All the latest stories from this week in golf that you may have missed
Sun Mountain Unveil New 2017 Range of Bags
Sun Mountain has introduced a flagship waterproof carry bag model as part of its 2017 range which features no less than seven stand bags.
The new and improved H2NO Superlite weighs in at just 1.8kg and makes sure that your clubs and belongings stay dry in all conditions.
The range also introduces a new premium Leather Collection, which combines modern technology with traditional styling.
There are also upgrades to the ever popular Three5 and Four5 models, with the Three5 LS weighing 30% less than its predecessor at just 1.75kg.
Tony Fletcher, Brand Fusion UK Sales Manager said “The 2017 Sun Mountain bag range is packed with super- lightweight and super-looking bags.”
For more information on the Sun Mountain 2017 range, please visit www.brandfusionltd.co.uk.
Money raised at British Masters will support new junior golfers, courtesy of the European Tour
The Golf Foundation benefited from more than £25,000 in its role as the European Tour’s Official Charity of the British Masters supported by Sky Sports at The Grove.
European Tour player Alexander Levy teed-up the week when he starred in the Hero Challenge under floodlights on Tuesday evening. The Frenchman won an exciting one-hole knockout contest, with proceeds going to the Golf Foundation’s HSBC Golf Roots programme which encourages young people to enjoy the benefits of golf and helps them ‘Start, Learn and Stay’ in the game.
Other initiatives included the Mega Putt Challenge (pictured), where spectators were given three attempts to hole a 56-foot putt to win prizes, while the ISPS Handa Pressure Putt Showdown – filmed live on Sky Sports and cheered on by 250 local schoolchildren – provided a colourful and noisy spectacle much enjoyed by the watching public.
Brendon Pyle, Chief Executive of the Golf Foundation, said: “The funding raised will help the Golf Foundation ensure that many more youngsters will receive an introduction to golf in their schools and community groups via professionally-trained PGA Coaches and that they will also be given the opportunity to progress through the gates of a golf club to experience a warm welcome at our network of junior friendly facilities.”
To find out more about the Golf Foundation visit www.golf-foundation.org
Former European Tour Chief George O'Grady to Become First Centurion Club President
The Centurion Club, located near St Albans, Hertfordshire, is pleased to announce that the former Chief Executive of the European Tour George O’Grady is to become the club’s first President.
O’Grady spent over 40 years with the European Tour, in which time he revolutionised the way in which the Tour was operated globally.
As well as being the driving force behind implementing the Race to Dubai and Final Series initiatives, O’Grady also oversaw the significant growth of the Ryder Cup, and instigated strong relationships with golfing bodies and fellow Tours across the globe.
“It’s an honour and pleasure to have George as our first ever club President,” commented Scott Evans, Managing Director of Centurion Club. “He comes to us with a wealth of invaluable expertise concerning elite golfing on a global level, and all of us here at Centurion are looking forward to welcoming him to the club in the very near future.”
Excellent British Masters for Mizuno as Official Club Supplier as Brand Ambassador Luke Donald Played Host
The partnership with the British Masters supported by Sky Sports allowed Mizuno to showcase its latest product ranges in the spectator village, with spectators able to see, feel and try Mizuno clubs across those ranges. Particularly popular was the new JPX900 iron range and the T7 wedges.
In Mizuno-branded practice nets in the tented village, spectators had the chance to try out all the clubs from the current ranges, with the company’s technical experts on hand to offer advice, guidance and fittings throughout the tournament.
Mizuno ran a ‘Golden Ticket Competition’ throughout the tournament week where the 900th spectator through the gates each day won a custom fit set of JPX900 irons.
There was also a ‘Nearest the Pin’ competition daily and the winner of that won a limited edition Luke Donald T7 wedge. The tournament host Luke Donald took time out of his busy schedule to spend some time talking to fans at the Mizuno spectator experience during Saturday.
Bryson DeChambeau Considering Using Side Saddle Putting Technique
'The Golfing Scientist' Bryson DeChambeau is considering using the 'side saddle' putting technique, according to the Golf Channel.
DeChambeau is famous for his single-length irons which are now being put into market by Cobra.
Related: Cobra reveal DeChambeau-inspired single length irons.
The side saddle technique was made famous by Sam Snead in the 1960s.
The Golf Channel's Tim Rosaforte revealed that DeChambeau currently uses a 'vector' green reading technique and said: "He thinks this (side saddle) is going to be a game-changer the way the same, one-length golf clubs are."
Ian Woosnam Inducted to World Golf Hall of Fame
1991 Masters champion Ian Woosnam has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
The Welshman reached world number one, won 29 times on the European Tour, played in eight Ryder Cups and captained Europe to the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club.
Also making up the Class of 2016 are USA's 2016 winning Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III, former LPGA Tour players Lorena Ochoa and Meg Mallon, and the late golf writer and commentator Henry Longhurst.
Woosnam announced that he will play in The Masters again, having previously said he wouldn't because of persistent back troubles. He said the Hall of Fame recognition had given him "a bit more enthusiasm to play".
Justin Rose Visits Buckingham Palace
Team GB's gold medal winning Justin Rose joined many of his fellow Olympic and Paralympic medallists as they visited Buckingham Palace to show off their medals. The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh hosted a celebratory evening alongside the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, the Duke of York and the Princess Royal.
Taylormade Reveal TP Putter Range
TaylorMade Golf Company announced today the forthcoming release of an entirely new line of putters, named the TP Collection, retailing in March/April 2017.
There are six models in the new range, five of which feature a 303 stainless steel construction which has been designed for a more solid feel.
The TP Collection uses new materials and new milling processes which Taylormade say not only enhances the aesthetics of each putter, but also to improves performance.
Former England Cricket Star Craig Kieswetter shoots 66 on MENA Tour debut
After suffering a career-ending eye injury, it looks like former England cricketer Craig Kieswetter's decision to try to become a pro golfer was a good one.
The 28-year-old was Man of the Match in England's World T20 Cup final win over Australia and represented England in 45 ODIs and 25 T20s.
The amateur, who is hoping to turn pro, shot five birdies and a bogey for a four under par round of 66 which was just four shots off the lead in Kuwait.
Lee Westwood Announced as 2017 British Masters Host at Close House
Close House will host its first European Tour event next year after being announced as host for the 2017 British Masters.
Lee Westwood, who is attached to the Newcastle club, will host, following on from Luke Donald and Ian Poulter in the tournament's previous two runnings.
Westwood told the European Tour: "The British Masters is back on the map and we should try to move it around the country a bit and let as many people as possible see it.
"We’ve not had a tournament up there for a few years now, even north of Birmingham, so it will be great to take the British Masters to Newcastle which has been missing a big tournament."
Russell Knox Chooses Unknown Duncan Stewart as World Cup Partner
Two-time PGA Tour winner Russell Knox has chosen his long-time friend Duncan Stewart to partner him at the World Cup of Golf, instead of the likes of Martin Laird, Marc Warren and Richie Ramsay.
The World Cup of Golf takes place in Melbourne next month and each country's highest ranked player gets to choose their partner.
Related: Jason Day wins 2013 World Cup of Golf
Stewart, world number 309, currently ranks 9th on the Challenge Tour and will play on the European Tour next year.
His highest pay cheque to date has been €24,750 and last place at the World Cup of Golf is $28,000. Knox told the BBC "I feel like this has the potential to change Duncan's life."
Tiger Woods Announces New 'TGR' Brand
The 14-time major winner has seemingly retired the 'TW' brand and replaced it with 'TGR'. He announced it on his website with this statement:
'Today marks an exciting moment for me. As I work toward returning to the sport I love, I'm also taking the next step in what I like to call Chapter 2: my evolution as a competitor off the course. Video
That next step -- and my next chapter -- is TGR.
I've spent nearly two years developing TGR with my team. And this is what we are about: the pursuit of excellence beyond all limits.
I approach everything I do with a mindset to be the absolute best. The method I follow to get there is inspired by precision, with the end goal of elevating standards and the status quo. And I'm always striving for the kind of mastery that naturally results from focus and a willingness to keep learning.
My team and I have applied these principles -- this mindset, method, and mastery -- to all that we've accomplished over the last 20 years.
But I believe this is just the beginning.
As I enter this next chapter with TGR, I'm committed to building a legacy that goes beyond just me. Because true excellence -- TGR's kind of excellence -- knows no limits.
With pride,
Tiger'
Stage Set For Abu Dhabi's First Women's Professional Golf Tournament at Saadiyat Beach
Melissa Reid, Carly Booth, Nanna Koerstz Madsen and Aditi Ashok have all confirmed their place in next month’s inaugural Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open (FBMLO), alongside big names Dame Laura Davies and Trish Johnson.
126 players will compete in Abu Dhabi’s first women’s professional golf tournament from 2-5 November for the US$550,000 prize purse and a chance to climb the 2016 Order of Merit rankings.
The Ladies European Tour (LET) tournament, held in Abu Dhabi for the first time, is set to inspire the emirate’s female golfers along the way.
For more information, visit www.fbmladiesopen.com.
Hideki Matsuyama Wins Home Open for Ninth Career Title
Hideki Matsuyama won the Japan Open for his ninth career victory to climb up to 13th in the Official World Golf Rankings.
The 24-year-old played the final two rounds in six under to end on five under par and win by three from Yuta Ikeda and Kyoung-Hoon Lee.
It was Matsuyama's seventh career Japan Golf Tour win and his second worldwide win of 2016 after capturing the Waste Management Phoenix Open in February.
