According to an OWGR release, a new “points distribution curve” will be applied to official OWGR events that have fields of 80 or fewer competitors, with a greater percentage of available points (around 21 percent compared to the usual 17 to 18 percent) allocated to top finishers. This would apply to the majority of the “signature events” on the PGA Tour in 2024, which will have smaller fields.

“Following internal and independent analysis, OWGR determined its standard distribution curve did not accurately reflect performances in these events,” read an explainer from the OWGR.

Meanwhile, if such events have no cut (again the case for several of the upcoming signature events, including The Sentry, AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, RBC Heritage, Wells Fargo Championship and Travelers Championship), the number of players receiving points will be limited. Approximately 15 percent of the finishers at the bottom of tournament standings will walk away without any points. Likewise, in any match-play tournaments, first-round losers or players who fail to win any match in a pool format won’t earn points.

The effective impact of this change will be that players competing in limited-field, no-cut events are no longer guaranteed points simply for having qualified to play in the event. Players will have to perform in order to be rewarded for competing, a criticism of the system previously where tour pros who shooting high scores were still rewarded simply for finishing 72 holes.

Interestingly, had this policy been in place this year, the three bottom finishers at the Hero World Challenge earlier this month would not have received World Ranking points. That would have included Tiger Woods, who finished 18th and was able to jump from 1,328th to 898th in the OWGR.

OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKING GOVERNING BOARD ANNOUNCES UPDATES TO THE RANKING SYSTEM

Read more here –https://t.co/uJ2HHlsm3y#OWGR#OfficialWorldGolfRanking pic.twitter.com/jArqVEDa6G

— OWGR (@OWGRltd) December 21, 2023

There are a few exceptions to tournaments where these changes will apply. The OWGR noted that season-ending events on various tours are exempt from. Points still will be awarded to all players in FedEx Cup Playoff events on the PGA Tour, the DP World Championship and the Nippon Series JT Cup on the Japan Tour, among others.

The second broader change is more basic: the OWGR will reward a 60-percent points bonus to a player who wins twice on any eligible tour in a 52-week period and a 70-percent bonus to a player who wins three or more times.

On its website, the OWGR noted that players with lower World Ranking are likely to gain more from the bonus. The organization reports that since 2019 there has been an average of 63 players per year with two wins in a 52-week period and 39 winners of three or more events. The bonus system was instituted “to more quickly identify emerging talent,” according to its website.

“Based on extensive analysis following the changes implemented in August 2022, we recognized these two opportunities to further enhance the OWGR and to accurately evaluate performances of the world’s participating players on all eligible Tours,” said Official World Golf Ranking Chairman Peter Dawson. “Adjustments to the Ranking are made after careful consideration, and we are confident that today’s updates will better position the OWGR for the future.”

The latest changes are the first since August 2022, when the OWGR overhauled its algorithm with a new Strokes Gained World Rating system that rewarded players competing in stronger fields. Of course, the OWGR took a pass on further updates in October when it denied LIV Golf’s application to be included in the rankings.

Scottie Scheffler is set to finish 2023 as No. 1 in the OWGR, having held the top spot since May.

Image: Ross Kinnaird

The post The Official World Golf Ranking announced two wonky changes for 2024. Here’s what they actually mean appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Woods, who played with his son Charlie at the parent-child PNC Championship over the weekend, is nearing the end of a 10-year extension signed with Nike in 2013, and rumours in the industry are swirling that Woods and the apparel manufacturer are parting ways, punctuated by the NoLayingUp podcast mentioning the PNC could mark Woods’ last outing with the brand.

Following his Saturday round, Woods was asked if he could clarify his relationship with Nike, and his answer did little to dispel the rumours.

“I’m still wearing their product,” Woods replied. When Woods was asked about his future with Nike, he repeated, “I’m still wearing their product.”

The 15-time major winner has been with the company since 1996, signing a five-year, $40 million contract upon turning pro. That contract has been upped four times, with Woods reportedly receiving $500 million over the lifetime of that deal. Woods had his own apparel line, and began using Nike clubs when the company entered the equipment realm in the early 2000s.

However, Nike exited the golf equipment business in 2016, which allowed Woods to transition to TaylorMade golf clubs and Bridgestone golf balls. Additionally, when returning to competitive play at the 2022 Masters following his 2021 single-car accident, Woods was wearing FootJoy shoes instead of Nike. “Like golf fans around the world, we are delighted to see Tiger back on the course,” Nike said in a statement. “He is an incredible athlete, and it is phenomenal to see him returning to the game at this level. His story continues to transcend sport and inspire us all. As he continues his return, we will work with him to meet his new needs.” But over the next two seasons Woods continued to wear FootJoys, begging the question if his Nike deal would be nearing an end.

Rumours are also swirling that Nike may be exiting the golf business altogether, or license out its golf brand to another company, although Nike continues to be silent on the matter. Rory McIlroy, Brooks Koepka, Scottie Scheffler, Nelly Korda and Tony Finau headline Nike’s current professional stable.

Image: Mike Ehrmann

The post Are Tiger Woods, Nike parting ways? Woods tight-lipped on rumours appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Over that span we’ve seen Charlie make his first eagle, shape shots both ways, display a mighty recoil with his driver and drain long birdie putts all while displaying many of the same mannerisms we’ve seen from his Hall of Fame father over the past 25 years. This year, now 14, Charlie stepped back a tee and is playing from the same distance as the likes of John Daly, Jim Furyk, Nelly Korda, Vijay Singh and Steve Stricker.

“I think his speed has gone dramatically up since last year,” Tiger said when assessing Charlie’s game. “But I think that more than anything, it’s just the fact that he’s grown so fast. The aches and pains of growing, just teenage life.”

Charlie is bigger and stronger. On Saturday during the first round, he carried a drive 320 yards, with the ball ending just over the back of the green on the par-4 12th hole.

321 yards? No problem.

Charlie Woods just drove it OVER the green. ?

pic.twitter.com/DfzND47rDI

— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) December 16, 2023

“I sort of didn’t have the speed that he has at that age,” Tiger said. “But also, I didn’t have the equipment, either. The equipment is so different.”

One thing that is difficult to quantify from watching Charlie on television each year is how his skills compare with other junior golfers in the country. He’s seen alongside the most famous golfer on the planet hitting great golf shots, and annually, whether on social media or from people in the gallery, there are those who contend that he’ll have a long successful PGA Tour career and even potentially win major championships like his old man.

While that could happen, it’s also wise to pump the breaks and realize how far Charlie has come in a relatively short time. Afterall, he mostly played soccer growing up in South Florida and it wasn’t until 2020—when COVID-19 locked down the world—that Charlie found a deeper passion for golf and started to take the game more seriously. That was only three years ago.

“People need to quit comparing him to other kids who have been playing competitive golf for more time,” said a Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher in America. “People need to wait and see where he is in five years, 10 years.”

Of course, that’s nearly impossible because his last name is Woods. But the point is valid.

This was Charlie’s first year playing a full competitive junior schedule, playing mostly state and regional competitions.

Junior Golf Scoreboard, which has ranked junior golfers since the late 1990s, has Charlie ranked No. 1,326 out of a database of 10,616 juniors. He’s the 86th-ranked player in those same rankings for the Class of 2027. In the 16 events Charlie played that are recorded in the JGS system, he collected two victories and his low score of 66 came in September in the second round of the Notah Begay III Florida Regional qualifier win at Mission Inn in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla., the same place where he shot 78-76 last month to help his high school team win the Class 1A Florida State Championship, which is not a part of the JGS rankings.

The evolution of Charlie Woods. ? pic.twitter.com/Z3iUOYc2FC

— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) December 16, 2023

Speaking of high school, Florida is a talent-rich state that produces many Division I golfers each year. Charlie ranked 80th overall in high school in Florida this season out of 4,088 boys in the iWanamaker ranking system. He was the ninth-ranked freshman in Florida out of 657 and ranked 28th out of 1,420 in Class 1A, where his Benjamin school competes.

“Charlie is ultra-talented and while he is still newer to competitive golf he has the opportunity to excel long term because of the wealth of experience he can tap into and the opportunity to learn from the GOAT on how to play and prepare,” the aforementioned Top 50 Teacher said. “So many juniors never get exposed to that. In fact one of the things I’ve found is that young players who grow up around really good players have an edge on learning to play. He obviously has a huge leg up in that department.”

What will be interesting moving forward is to see how Charlie might compare to his peers if exposed to more national competition. To date, he has not competed in any AJGA events (he became eligible when he turned 13) nor has he attempted to qualify for any USGA national amateur events, most specifically the U.S. Junior Amateur, an event Tiger won three consecutive years from 1991 to 1993.

Charlie Woods – Mike Mulholland

Said Tiger: “I provide guardrails for him and things that I would like to see him learn and address, but also, then again, I’m trying to provide as much space as I can for him. Because there’s so much of the noise in our lives that people are always trying to get stuff out of us, and my job as a parent is to protect him from a lot of that stuff.

“Also, then again, as a teenager, I want him to try and become his own man at the same time. So it’s a challenge as a parent and to provide that—that atmosphere for him, to learn, to grow, and have that freedom, meanwhile understanding that there’s so much noise looking into our lives at the same time.”

A philosophy that appears to be working beautifully so far.

Charlie Woods is back!@LukeKerrDineen shares what junior golfers can learn from his swing. pic.twitter.com/zxBD7v6Fq2

— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) December 15, 2023

• • •

Florida State High School (iWanamaker)

-Ranked 80th overall out of 4,088 players

-Ninth-ranked freshman out of 657

-Ranked 28th out of 1,420 in Class 1A

Junior Golf Scoreboard

-Ranked No. 1,326 out of 10,616 players

-86th in the Class of 2027

Results of 16 events on JGS rankings

Jan. 7-8, IMG Junior Honda Classic (81-77, 21st place)

Feb. 25-26, HJGT South Florida Junior Open (75-71, 2)

March 4-5, HJGT Jensen Beach Spring Junior Open (79-82, 6)

March 18-19, SFPGA Medalist Tour (78-78, 19)

April 22-23, HJGT PGA National Junior Open (77-82, 18)

April 29-30, SFPGA Medalist Tour (75, 8)

May 6-7, SFPGA Medalist Tour (83-75, 15)

June 3-4, HJGT Major Championship (72-71, WIN)

June 19-20, SFPGA Championship (75-81, 33)

June 22-23, SFPGA Nicklaus Junior Championship (79-75, 20)

Aug. 2-4, SFPGA Junior Cup (75-68-76, 10)

Aug. 19-20, FJT Sandridge Open (74-79, 13)

Sept. 2-4, SFPGA Labor Day Classic (80-70-82, 35)

Sept. 23-24, Notah Begay Florida Regional (71-66, WIN)

Nov. 4-5, Notah Begay Junior National Championship (73-74-68, 35)

Dec. 2-3, SFPGA Tour Championship (69-73, 5)

(HJGT: Hurricane Junior Golf Tour; SFPGA: South Florida PGA Section; FJT: Florida Junior Tour)

Main Image: Getty

The post How good is Charlie Woods? Putting his young junior golf career into perspective appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Wait, Jon Rahm is going to LIV?

Allegedly! Rahm’s been linked with the Saudi-backed circuit throughout the past two years, thanks to his affiliation with Phil Mickelson (more on this in a moment) and his appeal as an international commodity (something LIV has targeted). However, since the Ryder Cup this fall, the rumours have increased in noise, with a handful of pro-LIV social media handles reporting the deal between Rahm and LIV is done. It should be noted—nay, SHOUTED—that nothing is official; that many of these handles have incorrectly claimed players are jumping in the past; and Rahm, to this point, has not addressed the speculation.

I’m confused … hasn’t he said he would never go to LIV?

Yes, many times! Here’s Rahm in February 2022, right around Mickelson’s scary quote:

“This is my official, my one and only time I’ll talk about this, where I am officially declaring my fealty to the PGA Tour.”

Then, at the 2022 U.S. Open:

“I’ve never really played the game of golf for monetary reasons. I play for the love of the game, and I want to play against the best in the world … I have always been interested in history and legacy, and right now the PGA Tour has that. There’s a meaning when you win the Memorial Championship. There’s a meaning when you win Arnold Palmer’s event at Bay Hill. There’s a meaning when you win L.A., Torrey, some of these historic venues. That to me matters a lot. After winning this past U.S. Open, only me and Tiger have won at Torrey Pines. Making putts on 18—that’s a memory that I’m gonna have forever that not many people can say. My heart is with the PGA Tour. That’s all I can say. It’s not my business or my character to judge anybody who thinks otherwise. And for a lot of people, I’m not gonna lie, those next three, four years are worth, basically, their retirement plan. It’s a very nice compensation until they retire and sail off into the sunset.”

Granted, to say a little has changed between last summer and now is a gross understatement. However, Rahm said this in August about LIV: “I laugh when people rumour me with LIV Golf. I never liked the format. And I always have a good time with Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia in the practice rounds of majors. Phil respects my decision, and I respect his [choice]. Mickelson has told me that I have no reason to go play for LIV, and he has told me that multiple times.”

So, if Rahm were to leave … tough look. Not as bad as Brooks Koepka claiming, “Somebody will sell out” and take LIV’s money, though.

Ross Kinnaird

Why would Rahm leave?

A darn good question, considering in its two years LIV has proved itself incapable of taking one step forward without stepping on the other foot. However, despite Rahm’s insistence that money wouldn’t change his life, sources tell Golf Digest there are family members and friends pushing for Rahm to take the deal. Additionally, Mickelson remains an influential person in Rahm’s orbit, and Mickelson’s brother Tim was Rahm’s college golf coach and first agent. Rahm is also represented by the same agency as Mickelson. Also worth noting is Rahm’s … how should we put this? … indignation at the PGA Tour, multiple sources tell Golf Digest. Rahm believes he’s not marketed the same as other players on tour and that there are those below his station who have a greater voice in the tour’s direction. Going to LIV would allow Rahm to be the face of the league.

Finally, Rahm is now at the stature where he’s judged by majors and majors alone. He’s in the Masters for life, the U.S. Open until 2031 and exemptions into the PGA Championship and Open Championship for the next four years. That’s a lot of runway for a 29-year-old, with plenty of room to add to it.

What could this mean for LIV?

Everything. LIV has failed to gain traction with the golf populace and didn’t bring any additional starpower over into its sophomore campaign. Heading into its third season, LIV’s roster remains filled primarily with has-beens or rank-and-file names, and the league’s rejected application for World Ranking points means LIV will not shed accusations that it’s nothing more than an exhibition anytime soon. However, they would now have arguably the best golfer in the world in the prime of his career. That doesn’t turn the rest of LIV’s barnstormers into gladiators or equate to a jump in viewership, but it gets LIV headed in the right direction.

It also, and we hate to use the word “narrative,” but, let’s be real, LIV Golf has a number of players with character baggage. Rahm is a respected man whose presence breaks the mould of the LIV archetype, allowing the league to change its narrative and perception.

So what does that say about Rahm?

It’s worth repeating: Rahm is a good, solid dude. That does not change the sentiment that you are the company that you keep, and by joining LIV, Rahm—in the eyes of LIV and Saudi critics—is becoming a frontman for a problematic kingdom.

However, without condemning or condoning Rahm or any future player who makes the jump, it’s worth considering that Saudi money could be infused to the PGA Tour. There’s a difference between running to it versus it running to you, and that’s certainly a nuanced conversation, but you don’t have to look too hard to see the mental gymnastics that could be at play with such a decision.

Would this mean no more Ryder Cup for Rahm?

Not quite. Most European LIV players surrendered their DP World Tour membership when joining LIV, thus making them ineligible for the biennial event. It is unknown if the European circuit gave its blessing for the decision (although sources tell Golf Digest that Rahm’s camp has used back channels asking for assurance), but with the PGA and DP World Tours in discussions with PIF, Rahm and LIV Golf players would likely be eligible for 2025 as long as they have DP World Tour membership.

Hold on, I thought the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia are joining forces?

Right, about that. Those negotiations remain ongoing, with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and Saudi Arabia’s PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan meeting this week. It’s also no secret that several companies are vying to provide financial backing to the tour, calling into question if the PIF deal will ultimately come to fruition.

Chris Condon

What would a Rahm departure mean for the deal?

Sources tell Golf Digest that PIF looks at Rahm as a bargaining chip amid worries the PGA Tour will ultimately walk away from the proposed framework agreement, the belief being that the tour could not afford to lose someone as valuable as Rahm. So, there is a possibility this gives LIV an upper hand and ensures a deal happens. The problem, sources tell Golf Digest, is that a number of highly prominent voices inside the tour look at a Rahm poaching as a casus belli, ending this period of detente and reigniting professional golf’s civil war.

Wasn’t there a no-poaching clause in the framework agreement?

There was, but both sides ended up sidelining it due to antitrust regulations.

Haven’t there been false LIV rumours and predictions before?

Too many to count, like the time LIV CEO Greg Norman said he was targeting seven top-20 players to add to its roster before the 2023 season, only to add Thomas Pieters, Mito Pereira, Dean Burmester, Sebastian Munoz, Brendan Steele and Danny Lee. Or when everyone thought Hideki Matsuyama had signed with LIV in 2022. Or that Adam Scott was leaving after the 2022 Presidents Cup. Or that Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele were gone after this year’s Ryder Cup. Or … you get the gist.

So, this could all be rubbish?

Maybe, but it could very much happen! While Rahm has denied LIV rumours in the past—and thus, we should give him the benefit of the doubt—this one certainly feels different, and his camp has been radio silent to almost everyone (including fellow tour players) inquiring what’s going on. Adding to speculation is Rahm pulling out of TGL (before the league was postponed a year), and that he was not listed in the American Express’ field of notables, a tournament which he won in 2023.

Any chance Rahm stays with the PGA Tour?

Well, the tour is adding more bathrooms at Rahm’s behest, which doesn’t hurt.

What would a Rahm departure mean for golf?

A Rahm defection not only gives LIV formidability at a point where it desperately needs some vigour, it could be the bridge for other stars to follow. True, the same thing was said about Koepka, and Dustin Johnson, and Cam Smith … but the game is at a crossroads and Rahm’s decision could decide which road the professional sport will travel. The PGA Tour will go on, but a tour without Rahm is a tour that is weakened. That doesn’t mean LIV Golf wins its battle against the PGA Tour. It just means the battle continues, which, for the rest of golf, sure feels like a loss.

Main Image: J.D. Cuban

The post 13 questions (and answers) about the ‘Jon Rahm to LIV Golf’ speculation appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Khaled secured a one stroke victory after rounds of 73, 75, 75 for a tournament total of 223, over Qatar’s Saleh Ali Alkaabi and fellow Qatari Ali Al Shahrani just a further shot back, in the country’s national championship.

39 male and female competitors from across Arab and foreign countries including Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Oman, Switzerland, Qatar, the United Kingdom, the USA, Palestine, the United Arab Emirates, and Ireland took part in the championship that was hosted by the Jordan Golf Federation (JGF) under the expert guidance of their coaches from the JGF.

The Jordan Open stood out as one of the most significant sporting events of 2023 in the region – Ayla Golf Club

The Greg Norman designed course and the championship both played a pivotal role in Ayla’s mission to elevate Jordan’s golf scene to global professional standards as it aims to increase the popularity of golf within the country of Jordan among diverse demographics.

Sahl Dudin, the Managing Director of Ayla Oasis and Mr. Kareem Barghouthi, President of the Jordan Golf Federation are both actively combining to collaborat together to support the Jordan Golf Federation, the Jordan Olympic Committee and the Jordanian national golf teams.

The Jordan Open stood out as one of the most significant sporting events of 2023 in the region, setting the stage for the 2024 championship.

Tournament Results:
Men Gross:
Khalid Attieh (Saudi Arabia)
Saleh Al Kaabi (Qatar)
Ali Al Shahrani (Qatar)

Men Net:
Kevin Francis (UK)
Jean Nassar (Lebanon)
Saad Hijjawi (Jordan)

Ladies Division:
Yasmeen Thaher (Jordan)
Lujain Khalil (Saudi Arabia)
Lilian Mujahed (Jordan)

Junior Under 19:
Rami Samawi (Switzerland)
Ahmed Alwahaibi (Oman)
Abdulrahman Aldaher (Jordan)

Junior Under 14:
Mohammad Alrawashdeh (Jordan)
Daniel Thaher (Jordan)
Adam Saudi (Jordan)

Image: Jordan News Agency Petra

The post Saudi Arabia’s Khaled Attieh shines in Jordan Open appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Woods started last week 1,328th in the ranking, the lowest point he had ever fallen to in his entire career. To put that in perspective, the 15-time major champion was beside names like Jonathan Agren and Sebastian Heisele, only one of whom has their own Wikipedia page.

That didn’t last long, as Woods made an enormous jump in the World Ranking off of an 18th-place finish at the Hero World Challenge. Woods is now ranked 898th, a 430-spot vault that has caused plenty of Golf Twitter controversy. The reason? There were only 20 players in the field at the Hero World Challenge, an event Woods is the host of and one that benefits his Tiger Woods Foundation. The golf legend beat just two players: reigning U.S. Open champ Wyndham Clark and Will Zalatoris, who finished at 11-over par after returning from a nine-month layoff after undergoing back surgery.

Speaking of Zalatoris, his last-place finish earned him more World Ranking points than Alex Fitzpatrick earned for his T-8 finish at the ISPS Handa Australian Open, as first pointed out by @LIVGolfUpdates on X, formerly known as Twitter:

Will Zalatoris will receive 2.1 world ranking points for his 20th place finish at the Hero World Challenge. Last by 9 shots.

He shot 81-68-79-71.

Alex Fitzpatrick will receive 1.8 for his T8 at The Australian Open.

He shot 68-66-66-74.

It’s time to move on from OWGR.

— LIV Golf Updates (@LIVGolfUpdates) December 3, 2023

Only furthering the head-scratchiness of this is the fact that Joaquin Niemann, who won the Australian Open, only received two more points (14.79536) than Justin Thomas (12.03997), who finished in third at Albany. That also secured Thomas’ spot inside the top 30 (he’s currently 26th) ahead of 2024. If he remains inside the top 30 ahead of the second signature event of 2024, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, he will be in the field. Thomas will not be in the Sentry, which is reserved for winners from the previous calendar year as well as the top 50 players from the 2023 FedEx Cup points list (those who made it to the BMW Championship, which Thomas did not).

As for Zalatoris, his last-place finish, by nine shots from 19th place, allowed him to remain 33rd in the OWGR after dropping during his layoff from eighth after his last official start at the WGC-Dell Match Play in March.

Main Image: Mike Ehrmann

The post Tiger Woods makes enormous World Ranking leap off of 18th-place finish at Hero World Challenge appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The win for Denwit, who overcame a poor start to force himself back into contention in the final round, was also enough to clinch victory in the season-long Order of Merit table and be the first to claim an Asian Tour card for next season.

And the boosted prize money at the US$250,000 Asian Development Tour event meant that Harrold, who began the day in 21st place on the OOM list, was also successful in securing his card for next year, eventually finishing in fourth spot.

William Harrold, Yuvraj Singh Sandhu, Naoki Sekito, Ervin Chang, Denwit Boriboonsub, Pattaraphol Khanthacha, Ho Yu-cheng, Charng-Tai Sudsom and Aaron Wilkin – Paul Lakatos / Asian Developmental Tour

Australia’s Deyen Lawson, the OOM leader coming into the tournament, was forced to retire due to injury after the first round, but his accumulated prize money meant he hung on to second spot and will also be teeing it up on the Asian Tour next year.

Ho Yu-cheng of Chinese Taipei, winner of the PKNS Selangor Masters in early November, may have missed the cut in this event but the win in Malaysia and other results through the season were enough to to secure third place on the OOM list and lock in the prized Asian Tour card for 2024.

Australia’s Aaron Wilkin, who won the BRG Open Golf Championship in Vietnam in August, was in contention throughout the tournament but could only manage a one under par 71 on the final day. Nonetheless, it proved good enough for fifth place in the OOM table and a place on the Asian Tour for next year. He tied for fourth spot in the tournament with Minhyeok Yang (67) of Korea.

Dewit Boriboonsub of Thailand with the ADT Order of Merit trophy and the Aramco Invitational trophy after the Aramco Invitational Tournament – Asian Developmental Tour

Former ADT OOM champion Naoki Sekito of Japan clinched sixth spot in the list having played 11 of the 12 ADT events this year, and Thailand’s Charng-Tai Sudsom, who played every event, was also rewarded for his consistency with seventh place on the list and guaranteed starts on the Asian Tour for 2024.

Eighth on the OOM is India’s Yuvraj Singh Sandhu, followed by Thailand’s Pattaraphol Khanthacha, and rounding out the top ten finishers was Malaysia’s Ervin Chang, who played solidly all week and a fine third place in the final event in Saudia Arabia was enough to secure the final sport on the OOM qualifiers list.

Having turned professional in 2021 after winning an individual gold medal at the SEA Games, Chang has repaid the faith of the officials who picked him this year as the first recipient of the inaugural Kyi Hla Han Future Champions Award.

Vietnam’s Chi Quan Truong made his best finish on the ADT this year, his final round score of 70 was enough to secure him solo sixth spot and while it may have been his best single payout of the season, it was not enough to move him far enough up the table.

Thailand’s Sarun Sirithon shot a bogey-free seven under par round of 65 to lift himself up the leaderboard, overcoming a poor start to the tournament to force himself into contention on the final day. He finished in a tie for seventh place alongside Japan’s Shinichi Mizuno (68) and fellow Thai players Charng-Tai (67) and Pattaraphol (69).

Also tied for the low score of the day with 65 were Thai compatriots Amarin Kraivixien, who finished on nine under par in 11th spot, and Puwit Anupansuebsai on eight under par in a tie for 18th.

Joining Amarin in 11th place were India’s Yuvraj Singh Sandhu (67), Berry Henson (69) of the USA, early tournament leader Harley Smith (70) of England, Sweden’s Calle Strandberg (70), Naoki Sekito (72) of Japan and Thailand’s Nopparat Panichphol (68).

Images: Paul Lakatos / Asian Developmental Tour

The post Denwit double at the Aramco Invitational in Saudi Arabia and the ADT Order of Merit appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Over the past three years on the golf course the partnership has successfully eliminated the need for single use plastic bottles, preventing them from entering landfill and contributing to environmental degradation. This accomplishment aligns with No More Bottles’ commitment to reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly alternatives.

A noteworthy highlight of the collaboration is The Els Club’s recognition at the prestigious World Golf Awards where The Els Club had won “The Best Middle East Golf Course Award”.

The Els Club dedication to sustainability, with No More Bottles as a key partner, also played a pivotal role in securing the club’s first ever Sustainability Star Award Winner. These prestigious accolades acknowledges the success of The Els Club’s commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation.

In celebration of this milestone, The Els Club & No More Bottles are fully committed to continue implementing a series of sustainability initiatives, including the installation of state-of-the-art water dispensers. These dispensers offer members and guests a range of refreshing options, including complimentary filtered water and sparkling, ambient water and hot water. The availability of these choices not only enhances the overall experience for golf enthusiasts but also contributes to a more sustainable and responsible golfing environment.

The statistics speak for themselves – the implementation of No More Bottles’ sustainable water solutions has resulted in a significant reduction in plastic waste at The Els Club. Through the use of reusable bottles and the elimination of single-use plastic bottles, the venue has achieved a 73% reduction in its overall environmental footprint and removing circa 240,000 single use plastic bottles over a three-year period

“We are incredibly proud to commemorate three years of collaboration with No More Bottles” said Tom Rourke General Manager, The Els Club. “Together, we’ve not only elevated The Els Club as a premier golf destination but have also set a standard for environmental responsibility in the golfing community.

“Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our achievements, from eliminating 240,000 plastic bottles to being honoured with the Best Middle East Golf Course Award at the World Golf Awards. This Sustainability Star Award is a testament to our dedication, with No More Bottles playing a vital role in our success. As we celebrate this milestone, we remain steadfast in our commitment to implementing sustainable initiatives that contribute to a greener future for golf enthusiasts and the environment.”

“It’s been an inspiring journey collaborating with The Els Club over the past three years, and we are thrilled to mark this significant anniversary” said Ian Hannah Co-Founder & Director of No More Bottles.

“Our shared commitment to sustainability has not only eliminated a substantial number of plastic bottles but has also garnered recognition at the highest level with The Els Club’s prestigious awards. The success of our partnership is reflected in the reduction of plastic waste, showcasing the impact of No More Bottles’ sustainable water solutions, especially as the focus in this region shifts to COP28 which is being hosted for the first time in the UAE.”

As No More Bottles and The Els Club celebrate three years of successful collaboration, both organisations express their gratitude to members, guests, and staff for their commitment to sustainability. The journey towards a greener future continues, with ongoing initiatives and innovations that will further solidify The Els Club’s position as a leader in eco-conscious golfing.

Image: The Els Club Dubai

The post The Els Club Dubai celebrates milestone in sustainability with “No More Bottles” appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Over 100 competitors from 12 countries took part across five categories; Under 15 Girls, Ladies, Under 13 Boys, Under 15 Boys and Under 18 Boys.

Golfers from Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Tunisia and the UAE all joined the hosts Saudi Arabia, in an event which marked a significant moment in the global golfing calendar as it furthermore showcased the expanding talent there is in golf across the Arab world.

Division Winners:

Under 13 Boys: Egypt – Abdelrahman Aldefrawy

Under 13 Boys Teams: Egypt – Adam Aboshabana, Abdelrahman Aldefrawy, Adib Shabana

Under 15 Girls: Morocco – Noha Ghadi

Under 15 Girls Teams: UAE – Sara Abubaker, Maya Gaudin, Aasiya Saleem

Under 15 Boys: Tunisia – Mehdi Ben Youssef

Under 15 Boys Teams: Tunisia – Mehdi Ben Youssef, Selim Haouala, Ghaith Rhimi

Under 18 Boys: Morocco – Kamil Bensouda

Under 18 Boys Teams: Morocco – Kamil Bensouda, Aberrahmane Fakori, Sinan Melhi

Ladies: Morocco – Sofia Essakali

Ladies Teams: Morocco – Sonia Bayahya, Malak Bouraeda, Sofia Essakali

Thanks must go to Riyadh Golf Club and the Saudi Golf Federation (SGF) for hosting this prestigious event under the umbrella of the Arab Golf Federation (AGF). It is the SGF’s commitment to promote golf in the region and it was clear to see that with the Pan Arab Championship, it has highlighted the emerging talent there is within golf from various Arab nations.

The achievements in each category reflects the high level of competition and the promising future of these Arab golfers.

Images: Golf Saudi

The post Pan Arab Junior and Ladies Championship, successful growth of golf in the Arab region appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

So the six-time PGA Tour winner already has some practical experience with what the USGA and R&A might be getting ready to do. Citing industry sources, Golf Digest reported Friday that golf’s governing bodies are expected to announce next week a rule change that would universally roll back golf ball distances. The expected rule change comes after a three-year “Notice and Comment” period with equipment manufacturers and other golf organisations, including the PGA Tour.

It is expected that a new standard for testing the conformity of golf balls would be introduced for elite players and competitions in 2028 and then for recreational players in 2030.

“Srixon made whatever the USGA was saying, and it was 40, 50 yards [shorter] with my driver,” Bradley, 37, said Saturday at the Hero World Challenge. “I was a club or two shorter. I think that the USGA … everything that they do is reactionary. They don’t think of a solution. They just think we’re going to affect a hundred percent of the population that plays golf. For the amateur world to hit the ball shorter is monstrous. I can’t think of anything more stupid than that. I don’t think it’s very smart at all, especially when golf’s growing in popularity literally coming out of COVID.”

Among players who were asked about the potential rule change at the Hero World Challenge, no one thought a universal roll back was a good idea. And only tournament host Tiger Woods thinks it would be the right thing to do in the professional game. He and World No. 2 Rory McIlroy have been the biggest proponents of reigning in the ball at the elite level.

“We’ve been hammering the ball needs to slow down,” Woods, 47, said after a third-round one-under 71 at Albany, “but it has kept speeding up my entire time on tour and here we are. I’ve always been for bifurcation. I’ve always said that. Just like wood bats and metal bats [in baseball].”

On Sunday morning, Rory McIlroy took to X (formerly Twitter) with a passionate case for the rollback and against its critics.

I don’t understand the anger about the golf ball roll back. It will make no difference whatsoever to the average golfer and puts golf back on a path of sustainability. It will also help bring back certain skills in the pro game that have been eradicated over the past 2 decades.…

— Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory) December 3, 2023

Former U.S. Open champion Justin Rose was surprised to hear that the governing bodies were considering an across-the-board change for amateurs as well as professionals.

“I think the way I saw it going was the tour doing one thing [with a model local rule] and maybe major championships doing another. And that puts a lot of pressure on the tour,” Rose, 43, of England, said. “Now if recreational golf is rolling back, too, it doesn’t make sense for the tour to stay where we were. Because I think if the amateurs were going to continue to stay where they were, the tour, were going to say, ‘OK, we’re going to stay where we are because we want the fan to be able to relate to the tour player.’ That made sense to me. And then obviously if there was a ball for a major championship then so be it, we’d have to learn how to adapt. So that’s the way I would’ve hedged it going. Now it’s even a weirder situation. The amateurs are playing the ball that’s slower than what we’re playing on tour. That doesn’t feel right either.”

Rickie Fowler is not a fan of the ruling bodies making any change to the ball at any level. “There are other ways of going about this,” he said, adding that they are “20 years too late” on the issue.

But he is especially opposed to a shorter ball for recreational players. “To take the game and knock it back when it’s in the best position it’s ever been in, I don’t want to see it as the golf ball being necessarily the right move,” Fowler added. “I don’t see how when we’re at the best place the game has ever been. ‘Oh, you love the game? Yeah. Hey, thanks for joining us over COVID. Now we’re going to make you hit it 20 yards shorter. Have fun.’ I understand both sides. But looking at it as far as the game and everyone talks about growing the game, I think it’s going to be a huge step back.”

Bradley, who already had to adjust his game to a change in equipment rules several years ago when the governing bodies prohibiting an anchored putting stroke, wonders how he and his peers will be forced to adjust their games further.

“I don’t know what the ramifications are going to be with the ball—what they’re going to do, what direction they going to go,” he said. “It would have to be a complete overhaul of the equipment that I use, the shafts that I use. Yeah, I mean the amount of change that’s happened just in the course of my career is insane.

“I think we constantly get penalised for mistakes they [USGA and R&A] make. Whether if they let the ball go too far, that’s not our problem. They [are doing this] to punish not only the professional golfers, but the world of golf for something that they screwed up on. I really think it’s one of the dumbest things I’ve ever heard of.”

Image: David Cannon

The post PGA Tour players torch governing bodies on golf ball rollback; Keegan Bradley calls it ‘stupid’ and ‘monstrous’ appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.