On the 24th and 25th of March 2022 the partners in the EU funded EDUGOLF project met for their third meeting in Madrid, Spain, hosted by the Royal Spanish Golf Federation (RFEG). After the first two meetings were held online this was the first face-to-face meeting of the partners.

At the start of the meeting the partners expressed their support and solidarity with colleagues from the National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport (NUPPES) which is a full partner in the EDUGOLF project.

RESEARCH

The research phase of EDUGOLF is exploring topics such as the economic and social value of golf, types of organisations in golf, occupations, and key competences for the golf workforce.

The partners considered the first findings from the EDUGOLF survey of golf organisations and made plans for the next stage of research which will be interviews with golf employers about skills of the workforce, successful initiatives for growing the game, and trends which will impact on the golf market. A draft EDUGOLF Research Report will be produced before the next partner meeting in November.

STANDARDS

A core output from EDUGOLF will be a new set of occupational standards for the golf industry made up of competences required of the golf workforce.

At the meeting, the partners considered the key purpose, or mission, of the golf industry and the main functional areas such as events, coaching and management, to produce the “functional map” which is the starting point for the development of detailed occupational standards.

The results from the meeting will be considered by the EDUGOLF sub-groups for golf coaching standards, and golf management standards, which are meeting regularly and will produce new draft standards before the next meeting.

EDUCATION

EDUGOLF will produce a Training Handbook for the golf industry as well as new e-learning modules for professionals in golf. At the meeting, the partners brainstormed the key topics to be included in the EDUGOLF Training Handbook, including:

• Learning outcomes
• Module outlines
• Delivery methods
• Quality assurance
• Accreditation
• Assessment
• Align with career pathways
• Tutors/ assessors
• Align with EDUGOLF standards
• Learning time
• E-learning
• Overlap with other sports
• Theory/ practical
• Selection criteria

The Training Handbook will be an invaluable resource for the golf industry and the future of golf education in Europe.

After the meeting, Ian Randell, CEO of the Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG) said “It was so good to finally get together for a face-to-face meeting with all of our colleagues in the project for two days of discussion and progress in the superb facilities of the RFEG at the Centro Nacional de Golf in Madrid”.

Visit the project web page at https://edugolf.eu You can contact the EDUGOLF project and ask to be kept informed about developments by contacting info@edugolf.eu or subscribe on the website to be kept up to date.

Full list of partners – European Observatoire of Sport and Employment (EOSE); Confederation of Professional Golf (CPG); PGA of Sweden; Polish Golf Union (PGU); French Golf Federation (ffgolf); Real Federacion Espanola de golf (RFEG); PGA of Belgium; EDGA; University of Applied Sciences for Sport and Management Potsdam (ESAB); National University of Ukraine on Physical Education and Sport (NUPPES).

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Staying true to PING’s clean and timeless design ethos, the SS22 men’s collection features a key focus on ‘Elevated Geos’. The refined geometrics that feature throughout the range reinvigorate pattern and texture, which feature clean, angular, sharp and precise details. The new, innovative designs are complemented by the state-of-the-art Sensor fabric technology platform from PING, to ensure every item is specifically engineered to respond to the body’s requirements and demands whilst on the golf course. As a brand who strive for continuous improvement, PING have also introduced recycled content into a number of styles this season.

For SS22, PING have developed three brand-new energising colour palettes, with each of these boasting a technical edge that showcases PING’s forward-thinking design ethos. The ‘Daybreak’ colour story offers a refined pastel colour palette, while the ‘New Wave’ colour story embodies a more classic range, with Blue Surf and Firebrick red combining for strong looks with heritage appeal. The ‘Supercharged’ palette is a striking new colour story that sees Dragonfly green mix with softer tone, Blue Nile, whilst black and a punch of lime creates a crisp, technical edge.

One of the stand-out pieces in the collection is the 1A Putter polo, inspired by the original PING 1A putter. An innovative design that features the clean, angular shapes of the iconic putter design in a modern and timeless look.

Another signature piece in the SS22 range is the PING Geo polo, a garment that incorporates the ‘Elevated Geos’ theme through the use of a repeat hexagonal pattern and features the PING Eye Mark logo throughout, to offer an eye-catching look for all golfers.

The expanded SS22 collection also features a host of new designs, such as the Focus, Sinclair, Cubic Jacquard, Rae, Halcyon, Portman, Malvern and Alexander polo shirts, which are all engineered with SensorCool® technology to provide moisture-moving comfort in all conditions.

The 1A Putter polo is one of this season’s statement garments. Available in two colours, with a contrast tipped collar, the design takes inspiration from Karsten Solheim’s original idea for the now iconic 1A Putter and features a premium graphic print of this unique sketch. Produced from recycled polyester and constructed in SensorCool® performance fabric, with the added benefit of an antibacterial finish, this polo provides golfers with the perfect all-round garment for the golf course.

The PING Geo polo embodies the company’s brand heritage and logo and features a hexagon design throughout, which has become a recognisable shape that PING has utilised throughout its existence. The geometric repeat print creates a modern look and incorporates the Eye Mark logo within the design. The fabric utilises SensorCool® technology and is made from recycled polyester, to keep the wearer in their comfort zone for the duration of their round.

The brand-new Cubic Jacquard polo is a performance garment that features an eye-catching cubic jacquard fabric throughout and comes in three contrasting colourways: Navy Multi, Black Multi and Blue Surf Multi. Engineered from SensorCool® fabric, it provides comfort in play, with moisture-movement, quick-drying and stretch properties.

Created in a unique scattered camo pattern, the Rae polo provides an on-trend jacquard, executed in a subtle and refined manner. The PING Eye Mark logo on the shoulder contrasts to the camo design and outstanding technical performance comes from the SensorCool® fabric with moisture-movement, quick-drying and stretch properties and is also made from recycled polyester.

Head to www.pingeurope.com, the recently launched e-commerce site, to browse the new season apparel range from the SS22 collection.

The Sensor Platform

The Sensor platform from PING is an innovative, technological system, designed to ensure that every garment worn is specifically engineered to respond to the body’s requirements and the demands of the game, whatever the conditions.

SensorCool® – Engineered to be worn next to the skin, SensorCool® technology, featuring moisture-moving properties, draws excess perspiration from the skin. This will keep the golfer dry for the duration of a round and beyond, guaranteeing exceptional comfort levels in all conditions. Each SensorCool® garment is crease resistant and formed from stretch fabrics that are designed to complement the athletic movements made during a golf swing.

SensorWarm® – SensorWarm® technology embodies a thermal layer, designed to trap warm air and maintain a preferable body temperature. This layer also works as a barrier to resist wind chill and the subsequent effect it can have on a swing. SensorWarm® garments are designed to minimise weight and distraction, through the use of breathable and stretch fabrics. Such qualities also enable the garments to work with the golfer’s body for optimum playability.

SensorDry® – This technology provides the ultimate, long-lasting waterproof and windproof protection against all the elements. The garments incorporating SensorDry® are air permeable and, therefore, truly breathable. The outerwear is specifically cut in lightweight and noiseless fabrics, to eradicate distractions often associated with weather protective garments, while the fabrics used hold stretch qualities intended to move with your body throughout the golf swing.

PING, Mr. PING logo, ENGINEERED TO PLAY, SENSORCOOL, SENSORWARM and SENSORDRY are registered trademarks of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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PING has unveiled details of its Spring/Summer 2022 collection. The new range creates an uplifting summer mood, using colour and performance fabrics in a mix of heritage-inspired patterns that have been modernised to soften and update traditional formal looks. The garments showcase a variety of elegant designs in what is their most diverse women’s offering to-date, highlighting PING’s dedication to the women’s game.

For SS22, PING have introduced recycled content into a number of styles and have broadened their women’s offering through three contemporary colour stories. ‘Digital Check’ is steeped in golf heritage and has been engineered with a distorted, optical twist and technical edge to give a sleek looking style for the season. It is a print collection that offers a certain familiarity that will appeal to both traditional and modern tastes.

The second colour story, ‘Distressed Houndstooth’, is a graphic overhaul of a traditional look. The houndstooth patterns have been reworked with exaggerated scales and distorted effects, whilst classic monochrome colours continue, providing a striking timeless look.

The third colour story, ‘Modern Deco’, is inspired by art deco design with patterns that incorporate clean lines, geometric shapes and decorative effects. Within the blue palette in the colour story, PING has created a clean geo print that takes influence from art deco principles to construct a brilliantly chic look.

The collection is highlighted by the Etta and Evie polos, which can be paired perfectly with the Saffi skort and matching Birdie visor for a contemporary head-to-toe look. All are available in any of the three colour stories and feature SensorCool® technology for moisture-moving comfort in all conditions, providing golfers unrivalled comfort and style.

As part of an expanded range, PING have also increased their trouser offering with the addition of the new Verity Printed Crop, Short and Skort to complement the Verity trouser range and offer greater outfit combinations.

The Etta polo has been crafted from SensorCool® stretch and moisture-moving fabric, to ensure comfort on and off the golf course. Available in three colourways, each one utilises the printed fabric in different executions to provide greater variety within the range. All colourways feature a contemporary stripe detail at the back of the garment and are crafted from recycled polyester.

Engineered for warmer weather, the Evie polo features cut-and-sew panels at the armhole. The neckline can be worn open to reveal the printed under placket, or closed over with the feature top button. Its light, minimalistic design, coupled with SensorCool® technology offers golfers a brilliant solution for a hot summer’s day and is produced from recycled polyester.

An all-new polo shirt that encompasses PING’s Distressed Houndstooth pattern in a subtle and refined jacquard fabric. The pattern is further highlighted by the high shine yarn used within the fabric, giving this style added feminine detailing. Available in three strong colour options, this design offers the wearer a modern update on a traditional pattern. Featuring SensorCool® fabric technology, the Faye polo is engineered for moisture-moving comfort in all conditions and is made from recycled polyester.

Available in all three colour stories, the new Saffi Skort provides a coordinated full outfit look when paired with the Etta or Evie Polo. The printed performance skort is engineered with SensorCool® fabric technology, for comfort and freedom of movement and is also made from recycled polyester.

Head to www.pingeurope.com, the recently launched e-commerce site, to browse the new season apparel range from the SS22 collection.

The Sensor Platform

The Sensor platform from PING is an innovative, technological system, designed to ensure that every garment worn is specifically engineered to respond to the body’s requirements and the demands of the game, whatever the conditions.

SensorCool® – Engineered to be worn next to the skin, SensorCool® technology, featuring moisture-moving properties, draws excess perspiration from the skin. This will keep the golfer dry for the duration of a round and beyond, guaranteeing exceptional comfort levels in all conditions. Each SensorCool® garment is crease resistant and formed from stretch fabrics that are designed to complement the athletic movements made during a golf swing.

SensorWarm® – SensorWarm® technology embodies a thermal layer, designed to trap warm air and maintain a preferable body temperature. This layer also works as a barrier to resist wind chill and the subsequent effect it can have on a swing. SensorWarm® garments are designed to minimise weight and distraction, through the use of breathable and stretch fabrics. Such qualities also enable the garments to work with the golfer’s body for optimum playability.

SensorDry® – This technology provides the ultimate, long-lasting waterproof and windproof protection against all the elements. The garments incorporating SensorDry® are air permeable and, therefore, truly breathable. The outerwear is specifically cut in lightweight and noiseless fabrics, to eradicate distractions often associated with weather protective garments, while the fabrics used hold stretch qualities intended to move with your body throughout the golf swing.

PING, Mr. PING logo, ENGINEERED TO PLAY, SENSORCOOL, SENSORWARM and SENSORDRY are registered trademarks of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

FIND OUT MORE AT PINGEUROPE.COM

A luxury gin brand with ties to the golfing industry has pledged its support to international charity, Oxfam, with plans to raise a 6-figure donation for its Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

Officially launched in spring 2021 by Italian entrepreneur, Giorgio Cozzolino, Old Tom Gin 1821 is distilled using the finest Sicilian ingredients and symbolises a harmonious marriage between Giorgio’s Italian homeland and his love for Scotland, where he has resided for the last five years.

Having worked closely with multiple Ukrainian businesses in the development and launch of the Old Tom Gin brand – both in the design of the original bottle and in the design, print and delivery of the bottle labels – Giorgio is now donating £20 from the sale of each bottle to Oxfam’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, which could result in a £100,000 fund for the cause if all 5,000 stocked bottles are sold.

Giorgio Cozzolino confirmed: “The humanitarian situation in Ukraine is becoming more and more concerning by the day, with millions of people who have either fled or are still within the country desperate for food, water and clothing.

Having worked closely with several Ukrainian businesses in the development of Old Tom Gin, I wanted to find a way in which we could raise funds to support them and their communities who now find themselves in an increasingly desperate situation. It, therefore, seems fitting that we can raise funds through the very product they helped us create, and through such a well-known and credible organisation as Oxfam.”

Oxfam is part of the Disasters Emergency Committee [DEC], which comprises of 15 member charities who are all experts in humanitarian aid – including The Red Cross and Save the Children.

The money raised will support Oxfam and its partner organisations to respond, and could provide individuals with essential items, like food, water, and clothing – whilst helping vulnerable families keep themselves safe and clean from disease with the provision of hygiene equipment.

Discussing Old Tom Gin’s 6-figure pledge to the Oxfam Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, Danny Sriskandarajah, Chief Executive of Oxfam GB said:

“We’re very grateful to Old Tom’s Gin for its support for people fleeing devastating conflict in Ukraine. As humanitarian needs continue to grow, the money raised will help Oxfam and partner organisations in Eastern Europe to provide vital support to people who have already lost so much to stay warm, fed and healthy.”

Bottled at 43% ABV, Old Tom Gin 1821 is priced at £49 bottle and is available to purchase from the brand’s dedicated eCommerce store. For each bottle sold, £20 will be donated to Oxfam’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

For more information, visit:

https://oldtomgin1821.com

https://www.oxfam.org.uk

The tour-proven Glide 4.0 wedges are available for custom fitting and pre-sell beginning today at authorised PING golf shops around the world.

“The Glide 4.0 series is an exciting continuation of our specialty wedge family that brings golfers the short-game performance they need to lower their scores through several advancements in wedge technology,” said John K. Solheim, PING President. “We packed a lot of performance into the series to ensure it appeals to golfers of all abilities. The wedges have a great look at address and are extremely versatile in all conditions, relying on precision-milled grooves and a new face blast to increase friction and deliver high spin and consistency. The feel is greatly improved as we’re using 8620 carbon steel together with our activated elastomer insert behind the face. Every detail in the Glide 4.0 is designed to save shots, including a longer grip for choking down when necessary to play touch shots around the green. We’ve seen tremendous tour adoption around the world with the new wedges and look forward to getting them in golfer’s hands as we begin another golf season.”

In developing the Glide 4.0 wedges, PING’s engineers focused on expanding the grind and loft options to make custom fitting easier and more precise.

“The four distinctly different sole grinds, including an Eye2 sand-wedge-inspired version in four lofts, ensure that trained PING club fitters can properly match a Glide 4.0 to a golfer’s angle of attack and playing conditions,” Solheim said. “Whether fitting our tour pros or players who just prefer the look, feel and all-around performance of a specialty wedge, we have a sole grind and loft combination to match every golfer.”

8620 Carbon Steel & Activated Elastomer

The multi-material construction combines 8620 carbon steel with a larger and softer activated elastomer insert to provide a soft, responsive feel. The additional volume of the insert allows for 36% more face contact, resulting in the softer feel golfers prefer in their wedges.

“This is the first time we’re using 8620 in the investment casting of a Glide series wedge,” said Solheim. “It makes a big difference. When we combine it with the activated elastomer, it delivers an amazing feel.”

Precisely Sized and Shaped

The Glide 4.0 features a slightly rounded, compact design that benefits from advancements to the lead edge and hosel transition to provide a captured look at address. In designing the series, the engineers made the head sizes of the “S” and “T” grind versions smaller than the “W” and “E” options.

“The first impression a golfer gets when they look at a wedge is vitally important,” said Solheim. “It must appeal to their eye and instill confidence that they can execute the shot they’re facing. When designing the series, we decided to vary the head size of the S and T grinds to give players choosing those options a smaller head for added confidence and versatility. Conversely, the W and E grinds are a little more forgiving, with slightly larger heads.”

Friction Face with Emery Blast

In combination with the precision-milled face and grooves, the new Emery face blast adds more texture to the hitting surface, creating higher friction and more interaction between the club and ball for more spin and lower launch. The 46º, 50º and 52º lofts feature wheel-cut grooves with a 20º sidewall to optimise performance on full shots. The 54º to 60º options are milled with a 28º sidewall and tighter radius for more spin and precision on finesse shots around the green and from the sand. The hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish adds to the higher spin and lower launch, especially from wet and rough conditions.

“The new Emery blast makes a huge difference in performance and is the result of our on-going research into the role friction plays in adding spin during ball interaction,” said Solheim. “We’re able to provide added spin with a lower launch that gives golfers the consistency they need to play at the pin on full shots or take on the tough shots around the green.”

Four Grinds, More Loft Options

Four differentiated sole grinds (S, W, T, E) are designed to match a golfer’s angle of attack and typical turf conditions for improving performance and versatility on full and partial shots. In all, there are 17 grind/loft combinations.

S Grind (46º/12º, 50º/12º, 52º/12º, 54º/12º, 56º/12º, 58º/10º, 60º/10º)

-Trail edge/heel relief
-Ample bounce
-Rounded lead edge
-Fits most golfers

W Grind (54º/14º, 56º/14º, 58º/14º, 60º/14º)

-Traditional full-sole design
-Most forgiving through the turf
-Rounded lead edge
-Optimised for square-face and bunker shots

T GRIND (58º/6º, 60º/6º)

-High lead-edge bounce
-Half-moon sole shaping
-Increased center bounce width

E GRIND (54º/10º, 56º/10º, 58º/8º, 60º/8º)

-High toe
-Improved lead-edge shaping
-Dished sole and tapered hosel for bunker performance

Eye2-inspired E-Grind

The PING Eye2 wedge face profile inspired the “E” grind, which is distinguished by the high-toe design made popular by Karsten Solheim’s iconic sand wedge developed in the early 1980s. It features a blended hosel and dished sole design similar to the original Eye2.

Glide 4.0 Specifications

Material/Manufacturing Process: Investment-cast 8620 carbon steel head; elastomer insert; precision-milled face and grooves; Emery face blast; hydropearl 2.0 chrome finish

Glide 4.0 Specifications

STOCK SHAFTS: PING Z-Z115 wedge; PING AWT 2.0 (R, S, X), PING Alta CB Slate (SR, R, S), Alta Distanza Black 40

OPTIONAL STOCK SHAFTS: Dynamic Gold (S300, X100), Dynamic Gold 105 (R300, S300), Dynamic Gold 120 (S300, X100), KBS Tour (R, S, X), NS Pro Modus 105 (R, S, X), Elevate 95 (R, S)

STOCK GRIP: Lamkin Crossline 1150 (11.5 inches)
RRP: Steel £160, Graphite £170

Available to order now from authorized fitters.

FIND OUT MORE AT PING.COM

Private clubs, public courses, and resorts are now able to seamlessly create a promotional Golf Hub landing page for any competition, open event, league, or clinic, with optional online registration and payment as required.

Golf professionals and administrators can then embed these professional-looking pages into their club website, email campaigns, and social media posts to amplify promotional efforts and drive increased participation.

Golf Hub pages are customisable, allowing clubs and resorts to showcase their sponsors by embedding their logo and linking directly to their website. After an event is complete, the Golf Hub Page automatically shifts to display the tournament results and leaderboard.

“We are excited to launch Golf Hub, which can be used as a tool to support and promote any type of event,” commented Craig Higgs, Managing Director for Golf Genius International.

“While sophisticated player registration and online payments have been important features of our offering for several years, Golf Hub combines this concept with automated marketing to provide powerful promotion to our customers.”

Another feature of Golf Hub is the ability to automatically aggregate your event pages into your Club Hub, a single page that showcases the playing and learning opportunities at your facility.

Easily embedding into an existing website, Club Hub allows golfers to see all upcoming events. They can click on any individual event to visit the Golf Hub Page to see more information, register, and view tournament results.

If you are interested in finding out more about Golf Genius, contact the international team at intlsales@golfgenius.com.

Stenson becomes first Swede to be given the honour

Has played in five Ryder Cups and was Vice Captain in last contest

Henrik Stenson has been named as the European Captain for the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy from September 25 – October 1, 2023.

The 2016 Open Champion has enjoyed an impressive Ryder Cup career, helping Europe to victory in three of five of his appearances as a player before going on to bring his experience to the role of Vice Captain in the 2020 edition of the biennial contest.

The 45 year old becomes the first Swede to be named European Captain and will be aiming to emulate the memorable European performance in the last home match at Le Golf National in Paris, France in 2018, and reclaim the Ryder Cup following victory for the United States at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, last September.

As a player, Stenson made his Ryder Cup debut for Europe at The K Club, in Ireland, in 2006, when he secured the winning point in a dominant 18½ – 9½ victory. He was also a member of the victorious teams in 2014 at Gleneagles, Scotland, and 2018 at Le Golf National, in France, as well as being part of the European Teams in both 2008 and 2016.

The Swede has collected 17 titles worldwide and famously became Sweden’s first male Major winner when he triumphed in The 145th Open at Royal Troon. Stenson lifted the Claret Jug in 2016 after he recorded a final round 63 in a thrilling battle with Phil Mickelson, which drew comparisons with the legendary ‘Duel in the Sun’ between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus at nearby Turnberry in 1977.

Stenson was selected as Europe’s 2023 Ryder Cup Captain by a five-man selection panel comprising the three most recent European Ryder Cup Captains – Pádraig Harrington, Thomas Bjørn and Darren Clarke – as well as the Chief Executive of the European Tour group, Keith Pelley, and DP World Tour Tournament Committee Chairman David Howell.

Stenson said: I am absolutely thrilled and delighted to be the European Ryder Cup Captain – it is a huge honour and I was humbled to get the call confirming the news. I would like to thank the selection panel for believing in me and will say to them, and every European golf fan, that I will do everything in my power and leave no stone unturned in the quest to get the Ryder Cup back in European hands.

“The Ryder Cup is golf, and sport, at its very best. I got goosebumps every time I pulled on a European shirt as a player and that will be magnified in the role of Captain. While it is great for me personally, it is also great for my country and all the players from Sweden who have played for Europe with such distinction since Joakim Haeggman became the first in 1993.

“When I started out as a professional golfer, it was beyond my wildest dreams that, one day, I would follow in the footsteps of legends of the game such as Seve and be the European Ryder Cup Captain. But today proves that, sometimes, dreams do come true.”

Guy Kinnings, the European Ryder Cup Director, said: “Henrik has all the qualities to be a great Captain. He has an incredibly impressive golfing CV as a Major Champion, two-time European Number One and FedEx Cup winner, and in the Ryder Cup he played five times and played with distinction, including holing the winning putt in 2006 at The K Club.

“So he comes with all the credibility of what he has achieved, and as we all know a dry a sense of humour and a fantastic warm personality, but he is also a ferocious competitor. He is hugely respected by the players and admired by everyone involved with the game and the Ryder Cup.”

The two-time European Number One has amassed 11 points for Europe from his 19 matches, including a 100% record from his three matches during his last outing at Le Golf National in 2018. He partnered Justin Rose to foursomes victories over Rickie Fowler and Dustin Johnson on the Friday and Johnson and Brooks Koepka on the Saturday, before rounding off his perfect week with a 5&4 singles victory over Bubba Watson.

Stenson made his Ryder Cup debut in 2006, earning half a point alongside David Howell in the foursomes against Stewart Cink and David Toms on the Friday, before holing the winning putt which ensured that Europe won the Ryder Cup for a third consecutive time when he beat Vaughn Taylor 4&3 in the Sunday singles.

He played again in 2008 at Valhalla, contributing 1½ points courtesy of a victory alongside Oliver Wilson in the Saturday foursomes against Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim, and halving his fourballs match in the afternoon with partner Robert Karlsson against Mickelson and Hunter Mahan.

Stenson then formed a formidable partnership with fellow Major winner Justin Rose at Gleneagles in 2014. The pair were victorious in their three matches in Scotland, including a comprehensive 5&4 win over Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson in the opening fourballs matches on the Friday. They also defeated Zach Johnson and Mahan 2&1 in the afternoon foursomes and Matt Kuchar and Bubba Watson 3&2 in the Saturday fourballs.

The partnership yielded another point at Hazeltine National in 2016 courtesy of a 5&4 defeat of Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth in the Friday afternoon fourballs, while Stenson also won his singles match against Spieth 3&2.

Stenson’s impressive CV also features an Olympic Silver Medal which he won at the 2016 Games in Rio, the 2008 World Cup of Golf alongside Robert Karlsson, the 2007 WGC Accenture World Match Play Championship and the 2009 PLAYERS Championship.

In 2013 he won the PGA TOUR’s Fed Ex Cup and the European Tour’s Race to Dubai in the same year after winning the season ending DP World Tour Championship, a title which he defended in 2014. He won the Race to Dubai again in 2016 after claiming the Claret Jug at Royal Troon following the iconic battle down the stretch with Mickelson.

Stenson is also the co-host of the DP World Tour’s Scandinavian Mixed event alongside fellow Swedish Major Champion, Annika Sörenstam.

His 12-man European Team will face the United States team which will be led by Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters Champion and 2015 Open Champion.

[Images Courtesy of Getty Images]

The Real Club de Golf de El Prat, one of the eight centenary clubs in Spain, will be the beginning of a new stage of the PGA National Circuit that this year bears the name of “Spain Golf Tour 50th Anniversary”, in tribute to that half century of life that has fulfilled the oldest professional association in Spain.

The Barcelona Open by Pablo Larrazábal will take place from April 5 to 9 at the facilities of the Barcelona club under the auspices of one of the great national references, the professional of the European circuit Pablo Larrazábal and member of the Catalan club. Along with Pablo, other great professionals such as Álvaro Velasco will be the champions of this tournament, which will kick off, one more year – and there are already seven editions – to the national circuit of the PGA.

The tournament will consist of 3 days of play, from April 6 to 8, in individual strokeplay mode with a cut on the second day. Of the maximum number of participants set at 144 players, only 40 and ties will be able to play the final and qualify for the prize fund. In addition, amateurs with a handicap of 4.4 or less are also given the possibility to participate in the tournament, and to compete with professionals of the highest level.

April 5 is the official training day of the Rosa route of RCG El Prat, considered the most demanding of the Barcelona club and designed by the Australian “White Shark” Greg Norman. As a finishing touch of the tournament, some of the professionals will play a Pro-Am on the 9th with members and friends of the Real Club de Golf El Prat.

Pablo Larrazábal commented: “This tournament makes me very excited. Álvaro Velasco proposed me to collaborate with the tournament and here we are, opening the Circuit in this 50th Anniversary of the PGA and playing the Spanish circuit, where I started and helped me get to where I am today. “

An example of the importance of organizing tournaments at home is that, in addition to helping the most experienced professionals to complete their calendar, the youngest amateur players are also given the opportunity to get the necessary experience they need playing and learning from the greats of the highest level.

The RCG El Prat welcomes this event and encourages all professionals to participate and support Spanish professional golf in the Barcelona Open by Pablo Larrazábal, in a high-level course where the Club’s staff has worked to leave it in excellent condition, in the pure style of the Real Club de Golf El Prat. A scene of key moments in the world of international golf, with the celebration of tournaments of the highest level of the European Tour, such as the Spanish Open.

More information and registration: www.pgaspain.es

The PLD Milled line offers a collection of four tour-validated models, each with a history of winning championships. These designs are fully machined from forged, 303 stainless steel and represent a combination of standard-setting favourites like the Anser and newer, tour-inspired models like the DS72, the choice of multiple-time winner Viktor Hovland. Each model requires more than four hours of milling time, precisely shaping every surface and radius to achieve the high quality and premium look expected in a precision-milled putter.

“The PLD Milled is an exciting addition to our putter line,” said John K. Solheim. “We’ve identified a couple of our most popular models from the past and some newer designs that have attracted a lot of attention in the last couple of years. We’ve given the new putters a very clean, premium look to emphasise the precision process they undergo before they are ready for play. As we collaborate on new designs with our engineers and tour staff through the PLD programme, we’ll add new models to bring golfers the latest in tour-proven performance on the putting green.

“We established the PLD name several years ago as an extension of the PING Putting Lab, where we’ve have been fitting some of the top players in the world for more than 20 years.

“Several of our highest ranked players in the world rely on a PLD custom putter that was designed in collaboration with our engineering team. We chose this week to introduce the PLD programme at one of the game’s most important events and shine a spotlight on our success. Viktor Hovland, Tony Finau and Bubba Watson are just a few players who put their trust in a PLD model, each custom designed and built to their specific needs, but all engineered to win championships,” added Solheim.

As part of the PLD introduction, PING staff players at this week’s Players Championship will carry a PLD-branded staff bag and wear headwear featuring the PLD logo. The staff bags will be autographed by the player and later donated or auctioned off.

PLD Milled Model Specifications

Anser

• Precision-milled from forged, 303 stainless steel
• Slight Arc
• 350g
• Matte Black finish
• PING black graphite shaft
• Lie Angle: 20° +/- 4.0°
• Loft: 3° +3°/- 2.0°

Anser 2

• Precision-milled from forged, 303 stainless steel
• Slight Arc
• 350g
• Satin finish
• Chrome stepless steel shaft
• Lie Angle: 20° +/- 4.0°
• Loft: 3° +3°/- 2.0°

DS72

• Precision-milled from forged, 303 stainless steel
• Straight Stroke
• 365g
• Satin finish
• Chrome stepless steel shaft
• Lie Angle: 20° +/- 2.0°
• Loft: 3° +3°/- 2.0°

Prime Tyne 4

• Precision-milled from forged, 303 stainless steel head
• Aerospace grade, machined aluminum hosel
• Strong Arc
• 360g
• Matte Black finish
• Matte-black stepless steel shaft
• Lie Angle: 20° +/- 4.0°
• Loft: 3° +3°/- 2.0°

The four models: RRP £399 are available for pre-order beginning today at PING authorised retailers committed to selling premium, custom fit putters.

FIND OUT MORE AT PING.COM

The situation will continue to be closely monitored in coordination with golf’s governing bodies and the CPG may reassess its decisions and measures according to future developments.

The CPG joins its fellow organisations within golf to echo the belief that sport can contribute to peace and unite people across cultures. On behalf of both CPG and our Members we have shared our support and solidarity to the PGA of Ukraine and wider Ukrainian golf community.

The Vilnius Pro-Am is back for 2022 at Vilnius Grand Resort in Lithuania, taking place from 06-10 June with a Professional prize fund of €20,000* up for grabs.

Teams of one Professional and three amateurs will enjoy a 54-hole Pro-Am format event that will showcase The V Golf Club’s Championship course and Vilnius Grand Resort’s expansive grounds, lakes and pine and birch forests, and reputation built on warm hospitality and effortless luxury.

After postponements since the first edition in 2019, won by the PGA of Italy’s Federico Elli, the Pro-Am will offer competitors the chance to sample the 6,312 meter, Par 72 golf course that sits in a landscape of rolling hills, natural lakes and sand based fairways for an exciting, challenging game for every level of golfer.

Designed by distinguished golf course architect Bob Hunt, its modern design combines the best elements of Scottish Links with American golf course architecture and in 2009 was awarded the Annual Development of the Year award by Golf Inc. magazine.

The Pro-Am is also supported by the PGA of Lithuania, an active member of the CPG since 2014, and has eight professional Members, all of whom have completed the CPG’s Initial Professional Education [IPE] programme and possess higher education degrees from the Lithuanian Sports University.

There is no Pro-Am package fee for each participating professional bringing a team of three amateurs, and amateur packages start at €1,590 and include:

• 5 nights accommodation with breakfast
• 3 lunches at Vilnius Grand Resort & On-course refreshments and snacks for 3 tournament rounds
• 4 round of Golf (including the official practice round)
• Airport transfers
• 4 days unlimited Driving Range usage
• Welcome reception at Trattoria Verde restaurant, Social Event at Bora Bora restaurant, GALA dinner & Award giving ceremony
• Unlimited entrance to Aqua pool and gym
• Special discounts for The V Spa & Wellness centre treatments
• Unlimited Access to the beach, boats and water bicycles, basketball and tennis courts

For more information on the Vilnius Pro-Am visit https://cp.golf/2022vilnius, and for more information on Vilnius Grand Resort visit VilniusGrandResort.com.

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