A Ryder Cup victory for Europe at Marco Simone in September will be long remembered without prompting for those involved in the triumph. But just in case anyone on the losing side might be starting to get over the disappointment of a 16½-11½ defeat, well Luke Donald was here with a reminder, courtesy of the DP World Tour social media team.

Do you hear what I hear? ?@LukeDonald | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/EeRhvkZtiD

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) December 23, 2023

There’s something exquisite in the simplicity of this wondering message/troll. After polishing replica Ryder Cup trophies, Donald hears the famous cheers that rang throughout Marco Simone, capped by the call for two more years. The Englishman is excited to do that, having already been named a returning captain for the European side that will compete at Bethpage Black in 2025.

Donald wasn’t done with the Ryder Cup look back. On Christmas Day, he had another post to share with followers and make sure everyone once more got to appreciate how meaningful the victory at Marco Simone was for him and his family.

Merry Christmas from the Donalds ?? pic.twitter.com/dheIQV7Ubu

— Luke Donald (@LukeDonald) December 25, 2023

Something tells us that there is any article of clothing, desk accessory, etc., that has the Ryder Cup logo or trophy on it, the Donald family owns it. 

Main image: Richard Heathcote

The post Luke Donald, DP World Tour win Christmas with fantastic Ryder Cup troll appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The 15th edition will see the top 50 players in the Race to Dubai Rankings compete at the fifth and final Rolex Series event of the 2023 DP World Tour season.

The Earth Course will once again test the DP World Tour’s finest as we determine who will walk away with the trophy and the winner’s cheque at the $10 million showdown, and also find out who will claim the season-long Race to Dubai crown. 

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Mates, teammates and roommates will have to put the pals’ act to one side after Team Europe’s Ryder Cup heroics in Rome, as this one will be every man for himself. 

We will have at least 10 of Team Europe’s stars on show. Defending DP World Tour Champ Jon Rahm and Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy will be back in town for the season finale, while Ryder Cup teammates Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Nicolai Højgaard, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre, Sepp Straka and Tommy Fleetwood will all enter the event on a high after they all helped Europe defeat Team USA at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club last month to reclaim the Ryder Cup.

The only absentee is rookie and nailed-on future superstar Ludvig Aberg, who only turned professional a few months ago and therefore does not have enough points to make the top-50 field. The last Team Europe member, veteran Justin Rose, has some work to do in Qatar and South Africa if he is to get into the last event of the DP World Tour season. 

McIlroy is looking to join Rahm as the only player to win the DP World Tour Championship three times — the Spaniard is the defending champion and also won in 2017 and 2019, while McIlroy claimed the title in 2012 and 2015 — and the Northern Irishman is the defending Race to Dubai champ. 

“Playing at the DP World Tour Championship is always an amazing experience,” McIlroy said. “Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a lot of success in Dubai and at this event in particular. The fans have been great, it’s amazing to have that support out there for us. When you have the top 50 golfers from the DP World Tour, you know it is going to be a fantastic competition. I’ve won here on a couple of occasions, and I would love to be right there come Sunday with both trophies to my name.”

Luke Walker/Getty Images

Rahm added: “It’s no surprise I love coming back to Dubai and to this golf course for the DP World Tour Championship. To win here three times, it means a lot to me, and it’s always an honour to defend any title you have put your name to.

“It’s going to be fantastic week. The vibe in Dubai is great, the field is world-class, and the fans get behind the players, so I am looking forward to the challenge and hopefully, I can give them something to cheer about come Sunday afternoon.”

Tom Phillips, Head of the Middle East for DP World Tour is anticipating a great event. “The 15th edition of the DP World Tour Championship marks a remarkable journey of growth, from its inception to becoming one of the key tournaments in our global calendar. 

“The vibrant atmosphere created by passionate fans in Dubai is a testament to the unwavering excitement that surrounds this event, making it a true celebration of golf, as well as being an entertaining day out for all spectators.

“Following Team Europe’s thrilling Ryder Cup victory in Rome, I am delighted Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Nicolai Højgaard, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre, Sepp Straka and, of course, Tommy Fleetwood who joins us here, are confirmed for our season-ending tournament. We also have their Ryder Cup teammates Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm — our defending champion — already announced, so we cannot wait to see these world-class golfers all in action.”

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Fleetwood, who secured the Ryder Cup for Europe when he was guaranteed at least a half-point in his match against Rickie Fowler, added: “Dubai has a special place in my heart, both as my home away from England and the home to one of my academies.

“I’ve played a number of tournaments here at Jumeirah Golf Estates and I look forward to the 15th edition of the DP World Tour Championship in November. The fans have been unbelievable over the years and it has been amazing to witness it grow over time with all the activities available for kids and families, plus some pretty decent golfers.

“It’s an exciting tournament and I can’t wait to have some of my Ryder Cup teammates here as well, it is going to be another special week.”

The tournament will not only showcase the cream of the DP World Tour but also highlight the event’s commitment to a greener, more eco-conscious future. Building on foundations from previous years, this year’s Earth Lounge on the 16th hole will be fully powered by solar panels and hydrogen generators, resulting in a 100 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions, while Averda, the event’s official waste management company, will recycle 75 per cent of tournament waste.

DP World Tour Championship’s commitment extends beyond the course, with the continuation of the G4D Tour, further reinforcing the event’s commitment to inclusivity. The G4D Tour Series Finale will be hosted on November 17, showcasing the leading gross-ranked players from the World Ranking for Golfers with a Disability.

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Daniel Van Otterdijk, Chief Communications Officer of Group Communications at DP World, said: “The 2023 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai is just around the corner, and it’s set to be an exhilarating season finale. This event marks our second year as the Title Partner of the DP World Tour, and what a fantastic two years it’s been.

“We’re excited to welcome the world’s best golfers back to Dubai for what promises to be an incredible conclusion to the season. The tournament holds special significance for DP World, and it’s also a standout on Dubai’s sporting and social calendar. It’s an event that caters to the entire family and gets better year on year. We can’t wait to see everyone at Jumeirah Golf Estates in just a month’s time.”

Main image: Jumeirah Golf Estates

The post Ryder Reunion: The 15th DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates will be a fight among friends from Team Europe appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The DP World Tour Championship is upon us once again as Jon Rahm returns to defend his title.

All this and much, much more in the November 2023 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided here or download to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your favourite club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

The post Get the November 2023 edition of Golf Digest Middle East FREE here today! appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

But that wasn’t all that he said. With cameras rolling, Morikawa stammered out something he probably shouldn’t have; something that, if true, probably says a lot about the state of US team golf in November 2023. Check it out.

???‍?Collin Morikawa’s was ecstatic as he received the call to join @WeAreLAGC from @alexisohanian: “I just got chills through my body, I don’t think I’ve ever answered a call like this, I got my Ryder Cup call this year, but I think this tops it almost.”

{?: @WeAreLAGC} pic.twitter.com/E0Yms5Vy4h

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) November 1, 2023

“I just got chills through my body. I don’t think I’ve ever answered a call like this,” Morikawa said. “I mean, I got my Ryder Cup call this year, but this is … I think this tops it almost.”

As you’ve probably heard, the US Ryder Cup performance in Rome earlier this fall was a disaster. Morikawa and co. were effectively finished by the start of Friday’s afternoon session and the rest of the weekend was marred by ignominious benchmarks (including a record 9-and-7 defeat for Brooks Koepka and Scottie Scheffler on Saturday) and rumours of internal friction.

Hat Gate needs no further embellishment, but Xander Schauffele was also reportedly unhappy with the terms of his offer and sought to renegotiate at the last second. It was messy. It was complicated. We’ll never know the whole truth, but Morikawa’s off-the-cuff claim on Wednesday sums up the vibes, or lack thereof, succinctly.

We’ll see if there’s more buy-in (literally) from the PGA of America in 2025 and if that reinvigorates players like Morikawa. If not, expect the Ryder Cup to matter less and less and big-money side gigs like the TGL to matter more and more. Call it greedy, call it unpatriotic, but that’s just capitalism, baby.

Main image: Ben Jared

The post Collin Morikawa admits the call to join the TGL topped his Ryder Cup call-up, says the quiet part loud appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

Hovland has talked a lot about his wedge transformation and even shared a few of his tips for improving around the green. But according to him, one of his biggest “hallelujah” moments was when he dialled in his sand game.

On a recent episode of The Smylie Show, Hovland recounted a time when he was even contemplating not competing in the Memorial Tournament, an event he won this year, because of the difficult bunkers that line nearly every fairway and green at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

“I just had no chance,” Hovland said, “In those bunkers you’re always going to be on a downslope, and if you can’t catch the ball cleanly out of the bunkers, you’re not stopping the ball on the green.”

This was a problem for Hovland, who was chunking his sand shots at the time, something that might sound familiar to many amateurs.

Hovland attempted to correct the issue by using his upper body to control the speed of the shot. But, it wasn’t until Hovland teamed up with Golf Digest Best in State Teacher Joe Mayo, his current coach, that he had his breakthrough.

Together, they reinvented Hovland’s short game approach by introducing more “spin loft” to these short touch shots. You can read a more in-depth explanation of spin loft here, but in simplest terms, Hovland began swinging down on the ball with a steeper angle of attack.

While spin loft was the cause of Hovland’s breakthrough in the bunker, he also shared a setup key that has played a crucial role in his successful sand game.

The Key: Bending his lead knee

During his interview with Smylie Kauffman, Hovland mentions how important it is that he maintains a bend in his lead knee through the finish.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Smylie Kaufman (@smyliekaufman10)

This position is worth copying because it helps keep your weight forward throughout the entire shot—which Hovland says is key to pulling off any bunker shot.

It’s hard to throw your clubface or release the club properly if your weight isn’t already forward, Hovland says.

That’s because weight in the front leg creates a fixed point for you to rotate around. Which eliminates sway from your sand shots and produces more consistent strikes.

A bent lead knee also opens up your stance, making it easier to rotate around your post leg and turn through the shot completely. A simple change that will make a big difference if you tend to hang back on bunker shots.

Lastly, bending your lead knee will increase your stability. If you watch the clip above, you’ll see how little Hovland’s head moves when he makes his swing—something most amateurs should strive for in their bunker game.

Most amateurs bob up and down when hitting sand shots, a move that’s often exaggerated under pressure. While this might feel like you’re hitting down on it, the vertical movement is actually causing you to lunge at the ball, which leads to frustrating inconsistencies from the sand. It’s probably why you chunk one then thin the next.

The post This setup key led to Viktor Hovland’s ‘hallelujah’ bunker moment appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The 15th edition will see the top 50 players in the Race to Dubai Rankings at the fifth and final Rolex Series event of the 2023 DP World Tour season.

The Earth Course will once again provide the backdrop for this year’s tournament, while fans will be able to enjoy a wide range of activities, including free golf lessons, kid’s areas, trick-shot shows and sports activations.

The DP World Tour Championship is set to showcase the world’s top golfing talents as the season-long competition to crown Europe’s No. 1 comes to its conclusion.

Speaking  at the official one month countdown event at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Tom Phillips, Head of Middle East for DP World Tour, said:  “The 15th edition of the DP World Tour Championship marks a remarkable journey of growth, from its inception to becoming one of the key tournaments in our global calendar. The vibrant atmosphere created by passionate fans in Dubai is a testament to the unwavering excitement that surrounds this event, making it a true celebration of the golf, as well as being an entertaining day out for all spectators.

“Following Team Europe’s thrilling Ryder Cup victory in Rome, I am delighted Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Nicolai Højgaard, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre, Sepp Straka and, of course, Tommy Fleetwood who joins us here, are confirmed for our season ending tournament. We also have their Ryder Cup teammates Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm — our defending champion — already announced, so we cannot wait to see these world-class golfers all in action in just one month’s time.”

? PLAYER ANNOUNCEMENT ?

?️ Eight more team Europe heroes are set to tee it up at the Earth Course for the #DPWTC next month

Secure your tickets here: https://t.co/Eycz50zBdU#RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/f2SKkrY6ow

— DP World Tour Championship (@dpwtc) October 16, 2023

Taking a ceremonial shot from the first tee witnessed, Fleetwood, who secured the Ryder Cup for Europe when he was guaranteed at least a half-point in his match against Rickie Fowler, said: “Dubai has a special place in my heart, both as my home away from England and the home to one of my academies.

“I’ve played a number of tournaments here at Jumeirah Golf Estates and I look forward to the 15th edition of the DP World Tour Championship in November. The fans have been unbelievable over the years and it has been amazing to witness it grow over time with all the activities available for kids and families, plus some pretty decent golfers.

“It’s an exciting tournament and I can’t wait to have some of my Ryder Cup teammates here as well, it is going to be another special week.”

With just 30 days to go, excitement is mounting for a tournament that will not only showcase world-class golf but also highlight the DP World Tour Championship’s commitment to a greener, more eco-conscious future. Building on foundations from previous years, this year’s Earth Lounge on the 16th hole will be fully powered by solar panels and hydrogen generators, resulting in a 100 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions, while Averda, the event’s official waste management company, will recycle 75 per cent of tournament waste.

DP World Tour Championship’s commitment extends beyond the course, with the continuation of the G4D Tour, further reinforcing the events commitment to inclusivity. Once again, the G4D Tour Series Finale will be hosted at DP World Tour Championship from November 17, showcasing the leading gross ranked players from the World Ranking for Golfers with a Disability.

Daniel Van Otterdijk, Chief Communications Officer of Group Communications at DP World, said: “The 2023 DP World Tour Championship in Dubai is just around the corner, and it’s set to be an exhilarating season finale. This event marks our second year as the Title Partner of the DP World Tour, and what a fantastic two years it’s been.

“We’re excited to welcome the world’s best golfers back to Dubai for what promises to be an incredible conclusion to the season. The tournament holds special significance for DP World, and it’s also a standout on Dubai’s sporting and social calendar. It’s an event that caters to the entire family, and gets better year on year. We can’t wait to see everyone at Jumeirah Golf Estates in just a month’s time.”

In response to the incredible demand from golf enthusiasts and fans of the DP World Tour Championship, organisers have introduced a new exclusive ticketing option this year. The Greatest Bar on Earth Tickets, available for Saturday and Sunday, are priced at 150 AED. These tickets secure access to the preferential front-row viewing area at the Greatest Bar on Earth, which overlooks the 17th tee and green. Ticket holders will enjoy the unique privilege of front-row seats to watch the Greatest Players on Earth as they compete.

Following record weekend crowds last year, limited free general admission tickets are still available.

Main image: Tommy Fleetwood marks the one-month countdown to the DP World Tour Championship. DP World Tour

The post Stellar line-up announced with one month to go until DP World Tour Championship appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

While on the other side of the pond, JT and his wife Jillian Wisniewski decided to get in a luxurious Lake Como vacation. Because he’s a millennial through and through, Thomas had to provide an Instagram photo dump, which was a mistake with Lowry lurking. The opening was small but more than enough for the Irishman.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Justin Thomas (@justinthomas34)

Shane Lowry’s comment on JT’s Instagram post from Lake Como ?? pic.twitter.com/RL3zfpKamM

— claire rogers (@kclairerogers) October 10, 2023

“Any pics from Rome???” Lowry asked to which JT replied, “Shane it’s been two weeks and was starting to forget…… ??” The laughing emoji could just as easily be the crying emoji here.

There’s no other response for Thomas except to say something to the extent of “See you at Bethpage.” Until then, we don’t see Lowry laying off the Americans anytime soon. Nor should he. This is what the Ryder Cup is for: Rowdy matches and trash talk for years to come … or until the next one that is.

The post Shane Lowry gets one final Ryder Cup dig in at Justin Thomas’ expense appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

That had left the US captaincy up for grabs, though within the last week it’s become clear that another legendary figure in the game could very well be the guy: Tiger Woods. As the Ryder Cup broadcast ended on NBC last week in Rome, former US captain Paul Azinger floated a Tiger v Sergio Garcia idea for the biennial event in 2025. It’s certainly a spicy thought given the pair’s history, including their history at Bethpage Black, where Woods fended off Garcia, as well as Mickelson, to win the 2002 US Open. Of course, with Garcia’s Ryder Cup status also in limbo due to LIV, it’s an unlikely captain match-up.

But Woods would still be a good fit, something another former US captain, Davis Love III, all but guaranteed on Thursday at the PGA Tour Champions’ Furyk & Friends event.

“We’ve got to call Tiger Woods and ask him,” Love said. “I think if he wants — obviously Tiger’s into a lot of stuff right now, but it’s kind of his call.”

That “stuff” Love is referring to includes his new TGL simulator league, caddying for his son Charlie and his course design business, among other interests. Not to mention the fact he’s still recovering from his latest ankle surgery, with no word on whether he’s planning to return to competition. Plus, who knows if he actually wants it at all. Woods has enjoyed being a part of the process in years past, and he’s already 1-0 as a playing captain in team events. But it’s still a large undertaking that can be all-consuming, as Love and others have come to understand.

“I remember a time when Tiger and Phil watched me do it and went: ‘Holy cow, I don’t know if we want to put that much time and effort into it,'” Love said. “It takes a lot out of you. Hopefully, we can talk [Woods] into it.”

Still, it’s Tiger Woods. If he wants the captaincy, all he has to do is say it, Love added.

“I hate to put pressure on him, but it’s kind of his call,” Love said. “Obviously, with some guys out, he’s the next logical choice.”

Main image: Davis Love with Tiger Woods. Stuart Franklin

The post ‘He’s the next logical choice’: Davis Love III says Tiger Woods is next Ryder Cup captain if he wants it appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

The Englishman will take a one-shot lead into the weekend after birdieing four of his last five holes on day two at Kingsbarns in the three-course event.

After winning his first-ever point in the Ryder Cup, Fitzpatrick was on top again as he followed a 67 on day one at Carnoustie with a 64 to get to 13-under.

Spaniard Nacho Elvira and home favourite Grant Forrest were his nearest challengers, two shots clear of English duo Marcus Armitage and Matthew Southgate.

Playing together, Elvira and Forrest carded rounds of 66 and 67 respectively over the Old Course at St Andrews, while Armitage signed for a 68 at the Home of Golf, a score matched by Southgate at Kingsbarns.

Defending champion Ryan Fox, American Billy Horschel, Frenchman Matthieu Pavon and Finn Sami Välimäki were then at nine-under.

After the exertions of last week at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club and over courses which he has previously said do not suit him, Fitzpatrick could have perhaps been forgiven for not being at his best this week.

Last Friday: Won his first Ryder Cup point
This Friday: Leads the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship @MattFitz94 ? #dunhilllinks pic.twitter.com/YmjyzhzCoE

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) October 6, 2023

But he carded nine birdies and a single bogey just a week after the Marco Simone showdown with the US to put himself in pole position for DP World Tour win No. 9.

“I felt like we really enjoyed it out there,” said Fitzpatrick, who will now play the weekend at St Andrews. “We both like the golf course, Kingsbarns. Very relaxed atmosphere. Compared to Carnoustie, you can kind of coast a little bit more.

“Of the three, I do like Kingsbarns. I just think that’s the most enjoyable with the views, the hole designs. I like that one most. That’s the only one I felt any affinity to.

There was much jostling at the top of the leaderboard in the early stages of the day but it was playing partners Elvira and Forrest who were first to break out of the pack.

Forrest holed a 20-footer for eagle on the 14th but sandwiched it with bogeys on the 13th and 17th, while Elvira got up and down on the 14th and holed a six-footer on the 16th but made a bogey in between.

The duo then hit remarkable drives onto the green at the par-four 18th and Elvira holed from just five feet for eagle, with Forrest making a two-putt birdie from eight feet.

Elvira grabbed the lead as he put an approach to three feet at the second and holed a lengthy putt at the third but was soon joined by his playing partner who, after putting his second to five feet at the first, holed from 12 feet at the fourth and made a two-putt birdie on the par-five fifth.

It was Elvira in the lead again as he holed from 17 feet at the sixth but Forrest made a putt of similar length on the next before they both had company at 12-under in the form of Fitzpatrick.

The 2022 US Open champion took advantage of the par-five 12th, hit a brilliant tee-shot into the par-three 15th and then played a stunning recovery at the par-five 16th after two ragged shots.

A gain on the first was then followed by a two-putt birdie on the third and Fitzpatrick followed an approach to 12 feet at the fifth with another two-putt birdie after driving the green at the par-four sixth to join the lead.

A poor tee-shot at the seventh brought a bogey but the 29-year-old holed an excellent right-to-lefter from 15 feet at the next before getting up and down on the par-five ninth to lead the way.

Armitage made five birdies and a single bogey in his round, while Southgate had six birdies and a bogey in 16 holes before some late drama.

He was just one off the lead but recorded a triple-bogey on the par-three eighth before holing a huge eagle putt on the ninth to bounce back up the leaderboard.

Pavon signed for a 66 at St Andrews, one shot less than Välimäki at the same venue, while Fox carded a 69 at Kingsbarns, where Horschel recorded a 70.

German Nick Bachem, Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts, Spaniard Alejandro del Rey, Dutchman Daan Huizing, American Peter Uihlein and England’s Matt Wallace were at eight-under.

Main image: DP World Tour

The post After Ryder Cup exertions, Matt Fitzpatrick surges at Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

More footage of the fire generated inside the hospitality tend near the 18th hole at Marco Simone. Hope everyone is safe #rydercup pic.twitter.com/Ile6Of5maD

— Marco Agosta (@marcoagosta52) October 5, 2023

Video footage posted on social showed large plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky and flames engulfing more than half of the temporary three-story structure. Though damage appears to be extensive, it’s fortunate that the fire did not break out last week during the Ryder Cup, where an estimated 50,000 fans watched Europe defeat the United States, 16.5-11.5.

Ryder Cup Europe statement on fire at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. pic.twitter.com/9l7M7jfiSA

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) October 5, 2023

According to a statement from Ryder Cup Europe, the organising body of this year’s event, local firefighters were called to the scene at 5.07pm local time in Guidonia Montecelio, just north of Rome, “and quickly brought the blaze under control”. The statement said that there were no injuries, and that the fire was contained to a single structure. The golf course did not sustain any damage.

The cause of the fire is being investigated. The course was open for play at the time the fire began.

#Roma, dalle 17:25 intervento #vigilidelfuoco in corso nella zona di Guidona per #incendio di una struttura di 3 piani in un golf club: 5 squadre al lavoro per lo spegnimento delle fiamme [#5ottobre 18:00] pic.twitter.com/sZ34X9fKWU

— Vigili del Fuoco (@vigilidelfuoco) October 5, 2023

A news outlet in Italy reported that all roads leading to the course were closed.

Main image: Marco Simone fire. Marco Agosta

The post Massive fire breaks out at Ryder Cup course only four days after event ends appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.