A message from the editor, Neil Tappin:
Seven months ago, I took over as editor and so far I’ve resisted the temptation to discuss the fracture in men’s professional golf. At the risk of alienating some but in the hope that it sparks a healthy debate, it’s time to explain how I see things.
Men’s professional golf needed a reset. I’m not talking here about the Majors but, instead, referring to the many events that sit outside the big four. In a congested sporting landscape, I’d found myself struggling to consistently connect with the storylines and engage in the drama I’d once found compelling.
Then, in 2022, along came LIV. The shotgun start, with individual and team events being played in tandem, was a direct attempt to confront golf’s natural shortcomings. As the tour has developed and the quality of the fields improved, I’ve found myself being drawn in. Plenty has happened that I don’t agree with but the product itself, to my mind, is proving its merit.
One thing that mustn’t be lost, though, is the clear pathway for future stars to burst through. This was brought into sharp focus as I read David Facey’s insightful interview with Joaquin Niemann in this issue. After a stellar, if unconventional, amateur career, his star has continued to rise. That at just 25, he has emerged as a likely Major contender underlines the need to provide young talent with a clear and merit-based route to the very top.
There may be no imminent quick fix but if we get to a point where the Majors are supported by several strong events doing a better job of engaging fans, we’ll be moving in the right direction.
See below for some of the other highlights this issue has to offer...
Irons Made Easy
When spring arrives, it’s usually a signal for a lot of fair-weather golfers to get back out onto the course. It’s a time of the year when we can all experience a bit of rust, and it can take a few rounds to start striking the ball well. For some club golfers, though, those bad habits never really get addressed. Here, Top 50 Coach Jo Taylor revisits those important basics and gives you a couple of drills to help you improve the quality of your strike.
Collin Morikawa Exclusive
Two-time Major Champion Collin Morikawa shares his tips for various kinds of shots along with some key mental-game pointers.
Joaquin Niemann Exclusive
Joaquin Niemann tells David Facey he has no regrets about his LIV Golf move and reveals his ambitions to leave a lasting legacy...
Best 2024 Fairway Woods
Striping a fairway wood can be one of the most challenging yet satisfying skills in all of golf. This means that finding a model that suits your game and performs consistently for you will be crucial in helping you lower your scores. We’ve tested 12 3-woods from nine brands to help you make the best choice for your game.
Harry Kane Exclusive
We talk to Harry Kane about his passion for golf, getting down to scratch and the best players in the England camp…
Rules Of Golf
Our regular rules section is there to make sure you don't get caught out on the course this season.
The Generation Game
Rob Smith pays a visit to Fulwell, a Middlesex club successfully introducing more young golfers to the game we all love.
The Best Courses You Can Play
The north of Scotland is a busy place when it comes to golf right now as we discovered on a January trip to the Moray Firth, taking in some of its most famous links as well as one or two lesser-known delights.
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Rory McIlroy 'Would Pay For The Privilege' Of Playing In The Ryder CupRory McIlroy can see the argument for players being paid to play in the Ryder Cup, but thinks it would upset the "purity" of the event for the Europeans
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What Is Maximum Available Relief In Golf And When And Where Does It Apply?What does 'maximum available relief' mean and when might it come into play? We explain all...
