15th January Newsletter 2024

RESULTS
Weekly Results From Around The World

PGA Tour: The Sentry - Grayson Murray | -17
DP World Tour: Dubai Invitational - Tommy Fleetwood | -19

NEWS
Short News Snippets From Around The World

Where Will Tiger Go? Golf legend Tiger Woods has ended his 27-year partnership with Nike, announcing the breakup on X. The move comes after a long collaboration that survived personal and professional challenges, making Woods synonymous with the Nike brand. Nike expressed gratitude for Woods' impact on the sport and his challenges to conventions. Speculation arises about Nike's shift from golf-related products, with industry experts highlighting the changing landscape and opportunities for Woods in a new era of golf. Who do you think he will join? Rumours are a potential collaboration with TaylorMade. 👀

Pat & Ashley Part Ways. LIV golfer Pat Perez, part of Dustin Johnson's 4Aces team, and his controversial wife Ashley are heading for divorce. Ashley filed for separation in November 2023, and reports indicate divorce papers were served shortly after. The couple, known for outspoken social media posts, including controversial remarks about Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, is ending their marriage after Pat's move to LIV Golf in 2022.

Changes In The R&A. R&A CEO Martin Slumbers will step down by year's end after nine years, surprising many in the golf community. Credited with fostering growth, he prioritized accessibility and inclusivity, increasing financial commitments and introducing new championships. Slumbers oversaw major changes, including the 2019 Rules of Golf modernization and the 2020 World Handicap System, with plans for a golf-ball rollback. He'll lead events like the 2024 Open Championship before an executive search firm finds his successor.

Another Player Goes Niche. It seems like 2024 is the year for Professional Players to leave major golf apparel brands. Min Woo Lee, ranked 34th globally, has officially signed with Lululemon, as confirmed on Instagram. Although he hasn't won on the PGA Tour, he secured two international victories in 2023. Lee expressed excitement about bringing freshness to the game and leading a new generation of golfers. Could we see more to come?

PGA Tour Lose Another. Farmers Insurance, the title sponsor for the PGA Tour stop at Torrey Pines since 2010, reportedly won't renew its contract when it expires in 2026. This follows Wells Fargo's decision to step away from sponsoring the Quail Hollow event. Farmers' move is part of a broader plan to reduce golf-related marketing efforts, potentially linked to a corporate restructuring and CEO change in 2023. The company's commitment to the 2024 Torrey Pines event remains, but indications suggest a scaled-back presence. Looks like the PGA Tour need to do some sponsor hunting.

DATA
Dial In Your Numbers

Spin and launch rates are crucial when hitting a driver in golf because they directly impact distance and accuracy. Optimal spin rates ensure the ball stays airborne, reducing drag, while the right launch angle maximizes distance. Balancing these factors helps golfers achieve the ideal trajectory, providing the best chance for longer, controlled drives off the tee.

This chart by PING is incredibly useful.

TWITTER
Don’t Try This At Home⛳

EVENTS
What Can We Expect From The Upcoming Events

PGA Tour: Sony Open in Hawaii - Defending Champ | Jon Rahm
DP World Tour: Hero Dubai Desert Classic - Defending Champ | Rory McIlroy
LPGA Tour: Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions Defending Champ | Brook Henderson
Asian Tour: IRS Prima Malaysian Open | 15 - 18 Feb 2024