11th December Newsletter

RESULTS
Weekly Results From Around The World

PGA/LPGA Tour: Grant Thornton Invitational - Lydia Ko + Jason Day | -26
DP World Tour: Alfred Dunhill Championship - Monday finish due to bad weather | Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel lead on -16
LIV Golf: Promotions Event - Kalle Samooja | -8

News
Short News Snippets From Around The World

• Rahm to LIV! Masters champion Jon Rahm, after a successful 2023, commits to joining the LIV Golf League from the 2024 season in a deal rumoured to be worth up $600m. Despite previous criticism of LIV, Rahm cites the league's growth and innovations as reasons for the switch, emphasizing the enticing offer and family considerations. Rahm acknowledges the risk regarding future Ryder Cup participation but expresses optimism about contributing to the team.

• Tiger Woods to leave Nike?? Tiger Woods may part ways with Nike after a 27-year partnership, potentially ending at the PNC Championship. Despite earning $500 million, Woods has been wearing non-Nike golf shoes post-2021 car crash. Rumours suggest Nike may close its golf division, impacting other ambassadors. Woods' historic deals with Nike spanned from 1996, with speculations arising post-2021 comeback.

• Who else to LIV Golf? Tony Finau responded to rumours linking him to LIV Golf, sparked by Jon Rahm's move. After his round at the Grant Thornton Invitational, Finau stated, "I have nothing to say right now," neither confirming nor denying the speculation. Earlier reports suggested Finau and Tyrrell Hatton might join Rahm in LIV Golf's 2024 season. Finau emphasized focusing on his game and expressed gratitude for being a PGA Tour member. The PGA Tour faces a December 31 deadline for negotiations with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) amid potential competition from private equity groups.

• Golfer of the Year. The 2023 PGA Tour Player of the Year nominees are Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Viktor Hovland, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm. Scheffler aims to achieve back-to-back wins, a feat last accomplished by Tiger Woods. Winners will be announced in January at The Sentry, with voting closing on December 15. Scheffler led in top-10 finishes (17) and secured the Byron Nelson Award with the lowest scoring average (68.629). Who do you think it should be?

• LIV Golf Qualifiers. Finland’s Kalle Samooja secured the top spot at the LIV Golf Promotions event in Abu Dhabi, earning a place in the LIV Golf League for 2024 alongside Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent and Japan’s Jinichiro Kozuma. The three winners were determined through a 72-hole knockout style event. Which team will they be joining next season?
  

STATS
Limit Those Doubles

Limit your double bogeys to improve your handicap index. I know this sounds simple but it is. Easy ways to do this are, to play less risky shots, chip the ball closer to the hole, three putt less, avoid hazards and out of bounds.

These simple yet effective things can quickly eliminate the number of doubles you make, ultimately bringing down your handicap.

• A scratch player will make a double bogey or worse every 26 holes they play.

• A 15 index will make a double bogey or worse every 4 holes they play.

Provided by Lou Stagner (Golf Stat Pro)

ARTICLE
Stiff vs Regular Flex Shafts

Playing the right flex for your swing speed will not make you hit it straight and long every time, but it will help you be more consistent. It will also help you make your bad shots that little bit better, and let’s face it we hit more bad shots than good shots on the course.

Matching your swing speed to a shaft flex is the starting point, from there you need to find the right weight and kick point for your swing. Using a shaft that feels good in your hands is also a very important aspect.

Have yourself tested on a launch monitor at your local pro or testing facility, you might be surprised by what shaft you actually need.

For the full article CLICK HERE

INSTAGRAM
Wildlife + Golf 🏌️🦒🦏🐘

Having watched the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek this last week, and seeing the golf course right on the Crocodile River, I thought I’d share another course in the area called Skukuza Golf Course, which is located right in the middle of the Kruger Park.

It has no fences around the course meaning you can encounter lions, leopards, hyenas, elephants and more while playing. Check the video below from the guys at Golf Played.

EVENTS
What Can We Expect From The Upcoming Events

PGA Tour: PGA TOUR Q-School
DP World Tour: AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open - Defending Champ | Antoine Rozner
LPGA Tour: No event
Asian Tour: Saudi Open - Defending Champ | Naraajie Ramadhanputra