the elite league of amateur golfers who have won PGA Tour events.

Amid the moist eyes and clapping palms around the 18th green, Dunlap’s winning score of 29-under 259 was a rare negation of the belief that the shift from amateur golf to professional golf is a leap of faith. In the span of four days, Dunlap leapfrogged 4061 spots to sit 68th on the Official World Golf Ranking after Sunday’s physically and emotionally draining finale.

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What’s next for Nick Dunlap, the latest entrant to the ranks of amateur golfers who have won PGA Tour events?

The strain is apparent as Dunlap chose to withdraw from this week’s Farmers Insurance Open — happening from January 24 to 27 — to be with loved ones. But as he gets ready for the next assault at the pecking order of the PGA Tour and world golf, the man and his family will probably reflect on his historic win and all the events of the past week. The recollections far outweigh the 500 FedEx Cup points Dunlap missed out on along with the top prize purse, which went to second-placed Christiaan Bezuindenhout.

In becoming the youngest among the amateur golfers who have won PGA Tour events since 1910 and the first to pull it off since Phil Mickelson’s amateur win in 1991, Dunlap also checked a box, among several others, that placed him alongside Tiger Woods as an US Junior Amateur and US Amateur champion to post a win.

As the newest addition among amateur golfers who won PGA Tour events, Dunlap has a full status till the end of the 2026 season, guaranteed starts in all Signature events, and The Players Championship.

As the reigning US Amateur champion, Dunlap is exempt for The Masters, US Open, and The Open and PGA Championship. On January 25, he declared his decision to turn professional, making him exempt for The Masters, US Open and The Open as a PGA Tour winner.

He will next compete in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am from February 1 to 4 in Pebble Beach, California.

Had Dunlap opted not to turn professional and accept PGA Tour membership, he could still compete in the full-field events as a tournament winner and play under non-member regulations. “That’s something it doesn’t just affect me, it affects a lot of people, coach back there and my teammates, and it’s a conversation I need to have with a lot of people before I make that decision,” he had said shortly after his historic win.

Nick Dunlap reflects on his impressive achievement

An amateur getting into a PGA Tour event on a sponsor’s exemption isn’t new, the outcome was. But it could have gone the other way as well. Faced with a six-foot putt for par to deny Christiaan Bezuindenhout, Dunlap was driven by his caddie’s assurance that the up and down was one even his mother would sink. An assured Dunlap closed the week.

“It’s everything that I dreamed of and just to have a chance on the last hole to win a PGA Tour event is really special. I was so nervous (on the last hole). It’s a really cool spot to be in as an amateur, and just to be here and be given the opportunity to play, and I don’t ever want to forget,” said Dunlap.

Where he was coming from, vis-à-vis his starts on the PGA Tour, stems from the past. The American Express was Dunlap’s fourth start on Tour, and the previous three occasions (2022 US Open, 2023 US Open, 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship) were about missing the cut but coming away with key learnings.

Dunlap rose this time in a way that made him the first amateur to make cut at The American Express en-route the career-changing win.

In celebrating Dunlap’s feat of becoming the latest in the list of amateur golfers who have won PGA Tour events, it is only appropriate to travel back in time and acknowledge the seven other names who raised the bar many times with similar accomplishments.

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Amateur golfers who won PGA Tour Events

Cary Middlecoff

A dentist by training in the US Army, Cary Middlecoff became a trendsetter by becoming the first amateur to win on the PGA Tour at the 1945 North & South Championship. Middlecoff’s father wasn’t convinced when his son quit to turn professional in 1947, but he ended up with 39 wins on Tour, including The Masters.

Fred Haas

The same year as Middlecoff’s high, Fred Haas became the second amateur to triumph on the PGA Tour at the Memphis Invitational. As a seven-time winner on Tour, he also represented the US at the Ryder Cup.

Frank Stranahan

The strongman from Toledo, Ohio, Frank Stranahan was a man of many talents, excelling in powerlifting before showing his prowess in golf. As an amateur, he won the 1945 Durham War Bond Tournament and 1948 Miami Open.

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Gene Littler

World Golf Hall of Fame member, Gene Littler won the 1954 San Diego Open as an amateur, and went on to post 28 wins as a pro on the PGA Tour.

Doug Sanders

In a PGA Tour career that spanned 513 events, Doug Sanders began his winning journey as an amateur. The 1956 Canadian Open signalled a star was born, and Sanders went on to win many more times, and finished with another 19 titles and four runner-up finishes in Majors.

Scott Verplank

Had it not been for a spate of injuries, Scott Verplank could have won more than his five wins on the PGA Tour. The first of the series came as an amateur at the 1985 Western Open. The final day went into a playoff, and Verplank beat Jim Thorpe on the second extra hole.

Phil Mickelson

‘Lefty’, as he came to be known on Tour for being right-handed in everything else save golf, Phil Mickelson was the last amateur to win on the PGA Tour before Nick Dunlap. The year was 1991, and Mickelson’s turf was the Northern Telecom Open. Not known then, it was the start of a career that has seen Mickelson notch 45 wins on the PGA Tour, 4 international titles, and there is no slowing down as ‘Lefty’ is among the headlines coming out of LIV Golf.

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Amateur golfers to win on other major Tours

DP World Tour (previously European Tour)

• Pablo Martin Benavides (2007, Estoril Open de Portugal)
• Danny Lee (2009, Johnnie Walker Classic)
• Shane Lowry (2009, Irish Open)

LPGA

• Polly Riley (1950, Tampa Open)
• Pat O’Sullivan (1951, Titleholders Championship)
• Catherine Lacoste (1967, US Women’s Open)
• JoAnne Carner (1969, Burdine’s Invitational)
• Lydia Ko (2012, CN Canadian Women’s Open)
• Lydia Ko (2013, CN Canadian Women’s Open)

(Main and featured images: Orlando Ramirez/ Getty Images)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Has an amateur ever won a PGA Tour event?

Since 1945, the PGA Tour has seen eight amateur winners. Nick Dunlap is the latest golfer to accomplish the feat, doing so at the 2024 American Express.

– What happens when an amateur wins a PGA Tour event?

As per the regulations of the PGA Tour, a golfer who competes as an amateur is not eligible to receive prize money and cannot turn professional during the period of play.

– Has an amateur golfer ever won The Masters?

No amateur golfer has ever won the Masters Tournament.

– Did Nick Dunlap get money for winning The American Express?

Despite winning, Nick Dunlap’s status as an amateur golfer prevented him from receiving prize money in the PGA Tour event. Instead, the prize money went to Christiaan Bezuidenhout, who came second.

– Who was the last amateur to win on the PGA Tour?

The last amateur to win on the PGA Tour was Phil Mickelson, who won the 1991 Northern Telecom Open.

The post Revisiting Nick Dunlap’s Historic Win, and Other Amateur Golfers Who Won PGA Events appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

On 21 January 2024, Nick Dunlap scripted history by becoming the first amateur, since Phil Mickelson in 1991, to win the American Express Tournament of the PGA Tour. The 20-year-old also became the youngest amateur to achieve this feat since 1910.

Dunlap managed to get a six-foot par putt on the last to win The American Express title by just one shot from South Africa’s Christiaan Bezuidenhout.

Here are more details about Nick Dunlap winning the PGA Tour title

The final game

The American golfer ended the week on a high with 29-under-par, 259, and broke the tournament scoring record as a 72-hole event.

Dunlap sank the ball with a birdie putt at the par-five 16th to match the USA’s Sam Burns’ lead at the Pete Dye Stadium Course in La Quinta, California. After this, Burns faced the toughest hole of the day, “finding water off the tee at the par-three 17th,” states Sky Sports.

Dunlap was on the green, 35 feet (10.6 m) from the hole. While he made a routine par, Burns got a double bogey. The former marched ahead with a par-four 18th remaining, and Bezuidenhout birdied to pull within one on the 18th green.

In the final ending, Dunlap pulled his tee shot into the right rough of the ground and then went for par. He recorded a 72-hole record-low winning score of 29 under 259 to claim victory.

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Reactions on the win

For Dunlap, “It’s so cool to be experiencing this as an amateur,” BBC quoted him saying.

“Whether I had made that or missed that, if you would have told me come Wednesday night I would have a putt to win this golf tournament, I wouldn’t believe you,” he added.

However, Dunlap will not be collecting the USD 1.5 million prize money due to his amateur status. It will be handed over to runner-up Christiaan Bezuidenhout. Although he doesn’t receive the 500 FedEx Cup points either, Dunlap will now have an exemption from PGA Tour events till 2026.

Mickelson took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share his appreciation

Such an impressive performance by Nick Dunlap. Congratulations on an incredible win. This is just the beginning 👍👍

— Phil Mickelson (@PhilMickelson) January 22, 2024

What does this mean for Nick Dunlap’s amateur status?

This major victory allows Dunlap to turn pro at any point before the 2026 season. However, he would want to enjoy the moment first, he told BBC.

“I don’t know. I have to take a second to let what just happened sink in a little bit,” he said, adding, “That’s a decision that’s not just about me. It affects a lot of people, and obviously I’m going to try to enjoy this.”

Whether he declares pro or not, the sophomore student at the University of Alabama will get a chance to compete in the Masters, US Open and British Open on the virtue of being the reigning US Amateur champion.

If he becomes a pro, Dunlap will get access to the Masters and US Open, along with seven other signature events on the tour.

Dunlap also holds the stunning record of being the second golfer ever to win both the US Amateur (2023) and the US Junior Amateur championships (2021). Tiger Woods is the other person.

(Main and feature image credit: Nick Dunlap/ @nick.dunlap10/ Instagram)

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After nearly three decades, Tiger Woods and Nike are officially parting ways, ending one of the longest and most lucrative partnerships in sports history.

pic.twitter.com/at0tSskmRm

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) January 8, 2024

“Over 27 years ago, I was fortunate to start a partnership with one of the most iconic brands in the world. The days since have been filled with so many amazing moments and memories, if I started naming them, I could go on forever,” writes Tiger Woods in a public statement. “Phil Knight‘s passion and vision brought this Nike and Nike Golf partnership together and I want to personally thank him, along with the Nike employees and incredible athletes I have had the pleasure of working with along the way.

Tiger Woods first signed with Nike at age 20, and since then, would grow to become the most recognisable face in golf, and one of the best to ever play the sport. Having donned his iconic red Nike polo on the green for the past 27 years, Tiger played a central role in Nike Golf’s expansion.

Over the years, however, Nike couldn’t seem to dominate the industry like it had in other sports. Tiger would witness the rise and fall of Nike’s venture into golf equipment which ended in 2016 coinciding with the lows of his personal career. He would go on to sign with TaylorMade for clubs and Bridgestone for balls. Now at age 48, Tiger is ready to move on from his historic apparel deal with solid, yet still unannounced, plans for the future.

“People will ask if there is another chapter,” Woods continues. “Yes, there will certainly be another chapter. See you in LA!”

Speculation is brewing as to whether Nike will be stepping away from, or downsizing their golf business as the brand bids a sentimental goodbye to Woods on Instagram, saying:

“Tiger, you challenged your competition, stereotypes, conventions, the old school way of thinking. You challenged the entire institution of golf. You challenged us. And most of all, yourself. And for that challenge we’re grateful. It was a hell of a round, Tiger.”

 

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From being a YouTube sensation teaching yoga to more than a million subscribers, to founding the popular yoga apparel brand CoffeeSweat, it seems there’s nothing Coffee Lam can’t do if she’s put her mind to it. Who better, then, to ask about making a fresh start in 2024?

At the start of the New Year, I think it’s important that we break away from our comfort zones, and not allow ourselves to be limited by our old mindset. I believe opportunities always present themselves, but we need to learn to grasp them and make use of them. To refresh our mindset for the New Year, it’s important to not be scared to take risks and to work hard for our goals. I truly do believe that our hard work will be rewarded. 

I don’t really make New Year resolutions but every year I tell myself the same thing. Our future is always in our own hands, and everyone’s journey is a result of the decisions they make during the process. It’s important to live every day to the fullest. We have to think through our decisions and when we act, we should do so without regrets. I didn’t think I’d ever create my own YouTube channel; I also didn’t think I’d ever set up my own yoga brand. These all kind of happened by coincidence and I took the risk to try. So don’t be afraid to try, and when you do, try your very best.

If you’re in poor health or want to stay fit, the New Year is always a good place to start. Even if it’s five minutes every day, you should take this time to build yourself a new habit, and to make this something you enjoy – and slowly but surely, you’ll be able to build up an even stronger routine. Exercise can help regulate our mood and, in turn, have a positive impact on our careers, our families, our everything.

It’s been three years since I started CoffeeSweat and in this time I’ve learned so much. The beginning was tough, I’m not going to lie. It was really stressful, and we ran into so many obstacles. But looking back, I’ve built a strong team and we keep creating beautiful new designs. Outside of our business too, we’ve worked so closely with different charities, which was always a goal  of mine. I hope our brand can continue to influence people to keep fit and stay healthy. I really do think we’re heading in the right direction. This year, we’re also going to open our first flagship store, which I’m super-excited about.

For 2024, my goal is to be happy. The few years building CoffeeSweat brought me a lot of stress and I worked out less than I did before, which didn’t help. For 2024, I hope I can go back to my roots and spend more time on my own personal fitness and my own mental health. While working hard towards our professional goals we shouldn’t forget to take care of ourselves. 

The post In With the New: Coffee Lam on Starting Fresh in 2024 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Elite athletes come with a price tag and it’s not without reason. The road to the top is hard and lonely, and in golf less than 1% of the aspirants make the professional ranks. Making the money rounds isn’t enough here, the key is to keep the cash registers ringing regularly. Which is why the list of the world’s highest-paid golfers and their net worth continues to grow, year after year.

Golf is a fickle sport but the top pros have cracked the code of making the weekend rounds count regularly. Proof lies in Forbes’ list of the top-10 richest athletes in 2023, which featured Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson.

The talk of the season though was Jon Rahm, LIV Golf’s biggest signing since Johnson and Mickelson joined the Saudi-backed enterprise. The World No 3 Spaniard signed a deal of around USD 500 to USD 600 million, which is more than the PGA Tour’s total prize money in 2023.

These mind-boggling numbers are good for the sport and its exponents, but they also are a source of inspiration for the wide-eyed to step up and emulate their idols. Read on for our list of the highest paid golfers of the 2023 season.

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Presenting the highest-paid golfers in the world, as of 2023

Jon Rahm

Age: 29
On-Course Value: $329 Million
Off-Course Value: $25 Million

The Spaniard is the top-ranked athlete on our list of the highest paid golfers in 2023. Jon Rahm had a solid year in 2023, earning some serious money. Rahm concluded the year third on the Official World Golf Ranking, trailing Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. He started the year on a high note, winning the Sentry Tournament of Champions and American Express. Two top-ten performances at the Farmers Insurance Open and WM Phoenix Open set him up for an incredible victory at the Genesis Invitational. His winnings from the Masters Tournament and his second-place performance at the Open Championship also brought in a substantial sum of money.

Although Rahm amassed enormous wealth in 2023, it paled in comparison to the sum LIV Golf offered him to become a part of the lucrative tour. It is widely reported that Rahm’s compensation for leaving the PGA Tour is estimated to have been between $400 million and $600 million; the Telegraph has the most accurate figure at $566 million, of which $302 million was paid upfront.

Dustin Johnson

 

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Age: 39
On-Course Value: $106 Million
Off-Course Value: $5 Million

Known fondly as “DJ,” Dustin Johnson has a fortune to his name. Since turning pro in 2007, the South Carolina golfer has won numerous tournaments all around the world. Johnson, with an estimated $106 million in earnings, is the second highest-paid golfer in 2023. He moved to the LIV Golf League, where he now leads 4Aces GC and has a lucrative deal. Johnson’s earnings this year have also been significantly increased by endeavours off the golf course. His other major sources of income outside golf come from his different endorsements, including Adidas, BodyArmor, Hublot, RBC, NetJets, Perfect Practice, and TaylorMade.

Phil Mickelson

 

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Age: 53
On-Course Value: $105 Million
Off-Course Value: $2 Million

This season, Phil Mickelson has made solid earnings from LIV Golf. Being on the list of highest paid golfers in 2023, he has participated in 13 Saudi circuit competitions, with a best result of 10th at the Bedminster tournament. At the Mayakoba tournament, Mickelson finished 27th to kick off the LIV Golf season. He also makes handsome sums from his several sponsorship deals. Amgen, Titleist, Grayhawk, Intrepid Financial Partners, and Coffee of Wellness are a few of the sponsors. In addition, he owns the thriving Phil Mickelson Golf Club.

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Rory Mcllroy

 

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Age: 34
On-Course Value: $40 Million
Off-Course Value: $40 Million

The Northern Irishman began 2023 on the winning side of the DP World Tour, winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. At the PGA Tour’s WM Phoenix Open, he finished 32nd and earned $109K in prize money. Following that, he won $134K by finishing T29 at the Genesis Invitational, and then won $1.7 million at the 2023 Arnold Palmer Invitational by finishing T2. Following his T7 performance at the PGA Championship, Rory McIlroy earned $555,000. At the Genesis Scottish Open, he also took home a $1.5 million prize as winner. A successful investor off the course, he has developed a business around Whoop, a health tracking device; LetsGetChecked, a healthcare app; and TMRW Sports, which he co-founded with Tiger Woods.

Brooks Koepka

 

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Age: 33
On-Course Value: $71 Million
Off-Course Value: $6 Million

With a victory at the Jeddah Invitational, Brooks Koepka concluded the 2023 LIV Golf regular season. A popular figure among the highest paid golfers, Koepka defeated Talor Gooch in a playoff match to successfully defend his title after the two had tied for first place at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club. He moved up to third place in the season-long individual standings and in addition to his winnings in Jeddah, he received a $4,000,000 bonus payout. Koepka won the PGA Championship for the third time, making it five Major victories in six years. As the first player from LIV Golf to win a Major title, Koepka made history when he won the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club. With earnings both on and off the course, Koepka amassed almost $77 million in 2023.

Cameron Smith

 

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Age: 30
On-Course Value: $70 Million
Off-Course Value: $6 Million

Cameron Smith reportedly received $30,731,916 from LIV Golf until July. He also received a hefty bonus for his performance, placing him second in the LIV Golf points list behind Talor Gooch. The 29-year-old also emerged victorious in two LIV Golf events. At LIV Golf Bedminster, Smith turned up in classic athletic form and dominated the leaderboard the entire way. He ultimately defeated Anirban Lahiri by a seven-stroke margin. With the addition of $4 million in prize money, he had one of the most fruitful seasons on LIV Golf. His endorsement agreements with Titleist and Original Penguin provide for a sizeable portion of his off-course income.

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Tiger Woods

Age: 47
On-Course Value: $15 Million
Off-Course Value: $60 Million

Recovering from injury, Tiger Woods participated in only two PGA Tour events in 2023. He made the majority of his 2023 on-course value through the PGA Tour Player Impact Program despite spending time off the golf course. After placing second on the list, he received $12 million from the bonus purse. Woods made his comeback at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas in late November. He could have made a lot more money this year, but he turned down a reported $800 million offer to join LIV Golf. Woods also has several endorsements, including TaylorMade, Hero Motocorp, Bridgestone, GolfTV, Monster Energy, and others, contributing to his off-course earnings.

Bryson DeChambeau

 

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Age: 30
On-Course Value: $70 Million
Off-Course Value: $1 Million

One of the well-known golfers to participate in the inaugural season of LIV Golf, the long-hitting Bryson DeChambeau was in high demand on the Tour straight away. The American had a fantastic season in 2023, brought out by his incredible victory at LIV Greenbrier, where he shot a record-tying 58 on the last day to take home the $4 million winner’s prize, and followed with another title at Chicago. Nicknamed “The Scientist” for his methodical approach to the game, Dechambeau has already won over $12 million in prize money in the first two LIV Golf seasons. The main man of LIV’s Crushers GC, DeChambeau, earned $71 million in 2023 both on and off the course, mostly thanks to the signing bonus he received when he joined the golf league.

Patrick Reed

 

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Age: 33
On-Course Value: $50 Million
Off-Course Value: $3 Million

Nicknamed “Captain America” for his Ryder Cup heroics, Patrick Reed has nine victories, including one Major championship and two World Golf Championships. After joining LIV Golf, Reed reportedly made over $1.5 million at every event, totaling almost $12 million in a single season. Reed received $1,275,000 for finishing T3 in the Orlando event. Reed returned to Augusta to compete at The Masters, earning $744,000. With significant brands like EasyPost, Grindworks, Titlelist, Nike, Hublot, BioSteel, and others, Reed has numerous endorsement and sponsorship deals.

Scottie Scheffler

 

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Age: 27
On-Course Value: $35 Million
Off-Course Value: $15 Million

Scottie Scheffler’s estimated on-course earnings are about $35 million, which includes revenue from official events, unofficial tournaments, and 2023 Player Impact Program payout. After suffering a devastating loss in the FedEx Cup the previous year, Scheffler had a tremendous season in 2023, winning both the Phoenix Open and the Players Championship. Scheffler’s career earnings are significantly boosted by his multiple brand deals as well. While Nike is Scheffler’s primary sponsor, he also has endorsements from a number of other well-known companies, including TaylorMade Golf. In addition, he has endorsement contracts with notable businesses, including NetJets, Vertex, Rolex, and Titleist.

(Main images: Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler, Instagram; Featured image: Rory McIlroy/ Instagram)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Who was the richest golfer in 2023?

Tiger Woods, widely recognised as one of the greatest golfers of all time and one of the most well-known athletes in modern history, is the world’s richest golfer as of 2023, with a net worth of more than one billion dollars.

– How much did Jon Rahm earn in 2023?

Jon Rahm had a fantastic 2023, and among other earnings, he reportedly received between $400 and $600 million for quitting the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf.

– Who has the most career earnings on the PGA Tour?

Tiger Woods has earned the most money on the PGA Tour as of 2023, with lifetime earnings totalling roughly $121 million.

– How much prize money has Rickie Fowler earned?

Since turning professional in 2009, Rickie Fowler has total career earnings of over $52 million.

The post Here Are the World’s Highest-Paid Golfers appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

For those who cherish the finer things of life, a round of golf is definitely on the check list. If playing 18 holes on a championship course can be supplemented with other luxuries, the Cour du Baron residences at famed golf club Les Bordes Estate are the ideal country home for golfers and bon vivants. On offer are top-notch golf courses, exquisite dining options, first-rate amenities, and stunning scenery right outside the front door.

These recently unveiled properties in Loire Valley are an exclusive collection of opulent homes meticulously crafted by the renowned architecture firm Michaelis Boyd in celebration of the region’s fascinating past. Set amidst the fabled Sologne forest in the Loire Valley, a setting renowned for its breathtaking chateaux, famous wines, and idyllic landscapes, Cour du Baron is only 90 minutes south of Paris. On the 1,400-acre grounds of Les Bordes Estate, the three-to-seven-bedroom residences are thoughtfully incorporated into the forest’s natural setting.

Cour du Baron residences: Upscale living in a golfer’s haven

The convivial collection of single-family residences represents a first-of-its-kind opportunity to own a home within one of the most exceptional private communities in the world. Within the storied backdrop of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, residents are offered a 21st-century home ownership experience that offers cosy solitude, airy open-concept interiors, lush landscaping, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation.

The project’s initial phase included 21 homes, several of which were reserved and/or booked by Les Bordes Golf Club members. The next phase of 24 residences is up for sale, with move-ins beginning in early 2024. For the phase-two residences, three distinct styles are offered: Classical, contemporary, and traditional. In addition, buyers can choose from a carefully chosen array of upgrade choices that best fit their vision, all while valuing the timeless attributes of natural materials and the traditional characteristics of French farmhouse architecture.

In addition to its exquisite array of classic residences, Cour du Baron offers a plethora of family-friendly activities. The private estate is home to endless outdoor pursuits, including Les Bordes Golf Club (a private members’ golf club), natural swimming lake, a white sand beach, boating and paddleboarding, playground, tennis and pickleball courts, padel courts, electric quad rides, go-karting, archery and clay shooting, a petting farm, and more. The clubhouse, which is open to members, is already receiving rave reviews, with executive chef Jerome Voltat dishing up delectable modern European cuisine that celebrates the high-quality produce of the region.

A residents’ clubhouse, kid’s club, farmers market and garden, outdoor theatre, art gallery and workshop, bakery, cafe and juice bar, restaurant, and wine bar are on the cards and are expected to be open in 2025. At the estate’s old Chateau Bel Air castle, the Six Senses Spa Loire Valley is scheduled to open in 2026. Tout ensemble, residents get to experience the best of both worlds — the luxury of a brand-new house and in an upscale residential community — while delving deeply into the traditional history of the region.

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Steeped in luxury

Stepping into Loire Valley is like stepping into a Walt Disney fairytale world. Once the playground of the rich and powerful, the verdant countryside is dotted with a multitude of exquisite chateaux, all replete with turrets, towers, and moats, evoking romantic tales and pictures of bygone eras of French royalty. Gorgeous gardens encircle magnificent Renaissance monuments, and rivers run through this enchanted location.

Known as the “garden of France”, the Loire Valley’s moderate climate and rich soil yield high-quality produce that is shipped to French cooks all around the country. There are around 20 Michelin-starred restaurants in the vicinity, including the two Fleur de Loire by Chef Christophe Hay and La Vieille Tour by Chef Alexis Letellier.

Les Bordes Golf Club

Strolling in the crisp breeze is a remarkable experience, enjoying the chirping of birds and buzzing bees and soaking in the reviving sunlight while gazing out across miles of woods. Essentially, this encapsulates the Les Bordes Estate Golf Club, a stunningly serene spot that even non-golfers will find difficult to leave.

Les Bordes Golf Club is a private members’ club accessible exclusively to its members and their guests. A one-of-a-kind golfing destination, the club is all about escaping the outside world, immersing oneself in nature, and playing some exceptional golf.

Offering the best private club experience in Europe, Les Bordes is one of the world’s most acclaimed private facilities, with a combined 46 holes of golf, two architecturally distinct championship courses, a world-class short course, and unrivalled supporting facilities.

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The Old Course

The first course, dubbed “The Old Course”, was opened for play in 1986 and is regarded Robert von Hagge’s finest. For the past 30 years, it has continuously been listed in the top golf courses in Europe. The Old Course is a daunting 7,009-yard, par-72 course that meanders through the Sologne Forest and an enchanting lake complex. The course is as challenging as its reputation implies.

The Old Course, a holdover from a bygone age of golf course architecture, offers the most challenging test imaginable, thanks to its creative man-made mounding, contouring, and bunkering, as well as its shots over vast stretches of water. Over the years, the course has undergone a number of material improvements. The fairways and surrounding areas are riddled with humps, hollows, and dells, giving the course a unique appearance, especially in the evening when the sun goes down. The layout has more flair than any other course in France, despite popular opinion that it has some American influences in terms of conditioning and design.

The Old Course is accessible exclusively to members and their guests.

The New Course

RoundShield Partners, a London-based private equity group specialising in European special opportunities, acquired the Les Bordes Estate in 2018. A fresh concept was brought about by the new ownership, to develop an upscale family retreat in a tranquil, historic environment. Renowned golf course architects Gil Hanse and business partner Jim Wagner were brought in to design an 18-hole course (as well as a 10-hole par-3 layout) in addition to the existing Old Course.

Hanse is renowned for designing numerous modern masterpieces, such as the Seaside Links Golf Course at Castle Stuart, Scotland, and the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Golf Course, and restoring many perennial Top 100 courses, including Tokyo Golf Club, Merion, Winged Foot, Los Angeles Country Club, St George’s Golf and Country Club, and Essex County Country Club. The imposing 7,285-yard, par-72 New Course was the famed architect‘s first layout in continental Europe.

The New Course has a more conventional heathland character, in stark contrast to the Old Course. It sits on stable, sandy ground that is mostly covered in fescue with sporadic heather patches. The course is the only one in Europe made entirely of fescue grass, and is incredibly wide, open, and natural. The New Course requires more strategy than simply avoiding a formidable water hazard, since angles created by clever contouring and well-placed bunkering must be properly negotiated in order to provide the easiest shot onto the green. The course is very walkable despite having all strategic features; in fact, it is a walking-only course. All things considered, the New Course’s layout is captivating, thrilling from the start to finish, and a fantastic substitute for the club’s Old Course.

Like the Old Course, only members and their guests are allowed onto the New Course.

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Wild Piglet

The 18-hole classic New Course isn’t the only thing Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner have been working on at Les Bordes Golf Club. Designed adjacent to the New Course, the Wild Piglet, with 10 par-3 holes, was opened in late 2020 and has been a runaway hit. Golf Magazine named the Wild Piglet one of the top 25 par-3 courses in the world. The Wild Piglet is widely regarded an outstanding option for juniors, beginners as well as golfers looking to enhance their short game skills, as Les Bordes strives to cater to both golfers and non-golfers.

One of the newest additions to the global trend of par-3 courses constructed alongside full 18s, the Wild Piglet spreads over 1557 yards of breathtaking French heathland. Hanse designed the holes at this course as dedication to some of the world’s notable one-shotters. With just a few clubs and a shorter round duration, the Wild Piglet offers all the thrills and adrenaline of a regular links golf course. Homeowners of Cour du Baron residences can get into the short course and enjoy the game without having to worry about the challenges of a regulation-sized course or losing golf balls.

The holes on the Wild Piglet course range from 131 to 198 yards and have names like Doughnut, Plain Jane, Blazing Saddles, Rolling Stone, and Baquette. Some of the notable holes are:

Biarritz: Hole 3 is a one-of-a-kind hole. Indeed, it has Biarritz green, but what really stands out is the completely blind tee shot in the bushes.

Doughnut: Hole 4 is a short par with a bunker in the middle of the green resembling Hole 6 of the iconic Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades, California.

Blazing Saddles: A saddle that cuts through the green at Hole 6 connects a huge artistic bunker.

In its entirety, the Wild Piglet is a scaled-down version of the New Course, delivering the same strategic intricacy and a memorably fun experience to all players, regardless of skill level. All homeowners will have access to The Wild Piglet, irrespective of their golf club membership status.

In addition to the three distinct courses, Hanse created the Himalayan, a steep short game area, and a driving range. The Himalayan is the largest putting green in Europe with an incredible amount of undulation and an almost infinite number of pins.

(Main and featured images: Cour du Baron)

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The post What to Expect at the New Cour du Baron Residences at Les Bordes Estate Golf Club appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Island Shangri-La is one of Hong Kong’s most idyllic hotels, and things are about to get even more exciting during the festive season. The decadent Admiralty home away from home is inviting guests and their families to embark on a mesmerising journey this Christmas, complete with a charming Mr. Nutcracker and his jubilant penguin entourage. From the captivating Christmas Tree Lighting, Christmas Market and scrumptious dining adventures, to revitalising staycations and wellness experiences, Island Shangri-La’s festive line-up is designed for the whole family to enjoy.

Make sure you greet Santa himself in the immersive Santa’s House, a beautifully decorated house in the centre of the hotel, piled over gift boxes and candy canes. Kids can meet Saint Nick in person and tell him their Christmas wishes, and maybe the wish can be granted! It’s a magical wonderland brought to life, where children’s dreams come true and holiday cheer spreads all around. Meeting Santa in this enchanting setting is sure to create lasting memories and get everyone into the Christmas spirit.

Topping the list of magical activities for everyone who loves Christmas is the Enchanting Christmas Market. Guests can discover a brand new collection of festive advent calendars sure to delight calendar collectors and families alike. A premium LED light-up option with daily festive surprises forms the backdrop for you to discover all kinds of surprises and enjoy the theme of gifts until Christmas Day!  Handcrafted chocolates depicts adorable penguins other festive icons are also part of the enchanting experience to savour. Young and old are sure to be elated by the piñatas that blend in as Christmas ornaments in this Christmas wonderland.

For an experience to be remembered, a Christmas workshop is open to all the kids and families. DIY kits allow families to bond over building gingerbread houses and chocolate Christmas trees together – promising sweet fun for all. Don’t forget to scan the chocolate bars hidden within for the chance to find a golden ticket, redeemable for a mystery prize – the perfect incentive for being good leading up to the big day!

Culinary celebrations abound in magical style as well. Afternoon Tea services in the elegant Lobby Lounge is presented as “The Shangri-La Wonderliner” journey with Christmas crackers and tiered platters of festive fare. cafe TOO spreads an impressive feast fit for the season atop its buffet complete with roast turkey, snow crab clusters and an array of delectable desserts topped with a visit from Santa himself. Michelin-starred Restaurant Petrus and the stylish Lobster Bar and Grill offer special festive menus and brunches ideal for celebrating the season with loved ones. No visit would be complete without stopping by the Lobster Bar to toast the holidays with steaming mulled wine or whimsical cocktails – the perfect cap to complete your enchanted experience.

For dads and moms who’re ready for bit of self-care this holiday, YUN WELLNESS has prepared special holiday offerings that you can’t miss. The ultimate comfort and warmth radiates through their “Festive Embrace Warming Ritual” carried out by Tata Harper body peel and a massage with cinnamon, clove-infused oils. To ensure every soul will have a longer relaxation in this holistic sanctuary, the “Mid-Week Winter Indulgence” extends any 60-minute massage booked from Tuesday to Thursday. The “Festive Embrace Warming Ritual” is priced at HK$2,800 per session, while the “Mid-Week Winter Indulgence” is available at HK$1,650 per session. Both offers are available until December 28.

The “Christmas Wonderland Escape” staycation package presented by Island Shangri-La to families that are dreaming of a Christmas getaway in the lap of luxury. Waking up to enjoy a daily breakfast for two adults and a child, benefit from HK$1,000 worth of hotel credits, adding on a magical Immersive Santa’s House Experience and delight in a takeaway festive afternoon tea. A series of kids workshops are there for children to learn and enjoy the Christmas spirit by creating their first Nutcracker and building their own “Shangri-La Airship”, Christmas Pretzel Wreath, and more Christmas delights. All starting at HK$5,300 until December 26.

A wellness-themed festive retreat is for dads and moms who’re ready for bit of self-care this holiday then the “Blissful Holiday Wellness Getaway” package is perfect. Indulge in a truly revitalising staycation where you can take pleasure in wellness-themed welcome amenities, a daily breakfast for two adults and a child, two 60-minute treatments at YUN WELLNESS, and two complimentary Body Composition Analysis and Wellness Consultations. This package, offering a holistic holiday experience, starts at HK$6,800 and is available until December 28.

In keeping with the theme of giving, gift your loved ones with Island Shangri-La’s exclusive Heep Hong Charity Hamper, thoughtfully curated with festive favourites such as Christmas Cookies, Homemade Christmas Stollen, Panettone, Traditional Jam, Chinese Tea, Organic Balsamic Vinegar, Luxury Hot Chocolate, and the celebratory Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Every purchase of this limited-edition hamper supports Heep Hong Society, an organisation deeply committed to nurturing and empowering children with special educational needs in Hong Kong. Your choice to indulge is not only a treat to the recipient to have a merry Christmas but also a beacon of hope and assistance to those in need. The charity hamper is priced at HK$2,488.

Here’s a detailed pricing for the festive immersive dining experience at Island Shangri-La:

cafe TOO is set to dazzle with its festive buffet. Highlights range from succulent Roasted Turkey to luxurious Boston Lobster and Snow Crab Clusters, culminating in a selection of festive desserts. Santa Claus himself will be making special appearances during the dinner session on Christmas Eve and both lunch and dinner buffets on Christmas Day to celebrate the festival with children together!

The Christmas Day Lunch Buffet starts at HK$1,018 for adults and HK$728 for children, while the Christmas Day Dinner Buffet is priced at HK$1,318 for adults and HK$918 for children.

Lobster Bar and Grill’s festive offerings with a 3-course Christmas Brunch at HK$988 for adults and HK$588 for children. Add-on options like a two-hour free-flow are available to elevate the dining experience. Their Christmas set dinner, tantalises with options like Scallop Tartare with Mandarins and Fennel, King Crab Tart with Caviar, and a delectableBeef Wellington. The 4-course set dinner for adults is priced at HK$1,488 per person while the 6-course set dinner for adults is priced at HK$1,688 per person. A 3-course set dinner for children is also available, at HK$588 per person.

Restaurant Petrus offers Christmas Day Set Lunch and Dinner at HK$1,488 and HK$2,388 per person, respectively. The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, featuring a 6-course spectacle, including the renowned Brandt Beef Calotte and Brittany Lobster, at HK$2,888 per person.

This holiday season, Island Shangri-La is not only offering an unforgettable festive experience but also a chance to give back and spread love. For more information, please visit Island Shangri-La’s website.

The post Island Shangri-La Redefines the Christmas Season With Its Merry “Enchanted Wonders” appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

With its heady selection including some of the world’s best golf resorts and hotels, Thailand has become a top golf destination amongst aficionados worldwide. In Asia, top golfers have long flocked en-masse to the burgeoning golf destination for luxury and leisure. And it’s easy to see why.

Thailand is known as the ‘Land of the Smiles’, and there’s a very good reason for it. The unparalleled warmth of its people, its conducive climate, and plethora of golf courses across varied terrains make it top of the list for golfers looking to soak in the sun and manicured ‘greens’.

Name any renowned golf course designer, and it’s likely they’ll have a masterful creation tucked away somewhere on Thailand – near the sea, amid the rugged terrain of a mountain, or surrounded by the vibrant sights and sounds of Bangkok. Boasting an impressive 200 odd golf courses relative to its size, Thailand is a shining example of inclusion; after all, their numerous resorts and hotels cater to different income groups, making the sport accessible to all who want to give it a go.

To celebrate the sport, here are 10 of Thailand’s best golf resorts and hotels.

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North Hill City Resort

The North Hill City Resort is an exceptional property that combines convenience with the opulent setting of a golf course. The entire property has been meticulously planned with sports and leisure enthusiasts in mind. Luxuriously designed rooms and suites provide a chic and modernistic ambience with an amazing view of Doi Suthep. The resort’s stunning location inspires visitors to stay connected to nature, while its 18-hole, par-72 course is renowned for breathtaking views of rushing streams, white-sand bunkers, and undulating greens. The resort also features a number of recreational amenities, such as an outdoor pool, Italian restaurant, lounge, sky bar, pool bar, cafe, wine bar, sauna, and fitness centre.

Location: Chiang Mai-Hangdong Road, Hang Dong, Chiang Mai

Visit the website here.

Chatrium Golf Resort

With an idyllic award-winning 18-hole golf course backed by the mountains of Pong Nam Ron, Chatrium offers the ideal countryside retreat where tranquillity prevails. One of the best golf courses and resorts in Thailand, the property provides golfers with the opportunity to stay and play. The exceptionally considered course layout presents no shortage of interesting challenges, which players can enjoy whilst relaxing in the spectacular natural settings of the magnificent Soi Dao Mountain. Exclusive golf packages at the resort also guarantee a truly memorable golf vacation. A year-round outdoor pool, fine dining restaurant, pro shop, clubhouse, luxuriously appointed rooms and suites, and a variety of event spaces, all nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes further contribute to this golf resort‘s status as the best option for anybody seeking a serene golf getaway.

Location: Tambol Tubsai, Amphoe Pong Nam Ron Chanthaburi

Visit the website here.

Kirimaya Golf Resort and Spa

Kirimaya, which literally means “the illusions of the mountains,” is regarded as one of the best golf resorts in Thailand. The resort is renowned for seamlessly combining the natural beauty of Khao Yai with contemporary living comforts. Located in the middle of picturesque mountains and verdant forests, the rooms, suites, and tented villas here are uniquely created with an Asian influence. The resort features an exclusive 18-hole championship golf course of Jack Nicklaus design, situated amid a huge natural setting with a sweeping vista of the mountains and lush flora of Khao Yai. Golfers can enjoy a unique golfing experience on this single-track course, which is meant to offer a sense of seclusion and make them feel like they are the only players on the whole property. Among the resort’s various amenities are a spa, movie retreat, winter retreat, a cruise, and many more.

Location: Amphoe Pak Chong, Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima

Visit the website here.

Black Mountain Golf Club

One of Thailand’s best golf resorts, Black Mountain Golf Club is situated just 20 minutes away from the Hua Hin Airport and 2 hours and 45 minutes away from downtown Bangkok. The East, North, and West nine-hole courses make up the 27-hole Black Mountain Golf Club, with two of the three courses typically combined to create a standard 18-hole round. With five tee boxes per course, every golfer is guaranteed an exciting round. The courses here are recognised for their lush landscaping and gorgeous woodland backdrop, and have played host to several competitions including the Royal Trophy and True Thailand Classic on the Asian Tour. The resort also features two studios with state-of-the-art golf instruction technology, a driving range, a short game area, pro shop, pool villa accommodations, an open-air restaurant, and many more experiences.

Location: Nong Hieng Road, Hin LekFai, Hua Hin District, Prachaubkirikhan

Visit the website here.

Blue Canyon Country Club

One of Asia’s most esteemed golf clubs, the Blue Canyon Country Club was founded out of love for golf and the upscale lifestyle it offers. The legendary country club features two championship golf courses: the Canyon Course and Lakes Course. The Canyon Course, which is renowned for its award-winning design, has played host to several major international competitions like the Honda Invitational and the Johnnie Walker Classic. Built on the site of an abandoned tin mine and rubber plantations, this 18-hole championship course features a lush, visually appealing setting complete with freshwater lakes, water hazards, and a combination of narrow tree-lined fairways and doglegs. Alongside luxurious accommodation options, a spa, club house, driving range, and other amenities, this golf club seeks to enthrall visitors with its challenging holes and fascinating history from the first tee to the last putt.

Location: Thep Krasattri Road, Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket

Visit the website here.

Summit Windmill Golf Residence

The Summit Windmill Golf Residence is a sophisticated lifestyle development project that redefines architectural concepts and contemporary luxury and leisure lifestyles. It features an exclusive golf club and residence, as well as an amazing selection of business and leisure facilities. The golf hotel is well situated on the Bangna-Trad Road, just fifteen minutes away from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport. It features a top-notch golf course that was created by renowned British golfer Sir Nick Faldo, as well as a fitness center, restaurant and bar, swimming pool, spa, business center, and other amenities. The 18-hole, par-72 course here ranks among the most challenging in the region with numerous exquisite lakes, overlapping hills and strategically positioned sand bunkers amid the stunning fairways.

Location: Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan

Visit the website here.

Tinidee Golf Resort Phuket

Located in a gorgeous terrain that represents unique Thai characteristics, he Tinidee Golf Resort is only 15 minutes away from the famed Patong neighbourhood. One of the best golf hotels in Phuket, the resort features elegant interiors, modern amenities, and balconies in every room. In addition to two excellent restaurants that are tucked away next to their gorgeous golf courses, the property boasts a fitness center, pool, spa, among other amenities, making the resort the ultimate golfer’s paradise. Both courses have pro shops where guests can purchase or rent golf equipment and accessories to ensure they have all they need for a memorable round. Newbies, intermediates, and professionals alike are welcome at the resort, where they are certain to enjoy a calm and revitalising experience.

Location: Kathu District, Phuket

Visit the website here.

Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort

Despite its proximity to the city center, Chiang Mai Highlands is a scenic sanctuary comprising 19 private resort villas, all furnished in the original Lanna style. Every room boasts a view of rivers, lakes, and woods, making the stay even more remarkable. Designed by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley of Schmidt-Curley design, the course at Chiang Mai Highland has received numerous accolades and is widely regarded one of the best in Thailand. The par-72 course is organised like a classic musical composition, culminating at the iconic 18th hole. To further provide luxury and leisure, the resort features a great restaurant, steam room, and a spa, allowing guests to relax their muscles after an active day of golfing.

Location: Nuea, Mae On District, Chiang Mai

Visit the website here.

Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort

Featuring an 18-hole championship course created by the celebrated Nicklaus Design, Mission Hills Phuket Resort is a golfer’s haven. With its pastoral setting of white sand bunkers juxtaposed against verdant fairways and the azure Andaman Sea, this impressive golf hotel is nestled among mangroves and offers breathtaking views of the waters. Widely acknowledged as one of the best golf resorts in Thailand, Mission Hills provides an amazing range of recreational and business facilities to suit a variety of interests outside of golf. These include well-appointed accommodation options, a “Thai Style” clubhouse, a swimming pool, games room, fine dining, fully equipped conference rooms, and more.

Location: Pa Klok, Thalang District, Phuket

Visit the website here.

The Golf Lodge Hotel, Laem Chabang International Country Club

Located just 30 minutes away from Pattaya, the Golf Lodge Hotel at the Laem Chabang International Country Club in Chonburi provides luxury and convenience, whether it’s for business or leisure. Three Nicklaus-designed golf courses are located within the country club, providing a range of experiences to remember. The Lake 9 course has a stream that flows through it; the Valley 9 course is bordered by gorgeous mountains; and the Mountain 9 course is situated around magnificent mountain-style slopes. These natural settings have been designed to provide golfers with a challenging layout where they can test their talent and abilities. Along with a bar, club house, pro shop, driving range, swimming pool, and other amenities, the resort offers great dining options with a stunning panoramic view of the golf course.

Location: Beung, Sriracha, Chonburi

Visit the website here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How many golf courses are there in Thailand?

Thailand boasts more than 200 golf courses. Of those, 30 to 40 are considered world-class and hold strongly in comparison with the top courses worldwide.

– Which golf course is in Chiang Mai?

The Chiang Mai Highlands Golf Resort in Chiang Mai is often recognised as the best golf course in northern Thailand. Designed by Lee Schmidt of Schmidt-Curley Design, the course first opened its doors in 2005.

– How many golf courses are there in Pattaya?

With over 25 golf courses for golfers to pick from, Pattaya has now become Thailand’s top golf destination. This is in addition to its vibrant nightlife scene and sandy white beaches.

The post 10 Best Golf Resorts To Visit The Next Time You’re In Thailand appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

The golf course isn’t just a place to swing clubs and chase little white balls – it’s a runway of its own where functionality, comfort, and style converge to create the unique aesthetic known as “golfcore.” This innovative fashion trend marries the classically refined elements of traditional golf attire with contemporary streetwear.  

To help you navigate this style revolution, we’ve curated a list of six brands, each exemplifying a unique facet of the golfcore trend.

Let these brands inspire your on-course and off-course style, and guide you to embrace the golfcore aesthetic in all its versatile glory.

For elegance:  

Fair Liar  

When you’re looking for the ultimate elegance in golf wear with a touch of cuteness, the Fair Liar brand should be your go-to. Drawing from the classic aesthetics of the 1950s and 1960s, Fair Liar offers professional-grade golf sportswear that balances elegance with a hint of sexiness, making it a popular choice amoungst female golfers.

Tiffany Young, a member of the renowned Korean girl group Girls’ Generation, perfectly embodies the brand’s ethos when she’s on the golf course. As Fair Liar’s first celebrity model, Young has played a significant role in shaping the brand’s image.

Fair Liar’s popularity has grown exponentially over the past five years. The brand is known for its functional yet fashionable designs, featuring waterproof and quick-drying fabrics. The focus on functionality, without sacrificing style, is what sets Fairliar apart. Fair Liar has also established its presence on the professional scene by sponsoring LPGA tour pro, In Gee Chun.

Chun’s victories in the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 2022 while wearing Fair Liar’s golf wear not only underscored the functionality of the clothing but also solidified the brand’s reputation in the competitive world of golf. 

For preppy:  

Lacoste  

Lacoste is staying true to its sport grounds, but also modernising its designs, while maintaining a retro campus style that resonates across generations. This harmonious blend of past and present is further enriched by the collaboration with Karima Hassan, a Gen Z golf influencer, known for her fondness for retro-inspired, preppy golf attire. The Lacoste’s sweater vest with classic pleated skirt, priming with a golf polo, creates an easy go-to preppy golf look that bridges eras effortlessly. Hassan’s fresh take on Lacoste’s heritage styles brings the timelessness of the brand into today’s social media sphere, introducing the iconic alligator logo to younger audiences. This creative partnership honors the origins of the brand while advancing its legacy.

For sporty: 

Fila  

Fila’s brand ambassador, Muni He (Lily), a LPGA pro golfer also a golf fashion icon in China, recently launched Fila’s fall-winter golf collection – a collaboration with McLaren that reimagines ‘sporty golfcore’ fashion. The collection combines Fila’s “Golf Pro Collection” heritage with McLaren’s aerodynamics race car design philosophy, featuring the latter’s iconic orange and black chromas and incorporating feather weight, ultra-lightweight carbon fiber zippers, thermal tech fabric ideal for cooler seasons.

This fusion of classic golf attire and extreme sport aesthetics marks a new possibility in the ‘golfcore‘ trend, offering a cross-field functional and trendy solution for fall-winter sports. 

For urban: 

HUMANUNIFORM 

Launched in China in 2022, HUMANUNIFORM artfully merges traditional golf clothing with everyday wear. The brand stands out for its avant-garde design and excellent tailoring, drawing inspiration from various fields including golf, art and music.

Its philosophy is all about uniformity and self-expression, evident in its unique design concepts. The curved blade in women’s design symbolises the rising status and individuality of women, while the star halo in men’s design represents inclusiveness and personal appeal.

For maximalist: 

UTAA  

UTAA’s aesthetic is a tribute to the athletic spirit and royal symbolism of the panther, with designs frequently using panther print silhouettes that exude an aura of sensuality and confidence.  

As a trailblazer in maximalist style, UTAA defies fashion conventions by masterfully blending trends from different eras and cultures, creating a unique and eclectic aesthetic. This daring approach is further showcased in the intricate detailing of their designs, evident in elaborate embroidery and ornate embellishments that underscore the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship. This dedication to opulence and quality is also reflected in the choice of high-quality, luxurious fabrics such as silk and satin, alongside breathable materials for sportswear.

UTAA‘s audacious use of colour and distinctive prints further distinguishes its identity in the fashion world. The brand’s signature piece is undoubtedly the Buckingham Short Skirt – an emblematic item adorned with a gold-accented Baroque print featuring, of course, a crowned panther. 

For retro: 

Malbon 

During the 2023 LPGA Tour season, professional female golfer Yealimi Noh emerged as the first brand ambassador for Malbon Golf. “What stood out for me with Malbon was their effortless cool casual vibe,” said Noh, who won the U.S. Girls’ Junior title in 2018 and turned pro in 2019. “It’s easy to wear both on and off the golf course. The traditional, uptight image of professional golfers, always dressed in collared shirts, is changing. Me wearing Malbon on tour is going to underscore that evolution.” 

Malbon Golf, a brand founded by golf enthusiasts Stephen and Erica Malbon, has been making a significant impact on the golf apparel industry since its debut in 2017. This newcomer brand is known for its fusion of classy chromas and street chic cuts, breathing new life into traditional golf attire. 

“We need to show girls how fun and attractive golf can be,” Noh stated. “Whether it’s the fashion, the competition, or the people you connect with, golf has so much to offer. It’s time for women to play a more substantial role in it.” 

Need more style tips to nail your golfcore look? 

• For women, collared tops are preferred.  
• Pants, capris, skirts, shorts, and elegant golf dresses are welcomed.  
• Keep the shorts modest, gracefully falling a few inches above the knees.  
• Golf shoes are a must.   
• Functional accessories are fun to play around with to complete your look, such as sun-shielding hats, visors, waist purse, or even ribboned hat.  
• Don’t forget to prioritise functionality with the addition of leather golf gloves and UV protective sunglasses.  

The post A Ladies’ Guide to Nailing “Golfcore” On and Off the Course appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Growing up in a small town can be the perfect tonic for stoking the fire in the belly. Gaganjeet Bhullar, India’s top professional golfer on the Asian Tour with 11 career wins, is a case in study.

Born and raised in Kapurthala, a city in the northern Indian state of Punjab, Bhullar was taught by his parents — former athletes in their heydays — to keep glory as the focal point of everything that unfolded on the golf course.

How this got instilled in Bhullar was the way he learnt his golf. The golf course at the Rail Coach Factory was challenging but not the ideal training ground. Living in a Tier 2 city meant Bhullar did not have access to the latest equipment and coaching techniques. But what would have deterred a lot of aspirants, only spurred him on to beat the “big-city” boys in the quest for excellence.

And look how far he has come — on Friday, December 8 2023, he is slated to compete in the LIV Golf Promotions event, carrying a prize purse of USD 1.5 million. The inaugural competition will see some of the world’s best and up-and-coming golfers battling it out at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. It comprises four rounds over three days, including 36 on Sunday, December 10.

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As in golf, injuries and poor form have played a part in shaping Bhullar’s persona. But those setbacks, among which is the pain of losing his playing rights on the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour), steeled his desire to cement his place as one of Asian Tour’s greats while striving to step up on the global stage all the time.

It is this trait of taking on challenges headlong that will drive the 35-year-old as he readies himself for one more leap of faith. On offer this week is a spot on the lucrative LIV Golf League in 2024, and Bhullar is certain that he is a serious contender in the LIV Golf Promotions.

The task is onerous, given the cream of Asia and beyond is in the fray for the three spots up for grabs in the qualifier, but when Bhullar tees off on Saturday, December 9 — he has a bye into Round 2 — it will be with a lot of momentum as he seeks to join Indian batchmate Anirban Lahiri on LIV Golf, which has challenged the might of the PGA Tour and disrupted a settled world order.

His body and mind fresh from the break after a win at the Asian Tour’s BNI Indonesian Masters in mid-November, Bhullar will be drawing heavily from that week at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club — which also signalled his fifth title in Indonesia and fourth wire-to-wire career win.

Early days and challenges

Going into a week as critical as this, it was only appropriate that Bhullar’s latest victory came in Indonesia. The country carries a lot of history for the strapping athlete since his schooling days. “I was a part of the Indian [amateur] squad since I was 14, and we were exposed to a lot of competitions in South and Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia), and always came back with a lot of positivity,” he says.

These visits were dissected threadbare by his family upon his return and eventually paved the way for him to play top-notch golf as a professional. In fact, Bhullar’s breakthrough on the Asian Tour came in Indonesia in 2009, and since then he has kept adding to the memories, and the formidable record in this land.

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It hasn’t all been smooth-sailing, though. Bhullar faced a dry patch in the lead up to his November victory in Indonesia. Success in golf can be fleeting as a rainbow, and this discouraging period was one that had Bhullar digging deep into his reservoir of grit and experience, including memories of how he overcame a past wrist injury.

“From the start of this year, I was hitting the ball well but the season did not begin well as it was also about getting used to changes in putting, particularly the posture,” says Bhullar, musing on his latest triumph, which comes after his last win on Tour — also in Indonesia last August.

“Work on coping with such phases is completely off the golf course,” he says. “How you’ve been brought up goes a long way in determining your response to hurdles.”

He worked on his form and begin to see improvements after the season break in May. Three consecutive top-5 finishes in August and September were particularly encouraging.

Revisiting his Indonesia win

His game at the BNI Indonesian Masters from November 16 to 19 was a masterclass in skill. Bhullar teed off in Jakarta while striking a balance between expectations and reality. It was here that his 17 years on Tour helped immensely. Instead of focusing on the past and what could be, he kept it simple — play good golf, put together four solid rounds and let the rest of the field catch up.

The two-shot lead on Day 1 increased to three the next day, and playing alongside Major winner Patrick Reed of the US played a part in Bhullar stepping up in a big way on Moving Day and increasing the gap to seven strokes.

Familiar with the space he was in, Bhullar reminded himself that the seemingly big cushion could vanish in no time, and it was about managing the expectations and pressure of playing the leader group after a gap.

He drew up a to-do list for Sunday, and at the very top was a basic tenet — play well and go low. He had his eyes on the trophy, but the trained mind and the chastening experience of falling behind in the past prevented Bhullar from getting ahead of himself. The only spot where he kept surging was on the greens.

The birdie-making blitz ensured the competition was firmly quashed, when he stepped on the 18th green with a five-shot lead. “Historically, my short game has been sharp, and stems from the hours put in around the greens in Kapurthala. I’m proud the way my chipping and putting held up under pressure,” he says.

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The fickleness of golf

Bhullar is aware that the past will have no bearing on what lies in wait in Abu Dhabi. Despite his years of experience and “mind that knows what to do after a good round or week”, results are not guaranteed, and it is about shutting out the noise after an accomplishment like in Indonesia.

“In 2013, I finished last in the 60-man World Cup of Golf, but the week after won on the Asian Tour in Indonesia; it’s about living in the present as one high doesn’t change anything,” he explains.

Bhullar would have still been in India, spending time with his family and preparing for the Asian Tour’s season-ender Saudi Open in Riyadh in from December 14 to 17. But the win in Jakarta changed a lot for him, and could well prove a watershed moment in his career, with a value much more than the USD 270,000 prize purse he received.

Case in point: Before the Indonesian Masters, Gaganjeet ranked 44th on the Asian Tour’s International Series order of merit. After his victory, he skyrocketed to 8th place, and qualified as the final name to make the LIV Golf Promotions. He was in for a surprise when informed during the course of the winner’s interview that he had made the coveted qualifier. “That’s golf,” he says with a chuckle.

Bhullar will need to bring his A-game for the 48 holes in Abu Dhabi, where the final day on Sunday, December 10, requires the players to play 36 holes.

The hallmark of an athlete is to steer clear of complacency, and going with it Bhullar will feel the usual nervous energy when he tees off at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Not forgetting the higher stakes, and chance to step up and rub shoulders with some of the world’s best on the LIV Golf League in the New Year. There’s a lot riding on this upcoming event as it determines whether he is one of the three aspirants to make the grade to LIV Golf., but one thing is for certain: Gaganjeet Bhullar is a name to watch.

(All images: Paul Lakatos/ Asian Tour)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Who is Gaganjeet Bhullar?

Gaganjeet Bhullar is India’s top golfer. He currently ranks 8th on the Asian Tour’s International Series order of merit, and recently qualified as the final name to make the LIV Golf Promotions.

– What is LIV Golf Promotions?

LIV Golf Promotions is an inaugural event where elite players worldwide compete to earn one of three coveted spots in the 2024 LIV Golf League, which begins in Mexico from February 2 to 4, 2024. It’s held from December 8 to 10, 2023, at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club and features a USD 1.5 million prize money.

– What is LIV Golf?

LIV Golf is a professional golf tour. “LIV” stands for the Roman numerals 54, which represent the number of holes to be played at LIV events as well as the score if every hole on a par-72 course were birdied. With 48-man fields, no mid-tournament cuts, and massive prize money, the league has attempted to reinvent the format of professional golf. There is a team component too.

The post India’s Star Golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar on His Ascent to the Top, and Qualifying for LIV Golf Promotions appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Like life, sport is fickle and all it takes is an adverse moment to turn a world upside down. Injuries have it in them to spring nasty surprises and carry the potential to cut short promising careers. In golf, tales abound of promising names fading away after being caught off-guard by injuries the likes of golfer’s elbow.

The PGA Tour, the pinnacle of professional golf, is dotted with tales of shattered dreams and unfulfilled aspirations. There is a lot more pain under the radar — of unknown names and their struggles, which we are oblivious to. Once laid low, the immediate reaction is ‘why me’, but instead of dwelling in self-pity and cursing luck for its ill-timed intervention, what is critical is to go back to the drawing board and address the root cause, golfer’s elbow in this case.

In most cases, overuse is the main culprit, but bad technique, which can get set in stone over time, can be responsible as well. Sound advice is the main source of hope for a better tomorrow, and in such times of adversity, Tiger Woods stand out. Words or deeds, Woods continues to inspire those attempting to get better with each passing day, but his numerous comeback tales from injury, some of them even career-threatening, prove why he is the icon he is.

Former World No 1 Jason Day is another example of how to bounce back. Day contemplated walking away from the sport that identified him after injuries seemed to be getting the better of him, but he didn’t. The reason for being steadfast finds resonance in Tiger Woods’ words and the belief in a better tomorrow. “The greatest thing about tomorrow is that I will be better than I am today…That’s the beauty of tomorrow,” said Woods.

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Day believed, and so do all those fighting a lonely battle against injuries like a golfer’s elbow. Laced with hope and some sound advice, here goes our latest presentation.

What is golfer’s elbow?

Also known as medial epicondylitis, golfer’s elbow is a sports tendonitis ailment which causes discomfort at the spot where the forearm muscle tendons attach to the inside of the elbow on the bony bump. The forearm and wrist may also experience pain. It is a repetitive strain injury (RSI) caused by overusing the forearm muscles, which are overworked during swinging, lifting, gripping, and other tasks involving wrist flexion.

Golfer’s elbow is similar to a tennis elbow since both these conditions cause elbow and forearm pain. Golfer’s elbow hurts on the inside of the elbow, whereas tennis elbow hurts on the outside. Although golfer’s elbow often strikes golfers, it may also affect anyone who uses the forearm muscles excessively. Tennis players, baseball pitchers, javelin throwers, and archers may also develop this condition.

Golfer’s elbow doesn’t mean that you have to give up a favourite sport or activities forever. One can get back into the swing of things with some rest and right care.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of golfer’s elbow?

Pain and tenderness on the inside (medial side) of the elbow are symptoms of golfer’s elbow. The forearm’s inner side may also get affected, and the pain tends to become worse with certain motions. One may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Stiffness in the elbow joint
• Weakness in the wrist and hands
• One or more fingers (often the little and ring fingers) develop numbness or tingling sensations.
• Difficulty carrying out daily tasks that require the elbows and wrists, like picking up objects, opening doors, or shaking hands
• On rare occasions, there may be mild swelling.

Golfer’s elbow symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses. Avoid self-diagnosis and self-medication. Always consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare practitioners.

What causes golfer’s elbow?

Any sort of tendonitis is most commonly triggered by overuse or repetitive motions. Over time, this causes wear and tear of the tendons and muscles in the forearm. The tendons gradually deteriorate and lose flexibility with age. This makes them more vulnerable to injury.

The primary cause of golfer’s elbow is a sport’s repetitive wrist movements and finger gripping. The risk of golfer’s elbow also arises outside of sports in jobs requiring forceful repetitive actions, such as carpentry or plumbing.

Golfer’s elbow can also result from poor conditioning or skipping warm-up since the muscles and tendons do not get enough time to function under stress. Golfer’s elbow may even develop on rare occasions when the common flexor muscle suffers a traumatic injury from a sports accident or a fall.

Risk Factors and Impact

Are there any particular risk factors for golfer’s elbow?

Despite the name, anyone may develop this condition; it’s not just golfers. Usually, overusing the forearm muscles is the source of the issue. Sharp strains on muscles or microscopic tears in the tendons can result from any repetitive flexing, gripping, or swinging (such as a golf swing).

The following are potential risk factors for golfer’s elbow:

• Sports: A regular at playing racket sports like tennis, badminton, squash, and baseball, golf, bowling, and weight lifting.
• Occupation: Plumbers, butchers, construction workers, painters, and carpenters (using hammers, screwdrivers, and other tools on a regular basis).
• Age: People over the age of 40 are comparatively more likely to develop the condition.
• Obesity: Tendon injuries are more likely to occur in people who are obese.
• Lifestyle: Smoking is one example of a lifestyle habit that may increase a person’s susceptibility to the condition.

How does golfer’s elbow impact the body?

Typically, the dominant arm is impacted by golfer’s elbow. For instance, people who use their right arm get golfer’s elbow. Most often, symptoms begin with a sore spot on the inside of the elbow. The pain can spread up and down the arm.

Exercises

What are some of the best exercises for golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow can be treated or avoided with stretching and arm exercises. Inquire with the doctor or physiotherapist about the types of exercises that can be beneficial. They will offer more tailored advice, such as:

Finger Extensions: Squeeze the five fingers together while stretching an elastic band around them to perform finger extensions. Next, spread the fingers as far apart as the elastic band will let you.

Ball Squeezes: Do a basic exercise involving a stress ball. Place the stress ball in the palm that is being affected and tighten the fist around it. After that, squeeze and release the stress ball repeatedly to build forearm strength.

Wrist Extensions: A one-pound dumbbell is needed for this exercise. Put the injured forearm on a table or knee and hang a hand over the edge. Put the weight on this hand, maintain it steady, then raise and lower it gradually.

Always remember, exercise should not be overdone, as this could irritate the tendon.

Prevention

How do I prevent golfer’s elbow?

You can take the following measures to avoid developing golfer’s elbow:

• Make your forearm muscles stronger: Squeeze a tennis ball or use modest weights. Muscles can absorb the energy of abrupt physical stress with even basic exercises.

• Always stretch before your activities: For a few minutes, jog or walk to get the muscles warmed up. After that, stretch gently before starting a game.

• Make sure the form is right: Ask a coach to evaluate your form for any sport you play to prevent muscle overload.

• Use the appropriate equipment: Avoid steel shafts and try graphite golf shafts which are lighter. Go for a tennis racket that suits you. The possibility of elbow issues may be increased by a racket with a tiny grip or a hefty head.

• Lift carefully: Keep the wrist tight and stable when lifting anything, including free weights, to lessen the stress that hits the elbow.

• Take a break: Avoid overusing the elbow. Take a pause the moment elbow pain occurs.

Diagnosis and Treatment

How is golfer’s elbow diagnosed?

Golfer’s elbow is a fairly simple condition to diagnose. A doctor will do a physical examination. While you move your elbow, wrist, and fingers, the doctor may also apply pressure to certain spots to observe how the discomfort changes or spreads.

How is golfer’s elbow treated?

The activity that causes the symptoms must be stopped as part of the treatment for the condition. Avoiding the actions that initially triggered the pain is crucial. Treatment options include:

• Using an ice pack to relieve inflammation
• Exercises
• Medication that reduces inflammation
• Bracing
• (Rare) Surgical

Recovery Time

How long does golfer’s elbow recovery take?

Recovery time will vary according to the condition’s severity. If you give the condition the rest and healing time it needs, the chances of full recovery tend to be very good.

In Conclusion

Golfer’s elbow can be more than just an inconvenience that prevents you from playing golf, using a tennis court, or performing daily tasks. If left untreated, it can reduce the elbow’s range of motion, create chronic pain, and weaken your grip, which could have long-term effects. If you experience recurrent elbow pain, consult a doctor. They’ll address the discomfort and offer recommendations for elbow care that won’t require you to stop doing your favourite things.

(Main and featured image: Courtney Cook/ Unsplash)

The post Golfer’s Elbow: What It Is, And How to Avoid The Dreaded Injury appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

As December 31 approaches, there is an uneasy calm between the PGA Tour-DP World Tour pairing and LIV Golf. The deadline for merging the bodies after much acrimony is unlikely to be met, and till that happens world golf will be in suspense.

Amid the still, and the managements figuring out the way forward, the rumour mills are at it. The latest talk is of World No 3 Jon Rahm weighing a USD 600 million move to the Saudi-backed league. On November 30 2023, LIV Golf also announced the inaugural LIV Golf Promotions tournament, to be held at Abu Dhabi Golf Club from December 8 to 10. This new event will see golfers from around the globe battling for three spots in the 2024 LIV Golf League, which begins in Mexico from February 2 to 4, 2024.

According to LIV Golf, the Promotions tournament will feature “70 rising stars and accomplished pros including a Major Champion, Ryder Cup and Walker Cup standouts, former top-ranked amateurs and NCAA champions, and winners on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.” Players include Irish duo Max Kennedy and Ryan Griffin, 2013 PGA Championship victor Jason Dufner, and China’s highest-ranking amateur golfer Sampson-Yunhe Zheng.

More updates look set to be delivered down the line, and with the future promising to unravel at a rapid pace, we present an explainer on the explosive developments that have changed the course of this serene sport.

What is the LIV Golf Tour?

The LIV Golf Tour is a professional golf tour that was created as an alternative to the PGA Tour. “LIV” is an abbreviation for the Roman numerals 54, which represent the number of holes to be played at LIV events as well as the score if every hole on a par-72 course were birdied. With 48-man fields, no mid-tournament cuts, and massive prize money, the league has attempted to completely reimagine the format of professional golf. There is a team component as well.

The LIV Golf Tour was launched in 2021, funded by the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. The new golf circuit has been facing strong criticism since its launch, owing to the Saudi backing. The Premier Golf League was announced in 2019 as the early framework for a new golf tour to rival the PGA Tour.

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Aftermath of LIV Golf Tour’s Debut

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan responded by hinting that golfers who chose to play the new league would be barred from PGA Tour events. The LIV Golf League, which operates on a completely new commercial model, provides greater financial gains for players, not just through tournament wins alone.

According to Greg Norman, who was named CEO and commissioner of the LIV Golf League in October 2021, the goal of the LIV Golf Tour was not to compete directly with the PGA but rather to provide an alternative.

The first LIV Golf Invitational Series event took place on June 9, 2022, at the Centurion Club near St Albans in Hertfordshire, UK. In addition to offering LIV Golf players greater flexibility and heftier rewards, the new tour aimed to draw in new followers for the game. Immediately following the tournament’s official start, the PGA Tour declared that all 17 PGA Tour players competing in the LIV Golf event had been suspended and were no longer eligible to compete in PGA Tour tournaments.

When more players defected to LIV, tensions between the two golf entities got intense. After LIV Golf filed an antitrust action against the PGA Tour for anticompetitive conduct, the Department of Justice opened an investigation. In response, the PGA Tour filed a countersuit, arguing that LIV was using players and golf to sportswash and further the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s Vision 2030 initiatives.

LIV attorneys claimed that the PGA Tour was abusing its monopoly status by illegally suspending players and denying them the opportunity to compete in major tournaments in the future.

Subsequently, a startling development transpired when LIV Golf and the PGA Tour declared their intention to merge.

What is the PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger?

In a surprise move, the PGA Tour agreed to merge with LIV Golf in June 2023, ending ongoing lawsuits and allowing the competitors to move forward as a larger golf operation. The two parties agreed to merge the commercial operations and rights of LIV Golf and PGA Tour into a new, unnamed, for-profit corporation. The PGA European Tour, also known as the DP World Tour, is included in the deal.

 

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The shocking announcement, which seemed to put an end to the PGA Tour and LIV’s intense rivalry, stunned the sports world. The preliminary framework agreement achieved a few key objectives. It ended any litigation between the parties, ensuring that no correspondence or records would be submitted to court; it indicated the formation of NewCo, an all-new entity that will manage professional golf going forward; and lastly, it was revealed that for any outside investors in NewCo, the PIF held a right of first refusal.

According to a framework deal announced months ago by LIV Golf and PGA Tour, a formal and more comprehensive agreement to unify golf under a single commercial entity will be reached by December 31, 2023.

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Reaction of Star Players

The PGA Tour’s top players learnt about the merger with LIV Golf over social media. There were no reports, speculations or whispers regarding the development that completely changed the professional golf scene. Apparently, the players aren’t overly thrilled about it, and many felt manipulated and betrayed.

Tiger Woods

Top golfer Tiger Woods voiced his opposition to LIV Golf and was the most outspoken opponent of Saudi involvement in professional golf. In fact, he allegedly turned down LIV Golf offers of up to USD 800 million in the past year. Woods believes Monahan’s decision to discuss their future in secret was a major betrayal of trust, as he was unaware of anything about the deal until the end, unlike many of his peers.

At this juncture, Woods’ appointment as the sixth player director on the influential PGA Tour policy board marked a dramatic shift in the power dynamics inside the game. Woods expressed his gratitude to be able to represent PGA Tour players after being elected to the policy board. He went on to say that the players would make every effort to ensure that any modifications made to Tour operations serve the interests of all parties involved, including sponsors, players, and fans, since this is a crucial time for the PGA Tour.

Recently, when discussing the Golf League, Woods drew a sharp distinction between the format of LIV and TGL, a made-for-TV golf league run by Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TMRW Sports company. He stated that some of the things he sees in LIV baffle him and that things are simpler with TGL.

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Phil Mickelson

The six-time Major winner, who was among the first to join LIV Golf after leaving the PGA Tour last year, stated recently that more players on the PGA Tour would join LIV Golf, notwithstanding a framework agreement for a merger deal expiring by the end of 2023. He added that players are content with LIV Golf and like the team element, unity, playing golf all around the world, and the perks that come with being on this circuit.

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy, a four-time Major champion who recently resigned from the PGA Tour policy board, agreed that there were still a number of issues to be resolved but believes that progress is being made. The Northern Irishman went on to say that a deal with the Saudis is in the best interest of the game and that the PGA Tour should unite with the PIF to “bring golf back together.” All this was however before his resignation from the board.

Sticking Points in Negotiations

The PGA Tour players’ resistance to playing team golf in the LIV style and how to pay those players who remained faithful despite receiving huge salary offers from LIV are some of the major issues of contention in the negotiations. The original framework agreement was established when the board was mostly composed of representatives from its commercial operations. Following an overhaul in August, players, including Tiger Woods, now have voting rights over the PGA Tour policy board.

Later, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson resigned from the board, and after months of searching, Joe Gorder, Valero’s executive chairman, replaced Stephenson. However, a change occurred right as the board was settling. Rory McIlroy announced his resignation, citing personal reasons. Given how strongly McIlroy had established himself as the PGA Tour players’ de facto speaker, the decision was surprising to many. Three-time Major winner Jordan Spieth was chosen to take McIlroy’s seat as a player director on the PGA Tour Policy Board.

The panel shifts, as well as professional circuits in North America, Europe, and the United States, are nearly complete for the year; and the following few weeks will certainly be filled with a lot of speculation about the PGA-LIV merger deadline.

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Possible Implications If The Deal Falls Through

 

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Everything suggests that LIV Golf will go on if there is no agreement. LIV Golf will lure more big names away from the PGA Tour with big cheques. It will eventually hurt the game since many star players will be denied admission to key golf events. And the already tumultuous golf season will get worse next year. Conversely, the PGA Tour would continue operating without the backing of the PIF and make use of the private investment that is presently being discussed with a number of potential investors.

If The Deal Gets Postponed

The deal seems headed towards postponement with a couple of weeks left to deadline and a ton of issues that need to be resolved. The longer it goes on, the more challenging it becomes to have anything in place other than the PGA Tour and LIV Golf going on their own.

If The Deal Goes Through

The PGA Tour and DP World Tour will be able to use their newly-formed for-profit entity and PIF funding to further develop golf. This will involve increasing the monetary rewards offered to golfers in addition to funding neighborhood and grassroots initiatives and growing the Tournament Players Club (TPC) and real estate holdings of the PGA Tour.

(Main image: Cliff Hawkins/ Getty Images; Featured image: LIV Golf/ Facebook)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How to watch the LIV Golf Tour?

LIV Golf is available on the CW Network in all of its markets as a result of a multi-year exclusive broadcast deal. The CW’s LIV Golf live stream is accessible for free on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Vizio Smart TV, LG TV, iOS, Android, and the web. No login is required.

– What is the deal between LIV and PGA Tour?

On June 6 2023, the PGA Tour and LIV announced the formation of a new corporation that will unite their assets with those of the DP World Tour, fundamentally transforming golf’s governance.

– What is the controversy between LIV Golf and PGA Tour?

The PGA Tour and LIV Golf brought several antitrust lawsuits against one another. Due to the PGA Tour’s player ban, LIV Golf filed a lawsuit, claiming anti-competitive behaviour. In a countersuit, the Tour claimed that the contentious Saudi-funded startup had engaged in unlawful interference by pressuring players to disregard the terms of their existing contracts with the Tour.

– What is the PGA Tour’s statement on LIV Golf?

The two organisations were fierce rivals that resulted in an antitrust lawsuit and allegations of unfair practices. However, the PGA Tour announced that it would combine with the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan claimed in the statement, “This is a historic day for the game we all know and love, after two years of disruption and distraction.”

– What is LIV Golf all about?

LIV Golf is a professional golf tour. “LIV” is an abbreviation for the Roman numerals 54, which represent the number of holes to be played at LIV events as well as the score if every hole on a par-72 course were birdied. With 48-man fields, no mid-tournament cuts, and massive prize money, the league has attempted to completely reimagine the format of professional golf. There is a team component as well.

The post Everything to Know About LIV Golf and Its Impending Merger With PGA Tour appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

In the world of sports, where style often takes a backswing to functionality, golf has long been associated with a wardrobe that’s clung stubbornly to the past. While tennis had its signature crisp whites and pleated skirts, golf’s fashion landscape seemed trapped in a sea of beige argyle socks and monotone polos. But with a growing population of golfers in recent years, a new set of stylish golf clothing brands have finally emerged.

Today, labels like Tory Burch, Malbon, Jofit, and G/Fore, have infused the sport’s sartorial heritage with a modern twist. With innovative game-friendly materials, fashion-forward cuts, and eclectic prints, these brands are redefining golf fashion and proving that tee-offs can be the hole-in-one for the style-conscious player.

In a world where appearances matter, the course has become yet another place to showcase your fashion credentials, and a new generation of brands are rising to the occasion. In this evolution, fashion hasn’t just been about the aesthetics but about embracing a broader and more inclusive vision of the sport. The apparel landscape is as robust as the players themselves, with brands becoming cognisant of the purchasing power within the golf industry.

Collaborations and limited-edition drops — a phenomenon seen more widely in more hyped sectors like sneakers and clothing have permeated the sport. With golf no longer restricted to the rich and quiet luxury-driven, the demand for stylish and contemporary golf clothing has never been greater. In this guide, we introduce you to a range of fashion brands that are changing the golf landscape. And more designers are headed in this direction. Case in point: Fendi released a golf capsule collection on October 17 featuring items like a reversible hooded rain jacket, relaxed Bermuda shorts, and the quintessential polo shirt in different colourways and they’re almost runway-worthy

Stylish golf fashion brands to shop today

1. G/Fore

 

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Founded in 2011 by Mossimo Giannulli, G/Fore has been one of the more noteworthy disruptors in the golfing space. A brand at the intersection of high fashion and golf, G/Fore has been on a mission to reshape the style landscape with its avant-garde designs. What began with premium golf gloves in striking colours has today evolved into a comprehensive range of golf shoes, accessories, and apparel for both men and women. Renowned for its bold colour palettes, contemporary designs, and runway-worthy campaigns, the brand challenges traditional golf clothing and aims to inspire the style-conscious. While the brand had been making waves since its inception, in 2018, luxury apparel brand Peter Millar acquired the LA-based company.

The partnership with Millar began as a collaboration on a co-branded golf shoe — the brainchild of Giannulli and Peter Millar CEO Scott Mahoney. The shoe was an immediate hit at the 2017 PGA Show, and brought together the unlikely but intriguing pair of two distinctive brands. The decision for Peter Millar to acquire G/Fore was the organic culmination of ongoing interactions between the two companies.”Our intent is to let Giannulli express his creative genius for design, branding, and marketing while we build a solid foundation for the business with our back-end expertise. He has the rare combination of experience, design vision and name recognition that will enable us to take this brand worldwide,” Mahoney said at the time to The Fashion Network.

Check out the brand here.

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2. Malbon Golf

 

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Enter Malbon Golf, a California-based brand with a fresh take on golf fashion, and founded in 2017 by the dynamic duo, Stephen and Erica Malbon. Unlike typical golf attire that often feels like a walking billboard for equipment companies, Malbon Golf stands out by crafting effortlessly cool clothing that just so happens to be designed for golfers. The collection encompasses a core range of country-club-appropriate essentials, including stylish polo shirts, trousers, caps, and quarter-zip pullovers. However, Malbon Golf isn’t just about the established players but attempts to induct even Gen-Zs into its fold — referring to product releases as “drops,” featuring logo hoodies, and enlisting influencers as models in its lookbook.

What sets Malbon Golf apart as a golf clothing brand is its marriage of simplicity and streetwear. The brand’s cursive logo — understated yet iconic — allows its standout pieces to shine, such as the elastic-waist pants or the collection of polo shirts in classic shades like navy blue, burgundy, and black. And for a nod to street style, they offer bold camo bucket hats reminiscent of a Caddyshack-era Bill Murray. At a time when some still wear their golf gear to dinner, Malbon creates versatile products that effortlessly go from the greens to the garden-view restaurant in no time.

In a significant move for the brand, 2022 saw Malbon Golf teaming up with Wheels Up, renowned for offering a private-members’-club experience in the skies. This partnership marked one of Wheels Up’s initial ventures into the world of fashion, showcasing their shared values with Malbon. Stephen Malbon in an interview with Forbes underscored the collaboration’s essence, stating, “The way we approach golf is the same way Wheels Up approaches the aviation industry in terms of reimagining a new way to do things. Our collaboration is for people who love golf and travel, delivering premium pieces with details always ready for the next round.”

Check out the brand here.

3. J.Lindeberg

 

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The bodacious styles of Viktor Hovland at the 2023 PGA Tour might’ve incited an internet-wide hunt for outfit credentials but they definitely put J. Lindeberg on the map. Bold prints take centre stage — an unusual quirk for the golfing world, which so often favours muted tones and traditional tartans. The Swedish brand seamlessly blends futuristic designs with sportswear functionality, elevating golf fashion with each swing. As Hovland himself puts it, “J. Lindeberg gives me this stuff and pays me to wear it, so I just show up and wear what they want me to wear.” From shoes and golf bags to functional polos, everything here has been crafted to assist the player.

In 2022, J. Lindeberg launched a golf collection in collaboration with Nelly Korda, the 24-year-old golf champion and number-one player in the world rankings. The collection was inspired by Korda’s personal style, reimagined and reengineered on and off the course. The 17-piece collection included long-sleeved mock neck sweaters, golf dresses, and other eclectic pieces that are irreplaceable in the wardrobes of logo-loving golfers. This year has seen a more meteoric rise in terms of popularity with the brand’s first Harrod’s pop-up over the summer and a brand new store in Copenhagen. 

Check out the brand here.

4. Jofit

 

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Joanne Cloak embarked on her journey with Jofit, a golf clothing company, driven by a mission to instil confidence in women both on and off the golf course. Her vision was twofold: To create impeccably fitting golf attire tailored to the needs of every female golfer and to make a lasting impact in a sport historically dominated by men. Undeterred by the warnings of colleagues and friends regarding the challenges of the apparel industry, Cloak fearlessly established a golf brand that encourages women to shatter the boundaries of the game through vibrant and spirited designs.

At the heart of the Jofit difference lies a deliberate focus on fit. Each top, shirt, and trouser is ingeniously designed to conceal any imperfections, ensuring a seamless appearance. The colourful patterns and rich palettes lend the pieces a much-needed dopamine kick. For the brand, functionality is at its core with dresses featuring form-fitting back darts, and tops meticulously crafted to eliminate “sleeveage.”

Check out the brand here.

5. Foray Golf

 

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Prior to starting Foray Golf, founder Megan LaMothe was previously associated with L Brands for six years where she led Victoria’s Secret sport and Henri Bendel sub-brands. Hailing from the world of lingerie brought to light an obsession for fit and comfort that became integral to the brand. As a first-generation golfer, her personal disappointment with the quality of available women’s golfwear inspired her to create the game-changing line.

Foray Golf’s initial assortment included sleeveless polos, skirts, and shorts – the staples of women’s golf fashion. Yet, with time, the brand went beyond the conventional — introducing modern pieces like bodysuits and rompers. Designed to “not be your mother’s golf clothes,” Foray Golf brings fashion-forward performance wear to the fairways. The pieces aren’t just about aesthetics; it’s a fusion of fashion and functionality. With technical fabrics like four-way stretch jerseys and moisture-wicking materials, the garments are engineered for peak on-ground performance. Innovative design elements such as channeled gussets and silicon grippers ensure that your clothing stays in place throughout your golf game.

The brand embraces limited edition production, with a keen focus on exclusivity. Only a limited number of each piece is made, ensuring you stand out on the course.

Check out the brand here.

6. Tory Burch

 

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A brand for the quiet luxury aficionados, Tory Burch’s golf capsule may be limited in pieces but maxes out in terms of style. Jacquard cardigans and knitted skirts for women and deliciously printed polo shirts for men form the blueprint of the collection which also sees the more conventional pleated dresses, twill skirts, and checkered trousers.

While the company was started in 2004 against the ever-changing landscape of New York’s fashion industry, Tory Burch was estimated at an evaluation of USD 1 billion in 2013. However, in recent years, the brand has ascended to a USD 1. 1 billion evaluation and even includes an activewear line marketed toward the world’s luxury-loving ladies.

Check out the brand here.

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7. Fendi Golf

 

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Reimagining the classic golf attire, Fendi just introduced a statement fusion of beige and navy blue hues in their latest golf wear collection. This exclusive capsule showcases short-sleeved polo shirts embellished with discreet FF logo detailing on the collars. Complementing these stylish tops are blue and beige cotton Bermuda shorts, harmoniously paired with a knitted gilet featuring vertical jacquard FF bands.

Fendi’s golf attire effortlessly elevates the sartorial standards at any country club, perfectly balancing sophistication and performance. In addition to aesthetics, functionality remains paramount for Fendi, evident in their midnight blue reversible hooded rain jacket, catering to golf enthusiasts willing to brave any weather conditions. Even their accessories — Callaway golf balls, and club covers in white shearling with the yellow FF logo intarsia—elevate the golfing experience, luxuriously.

Check out the capsule here.

(Main and Featured Images: Jofit, G/Fore) 

This article was first published in PrestigeOnline Malaysia. 

The post Swing in Style: Discover These 7 Golf Fashion Brands Before Your Next Tee-Off appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

This one is up for debate, given the intensity and urge to step up — but for many of us, going to the golf course is nothing short of going to war. Given the nature of the sport, it should be a daily exercise to get better at the craft. That’s easier said than done though, as the bad days on the golf course outnumber the good rounds. But while washing away the scars of a bad day, stepping up is the hallmark of the die-hard. And a good starting point for this, would be ensuring your golf bag contains all the essentials you’ll need on the course.

Golf clubs, much like weapons in an arsenal, are a player’s best allies in this endeavour. The best way to quash the demons of a bad round is to bury the past, wipe the mind clean and let the golf clubs do the talking.

Like any armoury, the golf clubs and other essentials in the bag need to be taken care of, and this exercise starts at home before a round and should culminate after the day is over at the golf course.

Other than ensuring the clubs are spanking clean, especially the grooves, before and after a round to ensure a prolonged lifespan, storing them in a clean and dry spot away from moisture should also be on the to-do list.

While clubs form the fulcrum of a golfer’s existence, allied equipment are no less critical and need care in equal measure. Having touched upon this aspect, we focus on what golf essentials a serious player needs in the bag in order to make a mark on the course.

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33 golf essentials that every player needs in their bag

1. Golf Clubs

The most obvious and important essentials in a golf bag are, of course, the golf clubs. The different types of clubs have a specific use, and it’s crucial to carry the right clubs for one’s skill level. It’s always a plus to have quality golf clubs in the collection, as they are known for their innovation, outstanding performance, and aesthetics.

2. Golf Balls

Another must-have item is enough golf balls for a round, as well as the right balls for one’s skill level and style of play. Three or four sleeves should always work, depending on the level of expertise. One can have a swing at the most trending brands and find out how they suit your game.

3. Golf GPS Watches

GPS-enabled golf watches are a key piece of equipment since they allow a player to analyse the field and the course as a whole. A golf watch is ideal for instantly displaying information like short yardage, swing speed, and course layout.

4. Range Finder

A range finder can help estimate distances with reasonable accuracy, assisting in selecting the best club and strategy to use. Many golf bags have designated rangefinder pockets. Try the best-performing laser range finders the next time on the green.

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5. Motion Swing Analyser

A fantastic tool for analysing the golf swing using a camera, video, or other technologies. This device has assisted numerous golfers in improving their game, and is a must-carry for many professional golfers.

6. Tees

Tees are a tiny yet significant component of the golf game. They come in a wide range of sizes, colours, and materials. Before a round, make sure there are enough tees in the bag.

7. Golf Umbrella

For sun, wind, and rain protection when playing golf, a golf umbrella is a pivotal accessory. Choose a brand with a sturdy frame and good design.

8. Gloves

Golf gloves greatly improve control when gripping the club, especially when the palms get sweaty. Purchase a pair that will endure for a long time and keep one in the golf bag at all times.

9. First Aid Kit

On the golf course, minor injuries can happen at any time, so it is important to always have a basic first aid kit in the golf bag.

10. Ball Markers

Ball markers are essential while playing in a group, as they help locate the ball on the green. They are lightweight, cool to collect, and don’t take up much space in the golf bag.

11. Club Brush

An unusual piece of golf equipment, but a club brush will come in very handy if you can’t clean the dirt or grit off the driver or set of irons with a towel.

12. Insect Repellent

Come prepared with a bottle of bug repellent because annoying insects can quickly ruin a game.

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13. Sunscreen

Since you’re already wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes, why not also shield the rest of your body? Only a player knows how sensitive the skin can be to sunshine.

14. Healthy Snacks

Healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, or energy bars are excellent additions to the golf bag, as they fit conveniently into a zipped pocket and can help stay energised over a lengthy round.

15. Towels

Two towels are a must: a moist one for cleaning the balls and a dry one for drying the hands. The best bet is to keep three towels in the bag if one lives in hot and humid place. On hot days, soak the third towel in cold water and hang it around the neck.

16. Extra Scorecard

Just in case grabbing a scorecard from the club or golf cart slipped the mind.

17. Divot Tool

The marks and indentations made by golf balls on the grass can be easily repaired with the help of this two-pronged tool.

18. Spare Socks

Keep a pair of socks stashed in the golf bag’s pocket. On hot days, a fresh pair may instantly cool and comfort hot feet, and on wet days, it may come in handy when long hours of action might result in damp feet.

19. Adhesive Tape

A practical answer to the golf grip requirements! Self-adhesive tape is simple to use; just stick it to the fingers or the club grip.

20. Permanent Markers

Permanent markers can be used to label a golf ball with identification information, which makes it easier to find the ball, line up putts, and aim down the fairway.

21. Golf Ball Retrievers

With the help of these portable golf ball retrievers, one can collect the golf ball from difficult-to-reach locations on the course.

22. Raincoat

Bring a windcheater or a thin raincoat. Hours can pass on the fairway as one is exposed to a variety of weather conditions.

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23. Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is essential during a round. Nowadays, a lot of golf bags come with a space made expressly to fit a water bottle. A favourite choice among golfers is the hydro flask bottle.

24. Golf Ball Alignment Tool

A lot of us would have noticed that golfers mark their ball with a straight line to aid in putt alignment. One can paint a flawless line on a ball using this inexpensive alignment tool.

25. Sunglasses

It is undoubtedly a wise choice to have lightweight sunglasses that effectively block UVA and UVB rays, and ideally fit the face while maintaining a clear line of sight. Though hats can help to some extent, eyewear is the best bet for eye protection.

26. Golf Hat

A hat may make all the difference, whether it’s sunny or rainy when one is out on the course. This fundamental golf bag item completes any look while shielding the face and eyes from UV rays.

27. Valuables Pouch

This multipurpose item is ideal for storing watches, jewellery, keys, and any other small objects in one place. With this pouch, one need not worry about anything getting misplaced or broken.

28. Lip Balm

Lip balm is another necessary golf bag accessory that protects the lips from becoming chapped and dry. As long as it contains clean ingredients, any lip balm is fine.

29. Hand Sanitiser

A modern-day necessity is to make sure that no matter what one touches on the course, your hands stay clean and germ-free.

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30. Instant Ice Pack

An instant ice pack can be useful in the event of a golf mishap, and can also be used to keep the neck cool on warm days.

31. Golf Bag Cover

If it’s raining buckets, it’s advisable to use a cover to shield the golf bag so that the golf clubs stay dry because they’re a lot easier to use that way.

32. Pencils

A player needs a pencil for filling out the scorecard, so it’s helpful to keep a couple around just in case.

33. Yardage Book

A yardage book is always essential. It enables a player to jot down tactical notes on how to approach each hole.

(Main and featured images: Cottonbro Studio/ Pexels)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What are golf essentials?

Golfers, regardless of skill level, require the following golf essentials for a successful round: a putter, pitching wedge, sand wedge, driver, three, five, seven, and nine irons, as well as the three wood, tees, and the right number of balls.

– What do PGA Tour players keep in their bag?

Most PGA Tour players have the basics in their bag: a driver, putter, wedge, irons, etc. Also, they regularly tweak the combination of clubs that goes into their bag based on weather and course conditions.

The post What’s in Your Golf Bag? 33 Essentials Every Serious Golfer Needs appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Since time immemorial, controversies have had the knack of grabbing headlines. After all, it is human nature to pause and take note of disagreements, discordant topics, and forming an opinion on them. As a sport known to build integrity and character, golf too hasn’t been spared of uncomfortable moments and its share of controversies. Time may have dimmed some of the episodes, but they remain an integral part of golfing history.

World golf is still hurting from the fracas between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, and the rift is currently among the major talking points in the sport’s top echelons.

Presenting our compilation of some of the major controversies to hit the world of golf over time.

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LIV Golf merger with PGA Tour, and other controversies in golf to know about

1. 1968 Masters: A Scorecard Blooper

In one of professional golf’s worst gaffes, Argentinian golfer Roberto De Vicenzo overlooked his scorecard to oust himself from a playoff with Bob Goalby, the eventual winner of the Green Jacket at The Masters Tournament. The fact that it occurred on De Vicenzo’s birthday made the blunder all the more unforgettable. The Argentine was greeted by cheery spectators wishing him happy birthday as he walked the course, unaware of what fate had in store for him later in the day.

When both players finished their Sunday rounds at 11-under par, the tournament was set up for an 18-hole playoff between De Vicenzo and Goalby, until the scorecards were turned in. In one of the most stunning slips in tournament history, De Vicenzo signed the scorecard without noticing that his playing partner Tommy Aaron had recorded his score on Hole 17 as par rather than a birdie. He missed the playoff by one agonising shot, and was obliged to accept the higher score.

2. John Daly Engages In A Brawl

Often dubbed “Long John”, John Daly is without doubt one of the oddball characters in the annals of golf. While the 56-year-old’s has put together some outstanding performances throughout his long golf career, his track record has been tainted by controversies.

During the 1994 PGA Tour’s NEC World Series of Golf, Daly and Jeff Roth’s father got into a row over proper course behaviour. Daly had twice hit the ball into the group in front of him at the Firestone Country Club’s North Course, which annoyed Roth. Those present claim that after the two exchanged words, Bob Roth, 62, grabbed Daly from behind. Roth Sr and Daly tumbled to the ground, engaged in a brief fight, and had to be separated by spectators. Neither was seriously injured; however, Roth’s left elbow was scraped and needed to be given first aid.

3. PGA Tour-LIV Golf Controversy

 

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In June 2023, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf reached an agreement to merge, ending months of legal disputes between the traditional tour and newcomer.

Founded in 2021, LIV Golf signed up top PGA Tour stars like Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson for enormous deals with the financial support of the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund. Many claimed the tour was a part of Saudi Arabia’s attempts to use sport to boost its public image after being lambasted for its abuse of human rights and corruption. Human rights groups have branded LIV Golf as sports-washing.

In June 2022, following the LIV Golf controversy, the PGA Tour warned that players who competed in LIV Golf events would face sanctions for competing in a conflicting event. Later, LIV Golf joined a lawsuit filed by numerous golfers against the PGA Tour for antitrust violations, claiming the PGA Tour used its influence to punish players who competed in LIV Golf events, thereby stifling competition. The PGA Tour responded by suing LIV Golf and the Public Investment Fund, alleging them of meddling in its business by inciting players to breach their contracts.

At one point, PGA Tour commissioner, Jay Monahan, acknowledged LIV Golf’s economic strength and felt a merger would be advantageous for all parties. The corporate board members of the PGA Tour hence made the decision to merge. Further, Monahan underlined the benefits of combining golf companies — PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) — in order to expand the game and drive its future. The PGA Tour will be able to maintain its tax-exempt status thanks to the framework agreement. Once an agreement is finalised, the tour will become a for-profit corporation controlled by the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and DP World Tour, with the Saudi Public Investment Fund as the entity’s sole investor.

In August 2023, Monahan said that mistakes had been made prior to the tour’s unexpected and acrimonious merger with Saudi-backed LIV Golf in June, but insisted that it was the right choice and expressed optimism that a solution could be reached.

As of November 2023, the PGA Tour organisers are reportedly still in talks with the Saudi Public Investment Fund regarding outside investors. They are expected to come a decision by December 31 2023, though this deadline may be extended.

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4. Martha Burk vs Augusta National’s No-Woman Membership Policy

This one is arguably one of the most controversial issues the esteemed Augusta National has ever encountered. In a highly publicised dispute with Augusta over its policy of not accepting women as members, rights activist Martha Burk took to the streets. The activist wrote to the then-chairman of Augusta, William “Hootie” Johnson, who responded by claiming that the club would not be forced to rethink its stance “at the point of a bayonet”.

At the 2003 Masters, Burk organised a rally that only attracted about 40 others to attend but created a big impact nonetheless. Johnson discontinued all corporate sponsorship for the tournaments in 2003 and 2004, and Augusta National’s membership policy remained in the news for several years. On August 20, 2012, Augusta finally welcomed its first two female members: American investor and philanthropist Darla Moore and diplomat and political scientist Condoleezza Rice.

5. BombTech Golf: Conforming vs Non-Conforming Drivers

In 2012, Tyler Sullivan started the golf equipment business BombTech Golf. The company makes golf clubs like drivers, irons, wedges, and putters, and has earned a track record for making clubs that assist players in hitting it longer and straighter.
The design of BombTech Golf’s golf clubs, particularly their drivers, has been the subject of dispute. The United States Golf Association (USGA), which is in charge of enforcing golf regulations in the US, tested the BombTech Golf drivers and found that they have more flexibility than is permitted by the rules. As a result, the drivers are not permitted to be used in USGA-sanctioned events, including the majority of professional golf tournaments. BombTech Golf has defended the design of its drivers in response to the controversy, asserting that they conform to the game’s rules and regulations.

In summary, the BombTech Golf controversy is an issue of complexity that poses serious questions about the future of golf. It will be interesting to observe how regulatory bodies and golf equipment manufacturers respond to the troubles brought on by new technology and innovation as the sport evolves.

6. Golf Digest‘s Cover Controversy

 

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Golf Digest was criticised heavily in 2014 when, after failing to feature a female golfer on its cover for six years, chose to feature model Paulina Gretzky — the daughter of NHL great Wayne Gretzky and the then-fiancée of PGA player Dustin Johnson — on its May 2014 cover. Her appearance on the cover did not go down well, and there were remarks from LPGA players who were miffed that an amateur golfer with an influential background was being put in the spotlight.

LPGA Tour Commissioner Mike Whan released a statement in which he echoed the worries voiced by LPGA players. Following the uproar, the publication defended its decision to put Paulina on the cover, stating that she had an interesting backstory to share and could potentially attract new players to the game.

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7. Battle of Brookline

Brookline is synonymous with some of the most controversial events to occur on a golf course. On the final day of the 1999 Ryder Cup, Justin Leonard and Jose Maria Olazabal were tied in their singles match. The American squad went into a frenzy as Leonard holed a 45-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole. Leonard’s birdie led players, their spouses, caddies, and cameramen to swarm the green, with Olazabal still to putt.

After the unwarranted chaos subsided, Olazabal had a 25-foot putt to keep Europe’s hopes alive. Olazabal missed, and Team USA won. The actions and conduct of the American team and spectators throughout the three days in Brookline drew harsh criticism from both the US and European media. The American triumph at the time marked the biggest Ryder Cup comeback victory on the last day.

(Main image: Getty Images; Featured image: Simon Bruty/ Anychance/ Getty Images)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What is so controversial about LIV Golf?

The LIV Golf Series is financially supported by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. LIV Golf is perceived as a political effort to restore the Saudi monarchy’s shattered reputation, which has been tarnished by claims of corruption and human rights violations.

– Why are people so against LIV Golf?

PGA Tour fans were left in the lurch as LIV Golf aggressively signed up several superstars, including Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau. Another significant reason why people dislike LIV Golf is the scandal surrounding their Saudi Arabian financial backing. Lastly, golf enthusiasts and many golfers themselves feel that LIV is violating golf traditions.

– What’s the big deal and controversy about LIV Golf?

LIV Golf intends to revolutionise the golfing landscape with an innovative plan that upends the fundamentals of conventional golf. They were able to set challenging objectives and create appropriate avenues to reach their goals owing to their bold vision and strategic planning. They have adopted new formats, like no-cut, 54-hole team-based tournaments and creative broadcast experiences, as a result of their innovative strategies. Last but not least, LIV has evolved as an exclusive golf brand that has resonated with the audience.

The post The Biggest Controversies in Golf History: LIV Golf-PGA Tour Merger and More appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

In the heart of Manhattan, where concrete and crowds are the only two things in your line of sight, two iconic figures have teamed up to create a sporting haven that’s a hole-in-one for golf enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Welcome to T-Squared Social, the brainchild of golfing legend Tiger Woods and Grammy-winning artist Justin Timberlake.

Launched on September 20, this upscale sports bar and members’ club is nestled just a chip shot away from Grand Central Station, and is more than just your evening spot for the city that never sleeps. It’s an eclectic mix of decadent dining options to spirited bowling, all underscored by an indoor golf experience that’s nothing short of par excellence.

Boasting a sprawling 22,000-square-foot layout, T-Squared Social stretches between E. 42nd St. and 43rd St. — an impressively expansive venue that demands two separate entrances. The name itself, a fusion of the billionaire golfer’s first initial and Timberlake’s surname symbolises the union of their passions and vision. This is where the worlds of golf and entertainment collide, where patrons can savour the perfect swing and the perfect cocktail, all under one roof. Opened just in time for the Ryder Cup, which began on September 29, it has crafted a sporting sanctuary that’s likely to see the swarm of New York’s glitterati all week-round.

 

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It’s not just Timberlake and Woods who have joined hands on this intriguing new venture — they’ve also roped in Nexus Luxury Club and Howard Milstein’s 8AM Golf to be part of it.

According to the club’s website, T-Squared Social came to fruition after the celebrity duo, and Nexus shareholders, finished a round of golf at Albany in the Bahamas. They had dreamed of building something that combined their passions and wanted a space that merged their love of competition, gaming, sports, music, entertainment, and socialising, while being conveniently located within the Big Apple.

“We knew a concept like T-Squared Social would thrive in New York. It’s a beautiful space that transcends the typical sports bar experience,” said Justin Timberlake.

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T-Squared Social: What to expect within

The upscale establishment boasts an array of gaming delights. The star attractions include four cutting-edge Full Swing golf simulators, where golfers can tee off on prestigious courses like Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines, and St. Andrews, all while enjoying the company of up to eight friends. These simulators are complemented by state-of-the-art hitting bays, offering golf lovers access to a treasure trove of swing data and more than 100 global golfing destinations.

But the facilities don’t just stop there. T-Squared beckons visitors to step up their game with four Duckpin Bowling lanes and three Dartsee bays, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. And for the moments when you’d rather watch the pros in action, prepare to be awed by New York City’s largest indoor television — an impressive 200-inch screen that can be divided into four separate displays or transformed into a cinema-sized spectacle. With 35 additional flat-screen TVs scattered throughout the space, T-Squared guarantees you won’t miss a single thrilling moment in the world of sports. So, whether you’re a golf enthusiast or just seeking a premium sports experience, T-Squared Social has you covered, offering a golden ticket to endless entertainment.

 

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T-Squared Social is a haven not just for sports enthusiasts but also for foodies seeking a taste of the extraordinary. The delectable food menu serves up a smorgasbord of treats— from indulgent sharing courses like short rib quesadillas and pork belly with popcorn to succulent seafood platters, mouthwatering burgers, lobster rolls, and buffalo wings in a variety of marinades.

Complementing the culinary experience is a tempting drinks list curated to perfection. The signature cocktails include a bourbon-infused Upstate Lumberjack, the Aperol-based 8am Tee Time ‘Roni, and the smoky mescal-based Biri-Biri. Renowned mixologist Rael Petit has crafted the menu, ensuring each sip hits the right spot.

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What are the membership costs of T-Squared Social?

Those wanting to take their experience further can sign up to be a member of the exclusive club. For USD 250 (SGD 341.68) a quarter, members get first dibs on Box Seats and can reserve any of the activities to secure a spot ahead of arrival.

Evidently, there’s a lot of buzz surrounding this unlikely collaboration by Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake, especially in the wake of both hogging the headlines in recent months. In August, Tiger Woods was appointed a Policy Board member on the PGA Tour, which is currently in a tussle with LIV Golf over an impending merger. Meanwhile, Timberlake — along with his group mates from ’90s boy band *NSYNC — sent social media into a frenzy by reuniting at the recent 2023 VMAs and subsequently releasing their first song together in 20 years. He also received flak on social media after the release of his ex-girlfriend Britney Spears’ memoir The Woman in Me in October, where she revealed juicy details about their relationship.

You can check out the venue here.

T-Squared Social is at 7 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017

(Main and Featured Images: T-Squared Social)

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The mention of golf spells luxury and symbolises prosperity. Naturally, in the world of sports, it forms the highest echelons in terms of the wealth associated with it. However, the game is more than mere showbiz with some of the richest golfers in the world ruling the roster; it is one of the most competitive sporting disciplines as well.

In order to stay on the golfing circuit for a long time, golfers need to train day in and day out to keep themselves in good shape around the year. Only the ones who are able to put in the work and perform well in professional rounds get to reap substantial dividends from the sport.

While the earnings from professional tournaments alone are enough for a golfer to lead a life of luxury, it is not the only form of privilege they get to enjoy. As is the case with most major sporting fields, the stars of the sport are chased by brands for sponsorship deals.

The most important thing about these endorsement deals and other investments made by the athletes is that they continue to mint money long after they have called it a day in their professional golfing careers. Keeping this in mind, it would be unfair to curate a list of the richest golfers without counting retired players, for that might fail to underline the significance of the lucrative sport.

So, on that note, we take a look at the richest male golfers in the world, including both active and former players.

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Who are the richest male golfers in the world?

Tiger Woods

Net worth in 2023: USD 1.1 billion

Widely considered as one of the greatest golfers of all time, Tiger Woods is a legend in his own right. The American professional golfer, is tied for the top spot with Sam Snead in terms of the most Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA) Tour wins (82 wins). Woods has 110 wins in his professional career and has been at the summit of the Official World Golf Rankings for a staggering 683 weeks.

A five-time Masters Tournament winner (in 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005 and 2019), a four-time PGA Championship winner (in 1999, 2000, 2006 and 2007), and the winner of the US Golf Open (in 2000, 2002 and 2008) and The Open Championship (in 2000, 2005 and 2006), Woods holds numerous golfing records to his name.

According to a 2023 report by Forbes, Woods enjoys a net worth of USD 1.1 billion. He is one of the most prominent athletes in the world and holds the distinction of being the only active athlete after LeBron James to be a billionaire. Woods has earned around USD 1.8 billion in prize money throughout his career in professional golf. He also holds the PGA Tour record of winning USD 121 million in prize money. Woods was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2021.

Greg Norman

Net worth in 2023: USD 420 million

One of the most celebrated athlete-turned-entrepreneurs ever, Greg Norman is a former Australian golfer, who has won as many as 88 professional tournaments in his career. He spent around 331 weeks sitting at the top of the Official World Golf Rankings. A winner of The Open Championship on two occasions (in 1986 and 1993), Norman was nicknamed ‘The Shark’ by the fans and experts back in his playing days.

Post his retirement from professional golf, Norman became an entrepreneur. He is the chairman and CEO of the Greg Norman Company, a multinational corporation with a wide range of companies in fields such as apparel, interior design, real estate, wine production, private equity and golf course design. He is also the CEO of LIV Golf Investments, a company financed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.

According to a 2023 report by CAknowledge, Norman has a net worth of around USD 420 million. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.

Phil Mickelson

 

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Net worth in 2023: USD 410 million

Often named among the most successful golfers of all time, Phil Mickelson is an American professional golfer who, at present, competes in the LIV Golf League. He has 45 PGA Tour event wins in his bag, which includes six major championships― three wins at the Masters Tournament (in 2004, 2006 and 2010), two PGA Championship titles (in 2005 and 2021) and a solitary win at The Open Championship in 2013.

Notably, at the 2021 PGA Championship, Mickelson became the oldest major championship winner in the history of golf at the age of 50 years, 11 months and seven days. According to multiple reports, Mickelson, in 2023, has a net worth of around USD 410 million and ranks among the richest male golfers in the world. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012.

Jack Nicklaus

Net worth in 2023: USD 400 million

Popularly known as ‘The Golden Bear’, Jack Nicklaus is a former American golfer and a golf designer. Nicklaus is often regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time. He won 117 professional golfing tournaments in his career, including a record 18 major championships (Tiger Woods ranks second with 15 major championships to his name).

Jack Nicklaus took part in 164 major tournaments, the most by any golfer in history. He trails Sam Snead and Tiger Woods in the list of most PGA Tour victories (Nicklaus enjoys 73 PGA Tour wins).

Even almost two decades after his retirement, Nicklaus ranks among the richest male golfers in the world with a net worth of USD 400 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.

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Gary Player

Net worth in 2023: USD 255 million

Regarded as one of the finest golfers of all time, Gary Player is a retired South African professional golfer, who became the first non-American to win all four major championships in his career in 1965. He won over 150 professional golf tournaments on six continents over seven decades.

Nicknamed ‘The Black Knight’ and ‘Mr. Fitness’, Player also made a name for himself as an able golf course architect. He has designed over 400 projects across five continents. The South African has also authored 36 books on golf instruction, design, philosophy, motivation and fitness.

According to reports, Gary Player has a net worth of around USD 255 million. The legendary golfer was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2021.

Rory McIlroy

Net worth in 2023: USD 220 million

One of the most gifted players in the history of golf and a modern-day legend, Rory McIlroy is a former world number one, who has spent over 100 weeks in that position. He has won four major titles so far in his career, with his last victory coming at the PGA Championship in 2014. Hailing from Northern Ireland, he is one of the three players alongside Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods to win four major titles by the age of 25.

McIlroy has a total of 37 wins in his professional career, including 24 wins on the PGA Tour. For his excellence in golf, he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2012.

According to multiple sources, Rory McIlroy, in 2023, enjoys a net worth of an estimated USD 220 million. Reports suggest that the Northern Irish golfer has around USD 125 million in terms of career earnings, placing him among the ranks of the richest male golfers in the world.

Fred Couples

Net worth in 2023: USD 125 million

A former participant on the PGA Tour and the PGA Tour Champions, Fred Couples is an American golfer, who now takes part in the Senior Players Championship. A former world number one golfer, Couples has won 64 professional tournaments, notable of which are his triumphs at the Masters Tournament in 1992 and the Players Championship in 1984 and 1996. The American became the oldest golfer in April 2023 to make the cut in the history of the Masters Tournament at the age of 63 years, six months and five days.

He won his first senior major at the Senior Players Championship in August 2011 and followed it up with a win at the Senior Open Championship in July 2012. He earned his nickname of ‘Boom Boom’ for his long, accurate driving ability of the tee. According to reports, Fred Couples has a net worth of around USD 125 million, as of 2023. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013.

Jordan Spieth

Net worth in 2023: USD 120 million

A former world number one, Jordan Spieth is an American professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour. He has 16 professional wins to his name, including 13 wins on the PGA Tour and three on the European Tour. Spieth has won three major tournaments to date, namely the Masters Tournament in 2015, the US Golf Open in 2015 and The Open Championship in 2017. He also won the FedEx Cup in 2015.

According to reports, Spieth, in 2023, has a net worth of around USD 120 million. The American golfer enjoys endorsement deals with major corporations such as Under Armour, Rolex, AT&T, NetJets, Titleist and SuperStroke, among others.

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Ernie Els

Net worth in 2023: USD 95 million

A former world number one on the Official World Golf Rankings, Ernie Els is a South African professional golfer He has over 70 wins in his career, including four major championships― the US Gold Open in 1994 and 1997, and The Open Championship in 2002 and 2012. Nicknamed ‘The Big Easy’ because of his physical stature and fluid golf swing, Els is one of the six golfers to win the US Golf Open and The Open Championship twice each.

At present, Els competes in the PGA Tour Champions. He also has a golf course design business, a charitable foundation that supports golf among underprivileged children in South Africa, and a winemaking business. According to various reports, Els, in 2023, has an estimated net worth of USD 95 million. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.

Vijay Singh

Net worth in 2023: USD 75 million

Capping off the list of the richest male golfers in the world is Vijay Singh, a Fijian golfer of Indian origin. Nicknamed ‘The Big Fijian’, he has had the privilege of defeating Tiger Woods in his prime. Singh comes from a very humble background― in his childhood, he was unable to afford golf balls. The Fijian has 34 event wins on the PGA Tour, the most by a non-American golfer. He has also spent around 32 weeks at the summit of the Official World Golf Rankings.

Now competing in senior golf, Singh won his first senior event at the Bass Pro Shop Legends of Golf tournament alongside Paraguayan golfer Carlos Franco. In 2023, he made it to the top 10 for the first time in the Senior Open Championship.

Reports suggest, Singh, in 2023, has a net worth of around USD 75 million. During his time in professional golf, he earned a whopping USD 68 million on the PGA Tour; so it comes as no surprise that he ranks among the richest male golfers in the world.

(Main Image Credits: Main Image Credits: Courtesy Instagram/@Tiger Woods and Instagram/@RORY; Featured Image Credits Courtesy Instagram/@Tiger Woods)

This story first appeared on Augustman Hong Kong. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Who is the richest golfer in the world? 
Tiger Woods is the richest golfer in the world, as of 2023.

– Which golfer has the highest net worth? 
Tiger Woods has the highest net worth (USD 1.1 billion, as of October 2023).

The post A Look at the Richest Male Golfers in the World appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

For half a century, Rolex’s support for golf and golfers has become one of the most enduring and important partnerships in the world of sport. 

Whether it’s in sport, the arts, exploration or the sciences, the words Rolex and achievement have, over the past century, become inextricably linked. In parallel with its own unrelenting quest for excellence, the Swiss watch manufacture has actively supported individuals and organisations that strive for accomplishment and innovation in all these fields, a perfect illustration being its involvement with the sport of golf at the highest level, a commitment that’s endured for more than 50 years. 

During that time, some of the greatest names in the sport, from Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus to more recent legends such as Tiger Woods, Sir Tom Watson and Bernard Langer – as well
as leading women golfers including Nancy Lopez, Lorena Ochoa and Annika Sörenstam – have all partnered Rolex as Testimonees. Nor does the brand confine itself to supporting established talents: it also inspires generations to come by supporting up-and-coming players through the Rolex New Guard. 

At the same time, Rolex has also teamed up with many of the world’s leading golf tours and competitions, including the four annual Majors tournaments widely considered as being at the pinnacle of the professional game: the Masters Tournament at Augusta, the PGA Championship, the US Open and, the world’s oldest championship, The Open, as well as all five women’s Majors and team competitions that include the Ryder Cup, President’s Cup and Solheim Cup. 

In addition to extending its patronage to many other leading golf tournaments around the world, Rolex has been appointed as Official Timekeeper to numerous major events. Among them is The Open and a 40-year partnership with the USGA, which organises the US Open – and in 2021, the brand was appointed Official Timekeeper and Partner to the PGA Championship, the only Major contested solely by professional players. Rolex’s reach in the sport even extends to the three major tours: the PGA Tour, the DP Tour and the Asian Tour. 

That latter presence in Asia has now been extended to the sport here in Hong Kong, as from this year Rolex has been appointed official timekeeper to the Hong Kong Open. 

No other brand from any sector of industry has enjoyed such a close and enduring relationship with this truly global sport – one that’s enjoyed and played by millions around the world, from beginners
to enthusiastic amateurs to players at the highest level – than Rolex. It’s part of that perpetual striving for excellence that’s underpinned all of the watch brand’s activities from the very beginning. 

The post Partners in Perfection: Rolex’s 50 Years with Golf appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Golf can be addictive with its ability to capture players’ imagination and keep drawing them back to the golf course and re-engage with the challenges on offer. A major chunk of the credit for the sport’s appeal goes to the golf course architects and designers who create magic out of vast, and often barren, tracts of land and carve them into a golfer’s delight.

While we won’t delve into the debate whether a links, heathland or parkland is the true test of golf — for each course layout is unique and has its share of challenges — the architects behind the projects need to be feted for ensuring that the game’s imprint has deepened with time, and in a way that it has emerged as among the top global disciplines in sport.

Below, we revisit the pages of history and identify some of the top names whose designs have stood the test of time and continue to challenge ardent golfers around the world.

These are the most famous golf course architects and designers

1. Old Tom Morris (1821–1908)

Often referred to as the grand old man of golf, Thomas Mitchell Morris (Tom Morris) designed or renovated about 75 golf courses throughout his career in the British Isles. He was a mentor to prominent golf course architects such as A. W. Tillinghast, Donald Ross, and C.B. MacDonald. He was a forerunner in strategic golf course design, proposing the modern technique of positioning hazards in a way that they could be planned around. He also pioneered numerous novel ideas in turf and course management as well. Old Tom Morris continued to be passionate about golf right up until his passing at the age of 87. Morris was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1976.

Notable Designs: Prestwick, Jubilee Course – St Andrews Links, Royal Dornoch, Muirfield, Carnoustie, Royal County Down

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2. Dr Alister MacKenzie (1870–1934)

Widely regarded one of golf’s greatest architects and designers, Alister MacKenzie’s course creations are spread across four continents. A surgeon by training, MacKenzie served during the Boer War as a member of the British Army’s civilian medical corps. He made substantial contributions to military camouflage during World War 1, which he thought was quite similar to designing a golf course. He gave shape to more than 50 golf courses across the world and is a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. His designs are stunning in their simplicity as well as the degree of difficulty. He was widely recognised for his talent at fusing design elements with the scenic splendour of landscapes.

Notable Designs: Augusta National (home of The Masters), Cypress Point Club, West Course at The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Jockey Club

3. Tom Fazio (1945-)

Considered one of the best modern golf course designers, Tom Fazio has created more than 200 courses in North, Central, and South America, South Africa, and Thailand. In 1995, he received the Old Tom Morris Award, the highest honour bestowed by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Fazio has an unwavering sense of how golf fits into a landscape, perhaps more than any other architect in history. A flashed bunker, or a shift in fairway direction, typically frames the holes on a Fazio course in order to highlight the stunning off-field landscape.

Notable Designs: Victoria National, The National Golf Club of Canada, Shadow Creek, TPC Myrtle Beach, Caves Valley

4. Pete Dye (1925–2020)

The “mad scientist” of golf course design, Pete Dye is a well-known architect in the golf course design world. He was renowned for changing regular, flat fields into tricky and magnificent courses. He mentored several of today’s most talented architects, including Tom Doak and Bill Coore. Over the course of his 94 years, he designed over 100 golf courses in Guatemala, Israel, Honduras, Italy, the Dominican Republic, Switzerland, China, and America. He often collaborated with his wife Alice throughout his designing career, and the two of them together represented the greatest design force in golf history. In 2008, Dye was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Notable Designs: Tournament Players Club Sawgrass (TPC Sawgrass), Whistling Straits, Trump National Golf Club (LA), Pebble Beach

5. Tom Doak (1961-)

An accomplished golf course architect who studied under the legendary Pete Dye, Tom Doak drew inspiration from both Dye and Alister MacKenzie while also incorporating his own creative flair. He traveled to Great Britain and Ireland to study golf courses after earning a degree in design and landscape architecture from Cornell University. His perceptions of golf course architecture were primarily shaped by this experience. Doak’s courses are distinguished by their reverent adoration for the nature and characteristics of the surrounding environment. With six books on golf course design to his name, Doak is also a skilled author.

Notable Designs: Pacific Dunes, Tara Iti, Medinah Country Club, Old Macdonald, Barnbougle Dunes

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6. A. W. Tillinghast (1876–1942)

One of the most prolific architects in golf history, A.W. Tillinghast worked on over 265 different courses over his career. He was introduced to Old Tom Morris in 1896, and after taking golf lessons at the St. Andrews Golf Club, developed a passion for the game. He had a profound belief that courses should be in harmony with the environment. He hated forced construction and templates. Tillinghast was a regular contributor to golf magazines in his day, and his thoughts are still relevant. In 2015, he became a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Notable Designs: Baltusrol Golf Club, Newport Country Club, San Francisco Golf Club, Winged Foot, Somerset Hills Country Club

7. Jack Nicklaus (1940-)

As the greatest professional golfer of all time, the name Jack Nicklaus is synonymous with the sport. In addition, Nicklaus is regarded as one of the top golf course designers in history. He believes that the design of golf courses is just another element of golf that keeps him passionate. Over 425 golf courses designed by his company, Nicklaus Design, are currently open for play in 45 different nations, 280 of which were created by ‘The Golden Bear’ himself. Although there are Nicklaus-designed courses in Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, and Mexico, the majority are in the US. The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) named Jack Nicklaus Golf Course Designer of the Year in 2017.

Notable Designs: Muirfield Village Golf Club, Sebonack, Castle Pines Golf Club, Monte Rei, Punta Espada, Kinloch Golf Club, Valhalla

8. Donald Ross (1872–1948)

With more than 400 designs to his credit, Donald Ross was a titan of the Golden Age of golf architecture. Ross was among the first professional golf course architects in America to establish a successful business. His courses have hosted more than 100 Major championships and USGA tournaments. Ross was a genius at routing courses and had a knack for making them accessible to beginners while still testing the most skilled players. Ross was also one of the founding members of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), an association for golf course architects in the United States.

Notable Designs: Pinehurst (No. 2), Seminole Golf Club, Oak Hill Country Club, Inverness, Essex County, Aronimink

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9. Robert Trent Jones Sr (1906–2000)

Robert Trent Jones Sr was one of the most respected golf course designers the game has ever seen. During his 70-year career, Jones developed or redesigned over 500 golf courses in 45 states in the United States and 35 countries, and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1987. His golf design philosophy was to make every hole a difficult par but a simple bogey. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s Old Tom Morris Award, the highest distinction bestowed by the organisation, was presented to Jones in 1987.

Notable Designs: Hazeltine National Golf Course, Spyglass Hill Golf Club, Valderrama Golf Club, The Greens at North Hills

10. Arnold Palmer (1929-2016)

One of the most celebrated professional golfers in history needs no introduction. ‘The King’, as he is known, started the Arnold Palmer Design Company in 1971 while still winning on the PGA Tour and actively participating in Major tournaments. More than fifty years later, there are more than 300 courses featuring Palmer’s name spread over 37 states, 25 nations, and five continents. Palmer’s strategic and environmentally conscious approach to golf course design has elevated him to the reputation of one of the world’s finest golf course architects and designers.

Notable Designs: Tralee, The K Club, Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course, Bay Hill Club & Lounge, Tradition Golf Club, Adios, Old Tabby Links, Musgrove Mill, ArborLinks

(Main image: Royal County Down; Featured image: Seminole Golf Club)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How do I choose a golf course architect?

Research the architects in your area or market, get recommendations from other golf course owners, check through online directories or portfolios, shortlist applicants for interviews, and conduct interviews to find out more about the applicants’ working methods and suitability for your project. Based on the interviews, ask for project proposals. While assessing the proposals, take into account the following factors: experience, creativity, budgeting, sustainability, timely completion, adherence to rules, and references. Make an informed decision.

– What skills do you need to be a golf course designer?

A comprehensive understanding of golf, interpersonal skills, active listening skills, administrative skills, customer service skills, problem-solving, and decision-making skills; proficiency with desktop publishing and graphics software; proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) software; knowledge of construction materials and methodology; and more.

– Has Tiger Woods designed golf courses?

The former World No 1 has designed 13 golf courses through his golf course design firm, TGR Design. Some of them include Bluejack National, El Cardonal, and Payne’s Valley.

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