Last year we thought we had seen Tom Watson’s final appearance at St Andrews, and we were there to cheer him in on the 18th as the light faded fast. Now it’s the turn of Augusta to bid him farewell.
With all due respect to Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods et al we think the Golf Writers Association of America (“GWAA”) were spot on in voting for Brooks Koepka as Player of the Year for 2019. Koepka’s performance at the four majors was undeniable impressive – to win one, finish second in two and tie fourth in the other is quite some feat.
Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey was arrested as part of a prostitution sting in Central Florida. Gainey has been a pro golfer since 1997 and joined the PGA Tour in 2008, where he became famous for wearing gloves on both hands when playing.
GolfPunk send it condolences and prayers to Tom Watson and his family on the sad passing of Hilary Watson just before midnight on Thanksgiving Eve. Hilary, who Tom described as ‘my hero’ had been battling pancreatic cancer for two years.
We pondered yesterday what would the result of the Race to Dubai be if Jon Rahm won the DP World Tour Championship and Tommy Fleetwood was alone in second? The answer was confirmed when Rahm holed a three foot putt birdie putt on the 18th to take the World Tour Championship and also pip Fleetwood to the Race to Dubai title.
For the first time since 1955 there will be no live coverage of any golf on the BBC in 2020. The BBC has lost their rights to show any live coverage of the Augusta event which means that the UK pay TV Channel Sky is now the only place to watch live coverage of the majors. This is the end game for millions of golf fans who have seen the free to air coverage of their favourite sport fade and die in the hands of the BBC over the past decade.
In the final Hero Challenge of the year South African Erik van Rooyen defeated former Masters Champion Danny Willett. You know the Hero Challenge, it’s the one where 6 top pros compete at target golf, hitting to a floating green out in an expanse of water. The closer to the flag you are the more points you score, with the closest ring being 50 points the next 25, well you get the gist.
Derek The Donkey, GolfPunk's grumpy horse-envier once again delivers his 'Joke of the Week'. As you know he likes nothing better than a proper good laugh as long as it's at someone else's expense...
Jason Day gets in private jet, hot foots it from CJ Cup in China where he was 31st and then beats Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and home favourite Hideki Matsuyama to the spoils taking home $210,000 of the $350,000 pot. Happy Days then (do you see what we did there?)! Well perhaps for Jason but not really for golf as the inaugural 'The Challenge: Japan Skins' lived up to our pretty low expectations.
Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Hideki Matsuyama will go head to head in a globally televised skins game, the first in a series of annual competitions staged by GOLFTV. "The Challenge: Japan Skins" will take place on the 21st October ahead of the PGA Tour's Zozo Championship at Accordia Golf Narashino C.C. in Chiba, Japan, and we will not be watching.
Take one bike, one set of clubs, 14 different Open venues and one complete nutter and you have the ‘The Great British Open Challenge’. London-based PGA professional, Luke Willett, he with a famous golfing namesake, is to pedal his way between all the Open venues playing 18 holes at each and cycling with his clubs on his back!
We love Carnoustie. It’s probably one of the bestest courses in the UK, forget that the World! So, what better venue for a ‘Round of a Lifetime’ for one Edward Johnson from Massachusetts, U S of A.
Cobra Golf today introduced its next generation of KING Forged TEC Irons, featuring a traditional muscle-back shape with a hollow design for softer feel and improved power preferred available in a variable or ONE Length set make-up.
Something for the weekend? Ooh, suit you!
The Solheim Cup is just three weeks away and Team USA captain, Juli Inkster, used her picks to add some experience to her rookie Solheim Cup line up last night. This will be Stacy Lewis’ fifth Solheim Cup and Morgan Pressel’s sixth.
Something for the weekend? Ooh suit you!
The stuff that's floated our boats and scrunched our undies this week...
Well we have run out of majors but Tiger will still be coming out to play in August as the FedEx Cup Playoffs commence this week in Jersey City, with The Northern Trust. It’s all change with the play-offs and we had to read it a few times before we sussed it out. So here’s how it will work..
The AIG Women’s British Open is now set to follow Woburn Golf Club with back to back regal courses with Royal Troon added to the Championship roster for 2020 and Royal Porthcawl confirmed for 2021. It seems therefore, that that we are set for some quality golf on iconic courses now that The R&A has taken over the women's home Championship.
Defending Women’s British Open champion Georgia Hall is set to tee off at 12.16 on Thursday alongside Brooke Henderson of Canada and Japan’s Mamiko Higa and according to her she is “actually very excited. I don't feel any pressure. It’s really nice for me to be home because I've been in the US the whole year.”
They needed it to be tough out there if they were going to challenge Shane Lowry but in the end, it was too tough and the conditions actually played in to the hands of the big man. For a man who grew up playing links golf up and down Ireland he was always going to be one of best equipped if the really high winds came.
The fairy tale has slowly unwound. Local boy, Darren Clarke, who led the field off on Thursday in the 148th Open Championship, took seven at the last to miss the cut. Rory McIlroy, who famously shot 61 around Royal Portrush at the age of 16, shot 65, equalling best score of the day, but agonisingly missed the cut by one. And our man, Gmac, held firm just making it through on the cut line, nine back from the leader.
It’s etiquette right? You hit the ball in the direction of another person on a golf course, you shout ‘fore’. It instilled in you from almost your first shot on a golf course, be you ten year’s old or eighty. However, it seems for some professionals that once they have reached the lofty heights of the tour this unwritten rule no longer applies to them.
There have been many incredible Open debuts, here is our Top 10...
There have been many an odd occurence at the oldest of all the majors but these are our pick of the top ten weirdest Open Championship moments.
Why is the golf now only on Sky TV in the UK with the BBC set to produce, if last year is anything to go by, a set of very ordinary highlights programmes? Who is to blame - Sky, the BBC, the politicians, the R&A or perhaps even Brexit?
Hughie's is the 416 yards, par 4 first hole on the Royal Portrush course. There is out of bounds on both sides of the hole with most golfers most concerned with that on the right. However, as there are bunkers on the right and left of the fairway at 262 yards and 291 yards respectively, most pros will go with an iron.
Who will win the Open? Vote now for your pick of the Top 20, as per the bookies, or do you think it will be more of an outsider who takes the Claret Jug on the shores of Northern Ireland?
Darren Clarke will hit the opening tee shot at The 148th Open, while fellow local favourite Rory McIlroy is paired with US Open champion Gary Woodland for the opening two rounds at Royal Portrush, which we cannot wait to see!
Each year the winner of The Open receives the famous claret jug which he must return before the following year’s event. But what is the history behind this iconic trophy?
The Open is looming up on the horizon so come and test your knowledge of all things Openey with the GolfPunk Open Golf Quiz 2019. It's got something for everyone who err like quizes.
Derek The Donkey, GolfPunk's grumpy horse-envier delivers his 'Joke of the Week'. He likes nothing better than a proper good laugh as long as it's at someone else's expense...
The US open is returning to Pebble Beach with its magnificent views, tiny greens and changeable conditions. All factors that are taxing The Spiv’s brain matter as he sips on his port and peruses the field. But this year its all different as GolfPunk has a new algorithm and its going to make us all rich (necessary caveats and waivers apply of course).
It was a great day for Northern Ireland at the final day of Canadian Open from Hamilton Golf and Country Club. Rory McIlroy shot an incredible nine under 61 to take the title by 7 shots and Graeme McDowell finished in the top ten and qualified for The Open.
Rory McIlroy shot a six under 64 in the third round of the Canadian Open to move into a share of the lead with the US’s Matt Kuchar and Webb Simpson. McIlroy’s countryman Graeme McDowell slipped back slightly but sits in joint ninth on eight under – Come on Gmac!
Graeme McDowell shot a second round 67 at the Canadian Open to sit on eight under, four off the halfway lead which is held by Matt Kuchar and Scott Brown. Gmac still work to do if he is to grab one of the three spots available for The Open but he is well placed come the weekend.
The Open is coming back to Northern Ireland after a break of 68 years. When Max Faulkner, one of the most flamboyant golfers of his generation, won the Open Championship in 1951 at Royal Portrush it would be 18 years until a Brit, Tony Jacklin in 1969, was to do so again.
Derek The Donkey, GolfPunk's grumpy horse-envier is back with 'Joke of the Week'. He likes nothing better than a proper good laugh as long as it's at someone else's expense...
Who wouldn’t want to tee it up in their home open? Well for one, Rory McIlroy, who is giving this year’s Irish Open a miss. No biggy, I hear you say, it’s not like choosing to miss something like the Olympics is it? Oh, hang on Rory turned that one down too. So, what are the priorities of the 29-year-old darling of Irish Golf
We are not sure whether all of these are real and its clear some are not legal but they brought a smile to our faces
You have to go back a long time to remember a Masters when so many players, at some point, were arguably in contention to grab that fabled Green Jacket. We know who ultimately prevailed but what happened to other runners who came up short when the chips were down? Here is GP's rundown of the how the main contenders finished.
As Tiger Woods holed the winning putt some time around 7.35pm on Sunday I was asked an awkward question: "Are you crying??", "Seriously, mate, are you crying?" "I've just something... sniff... in my eye, that's ... sniff... all..."
Tiger Woods signed a multi-year deal with TaylorMade back at the begining of 2017, with Woods set to play their driver, fairway woods, irons and wedges. And now it is pay back time for TaylorMade....
Lilac was the colour of the day at The Masters as the leaders appeared to have coordinated their wardrobes to don shirts of the same hue. The three players that lead in to the final round chose the colour for their shirt with Tiger again modelling a very snazzy mock turtle neck number. Ian Poulter, always one to be different, went instead for a lilac pair of strides.
The threat of bad weather has resulted in an early start for the whole field. Play will commence from both the 1st and 10th tees at 7:30 local time and will be in groups of three. Rather handy for UK and European viewers who can watch it after their Sunday lunch rather than having to stay up late!
Well, there you have it. After all these years it seemed to be written in the stars that Tiger would deliver once again among the azaleas and pines of Augusta. Yes, he rode his luck a little, but ultimately he was the player that held his nerve the best coming down the stretch.
Saturday Tee Times and pairings as Ian Poulter goes out with Tiger Woods...
We had everything on Friday at The Masters: A stellar leaderboard; birdies galore; storm threats; unbelievable recovery shots; a marshall slide-tackling Tiger Woods on the 14th hole (he still made birdie) and some truly comical moments starring Zach Johnson, Rory McIlroy and Kiradech Aphibarnrat.
As the freshly blooming azaleas of Augusta National Golf Club mark the arrival of the northern spring, the golfing world’s attention turns towards Georgia, USA, for the first men’s Major of the year – the Masters Tournament, which has been supported by Rolex since 1999.
The Golf Scientist, Bryson DeChambeau, and one half of golf's Odd Couple, Brooks Koepka, lit up day one of the Masters with rounds of 66 to take a one shot lead over fellow American Phil Mickelson.
Seven lucky golfers are heading to this week’s Masters to battle it out for a million dollars – all hoping they can land another ace to change their life.
The unofficial start to golf season is upon us and we are excited to see the azaleas, dogwoods and green grass again! Peter Millar will outfit five players for the 2019 Masters.
Remember when Europeans dominated the Masters? From 1980 to 2000, the tournament was won 11 times by European golfers. Since then, not so much, with only two winners in the last 18 years. It's worth noting, however, that those wins (Danny Willett and Sergio Garcia) make up two of the last three Masters. Maybe the transition of power at Augusta has already begun?
There have been some amazing moments at The Masters over the years and some incredible shot-making. We celebrate the 10 best shots ever here...
We love celebrating the truly great shots but nothing makes us mortal golfers feel better than seeing our heroes occasionally making berks of themselves. Especially at the Masters. In 2018... here are the worst offenders...
GolfPunk's unique Masters Course Guide & trivia special: Augusta uncovered...
It's 2 more sleeps until the Masters!!!! We've put together a little Masters quiz to get you in the mood.
It's 1932 at Augusta and America is under prohibition. But people are still seeing things... aren't they?...
It's Masters Monday and to celebrate here we bring you the Top 20 Masters Dramas Ever...
Swedish menswear company Oscar Jacobson has been around since 1903, but they only started making golf clobber in the 1970s. They've made quite an impact since then with golf attire that seamlessly combines performance with fashion. Next up, the OJ SS19 range...
Rory McIlroy has been installed as the favourite to win The Masters after making a blistering start to the year.
Tommy Fleetwood and Keegand Bradley lead the way going into day two on -7. Rory is two back while Matt Wallace and Ian Poulter sit at -3. Day one highlights and Fridat tee times here...
It's the Players Championship this week at TPC Sawgrass - check out these Top 10 Putts on the infamous 17th hole with shots from Tiger, Bubba and more.
Step forward Rickie, Bryson and Gary Woodland...
PING today unveiled details of its 2019 Spring/Summer ladies’ apparel collection, which takes its inspiration from the company’s heritage in Arizona, USA.
PING has unveiled details of its new performance driven 2019 Spring/Summer men’s apparel range, which takes its inspiration from the company’s heritage in Arizona, USA, and for the first time features innovative Sensor Cool Cotton, engineered with COOLMAX® fabric, to deliver enhanced comfort and feel.
The great players won everything right? Well, not the USPGA they didn't. The USPGA proved elusive for many serial major winners. Here's the Top 7 players never to win the PGA.
Foresight Sports, market leader in advanced simulation technology, has updated its industry-leading FSX 2018 software to include a host of new features, including a carnival-style series of mini-games.
Galvin Green, the leading premium performance golf apparel brand, has launched its most advanced collection of technical clothing for the start of the 2019 season, with a total of 368 ground-breaking garments and matching accessories.
Canterbury Golf Club is gearing up for the staging of The Open Championship in July 2020 at nearby Royal St George’s by linking up with fellow Kent golf clubs in Visit Kent’s Golf in Kent Partnership.
Luxury lifestyle brand, G/FORE stepped into the winner’s circle again on Monday at the PGA Tour’s AT&T Pebble Beach Invitational, with brand ambassador Phil Mickelson putting on one of his masterclass performances to claim his fifth title and 44th PGA Tour victory.
Foresight Sports, market leader in golf launch monitors and simulation technology, has launched the next generation of its game-changing GC Family, specially designed for the rapidly growing indoor simulation and entertainment driving range market.
Callaway has further strengthened its team of Staff Professionals representing the brand on the PGA European Tour with the signing of Tom Lewis.
It's back! The event that totally signals the start of the golf season proper. I look forward to this week as soon as Christmas makes way for the new year and, no offence to the Saudi International, there's only one game in town this week.
G/FORE, the luxury lifestyle brand and golf disruptors have launched the MG4.1, an exciting new crossover golf shoe category for the brand. It looks like a mix of a golf shoe and a sprinter's spike-slipper and is infused with premium lightweight comfort and performance technologies that promise comfort on and off the course.
Galvin Green has boosted the line-up of global ambassadors for the 2019 season with the addition of proven Tour winners to wear its premium apparel.
Galvin Green, the leading technical performance golf clothing brand, is calling younger golfers to attention with its military-inspired EDGE collection for 2019.
Luxury lifestyle brand and golf footwear innovator, G/FORE has unveiled its much-anticipated ‘Irreverent Elegance’ inspired Spring Summer footwear collection ahead of the 2019 golfing season.
Tired of being asked to take part in ‘viral’ videos by ‘media types’, five European Tour stars decided to take matters into their own hands and assemble The Content Committee.
From venerable golf clubs to courses in historic settings or alongside ancient buildings, the past is ever-present when you play golf in Northern Ireland.
Fancy winning a pair of golf shoes as worn by Major champions, Bubba Watson and Phil Mickelson? Luxury golf-inspired sportswear and accessories brand, G/Fore is giving away three pairs of golf shoes to celebrate the beginning of the New Year and the launch of its new international website www.gfore.co.uk.
PUMA Golf continues to take golf footwear to the next level, today introducing NXT generation footwear designed on a completely new IGNITE spikeless traction platform with three unique, versatile, and fashion forward upper silhouettes.
Luxury golf lifestyle brand, Peter Millar is bringing some added value and winter warmth to Christmas by offering a complimentary snood worth £30 on any purchases made on Sunday 9 th December at www.petermillar.co.uk. Anyone making a first-time purchase on the website will also be eligible for a £15 discount.
We've got to get this guy to our Christmas Party! It's Jack Bartlett and his Bubba Watson...
More than 900 potential volunteers will this week be contacted to offer them a volunteering role at The 2019 Solheim Cup, taking place at Gleneagles from 9-15 September 2019.
The Belfry Hotel & Resort’s Executive Head Chef Robert Bates took home top honours in The Caterer’s Hotel Cateys 2018 Awards this week as he won ‘Hotel Chef of the Year (more than 250 covers)’.
Luxury golf lifestyle brand, Peter Millar is offering a complimentary micro-fleece Crown Seal Beanie on all purchases at www.petermillar.co.uk in the lead up to Christmas.
Turnberry has had some dramatic changes over the years so it's worth taking a quick glance back in history. We soon discover that Turnberry is no stranger to change... PLUS: The Turnberry Opens in pictures. And captions...
Phil Mickelson is $9million richer this morning after a playoff victory under the floodlights against Tiger Woods in the much trumpeted and equally maligned 'Match' at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas.
Danny Willett has won his first title since the 2016 Masters at the DP World Tour Championship on Sunday, and there was much celebration down at GolfPunk Towers.
Arccos, the market leading golf data and artificial intelligence company, has predicted that Tommy Fleetwood will come out on top in his contest with Francesco Molinari this week when they face off at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
When I was a hot headed and slightly greasy 14 year old, I hated Tom Watson. I mean I hated him.
Here are our top twenty weirdest Open Championship moments.
The Belfry Hotel & Resort continues to wow golfers from across the globe as it was named ‘World’s Best Golf Hotel’ at the 2018 World Golf Awards held at La Manga, Spain, over the weekend.
There have probably only been four truly dominant players in the modern game, and we have been waiting to see who the next one will be ever since Tiger Woods.
Here she comes: It's Carly Booth, the new GolfPunk Golf Nurse!!! Lesson1: How To Hit Perfect Lob Shots. Take it away, Nursey!!
Under Armour’s Fall/Winter ’18 collection delivers the technologies and performance benefits you need to keep your game going in any type of weather.
Tommy Fleetwood’s caddie dropped a clanger during the third round of the WGC-HSBC Champions when he failed to stop Tommy’s ball from going into the water.
Santiago Luna stayed in control throughout the final round as he marched to victory at the Farmfoods European Senior Masters.
