Golf – Prestige Online – HongKong

Revisiting Nick Dunlap’s Historic Win, and Other Amateur Golfers Who Won PGA Events

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 11:00:20 +0000

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.

Nick Dunlap of the United States hits a tee shot on the 18th hole during the final round of The American Express at Pete Dye Stadium Course on January 21, 2024 in La Quinta, California. (Image: Sean M. Haffey/ Getty Images)

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.

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.

Nick Dunlap poses for a photo with the trophy after winning The American Express at Pete Dye Stadium Course on January 21, which makes him the latest name in the ranks of amateur golfers to win PGA Tour events (Image: Orlando Ramirez/ Getty Images)

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.

Amateur golfers who won PGA Tour Events

Cary Middlecoff

Cary Middlecoff adds up his scorecard following his second round completion of the Keller Golf Course during the 1954 U.S. Open. Middlecoff shared an early second place with Jack Burke after 36 holes. (Image: Bettmann/ Getty Images)

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

Fred Haas of the USA during practice for the Ryder Cup at Wentworth. (Image: Barratts/ PA Images via Getty Images)

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

Frank Stranahan hits a tee shot. (Image: PGA of America via Getty Images)

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.

Gene Littler

Gene Littler at the 1994 GTE Suncoast Classic. (Image: PGA Tour Archive/ Getty Images)

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

Doug Sanders at the 1983 PGA Tour. (Image: PGA Tour Archive via Getty Images)

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

Scott Verplank of the United States plays his tee shot on the third hole during the first round of the Sanford International at Minnehaha Country Club on September 15, 2023 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (Image: David Berding/ Getty Images)

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

Phil Mickelson of HyFlyers GC hits his shot from the 17th tee during Day Two of the LIV Golf Invitational – Miami at Trump National Doral Miami on October 21, 2023 in Doral, Florida. (Image: Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)

‘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.

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)

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.

Nick Dunlap Becomes First Amateur To Win a PGA Tour Event Since 1991

Trinetra Paul — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:12:29 +0000

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.

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)

The post Nick Dunlap Becomes First Amateur To Win a PGA Tour Event Since 1991 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Tiger Woods And Nike Part Ways After 27 Years

Aaron Chow — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 03:00:31 +0000

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.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nike (@nike)

Images: Nike/Mike Mullholland/Getty Images

The post Tiger Woods And Nike Part Ways After 27 Years appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Here Are the World’s Highest-Paid Golfers

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 08:00:26 +0000

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.

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

Jon Rahm

Jon Rahm, who is the highest paid golfer as of 2023, holds aloft the Masters championship trophy at Augusta National Golf Club. (Image credit: Logan Whitton/Augusta National)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dustin Johnson (@dustinjohnsongolf)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Phil Mickelson (@philmickelson)

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.

Rory Mcllroy

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by RORY (@rorymcilroy)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brooks Koepka (@bkoepka)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Cameron Smith (@cameronsmithgolf)

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.

Tiger Woods

(Image: Instagram/@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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bryson DeChambeau (@brysondechambeau)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Patrick Reed (@preedgolf)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Scottie Scheffler (@scottie.scheffler)

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)

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.

What to Expect at the New Cour du Baron Residences at Les Bordes Estate Golf Club

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Sun, 24 Dec 2023 03:00:45 +0000

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. (Image: Cour du Baron)

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.

Steeped in luxury

Loire Valley. (Image: Joao Tzanno/ Unsplash)

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.

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.

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)

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

10 Best Golf Resorts To Visit The Next Time You’re In Thailand

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

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.

(Image: Somsak Hataipiemsuk/The Golf Lodge Hotel)

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.

A Ladies’ Guide to Nailing “Golfcore” On and Off the Course

Junwen Zhao — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0000

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.

Tiffany Young dressed in Fairliar during “The Green Cup”

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.

Inn Gee Chun dressed in Fairliar for her grand win

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

Muni He(Lily) Wearing Fila Golf’s jacket
Muni He (Lily) Wearing Fila’s golf apparel in an tournament
Fila X McLaren Collection
Fila X McLaren Collection

Muni He as the brand ambassador of 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 Gold Scudo Ring Panther Knit and Flare Skirt in Black and White, from 2023 fall/winter collection

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.

The Buckingham short skirts

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

Noh was wearing Malbon’s top when she was in the tournament

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.”

Noh and Stephen Malbon are walking together wearing the iconic malbon logo crewneck

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.

Noh wearing Hannelore vest and Claire visor from Malbon

“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.

India’s Star Golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar on His Ascent to the Top, and Qualifying for LIV Golf Promotions

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 09:00:44 +0000

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.

Gaganjeet Bhullar during Round Four of the BNI Indonesia Masters, at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club, Jakarta, Indonesia. (Image: Paul Lakatos/ Asian Tour)

Getting to know Gaganjeet Bhullar and the grit that drives him

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.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (Image: Paul Lakatos/ Asian Tour)

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.

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

Gaganjeet Bhullar of India with the winner’s trophy at the BNI Indonesia Masters held in Jakarta from November 16-19, 2023. (Image: Paul Lakatos/ Asian Tour)

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.

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.

Gaganjeet Bhullar of India celebrating on the 18th green on Sunday, November 19, 2023, after the BNI Indonesia Masters where he emerged victorious. (Image: Paul Lakatos/ Asian Tour)

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)

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.

Golfer’s Elbow: What It Is, And How to Avoid The Dreaded Injury

PrestigeOnline Malaysia — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 00:00:01 +0000

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.

Renowned athlete Tiger Woods has suffered his fair share of injuries including golfer’s elbow, but has bounced back every time. (Image: Tiger Woods/ Instagram)

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.

Golfer’s elbow is a common sports tendonitis ailment. (Image: Courtney Cook/ Unsplash)

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.

The primary cause of golfer’s elbow, a tendonitis ailment, is a sport’s repetitive wrist movements and finger gripping. (Image: Mayo Clinic)

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.

Despite its name, anyone is at risk of developing golfer’s elbow as it’s due to overuse of the forearm muscles. (Image: Ketut Subiyanto/ Pexels)

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.

Make sure your form is right when playing golf or any other sport. Sometimes it helps to ask a coach to evaluate your form so you can prevent muscle overload and golfer’s elbow. (Image: Matt Seymour/ Unsplash)

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

Golfer’s elbow is a fairly simple condition to diagnose, so be sure to see a doctor to have it treated properly. (Image: Ryutaro Tsukata/ Pexels)

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.

Everything to Know About LIV Golf and Its Impending Merger With PGA Tour

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:24:24 +0000

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.

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ESPN (@espn)

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.

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

Tiger Wood allegedly turned down LIV Golf offers of up to USD 800 million in the past year . (Image: Tiger Woods/ Instagram)

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.

Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson. (Image: @PhilMickelson/X)

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 with his third World Golf Championship trophy. (Image: @rorymcilroy/Instagram)

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.

Possible Implications If The Deal Falls Through

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LIV Golf (@livgolf_league)

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)

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.

Swing in Style: Discover These 7 Golf Fashion Brands Before Your Next Tee-Off

Srijoni Gupta Roy — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 03:00:33 +0000

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by G/FORE (@gfore)

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.

2. Malbon Golf

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by malbongolf (@malbongolf)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by J.LINDEBERG (@jlindebergofficial)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jofit (@jofit_apparel)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FORAYGOLF.com (@foraygolfusa)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tory Sport (@torysport)

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.

7. Fendi Golf

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fendi (@fendi)

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.

What’s in Your Golf Bag? 33 Essentials Every Serious Golfer Needs

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 08:30:42 +0000

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.

33 golf essentials that every player needs in their bag

1. Golf Clubs

(Image: Sydney Rae/ Unsplash)

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

(Image: Brandon Williams/ Unsplash)

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.

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

(Image: Obi Pixel 7 Propix/ Unsplash)

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

(Image: Decathlon Singapore)

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.

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

(Image: Decathlon Singapore)

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.

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

(Image: Decathlon Singapore)

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.

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.

The Biggest Controversies in Golf History: LIV Golf-PGA Tour Merger and More

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 08:00:13 +0000

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.

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

1. 1968 Masters: A Scorecard Blooper

Argentine golfer Roberto De Vicenzo sits back in spite of it all, after he signed incorrect scorecard and cost himself a tie for the Masters Golf Tourney here on April 14th. 1968. De Vicenzo actually finished in a tie with Bob Goalby, but the mistaken scorecard cost him a stroke and Goalby won. (Image: Bettmann/ Getty Images)

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

John Daly at the 1994 PGA Tour. (Image: Sam Greenwood/ PGA TOUR Archive via Getty Images)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ESPN (@espn)

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.

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

Martha Burk, Chairwoman of the National Council of Women’s Organizations, talking with the media during Masters week demonstrations on Washington Road outside the gates of Augusta National on April 12, 2003 in Augusta, Georgia. (Image: Getty Images)

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

BombTech Golf 4.0 iron set. (Image: BombTech Golf)

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dustin Johnson (@dustinjohnsongolf)

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.

7. Battle of Brookline

Justin Leonard of the USA celebrates sinking a long birdie putt during the final day at the Ryder Cup at the Country Club September 26th, 1999 in Brookline, MA, USA. (Image: Simon Bruty/ Anychance/ Getty Images)

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.

Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake Have Opened an NYC Sports Bar With Golf Simulators

Srijoni Gupta Roy — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:00:03 +0000

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by GOLF.com // GOLF Magazine (@golf_com)

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.

T-Squared Social: What to expect within

The duckpin bowling alley inside T-Squared Social in NYC, which is opened by Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake. (Image: T-Squared Social)

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by T-Squared Social (@tsquared.social)

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.

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)

The post Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake Have Opened an NYC Sports Bar With Golf Simulators appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

A Look at the Richest Male Golfers in the World

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 06:00:39 +0000

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.

Who are the richest male golfers in the world?

Tiger Woods

Picture Credits: Courtesy Instagram/@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

Picture Credits: Courtesy Instagram/@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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Phil Mickelson (@philmickelson)

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

Picture Credits: Courtesy Instagram/@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.

Gary Player

Picture Credits: Courtesy Instagram/@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

Picture Credits: Courtesy Instagram/@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

Picture Credits: Courtesy Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 2.0

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

Picture Credits: Courtesy Instagram/@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.

Ernie Els

Picture Credits: Courtesy Instagram/@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

Picture Credits: Courtesy Instagram/@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.

Partners in Perfection: Rolex’s 50 Years with Golf

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 02:22:29 +0000

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.

Rolex has teamed up with all four Masters tournaments

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.

The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is a Rolex Series event

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.

Famous Golf Course Architects and Designers Every Seasoned Player Should Know

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 09:26:04 +0000

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)

Old Tom Morris. (Image: Wikipedia)

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

2. Dr Alister MacKenzie (1870–1934)

Dr Alister MacKenzie. (Image: Library of Congress/ Wikipedia)

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)

Pete Dye. (Image: Pete Dye Golf Club)

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

6. A. W. Tillinghast (1876–1942)

A.W. Tillinghast. (Image: Hazard of American Golfer, Inc/ Published in The American Golfer, Volume I, No. 6, April 1909, article “Around Philadelphia”/ Amateur Athletic Foundation of Los Angeles/ Public Domain, Wikimedia)

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-)

(R) Jack Nicklaus. (Image: Nicklaus Companies)

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)

Donald Ross. (Image: Ross Society)

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

9. Robert Trent Jones Sr (1906–2000)

Robert Trent Jones Snr. (Image: Robert Trent Jones Society)

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)

Arnold Palmer. (Image: Arnold Palmer/ Facebook)

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.

The post Famous Golf Course Architects and Designers Every Seasoned Player Should Know appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

The Nature Conservancy’s Biodiversity Golf Tournament

Gennady Oreshkin — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 06:34:51 +0000

The Nature Conservancy, the non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving wildlife, held its annual golf tournament to raise resources for sustaining biodiversity. According to regional managing director Will McGoldrick, more than a million species are facing imminent extinction.

Aron Harilela and Rohit Kapoor
Donald Man, Che-Ning Liu, George Hongchoy, Bryant Lu
Fred Ma, Daisy Ting, Ronald Lee, Edgar Cheng
Jiang Feng Liu, Charley Lai, Brian Gu, Peter Wong
Phyllis Tang, Mimi Ho

Thus, from Mongolia to Borneo, The Nature Conservancy is actively working to secure safe havens for different species by initiating a range of programmes. A portion of the proceeds from the golf tournament will finance the restoration of wetland habitats along Hong Kong’s coastlines, where horseshoe crabs and waterbirds can nest safely. The funds will also support grasslands conservation in Mongolia, giant panda protection in China through forest restoration and orangutan conservation in Indonesia.

Phyllis Tang
Ronald Lee, Ronald Lu, Bryant Lu
Ronald Lu, Wenisa Ma, Moses Tsang, Bryant Lu
Will McGoldrick, Ronald Lee, Bryant Lu
Will McGoldrick

The post The Nature Conservancy’s Biodiversity Golf Tournament appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Get To Know the Richest Golfers of All Time

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 00:00:04 +0000

It is common knowledge that professional golf ranks right up there in terms of pay cheques, and that golfers who make the top echelons of the sport, especially the PGA Tour, figure prominently in the list of richest athletes in the world.

Over time, several surveys have been conducted and lists drawn up on the highest-paying disciplines in the sporting world, and professional golf ranks among the top-five most lucrative professions.

Money is definitely a driving force, but not the sole motivating factor to aim for the stars. The quest for excellence and glory can be called the primary driving force for elite athletes. The long road and toil to get to the summit entails a lot of sacrifice, and it is only appropriate that once at the top, the athletes enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Tiger Woods is synonymous with excellence in golf, and it isn’t surprising that the man who redefined the way this sport is played at the highest level with his uncanny skill and passion for fitness, heads the list of mentions.

Read on for our compilation of the richest golfers in the world based on their net worth, earnings, endorsements and other projects.

Here are the richest golfers in the world

Tiger Woods

Net worth: USD 1.1 billion

Tiger Woods tops the list of the richest golfers in the world. (Image: Tiger Woods/ Instagram)

Tiger Woods, the most successful golfer in history, is at the top of our list of richest golfers of all time. As of 2023, his net worth is $1.1 billion, making him the biggest moneymaker in golf the world has ever seen. He endorses brands such as Rolex, Centinel Spine, Bridgestone Golf, Hero MotoCorp, Discovery Communications, Upper Deck, Monster Energy, 2K Drive, TaylorMade, Nike, Kowa, Full Swing Simulators, and Golf TV. Woods has turned his golf earnings into investments such as a massive 12-acre oceanfront property in Jupiter Island, Florida; TGR Design, a golf-course design firm; Popstroke, a golf and casual dining company; and TMRW Sports, a tech-focused company with intentions to introduce a new golf league called TGL.

Arnold Palmer

Net worth: USD 875 million

One of the greatest golfers of all time, Arnold Palmer was an American professional golfer with an estimated net worth of USD 875 million. (Image: Arnold Palmer/ Facebook)

One of the greatest golfers of all time, Arnold Palmer was an American professional golfer with an estimated net worth of $875 million. Palmer, who passed away in 2016, made the most of his earnings through golf winnings, golf course design, endorsements, and other businesses. With a variety of commercial ventures and investments that gave him several revenue streams, he was an accomplished investor and entrepreneur. Palmer designed numerous golf courses throughout the world, had various licensing deals, invested in the stock market and real estate, had television commentary contracts, and appeared in commercials.

Greg Norman

Net worth: USD 420 million

Perhaps the world’s most successful athlete-turned-businessman, Greg Norman is celebrated for both his golf skills and entrepreneurial passion. Norman utilised his professional golfing experience as a springboard to forge a presence in a variety of golf and lifestyle-related businesses. Real estate, turf farming, interior design, clothing, wine, and restaurants are a few of these ventures. Some of the businesses that have collaborated with Norman include Authentic Brands Group, Cobra Puma Golf, Club Car, Delos, Novex Biotech, Qbe Shootout, Playsight, and Sandals Resorts. All of Norman’s business endeavors are managed by his company, Great White Shark Enterprises. Norman is currently the CEO and Commissioner of LIV Golf.

Phil Mickelson

Net worth: USD 410 million

Phil Mickelson is well known for his extraordinary golfing abilities and long career. (Image: Phil Mickelson/ Instagram)

Well known for his extraordinary golfing abilities and long career. Phil Mickelson’s estimated net worth as of 2023 is $410 million, putting him in the top 10 richest golfers in the world. Nicknamed “Lefty” owing to his unusual left-handed swing, he reportedly makes over $60 million a year from his game. Mickelson has collaborated with a variety of brands, including Rolex, Ford Motors, Barclays, Exxon Mobil, and KPMG. His business associations with Titleist, Amgen, Intrepid Financial Partners, and Grayhawk account for a sizeable portion of his net worth. In addition, he is a founding partner of For Wellness, a company that promotes wholesome food and beverages.

Jack Nicklaus

Net worth: USD 400 million

Nicknamed “The Golden Bear”, Jack Nicklaus (R) is widely recognised as one of the greatest and richest professional golfers in the world. (Image: Nicklaus Companies)

Nicknamed “The Golden Bear,” Jack Nicklaus is widely recognised as one of the greatest professional golfers of all time. It is estimated that the retired American professional golfer is worth $400 million. He established Nicklaus Design and has created more than 425 breathtaking golf courses in 40 states and 45 different countries. He has a few ventures besides designing golf courses. With the introduction of the distinctive Golden Bear insignia in 1962, Nicklaus-branded merchandise such as clothing, accessories, hats, dining establishments, wine, and home decor have been sold all over the world. Throughout his career, Jack has promoted a number of products, including Terlato Wines, Perry Ellis, Rolex, and more.

Gary Player

Net worth: USD 255 million

Gary Player has had one of the most successful careers, with victories over 150 professional tournaments. (Image: Gary Player/ Instagram)

Also known by his nickname “Black Knight,” Gary Player has had one of the most successful careers, with victories over 150 professional tournaments. According to estimates, Player’s net worth is around $255 million. His golfing prowess and sponsorship deals enabled him to acquire a fortune. Even in his 80s, he promotes a number of brands. Player is a celebrated golf course designer who has worked on more than 400 projects across five continents. Callaway, Coca-Cola, BMW, Sun International South Africa, and Rolex were among the companies that signed Players for endorsements. Player has made investments in a number of commercial ventures, including Gary Player International and Gary Player Designs.

Rory McIlroy

Net worth: USD 220 million

Rory McIlroy is currently recognised as one of the best and richest golfers in the world. (Image: Rory McIlroy/ Instagram)

Rory McIlroy, who hails from Northern Ireland, is currently regarded as one of the top golfers in the world. McIlroy is one of just three players, along with Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus, to have won four Major titles before the age of 25. The estimated value of McIlroy’s net worth is $220 million. His multiple endorsements and real estate holdings are his other primary sources of earnings away from the golf course. He is a Nike athlete and is also affiliated with a number of other high-profile businesses. TaylorMade, Nike, NBC Sports/Golf Pass, Omega, Optum, and Workday are a few of these. TaylorMade is yet another of McIlroy’s principal sponsors.

Fred Couples

Net worth: USD 125 million

Fred Couples, Vice Captain of Team United States poses for a photograph during the United States Team Portraits at the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome, Italy. (Image: Ross Kinnaird/ Getty Images)

Fred Couples is a legend in the sport and has 64 professional championships to his name. The former World No. 1, dubbed “Boom Boom” for his long, perfect drives off the tee, is estimated to be worth $125 million. He had a big endorsement agreement with Nike, and he was well-known for donning Nike golf gear, including hats and shoes. Couples has also endorsed Ashworth, Titleist, and Bridgestone golf balls. Due to his on-course success and recognised style, he has generally been a sought-after endorser in the golf industry. Couples has dabbled in golf design for several years, and has also been on a number of golf-related television programmes and broadcasts.

Jordan Spieth

Net worth: USD 110 million

Jordan Spieth has won three Major tournaments and was the 2015 FedEx Cup champion. He’s sponsored by Under Armour. (Image: Jordan Spieth/ Instagram)

Jordan Spieth, a 30-year-old American professional golfer, has won three Major tournaments and was the 2015 FedEx Cup champion. When he won the 2015 Masters Tournament, he became the second youngest golfer after Woods to do so. Spieth has amassed a net worth of $110 million from game earnings and other sources. Sportswear business Under Armour is his primary sponsor. In addition, he has endorsement agreements with Rolex, AT&T, NetJets, Titleist, Perfect Sense, Wheaties, and SuperStroke. Spieth has invested in The Players’ Tribune, Performance Inspired Nutrition, a dietary supplement company, Golf Genius Software, and Tonal, a maker of computerised strength training equipment.

Ernie Els

Net worth: USD 95 million

Ernie Els, often known as “Big Easy” due to his easy swing and large frame, was one of the “Big Five” players who dominated the sport in the middle of the 2000s. (Image: Ernie Els/ Instagram)

South African golfer Ernie Els, often known as “Big Easy” due to his easy swing and large frame, was one of the “Big Five” players who dominated the sport in the middle of the 2000s, along with Phil Mickelson, Retief Goosen, Viay Singh, and Tiger Woods. He established Ernie Els Design, a full-service golf course design business, in 2000 and began creating courses all around the world. He also engages in a number of business ventures, such as Ernie Els Wines, Ernie Els Champion Pet Products, and Ernie Els Biltong, a company that produces healthy, high-energy snacks. The Vault is an e-commerce site, and he has opened up about 50 clothing stores in South Africa that market the Ernie Els line.

(Main and featured image: David Cannon/ Getty Images)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Is Tiger Woods a billionaire?
Tiger Woods was named a billionaire by Forbes in 2022, making him only the second active athlete to ever become so after LeBron James (American professional basketball player).

– How many billionaire golfers are there?
The only golfer to reach the billion-dollar mark is Tiger Woods, who has 15 Major championship victories and 82 PGA Tour title wins.

– Who are the current highest-paid pro golfers?
As per the latest Forbes report of June 2023, former world No 1 Dustin Johnson (DJ) heads the list with total earnings of $111 million. The coming into existence of LIVGolf has been a game-changer for players like DJ and Phil Mickelson, who follows with a portfolio worth $107 million. Rory McIlroy, who did not jump ship and chose to stay on the PGA Tour, is third with earnings of $80 million.

The post Get To Know the Richest Golfers of All Time appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Elevate Your Golf Game with These 15 Proven Exercises

PrestigeOnline Singapore — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 00:00:49 +0000

In the world of golf, Tiger Woods set a powerful example in the 1990s by prioritizing fitness over beer bellies. His rigorous fitness routine inspired others, emphasising that these exercises were crucial for improvement.

As the first athlete who played golf, Tiger started the revolution and made lunges, squats, push-ups and more become part of golf parlance, inspiring the generation that followed.

If today, players like Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka and Bryson Dechambeau bomb it with the driver, and make a 330-yard drive appear just an effortless whack off the tee box, it is because of heightened awareness on the need to be the fittest and the induction of contraptions that push human endurance to the brink.

The sweat and toil to stand apart from the pack, as Tiger showed, has transcended the boundaries of professional golf, and club players are equally driven to spend quality hours in the gym in their quest of excellence. Needless to say, the emphasis on fitness has lit a desire for excellence that was not on the to-do list a couple of decades back.

Going with the ethos, we bring to our readers a set of 15 critical golf exercises, which if carried out correctly, can lead to low scores on the golf course and broader smiles off it.

Improve your game today with these golf exercises

1. Seated Rotations

Effective body rotation is crucial for a fluent golf swing. Seated rotations are an excellent workout to include in your regime of golf exercises as it improves mobility in the thoracic spine, which will help increase the torque on the swing.

How:
Holding a golf club, sit on a bench or a chair without back support. The club should be in the crooks of the elbows as you hold it behind the back with the arms. Rotate the torso to one side without moving the hips, hold for a few seconds, and then come back to the middle.

2. Push ups

Push ups are a fantastic upper-body exercise that can be performed wherever one is without equipment. Push-ups help golfers strengthen their pectoral muscles and boost the stability of the shoulder tissues.

How:
Get down on all fours and put the hands out so that they are just wider than the shoulders. Lift the body off the ground by pushing the floor. Tighten the core and keep the spine straight. Bend the arms to lower the body to the floor, and repeat.

3. Plank

A classic exercise for building overall core strength that is crucial for the golf game. A simple plank works the core muscles, upper and lower body.

How:
Lie on the stomach, support yourself with the elbows and toes, and lift the abs off the floor. Squeeze the glutes together while maintaining a straight back. Hold the posture until failure.

4. Bodyweight Squat

A golfer can produce more power in the swing by having a strong, solid lower body. Squats are a powerful exercise as they engage the glutes, hip flexors, and quads.

How:
Start with the feet hip-width apart for a basic squat. Lean back and bend the knees to a 90-degree angle as though you were going to sit on a chair. Make sure the knees aren’t too far over the toes to prevent injuries.

5. Lateral Lunge

Lateral lunge is a powerful mobility exercise that enhances the lateral plane flexion and extension motions. This is critical for the rotational movement and weight transfer that take place during the golf swing.

How:

Place the feet hip-width apart as you stand. Step out wide to the side with the left leg. Next, bend the left knee, push the hips back, and lower yourself until the left knee is 90 degrees bent.

6. Hand walks

Hand walks are a form of preventative maintenance that will let you play golf longer. Making the same swinging motion repeatedly can wear down the body, especially the elbows, after a while. Golf exercises like hand walks make a great companion for the elbows and upper arms.

How:
Stoop down until the hands and feet are on the floor. Move the feet closer to the hands after stretching the hands so they are in a push-up posture. Maintain this motion until you experience a good stretch.

7. Glute Bridge

The glutes have an important role in maintaining the strength and stability of the spine. They help keep you playing golf longer by supporting the pelvis. This workout bolsters glutes’ strength.

How:
The upper back should be on the ground when you begin the exercise, with the hips in the air. Keep the feet flat and knees at a 90-degree angle during the workout. Next, raise the hips until the shoulders and feet are the only ones that are touching the floor.

8. Drawing the Sword/Sword Draws

Sword draws are an important activity for achieving the best shoulder rotation. The posterior shoulder muscles and rotator cuff will become stronger as a result of this workout. The swing path will automatically improve, and you’ll hit more fairways when the rotator cuff glides fluidly.

How:
Start with a lightweight dumbbell. Maintaining good golf posture is essential to develop solid golf swing habits. Hold the dumbbell with the hand facing backward, start the movement at the opposite knee. Return the dumbbell to the opposite side, with the palm facing forward this time.

9. Cat Camels

Cat camels are an incredible exercise for golfers as they strengthen the hip, lower back, and core muscles. This exercise is also beneficial for enhancing spine mobility. This workout is perfect for golfers who want to improve their distance and accuracy off the tee.

How:
Place the hands and knees on a flat surface and start the exercise. First, bend forward, look below, and inhale. Next, raise the head and breathe out while extending the back.

10. Medicine Ball Russian Twist

One of the finest abdominal workouts on our list targets the four major muscular groups in the abs. The ability to rotate and have good posture makes the core a crucial component of the golf swing. Further, having strong abs makes it possible to move with greater momentum.

How:
Sit in a crunch position to begin the exercise. Then, rotate the medicine ball by touching the ground on either side. Try to keep the feet hovering above the ground as you progress.

11. Single-leg deadlift

A powerhouse exercise, the single-leg deadlift strengthens the lower back, hamstrings, and glutes. It significantly improves the swing and prevents injuries. This workout will also help maintain posture throughout the golf swing.

How:
Pick up a dumbbell in each hand. Draw back one leg as you bow forward. Lower yourself until the dumbbells are as close to the floor as they will go while maintaining a straight back.

12. One-Arm Dumbbell Bench Press

The one-arm dumbbell bench press helps stabilise the core while strengthening the upper body. A fantastic two-for-one golf drill for certain.

How:
Lie on a flat bench with a dumbbell in one hand. Extend the arm so that it is straight and the weight is parallel to the shoulder. Lower the weight towards the side of the chest while slowly bending the arm.

13. Vertical Pull

This exercise develops the large V-shaped muscles that connect the arms to the vertebral column, known as the lats. These are effective golf core exercises. As the lats play a significant role in clubhead speed, this workout is beneficial for any speed training.

How:
Sit down on the lat pulldown and place support pads beneath the knees. Grab the bar with an upward reach and pull the bar down towards the collarbone.

14. T-stabilisation

This intermediate drill is a stability exercise that works on the entire core, including the shoulders, abs, and hips, while also assisting in the development of lower back endurance. This exercise is also exceptional for improving body control and balance and is ideal for beginners who look for core exercises at home.

How:
From the push-up position, raise the right arm and turn the body to the right. Turn around completely so that the left side is facing the ground and the arm is straight up. Hold this stance for as long as possible. Repeat on the other side.

15. Prayer Stretch

Golfers can greatly benefit from this stretch to lengthen their lats (latissimus dorsi) before the 18 holes.

How:
Begin on the knees and hands. Put the buttocks on the heels and forehead on the floor in front of you. Extend the hands in front, and hold the posture while letting the muscles relax.

(Main image: Peter Drew/ Unsplash; Featured image: Tiger Woods/ Instagram)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What exercises improve the golf swing?
Some of the best workouts to improve the golf swing include seated rotations, bodyweight squats, lateral lunges, hand walks, and drawing the sword.

– What was Tiger Woods’ workout routine?
According to some of his training videos and his own admission, Tiger Woods’ daily regimen included a four-mile jog, weightlifting at the gym, 2-3 hours of range practice, playing golf, practicing his putting, and occasionally playing basketball or tennis.

The post Elevate Your Golf Game with These 15 Proven Exercises appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Things to Know About Asian Games Golf Gold Medalist Taichi Kho

Trinetra Paul — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 12:52:18 +0000

Hong Kong golfer Taichi Kho made history by becoming the first player from the territory to lift the trophy at the World City Championship presented by the Hong Kong Golf Club in March 2023. He continued the winning streak by bagging gold in the individual event at the 2023 Asian Games golf tournament in Hangzhou, China, in October 2023, becoming the latest rising talent to look out for.

Kho’s victory is especially significant as the 2023 Asian Games allowed amateurs and professionals to compete against each other for the first time. While the tournament had names including South Koreans Im Sung-jae and Kim Si-woo, ranked 26th and 40th in the world, respectively, and two-time Asian Tour winner Shubhankar Sharma of India, Kho beat the odds.

As enthusiasts of the sport await to witness this leading Hong Kong golfer at the SJM Macao Open 2023 scheduled from 12 to 15 October, discover all about Taichi Kho.

Career stats and other facts you probably didn’t know about rising star Taichi Kho

The golfer turned professional in January 2023

Image credit: Taichi Kho/@tk_1_/ Instagram

Ahead of his Asian Games glory, not only did Kho become the first home player to script history at the World City Championship, but he did so just two months after achieving professional status. He transitioned to the higher category in January 2023 at the Asian Tour Qualifying School.

According to The Open’s website, “After only his third event on the Asian circuit – [Kho] came through the qualifying school in January – he said: ‘I definitely wasn’t fearless – I was nervous, which was perfectly natural in the moment. I said to myself that I will be a better player by the end of it.'”

Success at the World City Championship opened several new doors for Taichi Kho

Image credit: Taichi Kho/ @tk_1_/ Instagram

The World City Championship triumph brought huge success for the Hong Kong golfer. Ranked 1,273 in the world, Kho beat New Zealand’s Michael Hendry by two shots and became the ambassador of the Hong Kong Golf Club as well as the city hosting its first international event in 38 months.

He finished with an even-par 70 at the event, which was reduced to 54 holes due to severe weather conditions. At the end of the tournament, four places in The Open Championship, held at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in July 2023, were offered as part of the Qualifying Series.

As the winner of the coveted golf tournament, Kho secured a position, and although he couldn’t make the cut, it was an essential experience for him. While the entire year hasn’t been smooth sailing for him, Kho has clearly taken each step as a learning experience.

According to stats on the Official World Gold Ranking, he climbed from World No. 1,365 to 576 between January to October 2023.

Kho began 2023 in February with the Singapore Classic, part of the DP World Tour. He missed the cut at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club and has played in 13 other events, as part of other tours. He holds a record of one win, two top-10s and six missed cuts.

Taichi Kho is a University of Notre Dame alum

Image credit: Taichi Kho/@tk_1_/ Instagram

Taichi Kho attended the prestigious University of Notre Dame in the US where he studied business between 2018 and 2021. However, the road to success was not always very easy.

In 2018, the South China Morning Post reported the then-17-year-old amateur golfer has had to push his peddle even harder to manage school work and his passion for the game. The Discovery College student secured a cool 43 points on his IB Diploma and his success both on and off the course earned him a scholarship to the acclaimed university.

Taichi Kho has been winning big since his college days

Taichi Kho has proven his passion and determination for golf from very early on. Since a very tender age, he has been quite ahead of his fellow golf players and has achieved highly from his school and college days. According to The Open’s website, in 2022, Kho had two runner-up finishes on the college circuit last year reaching a high of 67th on the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

SCMP’s 2018 report mentions he topped “a division of the Hong Kong Professional Golfers’ Association in January and qualified for last year’s [2017] UBS Hong Kong Open as the youngest male player in the tournament. In both tournaments, Taichi said that his dad served as his caddy.”

According to the report, one of his prominent early achievements included winning the Hong Kong Junior Close Championship in April by smooth 19 strokes.

His father introduced him to the game at the age of six

Image credit: Taichi Kho/@tk_1_/ Instagram

Taichi Kho is a golfer of half-Japanese and half-Chinese origin. He was born on 13 November 2000 to Victor Kho and Yoko Kikuchi.

His father introduced him to the game when the star golfer was about six years old. Victor told HKGolfer, “My wife Yoko and I enjoy playing golf. It is probably natural that we pass on this passion to our son Taichi.”

In his initial days, Kho would, reportedly, get really upset from bad shots and even throw his clubs on the ground, angering his father. The golfer recalls, “He has been by with me through the highs and the lows,” reported SCMP.

“Performing at such a high level in front of him made me very proud of the work I’ve put in over the past few years,” Kho added.

“I’ve not always had the best temper on the golf courses as a kid, but over time, I feel like a lot of different people have taught me different ways to think about golf,” Kho added.

The golfer struggled with his physical frame and mental stress about the game

Taichi Kho has displayed exemplary performance and brilliant form over the last couple of months, which has catapulted his ranking and gameplay. However, the initial days were wrought with struggle like any other amateur golfer.

The SCMP report stated he has a skinny frame and quoted him saying, I don’t hit [the ball] very far. I perform well by playing to my strengths, which are to use approach shots and my short game.”

Mental stress has been a challenge the athlete has had to overcome as well. “I’ve always had solid, all-round technique, but I’ve struggled with my mental game. I often get easily frustrated after a bad shot or round,” he said in a 2018 interview. However, he has significantly worked in these arenas and has channelled his low points to come back stronger — something that his career is a testimony to.

He has a long-time girlfriend

Image credit: Taichi Kho/@tk_1_/ Instagram

Taichi Kho has a long-time girlfriend named Inara, who is also a Hong Kong-based golfer. While not much is known about her, Kho shares images with her on his social media pages and the two often seem to go on vacations and have been spotted spending casual evenings together.

(Hero and feature image credit: Taichi Kho/@tk_1_/ Instagram)

The post Things to Know About Asian Games Golf Gold Medalist Taichi Kho appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

7 of The World’s Most Expensive Golf Courses

Paint Chayanin — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 08:00:00 +0000

These 7 most expensive golf courses around the world are a dream for golf players. Between green fairway and blue sky and sea, it’s the best of all worlds.

If you have experienced all the best golf courses in Thailand, perhaps your may want to expand your landscape to golfing abroad. These golf courses are ranked as not only the best but also the most expensive courses in the world to play at, as is evident from the numerous championship programs that have taken place at these venues. The jaw-dropping natural scenes you will witness are unparalleled, and the experience only the most fulfilling.

[Hero and featured image credit: Shadow Creek]

7 Most Expensive Golf Courses around the World

Old Head Golf Links, Ireland

Image credit: Old Head Golf Links

The beautiful greens of Old Head Golf Links stretch into the Atlantic Ocean for over two miles with caves running underneath. While the par-72, 18-hole golf terrains are fun to play at, another highlight is the natural view golfers will witness, from the flora and fauna that line the driveway to the crashing waves against the cliff. With a minimum of six tees per hole and perennial sea breezes, the course provides an inviting challenge for all levels of players.

Green fees: $275-$484 approx.

Pinehurst Course Number 2, USA

Image credit: Pinehurst

Although Pinehurst has nine outstanding golf courses in total, Pinehurst Number 2 is the most talked about. The brainchild of golfer and designer Donald Ross, this course expands over 196 acres of land and is located in the centre of Pinehurst Resort. Moreover, if you wish to get in the fields of all nine legendary courses, there is even a Donald Ross special package for two nights and three rounds of golf.

Green fees: $375-$495 approx.

Kingsbarns Golf Links, Scotland

Image credit: Kingsbarns Golf Links

Situated along the dramatic North Sea coastline, Kingsbarns was established hundreds of years ago in 1793, before undergoing a renovation into an 18-hole golf course in 2000. The course adopts a traditional Scottish fairway that has hosted several world tournaments, including the The Ricoh Women’s British Open.

Green Fees: $385-$460 approx.

Royal Melbourne, Australia

Image credit: Royal Melbourne

This leading golf course in Australia is a private members’ club. Members are guaranteed a distinguished golfing experience at The West and The East Course, both of which are crowned as one of the top and oldest golf courses in the world. The West Course is especially highly rated for its combination of different undulation, perfectly maintained greens, and natural rugged terrains.

Green Fees: $550-$750 approx.

Pebble Beach Golf Links, USA

Image credit: Pebble Beach Resorts

Having hosted more U.S. Opens than any other venues in the last 50 years, Pebble Beach Golf Links will also welcome a few upcoming Women’s Opens in the years to come. The venue is located by the stunning Pacific Ocean in California, presenting players with a breathtaking view at every hole. As one of the most prominent designs of Douglas Grant and Jack Neville, many say it is exactly the round of the lifetime.

Green fees: $595-$625 approx.

TPC Sawgrass Players Stadium Course, USA

Image credit: TPC Sawgrass

Located in Florida, the TPC Sawgrass has two golf courses: the Players Stadium and the Dye’s Valley. The most famous location is the Players Stadium course par 3, 17th hole, as players struggle here in every season. It is also the host venue of the annual Players Championship. Built in 1980 and designed by ‘the first family of golf course architects,’ Pete and Alice Dye, the Players Stadium is one of the most classic courses of any golfer’s dreams.

Green fees: $600-$720 approx.

Shadow Creek, USA

Image credit: Shadow Creek

Shadow Creek in Las Vegas is known amongst golfers to be the best and most expensive golf courses in the world. Boasting an exceptional natural scene unlike anywhere else, the 18-hole course poses a challenge for every player with a unique characteristic at every hole. Not only is the golfing experience paramount, the service here is also top-notch. It begins since the moment you check in to one of the MGM Resorts International hotels, where a private limousine waits for pick-up and drop-off.

Green Fees: $600-$1000 approx.

The post 7 of The World’s Most Expensive Golf Courses appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

How to Hit the Sweet Spot on Your Golf Club Every Time

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:45 +0000

A professional golfer is the envy of any club player driven by aspiration. The more the success of the idol, greater the hopeful’s urge to inch closer to the pro on the golf course. From the pro’s perspective, the achievements are intrinsically linked to ticking the to-do list that could lead to glory — we say could since golf is a fickle sport, and ranking somewhere near the top of that list is hitting the sweet spot on your clubs as regularly as possible.

Finding the sweet spot is tough not just for club golfers, but even for hardened pros. But as the Spanish icon Sergio Garcia puts it, “I always think under-par, and for that you have to believe in yourself.”

In order to finish a week better than rest of the field, the sound of ball striking the club at the optimum spot has to ring regularly through the golf course. Garcia has managed to do that admirably, his 36 professional titles across global Tours is proof and the Major win at the 2017 Masters Tournament is the icing on the cake.

At 43, Garcia will recount the hours spent getting it right at the driving range, but even after all these years he cannot say that he has perfected the art. But then, challenges are what drive these athletes, and who better than Tiger Woods to shed light on this — “Smiling at obstacles,” as he once said.

Tiger in his prime, especially at the start of the 2000s, seemed to have cracked the code of finding the sweet spot with nagging regularity. So much so that a set of his irons that were auctioned last year had dents at the right place — the sweet spot.

A set of Tiger Woods’ golf clubs that were auctioned last year had dents at the right place — the sweet spot. (Image: Golden Age Auctions)

With these doses of inspiration, we start this feature on arming our readers with the wherewithal to find the sweet spot regularly, and get better in the process.

Everything to know about the sweet spot on one’s golf club

What exactly is the sweet spot?

To start off, it is important to understand what exactly the sweet spot on the golf club is. In simple terms, the sweet spot is a specific spot on the club head that can be found close to the midsection. It highlights the spot at which golfers should hit the golf ball for the most optimal results. Generally speaking, the sweet spot is a few centimetres below the club head’s actual center. Most of the exchange of energy between the club and ball will take place at this particular spot.

Most of the exchange of energy between the golf clubs and ball will take place at the sweet spot. (Image: Nadim Shaikh/ Pexels)

Club heads manufactured by different brands might have varying shapes, dimensions, and weights, making it challenging to locate the sweet spot. In light of this, it is essential to spend some time getting familiar with new clubs before using them on the golf course. Besides, the sweet spot is a hypothetical spot that golfers often relate to for best results. This means that it depends entirely on the experience and intuitive feeling of golfers to determine the precise sweet spot on the club head.

Why is hitting it so important?

Golfers should aim to hit the sweet spot as frequently as they can if they want to get better at playing the course. Hitting the sweet spot has a few important benefits that go along with it. Of course, distance is foremost.

Distance should be maximised with a flawless strike since hitting the sweet spot will result in an excellent transfer of energy between the golf club and ball. Efficiency loss at impact is unavoidable if there is no solid contact with the club’s center. As a result, the ball’s speed will decrease, and obviously, the shot’s final distance will be reduced. In addition to losing distance, missing the sweet spot makes it more difficult to reach the targets.

When striking the ball away from the sweet spot, the club face will almost definitely twist slightly, sending the shot in the wrong direction. A small mishit will typically result in a small miss, whereas a large error at impact could result in a potentially terrible outcome. Every golfer wants to hit the ball long and straight, and connecting with the sweet spot at impact is essential if they want to achieve that.

How to hit the sweet spot consistently?

Pro tip: Keep things simple while attempting to enhance your capacity to hit the sweet spot. (Image: Sydney Rae/ Unsplash)

It is strongly recommended to keep things simple while attempting to enhance the capacity to hit the sweet spot often. There are undoubtedly a number of intricate swing theories and strategies that could be explored, but doing so would only cause confusion and make matters worse. Instead, try to make the game simpler by selecting a few fundamental keys to concentrate on during practice.

The following three swing keys will inspire golfers of all ability levels to consistently hit the sweet spot.

Balance

In sport, having good body balance implies moving more efficiently and with greater control. It’s typical to overlook the important role that balance plays, and doing so would be wrong. Golfers should make body balance their primary focus during the golf swing. It becomes substantially simpler to land a solid strike by maintaining control and balance throughout the swing. During every practice session, be sure to focus on the balance and make any necessary adjustments.

Golfers can follow a quick trick for maintaining body rhythm by taking swings a few times in slow motion at around 25% of their regular swing force. The next step is to repeat the action by gradually increasing the degree of force and speed over the course of the following attempts. Through such actions, the mind and body develop a natural rhythm, boosting the chances of maintaining excellent body balance.

(Image: Kampus Production/ Pexels)

Eye Control

In addition to balance, eye control is also important for hitting the sweet spot more frequently. When starting to swing, keeping the eyes fixed on a single point and directing all the attention at that point and nowhere else is a smart approach. This simple trick helps maintain better balance and concentration.

Lifting the head too early when driving the ball is a common mistake in golf. People can occasionally become sidetracked by their eye movements. For instance, people can be trying to focus on the sweet spot when all of a sudden their thoughts might wander, causing them to glance away. While quickly looking back, they would’ve missed the sweet spot and needed to change their position.

The following approach can be used to eliminate eye movement distraction. Choose one specific point on the club head to focus on (preferably the sweet spot; if not, it is still fine). Try not to worry too much about body movements, maintain a continual focus on that particular spot, and go ahead with the swing. This practice comes in handy for golfers to avoid eye movement distractions.

Body Motion

The right body motion is one of the keys to hitting the sweet spot on the golf club. (Image: Steve Momot/ Pexels)

As we know, the golf swing is a three-dimensional motion that includes aspects of up-and-down, lateral movement, and rotation. However, many people get caught up in trying to move the club rather than letting the right body movement do it. They subsequently find themselves in a tricky situation with little continuity between practice sessions and on-course play. A successful golf swing cannot be made without sticking to the proper body motion. The right body motion is one of the keys to hitting the sweet spot on the golf club.

The following could help: Set the club’s bottom parallel to the target line while maintaining a tight grip on it. After that, align the feet, thighs, shoulders, and hips in a straight line with the target line. Take a full swing to fully release the energy, and let the ball travel as far as it can. Finding the center of the club will become much easier if one commits to a full swing into the finish.

Practice is the key to mastery

Golf is a challenging sport, as everyone is aware. To improve in anything presents a challenge, and practice is essential. When it comes to finding the sweet spot, the plot is no different. Simply put, anyone can improve their golf skills with regular practice. The overall coordination that’s needed in golf will improve gradually with regular practice, which successively optimises accuracy.

Despite that, expecting to hit the sweet spot on the golf club with every swing is not practical. Even professional golfers cannot pull off such a feat. Give it all to practice and hit as many shots as possible, aiming for the sweet spot. Every time a golfer hits the sweet spot, not only does it result in an excellent golf shot, it also boosts confidence, which would promote improved performance.

(Main and featured images: Robert Ruggiero/ Pexels)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How do you hit the sweet spot every time?

To consistently hit the sweet spot on a golf club, regular practice is the key. It would also be beneficial to include a few fundamental concepts to focus on thorough practice such as maintaining good balance, proper body motions, and eye control.

– How do you hit the golf ball at the same spot every time?

To hit the golf ball in the same area every time, one must fix the golf stance, stick to good posture, maintain a neutral grip, take practice swings, and pure it.

The post How to Hit the Sweet Spot on Your Golf Club Every Time appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Malaysia’s Top Golfer Gavin Green on Career Highs and the Czech Masters

PrestigeOnline Malaysia — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 11:05:02 +0000

Success and enjoyment — the Albatross Golf Resort in Prague has been a source of both for Gavin Green, Malaysia’s highest-ranked professional golfer, in ample measure.

The 29-year-old is currently 202nd on the Official World Golf Ranking, and gets back to a happy hunting ground when he tees-off at the D+D Real Czech Masters on Thursday, 24 August 2023.

Finishing a shot back of the leader at sole second last year, Gavin has a reputation to protect, but the mindset of a professional golfer is different. Gavin is drawing heavily from this time last year to go one better and announce his breakthrough on the DP World Tour, formerly known as the European Tour.

Malaysia’s top professional golfer Gavin Green on the course. (Image: Gavin Green)

Last season hadn’t opened on a great note, but did not come as a shock as Gavin was in the midst of “tweaking stuff” like working on his golf swing, among other things. All the changes came together the week before Prague, at the Asian Tour’s International Series in Singapore.

In conversation with Gavin Green, Malaysia’s top professional golfer

The tied second at the Tanah Merah Country Club in Singapore was the perfect set-up for a strong week in Europe, and Gavin replicated it at the Czech Masters by riding on the momentum and “trust in the hard work” leading to those two weeks.
The sole second in Prague was an extension of another strong show here in 2018 when Gavin finished sole third. On the back of this, Gavin is quietly confident but refuses to get ahead of himself.

“I know the golf course inside out,” he said on the familiarity, “but it will be a bit tough to replicate (last year). However, if you have the game and confidence, it will happen,” he said.

It sure can, considering he is back on Tour after a refreshing break at home. Faraway from living out of suitcases on Tour, Gavin took out time, in between practice, to shake the rust off a skill he picked up during the pandemic.

Gavin is all geared up for the upcoming Czech Masters on 24 August. (Image: Gavin Green)

The world at a standstill and with nothing to do, Gavin took a leaf out of his chef father’s book and acquired a certain degree of proficiency in rustling up fried rice. Garlic, chicken or shrimp, Gavin takes pride in laying it on the family’s dining table.

A star is born

Though crisscrossing continents on Tour is now a part of him, home is still where the heart is and brings back memories of picking up golf in Kuala Lumpur for “fun”. “I got serious when I was 10, started playing tournaments and enjoyed the challenge,” says Gavin.

Growing up, as was the case with many kids, Tiger Woods was the role model. Those were heady days in the highest echelons of professional golf with the man (Tiger) in his traditional red and black on the deciding Sunday raising the bar all the time.

Hard work, his parents’ unflinching support and Tiger’s motivation proved to be a heady potion for Gavin. There is acknowledgement. “His (Tiger’s) determination to win and pull it off when he had to was infectious.”

Gavin at the 2022 D+D Real Czech Masters at Albatross Golf Resort in Prague, Czech Republic, where he came in second. (Image: Ross Kinnaird/ Getty Images)

The 15-time Major winner’s motto, ‘It is never over till it is over’ rubbed off on Gavin and instilled the determination and ability to turn it around when the chips were down. A case in point is the 2021 season, which Gavin terms his “worst year” in professional golf, but came out of the slump to post four top-10s, including the sole 2nd at the Czech Masters and Portugal Masters last year.

Defining season

The year was 2017 when Gavin’s fortunes changed forever on the golf course. Going into that season, Gavin had proved himself as a winner several times on the Asian Development Tour (ADT), the feeder line to the Asian Tour, and the foundation for his biggest moment till then was set in India.

The Hero Indian Open has an enviable history and Gavin added a nugget to his fledgling professional career by notching his first runner-up finish on a stage that had the entire Europe and Asia watching. The adrenaline racing and charting a course unknown to him till then, Gavin arrived in Taipei for the Mercuries Taiwan Masters.

He plays a shot during the final round of the 2017 Hero Indian Open at Dlf Golf and Country Club in New Delhi, India. (Image: Stuart Franklin/ Getty Images)

He won, but the win that week was laced with grief. The week before, Gavin lost his grandfather and putting a cap to the pain in the quest for glory, Gavin had to draw from some of the lessons he had picked up from Tiger.

“Phew, there was so much hype. Coming in from ADT, I never expected so much (progressing to the European Tour, qualifying for the Major Championships and World Golf Championships). It was the coming together of so many years of hard work. People don’t realise, we professional golfers put in a lot of work behind the scenes,” said Gavin.

That week kicked off an upward trend that saw Gavin step up in a major way. He won the Asian Tour’s 2017 Order of Merit, booked a spot at the 2018 Open Championship and the step-up from Asia to Europe remains a “big stepping stone” even now.

Some laughs

Professional golf is draining on the mind and body, and when asked to recollect some lighter moments, Gavin gets thinking hard. After a pause, he came up with a few.

One coincided with an undoubtable career high, his maiden Major appearance at the 2018 Open Championship in Carnoustie, Scotland, and involved his idol.

Gavin Green during the final round of the 147th Open Championship at the Carnoustie Golf links, Carnoustie, Scotland. (Image: Paul Lakatos/ Asian Tour/ Asian Tour via Getty Images)

With a laugh, Gavin replayed the moment after his tee-off on the 16th hole. There was some time for the second shot, and there was no way Gavin could miss Tiger’s tee off. “Hole No 1 was nearby, and I had to be there.” Gavin ticked a box but in the rush got distracted and ended up making bogey on the 16th.

Another instance, which too came up after deep thought, was from the 2017 Hero Indian Open, and is captured on video. Darkness was descending on the DLF Golf and Country Club and though Gavin was aware that the hooter would go off anytime, he hadn’t anticipated his reaction. “I was into my second shot on the 17th and was aware of the hooter, but when it did I got such a shock that the body started shaking vigorously,” said Gavin.

Brush with stars

A professional golfer is always on the lookout for a step-up, and Gavin has had a lot of such moments.

For golf, 2016 was a landmark year with the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games witnessing the sport’s return to the world’s biggest sporting event after a long gap. Gavin had just entered the ranks of professional golf, and Rio was among the first big events he got a taste of. “There was some stage fright but was a very good learning experience with plenty of takeaways,” he said.

Gavin during the final round of men’s golf on Day 9 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Image: Scott Halleran/ Getty Images)

Watching Tiger at the 2018 Open Championship ranks right up there, but competing with the-then World No 1 Dustin Johnson and watch him win the 2021 Saudi International also stands out.

“Both of us hit it fade and are aggressive off the tee, and it was amazing to see DJ’s consistency and how equally good he is with all the clubs. The biggest takeaway was how well he blends his humility with his aggression on the golf course. One can’t be scared of failure if the intent is to get better,” said Gavin.

The 2018 World Cup of Golf in Melbourne was another chance to learn from the top stars, especially Aussie winners Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith, both PGA Tour stars.

Style statement

Turning up immaculately dressed week in and week out is one of the trademarks of a professional golfer, and British clothing brand Castore has Gavin covered on this front. The Malaysian golfer is in an elite league as Castore is associated with the likes of Newcastle United, Rangers, England Cricket, South Africa Cricket, Bundesliga’s Bayer Leverkusen, and Formula One’s McLaren and Red Bull. Gavin’s association with Castore is just a year old but the collection in his possession has him gushing.

Gavin in his Castore threads. He became an ambassador of the brand earlier this year. (Image: Gavin Green)

As for the golf equipment, global giant Callaway is the go-to name for the past two years. Gavin rode some rough waters, read the patchy form at the start of the year, but Callaway stood by him and for that the professional golfer is profusely thankful.

Giving back to the game

Traversing through junior, amateur and professional golf, Gavin has made his notes carefully, and shared his jottings with our readers.

“It is important to have a good foundation if one is keen to excel in amateur golf, and later make the transition to professional golf. The learning experience is huge but above all is the love for the sport and the will to succeed,” said Gavin.

Gavin teeing off at the 11th hole at the Himmerland Golf & Spa Resort in Denmark. (Image: Octavio Passos/ Getty Images)

“Golf, especially professional golf, is a game of misses, and it is critical to have a good coach to help step-up and a great team to have around especially during the leap of faith (from amateur to professional golf).”

Golf is an expensive sport, and Gavin felt the pinch too while growing up. But as he made headway in the sport, realisation dawned. “If you want to make money, you need to invest in yourself and become a better golfer,” he said.

Getting to know Gavin Green

Age: 29
Country: Malaysia
Turned professional: 2015
World ranking: 202
Biggest career highlight: Winning the 2017 Asian Tour Order of Merit

(Main and featured images: Octavio Passos/ Getty Images)

The post Malaysia’s Top Golfer Gavin Green on Career Highs and the Czech Masters appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

20 of Asia’s Best Golf Courses to Add to Your Bucket List

PrestigeOnline Thailand — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 03:00:34 +0000

The diverse topography of Asia, the largest and most populous continent in the world, has been a golf architect’s delight for ages. Home to every imaginable terrain on the face of earth, designers have revelled and been challenged while giving shape to vast tracts of land, creating masterpieces that test golfers’ skill and temperament to the hilt. Asia isn’t just about designer layouts and golf courses, though. Links-style courses and other designs, too have played a part in highlighting the continent as a golfing juggernaut.

Given the continent’s enormity and the gems strewn across this hotspot, compiling a definitive guide to Asia’s best golf courses is nothing short of a Himalayan task, and any list may not be a true reflection of why the region is considered a key point of attraction with its plethora of golf facilities that can rival the best in the world.

We attempt to put together 20 of the region’s top golf venues that should be on the to-do list of every passionate player. Scattered all across the region from Thailand’s Pattaya and Bangkok to Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur and Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture, all of the golf courses mentioned here are unique in design, challenges and the rewards on offer. If one were to play a round each at the venues, the experience in one word would be wholesome.

20 excellent golf destinations in Asia that you should visit

1 /20

Mission Hills, Shenzhen, World Cup Course, China

This highly-regarded course was created by 18-time Major champion Jack Nicklaus and was named to celebrate the 1995 World Cup of Golf. It became the first course in China to receive US PGA accreditation for major professional events. Greg Norman, Tiger Woods, and many other golf legends have played here.

(Image: Mission Hills China)

Address

No.1 Mission Hills Road, Shenzhen, 518110

Website

Website here

Phone

(+86 755) 2802 0888

2 /20

Bali National Golf Club, Bali, Indonesia

Located on the beautiful island of Bali, this course reopened its doors in 2014 after completing a renovation. This exquisite course features lush tropical hills, jungle fauna, hypnotising views of the Indian Ocean and the luxurious Nusa Dua, hand-built stone walls to terrace the sides of fairways and tee boxes, and several artificial lakes.

(Image: Bali National Golf Club)

Address

The MAJ Nusa Dua, Kawasan Wisata, Lot S-5, Nusa Dua, Bali 80363

Website

Website here

Phone

+62 361 771 791 or +62 361 849 2600

This exclusive course is popularly dubbed the “Pine Valley of Japan”. The phenomenal short and intimidating long holes on this 91-year-old masterpiece layout will test even seasoned golfers. Wide, well-kept fairways, fast greens, and well-placed bunkers increase the level of challenge. The jaw-dropping scenery encircling the course is one of the most appealing aspects of Hirono.

(Image: Hirono Golf Club/ Taku Miyamoto)

Address

South Cape Owners Club, South Korea

The premier links-style course, designed by Kyle Phillips, is set along a stunning seaside cliff that offers golfers beautiful vistas throughout their round. The centre of this course has a towering hill that offers golfers a distinct sense of three dimensions and continues to challenge the world’s best players.

(Image: South Cape Owners Club)

Address

41 Jindong-ri, Changseon-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea

Website

Website here

15 /20

Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club - west course, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Formerly known as TPC KL, the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club is located in the heart of Malaysia’s capital. Host of the Malaysian Open from 2010–2015, the west course is a tranquil 18-hole championship facility with immaculate aesthetic appeal and carefully tended fairways. It provides golfers with the ideal fusion of an alluring layout, flawless course conditions, and serene natural surroundings.

(Image: Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club)

Address

10, Jalan 1/70D, Off Jalan Bukit Kiara, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Website

Website here

Phone

Red Mountain Golf Club, Phuket, Thailand

The finest among the Phuket golf courses, this course is carved into the steep rocky terrain left over from the old tin mine days and is both a visual joy and a truly remarkable challenge. Known as the most difficult course in Phuket, all skill levels are welcome on this strategic par-72 course. The breathtaking distant mountain scenery and the vast, clear sky over Phuket are the course’s best features.

(Image: MBK)

Address

119 ถนน วิชิตสงคราม Tambon Kathu, Kathu District, Chang Wat Phuket 83120, Thailand

Website

Website here

Phone

+66(0)81-968-8169

The post 20 of Asia’s Best Golf Courses to Add to Your Bucket List appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Rising Stars: 10 Up-and-Coming Golfers to Have on Your Radar

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 08:10:03 +0000

Golf is a coming together of two critical components, and champions stand apart from the rest with their ability to manage this amalgamation. So, nothing can be better to start our current feature on young and talented golf players than to draw from the experiences of these 10 achievers who have the world drooling over their achievements in a short span.

This sport throws barbs more than roses and the road to perfection is long and hard. This finds no better reflection than top PGA Tour pro Xander Schauffele’s words, “It is golf, all of us are trying to be perfect and it is just an everlasting search.”
Couple this with how Tyrrell Hatton, another top name in world golf, drives himself after a bad day at work. “Tomorrow is a new day, you have new feels…get comfortable again and go out there and try our best.”

Xander and Tyrrell’s observations were perfectly executed by 20-year-old Joohyung ‘Tom’ Kim in his defining win on the world stage in India just before the pandemic kicked in.

Kim, then 17, teed off at the Panasonic Open India, a significant stop on the Asian Tour, in late 2019 as a wide-eyed youngster. The start at the Classic Golf and Country Club was far from ideal but following the prescription of taking it one day at a time,

Kim climbed the leaderboard for what was to be the first of a string of big-ticket wins. Now a two-time winner on the PGA Tour, Kim is at the top of the heap as we look at some of the promising golf players to watch out for.

Rising golf players to have on your radar

1. Cameron Young

Cameron Young at the 123rd U.S. Open Championship at The Los Angeles Country Club on June 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Image: Richard HEATHCOTE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Age: 25 (May 07, 1997)
Birthplace: Scarborough, New York
Residence: Jupiter, Florida
Turned Professional: 2019

Cameron Young, the Carter Cup’s youngest champion, is well-known among professional golfers. He won consecutive championships on the 2021 Korn Ferry Tour, the feeder line to the PGA Tour, and for the 2021–2022 season was named the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year. Young came second at the Genesis Invitational in 2022 and rose to the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). At the PGA Championship in May 2022, he tied for third. After a string of standout performances, Young was selected to play on the US Presidents Cup team in 2022.

A fun fact: During the third round of the recent 2023 US Open, Young miraculously saved par after his tee shot — which had flown off the fairway — unexpectedly landed in the golf ball holder of a golf cart.

“Nobody will believe this.”

Cameron Young’s tee shot ended up in a spot made for a ball. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/rGVYnSTGVj

— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 17, 2023

2. Joohyung Kim

One of the up-and-coming golf players to watch, Joohyung ‘Tom’ Kim is the first player after Tiger Woods to have won twice on the PGA Tour before turning 21. (Image: Joohyung Kim/ Instagram)

Age: 20 (June 21, 2002)
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Residence: Dallas, Texas
Turned Professional: 2018

At the age of 17, Kim became the second-youngest champion on the Asian Tour as he won the Panasonic Open India in 2019. At 20, Kim became the second-youngest PGA Tour winner since 1932. After Tiger Woods, he is also the first player to have won twice on the PGA Tour before turning 21. At the Genesis Scottish Open, Kim made a big impression by tying for third and earning his first top-10 on the PGA Tour. Kim competed well in the AT&T Byron Nelson and the U.S. Open, but it was his remarkable performance at the Renaissance Club that solidified his status as a rising star in the world of professional golf.

3. Austin Eckroat

Austin Eckroat is another player that golf fans are keeping a close watch on. (Image: Austin Eckroat/ Instagram)

Age: 24 (Jan 12, 1999)
Birthplace: Edmond, Oklahoma
Residence: Oklahoma, United States
Turned Professional: 2021

A 23-year-old Oklahoman, Austin Eckroat is another player who golf fans are keeping a close watch on. At Oklahoma State, where he was a four-time All-American, his team won the NCAA championship in 2018. He was a member of the Walker Cup-winning team that helped the United States win at Seminole in 2021. To have a chance of securing a PGA Tour card from the Korn Ferry Tour Finals, Eckroat needed a strong finish. He made an outstanding impression by emerging solo second with a final-round score of 68. His other accomplishments during the 2022–23 season include finishing 64th in the Fortinet Championship and 48th in the Sanderson Farms Championship.

4. Sahith Theegala

Sahith Theegala plays his shot from the eighth tee during the second round of the 2023 US Open Championship. (Image: Andrew Redington / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Age: 25 (December 4, 1997)
Birthplace: Fullerton, California
Residence: Houston, Texas
Turned Professional: 2020
Sahith Theegala is easily among the top golfers to watch out for. He was a three-time NCAA All-American at Pepperdine University. Theegala became only the fifth golfer in history to win all three awards in the same year when he won the Haskins Award, Ben Hogan Award, and the Jack Nicklaus Award in 2020. He participated in a few PGA Tour events in 2020–21, and after several top-10 results in the Korn Ferry Tour finals, he was awarded a PGA Tour card for 2021–22. Theegala achieved his first top-10 finish at the Fortinet Championship in September 2022. Most notably, the 25-year-old Indian American has earned a berth among the top 50 golfers in the world just three years after turning pro.

5. Collin Morikawa

Collin Morikawa started on the PGA Tour by making the cut 22 times in a row, second only to Tiger Woods’ 25 consecutive cuts. (Image: Colin Morikawa/ Instagram)

Age: 26 (February 6, 1997)
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
Residence: Las Vegas, Nevada
Turned Professional: 2019

Collin Morikawa started on the PGA Tour by making the cut 22 times in a row, second only to Tiger Woods’ 25 consecutive cuts. He has won five times on the PGA Tour, including the 2020 PGA Championship and 2021 Open Championship, both of which he won on his debut. Morikawa remained at the top of the World Amateur Golf Ranking for three weeks in May 2018. Furthermore, he became the first American to win the Race to Dubai on the DP World Tour.

6. Sungjae Im

Sungjae Im celebrating his first PGA Tour victory at the Honda Classic in 2020. (Image: Sungjae Im/ Instagram)

Age: 25 (30 March 1998)
Birthplace: Cheongju, South Korea
Residence: Jeju, South Korea
Turned Professional: 2015

South Korean Sungjae Im, aka Sung-jae, was named the 2019 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year (Arnold Palmer Award). In March 2020, Im earned his first PGA Tour victory at the Honda Classic. In the FedEx Cup era, he became just the 13th rookie to qualify for the Tour Championship. Im tied for second place at the Masters Tournament in November 2020. On October 10, 2021, he competed on the PGA Tour for the 100th time and won the Shriners Children’s Open at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, Nevada. He played five matches and earned a spot on the international team for the 2022 Presidents Cup.

7. Viktor Hovland

(Image: Viktor Hovland/ Instagram)

Age: 25 (18 September 1997)
Birthplace: Oslo, Norway
Residence: Stillwater, Oklahoma
Turned Professional: 2019

In 2018, Viktor, still in his early golfing years, became the first Norwegian to win the U.S. Amateur Championship. The following year, he won the Ben Hogan Award. When he won the Puerto Rico Open in 2020, he became the first Norwegian to achieve victory on the PGA Tour. With victories at the BMW International Open and Hero World Challenge in 2021, he brought more glory for his country. Hovland rose to No. 3 in the Official World Golf Ranking in 2022 after winning the Slync.io Dubai Desert Classic.

8. Rasmus Hojgaard

Rasmus Hojgaard became the third-youngest winner on the DP World Tour at 18 after taking home the 2019 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open title. (Image: Rasmus Hojgaard/ Instagram)

Age: 22 (12 March 2001)
Birthplace: Billund, Denmark
Turned Professional: 2019

A pro from Denmark, Rasmus became the third-youngest winner on the DP World Tour at 18 after taking home the 2019 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open title. Before turning 21, Hojgaard won all three of his DP World Tour titles. In just his fifth DP World Tour start, he won for the first time. He became the second-youngest to win two DP World Tour titles when he won the 2020 UK Championship. Hojgaard ended 2022 with nine straight top-30 finishes, including four top-10s in his final six starts, and was ranked 16th on the DP World Tour Rankings.

9. Ludvig Aberg

Ludvig Åberg is currently ranked #1 by the PGA TOUR University and is still an amateur. (Image: Ludvig Åberg/ Instagram)

Age: 23 (31 October 1999)
Birthplace: Eslöv, Sweden
Residence: Lubbock, Texas

The 23-year-old Swede, is currently ranked #1 by the PGA TOUR University and is still an amateur. Aberg is also ranked at the top in the World Amateur Golf Ranking. Aberg, a senior at Texas Tech University, received the Ben Hogan Award in 2022 for being the best college player in the U.S. He is also the winner of both the 2021 Jones Cup Invitational and 2022 Big 12 Championship. He won The Prestige at PGA West for a third straight year in February 2023. Through the end of 2023, Aberg will compete on the PGA Tour as a fully exempt member.

10. Matti Schmid

Matti Schmid was the top-ranked amateur in Germany and the star player for the German national team. (Image: Matti Schmid/ Instagram)

Age: 25 (18 November 1997)
Birthplace: Eslöv, Sweden
Residence: Maxhütte-Haidhof, Germany
Turned Professional: 2021

Matti’s amateur career was filled with triumphs on the European Amateur Championship in 2019 and 2020, as well as the European Amateur Team Championship in 2020. He was the top-ranked amateur in Germany and the star player for the German national team. He qualified for the PGA and DP World Tours as a result of his stellar performances, and he went on to compete in the prestigious 2021 Open Championship, 2021 US Open, 2021 Porsche European Open, 2021 Arnold Palmer Invitational, and 2021 Porsche European Open. In December 2021, Schmid received the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year award for the 2021 DP World Tour season. He tied for third place at the Steyn City Championship in South Africa in March 2022.

(Main and featured image: Richard Heathcote/ Getty Images North America/ Getty Images via AFP)

The post Rising Stars: 10 Up-and-Coming Golfers to Have on Your Radar appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Golf decoded: A glossary of the sport’s most commonly used terms

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 04:01:01 +0000

Most often than not, those taking to golf are drawn by the novelty of playing in serene settings and vast expanses of green. The initiation often starts with a chance meal or coffee at the clubhouse on the invitation of a golfer friend. What is supposed to be a one-off visit can trigger a quest for more, culminating in a name getting added to the golf community and being introduced to the game’s long list of intriguing terms.

However, as it is often said about the sport, “Golf can best be defined as an endless series of tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle,” don’t expect to become a zero handicapper the first time you pick up a club.

As seasoned players would share, hours of practice and frayed nerves sandwiched by the odd moment of joy are what go into making a golfer of some standing. The intention isn’t to scare those reading this piece while trying to make up their mind on taking the plunge, but to prepare them for what lies ahead.

As the saying goes, “Forewarned is forearmed”, it is better to prepare before having the first swipe at the pimpled ball. Of course, going in with the right mindset is imperative, but familiarity with the golf terms — they can be mind-boggling for the uninitiated, goes a long way in making the start simpler.

So, stop, pause and spend some time going through the golf terms that are used by casual and hardened pros alike before heading out to the driving range. Who knows, a quiet acknowledgement of the terminology as your coach touches upon them might just give you a headway over your peers.

To ensure you are fully prepared the next time you step onto the tee box, we have put together an A-Z list of common golf terms for beginner and intermediate golfers. So, here is wishing all of you happy golfing.

A glossary of common golf terms that everyone should know

Beginner terms

• Ace: Also referred to as a hole-in-one, an ace is one of the scores in golf that is achieved with just one stroke.

• Address: Positioning the club head behind the ball and taking a stance to strike a shot.

• Aim: The direction in which you are attempting to strike the ball.

• Albatross: Three strokes under par on a single golf hole are referred to as an albatross. It is a remarkable accomplishment in golf. Also called a double eagle, an example of an albatross would be 2 strokes on a par 5.

A full-swing golf stroke used by golfers with the goal of putting the ball on the green is known as an approach shot. (Image: Jopwell/ Pexels)

• Alignment: Relationship between the target and the feet, shoulders, and club face.

• Approach: A full-swing golf stroke used by golfers with the goal of putting the ball on the green is known as an approach shot.

• All square: If a golf match is tied, it is considered all square, or simply square.

• Apron: The area of grass that separates the putting green from any hazard, such as rough terrain, bunkers, or water.

• Away: The golfer whose ball is the furthest away from the hole. The golfer who is away should always play first.

• Back Nine: Also referred to as heading in, the final nine holes of an 18-hole golf course.

• Backswing: One of the crucial elements of the golf swing, the backswing begins when you first start to wind up and take your golf club away from the target. The range of your backswing will determine how much force you can produce during your swing.

• Birdie: Finishing the hole with one stroke under-par, e.g., 2 strokes on par 3 or 4 strokes on a par 5.

• Bogey: A hole score that is one-over par, e.g., 4 strokes on a par 3 or 6 on a par 5.

• Bunker: Also known as sand traps, bunkers are artificial hazards that can be located anywhere from around the green to before a tee box on golf courses. They are typically built with sand at their base and are strategically placed so that golfers will miss them if they hit their ball poorly.

A buggy is a motorised vehicle created to transport golfers and their clubs around a golf course. (Image: Jopwell/ Pexels)

• Buggy: A motorised vehicle created to transport golfers and their clubs around a golf course.

• Double bogey: A hole scored two strokes over-par is a double bogey, e.g., 5 on a par 3 or 7 on a par 5.

• Driving range: A place where golfers can buy a basket of balls and practice swinging the club. Driving ranges are often sizable areas with targets and yardage markers to practice on.

• Duff: An awful shot. This is a shot where the clubface and golf ball often make very little or no contact. Also referred to as dub, flub, or shank.

• Eagle: An eagle indicates a score of two strokes under-par for a hole, e.g., 3 strokes on a par 5.

• Fringe: Refers to the area surrounding the green where the grass is mowed shorter than the surrounding rough but a bit higher than the green surface. Fringe is also referred to as collar or apron.

• Fairway: The unobstructed stretch between the tee box and putting green where the grass is closely mown. The fairway is also called the short stuff.

• Green: Also known as the putting green, this is the area of the course that is specifically designed with finely trimmed grass and where golfers aim.

• Links: Golf courses that were developed near the sea and on sand dunes. Occasionally used to refer any golf course.

‘Par’ relates to how many strokes it should take a scratch golfer to complete a single hole or a round of golf, while ‘tee’ is the area that denotes the start of each hole. (Image: Markus Spiske/ Pexels)

• Par: A golf term that relates to how many strokes it should take a scratch golfer to complete a single hole or a round of golf.

• Rough: The rough is a portion of the golf course (outside the fairway) that has been left untended and is typically comprised of tall and thick grass.

• Semi-rough: The area located between the rough and fairway. It is still shorter than the rough area.

• Tee Box: The area that denotes the start of each golf hole. This is also referred to as the tee ground, tee-off area, or simply tee at times. Tee shots are shots hit from the tee box.

• Takeaway: The first moment when you move the club away from the ball as you begin your swing is referred to as the takeaway and is the beginning of the backswing.

• Triple Bogey: A score of three strokes over-par for a hole, e.g., 6 on a par 3 or 8 on a par 5.

Intermediate terms

• 19th Hole: A slang term for the bar at a golf course where patrons gather for drinks following a round of 18 holes.

• Ball-marker: A little coin or token that is used to locate the ball’s position on the putting green before lifting it.

• Casual Water: Water on the golf course accumulated after heavy rains is not a penalty area. Ball movement by the player is permitted without consequence.

• Caddie: Someone who is hired to carry a player’s bag during the round and also provides guidance on matters like club selection, distances, breaks on the greens, and so on.

A caddie is hired to carry a player’s bag during the round and also provides guidance on matters like club selection, distances and breaks on the greens. (Image: Jopwell/ Pexels)

• Fat Shot: If the club makes contact with the ground before making contact with the golf ball, then it is hitting the ball fat. You lose distance as a result of a fat shot. Chunk shot is another name for the fat shot.

• Mulligan: A shot that is taken from the same place as the previous shot to redo the previous shot without incurring a penalty.

• Out of Bounds: The area around the course’s edge where a player is not permitted to play their ball is known as out of bounds. Usually, it is the edge of the course, but occasionally, out of bounds can exist inside the course, such as in places where the golf course has decided it is unsafe for players to play from, like greenkeeper huts.

• Penalty Areas: A golf course’s challenging obstacles are those that are intended to affect a player’s score. These are the areas where the ball is often lost or unable to be played, such as a lake, ditch, pond, surface drainage system, or any body of water on the golf course.

• Thin Shot: When you hit it thin, the golf club makes contact with the ball before or above where it should. The ball goes further than you intended when you hit the ball thin. The saying “thin to win” is popular among golfers to indicate that a thin shot is preferable to a fat or chunk shot.

(Main image: Nathan Nedley/ Pexels; Featured image: Nadim Shaikh/ Pexels)

The post Golf decoded: A glossary of the sport’s most commonly used terms appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

The Ultimate Guide to Playing Golf for Beginners

PrestigeOnline Thailand — Fri, 19 May 2023 07:50:54 +0000

Ask the addicts; the day they took to golf ranks right up there in their list of life achievements. The thrill of the maiden foray into a golf course, crisscrossing the pristine fairways and greens en-route the driving range for that first lesson they experienced as beginners will stay etched in memory for posterity.

But beyond the soaking in of novelties and the sound of a club striking ball for the first time, lies a leap of faith that awaits every first-timer. This is what separates the faithful and fickle minded as patience is the game-changer here.

Learning golf and getting better at it is challenging. Unlike many other sport, there is a lot more happening on the golf course. The intricacies of rules, etiquette, handicapping, and above all, developing an understanding of the clubs to use in different conditions and across terrain takes time to imbibe.

But, don’t worry, for as the journey starts, it is unique for each one of us, the joy of discovering the golfer in oneself can soon be the overriding factor over time; remember as we said, golf is not an easy sport to learn.

Having said so and as the initiated often say, the best things in life don’t come easy, and golf easily qualifies in this bracket.
So, sit back, relax, and take note of our checklist as we attempt to make your initiation into one of the greatest sports an enjoyable one with our definitive guide to golf for beginners.

The Complete Guide to Golf for Beginners

Get Physically Ready for Golf

Even for beginners to golf, fitness is an absolute prerequisite as it can impact how one plays. (Image: Courtney Cook/ Unsplash)

Despite being a low-impact sport, golf can result in serious injuries if you are not physically ready. Even if you are a beginner, fitness is an absolute prerequisite, as it has a direct impact on how well you play. Besides, maintaining fitness will help prevent several common golf injuries. Every major muscle in the body is used in the golf swing to give the ability to strike the ball powerfully. So it goes without saying that playing golf requires a physically fit and healthy body. Three top things that can get you in golf shape include:

1. Cardio exercises to improve endurance
2. Dynamic stretching to improve flexibility and mobility
3. Strength training to activate key muscles and body parts

Never forget that no matter how good your technique is, it won’t matter if you lack stamina, strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination.

Equip Yourself with the Right Set of Clubs and Accessories

It’s crucial to buy yourself some quality golf equipment. (Image: Cristina Anne Costello/ Unsplash)

To get started, it’s crucial to buy yourself some quality golf equipment. This does not imply that you go out and spend on big-ticket golfing gear. There will be plenty of time to go after the newest, hottest golf stuff in the market, but at first, give priority to learning over buying.

It is always a good idea to prioritise honing your golf swing basics over investing in pricey clubs when you are just starting. Additionally, there are many great options in golf clubs for beginners to get started, including purchasing a used set from online retailers or waiting for great discount deals and saving money as you go along. What you’ll need is as follows:

1. Golf clubs including:
• Drivers
• Irons/Wedges
• Hybrids
• Fairway Woods
• Putters

Each club is made for a particular type of shot.

2. Golf balls
3. Golf tees
4. Golf shoes
5. Golf gloves

That should get you going.

Learning Basic Rules of Golf for Beginners

Learning the game of golf requires familiarising yourself with its rules and regulations. Don’t be intimidated, even though they may initially seem too daunting. It can be tedious to comb through hundreds of pages of the official rule book of golf to determine which ones are most significant. Simply learn the fundamentals, and the rest will come to you as you go.

Some Basic Rules of Golf for Beginners:

• 18 holes make up a full round of golf.
• While you can practise air swings, you cannot hit the ball before your shot.
• The ball must be played exactly as it lies. You can’t kick it or shift it to a better spot.
• You can pick up the objects that are around your ball, such as sticks, leaves, stones, boulders, pebbles, dead grass, feathers, and pine needles, but you must be careful not to move your ball, as doing so will result in a penalty.
• You need to hit the ball with one fair strike with the head of the club. Scooping is prohibited.
• While a deliberate double hit is penalised, an unintentional one is not.
• You are not allowed to hit moving balls (unless they’re in water hazards).
• The golfer who is farthest away from the hole goes first.
• Prior to hitting the ball, make sure it is yours; otherwise, you will incur a 2-stroke penalty.

The above are just a few basic golf rules for beginners. If you’re interested in learning more, here are a couple of useful resources for knowledge and golf lessons for beginners below:

Stick to the Basics

Now that you have your brand new golf clubs, are well-informed about the game’s rules, and are raring to take a swing, will you be able to put your knowledge into action? Well, the more you think about golf, the more perplexing it all seems to be! As a beginner, you can’t help but read and watch too much about golf, which may be overwhelming at times. You can’t play golf alone and figure it out. Instead, seek out someone who plays golf and ask them to take you to play.

The best way to learn golf is to go out and practise with an experienced player. It is how every one of us learns. Once you find a golfing mentor to assist you, learn to strike the ball and take swings. The most effective course of action is to stick to the basics and focus on one shot at a time. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Reframe your mistakes as a chance to grow and learn.

Develop good golf habits early on and learn how to approach the game the right way. Keep in mind that every step counts and every little progress is a victory in golf.

Dos and Don’ts Every Beginner Golfer Should Be Aware Of

Golf can be intimidating for beginners, but with time and practice you’ll be able to pick it up. (Image: Robert Ruggiero/ Unsplash)

Golf is one of the top sports in the world. Nevertheless, starting as a novice can be a difficult and even unnerving prospect. Below is a list of a few dos and don’ts for beginners to assist you in taking the leap.

• Do: There is no better way for beginners to start out than using a practice range and becoming accustomed to the sport before heading out to the course.

• Don’t: Worry about what others think of you. Remember, every master started as a novice. Every professional golfer started as an amateur.

• Do: Work with someone who plays the sport. You may create a far more solid basis for your game with the help of experienced players and/or golf instructors.

• Don’t: Let a random person from the course teach you the ropes. You won’t get far with it. Choose the right one to learn.

• Do: Spend time learning the guidelines and golf etiquette.

• Don’t: Pick up any other player’s ball even if you can’t see anyone on the course. You may sabotage someone else’s round.

• Do: Focus on your successful shots and ignore your unsuccessful ones.

• Don’t: Give up when nothing seems to be working. Don’t focus too much on your playing flaws. Just take it all in stride.

Golf Etiquette for Beginners

Golf has long been considered a gentleman’s game. There are a lot of unwritten regulations that are willingly embraced by golfers all the time. Those regulations are more about good golf etiquette than rigid limitations. Always practice good golf etiquette, as it demonstrates your respect for the sport and the other golfers you play with. Let’s look at some of the most common golf etiquette that you can put to use; no matter if you are a beginner or a pro.

1. Always arrive at least 15 minutes before your tee time. Don’t hold up the game for your fellow players.
2. Do not block the other player’s line of vision; let him or her focus entirely on the swing.
3. Avoid wasting too much time searching for a lost golf ball. It’s possible that the golfers behind you don’t like being held up.
4. Stay silent when someone is taking a swing.
5. Never toss your golf clubs away. In addition to being impolite, you run the risk of hurting others.

(Main image: Courtney Cook/ Unsplash; Featured image: Adrian Hernandez/ Unsplash)

The post The Ultimate Guide to Playing Golf for Beginners appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

12 of the Most Challenging Golf Courses in the World

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Tue, 09 May 2023 07:18:59 +0000

Teeing up week in and week out at the same golf course might be good for the ego, given that familiarity often breeds contempt due to the strong scores that follow. But, the challenge, if at all a player is up for it in the endeavour to get better, is to venture into uncharted territory.

The yardage book in front, strong on-course and mental notes are the first requisite before taking on a new golf course, especially if it’s about a venue that is known to be brutal on the trained and uninitiated alike.

The first brush anywhere can be bruising but it is imperative to let go of expectations at the first tee, and go out with the mind a clean slate. To all those trying to muster the courage to test their skills, here’s a mantra — go out and express yourself without the fear of failure. After all, its sport, and the joy of trying should not be greater than what reflects on the scorecard at the end of the round.

Confidence is the best antidote to fear, but will only come with time and practice. Till then, here are some quick facts on navigating a tough golf course.

Play to your strengths as trying out anything out of the ordinary can have disastrous consequences. An in-depth study of the course layout is imperative to identify the trouble spots or hazards to avoid. Sticking to the fairways and greens is easier said than done, though.

Par-3s are often termed birdie holes, and if focus and patience are in place, this can be the trump card in tackling a tough golf course.

Irrespective of the level of familiarity, there will be bad shots in golf, but staying in the moment and playing one shot at a time is a key mantra. If you’re up for a challenge, read on for the most difficult golf courses to play at in the world.

Here is our list of the 12 toughest golf courses in the world:

1. The Ocean Course, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina, United States

Ocean course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. (Image: Kiawah Island Golf Resort)

The Ocean Course at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort was opened in 1991 to host the 29th Ryder Cup. Famous golf course architects Pete and Alice Dye were behind its creation. The course was meticulously designed not only for golfers to enjoy the oceanfront view, but also to expose them to the Atlantic’s strong and unpredictable winds. The 7,876-yard, par-72 course features enormous dunes, thorny wetlands, substantial slopes, and nightmarish pot bunkers that make even the finest players shudder. The Ocean Course consistently ranks among the world’s most difficult layouts.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort, One Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island, SC 29455

2. Carnoustie Golf Links, Carnoustie, Angus, Scotland

Hole 18 of the Championship course at Carnoustie Golf Links. (Image: Carnoustie Golf Links)

Allan Robertson, one of the earliest professional players, designed the Carnoustie Golf Links, which opened its doors in 1842 (181 years ago). A par-71 course measuring 7,402 yards, Carnoustie is popularly referred to as “golf’s greatest test”. It is well-known for its intimidating pot bunkers dotted across the layout. The course is so challenging that it is often dubbed “Car-nasty” due to its ultimate difficulty, especially in stormy weather. The phrase “the Carnoustie effect”, which refers to a psychological shock experienced during a collision, has oddly become associated with the Carnoustie Golf Links.

Carnoustie Golf Links, Links House, Links Parade, Carnoustie DD7 7JE, United Kingdom

3. The Championship Links, Royal County Down Golf Club, Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland

Established in 1889 (134 years ago), the Championship Links was designed by Thomas Mitchell Morris, aka Old Tom Morris. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, the links course stretches along the coastline of Dundrum Bay, offering a stunning vista. Measuring 7,186 yards from the back tees, this par-71 venue is all about craggy terrain, impenetrable marram grasses, dense clumps of heather, sweeping dunes, and tumultuous slopes. Regarded as the finest of all links courses, the Championship Links offers a stern challenge even to the best of the best in the business.

Royal County Down Golf Club, 36 Golf Links Road, Newcastle Co Down. BT33 0AN, Northern Ireland

4. Whistling Straits, Kohler, Wisconsin, United States

Whistling Straits. (Image: Destination Kohler)

Another Pete and Alice Dye created links-style golf course, the Whistling Straits was established in 1998. A shoreline location, this course is defined by the open, rugged, and windswept terrain exposed to Lake Michigan. Set on an abandoned airfield, the course is a par-72 layout, stretching 7,790 yards and speckled with around 967 pot bunkers. This means about 54 bunkers per hole and some of the holes are diminutive so there’s hardly any room for golf players and balls. The infamous bunkers here often remind people of the Dustin Johnson debacle that unfolded during the 2010 US PGA Championship.

Whistling Straits, N8501 Lakeshore Road, Sheboygan, WI 53083

5. Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay. (Image: Robertson Lodges)

Established in 2004, the Cape Kidnappers was designed by the celebrated golf architect Tom Doak. Hailed as a golf marvel, this is a par-71 course, measuring 7,147 yards and challenges players of all skill levels. Set atop dramatic cliffs 460 feet above the ocean, this course features holes unlike any other in the world. The canyons, elevations, deep gullies, precipitous slopes, rolling hills, fairway and greenside bunkers, and mature trees all contribute to its distinctive characteristics.

Cape Kidnappers, 446 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, New Zealand

6. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, Lijiang, Yunnan, China

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club. (Image: Nelson & Haworth)

This is set in the bed of a picturesque valley that confronts the famed Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range (18,360 feet above sea level). Designed by Nelson and Haworth, this is a par-72 course with a length of 8,548 yards. The Jade Dragon Golf Club entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest regulation golf course in the world. Owing to its massive elevation of 10,000 feet above sea level, the balls hit in this course typically aviate about 15%-20% further than normal, making it an extremely demanding golf course for even the most accomplished golfers from around the world.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, China, Yunnan, Lijiang, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, 674101

7. The Palm Course, Saujana Golf Club, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Hole 4 of the Palm Course at Saujana Golf & Country Resort.

Established in 1986, the Palm Course at the Saujana Golf & Country Club was designed by American golf course architect Ronald Warren Fream. This par-72 course is 6,992 yards long, earning the moniker “The Cobra” for its exacting and difficult design. The course is characterised by rows of palm trees, undulating fairways, hillocks, bunkers, lakes, ridges, and ponds. While the sloping greens are fast, the staggering elevational shifts and undulating fairways present great challenges even for professional golfers.

Saujana Golf & Country Club, Jalan Subang, U 2, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor

8. Hirono Golf Club, Hirono, Miki, Hyogo, Japan

The 18th hole at Hirono Golf Club. (Image: Taku Miyamoto/ Hirono Golf Club)

Charles Hugh Alison, a renowned British golf course planner, created the Hirono Golf Club, which opened its doors in 1932. Hirono, a par-72 course that is only 6,925 yards long, is often regarded as Japan’s toughest golf course. The course is a masterful blend of elevated greens and fairways and rocky, yet walkable, topography. It takes a lot of effort to hit precise shots on this hilly golf course. In addition, Hirono is renowned for its multi-tiered greens, doglegs, and traps that are strategically placed.

Hirono Golf Club, 7-3 Hirono, Shijimi-cho, Miki-shi, Hyogo

9. The Eden Course, Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling, New Territories, Hong Kong

Eden Course at the Hong Kong Golf Club. (Image: Hong Kong Golf Club)

Opened in 1970, the Eden Course at the Hong Kong Golf Club was designed by golf architects Peter Thomson and Michael Wolveridge. One of the finest composite courses in the world and one of the toughest golf courses in Hong Kong, the Eden measures a relatively humble length of 6,106 yards for par-70 but still, several holes are daunting due to fully-grown trees standing tall on both sides of the narrow fairways. The course is known for its tight fairways, fully-grown trees, ponds, steep slopes, bunkers, and two-tiered greens. The 18th hole of this course is named “The Ultimate” and is regarded as one of the most notorious holes for its complexity.

Hong Kong Golf Club, Lot No. 1 Fan Kam Road, Sheung Shui, New Territories, Hong Kong

10. Kingston Heath Golf Club, Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia

Kingston Heath Golf Club. (Image: Kingston Heath Golf Club)

A par-72 measuring 6,352 metres, Kingston Heath is one of the toughest golf courses in the world. This top-notch layout, created by former Australian golfer Dan Soutar, perfectly complements the Melbourne Sandbelt. The bunkering on this course, set on nearly flat terrain, is one of the most intriguing features. Golfers around the world highly regard Kingston Heath’s strategic bunkers. The trees and other vegetation gives a lot of character to the layout. The combination of bunkers and short holes on this course makes it a formidable test for any player.

Kingston Heath Golf Club, Kingston Road, Cheltenham Victoria 3192, Australia

11. Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club, Ile Aux Cerfs, Off Trou D’Eau Douce, Mauritius

Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club. (Image: Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club)

The Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club, formerly known as Le Touessrok Golf Course, was created by former German Masters winner Bernhard Langer and opened in 2003. This course’s breathtaking topography and difficult layout sets it apart from others. It is situated on a lovely island that can only be reached by boat or helicopter. This course, which is one of the hardest in the world, was made to challenge professional players while still being exciting for amateur golfers. Many golfers’ memories of this course include its tight fairways, massive bunkers, stunning ocean scenery, mangrove swamps, the unusual 18th hole, numerous obstacles, and water hazards, among other things.

Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club, Ile Aux Cerfs, Trou D’Eau Douce, Mauritius

12. Bethpage Black, Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale, New York, United States

Bethpage Black. (Image: Bethpage Golf Course)

One of the five regulation courses at the acclaimed Bethpage State Park Golf Course, the Bethpage Black (par-71, 7,468 yards), is the only golf course in the world that welcomes the players with a warning sign at the entrance, “The Black Course is challenging and is recommended only by very competent golfers.” The tight fairways, tricky rough, crisscrossing bunkers, and plateau greens are some of the few characteristics of Bethpage Black that make it the most feared public or private golf course in the world. This overwhelming course always has a way of humbling even the most experienced golfers in the world.

Bethpage Golf Course, 99 Quaker Meeting House Rd, Farmingdale, NY 11735

(Main image: Carnoustie Golf Links; Featured image: Ile Aux Cerfs Golf Club)

The post 12 of the Most Challenging Golf Courses in the World appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

12 Greatest Asian Golfers Who Have Made Their Mark On The Game

PrestigeOnline Hong Kong — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 09:26:44 +0000

Golf may seem a deceptively easy sport to play, but that isn’t the case. While the thrill of putting club to ball for the first time is one that stays on forever for a casual golfer, the route is different for champions, including the best and most famous Asian golfers of all time.

What sets apart these top Asian golfers, like their elk elsewhere, is the ability to combine the joy of learning while getting uncomfortable in the bid to become the best in their vocation.

The greatest of golfers often discover themselves in their lowest moments on the golf course and famous Asian golfers are not an exception. While coping with disappointment, they embrace the learnings and continue with their journey of being the best in what they do.

The growth of golf in Asia has meant the continent has contributed to the global landscape by throwing up famous names, male and female, who have stood out over the ages with their zeal for excellence.

Like their global counterparts, the best Asian golfers of all time like Isao Aoki, Shanshan Feng and Hideki Matsuyama have had different journeys but are bound by traits that have seen them touch the pinnacle of world golf.

Keeping a level head ranks above everything else. Getting bogged down by a bad shot or getting ahead of oneself after a fabulous tee shot is not for these champions. They are bound by unflinching self-belief, ability to focus and commitment to keep giving their best week in-week out irrespective of the outcome.

Here is our list of 12 best Asian golfers of all time who have brought joy to millions across the world with their unwavering quest for excellence.

Meet the best and most famous Asian golfers of all time

1. Torakichi “Pete” Nakamura (Japan)

Torakichi “Pete” Nakamura. (Image: Alchetron)

Celebrated as the “Putting God”, Torakichi Nakamura is one of the most famous Asian golfers of the 20th century. In 1957, Nakamura partnered compatriot Koichi Ono to win the prestigious Canada Cup (precursor to the World Cup of Golf). He went on to claim the individual championship at the Kasumigaseki Country Club as well. Nakamura’s performance and success in international competitions became a source of pride for Japan after World War II. His achievements spurred a boom in golf in Japan and Asia. Thanks to Nakamura’s enormous contribution to golf, he is remembered as one of the best Asian golfers in history.

2. Isao Aoki (Japan)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 青木功 Isao AOKI (@jgto_aoki)

One of the most notable and famous Asian golfers in history, Isao Aoki was the first Japanese man to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004. Known for his smooth and fluid swing, and extraordinary putting skills, Aoki was popularly referred to as “the cool cat” for his calm demeanour on the golf course. Aoki was also the first Asian to win on the PGA Tour when he was top-seeded in the 1983 Hawaiian Open. With a successful career that covered 51 wins worldwide, Aoki was a true ambassador for golf in Japan. Even after his retirement, he remained involved in the sport as a golf course designer and commentator.

3. Yang Yong-Eun (South Korea)

#ThrowbackThursday: 2009 Honda Classic champ @Y_E_Yang w/ @Waterford crystal trophy & key to new @Honda automobile. pic.twitter.com/IoAZagqRYb

— The Honda Classic (@TheHondaClassic) May 29, 2014

Popularly called the “Son of the Wind” by the Korean media, Yang Yong-Eun is a role model for young Koreans after he became the first Asian-born player to win a men’s Major championship. Well known as “YE Yang” in the US, Yang stunned Tiger Woods to win the 2009 PGA Championship at the Hazeltine National Golf Club, Minnesota. Some of his pro achievements include two PGA Tour wins, three European Tour wins, five Japan Golf Tour wins, three Korean Tour wins, and many more.

4. Hideki Matsuyama (Japan)

Hideki Matsuyama. (Image: Hideki Matsuyama/ Instagram)

Hideki Matsuyama is the first Japanese pro to win a men’s Major – the 2021 Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. At 31, Matsuyama already has 17 worldwide wins and eight career top-10 finishes in Majors, making him the most decorated Japanese pro golfer of our time. Likewise, his eight wins on the PGA Tour make him the most successful Japanese member of the PGA Tour in history.

5. Hisako “Chako” Higuchi (Japan)

Hisako Higuchi. (Image: Where2Golf)

A top name among the female Asian golf players, Hisako Higuchi is known for her long winning streak on the Japanese tour. In the 1977 LPGA Championship (Women’s PGA Championship), Higuchi was not only the first Japanese to win an LPGA Major but the first golfer from Asia to win a Major, women’s or men’s. Higuchi is one of the founding members of the Japan LPGA (JLPGA) Tour, which came into being in 1968. She has a whopping 69 JLPGA titles to her name. In 2003, Higuchi was the first Japanese golfer to enter the World Golf Hall of Fame.

6. Masashi Ozaki (Japan)

Masashi Ozaki. (Image: JGTO)

Affectionately known as “Jumbo” for his length off the tee, Ozaki was the second Japanese male pro to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011 after Isao Aoki. A renowned sports icon of Japan, Ozaki holds the unique record of 94 wins on the Japan Golf Tour Organization (JGTO), having led the earnings for a record 12 times. He also recorded top-10 finishes at the British Open, US Open, and Masters.

7. Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Thongchai Jaidee (@thongchaijaideeofficial)

Thongchai Jaidee is the first professional golfer from Thailand to win a European Tour event, at the 2004 Malaysian Open. The acclaimed pro was also the first Thai to play in all four Majors. In 2015, Jaidee became the first Thai golfer to play the Presidents Cup at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Korea. He won the Asian Tour Order of Merit on three occasions and holds the record for the most career earnings on the Asian Tour.

8. KJ Choi (South Korea)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KJ Choi (@kjchoigolf)

Choi Kyung-Ju, widely recognised as KJ Choi has won 30 pro events, including eight PGA Tour wins, 16 Korean Tour wins and six Asian Tour wins. His most famous win came during the 2011 Players Championship at Ponte Vedra Beach in Florida, and Choi spent 40 weeks in the top 10 Official World Golf Rankings. With more than 20 pro wins, Choi is regarded as Asia’s most successful pro.

9. Si Woo Kim (South Korea)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Siwoo kim (@siwookim_official)

Kim Si-woo, aka Si Woo Kim, is a well-known South Korean pro who plays on the PGA Tour. In 2016, Kim’s first win on the PGA Tour came at the Wyndham Championship in North Carolina. At 21, Kim became the season’s youngest winner. In 2017, Kim became the second Korean after KJ Choi to win the Players Championship. Kim was the second-lowest-ranked player to win the Players Championship after being ranked 73rd in the world before the tournament.

10. Pak Se-ri (South Korea)

Se Ri Pak. (Image: LPGA)

Se Ri Pak or Pak Se-ri, regarded an inspiration for innumerable golfers from South Korea, is a true champion. After outstanding feats as an amateur, Pak turned professional in 1996 and took part in the LPGA of Korea Tour (KLPGA), winning six times. She holds a total of 39 professional wins, including five Major Championships and 25 LPGA Tour titles. In 2007, Pak (at 29) became the youngest living inductee into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

11. Shanshan Feng (China)

Shanshan Feng. (Image: Getty Images/ LPGA)

Shanshan Feng was the first golfer from China to become a member of the LPGA in 2008. A sensation among female Asian golf players, Feng has 10 wins on Tour, including the 2012 LPGA Championship at Pittsford, New York. Feng was the first golfer from China (male or female) to have won a Major. At the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Feng won the bronze and became a household name in China.

12. Ryo Ishikawa (Japan)

A superstar who took Japanese golf by storm, Ishikawa turned professional in 2008 at the tender age of 16, becoming the youngest golf pro in the history of Japan. Fondly dubbed as “Hanikami Ōji” (Bashful Prince), Ishikawa has 19 pro wins and has competed in all four Majors. Ishikawa became the youngest pro to feature in the top 100 of the Official World Golf Ranking at the end of 2008. In 2009, Ishikawa rose to his career-best 29th place in the Official World Golf Ranking.

(Main and featured image: Masters)

The post 12 Greatest Asian Golfers Who Have Made Their Mark On The Game appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Get To Know the Best Asian Female Golfers of All Time

PrestigeOnline Singapore — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 06:33:01 +0000

Greatness in sport, or for that matter, in any area of specialisation is about being uncomfortable all the time in the quest to push the bar up. For elite female Asian golfers too, it translates into hours of toil at the driving range, ironing out the rough edges before heading to the golf course for a practice round.

That day could well be one of minor improvement, but the realisation of moving up that one rung while tending to the blistered palms and glancing at the low card for that feel-good factor is what drives a good athlete, and these Asian female golfers have mastered that.

Last year, Tiger Woods, who has inspired generations with his charismatic play in his prime and continues to do so, was asked by a reporter, who also happens to be an Asian female golfer of some repute, on what he thought defined greatness.
A couple of names like Michael Jordan and LeBron James were thrown at Tiger, and he went along with them and concurred they defined greatness. Now, this is where Tiger came up with the insight that made him scale the chart for all-time athletes.
Greatness, he began, was about doing what no one else can and sustaining it over a period of time — a decade and more, in a way that “it becomes peppered in our memories”.

Golf’s explosion in the continent has thrown up many such Asian female golfers over time, who have not just fitted Tiger’s prescription of greatness but have gone on to chart a journey, each unique from the other, that keeps inspiring the golf-playing population, men and women, in Asia and beyond with their indomitable spirit and zest to be the best.

The list is long and to pick the 15 best is harder, but here’s a look at some of Asia’s finest female golfers over time.

These are the best Asian female golfers in the world

Inbee Park

Inbee Park. (Image: LPGA)

A former World No 1 for a record 109 weeks, Inbee Park, who hails from South Korea but moved to the US at 12, can be called an enigma given the belief to keep her personal life under wraps. That’s a choice, but Inbee has given her fans numerous reasons to celebrate her feats on the golf course. Crediting her father as the main source of inspiration, Inbee has inspired scores of Asian golfers, especially female golfers, with her impressive resume which lists 7 Majors among her 21 wins and the youngest to be inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Inbee Park 박인비 (@inbeelievable)

Lydia Ko

Lydia Ko. (Image: LPGA)

The current world No 1, Lydia Ko, who emerged from the talent bed called South Korea before making New Zealand her home, struck a balance between academics and golf before realising where her passion lay. From then on, it’s been one landmark to another. The list is long — the youngest to win on the LPGA at 15, youngest to win a Major and scale the ranking summit at 17, and the first to win the LPGA order of merit for the third time in 2021.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lydia (보경) Ko (@lydsko)

Sei Young Kim

Sei Young Kim. (Image: LPGA)

Kim is an exception in the sense that unlike a lot of top female Asian golfers who took to the sport after being inspired or pushed by their parents, it was a natural transition for the South Korean.

But Kim ensured that she excelled in all her forays, be it golf or taekwondo in which she holds a black belt. With 12 career wins on the LPGA, which includes a Major win at the 2020 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the 30-year-old has five titles on the Korean Tour as well. Her career earnings read $12,128,420.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Seiyoung Kim (@seiyoungkim_lpga)

Na Yeon Choi

Na Yeon Choi. (Image: Getty Images/ LPGA)

Choi was first taken note of with her pro win on the Korean LPGA as a 17-year-old, beating LPGA Hall of Fame member Se Ri Pak. That set off a chain reaction as she won at least once a year in Korea from 2004 to 2007.

The stage got bigger as Choi finished 11th on the 2008 LPGA money list and was second in the Rolex Louise Suggs Rookie of the Year.

The next two years saw Choi win four times (twice each) on the LPGA, followed by a solitary win in 2011, and two more titles in 2012, including her only Major win.

The rigours of Tour and putting golf above everything else took a toll, and Choi moved on to other adventures. She now has her YouTube channel and a massive following on social media.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nyc (@nychoi87)

Minjee Lee

Minjee Lee. (Image: Getty Images/ LPGA)

Of Korean decent, Minjee Lee was born in Perth and plays on the LPGA and Ladies European Tour, and has five wins. In 2016, Lee won her first Major, Lotte Championship, and earned the distinction of becoming the first Aussie to do so. The 2017 Rolex Player of the Year has featured in the top-10 of the LPGA money list from 2018, and was second in 2022 at $3.8 million. A major chunk of her earnings last season came from the US Women’s Open, her second Major win.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Minjee Lee (@minjee27)

Jin Young Ko

Jin Young Ko. (Image: Getty Images/ LPGA)

Jin Young Ko’s star has been on the rise since she turned pro at 18. At 27, she already has 14 wins on the LPGA Tour, including the 2018 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, 2019 Evian Championship, and 2019 AIG Women’s Open. That same year, Ko became the youngest LPGA Player of the Year.

Two seasons back, Ko notched another landmark by becoming the first to win the LPGA Player of the Year and Race to the CME Globe in the same season. Ko spent much of last year atop the women’s rankings and opened 2023 at No. 5. Certainly one of the best female golfers to watch.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 고진영 Lpga player (@jinyoungko_official)

Se Ri Pak

Se Ri Pak. (Image: LPGA)

An inspiration for generations of Korean players on the LPGA Tour, Se Ri Pak turned pro after an illustrious amateur career that saw her win 30 times. She turned professional in 1996 and became World No. 1 in 2003.

With an impressive resume that lists 25 wins on the LPGA Tour, including five Majors, and a total of 34 pro titles worldwide, Pak was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame and LPGA Hall of Fame in 2007. This makes her one of the most decorated golfers in the history of the sport.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 박세리 (@seripak1998)

Yani Tseng

Yani Tseng. (Image: Getty Images/ LPGA)

Taipei does not boast a rich tradition in golf, yet Yani Tseng charted a course that made her one of the most successful players on the LPGA Tour with five Major wins.

Taking to golf at five, she became the youngest player to win a pro tournament at 14 to trigger a list that makes for impressive reading, prominent among them being the LPGA Player of the Year in 2011 and LPGA Tour Player of the Year in 2012. Regarded among the greatest Asian female golfers of all time on the LPGA Tour, Tseng won three of the first five events on the 2012 LPGA season. Her form took a hit in late 2013, and the lull continues.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tseng Yani (@yanitseng)

Sung Hyun Park

Sung Hyun Park. (Image: Getty Images/ LPGA)

Sung Hyun Park was already a star on the Korean Tour when she burst on to the LPGA Tour in 2017, winning both the Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards. The accolades came on the basis of her maiden Major win at the 2017 US Women’s Open and one more Tour win.

That year, she finished world No. 1 and has repeated the feat twice more. A shoulder injury set her back in 2019, but the pandemic allowed her time to recover. Claiming to be fully fit, she is determined to shake off the poor form with multiple titles in 2023.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 박성현 (@xxndl)

Ai Miyazato

Ai Miyazato. (Image: Getty Images/ LPGA)

History remembers Ai Miyazato as the only No. 1 in women’s golf who scaled the ranking summit thrice without winning a Major championship. Despite this, Miyazato’s career was dotted with trophies before she called time in 2017. Through the course, she racked up nine title wins on the LPGA Tour and 15 on the Japan LPGA Tour.

As an amateur, she won a pro event on the Japan Tour, Dunlop Ladies Open, in Miyagi where she was attending high school in 2003.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ai Miyazato (@ai_miyazato)

Michelle Wie

Michelle Wie. (Image: Getty Images/ LPGA)

A child prodigy in the true sense, Michelle Wie took to golf at four soon after her parents moved from South Korea to Hawaii in the US.

Inspired by her mother, an amateur golfer, Wie was the youngest ever to qualify for a USGA amateur championship event.
Turning pro at 15, she became the youngest player to qualify and make cut at a LPGA Tour event in 2004.

With five career wins on the LPGA Tour and a Major win at the 2014 US Women’s Open, Wie has lost her touch of late but has done enough to become one of the faces of women’s golf in the US.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michelle Wie West (@michellewiewest)

Aditi Ashok

Aditi Ashok. (Image: Getty Images/ LPGA)

Her stars on the ascent, Aditi Ashok had India up early and glued to television as she fought for a potential bronze medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The medal eluded her but that valiant effort has led to women’s golf being taken seriously in this country of 1.3 billion.

Since turning pro in 2016, Aditi has been a trailblazer for women’s golf in India with wins on the Ladies European Tour and some strong finishes on the LPGA Tour.

This year has opened on the right note for the two-time Olympian with a long-awaited LET win at the season-opening Magical Kenya Ladies Open and a third spot at the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco a week later.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Aditi Ashok (@aditigolf)

Muni He

Muni He. (Image: LPGA)

Among the exciting names to watch out for, Muni He’s initiation into golf was borne out of the desire to spend more time with her father.

Unknown to the family, which migrated from China to Canada before finally settling down in San Diego, the time spent on the golf course lit a fire in her that has taken He to the LPGA Tour while wowing the world with her swing.

After an impressive stint in college golf, He turned pro in December 2017 and won on the Symetra Tour at the 2018 Prasco Charity Championship in Maineville, Ohio. That followed with an eight-round LPGA Q-Series win to secure her card for the 2020 LPGA Tour season.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lily (@lilymhe)

So Yeon Ryu

So Yeon Ryu. (Image: Getty Images/ LPGA)

Dividing her time on the Korean and LPGA Tours, So Yeon Ryu has a piece of stat that places her right up there and next to an icon.

With the most top-5s on the LPGA after Annika Sorenstam, Ryu is a two-time Major winner at the 2011 US Women’s Open and 2017 ANA Inspiration.

Landmarks alright, but what is transpiring now in Ryu’s career is a far cry from the time when she took up golf as an extracurricular activity in the second grade.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 유소연,골퍼 /Soyeon Ryu, Golfer (@1soyeonryu)

Jiyai Shin

Jiyai Shin. (Image: Getty Images/ LPGA)

Jiyai Shin did what few would have done at the stage she was in. Winning 11 times on the LPGA Tour between August 2008 and February 2013, Shin walked away in 2014 to spend time with her father in Korea.

The two-time Major winner, who was world No 1 for 25 weeks in 2010 and 2011, did ensure that the move wasn’t the end to her competitive urge.

The Japan Tour is now her sphere of influence given the 29 career wins there, and if one were to club it with her 21 wins in Korea, the 34-year-old is far from done yet.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 신지애. Jiyai Shin. 申ｼﾞエ (@jiyai_shin)

(Main image: Getty Images/ LPGA; Featured image: Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images/ LPGA)

The post Get To Know the Best Asian Female Golfers of All Time appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

The Masters 2023: Everything to Know About the Prize Money

Sanika Achrekar — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 06:20:40 +0000

The Masters 2023, one of the first major golf tournaments of the year, is here. The tournament will see the world’s best golfers competing against one another at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, USA. With an impressive prize money pool at stake, here’s everything we know about this year’s tournament.

Scenes from a Masters Tournament Tuesday. #themasters pic.twitter.com/HKBSW1c7uL

— The Masters (@TheMasters) April 5, 2023

The 2023 Masters Tournament will start on April 6 and continue till April 9. An an-invite-only event, the tournament consists of 90 players including past champions, top-ranked players and even amateur players. Along with the prize money, the winner of the competition will also receive a green jacket. Receiving this jacket is considered to be one of the highest, most recognisable honours in sports.

What is the prize money for Masters 2023?

According to NBC Sports, the 2023 Masters has a total prize money pool of USD 15 million. While the winner takes home USD 2.7 million, the second runner-up will take home USD 1.6 million. The third runner-up too will win a hefty USD 1 million.

Image credit: Instagram

Jack Nicklaus has won the most Masters tournaments, taking six green jackets home. Tiger Woods is in second position with five wins. Scottie Scheffler won the 2022 Masters, making him the defending champion at this year’s tournament. Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Jordan Spieth and Patrick Cantlay are some of the other players to watch out for at this year’s Masters.

What is The Golf Masters?

One of the four major professional golf championships held annually, The Golf Masters is considered by many to be the most prestigious of all. It takes place each year in April at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. The event attracts the world’s best golfers competing for the coveted green jacket. First played in 1934, it has been held every year since, except from 1943 to 1945 due to World War 2. The tournament is known for its rich history and traditions, including the ceremonial opening tee shot by a legendary player, the Champions Dinner, and the presentation of the green jacket to the winner.

Where to watch Masters 2023?

The 2023 Masters tournament will be live-streamed on Masters.com and the Masters App.

(Hero and feature image credit: Courtesy Instagram/The Masters)

This story first appeared here.

The post The Masters 2023: Everything to Know About the Prize Money appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

These Are the Best Golf Courses in Vietnam

Najihah Rashid — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 05:50:30 +0000

Course designer Greg Norman imbues his Midas touch at the BRG Da Nang again, and this time it’s in collaboration with lead architect Harley Kruse. Here, the signature hole is the 16th at the Dunes, where players get to take in the East Sea and Cham Islands.

Find out more here.

Address: Trường Sa, Hoà Hải, Ngũ Hành Sơn, Đà Nẵng

Featured image credit: The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram Strip; Hero image credit: Hoiana

The post These Are the Best Golf Courses in Vietnam appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

The Major Golf Tournaments Taking Place in Asia in 2023

Manas Sen Gupta — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 04:56:57 +0000

Asia will be witnessing some of the finest golf tournaments through 2023. Both the Asian Tour and the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) tournaments are holding some exciting rounds on the beautiful greens of some of the finest golf courses in the region.

The Asian Tour and the LPGA are on, and golf tournaments as part of the Asian Tour were held in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and New Zealand in the early months of 2023. International Series Thailand concluded in March. However, the tour enters India in March, followed by Hong Kong, Vietnam and South Korea, before ending in the United Kingdom.

Similarly, the LPGA Tour, one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events for women, is holding 12 of its 34 golf tournaments outside the US. Two of these have already been held in Thailand and Singapore. The other four Asian countries on the LPGA Tour in 2023 are China, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan.

Besides the top tournaments held under Asian Tour and LPGA Tour, several other golf events are set to take place in Asian countries. Some of these, such as Metta Charity Golf and FaithActs Charity Golf Tournament in Singapore, are charity tournaments.

Others, such as LIV Golf’s Singapore tournament and the prestigious Hong Kong Open, which will be held after nearly three years, are professional sporting events. There are also the Women’s Aramco Team Series rounds in Hong Kong and Riyadh, where both professional and amateur golfers participate.

Golf is also one of the sporting programmes at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games, which will be held from 5 to 17 May in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Overall, golf fans in Asia can indeed feel enthusiastic as tournaments are marking a return to magnificent courses in the region after a pandemic-imposed suspension.

Here are the major golf tournaments in Asia in 2023

(Main image: The DGC Open/@TheDGCOpen/Twitter; Featured image: Taiheiyo Club)

1 /10

The DGC Open

Date: 16-19 March

Location: New Delhi, India

The DGC Open will be held at the Lodhi course at the Delhi Golf Club. The 72-hole tournament will witness some of the very best golfers from the world, including the top names in the Asian Tour Order of Merit such as Sadom Kaewkanjana, Gunn Charoenkul, Berry Henson, Suradit Yongcharoenchai and Phachara Khongwatmai.

Icons such as Thaworn Wiratchant, Jyoti Randhawa, Scott Hend and Chapchai Nirat will also be present alongside promising young players such as Yuvraj Sandhu, Viraj Madappa and S Chikkarangappa. A full field of 132 players from 25 countries is expected to participate in the tournament.

The tournament was first held in 2022, which means that the upcoming edition is only its second. Yet, the DGC Open immediately became one of the biggest golf tournaments on the Asian Tour. In fact, the prize fund of USD 750,000 for the 2023 tournament is 50 percent more than last year.

Golf fans in Thailand will be particularly interested in this tournament because the winner of its inaugural edition, Nitithorn Thippong, will be defending his title in the tournament. Since then, Thippong has gone on to win International Series Singapore and Bangkok Open, on the local Thai Golf Tour, to end 2022 at the fourth rank on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. His biggest challenger could be India’s Ajeetesh Sandhu, who was the runner-up at The DGC Open in 2022.

Image credit: The DGC Open/@TheDGCOpen/Twitter

More details here

2 /10

World City Championship

Date: 23-26 March

Location: Hong Kong

Like the DGC Open, the inaugural World City Championship is part of the Asian Tour. The 2023 edition will be held at the Hong Kong Golf Club (HKGC) in the New Territories region and is the first golf event in the Special Administrative Region (SAR) in 38 months. The last one was the Hong Kong Open, which was held in January 2020 — two months before the pandemic brought the world to a standstill.

The reopening of Hong Kong has made the tournament one of the most eagerly anticipated ones for golf fans. The World City Championship carries a prize money of USD 1 million. It will be played at the Tournament Composite Course at HKGC’s Fanling venue.

Ian Poulter, a former Hong Kong Open winner, and Henrik Stenson, the 2016 Open champion, are among the major names who will headline the World City Championship. Hong Kong’s own Taichi Kho, Matthew Cheung and Leon D’Souza are also reportedly expected to participate.

Image credit: Soybeans – Own work/CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

More details here

Korea Open

Date: 22-25 June

Location: Cheonan, South Korea

The Korea Open will be the last round of the Asian Tour. It will be played at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club in Cheonan. The city is located in the South Chungcheong Province and is not too far from Seongnam, which is to the north of Gyeonggi Province. The course was built in 1993 and designed by Perry Dye, the son of architect Pete Dye.

The 2022 edition of the tournament was won by South Korea’s Kim Min-kyu. Usually, the tournament is played with a field size of 144 golfers.

Image credit: Asian Tour/@asiantourgolf/Facebook

More details here

7 /10

Buick LPGA Shanghai

Date: 12-15 October

Location: Shanghai, China

The Buick LPGA Shanghai is part of the Ladies Professional Golf Tour (LPGA) tournaments that are played through 2023. Debuting in 2018, its second edition took place in 2019. The tournament has not been held since 2020 because of the pandemic. American golfer Daniella Kang won both editions, which makes her the undisputed defending champion.

The tournament has a total prize fund of USD 2.1 million. It will be played at the Qizhong Garden Golf Club, which has a par of 72.

Image credit: Qizhong

More details here

8 /10

BMW Ladies Championship

Date: 19-22 October

Location: South Korea

First held in 2015, BMW Ladies Championship replaced LPGA KEB Hana Bank Championship as an LPGA Tour event in 2019. Its third edition as part of the series was held in 2022 after a gap of two years because of the pandemic.

The BMW Ladies Championship has been held in Wonju in Gangwon Province of the country. The 2022 edition was played at Oak Valley Country Club. The prize purse at the time was USD 2.2 million. The venue of the 2023 edition is yet to be announced.

Lydia Ko of New Zealand is the defending champion, having become the first non-Asian to win the tournament at the 2022 edition. Ko, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, is currently the World No.1 in Women’s World Golf Rankings. Though a New Zealander, she was born in Seoul.

Interestingly, current World No.3 Ko Jin-young of South Korea was the winner of the tournament in 2021. In March 2023, Ko Jin-young successfully defended her HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore.

Image credit: LPGA

More details here

9 /10

Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA

Date: 26-29 October

Location: New Taipei City, Taiwan

Although the tournament has been played as an LPGA Tour round since 2011, it has not been held since 2019 because of the pandemic. This makes the Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA one of the most-anticipated golf tournaments in Asia.

Like previous editions, the venue of the 2023 tournament is Miramar Golf Country Club — a 36-hole golf facility designed by Jack Nicklaus in 1994. The prize fund is set to be USD 2.2 million.

Current World No.2 and 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Nelly Korda is the reigning champion. Korda was only 20 years old when she first won the Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA. She again won the tournament the following year and is, therefore, the defending champion. Lydia Ko is also a former Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA champion, having won it in 2015 at age 18.

Image credit: TLPGA

More details here

10 /10

Toto Japan Classic

Date: 2-5 November

Location: Omitama, Japan

The golf tournament is the last of the Asian rounds on the LPGA calendar before it returns to the US. It is co-sanctioned by both LPGA and Japan Ladies Professional Golfers’ Association (JLPGA).

The tournament was first held in 1973. The LPGA did not include the tournament in its calendar in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. On both occasions, the Toto Japan Classic was held as a JLPGA-sanctioned tour only. It returned as part of the LPGA in 2022 when the tournament was won by Gemma Dryburgh of Scotland.

The 2023 edition is to be held at the Minori course of Taiheiyo Club in Omitama of Ibaraki Prefecture. The course has a par of 72, and the total prize fund of the tournament will be USD 2 million.

Image credit: Taiheiyo Club

More details here

The post The Major Golf Tournaments Taking Place in Asia in 2023 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

15 of the Best Golf Courses in the World

Priyanshi Agrawal — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 09:11:47 +0000

Be it weekend golfers or anyone looking for a new destination to explore along with laying their hands on some golf shots, a trip to some of the best golf courses is a good travel option. The incredible golf courses surrounded by lush green foliage are indeed a sight to behold while enjoying this interesting sport.

These scenic golf courses, carved out of natural terrains, feature the standard 18 holes, and are curated by renowned course architects. Additionally, many are equipped with clubhouses, restaurants, lounges, resorts with swimming pools and driving carts for vacationers to have a perfect golf-themed holiday.

From elaborate dining facilities at Pebble Beach Golf Links to luxurious villas at Kapalua Golf, these courses make up for a delightful vacation destination. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Ready to head for a vacation to a spectacular golf course as well as test your golfing skills? We have you covered. Let us take you through the best golf courses in the world which can be explored any time of the year.

Here are some of the best golf courses in the world that are simply breathtaking

Old Course, Scotland

Image Credit: St. Andrews Link

Established in the early 15th century, and also known as The Home of Golf, Old Course is where the game was first played around 600 years ago. Covering over 6146 metres, the golf course forms the standard 18-hole round. It includes nine holes out and nine holes back. The public golf course offers various packages. These include Old Course Ballot, Old Course Tee Times and Single Golfers, where depending on the size of the group and the availability of the course, players can make their bookings.

The course is also equipped with various dining facilities such as The Old Pavilion, overlooking the first tee of the Old Course and more recently, their Halfway House, every product of which celebrates local Scottish produce. Also, there is an in-house shop at the course that sells official merchandise, gifts and accessories.

Among the many legendary golfers who have played here are Bobby Jones, Peter Thompson, Nick Faldo, Tiger Woods, Bobby Locke, Seve Ballesteros, Jack Nicklaus, John Daly, Louis Oosthuizen and Zach Johnson.

Address: W Sands Rd, St Andrews KY16 9XL, United Kingdom
Website: Click here
Phone: 44 1334 466718

Plantation Course, USA

Image Credit: Golf at Kapalua

The #1 golf course in Hawaii for 15 consecutive years by Golfweek, Plantation Course is designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, using the natural terrain and slopes of the West Maui Mountains. Spread over approximately 6,946 metres, the course was opened in 1992 and features stunning sights of the ocean from every hole. Along with the Bay Course, it enhances the overall experience of Kapalua Golf.

Additionally, the course has an in-house dining facility named The Plantation House Restaurant and there are three luxurious accommodation facilities at Kapalua Golf which include The Ritz-Carlton, The Kapalua Villas (one, two and three-bedroom vacation villas) and Montage Kapalua Bay (two and three-bedroom ocean front villas), where vacationers and players can have some moments of solitude.

Every January, a first-class field of PGA TOUR champions from the previous year competes at the Plantation Course for the Sentry Tournament of Champions which has set the course record to 61 in 2022. The field has featured golf greats such as Woods, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson among many other noted players.

Address: 2000 Plantation Club Dr, Lahaina, HI 96761, USA
Website: Click here
Phone: 808 669 8044

TPC Danzante Bay, Mexico

Image Credit: TPC Danzante Bay

Located amid the hills of the Sierra de la Giganta Mountain which offers magnificent views of the Islands of Loreto, the TPC Danzante Bay golf course spans around 6,618 metres. Along with various modern practice facilities, such as an on-site pro store and a clubhouse for golfers, The Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa — which TPC shares with Loreto golf course — makes this place an ideal Mexican location for those who wish to stay and play here.

Additionally, TPC Danzante Bay offers two packages. The Golf or Spa package lets visitors play at the TPC Danzante Bay Championship course, or choose one of their facilities, including relaxation at the award-winning Sabila Spa, fishing in a pond and embarking on an adventure as per the various tour options. Meanwhile, the Ultimate Golf or Spa package offers visitors a chance to choose between playing golf or experiencing all the facilities such as a spa, fishing, scuba diving, and island and ATV tours.

The exemplary course designed by Rees Jones was titled the Best Golf Course in Mexico (2021) and Latin America (2019) by World Golf Awards. Also, many leading sportspersons and entrepreneurs such as Byron Scott and Ricardo Salinas Pliego have played at the stunning course and admired its beauty.

Address: Km. 84, Carretera Transpeninsular, Ensenada Blanca Loreto, 23880 Loreto, B.C.S
Website: Click here
Phone: 1 800 790 4187

Pebble Beach Golf Links, USA

Image Credit: Pebble Beach Golf Links

The #1 Public Golf Course in America according to Golf Digest is spread over 6244 metres approximately on the stunning coastline around California’s Monterey Peninsula. The course officially opened in 1919 and is historically more significant than any other course in the nation for being the only venue to host the USGA Championships for many consecutive years.

The course is famous for being the first course from West of the Mississippi to host the U.S. Amateur — one of four major golf championships. It is also known for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, which has been held annually at the course since 1947 and is attended by the PGA TOUR.

The course is set to host many upcoming tournaments such as the first U.S. Women’s Open Presented by ProMedica in 2023, three Women’s Opens in 2035, 2040 and 2048 as well as four U.S. Opens in 2027, 2032, 2037 and 2044.

Along with its prolonged history of being one of the best golf courses, the Pebble Beach Golf Links is also known for its dining facilities including Stillwater Bar and Grill, The Tap Room, The Bench, Gallery Cafe, The Terrace Lounge and Hay’s Place. The course also has a spa area with five facial rooms, 15 massage rooms, a conservatory and a sanctuary with a fire pit to keep one warm.

Address: Pebble Beach Resorts, 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA
Website: Click here
Phone: (800) 877‑0597

Augusta National Golf Club, Georgia

Image Credit: Masters.com

Opened in 1932 and designed by golfer Bobby Jones and architect Alister MacKenzie, Augusta National is Georgia’s dream course, the pinnacle of the meadowland and a style of course that most strongly appeals to American taste.

Every year the Augusta National Golf Club hosts the Masters Tournament which is counted as one of the four major championships in golf. This course has also featured some renowned golfers including Nicklaus, Woods, Arnold Palmer, Jimmy Demaret and Sam Snead. Also, the Master Tournament is the first golf event to be broadcasted in full HD.

Spanning over 6836 metres, the course features a clubhouse with dining and seating areas, shower rooms and locker rooms for guests. Also, the in-house course shop includes an imagery store and a publication store offering an official tournament journal which consists of highlights of the tournaments held every year.

Address: 2604 Washington Rd, Augusta, US
Website: Click here
Phone: 1 706 667 6000

Bethpage Golf Course, USA

Image Credit: Bethpage Golf Course

The 6826-metre course built in 1936, is listed among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest. The course has five 18-hole standard golf courses, including the well-known Bethpage Black Course, which is a hotspot for public golf.

Bethpage has hosted renowned golf tournaments — the United States Open Championships in 2002 and 2009, Barclays in 2011 and 2016 and the PGA Championship in 2019, and will be hosting the Ryder Cup in 2024. Other than golf great Woods, many esteemed golfers such as Lucas Glover, Nick Watney and Patrick Reed have enjoyed their shots here.

The clubhouse at the course has various in-house facilities for guests to unwind and relax such as dining and lounging areas as well as lockers and shower rooms.

The course offers tee times at all its courses — green, blue, yellow, red and black which can be booked on the official website of Bethpage Golf Course.

Address: 99 Quaker Meeting House Rd.Farmingdale, NY 11735
Website: Click here
Phone: 516 249 4040

Ballybunion Golf Club, Ireland

Image Credit: Ballybunion Golf Club

Established in 1893 as a 12-hole course on the lush expanse of sand dunes with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, in County Kerry, the Ballybunion Golf Club stretches over 6162 metres and comprises the Old Course and the Trent Jones Cashen Course. It was further restructured to include the standard 18 holes in 1926.

The Ballybunion’s clubhouse facilities include a golf shop, restaurant and lounge, bars, locker rooms with steam room and a tuck shop.

The Old Course at the golf club is one of the most famous courses among the others with many accolades, and in 2023 it has been ranked #17 among the Top 100 golf courses in the UK & Ireland.

Guests can book a tee time on the club’s official website or book a luxury stay too.

Address: Sandhill Road, Ballybunion, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Website: Click here
Phone: 353 (0) 68 27146

Cabot Cliffs Golf Course, Canada

Image Credit: Cabot Cape Breton

The 6189-metre Cabot Cliffs golf course in Nova Scotia, designed by none other than popular course architects Coore and Crenshaw, was rated ninth in the world by Golf Digest’s list of the top 100 golf courses. Also, the course is considered to be Canada’s Best Modern Golf Course by Golfweek magazine.

The course which opened in 2015, has par three 16th hole which is titled as the property’s signature hole, over the cliffs above the beach, while the 13th hole featuring a sizable hump located short of the green, is the designers’ favourite.

The walking-only course has three dining facilities including Cabot Bar, Panorama and Whit’s Public House and an award-winning accommodation facility with 72 rooms and 19 opulent golf villas.

Address: 18 Cabot Lane Inverness, Nova Scotia Canada B0E 1N0
Website: Click here
Phone: 1 902 258 4653

The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Australia

Image Credit: The Royal Melbourne

One of the best golf courses in Australia, The Royal Melbourne West Course in Victoria was designed by MacKenzie in 1926. This course has raised tees, steep greenside bunkers, native Australian tree scrub throughout the fairways and quick greens spread over 6077 metres.

Named #1 in Australia by Golf Digest in 2018, the course clubhouse has preserved all the honours that belong to it such as the President’s Cup won by Adam Scott in Masters 2013, and pictures of the original club course.

This course has seen many golfers achieve remarkable victories including Wayne Riley (Australia) in 1991, Greg Norman (Australia) in 1987 and 1985, Tom Watson (USA) in 1984 and Gary Player (SA) in 1963.

The Royal Melbourne Professional shop at the course offers guests almost everything related to golf, from professional coaching, club merchandise, and on-course apparel to various equipment.

Address: Cheltenham Rd, Black Rock VIC 3193, Australia
Website: Click here
Phone: 61 3 9599 0500

Naruo Golf Course, Japan

Image Credit: Naruo Golf Course

Built in 1920, the traditional course in Hyogo has maintained its original form to date owing to the best Koryo grass in Japan which is evergreen. The nearly 6050 metres of Naruo Golf Course is noted for its exemplary bunkers that are crafted by taking advantage of the natural deformations of the soil.

The course was designed by architects Joe E. Crane, Harry C. Crane, Bertie E. Crane and C. H. Alison in 1930 which has various on-site luxuries and amenities, including a pro shop, driving range and approach bunker practice area. The restaurant at the course offers the best Naruo cuisine with spectacular views of Hatano.

Guests at the course are not allowed to play on Sunday as it is only reserved for the members.

Address: Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture Nishiuneno Kanegaya 1-4, Hyogo 666-0155, Japan
Website: Click here
Phone: 81 72 794 1011

Utrecht Golfclub de Pan, The Netherlands

Image Credit: Utrecht Golfclub de Pan

Ranked #53 on ‘the greatest courses on the planet’ list in 2021 by Golf World, Utrechtse Golfclub de Pan was designed in 1929 by Harry Colt after it was founded in 1894. The second-oldest golf club in The Netherlands is designed in the traditional English heathland style, which has many other amenities for relaxation.

The 6085-metre course is famous for two things — the sixth, seventh and tenth driving holes where the tee shot is played through valleys of heather and sand, and the four-shot winning moment of Dave Marr against Peter Thomson as shown in one of the episodes of Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf in 1967.

Address: Golfclub Utrechtse ‘de Pan’, Amersfoortseweg 13735 LJ Bosch en Duin, The Netherlands
Website: Click here
Phone: 31 (0) 30 6969120

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Italy

Image Credit: Marco Simone Golf

The Marco Simone Golf & Country Club is located on the grounds of Laura Biagiotti’s stunning historic estate, which includes a renovated castle from the 11th century. Designed by architect Jim Fazio in the late 1980s, the course that spans 1.5 square kilometres includes the clubhouse, which stretches over 7,000 square metres and is one of the biggest in Europe.

The highlights of the club are The European Team Ballroom, The Grand Terraces and a restaurant. The restaurant can host 120 people and exudes Italian hospitality. The European Team Ballroom and The Grand Terraces can host around 200 people each for any event or conference. Along with this, the club has a golf academy which is open to train both beginners and professional athletes.

The course is set to host the upcoming Ryder Cup in 2023.

Address: Via di Marco Simone, 84/88, 00012 Guidonia RM, Italy
Website: Click here
Phone: 39 0774 366469

The Ocean Course, USA

Image Credit: kiawahresort.com

Spanning over 6727 metres, The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina was designed by Alice and Pete Dye to serve as the venue for the Ryder Cup 1991. The course, which is considered to be one of the hardest courses in the world, also held the 2012 PGA Championship, which was won by Rory McIlroy. Later, in 2021 the course again hosted the PGA Championship which was won by Phil Mickelson.

The public course, which is known to have the most beachfront holes in North America, provides players with a driving range, a clubhouse with a Ryder Cup dining bar and the Atlantic Room for fine dining, as well as cottages offering stunning vistas of the course and the Atlantic ocean.

Address: Kiawah Island Golf Resort, One Sanctuary Beach Drive, Kiawah Island, SC 29455
Website: Click here
Phone: (800) 654 2924

Capilano Golf Club, Canada

Image Credit: Capilano Golf and Country Club

The Capilano Golf Club was mapped out of a rainforest, by designer Stanley Thompson who crafted it in a way as to include the breathtaking views of Vancouver from each course. The course, which stretches over 6132 metres, was originally designed in 1937 featuring expansive fairways flanked with trees and innovative bunkers. One of the best golf courses in the entire world, it consistently ranks as one of the top ten courses in Canada as well as the number one course in British Columbia.

The prestigious tournaments at the course have featured many top Canadian players such as Al Balding, Gordon Brydson, Moe Norman and Stan Leonard who have shown excellence on the field with their signature shots.

Address: Capilano Golf and Country Club, 420 Southborough Drive, West Vancouver, BC V7S 1M2
Website: Click here
Phone: 604 922 9331

Shanqin Bay Golf Club, China

Shanqin Bay Golf Club, one of China’s premier golfing destinations and another creation of Coore and Crenshaw, is specifically for the elite as it is extremely private. Located in the southeast of Hainan Island, the course consists of 18 holes surrounded by the sea on three sides with stunning views and distinctive elevations due to the extraordinary topography. The 6304-metre course offers almost all the facilities inside the arena from a pro shop, caddie services, a driving range, chipping bunker to practice areas, bars, a spa and a restaurant.

The 4500-square metre clubhouse at the course includes a dining room, 270 ocean-view VIP suites, wooden outdoor patios and other amenities which span 2 floors.

Address: 428th County Rd, Longgun Town, Wanning Shi, Hainan, China
Phone: 86 89862779659

(Main and featured image credit: Golf at Kapalua)

The post 15 of the Best Golf Courses in the World appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Lifestyle: Couple on a Mission

P. Ramakrishnan — Thu, 21 Jun 2018 09:19:01 +0000

In 1994, when David “Mr Golf” Chu turned a patch of industrial wasteland in Shenzhen into the world’s largest golf course, it was seen as complete madness by many, including the provincial mayor. Golf was a nonentity in the country, frowned upon by the Communist Party ever since Mao Zedong declared the sport “too bourgeois”.

But David Chu’s vision paid off. Today, the Mission Hills Group dominates the golf industry in China, with huge multi-course resorts in Shenzhen, Dongguan and Hainan as well as hotels, leisure resorts, sports academies, schools, artist villages, malls and even a movie-themed theme park in Haikou called Movie Town.

But much of that expansion has been overseen by David’s son Tenniel, who works as vice chairman of the group alongside his brother Ken, the group’s chairman. Pioneering a so-called “golf and more” concept has broadened the popularity of the sport, helping to dust off the elite image it once held. Non-traditionalists might tut at the group’s more eccentric ideas – the upcoming Fantasy Course in Hainan features an island green with an 80-metre-wide bowl of noodles and 75-metre-long chopsticks serving as the lake – but the numbers don’t lie. Last year Mission Hills invested a total of 40 billion yuan in mainland China and the company is going from strength to strength.

Carmen Chu, Tenniel’s glamorous wife, is an arts enthusiast who balances being the mother of two children with her ongoing art history studies at the University of Hong Kong. She admits candidly that she decided to go back to university in order to understand more about the art world and also as a way of grounding herself against the seemingly endless series of parties and galas that come as a consequence of her husband’s jet-setting job.

We sat down with the dynamic couple in their well-appointed home to find out more.

How did you guys meet?

Carmen Chu: We met in Hong Kong, through our best friends. He asked me out to dinner – I didn’t like him at that time! I was flying to London for work and he was going elsewhere, but he actually came to London to find me there. And that’s how it all happened.

Did golf bond you two?

CC: In the early days, I used to play better than Tenniel! I only had a better score than him once but I still remember it. He has a single handicap – he’s very good – so I was thrilled to beat him on the course.

Tenniel, you come from the largest golfing dynasty in China. Did you ever feel tempted to go into any other industry growing up?

Tenniel Chu: I’m very blessed that my family and father created this platform, Mission Hills. Golf is an international language. No other sport has the means to connect with everyone in the same way. When I was younger I was a keen athlete – I had the chance to train with the Chinese national badminton team. But golf is my true love, I’ve been playing for 40 years now.

You have two children, Gwyneth and T2 – do they show natural interest in sports?

CC: Yes, they both wanted to enrol in the Barcelona soccer camp. And we all play basketball and tennis. The four of us play golf at Mission Hills when we’re all together.

How did you decide to name your kids Gwyneth and T2?

CC: T2 is actually called Tenniel junior but we call him T2 – my husband is T1! Everyone calls him T2, except in school. We chose Gwyneth because I love Gwyneth Paltrow; she’s a lady with character and style.

Tenniel, your father was a Chiuchow man, and you’ve said he was very strict. What was your upbringing like?

TC: Well, he definitely did raise us with a military style from a young age. There were six of us siblings and everyone had their own roles and duties. I recall during my upbringing in Canada, he would get me to wash his car every day, even during the winter months. I would be in the garage at 6am! When he was teaching me how to swim, he used to pick me up with all my clothes on and throw me into the pool and expect me to find a way to survive. So, he really did always throw us in at the deep end!

And do you treat your kids with the same approach?

TC: If our father was a dictator, I think our approach with our kids is more “kill them with kindness”!

Tenniel, when your late father David Chu constructed the world’s largest golf course in Shenzhen 1994, many were very doubtful it would catch on. What did you think?

TC: At that time, honestly no one really thought this was feasible. There were probably fewer than a thousand golfers in China back then. Nobody really had foresight of the true vision and plan. He felt there had to be a new medium to connect China with the world, and he felt golf was the best tool to do that. He spoke with 10 consultants, including the mayor, and none of them supported him. Not one of them thought it was a sustainable model. But nevertheless he continued.

Honestly, no one could tell the difference between a ping pong ball and a golf ball back then! We had children running into the bunkers as though they were a beach, ladies wearing all these fancy gowns and high heels to the course. We’ve been through ups and downs, but this is all part of growing the game.

You work closely with your brother Ken Chu to run the company. How is it working with him?

TC: We’re only two years apart, so we’re very close, and we’ve honestly not had any arguments about work in the 15 years we’ve worked together. When it’s downtime we don’t even mention work. It’s always very well balanced. We feel that with my father’s generation it was always work, work, work. It’s like an elastic band – you can only stretch so far. Both my parents passed away relatively early, so we felt we definitely needed a change in terms of lifestyle and how we conduct our work and life.

You said Mission Hills is changing golf from a business tool to a lifestyle. What does this mean?

TC: Traditionally golf is seen as a prestigious and elite game. Our mission is to grow the game so it’s available for everyone. Each year over 25,000 juniors go through our doors – we have the world’s largest youth golfing programme. We also have three golf courses that are free to juniors globally, where they can come and access and experience golf.

Do you think it’s true that when people get together on the fairway they somehow always end up talking about business?

TC: We always joke that people talk politics and business on the golf course and talk golf in the office! We have basically created a green office, it’s an extension of the office. Many great politicians and entrepreneurs like Jack Welch do a lot of negotiations and business on the golf course, and I think it works very well.

Your brother Ken has spoken of his desire not to be seen as “second generation rich” but as a hard worker in his own right. What do you make of that?

TC: My father created a great platform, and this allows us to get on the stage and take the show further, rather than making it a pretty looking stage and simply keeping the show going.

That’s why we created the “golf and more” concept, going beyond just golf. We’re in cultural entertainment, education, wellness, MICE and more. We want a holistic kind of experience, not just the typical golf experience where the husband goes off and plays with other men. We want all three generations to be able to join in, for your grandparents to play with the grandchildren. And not only on the golf course but off it, too.

Somehow golf is a magnet to attract all different walks of life. From there it’s limitless in terms of the relationships and opportunities that can arise.

What are some of your proudest achievements at Mission Hills?

TC: At Mission Hills we are either the first to do something, or we do it the biggest. Whether it’s bringing the first international golf tournament to China (the 1995 World Cup of Golf), Tiger Woods’ first visit to China, or creating the world’s largest golf resort, we definitely showcase a new China to the whole world. That’s very rewarding.

Do you take inspiration from other courses around the world?

The beauty of golf courses is that no two are the same. We’ve visited all the most historic and well known courses, where they host international events, and we try to incorporate these kinds of concepts. In the first stage of Mission Hills’ development we invited a famous golfer from each continent to be a guest designer: Jack Nicklaus from the US, Ernie Els from South Africa, Vijay Singh from the Oceanic area, Masashi “Jumbo” Ozaki from Asia and Nick Faldo from Europe. We want golfers at Mission Hills to have a whole range of golf fantasies and desires.

You’ve worked with a lot of celebrities at Mission Hills. Who has been great to work with, and who has been terrible?

TC: We enjoy working with legendary actors like Morgan Freeman, Andy Garcia, Michael Douglas, the A-class Hollywood stars. It’s wonderful that through the platform of Mission Hills we are able to entice these stars to come to China. After his accident (a car crash in 2008 left the actor fighting for his life), Morgan Freeman could only use one hand, but he could still finish an entire game of golf, all 18 holes. I was very impressed!

There are the ones who are not so keen on golf, but I admire people like Chris Evans, Ryan Reynolds, Alan Arrison – people who haven’t had a chance to learn the game of golf but are willing to participate and, of course, enjoy the parties afterwards! There is always a yin and a yang.

Carmen, you’ve just started studying art history at the University of Hong Kong. What inspired you to go back to university to study?

CC: We used to attend so many parties
and balls, meeting sponsors and so on. One day we asked ourselves, “Why are we doing all this?” We needed to calm down, and I really am happy to go back to school. Seeing this generation, people are so upset and unhappy with everything. I think that education is so important. I think you need to teach children that you have to appreciate what you have. You have to build up your self-responsibility and your social responsibility. I think studying has made me more grounded.

Are things different now in university this time around?

CC: Yes! You know what I’ve noticed – people typing loudly, instead of writing notes. I hear the tap-tap-tap and it drives me crazy. Type softly!

And Tenniel, what are your plans in terms of taking the Mission Hills business outside of China in the coming years?

TC: After we’ve finished catering to the 1.3 billion, we’ll look to other frontiers!

Photography / Olivier Yoan
Styling / Florent Thiébaut

Styling assistant / Marco Chan
hair & Make-up / Reve Ryu

(Image: Mission Hills Phuket Resort)

Location: Pa Klok, Thalang District, Phuket

Visit the website here.

The Golf Lodge Hotel, Laem Chabang International Country Club

(Image: Somsak Hataipiemsuk/The Golf Lodge Hotel)

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?

(Image: Mission Hills Phuket Resort)

Location: Pa Klok, Thalang District, Phuket

Visit the website here.

The Golf Lodge Hotel, Laem Chabang International Country Club

(Image: Somsak Hataipiemsuk/The Golf Lodge Hotel)

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?

(Image: Mission Hills Phuket Resort)

Location: Pa Klok, Thalang District, Phuket

Visit the website here.

The Golf Lodge Hotel, Laem Chabang International Country Club

(Image: Somsak Hataipiemsuk/The Golf Lodge Hotel)

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?

– 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 A Stroke of Fate: Jodi Ewart Shadoff appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Golf – Prestige Online – HongKong

Revisiting Nick Dunlap’s Historic Win, and Other Amateur Golfers Who Won PGA Events

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

Nick Dunlap reflects on his impressive achievement

Amateur golfers who won PGA Tour Events

Cary Middlecoff

Fred Haas

Frank Stranahan

Gene Littler

Doug Sanders

Scott Verplank

Phil Mickelson

Amateur golfers to win on other major Tours

DP World Tour (previously European Tour)

LPGA

Nick Dunlap Becomes First Amateur To Win a PGA Tour Event Since 1991

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

The final game

Reactions on the win

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

Tiger Woods And Nike Part Ways After 27 Years

Here Are the World’s Highest-Paid Golfers

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

Jon Rahm

Dustin Johnson

Phil Mickelson

Rory Mcllroy

Brooks Koepka

Cameron Smith

Tiger Woods

Bryson DeChambeau

Patrick Reed

Scottie Scheffler

What to Expect at the New Cour du Baron Residences at Les Bordes Estate Golf Club

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

Steeped in luxury

Les Bordes Golf Club

The Old Course

The New Course

Wild Piglet

10 Best Golf Resorts To Visit The Next Time You’re In Thailand

More like this

The Best Golf Resorts And Hotels To Visit In Thailand

North Hill City Resort

Chatrium Golf Resort

Kirimaya Golf Resort and Spa

Black Mountain Golf Club

Blue Canyon Country Club

Summit Windmill Golf Residence

Tinidee Golf Resort Phuket

Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort

Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort

The Golf Lodge Hotel, Laem Chabang International Country Club

A Ladies’ Guide to Nailing “Golfcore” On and Off the Course

India’s Star Golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar on His Ascent to the Top, and Qualifying for LIV Golf Promotions

Getting to know Gaganjeet Bhullar and the grit that drives him

Early days and challenges

Revisiting his Indonesia win

The fickleness of golf

Golfer’s Elbow: What It Is, And How to Avoid The Dreaded Injury

What is golfer’s elbow?

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of golfer’s elbow?

What causes golfer’s elbow?

Risk Factors and Impact

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

How does golfer’s elbow impact the body?

Exercises

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

Prevention

How do I prevent golfer’s elbow?

Diagnosis and Treatment

How is golfer’s elbow diagnosed?

How is golfer’s elbow treated?

Recovery Time

How long does golfer’s elbow recovery take?

In Conclusion

Everything to Know About LIV Golf and Its Impending Merger With PGA Tour

What is the LIV Golf Tour?

Aftermath of LIV Golf Tour’s Debut