Essential Golf: 2024 Volume 1 by Magazine

ESSENTIAL GOLF

A passion for the game

SUPERSTAR

VIKTOR HOVLAND A sizzling season

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

LILIA VU The rookie rocket ROADS TO GLORY

Collegiate talent unfolds

50 GOLDEN YEARS

THE PLAYERS Championship

TANTRUMS & TEMPERAMENTS RYDER CUP • PRESIDENTS CUP • SOLHEIM CUP

THE MAJORS • PLAYER PROFILES • GOLF VACATIONS • TOPICAL INSIGHTS • GOLF HEALTH & WELLBEING E1 Cover r4_r1.indd 1

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CONTENTS

10 The 2023 season saw Viktor Hovland become a superstar.

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Cover Story: The Player Within by JIM McCABE A ferocious talent has seen Viktor Hovland become one of golf’s most admired superstars The Start of a Vintage Year In the first half of the 2024 season the major tournaments bring us the spectacle of many of the world’s most exciting men and women players THE PLAYERS 50th Championship THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. March 14-17, 2024 THE PLAYERS 50th CELEBRATIONS by LAURY LIVSEY The 50th anniversary celebrations IMAGES: ALAMY

THE PLAYERS: 50 Golden Years selected by LAURY LIVSEY The most memorable moments from THE PLAYERS Championship over the years

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CONTENTS

26 30 32 34 40 42 46 48 50 55 57 60 IMAGES: ALAMY; AP; GETTY IMAGES

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A Vision Completed by LAURY LIVSEY

Gerry Pate’s famous leap into the lake after winning THE PLAYERS, 1982.

Masters Tournament The Masters at 90 by David Barrett Greatest Masters Moments selected by David Barrett Chevron Championship

PGA Championship U.S. Women’s Open U.S. Open KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

Gary Player’s third Masters victory in 1978.

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS, 2023 edited by DAVID BARRETT

U.S. Senior Open The Open The Amundi Evian Championship AIG Women’s Open

Winning the PGA Championship 2023 was Brooks Koepka’s ﬁfth major title.

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CONTENTS

72 74 76 81 82 86

TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Ga. August 24-27, 2023 CME Group Tour Championship Tiburon Golf Club, Naples, Fla. November 16-19, 2023 Lilia Vu by LISA D. MICKEY Looking back on a breakthrough year that included a first LPGA Tour victory, a first major, and also Rolex Player of the Year Outrage & Reason by EG STAFF WRITERS On the much-debated plan to introduce a new distance-limiting golf ball, it’s clear that everyone in touch with the world of golf has an opinion Eye on the Ball In our guest comment series, RON GREEN JR. reflects on playing with a purpose, when emotional connections can elevate a player beyond the game of golf A Stylish Swing by EG STAFF WRITERS Golf fashion trends for 2024 show the continuing evolution of innovation technology that combines comfort with style and elegance Roads to Glory by ADAM MACKEY For gifted young players aspiring to become professional golfers, collegiate golf can serve as a crucial stepping stone

Rory McIlroy, trend setting Nike apparel since 2013.

IMAGES: ALAMY; GCAA

Tom Scullion, one of several talented young collegiate players.

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CONTENTS

110

100

The Jack Nicklaus designed Top of the Rock golf course in Missouri.

Team Europe with the Ryder Cup trophy following their triumph in October 2023.

92 99 100 103 104 IMAGES: ALAMY; MATT SUESS PHOTOGRAPHY

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Cover Up! by EG STAFF WRITERS ALL TO PLAY FOR! RYDER CUP, 2023 by STAN AWTREY PRESIDENT CUP, 2024 by STAN AWTREY SOLHEIM CUP, 2023 by LISA D. MICKEY Essential Golf’s Expert Advice by MICHAEL JACOBS Essential Golf’s Top Golf Resorts The Finishing Hole

Publisher & CEO Kevin J. Harrington Managing Editor Charles Ford Editorial Emmanuel Berhanu Design Joanna Harrington Production Ray Walsh Office Coordinator Nida Zamir ESSENTIAL GOLF is published by BH Sports 29 East Madison Street, Suite 809, CHICAGO, IL 60602 Phone: 312 572 7728 143 Caledonian Road, LONDON, N1 0SL Phone: +44 (0)20 7870 9090 Email: golf@bhsports.net www.essential.golf © BH Sports, 2024. All rights reserved. All material contained within Essential Golf is wholly copyright, and reproduction without the written permission of the Publisher is strictly forbidden. The information in this publication has been carefully researched and produced in good faith, however, neither the Publisher nor the Editor can accept responsibility for any errors.

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CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE OF ESSENTIAL GOLF STAN AWTREY spent 25 years as a sportswriter with the Atlanta JournalConstitution. He is editor of Golf Georgia, the official magazine of the Georgia State Golf Association, and has written a weekly column for PGATOUR.com. His work has appeared in dozens of newspapers, magazines, and websites. DAVID BARRETT is a sportswriter who has worked in that capacity for 6 years with The Augusta Chronicle and for 18 years as Senior Editor for Golf Magazine, and has also worked with numerous other golf publications, also as producer, columnist, and blogger for GolfObserver.com. His published books include Miracle at Merion (2010), Golfing With Dad (2011), and Making the Masters (2012) published by Skyhorse Publishing. RON GREEN JR worked as a Charlotte Observer sportswriter for 23 years. He served as President of the Golf Writers Association of America from 201921 and has been recognized with a variety of accolades. In January 2023, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism by the PGA of America. He continues to cover about 15 pro golf tournaments per year and has covered approximately 100 of golf’s majors, including 41 Masters tourneys. JIM McCABE was not long into his 23-year career at The Boston Globe when he was blessed to have been assigned to cover golf—from juniors to amateurs to the pro game. He was immediately hooked. He loved it all, and what was opened up was a world of passion that continued with a nine-year run at Golfweek magazine and then three years at the PGA TOUR. Born and raised and still living in the Boston area, McCabe is a freelance writer who produces a weekly digital golf newsletter “Power Fades.” LISA D. MICKEY has covered golf for Golf Digest, Golf World, Golf For Women, The New York Times, ESPN.com, the LPGA and the USGA. She is a three-time Golf Writers Association of America winner for feature writing. A certified Florida Master Naturalist, she is also an environmental writer and provides website content for environmental non-profits in Central Florida. LEE PACE has written about golf from his home in Chapel Hill, N.C., for four decades and has specialized in coffee table books celebrating the great courses of the Carolinas and beyond. He believes like many that golf is best experienced via foot, the old-fashioned way—walking with a lightweight and simple carry bag slung over the shoulder. Toward that end, Pace has authored a book on the joys of walking golf that was published in 2021 by the University of North Carolina Press, Good Walks—Recapturing the Soul of Golf at Eighteen Top Carolinas Courses.

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COVER STORY

THE PLAYER WITHIN Beneath a disarming modesty lies a ferocious talent that has seen Viktor Hovland become one of golf’s most admired superstars By Jim McCabe

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COVER STORY

ne would have to spend some time around Viktor Hovland— say about 10 seconds—to know that his perpetual happiness is not dependent upon financial rewards or tournament victories or global fame. No sir. It is in his DNA. “I guess it’s a lot of genes. My mom and dad are pretty happy people,” said Hovland, who delivered his answer with his trademark smile. “Norway is a pretty happy country. It’s a lot about that. “I have a pretty good job for a living, so I don’t have a whole lot of things to complain about.” Genuine modesty Mind you, Hovland delivered this answer to a reporter’s question in the spring of 2022, back when he had yet to win a PGA TOUR tournament in the continental U.S., or delivered inspiringly for Europe in the Ryder Cup, or made a statement in a highprofile championship.

So, if you’re thinking that things might have changed after a robust 2023 campaign—victories at the Memorial Tournament and then at the BMW Championship and TOUR Championship to nail down an $18m FedExCup bonanza—think again, because they have not. Feet on the ground Grounded, thy name is Hovland. For proof, here is the young man after being asked if he “splurged” with his massive FedExCup windfall. “I took my mom to a restaurant in Malta, and we went there and hung out and ate good food and checked out some places and went sightseeing a little bit,” said the pride of Oslo.

“I have a pretty good job for a living, so I don’t have a whole lot of things to complain about.” IMAGES: ALAMY

—Viktor Hovland

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Viktor Hovland smashed it in the close to the 2022-23 season.

Simplicity admired In a world where we are glued to the rich and famous through TMZ and “Entertainment Tonight” and seem to place on a pedestal those who live extravagantly, even obnoxiously, Hovland toasted his triumph at the TOUR Championship and a mighty FedExCup deposit to his bank account with a humility and simplicity to be admired. “Obviously, it’s a lot of cash you’re playing for,” said Hovland, who shot 68-64-66-63 for 19-under 261 in the TOUR Championship but factoring in the 8-under with which he began the tournament, the Norwegian stormed to a five-stroke triumph over Xander Schauffele. He knew first place in the TOUR Championship would translate into an $18m prize for capturing the FedExCup. “It’s in the back of your mind,” he said.  A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF 11

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The genuine article But Hovland is as genuine as you get, perennially more proud of Norway’s fixture inside the Top 10 of the Friendliest Countries in the World than he is of his own success. His world does not revolve around money. “I live in Stillwater (Oklahoma). Money goes a long way there. It’s not like I’m spending money out the wazoo every week. I don’t need a lot to be happy.” Delightful tale The rise of Hovland, who didn’t even pick up a golf club till he was

11 years old, is a delightful tale. It is said that Norwegians are born “with skis on their feet” and be it Alpine or Nordic jumping, this is the national sport in this proud Scandinavian country. It was, however, a stick and ball sport that appealed to Hovland. Three years into his golf career he won the Norwegian Amateur Championship and four years later Hovland was enrolled at Oklahoma State, consistently one of the best American collegiate golf programs. Never was it lost on Hovland how unique his presence on the American collegiate scene was. So many of

the heralded kids came from states where you play golf year-round— California, Texas, Florida—dominate the scene, yet it was Hovland who won the 2018 U.S. Amateur. Show stealer In quintessential Hovland fashion, he stole the show at a pre-tournament press conference before the start of the 2020 Travelers Championship. Hovland was among four heralded collegians who were playing as professionals at TPC River Highlands. Three of them—Collin Morikawa, Justin Suh, and Matthew Wolff— were asked about their similar

Hovland carded a 7-under 63 to become the third-youngest player to win the seasonending FedExCup.

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COVER STORY

The Norwegian pocketed a reported $34 million across the 2022-23 season.

backgrounds and how they crossed paths with one another while growing up in California. When he had his chance to respond to a question about his upbringing, Hovland quickly noted that “growing up in Norway—or California 2.0 as we call it …” and laughter filled the small interview area. To those who were there and perhaps seeing Hovland for the first time, what is burned into the memory banks is the infectious smile that flashed. Turns out, it is absolutely genuine, and if that makes Hovland a marketer’s dream, then good for everyone involved. Especially Hovland because “I know zilch about marketing and all that stuff.”

Hovland. “I never have been great around the greens and to play at the highest level and beat the best players in the world you have to get the ball up-and-down.” As he improved and made those clutch saves under the greatest pressure, Hovland’s belief in his short game has taken him to the next level. Forget the FEC money, Hovland feels rich in belief, “the last missing piece.” ■ Wives and girlfriends of the European Ryder Cup team pose with Viktor Hovland, who is clearly relishing the occasion.

IMAGES: ALAMY

Hovland smashed it What he clearly knows a lot about is playing great golf as his star was cemented on the PGA TOUR stage during a smashing close to the 202223 season. Appreciated and highly ranked, Hovland in the early part of 2023 was still the kid with a “resort king” reputation for his only wins at that point were two in Mayakoba in

Mexico and one in Puerto Rico. But winning three of his last eight starts in 2023—the Memorial, the BMW Championship, and the TOUR Championship—sent the respect off the charts. Heavyweight championships, each of those three, and as much as reporters grilled him about the money (“It’s nice for my family to have that protection . . . [but] it’s not something that gives me meaning”), the man from Oslo was most pleased at the how he had achieved his FedExCup championship. “I didn’t have all the tools,” said

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THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

THE START OF A VINTAGE YEAR The eagerly anticipated major events bringing us the spectacle of many of the world’s most exciting men and women players in action

ur coverage of the four men’s and three women’s major tournaments in first half of the 2024 season starts with details of the landmark 50th anniversary of THE PLAYERS. There’s also an overview of the 2023 championship recalling Scottie Scheffler’s triumph, along with an extended selection

of memorable moments from the championship’s fifty golden years, as well as the fascinating backstory showing how THE PLAYERS became the major attraction it is today. Notable, too, as the gold standard of golf tournaments, this year we have the 90th anniversary of the Masters Tournament, giving us an

opportunity for extended coverage of the 2024 event, an overview of Jon Rahm’s commanding performance in 2023, and a selection of the greatest moments that the Masters has always provided. Here’s our line-up of those major events to look forward to in the first half of 2024, March through June. ■

THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP March 14-17, 2024

IMAGES: ALAMY; GETTY IMAGES

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MASTERS TOURNAMENT

CHEVRON CHAMPIONSHIP

Page 30-37

Page 40-41

April 11-14, 2024

April 18-21, 2024

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP May 16-19, 2024 Page 42-43

U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN May 30–June 2, 2024 Page 46-47

U.S. OPEN June 13-16, 2024 Page 48-49

KPMG WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP June 20-23, 2024 Page 50-51

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THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP March 14-17, 2024 TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course), Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. 2024 Field: 144 players Format: 72 holes stroke play Purse: $25 million Winner’s share: $4.5 million Defending champion: Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler’s 2023 triumph at THE PLAYERS Championship took him to the top of the Official World Golf Ranking.

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THE SEASON AHEAD, MARCH-JUNE, 2024

The 2024 venue

2023 tournament highlights

TPC Sawgrass has been the home of THE PLAYERS Championship since 1982.

IMAGES: ALAMY; DREAMSTIME

2023 LEADERBOARD Player

Pos

Total Score

Earnings

Scottie Scheffler

271/-17

$4,500,000

Tyrell Hatton

276/-12

$2,725,000

Tom Hoge

278/-10

$1,475,000

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THE SEASON AHEAD, MARCH-JUNE, 2024

THE PLAYERS An overview of the 50th anniversary celebrations

IMAGES: ALAMY

cottie Scheffler did something unique when he won the 2023 PLAYERS Championship. By hoisting the trophy after 72 holes at TPC Sawgrass’ Stadium Course last March, he became only the third player to simultaneously hold titles at both THE PLAYERS and the Masters, joining Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Be in no doubt, this year we’ll see Scheffler aiming to replicate that 2023 PLAYERS performance amid a backdrop of celebration, as the tournament celebrates its 50th event. THE PLAYERS will feature, as always, the strongest and deepest field in golf, and also boasts Nicklaus as the only three-time winner, as well as two-time champs Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, Fred Couples, Hal Sutton, and Steve Elkington. Special 50th Twelve different World Golf Hall of Famers have claimed victory at THE PLAYERS. In conjunction with the event’s golden anniversary, 2024 www.essential.golf

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By Laury Livsey competitors will receive special 50th anniversary money clips, and volunteers will wear uniforms with a special 50th anniversary logo, complete with a custom 50th lapel pin. PLAYERS Military Appreciation Day The traditional Tuesday PLAYERS Military Appreciation Day will begin with a singing of the national anthem—the tournament inviting talented singers from the Northeast Florida region to audition for the opportunity to perform a singing of the “Star-Spangled Banner” that kicks off the afternoon festivities. Immediately following the ceremony, a concert featuring multiplatinum singer-songwriter Cole Swindell takes place on the 17th green. “We are thrilled to welcome an artist of Cole’s caliber to TPC Sawgrass. He’s an incredible talent and his passion for the sport of golf just adds to the excitement of the week. I know he’s going to put on a great show for our fans and do an incredible job

honoring our men and women in uniform,” said Lee Smith, Executive Director of THE PLAYERS. Swindell recently had the opportunity to play at TPC Sawgrass’ Stadium Course for the first time. He focused on his golf but couldn’t help think about where he will be performing. “[I] got to scope out where the concert will take place, and I got chills just thinking about it. To play a show on the most famous hole in golf is a dream come true,” said Swindell. “Over the past 50 years, this legendary event and its iconic venue have become a sanctuary for passionate fans and a symbol of athletic excellence, and we cannot wait to celebrate the storied history of this championship this upcoming March,” said PLAYERS executive director Lee Smith, “The team is hard at work to ensure that this year’s offerings are thrilling, inspiring and relentlessly entertaining as is standard for THE PLAYERS.”  A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF 21

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THE SEASON AHEAD, MARCH-JUNE, 2024

50 GOLDEN YEARS Memorable Moments from THE PLAYERS Selected by Laury Livsey

t’s a tough call, picking out the memorable moment from 50 years of this great championship, there are so many of great moments. And many have proved to be defining moments for the players, career changing, while many also have been dramatic, entertaining, even hilarious for all who were lucky enough to be there—indeed, many more such moments could be added to those I’ve chosen, below.

Jack Nicklaus holds the record for the most PLAYERS Championship victories, winning in 1974, 1976, and 1978.

1977 – a home by the sea After three iterations of the tournament at various well-known PGA TOUR venues in Georgia, Florida and Texas, THE PLAYERS Championship found a permanent home in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, at what turned out to be its temporary home—Sawgrass Country Club, site of the tournament from 22 ESSENTIAL GOLF

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1977 to 1981. In the first tournament at the seaside course, Lee Trevino hit a wedge-shot approach on the 72nd hole to a few feet, setting himself up with a birdie putt he would make to

win by one. Trevino, a future World Golf Hall of Famer, defeated three other future inductees that year— Ben Crenshaw, by a stroke, and Seve Ballesteros and Tom Watson by two.

IMAGES: AP

1974 – Golden Bear heroics PGA TOUR Commissioner Deane Beman decided he would start a tournament in 1974 for his players, calling his creation the Tournament Players Championship, an event since changed to the well-known PLAYERS Championship. What better way to get the inaugural tournament off to a roaring start than to have the best player in the world—in this case, Jack Nicklaus— win. Cue Golden Bear heroics that make up the tapestry of his legendary career. In a rain-plagued tournament that forced a Monday finish at Atlanta Country Club, Nicklaus did what Nicklaus was prone to do. He shot a final-round 67 to come from three strokes off the lead on the final day to cruise past 54-hole leader J.C. Snead to win by two strokes.

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THE SEASON AHEAD, MARCH-JUNE, 2024

1978 – plagued by the weather Weather was the big winner in 1978, as cold and heavy wind coming off the Atlantic Ocean tormented players all week at Sawgrass Country Club. Only one player during the 72-hole tournament shot a round in the 60s. Mike McCullough fired a 1-under 69 in the third round. Meanwhile, the eventual winner only had one evenpar round to his credit. Jack Nicklaus shot a 70 to open the tournament then followed with a 71-73-75 finish, but that was good enough to leave him at 9-over, one shot ahead of Lou Graham. Nicklaus’ winning, 9-over score matched the same winning score from a year earlier, when Mark Hayes won the PLAYERS without shooting a single par-or-better round.

IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES

1981 – the first playoff At the 1981 PLAYERS, Barry Jaeckel had a chance to win the tournament in regulation, but he missed his birdie attempt, allowing Raymond Floyd and Curtis Strange to join Jaeckel in what would be the first playoff in tournament history. With Jaeckel and Strange making bogey on the first sudden-death hole, all Floyd had to do was make a par, which he did, to not only win the first prize of $45,000 but also to take home a $250,000 bonus for winning two tournaments in a row. A week earlier, Floyd won the Doral-Eastern Open. 1982 – it went swimmingly It could be golf’s most famous swim, a dip in the water that featured a golfer, a TOUR administrator, and a golf course architect. With Jerry Pate’s orange ball safely on the green, a mere three feet from the cup after a sublime 5-iron approach late Sunday afternoon, Pate knew victory at the 1982 PLAYERS was his. As he strolled toward the green, Pate confidently faced the CBS Sports cameraman walking alongside him and said, “Pete Dye will go for a swim today.” After tapping in for birdie to win his eighth and final TOUR title, Pate, in his pink shirt and visor, looked for Dye but found Deane Beman first, throwing the PGA www.essential.golf

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TOUR Commissioner into the lake adjacent to the 18th green, Beman still wearing his suit jacket. Pate then grabbed Dye, sending him into the water before Pate followed both by diving in himself. Years later, Beman, who conceived the stadium golf concept, said of the tournament and its new, permanent home, TPC Sawgrass, “People remember the splashing in the lake, but I think there was a great feeling that this was going to be something special.” He turned out to be right. 1987 – a costly distraction The 1987 PLAYERS Championship went to a playoff when Jeff Sluman and Sandy Lyle ended regulation deadlocked after Sluman made a long birdie putt on the 72nd hole to force overtime. It would be the first playoff after the tournament moved to TPC Sawgrass. The two players halved the first extra hole, so Sluman and Lyle headed to the par-3 17th. After Lyle made his two-putt par, Sluman faced a short birdie putt to secure the win. As he prepared to putt, a fan watching decided to jump in the lake surrounding the green. With all the commotion, Sluman backed away. Still shaken by the disturbance,

Jerry Pate’s leap into the lake on the 18th at TPC Sawgrass has become one of the most iconic images in golf.

Sluman tried to regroup and went through his pre-putt routine. But he missed the putt, and Lyle eventually won the title on the third playoff hole. 1990 – when serendipity takes over On Sunday in 1990, Mark Calcavecchia was trying to chase down leader Jodie Mudd, and he had just about done that. Calcavecchia trailed Mudd by a shot when the two players arrived at the par-3 17th. Calcavecchia, playing first, hit his tee shot to the middle of the green. Mudd planned on playing it safe, as well, but instead his tee ball went straight for the flag. Before the ball settled, Calcavecchia looked at Mudd and said, “Tell me you pushed that.” Calcavecchia couldn’t believe under those circumstances that Mudd would hit the shot he hit. Mudd admitted later that he hadn’t planned on going for the pin and indeed had pushed his tee shot. From there, serendipity took over. Regardless of how his ball got there, that shot led to a birdie that gave Mudd the cushion he needed to win.  A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF 23

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THE SEASON AHEAD, MARCH-JUNE, 2024

1993 – “greatest shot of my life” Already recognized as one of the best players in the world in 1993, South Africa’s Nick Price was on the verge of claiming the No. 1 spot in the Official World Golf Ranking. Even if a victory at THE PLAYERS wouldn’t technically accomplish that, a win at the prestigious tournament would cement his position as one of the greatest players of his generation. What stood between Price and a PLAYERS title came early in his final round, on the fourth hole, when his tee shot landed in the thick TPC Sawgrass rough. When Price surveyed the situation, he realized he had to play the shot using an awkward stance. Unable to make a traditional swing, Price’s slash at the ball looked more like a baseball swing. What resulted is what Price later said was “the greatest shot of my life.” The ball nearly went in, stopping a foot from the hole. That birdie led to something of a cakewalk after that, Price winning THE PLAYERS by five shots.

hole of the 1999 PLAYERS. From the greenside sand, Duval holed his shot for an unlikely birdie. He seemed to coast from there, going on to defeat Scott Gump by two shots. The victory also allowed him to move into the No. 1 spot on the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time. Watching the drama unfold on television across Florida’s panhandle was Duval’s father, Bob, a PGA TOUR Champions player who earlier in the day had won the Emerald Coast Classic. “I’m glad I won an hour before he did because if I found out he won, and I had a twoshot lead with three to go, I probably might have choked my brains out,” Bob joked later. The Duvals remain the only father-son combo to win PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions tournaments on the same day.

recording an eagle and five birdies in his previous 16 holes. Standing on the 17th green over a 62-foot birdie putt, Woods faced what a lot of players hope to two-putt for par. Not Woods. Despite it being a triple-breaking putt on a sun-baked, extremely fast green, Woods’ putt tracked toward the hole as NBC announcer Gary Koch noted that Woods’ effort was “better than most.” As the ball rolled, Johnny Miller, also watching the putt, asked, “How about in?” with Koch following with “Better than most! Better than most!” as the ball fell into the cup amid Woods patented fist pump and roars from crowd watching what was arguably the finest shot of the entire tournament. Woods went on to win his first PLAYERS the following day by a stroke over Vijay Singh.

2001 – Tiger, top of his game In the third round of the 2001 PLAYERS, Tiger Woods, the No. 1 player in the world and at the top of his game, took the lead after

2002 – “You’re unbelievable” Prior to 2002, few golf fans outside of New Zealand were aware of Craig Perks. During the entire week of that year’s PLAYERS, and especially over

1999 – a father and son triumph David Duval, who grew up in nearby Jacksonville and had played TPC Sawgrass numerous times as a junior and high school golfer, hit his ball into the bunker playing the ninth 24 ESSENTIAL GOLF

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Tiger Woods lifts the trophy in triumph in 2001, an achievement he repeated in 2013.

IMAGES: AP

1999 – a select group of players With close to 12,000 of them at the par-3 17th hole in history, par is a score TOUR players are typically glad to put down on their scorecards during each round of THE PLAYERS. Two-time champion Fred Couples is one of a select group of players who has made an eagle, a birdie and par at No. 17, with Couples making one of the 13 aces at No. 17 (in 1997). Yet it is one of his many pars at the 17th that is more unique than the rest. In the opening round in 1999, Couples hit his tee shot on the par-3 and watched as it came up short, landing in the water. Instead of going to the forward drop area and taking a penalty stroke there, Couples made his drop on the tee, and with the same club, hit a better shot, the ball going into the hole on the fly for a routine par.

www.essential.golf

25/01/2024 14:50

THE SEASON AHEAD, MARCH-JUNE, 2024

A ﬁst pump from Adam Scott as he clinched a one-shot victory at the 2004 PLAYERS Championship.

IMAGES: ALAMY

2004 – a tactical mistake made good www.essential.golf

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Rickie Fowler came out on top in the tournament’s ﬁrst aggregate threeway playoff in 2015.

2005 – a memorable celebration

2015 – Fowler’s ﬁnish with a ﬂourish ¡ ¡ ¢ ¡  A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF

23/01/2024 16:14

THE SEASON AHEAD, MARCH-JUNE, 2024

The 17th at TPC Sawgrass, known as the “Island Green,” is one of golf’s most famous holes.

A VISION COMPLETED Ambitious and intriguing is the backstory of THE PLAYERS Championship and the famous Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass By Laury Livsey

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A passion for the game

Sawgrass move

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23/01/2024 16:15

THE SEASON AHEAD, MARCH-JUNE, 2024

shortened to TPC Sawgrass. After five playings of THE PLAYERS at Sawgrass Country Club, the tournament made its move in 1982, and it’s called TPC Sawgrass home since. Not everybody immediately embraced Dye’s design. Some players felt the newly built course was unfair, especially around the greens, and they weren’t shy about making their feelings known. Tom Kite and Tom Watson, among many others, took painstaking time to detail their thoughts about every hole, especially the greens that they mailed to Beman. In a letter to the commissioner, Kite wrote, “As I mentioned before, I think that the concept of the greens at the Players Club is all wrong in that the greens all slope off in every direction to such a degree that it is impossible to hit a shot and know until it reacts to the green which way it will roll.” Renovations and revisions Beman, relying on his experience, as a player, read and listened to

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Some players felt the newly built course was unfair, especially around the greens, and they weren’t shy about making their feelings known. all the feedback and eventually created a committee of players—Jim Colbert, Ben Crenshaw, Hale Irwin, Jack Nicklaus, and Ed Sneed—to work with Dye on renovations and revisions following the 1983 tournament. The greens became less severe, and Dye narrowed some fairways. The course, bit by bit, became more refined looking, as well, the built-in grass bleachers surrounding some tee boxes (No. 1, for example) eventually going away

primarily because of maintenance issues (try cutting a tiered, grass lawn every few days). The par-3 17th, with its peninsula green, became one of the most famous holes in golf and, like Augusta National, the entire course developed into a well-known venue, one fans knew well, as the tournament kept coming back year after year. Now in its 42nd year of hosting the tournament (the TOUR canceled the 2020 PLAYERS due to the global pandemic), TPC Sawgrass has come a long way from its infancy when Nicklaus famously said in 1983, “I never was much good at playing 4-iron shots to the hoods of cars. That’s about the size of the targets you’re aiming at on these greens.” After his comment that brought a laugh to the assembled media, Nicklaus paused and said, “Eventually, this is going to turn out to be a fine, fine golf course.” ■ The evolution of the Stadium Course has seen many changes, both nuanced and substantial, over the years.

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MASTERS TOURNAMENT April 11-14, 2024

Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Ga. 2024 Field: 87 players Format: 72 holes stroke play Purse: $18 million Winner’s Share: $3,240,000 Defending champion: Jon Rahm

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On his seventh Masters appearance in 2023, Jon Rahm won his second major title.

www.essential.golf

23/01/2024 16:42

THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

The 13th at Augusta National is named “Azalea,” where the colorful shrub ﬂourishes on the south side.

The 2024 venue www.essential.golf

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2023 LEADERBOARD Player

Pos

Total Score

Earnings

Jon Rahm

276/-12

$3,240,000

Brooks Koepka

280/-8

$1,584,000

Phil Mickelson

280/-8

$1,584,000

2023 tournament highlights

◆ ◆ ◆ ¡ ¢ £ ¤ ◆  A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF

23/01/2024 16:43

THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

THE MASTERS AT 90 Reﬂections on this bastion of traditional golf shows how the Masters has moved with the times with innovations over the years, retaining the tournament’s special place in the world of golf

Humble beginnings

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A passion for the game

The perfect stage The Masters, embracing innovation



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By David Barrett

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25/01/2024 14:59

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THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

GREATEST MASTERS MOMENTS Every year in its long history, the Masters Tournament has always attracted the world’s greatest players who always produce dramatic moments that thrill the thousands of fans Selected by David Barrett

IMAGES: AP

Arnold Palmer birdies the ﬁnal hole to secure a second Masters triumph in 1960.

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24/01/2024 10:27

THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

1978 and elation for Gary Player as he overcame a 7-shot deficit in the final round to claim his third and final Masters title.

ach one of the Masters eightynine tournaments has brought a trove of great moments, and without doubt the upcoming 90th event in April will deliver yet more. Anyone challenged with making a selection of greatest Masters moments is therefore faced with a vast richness of choices—here are just ten of those many outstanding moments. 1935 – Sarazen’s dead aim Gene Sarazen was three strokes behind Craig Wood, who had already finished, as he played the 15th hole. He made up those three strokes with one swing of the club, holing a 230-yard four-wood shot for a miraculous double eagle. He went on to win a playoff the next day. 1960 – a fine finish Arnold Palmer’s approach to the 18th green landed two feet from the hole, finishing six feet away, and he made the birdie putt to beat Ken Venturi by one stroke, also having made birdie on the 17th. 1975 – remarkable three-way battle Jack Nicklaus sank a 40-foot putt on the 16th to tie Tom Weiskopf for the lead. Minutes later, Weiskopf bogeyed 16 and ended up tied for second with Johnny Miller, one stroke behind Nicklaus in a titanic three-way battle. 1978 – Player’s triumph Gary Player rolled in a 15-foot putt on the 18th green for a 30 on the back nine and a 64 in the final round. It ultimately gave him a one-stroke victory over Tom Watson, Hubert Green, and Rod Funseth. www.essential.golf

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1986 – a father-and-son exchange When Jack Nicklaus hit his five-iron tee shot on the 16th hole, his son and caddie Jackie, said “Be right!” Nicklaus responded, “It is,” and the

ball settled three-and-a-half feet from the hole. The birdie, combined with an eagle on 15 and a birdie on 17 gave him a 30 on the back nine for a 65 and a sixth Masters title by one stroke.  A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF 35

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Phil Mickelson celebrates sinking the winning putt for his maiden Masters win in 2004.

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23/01/2024 16:43

THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

Tiger Woods has an illustrious Masters record, winning on ﬁve occassions including in 2005.

1987 - Larry’s big win 1988 – a one-stroke victory 2004 - Phil’s ﬁrst major 2005 – a dramatic slow ball 2012 – a masterly and thrilling ﬁnish ■ www.essential.golf

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Bubba Watson edged Louis Oosthuizen for a dramatic win following a suddendeath playoff, 2012.

A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF

24/01/2024 16:36

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THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

THE CHEVRON CHAMPIONSHIP April 18-21, 2024

The Club at Carlton Woods, The Woodlands, Texas 2024 Field: 132 players Format: 72 holes stroke play Purse: $5.2 million Winner’s Share: $765,000 Defending champion: Lilia Vu

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IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES

Lilia Vu earned a maiden major title following a dramatic play-off victory over Angel Yin.

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23/01/2024 16:49

THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

A third-place ﬁnish for Nelly Korda took her to the top of the Rolex Women’s Golf World Rankings in 2023.

Overview

The 2024 venue

2023 LEADERBOARD Player

Pos

Total Score

Earnings

Lilia Vu

278/-10

$765,000

Angel Yin

278/-10

$479,680

Nelly Korda

279/-9

$347,974

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2023 tournament highlights ◆ ◆ ◆ ¡ ¢ ■ A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF

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THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP May 16-19, 2024

Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Ky. 2024 Field: 156 players Format: 72 holes stroke play Purse: $17.5 million Winner’s Share: $3,150,000 Defending champion: Brooks Koepka

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Brooks Koepka’s triumph in the 2023 PGA Championship was his ﬁrst major victory since joining LIV Golf.

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A passion for the game

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25/01/2024 11:43

THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

Known as the “photo ﬁnish,” the picturesque 18th at Valhalla features a large fairway bunker and a water feature.

The 2024 venue

2023 tournament highlights

2023 LEADERBOARD Player

Pos

Total Score

Earnings

Brooks Koepka

271/-9

$3,150,000

Viktor Hovland

273/-7

$1,540,000

Scottie Scheffler

273/-7

$1,540,000

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◆ ◆ ◆ ¡ ¢ £ ◆ ¤ ¥ £ ◆ ■ A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF

23/01/2024 17:03

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THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

U.S. WOMEN’S OPEN May 30–June 2, 2024

Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, Pa. 2024 Field: 156 players Format: 72 holes stroke play Purse: $11 million Winner’s Share: $2 million Defending Champion: Allisen Corpuz

Overview

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Allisen Corpuz scooped her ﬁrst major victory on the LPGA Tour, taking home what was then the biggest payout in LPGA history.

ESSENTIAL GOLF

A passion for the game

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24/01/2024 10:35

THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

The 2024 edition of the tournament will return to Lancaster Country Club, a venue which ﬁrst hosted the event in 2015.

The 2024 venue

2023 tournament highlights

2023 LEADERBOARD Player

Pos

Total Score

Earnings

Allisen Corpuz

279/-9

$2,000,000

Charley Hull

282/-6

$969,231

Jiyai Sin

282/-6

$969,231

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23/01/2024 17:15

THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

U.S. OPEN June 13-16, 2024

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), N.C. 2024 Field: 156 players Format: 72 holes stroke play Purse: $20 million Winner’s Share: $3,600,000 Defending champion: Wyndham Clark

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Wyndham Clark held his nerve to win his ﬁrst ever major triumph, securing the $3.6m winner’s share.

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www.essential.golf

24/01/2024 16:50

THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

The 2024 venue 2023 tournament highlights www.essential.golf

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Frustration for Rory McIlroy as his quest for a ﬁfth major title remains elusive.

2023 LEADERBOARD Player

Pos

Total Score

Earnings

Wyndham Clark

270/-10

$3,600,000

Rory McIlroy

271/-9

$2,160,000

Scottie Scheffler

273/-7

$1,413,430

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A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF

23/01/2024 17:21

THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

KPMG WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP June 20-23, 2024

Sahalee Country Club, Sammamish, Wash. 2024 Field: 156 players Format: 72 holes stroke play Purse: $10 million Winner’s Share: $1,350,000 Defending champion: Ruoning Yin

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A passion for the game

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A birdie at the last proved crucial for Ruoning Yin, claiming her second LPGA Tour victory of 2023.

IMAGES: ALAMY; DREAMSTIME

www.essential.golf

24/01/2024 10:38

THE SEASON AHEAD • MARCH-JUNE, 2024

The 2024 venue

The Sahalee course in Washington state is located on a heavily forested plateau east of Lake Sammamish.

2023 tournament highlights www.essential.golf

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◆

◆ ◆ ¡ ¢ ¢ ¢ ■

2023 LEADERBOARD Player

Pos

Total Score

Earnings

Ruoning Yin

276/-8

$1,500,000

Yuka Saso

277/-7

$875,130

Carlota Ciganda

278/-6

$423,070

A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF

25/01/2024 13:20

APPROVED USE FASENRA is a prescription medicine used with other asthma medicines for the maintenance treatment of asthma in people 12 years and older whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines. FASENRA is not used to treat other problems caused by eosinophils and is not used to treat sudden breathing problems. It is not known if FASENRA is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not use FASENRA if you are allergic to benralizumab or any of the ingredients in FASENRA. Do not use to treat sudden breathing problems. FASENRA may cause serious side effects, including: • allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, including anaphylaxis. Serious allergic reactions can happen after you get your FASENRA injection. Allergic reactions can sometimes happen hours or days after you get your injection. Tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: o swelling of your face, mouth and tongue o breathing problems o fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure) o rash o hives Before using FASENRA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

Healix Global.indd 1 Fasenra PGA Tour Essentials.indd 1-2 US-73226_US-55818

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GET BACK TO THE THINGS YOU LOVED DOING

BEFORE YOUR ASTHMA GOT IN THE WAY.* FASENRA is proven to help: • prevent asthma attacks • improve breathing • lower daily use of oral steroids* FASENRA 8-week dosing offers patients the fewest doses per year.†‡

Talk to your doctor or visit FASENRA.com

“With FASENRA, I've been able to breathe better and get back out there.” * *Results may vary. The first 3 doses are given on day 1, week 4, and week 8.

†

Dosing comparisons do not imply similar efficacy or safety.

‡

• are taking oral or inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Do not stop taking your corticosteroid medicines unless instructed by your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were controlled by the corticosteroid medicine to come back. • have a parasitic (helminth) infection. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if FASENRA will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during your treatment with FASENRA. o There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to FASENRA during pregnancy. Healthcare providers can enroll patients or encourage patients to enroll themselves by calling 1-877-311-8972 or visiting www.mothertobaby.org/fasenra. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if FASENRA passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you use FASENRA. • are taking prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. Do not stop taking your other asthma medicines unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider. Tell your healthcare provider if your asthma does not get better or if it gets worse after you start treatment with FASENRA. The most common side effects of FASENRA include: headache and sore throat. These are not all the possible side effects of FASENRA. You are encouraged to report the negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Brief Summary of full Prescribing Information on adjacent page. FASENRA is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies. ©2023 AstraZeneca. All rights reserved. US-73226 3/23

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I M P O R TA N T

I N F O R M AT I O N

Read this brief summary carefully before using FASENRA for the first time and each time you use a new dose. There may be new information. This summary does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. What is FASENRA? FASENRA is a prescription medicine used with other asthma medicines for the maintenance treatment of asthma in people 12 years and older whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines. When added to other medicines for asthma, FASENRA helps prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and may improve your breathing. Medicines such as FASENRA reduce blood eosinophils. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that may contribute to your asthma. • FASENRA is not used to treat other problems caused by eosinophils. • FASENRA is not used to treat sudden breathing problems. Tell your healthcare provider if your asthma does not get better or if it gets worse after you start treatment with FASENRA. It is not known if FASENRA is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age. Do not use FASENRA if you are allergic to benralizumab or any of the ingredients in FASENRA. Before using FASENRA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: • are taking oral or inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Do not stop taking your corticosteroid medicines unless instructed by your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were controlled by the corticosteroid medicine to come back • have a parasitic (helminth) infection • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if FASENRA will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during your treatment with FASENRA. ° There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to FASENRA during pregnancy. Healthcare providers can enroll patients or encourage patients to enroll themselves by calling 1-877-311-8972 or visiting www.mothertobaby.org/fasenra. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if FASENRA passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will use FASENRA and breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you use FASENRA. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Do not stop taking your other asthma medicines unless your healthcare provider tells you to. How will I use FASENRA? • FASENRA is injected under your skin (subcutaneously) one time every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, and then every 8 weeks. • FASENRA comes in a single dose prefilled syringe and in a single dose autoinjector. • A healthcare provider will inject FASENRA using the single-dose prefilled syringe.

A B O U T

F A S E N R A

• If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give the injection of FASENRA, you or your caregiver should receive training on the right way to prepare and give the injection using the FASENRA PEN. Do not try to inject FASENRA until you have been shown the right way by your healthcare provider. See the detailed “Instructions for Use” that comes with FASENRA PEN for information on how to prepare and inject FASENRA. • If you miss a dose of FASENRA, call your healthcare provider. What are the possible side effects of FASENRA? FASENRA may cause serious side effects, including: • allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, including anaphylaxis. Serious allergic reactions can happen after you get your FASENRA injection. Allergic reactions can sometimes happen hours or days after you get your injection. Tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: ° swelling of your face, mouth and tongue ° breathing problems ° fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure) ° rash ° hives The most common side effects of FASENRA include headache and sore throat. These are not all the possible side effects of FASENRA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. How should I store FASENRA? • Store FASENRA in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). • FASENRA may be stored at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) for up to 14 days. • Once removed from the refrigerator and brought to room temperature FASENRA must be used within 14 days or thrown away. • Store FASENRA in the original carton until you are ready to use it to protect it from light. • Do not freeze FASENRA. Do not use FASENRA that has been frozen. • Do not expose FASENRA to heat. • Do not use FASENRA past the expiration date. • Keep FASENRA and all medicines out of the reach of children. What are the ingredients in FASENRA? Active ingredient: benralizumab Inactive ingredients: L-histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, polysorbate 20, ,-trehalose dihydrate, and Water for Injection The information provided here is not comprehensive. Ask your healthcare provider for additional information about FASENRA. You can also contact the company that makes FASENRA (toll-free) at 1-800-236-9933 or at www.fasenra.com. FASENRA and FASENRA Pen are registered trademarks of the AstraZeneca group of companies. © 2021 AstraZeneca LP. All rights reserved. Manufactured for: AstraZeneca LP, Wilmington, DE 19850 8/21 US-55818

For more information, visit FASENRA.com Or call 1-800-236-9933

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TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS • JULY-NOVEMBER, 2023

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS 2023 Highlights edited by DAVID BARRETT from the second half of the 2023 season, July through November, reflect on six major championships—one each on the men’s tour and men’s senior tour and three women’s major events—and the season-ending tournaments on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour U.S. Senior Open, June 29-July 2 page 57-58 The premier event on the men’s senior calendar dates from 1980, around the same time as the commencement of the senior tour, known today as the PGA TOUR Champions. Run by the USGA, it is the equivalent of the U.S. Open for pros and amateurs aged 50 and over The Open, July 20-23 page 60-61 Run by the R&A, The Open is essentially a world championship with the most diverse international field of the four men’s majors. The UK-based event was held at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in 2023 The Amundi Evian Championship, July 27-30 page 66-67 Played since 1994, this tournament held in France became an official LPGA Tour event in 2000 and a designated major championship in 2013

IMAGES: ALAMY; GETTY IMAGES; SENTRY/KATIE BERDAN WOLDEN

AIG Women’s Open, August 10-13 page 68-69 Run by the R&A as the women’s equivalent of The Open, it was originally conducted by the Ladies European Tour, becoming an official LPGA Tour event in 1994 TOUR Championship, August 24-27 page 70-71 The season-ending event on the PGA TOUR is the culmination of the FedExCup. The 30 qualifying players receive starting strokes based on their points standing entering the event, with the tournament results determining the FedExCup payout CME Group Tour Championship, November 16-19 page 72-73 The top 60 players in the Race to the CME Globe qualify for the season-ending event on the LPGA Tour, with the winner of the tournament declared the CME Globe champion www.essential.golf

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THE

BESTOFUS

BUILDING A CHAMPION’S LEGACY

BERNHARD LANGER US LBM is home to some of the most historic and successful brands in building materials distribution, and we’re thrilled that another icon has found a home with US. A champion both on and off the course, Bernhard shares our passion for excellence and building communities, and US LBM is proud to support him as he continues building a legacy as one of golf’s all-time greats.

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05/07/2023 11:53

TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS • JULY-NOVEMBER, 2023

U.S. SENIOR OPEN June 29-July 2, 2023 SentryWorld, Stevens Point, Wis. 2023 Field: 156 players Format: 72 holes, stroke play Purse: $4 million Winner’s Share: $720,000

IMAGES: SENTRY/KATIE BERDAN WOLDEN

Bernhard Langer won the U.S. Senior Open for a second time in 2023 (the ﬁrst in 2010), adding to an enviable list of tournament wins including two Masters Tournaments (1985 and 1993).

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TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS • JULY-NOVEMBER, 2023

For aesthetics and distinctiveness, few holes compare to the “Flower Hole” at SentryWorld.

2023 tournament highlights Bernhard Langer didn’t just win the 2023 U.S. Senior Open, he reached some major milestones along the way. The victory was his 46th on PGA TOUR Champions, breaking a tie with Hale Irwin to become the winningest senior ever. He also broke his own record as the oldest winner on PGA TOUR Champions, at 65 years, 10 months, 5 days, and extended his record for the most senior major titles with his 12th. It was his second win in the U.S. Senior Open, the other coming in 2010. After rounds of 71-68-68, Langer held the lead over a pair of Wisconsin natives, by two strokes over Jerry Kelly and three over Steve Stricker. Langer pulled away with birdies on the first two holes on Sunday and three of the first five, going on to lead by as many as seven strokes. While the outcome wasn’t in doubt down the stretch, bogeys on the last three holes left Langer with a 70 and a two-stroke victory margin over Stricker.

2023 LEADERBOARD Player

Pos

Total Score

Earnings

Bernhard Langer

277/-7

$720,000

Steve Stricker

279/-5

$432,000

Jerry Kelly

280/-4

$267,672

58 ESSENTIAL GOLF

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A passion for the game

◆ Langer’s victory gave him the

top five spots on the list of oldest winners of PGA TOUR Champions events and 13 victories since turning 60. He shattered the record as oldest winner of the U.S. Senior Open, 57-year-old Allen Doyle in 2006. ◆ Langer’s second U.S. Senior Open title in 2023 made him the seventh multiple champion of the event. With this win, he joins three-time winner Miller Barber and twotime winners Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Hale Irwin, Allen Doyle, and Kenny Perry. ◆ Stricker was shooting for a third straight senior major title, having claimed the Regions Tradition and KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship earlier in the year. He would later add a third 2023 senior major by claiming the Kaulig Companies Championship (the event formerly known as the Senior Players). ◆ Kelly has finished in the top 10 of the U.S. Senior Open five consecutive times, including runner-up finishes in 2018 and 2019. ◆ Rob Labritz has now played in two U.S. Senior Opens and finished T4 on both occasions—in 2022 and also in 2023. ■

IMAGES: SENTRY

SentryWorld Yardage: 7,218; par 71 SentryWorld is owned by Sentry Insurance, which has its headquarters nearby. The resort course, which is open to the public and features a new Inn, was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 1982 and thoroughly remodeled by Jones and his associates in 2014. Some additional work was done in the years leading up to the Senior Open, with fairways narrowed, bunkering adjusted, and several new tees built. Known for outstanding conditioning, the parkland-style course hosted the U.S. Girls Junior in 2019 before hosting the world’s best seniors. It’s also known for the “Flower Hole” par-three 16th, which is surrounded by up to 30,000 colorful flowers. The 12th hole is another interesting par three, playing to a green set on a peninsula jutting into a lake. The water also comes into play all the way down the left side of the parfour 13th.

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24/01/2024 11:02

ESSENTIAL READING! FREE ONLINE

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TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS • JULY-NOVEMBER, 2023

THE OPEN July 20-23, 2023

Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, England 2023 Field: 156 players Format: 72 holes, stroke play Purse: $16.5 million Winner’s Share: $3 million

IMAGES: ALAMY

Brian Harman celebrates with the silver Claret Jug after winning a rain-ﬁlled Open Championship.

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TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS • JULY-NOVEMBER, 2023

Royal Liverpool Golf Club 2023 tournament highlights ◆ www.essential.golf

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Tom Kim played on, despite a grade-1 tear in his right ankle, to ﬁnish tied-second.

2023 LEADERBOARD Player

Pos

Total Score

Earnings

Brian Harman

271/-13

$3,000,000

Jason Day

277/-7

$1,084,625

Tom Kim

277/-7

$1,084,625

◆

◆ ◆ ¡

◆ ◆ ■ A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF

24/01/2024 11:16

Advertorial

Dr. Toba Niazi in surgery

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital: Champions of the Developing Brain child’s brain is one of the world’s undisputed marvels. During infancy and childhood, more than a billion brain cells develop into highly specialized integrated networks, creating the essential framework for a lifetime of learning and development. Due to the complexity of processes associated with

medical program dedicated solely to the care of the

the growing brain, children are particularly vulnerable to

developing brain. Nicklaus Children’s is routinely ranked

neurological disorders. In fact, brain disorders in children

among the nation’s Best Children’s Hospitals for pediatric

are quite common and the number of affected children is

neurology and neurosurgery by U.S.News & World Report,

on the rise nationwide.

and is the top-ranked program in Florida.

Fortunately for children everywhere, Nicklaus Children’s

Dr. Toba Niazi, Co-Medical Director of the Brain Institute

Hospital’s Brain Institute is a global leader in treating

and Director of the hospital’s Division of Neurosurgery,

children with complex brain conditions. Founded in 2001,

said, “at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital it is a privilege to

the Brain Institute is the nation’s first comprehensive

serve children from Florida and around the world. We are

Nicklaus Children's Health System.indd 1

27/11/2023 12:26

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Advanced Pediatric Care Pavilion

Barbara and Jack Nicklaus

Dr. Toba Niazi with patient, Nicole, and Dr. Paula Schleifer

more than 16,000 admissions, 438,000 outpatient visits, 830,000 physician visits and 15,000 surgical procedures to meet the needs of patient families who come from throughout Florida and around the world.

dedicated to bringing new hope to children with neurological disorders, saving young lives, improving

Brain Institute Leads the Way

quality of life, and enhancing productivity for a lifetime.

The Brain Institute is the first of four medical specialty

This commitment is one more reason why Nicklaus

institutes founded at Nicklaus Children’s as part of a

Children’s is the hospital where children matter most.”

commitment to offering personalized treatment, delivered by world-renowned clinicians, to address a full spectrum of

Proud to Bear the Nicklaus Name

medical needs impacting children from around the globe.

The Nicklaus Children’s Brain Institute is one of several flagship programs of the renowned Nicklaus Children’s

It offers hope for children with complex conditions, including

Hospital. Founded in 1950, the hospital changed its

brain tumors, medically resistant epilepsy, movement

name to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in 2015, after the

disorders, brain injuries, developmental disorders, sleep

foundation co-founded by golf icon Jack Nicklaus and

disorders, genetic-metabolic disorders and so much more.

his wife Barbara made a transformational donation.

The institute features more than 20 specialty programs, each bringing together an entire team of experts to collaborate in

Today, the 309-bed pediatric specialty hospital – formerly

the care of children with complex care requirements, creating

known as Variety Children’s and later Miami Children’s –

for each child and family an individualized care plan to meet

is a regional and national care leader. Each year it hosts

their unique care needs.

Nicklaus Children's Health System.indd 2

27/11/2023 12:26

Advertorial

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Kenneth C. Griffin Surgical Tower

“Our specialty centers and clinics are hallmarks of the

surgery for medically resistant epilepsy in children, and

Brain Institute,” said Dr. Paula Schleifer, Co-Medical

is among the first in the nation to use minimally invasive

Director of the Brain Institute and Director of the hospital’s

laser methods to remove seizure-causing brain tissue.

Division of Neurology. “Our patients, for the most part,

It is also a leader in using magnetic-resonance guided

have complex care needs, requiring follow-up with several

focused ultrasound to ablate centrally located brain

specialists, which can be a burden on the families. At our

tumors in young patients.

Brain Institute we utilize a multidisciplinary approach to care, where families are seen and evaluated by multiple

Forward for Generations

specialists during the same visit. This multidisciplinary

What’s next for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and its Brain

approach leads to better communication within the care

Institute? In 2022, the hospital broke ground on a new

team, allowing for better care coordination and ultimately

surgical tower set for completion in 2024, which will be

an increase in overall quality of care.”

home for the Brain Institute’s renowned surgical team, among others. This new 131,000-square-foot facility will

Innovation Meets Compassionate Care

be transformative, offering expanded surgical suites to

Since its founding, the Brain Institute has maintained

accommodate the latest equipment and multidisciplinary

a tradition of innovation that has led to international

surgical teams required for complex cases. The new tower

accolades. It was one of the first in the world to implant

will also offer spacious and private pre- and post-surgical

intracranial electrodes to define parameters to guide

spaces to make children and families more at home.

Nicklaus Children's Health System.indd 3

27/11/2023 12:26

The Brain Institute’s marquis centers of excellence, and programs and clinics include: Comprehensive Centers 4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Center 4 NeuroGenetics Center 4 Neuromuscular Center 4 Neuro-Oncology Center Programs and Clinics 4 Chromosome 22q Clinic 4 Concussion and Brain Injury Clinic

Life-Saving Care for Nicole “My brain hurts, mommy.” Tamara remembers vividly when her daughter, Nicole, now 6, began complaining of head pain. When the pain persisted, the family was referred to Nicklaus Children’s Brain Institute for evaluation. The clinical team quickly noted the child’s eyes were swelling and ordered more testing, which revealed a malignant brain tumor requiring immediate

4 Congenital Spine Diseases Program 4 Craniofacial Center 4 Developmental Disorders and Autism Center 4 Genetic Evaluation and Counseling Program

neurosurgery. Today, Nicole is healthy and thriving. “I am so

4 Headache Program

grateful to Dr. Niazi and Nicklaus Children’s. So very grateful.

4 Hydrocephalus Program

They saved my daughter’s life,” said Tamara.

4 Ion-Channel Epilepsy Program 4 NeuroCardiac and Development Program 4 Neurocritical Care Program 4 Neuropsychology Program 4 Neurovascular Program 4 Pediatric Neurosurgery

nicklauschildrens.org For more information about how you can support Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and its enduring mission, please visit give.nicklauschildrens.org or scan the code to the left.

Nicklaus Children's Health System.indd 4

4 Rare Chromosomal Disorders Program 4 Sleep Disorders Center 4 Tuberous Sclerosis Program

27/11/2023 12:26

TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS • JULY-NOVEMBER, 2023

THE AMUNDI EVIAN CHAMPIONSHIP July 27-30, 2023

Evian Resort Golf Club, Evian-les-Bains, France 2023 Field: 156 players Format: 72 holes, stroke play Purse: $6.5 million Winner’s Share: $1 million

Celine Boutier became the ﬁrst French player to win the Amundi Evian Championship.

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24/01/2024 11:20

TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS • JULY-NOVEMBER, 2023

Canada’s Brooke Henderson became runner-up, despite strong defense of her 2022 title.

Evian Resort Golf Club Yardage: 6,527; par 71 The Evian Resort course sits on the shores of Lake Geneva, at the foot of the Alps, providing the most beautiful backdrop for any course in Europe. It has a long history, dating back to a nine-hole layout designed by Scotsman Willie Park Jr. in 1904, with nine holes added in 1922. It was extensively renovated in 1990 by Cabell Robinson, and then again in 2013 by European Golf Design in preparation for the event’s major championship status. Existing bunkers were deepened, other bunkers were added, water features either expanded or added, and trees planted to increase the challenge. The last four holes were all redesigned. The layout winds its way up and down on hilly terrain with demanding approach shots from various lies to undulating, mostly elevated greens. The course concludes with a dramatic finishing hole, a 484-yard par 5 that offers a birdie or eagle opportunity but only if the player delivers two excellent shots. Water guarding the front right of a long, narrow green comes into play in the decision and execution of the second shot. www.essential.golf

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2023 tournament highlights Celine Boutier became the first Frenchwoman to win the Evian Championship, cruising to a sixstroke victory as she was the only player in the field to shoot all four rounds in the 60s. The 29-year-old scored her fourth career LPGA Tour victory, going on to add two more later in the year to make it four in 2023 and a total of six. Boutier led by three strokes after opening rounds of 66-69-67. After birdies on Nos. 1, 2 and 5 in the final round, her lead was up to five. She led by at least four strokes the rest of the way. A birdie on 15 gave Boutier a five-stroke lead and when eventual runner-up Brooke Henderson bogeyed 17 it led to the final margin as Boutier shot a closing three-under 68 in front of the home fans. Canada’s Henderson shot a 70 in her bid to defend her 2022 title. ◆ Boutier was the third Frenchwoman to win a major championship, joining Catherine Lacoste (1967

U.S. Women’s Open as an amateur), and Patricia Meunier-Lebouc (2003 Chevron Championship). ◆ Boutier was the fifth consecutive first-time major championship winner. ◆ Boutier’s six-stroke victory matched the largest since the Evian became a major in 2013 (Lydia Ko, 2015). As a regular LPGA Tour event, Paula Creamer won by eight strokes in 2005. ◆ Brooke Henderson finished second, falling short in her bid to become the first player to win the Evian in two straight years since it became an LPGA event in 2000. Laura Davies won in 1995 and 1996 when it was a Ladies European Tour event. ◆ The last six Amundi Evian Championships have been won by players from six different countries—Sweden, the U.S., South Korea, Australia, Canada, and France. ■

2023 LEADERBOARD Player

Pos

Total Score

Earnings

Celine Boutier

270/-14

$1,000,000

Brooke Henderson

276/-8

$585,967

Celine Borge

277/-7

$283,278

A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF 67

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TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS • JULY-NOVEMBER, 2023

AIG WOMEN’S OPEN August 10-13, 2023

Walton Heath Golf Club, Surrey, England 2023 Field: 144 players Format: 72 holes, stroke play Purse: $9 million Winner’s Share: $1,350,000

Lilia Vu became the ﬁrst player since Jin Young Ko in 2019 to win multiple women’s majors in the same season. Vu also won the 2023 Chevron Championship.

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24/01/2024 11:41

TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS • JULY-NOVEMBER, 2023

Walton Heath Golf Club Yardage: 6,881 yards; par 72 Walton Heath has a long and distinguished history, having opened in 1904 with its Old Course and a few years later with the New Course, both designed by Herbert Fowler. For tournament play, a composite course is used with the bulk of the holes from the Old Course. Located just south of London, Walton Heath is set on heathland, which gives it some characteristics of links courses—the turf is firm and the fairways are lined with heather and gorse. Five-time Open champion James Braid was the first professional at Walton Heath and served in that role for 46 years. The Duke of Windsor was the captain of the club in 1935, the same year he started his reign as King Edward VIII. Winston Churchill was a longtime member of Walton Heath. The club has hosted notable competitions, including the 1981 Ryder Cup Matches, the European Open in the 1970s to 1990s, the 2011 Senior Open, the 2018 Sky Sports British Masters, and the annual Walton Heath Trophy, a prestigious amateur event. 2023 tournament highlights Lilia Vu shot a final-round 67 on a day when none of the other leading contenders could break par, enabling her to break away to a six-stroke victory. The 25-year-old American entered the final round tied for the lead with England’s Charley Hull at 209. Vu quickly moved ahead with a birdie on the second hole and by the time she birdied Nos. 9 and 10 to go three-under for the round, she had a five-stroke lead. Hull briefly pulled within three thanks to holing a bunker shot for an eagle on the 11th, but Vu birdied the 12th and led by at least four the rest of the way, with a birdie on 18 giving her a 5-under round and 14-under 274 total. Hull closed with a 73 and finished second at 280. Hyo Joo Kim and Angel Yin were one stroke behind through 54 holes, but shot 74 and 75, respectively, on Sunday. Ally Ewing, two back entering the final www.essential.golf

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2023 LEADERBOARD Player

Pos

Total Score

Earnings

Lilia Vu

274/-14

$1,350,000

Charley Hull

280/-8

$828,414

Jiyai Shin

281/-7

$600,106

England’s Charley Hull entered the final round tied with the final winner, Lilia Vu.

round, slid to a 75. ◆ Vu finished the year with two major titles (she earlier won the Chevron Championship) and four victories and was the LPGA Player of the Year. ◆ Vu was the first U.S. player to win two major championships in a year since Juli Inkster in 1999. ◆ Vu was the first American to win the AIG Women’s Open since Mo Martin in 2014. ◆ In the past eight years, the event

has been won by players from eight different countries—Thailand, South Korea, England, Japan, Germany, Sweden, South Africa, and the U.S. ◆ The victory moved Vu to the No. 1 spot in the Rolex Women’s Golf World Rankings. ◆ The six-stroke victory margin was the largest in the AIG Women’s Open since Jiyai Shin won by nine in 2012, and the second largest since the event became a major in 2001. ■ A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF 69

24/01/2024 11:41

TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS • JULY-NOVEMBER, 2023

TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP August 24-27, 2023

East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Ga. 2023 Field: 30 players Format: 72 holes, stroke play with starting strokes Purse: $75 million (FedExCup bonus pool) Winner’s Share: $18 million

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Viktor Hovland held off Xander Schauffele’s ﬁerce challenge to win the FedExCup.

www.essential.golf

25/01/2024 17:07

TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS • JULY-NOVEMBER, 2023

East Lake Golf Club

2023 LEADERBOARD Player

Pos

Total Score

Earnings

Viktor Hovland

-27

$18,000,000

Xander Schauffele

-22

$6,500,000

Wyndham Clark

-16

$5,000,000

*Total Score includes starting strokes

2023 tournament highlights ◆

◆

◆ ◆ ◆ ■

East Lake’s peaceful surroundings belie the gripping tension of the climax to the year-long FedExCup, which is the TOUR Championship.

www.essential.golf

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24/01/2024 12:06

TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS • JULY-NOVEMBER, 2023

CME GROUP TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP November 16-19, 2023

Tiburon Golf Club, Naples, Fla. 2023 Field: 60 players Format: 72 holes, stroke play Purse: $11 million Winner’s Share: $2 million

Amy Yang achieved her ﬁrst victory on the LPGA Tour since her last win at the 2019 Honda LPGA Thailand.

IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES

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24/01/2024 16:58

TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS • JULY-NOVEMBER, 2023

Atthaya Thitikul (left), Amy Yang (center), and Lilia Vu with their respective trophies following the culmination of the 2023 season.

Tiburon Golf Club Yardage: 6,556; par 72 Tiburon Golf Club has two courses, the Gold and the Black, which opened in 1998 and 2001, respectively. Both were designed by Greg Norman (Australia’s “Great White Shark”); Tiburon is Spanish for shark. The semi-private club features the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort hotel on the property. The CME Group Tour Championship is played on the Gold Course. The layout features waste areas and native grasses but no conventional rough. There are water hazards on nearly every hole, with trees on many holes and stacked-sod bunkers guarding the greens adding to the challenge. The fourth and fifth www.essential.golf

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holes wrap around a lake, the fifth a par 3 with a peninsula green jutting into the water. The 18th is a long par 4 with a deep fairway bunker to the right and water to the left making it a demanding driving hole. The Gold Course also hosts the Grant Thornton Challenge, a new mixed-team event with PGA TOUR and LPGA pros, and the Black Course hosts the Chubb Classic on PGA TOUR Champions.

2023 tournament highlights Amy Yang holed an 80-yard shot for an eagle on the par-4 13th hole of the final round to dramatically move from one behind to one ahead, then finished with birdies on 17 and 18 to win by three strokes. South Korea’s Yang began the final round tied for first with Nasa Hataoka of Japan. Hataoka jumped to a three-stroke lead through five holes before Yang rallied. After Yang’s eagle, Hataoka birdied the 14th to get back into a tie but bogeyed 16 before Yang’s strong finish gave her a closing 66. Alison Lee had a 66 to tie Hataoka for second. Yang shot middle rounds of 63-64 to move into her share of the lead. The victory was the fifth LPGA title of her career, but the first in five years for the 34-year-old. ◆ Yang’s victory was her first in the U.S. She previously won three LPGA events in Thailand and one in South Korea. ◆ Yang’s winning total of 27-under 261 was a tournament record, breaking the mark of 23-under 265 set by JinYoung Ko in 2021. ◆ Hataoka shared the lead after each of the first three rounds, ultimately finishing as runner-up at the event for the second time in three years. ◆ Lilia Vu finished fourth in the tournament and claimed the Rolex Player of the Year Award after a season that included four victories, two of them in majors. Vu was the first U.S. player to win the award since Stacy Lewis in 2014. ◆ Thailand’s Atthaya Thitikul captured the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average during the season at 69.533, despite not winning a tournament during the year. She entered the CME Group Tour Championship just .013 ahead of Hyo Joo Kim and stayed ahead by finishing fifth while Kim was T13. ■

LEADERBOARD Player

Pos

Total Score

Earnings

Amy Yang

261/-27

$2,000,000

Alison Lee

264/-24

$445,000

Nasa Hataoka

264/-24

$445,000

A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF 73

24/01/2024 13:50

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

LILIA VU

Looking back on a breakthrough year that included a first LPGA Tour victory, a first major and also Rolex Player of the Year

IMAGES: GETTY IMAGES

By Lisa D. Mickey

Lilia Vu was one of the most successful players on the LPGA Tour in 2023. 74 ESSENTIAL GOLF

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PLAYER SPOTLIGHT

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here was a time during Lilia Vu’s 2019 rookie year when she remembers feeling that she “did not belong” on the LPGA Tour. That season was a struggle. She lost her LPGA card, sending her to the pipeline Epson Tour. The Covid pandemic suspended golf competition for most of 2020, but it was right before she left home in California to play an Epson Tour event in Florida that her hospitalized grandfather told her in Vietnamese: “Try your best.” The next year, she won three times on the 2021 Epson Tour and finished first on the tour’s season money list to regain 2022 LPGA status. Her grandfather, Dinh Du, passed away shortly after encouraging his granddaughter in 2020, but his words remain as an every-day mantra for Vu, who won her first LPGA tournament in 2023. She also finished the year with four victories, including two major championships, honors as the Rolex Player of the Year, and was No. 1 in the world’s Rolex Rankings. She became the first American to win the LPGA’s Rolex ANNIKA Major Award since it was launched in 2017, and recorded earnings of more than $3.5 million in a season paced by seven top-10 finishes. Golf fans now know Vu, 26, as the steady and powerful VietnameseAmerican star who won eight tournaments as a collegian at UCLA and, as a Southern California junior golfer, dreamed of someday playing on the LPGA Tour. She’s also an avid reader of selfhelp books, loves cats and Taylor Swift, binge-watches “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” and prefers steak as preround fare. Here’s what Lilia Vu thinks about her milestone 2023 LPGA season. What does it mean to you to be named Player of the Year? Vu: It means a lot. I’ve played for my grandpa this entire season and I think he would be really proud of how hard I have worked. My rookie season wasn’t great and sometimes I still get www.essential.golf

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Lilia Vu became a first-time winner at the Honda LPGA Thailand on February 23, and won her maiden major title two months later at The Chevron Championship.

upset on the course, but I remind myself that he would be disappointed if I didn’t get my act together. I think he’d say all of my struggles were worth it. Why did your grandfather play such a key role in your life? Vu: [In Vietnam,] he would go away for a couple of months at a time, building a boat in the countryside. One day, he told my mom and her siblings it was time to go. He took extra people from the village and they fled Vietnam [in 1982 with 82 people on board]. After two days, there was a leak in the boat [and they were rescued by a U.S. Naval ship]. My grandpa is the reason I am here. He was a hard worker. I try to be like him and quietly work my way along. How did you turn this year around for so much success? Vu: I read a book called The Slight Edge [by Jeff Olson] and I’ve stuck to my 1-percent-better-every-day approach to grow as a person. I’ve stuck to that and golf just followed. How has perfectionism hurt you? Vu: I’m really my own enemy— balancing between trying to be perfect on the golf course and not being too content with where I

am. I’ve learned that the only real pressure I have is from myself. This year, I came in with no expectations because last year, I had too many and I was too hard on myself. I’m trying to enjoy every moment and be grateful. Golf isn’t life or death. Did you really buy a cat in Korea during an LPGA tournament and bring it home? Vu: Yes, and his name is Walton [for Walton Heath Golf Club in England where she won the 2023 AIG Women’s Open]. He stays with my grandma until I get home. The LPGA shouldn’t have a hotel near a pet store! What’s up with eating steak during tournament weeks? Vu: I have this theory that if I eat steak the night before a round, I’ll play really well. I like them medium rare. Anything else is beef jerky. What did it take for you to finally win on the LPGA Tour? Vu: Maturity, growth. I put a lot of self-worth into my golf game, but I’m more than just my golf game. I had to learn that the hard way. I needed to go through a rough patch to get to where I am today. I learned my best golf comes from having fun on the course. ■ A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF 75

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TOPICAL VIEWS

OUTRAGE & REASON

On the much-debated plan to introduce a new distance-limiting golf ball, it’s clear that everyone in touch with the world of golf has an opinion

Bryson DeChambeau is vehemently opposed to the proposed golf rollback rule. 76 ESSENTIAL GOLF

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“I

think it’s the most atrocious thing that you could do to the game of golf. It’s not about rolling golf balls back; it’s about making golf courses more difficult. I think it’s the most unimaginative, uninspiring, game-cutting thing you could do. Everybody wants to see people hit it farther.” This last point, coming from Bryson DeChambeau, is certainly true. Fans always cluster round the big hitters, of which Bryson is certainly one, and they are wowed when a huge drive reaches 400+. And the big-name big hitters have clearly been eating their spinach over the years because the 400-yard drives, though still no less impressive, have become more commonplace. It was Max Homa at the recent Sentry tournament who blasted a 477-yard drive to achieve a PGA TOUR distance record. Max later remarked: “For it being uphill into the wind with no roll I was pretty proud of this one.” We should also mention that Cameron Young shot 470 yards at the same event, and in 2004, again at The Sentry, David Love III’s club connected with a ball that reached 476 yards.

Max Homa entered the PGA TOUR record books after hitting a 477-yard drive at The Sentry.

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Powerful drives But it is arguably Tiger Woods who changed the landscape of golf more than any other player in the modern history of the game and, in his heyday, especially with his hugely powerful drives. The longest recorded drive achieved by Tiger rocketed to an extraordinary 498 yards, on the 18th at Kapalua in the Mercedes Championship of 2002. With this distance-hitting trend set to continue—to the awed delight of the fans, the sponsors and the media—why spoil the entertainment value and the fun by introducing a retrograde ball? Threatening sustainability To simplify somewhat, it was back in 2020 that the concerns of the game’s governing bodies the R&A and USGA were first known—those concerns being that many courses would www.essential.golf

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Commissioner Jay Monahan says the PGA TOUR won’t support the proposal.

become too small to host professional tournaments, thus threatening the sustainability of golf courses. At the time, The R&A and USGA looked at the problem in great detail, with a joint “Distance Insight Project.” The Project studied ball distances over a hundred-year period, and found that by the end of 2019, the average drive of the 20 longest hitters on the European and PGA tours was 310 yards. The then-USGA CEO Mike Davis said at the time, “The expectation of every generation that they’re going to hit it longer than the previous generation, we think that is taking golf in the wrong direction, and we do see some really good opportunities to mitigate these pressures.” To overcome the problem, this “wrong direction,” the R&A and USGA’s have set out plans to rollback the golf ball and reduce the distance the ball is able travel. They initially proposed the introduction of a Model Local Rule which would have pros using different golf balls to those balls used by recreational golfers. But the plan received widespread opposition.

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New balls Undeterred, and to overcome opponents of a two-tier game, the R&A and USGA instead will now rollback the golf ball for both professionals and recreation players. So one rule fits all, although the change is not effective until 2028 for tour and elite golf, and 2030 for recreational golfers. The new balls are expected to cause a reduction in distance of 11-15 yards for professionals, with recreational players affected by a decrease of less than five yards. R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers argues the measures are “proportionate” and will have “minimal” impact on recreational players, although not everyone is in agreement.

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Changes “disproportional” The PGA TOUR have said they still believe the changes are “disproportional to the rate of increase we see when analysing PGA TOUR radar data.” And in a letter to its members, the players, Commissioner Jay Monahan stated: “We do not support today’s announcement […] believing a more moderate adjustment is appropriate.” The governing bodies’ plans (R&A and USGA) have also received criticism from some equipment manufacturers. David Abeles, TaylorMade CEO has said: “As a brand that prioritizes improving product performance for golfers of all skill levels, the decision to proceed with the golf ball rollback is disappointing. While appreciative of the opportunity to have a seat at the table and a voice in the debate, we feel like the rollback is simply disconnected from what golfers believe is best for the game.” Speaking on Golf Channel, USGA CEO Mike Whan’s response

was to urge that the loud voices of opposition don’t drown out the facts, “to make this seem so much worse than it really is.” Change supporters The intended changes set out by the R&A and the USGA also have their supporters amongst the players. Rory McIlroy commented in December, that the new distance-limiting golf ball “ … will bring back some skills into the pro game that have maybe been lost. I actually think it will make the pro game more entertaining to watch—you will see a different variety of games succeed. It’s not just going to be this ‘bomb and gouge’ that we see predominantly now when you watch the top level of golf.” And he added that “environmental factors” were the biggest reason to embrace the change, saying: “As golf courses are getting longer, they’re needing more acreage to build courses, is that sustainable? Because they’re building more acreage they’re needing more water to maintain them.”

Padraig Harrington has said the new rules would also make the sport safer. In a radio interview, he said: “I think everybody who plays golf would know of a golf course where there has been a hole closed or re-designed because it has become dangerous because people hit it too far. When people who hit it far miss, they miss big. It is causing play to slow down, it’s dangerous, it’s expensive for golf courses to build more open and wider so people don’t get hurt.” Tiger Woods, too, is a rollback supporter, saying, “ … understanding that, yeah, we’ve been hammering the ball needs to slow down, but it has kept speeding up my entire career and here we are.” Here we are, indeed—still with some strongly divided opinions being hotly debated. However, judging by the current trend, the likely outcome of this controversial topic appears to be going only one way, given that every contribution toward global sustainability is seen as a bonus. ■ Rory McIlroy has said that “environmental factors” are the biggest reason to embrace the change.

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GUEST COMMENT

EYE ON THE BALL Ron Green Jr. reflects on playing with a purpose, when emotional connections can elevate a player beyond the game of golf

hen Camilo Villegas arrived at a personal mountaintop, having just won the Butterfield Bermuda Championship in November, 2023, for his first PGA TOUR victory in nine years, the 41-year-old tilted his head back and pointed to the sky. Villegas was pointing toward his daughter, Mia, who died in 2020 from brain cancer when she was just 22 months old and whose spirit has been instrumental in Villegas’s return to competitive form.      One week earlier on the Mexican coastline at Los Cabos, Erik Van Rooyen won his second PGA TOUR event—the World Wide Technologies Championship— and thought not of himself but of his long-time friend Jon Trasamar who was days away from dying of cancer, dedicating the victory to him. For both Villegas and Van Rooyen, their victories seemed built on more than the hours spent on practice tees, putting greens, and in gyms. They seemed to play with a purpose bigger than their own.      With his style and a flashy game, Villegas was one of the game’s biggest stars in 2008 when he won twice during the FedExCup Playoffs and climbed into the top 10 in the world rankings.

“I look at where I am right now and everything that has happened, I truly believe I’m a better person. Maybe the results haven’t been there, but this journey has been pretty interesting.” —Camilo Villegas Later, the game and life turned a cold shoulder toward Villegas. When his daughter Mia was diagnosed with brain and spine cancer, Villegas and his wife, Maria, took their family struggle public during the early days of the Covid pandemic in 2020. After Mia’s passing, they created “Mia’s Miracles,” which supports families and children in his native Colombia and Florida who are facing medical challenges. Villegas returned to the Korn Ferry Tour to renew his career, and was prepared to return there, when a runner-up finish at the World Wide Technology Championship and his emotional victory in Bermuda redirected the arc of his career. www.essential.golf

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“I look at where I am right now and everything that has happened, I truly believe I’m a better person. Maybe the results haven’t been there, but this journey has been pretty interesting,” Villegas said in November at the RSM Classic. “To lose my card, to go through an injury, to lose my daughter, to create Mia’s Miracles, to go back to the Korn Ferry, to keep grinding, to have doubts, to have fears, to have tears, have smiles, all of the above. You just never know where life goes.”      Van Rooyen knows the pain of losing someone close, too. A native of South Africa, Van Rooyen came to the U.S. to play college golf at the University of Minnesota and met Trasamar there. While Van Rooyen made it to the PGA TOUR and Trasamar played small tours around the world, they remained close. Knowing Trasamar was in the final stages of a long fight with melanoma, Van Rooyen had more on his mind in Mexico than improving his status at No. 125 on the FedExCup points list with the season’s end rapidly approaching. Four strokes behind Villegas with nine holes to play, Van Rooyen shot 28 on the closing nine, playing for more than himself. “I hope he’s watching. We’ve texted. I’ve just told him how much I love him and how much I miss him. All I want is to go play nine holes with him somewhere, you know. And extremely selfishly, that puts all of this into perspective,” Van Rooyen said after his victory. Van Rooyen went from Mexico to Minnesota to be with his friend, who died on November 16, less than two weeks after Van Rooyen’s victory. “Is it fun to win golf tournaments? Yeah, it’s fun. I’ve been playing golf since I was 8 years old, extremely competitive and we want to win. But it doesn’t matter,” Van Rooyen said. “When I kick the bucket one day, whenever that might be, this is not what I’m going to be thinking about. I’m going to be thinking about the people that I love the most and Jon Trasamar is one of those people.” ■ Ron Green Jr. worked as a Charlotte Observer sportswriter for 23 years. He served as President of the Golf Writers Association of America from 2019-21 and has been recognized with a variety of accolades. In January 2023, he was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism by the PGA of America. He continues to cover about 15 pro golf tournaments per year and has covered approximately 100 of golf’s majors, including 41 Masters tourneys.

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GOLF TRENDS

A STYLISH SWING Golf fashion trends for 2024 show the continuing evolution of innovative technology that combines comfort with style and elegance By EG Staff writers

s the sun rises on a new golf season in the USA, so does a new wave of fashion trends in the world of golf. The intersection of sport and style has never been more apparent, and 2024 will see a fresh array of golf fashion for both men and women. From classic elegance to modern flair, we take a look at the evolving trends that are sweeping along the fairways. Men’s golf fashion For men, 2023 saw a blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary designs. The classic polo shirt is set to remain a staple, but with subtle updates in terms of fit and fabric. Moisture-wicking materials are increasingly popular, ensuring players stay cool and comfortable even during

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intense rounds. Brands like Nike, Under Armour, and Puma are at the forefront of this trend, offering a range of polos that seamlessly blend performance and style. Nike, a pioneer in athletic apparel, encapsulates the essence of modern men’s golf fashion. The brand emphasizes the fusion of style and performance, with a spokesperson stating, “In 2023, we continue to redefine golf fashion, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with contemporary design. Our goal is to empower golfers to look and feel their best on the course, pushing boundaries while honoring the sport’s timeless elegance.” Tailored shorts and pants continue to dominate the lower half of the ensemble. Slimmer cuts and

innovative materials provide players with both freedom of movement and a refined appearance. Colors are vibrant yet sophisticated, with deep blues, forest greens, and bold reds making a statement on the greens. Iconic players like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Jordan Spieth embody this modern golf aesthetic, with their combination of athletic prowess with a keen sense of style. Footwear is another area seeing a transformation. Spikeless golf shoes are gaining popularity for their versatility, allowing players to transition seamlessly from the course to the clubhouse. Brands such as Adidas, FootJoy, and ECCO are leading the way, infusing technology for enhanced traction and comfort without compromising on style. 

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GOLF TRENDS

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Rory McIlroy’s keen sense of style has made him a global trend setter.

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At the 2023 Ryder Cup, Scottie Scheffler and his teammates were on trend with their style statement.

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Women’s golf fashion Women’s golf fashion through 2023 have been characterized by a celebration of femininity and athleticism. And going forward, the traditional collared polo has given way to stylish sleeveless and short-sleeved options, offering a more fashion-forward look without sacrificing performance. Major players in the industry, including Lululemon, Nike, and Callaway, are championing this evolution by introducing designs that can transition with ease from the course to casual settings. Lululemon, known for its innovative and stylish activewear, is at the forefront of women’s golf fashion. A representative from Lululemon comments, “This year, we are proud to elevate women’s golf fashion by combining fashion-forward designs with performance-driven features. Our collection reflects the dynamic and multifaceted nature of female golfers, offering a range of styles that inspire confidence and celebrate individuality both on and off the course.” Skirts and skorts are making a comeback, adding a touch of flair to women’s golf fashion. Designs range from classic pleats to more contemporary asymmetrical cuts, providing a diverse array of options for female golfers. Performance fabrics ensure that these garments not only look good but also enhance movement and comfort during play. Accessories play a pivotal role in completing the ensemble for women golfers. Visors, stylish hats, and sunglasses not only shield players from the sun but also add a chic touch to their overall look. As exemplified by renowned golfers like Lexi Thompson, Michelle Wie, and Nelly Korda, female golfers are embracing fashion as a form of self-expression both on and off the course. And at AIEA Golf, the company tells us: ”We’re looking for modern silhouettes and elevated fabrics, favoring styles that step away from the outdated golf aesthetic. At www.essential.golf

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AIEA Golf, we’re all about seamlessly combining style and functionality, welcoming a fresh era of chic sporting wear that resonates with the evolving tastes of women in golf while still maintaining a respectful nod to the game’s tradition.” A traditional blend In conclusion, golf fashions in 2024 are set to continue this harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, offering players a chance to express their personalities while remaining

in step with golf’s legacy of tradition. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of Bernhard Langer, the modern chic of Rory McIlroy, the athleticism of Lexi Thompson, or the contemporary style of Michelle Wie, the world of golf fashion is as diverse as the game itself. As players tee off in the new 2024 season, they will do so with a sense of confidence and style that continues to transcend the fairways, leaving an indelible mark on the intersection of golf and fashion. ■

During her career (2014-23), Michelle Wie was widely regarded as one of the mostly stylishly dressed professional players.

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COLLEGE GOLF

ROADS TO GLORY

For gifted young players aspiring to become professional golfers, collegiate golf can serve as a crucial stepping stone By Adam Mackey

he collegiate golf system provides a competitive and structured environment where players can hone their skills, compete at a high level, and receive top-notch coaching. The system offers exposure to diverse courses, conditions, and opponents, fostering adaptability. Additionally, the NCAA tournaments attract attention from scouts and sponsors, increasing visibility for promising talents. The emphasis on academics ensures a well-rounded education, enhancing players’ long-term prospects. Overall, collegiate golf not only refines golfing prowess but also instills discipline, resilience, and valuable experiences, preparing athletes for the challenges of professional golf.

OCTOBER Players of the Month ◆ Omar Morales, UCLA (Division I) ◆ Sam Tandy, Harding (Division II), ◆ Gonzalo Moreno, Alabama State (HBCU) ◆ Cameron Cappuzzo, Methodist (Division III) ◆ Tom Scullion, Cumberland (TN) (NAIA) ◆ Gaspar Glaudas, Indian Hills (NJCAA Division I) ◆ Will Thompson, East Central (NJCAA Division II) IMAGES: GCAA

SwingU College Player of the Month The SwingU College Player of the Month are decided by a voting

committee made up of coaches from their respective divisions. There are seven divisions—NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, HBCU, NCAA Division III, NAIA, NJCAA Division I, and NJCAA Division II. The players below are the October 2023 SwingU College Player of the Month recipients (announced in partnership by SwingU and the Golf Coaches Association of America).

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September 2023 ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ April 2023 ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ 90

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PREVIOUS 2023 PLAYER OF THE MONTH RECIPIENTS

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GOLF FITNESS

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COVER UP!

GOLF FITNESS

Our rush to get out onto those glorious greens can mean we overlook some essential health protection By EG Staff writers

n your hurry, did you ever leave your sunscreen on the shelf at home? Skin protection should be a priority for every golfer and every tournament spectator, as the hot summer months increase our need for protection. Pale skin or dark, the color of your skin makes no difference. Anyone can develop skin cancer. Even on cloudy or cooler days, our skin still needs protection from destructive UV rays. If you’ve ever noticed how sunlight fades colors and can even destroy some fabrics over time, then you’ll know your skin needs protection to avoid sunburn and reduce your cancer risk. Use sunscreen ◆ Applying sunscreen, however, even those with an SPF (sun protection factor) higher than 30, doesn’t mean you can stay in the sun longer, or reapply the sunscreen less often. ◆ Look for protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Ultraviolet A

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(UVA) has a longer wavelength. It’s associated with skin aging, while Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength and is associated with skin burning. ◆ No sunscreen is waterproof, but some may be water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Sun-protective clothing Is it worth it? The Skin Cancer Foundation comes out strongly in favor, giving us the opinion that sun-protective clothing “doesn’t just look great. It also absorbs or blocks harmful UV radiation and remains one of the most effective forms of protection against sun damage and skin cancer.

What’s more, sun-protective clothing is the simplest way to stay safe.” However, the Foundation adds: “A fabric must have a UPF of 30 to qualify for The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. A UPF of 30 to 49 offers very good protection, while UPF 50+ rates as excellent.” 

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GOLF FITNESS

Seek shade Maybe this is a no-brainer, but engrossed on reading the green, many of us will overlook the nearby trees for shade. Remember, the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. So, seek shade whenever you can, and be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing. UV rays are present all year around and in every region of the country. And UV rays can damage your skin, even if it’s cloudy. Your risk factors ◆ Having a history of sunburn

◆ Having pale skin and red hair ◆ Living or vacationing somewhere

sunny, warm, or at high altitude

◆ Mixing outdoor recreation and

drinking alcohol

◆ Regularly exposing unprotected

skin to UV light from sunlight or artificial sources, such as tanning beds ◆ Swimming or spraying your skin with water or baby oil, as wet skin tends to burn more than dry skin ◆ Taking a drug that makes you more likely to burn (photosensitizing medication) ◆ Working outdoors Painful sunburn—what happens UVA is the wavelength of light that can penetrate to the deep layers of skin and lead to skin damage over time. UVB is the wavelength of light that penetrates the skin more superficially and causes sunburn. The UV light damages skin cells. The immune system reacts by increasing blood flow to the affected areas, which causes the inflamed skin (erythema) and, yes, you have sunburn! And it’s this intense, repeated sun exposure that results in sunburn,

increasing your risk of other skin damage and certain diseases. These include premature aging of skin, precancerous skin lesions, and your possibility from skin cancer. And your eyes, too, are vulnerable to sun burn. Too much UV light damages the cornea. Sun damage to the lens can lead to clouding of the lens (cataracts). Sunburned eyes may feel painful or gritty. Sunburn of the cornea is also called snow blindness. For this reason, your sunglasses should have both UVA and UVB protection to help prevent cataract formation. Be aware If you suffer sunburn through not taking adequate protective measures, check your skin for any changes such as suspicious spots or a mole that doesn’t look normal. This is why it’s important to be familiar with how your skin looks and the shape, size, and color of any moles on your body. If you do notice new spots or changes, talk to your doctor about skin cancer screening. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat successfully. ■ Information sources: Mayo Clinic, MD Anderson, cancer.org, skincancer.org

Remember ... seek shade whenever you can.

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Dark or bright colors keep UV rays from reaching your skin by absorbing them rather than allowing them to penetrate. That’s why these colors offer better protection than lighter or paler shades. You can check a fabric’s sun safety effectiveness by holding it up to the light. If you can see through, UV radiation can easily penetrate the fabric and reach your skin. Cover up! The more skin your outfit covers, the better your protection. Whenever possible, choose longsleeved shirts and long pants or skirts.

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ENHANCE SHOULDER FUNCTION TO REDUCE INJURY AND IMPROVE SWING EFFICIENCY BY NICHOLAS HERSHFIELD

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he shoulder, a crucial joint in golf, plays a pivotal role in achieving an optimal swing and maximizing your game’s performance. It is involved in the backswing, downswing, and follow-through phases, creating power and stability that translate into clubhead speed and accuracy. A shoulder requires 90 degrees of abduction and 90 degrees of external rotation at the top of the backswing and follow through, for most professional golfers. If achieving this range of motion is challenging, swing adjustments are necessary. Such adjustments will foster correct biomechanics and movement patterns, thereby improving swing efficiency and reducing injury risk. However, it’s worth noting that the shoulder joint can be prone to dysfunction and injury, which can substantially impair a golfer’s swing mechanics and overall performance. To prevent shoulder injuries and boost performance, golfers should focus on the following key areas:

MOBILITY

Adequate shoulder joint mobility is vital for an efficient and reproducible golf swing. Limited mobility can trigger compensatory movements and muscle imbalances, affecting the shoulder’s function adversely. Optimal mobility is typically characterized by a 90-90 position. In other words, you should be able to get your arm into a position like you are signaling a touchdown or like you are throwing a baseball. To analyze mobility, you can simply stand with your back against the wall, arm raised to even with your side, and try to touch the back of your hand to the wall. If you are unable to, you may want to consult with a physical therapist or a TPI certified instructor to improve the shoulder mobility aspect of your game.

STABILITY

The shoulder joint needs both strength and stability to function effectively. Weakness or instability can precipitate compensatory movements, potentially causing injury and decreased performance. A simple test to assess shoulder stability involves standing again in an upright 90-90 position. Then bending forward into your golfer’s stance, you should be able to achieve that same motion while bending forward as you did while standing upright. If you struggle to achieve the same range of motion, consider incorporating scapular and rotator cuff strengthening exercises into your fitness routine.

MOVEMENT PATTERNS

Correct movement patterns are key to an efficient golf swing. Ideally, the hips should initiate the movement, followed by the shoulder joint, with the hands coming last. Disrupting this sequence may result in a loss of power output in your swing and lead to shorter ball flight.

POSTURE

Good posture is integral to optimal shoulder function. Poor posture can trigger compensatory movements that may impair the shoulder’s function. Having good rotational mobility and upright posture at the spine and hips will reduce stress placed on the shoulder.

EQUIPMENT

Appropriate equipment is crucial to maintaining shoulder health and maximizing performance. Ill-fitting clubs or improper equipment can provoke compensatory movements, leading to increased stress on the shoulder joint. For the best fit, golfers should go to their local PGA professional.

By concentrating on these key areas, golfers can enhance their shoulder function, minimize the risk of injury, and optimize their performance on the course.

Nicholas Hershfield, PT, DPT, is a Physical Therapist at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). He has a special interest in treating patients with upper extremity, lumbar, and post-operative conditions, particularly in athletes. Nicholas is an orthopedic clinical specialist, Titleist Performance Institute certified, and Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy certified for the lumbar spine.

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TEAM EVENTS

ALL TO PLAY FOR! Three great team events always raise tribal passions and moments of great drama

RYDER CUP

PRESIDENTS CUP

SOLHEIM CUP

by the sudden moments of high drama of a win-or-lose situation that has the tournament’s outcome hanging in the balance. So it was on golf’s world stage in 2023 that we saw players go head to head and supporting fans elated, as recounted in the pages that follow by Stan Awtrey (Ryder Cup, together with his look forward to the upcoming Presidents Cup 2024), and Lisa D. Mickey who takes us through a remarkable Solheim Cup 2023. 

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here’s always a special atmosphere that surrounds the big team events, events that bring together world-class players from different continents, players often with very different temperaments, but all with remarkable game skills. The Ryder Cup (pp.100-102), Presidents Cup (p.103), Solheim Cup (pp.104-105)—the fans love these teamspirited, tribal tournaments where national patriotism becomes a strong driver for each player, and fans are lifted

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RYDER CUP, 2023 Why Team USA lost once again on foreign soil, Italy, 2023, is much debated. Stan Awtrey considers some popular theories, knocking them all into the long grass with just one good reason

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loss is accompanied by much hangwringing and many questions from disappointed American fans. The most recent loss—the 16.5 to 11.5 whipping in Rome—was no exception, and it produced the regular assortment of reasons and excuses. It happens every time, almost like that scene in Casablanca where Claude Rains tells his policemen to “round up the usual suspects.”

Team Europe celebrate with the Ryder Cup trophy following a dominant display over Team USA in Italy.

There are dozens of reasons why the U.S. Ryder Cup team got throttled—again—on European soil. Among the most popular are: Reason No. 1: Lack of activity leading up to the event. When the TOUR Championship wrapped up, the members of the U.S. team packed

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nother Ryder Cup on foreign soil produced another loss for the United States in October. That means the Americans have not won an away game since they prevailed at The Belfry in 1993. They’ve now lost the Ryder Cup in Spain, England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, France, and Italy. That covers much of the continent. And every time it happens, the

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TEAM EVENTS

Rory McIlroy played a key role in Team Europe’s triumph.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler lit up the 15th green by holing a massive putt.

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A dejected Zach Johnson looks on after his team failed to retain the Ryder Cup.

Tommy Fleetwood celebrates after sinking the winning putt for Team Europe.

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PRESIDENTS CUP, 2024 Favorites Team USA will come under pressure at the Royal Montreal Golf Club, with Team International aided by a huge turnout of Canadian supporters

By Stan Awtrey

he decision to hold the 2024 Presidents Cup (September 2629) at the Royal Montreal Golf Club in Canada may turn out to be a key factor in helping the International Team keep this fall’s event close—or even end its nine-match losing streak this fall. No one understands more than International captain Mike Weir how fiercely Canadians love their golf. He was transformed into a national hero when he won the Masters in 2003 and became the first Canadian to win a major championship. Stoking the flames Weir will likely stoke the “us vs. them” flames by including as many of his countrymen as possible. “Guys are very interested,” said Weir, who slid a few hats and shirts into different lockers during the 2023 Canadian Open to raise the enthusiasm. “I’m getting a lot of questions about it internally. Guys are very interested.” Weir will no doubt have Presidents Cup veteran Corey Conners on the roster and could also add other Canadians like Adam Hadwin, Nick Taylor, who was the toast of Canada after he won the 2023 Canadian Open, Adam Svensson, and Mackenzie Hughes, who recently had his status elevated to play in the PGA TOUR’s Signature Events. “I think anybody who’s been on the team knows how special it is and so they want to be on the team,” Weir said. “We have some great Canadians playing really well. That would be a real thrill for me to, you know, if two, three, four of these guys can make the team, it would be really special.”

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Team captains Jim Furyk (left) and Mike Weir with the Presidents Cup as they gear up for the upcoming edition in Canada.

It may also be necessary. Since LIV players are disqualified from competing in the Presidents Cup, the International side will need all the help it can get. The LIV-free event robs the depth of an already thin team that will be without Cam Smith, Louis Oosthuizen, Joaquin Niemann, and Mito Periera. Strong Internationals The Internationals will rely on the strong Korean presence of Tom Kim, Si Woo Kim, and Sungjae Im, Australian Cameron Davis and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox, along with major champion-winning veterans like Hideki Matsuyama, Jason Day, and Adam Scott, who has played on the last 10 teams.

The International team will give automatic spots to the six top players on the Official World Golf Ranking, with Weir picking the remaining six players. U.S. team choices The U.S. team will be made up of six automatic qualifiers—the top six on the FedExCup points list—and six independent selections made by captain Jim Furyk. And since the PGA TOUR owns the Presidents Cup, there’s no way a LIV player will be able to compete, like Brooks Koepka did for the U.S. Ryder Cup team. That removes one of the possible distractions for Furyk and it doesn’t really handicap a U.S. team that dominates the rankings and remains the prohibitive favorite to win again. Unless that big Canadian crowd has something to say about it.  A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF 103

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TEAM EVENTS

SOLHEIM CUP, 2023 An evenly contested tournament thrilled throughout, energetically supported by Spanish fans By Lisa D. Mickey

National pride Emily Pedersen hit only the second hole-in-one in the history of the Solheim Cup.

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Winning records

Blow by blow

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A triumphant roar from Carlota Ciganda after she made the winning putt for Team Europe.

have a lot more experience with it and know how to play it,” observed Patty Sheehan, captain of the 2002 and 2003 U.S. Solheim Cup teams. American Megan Khang led off the Sunday singles in her match against Sweden’s Linn Grant, opening with a birdie on the first hole and winning 1 up on the 18th green. “She definitely made me work for it,” said Khang, who finished 3-0-1 for the week. Ireland’s Leona Maguire faced tough singles competition with LPGA rookie superstar Rose Zhang in their Sunday match. Zhang birdied the opening hole, but the 2021 Solheim Cup standout for Europe responded with two birdies. The lead wobbled back and forth until Maguire regained the lead on the seventh hole and never trailed, scoring the day’s first point for Europe with a 4 and 3 victory over Zhang. “It was important to get blue on the board [for Europe] early,” said Maguire. The scoreboard was a mixture of red and blue numbers throughout Sunday’s singles matches, guaranteeing a close final result. “Europe got down early, but fought back,” said Annika Sorenstam, 2017 European Solheim Cup Captain. “It could have literally gone either way at the end, which was exciting.” And it did. Buoyed by energetic home-soil Spanish fans and with www.essential.golf

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the overall team scores tied, Carlota Ciganda knew exactly what she needed to do in her match against American Nelly Korda. The Solheim Cup veteran took the lead on the second hole and held off Korda’s attempted rallies.

When Korda’s four-foot birdie chance missed on the 16th hole, the gallerypacked grandstands shook when Ciganda answered with a birdie. Europe’s only Spanish player capped off that match with another birdie on No. 17 to retain the Cup for Europe with a 2 and 1 victory, posting an undefeated 4-0-0 record for the event. “It was magical in front of the home crowd, Carlota’s family and with the whole world watching,” said Figueras-Dotti. A tie finish and greater team parity may signal that a playoff system is needed for future competitions. The next event is set for 2024 in the United States, returning the Solheim Cup to even years played opposite the Ryder Cup. “Losing the Cup in a tie will really motivate the Americans next year,” said Sheehan. “They’re going to be fired up.” ■

Rose Zhang was one of five rookies on Team USA, Solheim Cup.

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GOLF ACADEMY

ESSENTIAL GOLF’S

EXPERT ADVICE Elevating your game and boosting your chances of success

repare to transform your experience on the golf course with advice from professional coach, Michael Jacobs, as he

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provides a wealth of invaluable insight that will elevate your game to new heights. Get ready to unlock your full potential!

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What’s great about irons and hybrids If you’re a mid-to-high handicapper, you want to consider choosing irons that have more forgiveness. If you’re a better player, having a club that’s more of a blade-style club might provide you good feedback and more control. If your ability to hit the middle of the clubhead is less, having a balanced and more forgiving clubhead that is weighted for you is going to help maximise your results even on off-centre hits. As well as choosing irons that are forgiving, the other part is set www.essential.golf

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composition. Pay attention to what clubs you have in your bag and try to make your transition from your irons into hybrids at the right point. Play with some different irons such as a 5-iron, 4-iron, and 3-iron but also hit hybrids of five, four, and three category, see which ones you hit better, and which ones allow you to have more consistent gaps inbetween your clubs. When you hit a 3-iron or 4-iron, you may notice the gaps between clubs and the ability to be consistent in generating 10, 15,

20-yard increments start to lessen when you get that high up in irons. So experiment with some hybrids. What’s great about hybrids is for the length of the club that they are, they are much lighter, easier to swing, and are built to launch the ball high. There is a lot of adjustability, forgiveness, and ability to hit the hybrid off tight lies and out of the light roughs easier than might be able to do with a traditional 3 or 4-iron. Make sure you are picking clubs that will make the golf game easier for you.  A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF 107

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Setting up a tee shot There is nothing more important that getting off to a great start on a hole and hitting a good drive on the fairway. In terms of setting up your tee shot, there are many different aspects you need to consider. These factors include your positioning and your stance—you’ll have to consider both when setting up the ball. A top tip is to centre your body and line it up with the back of the club— rather than the club head itself. This will allow you to strike the ball in an upward fashion. The common mistake that most golfers make in their setup is they will position their upper body

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towards the ball, just like they would for an iron. What that does is create a downward blow on the ball making it spin in various directions. The position of the ball should be forward in your stance. With the driver, it’s going to be the forward-most of all the clubs in your bag. That will also promote an upward strike. A good starting point is to position the ball up by your left shoulder or left leg. If you take a wide stance, you could end up positioning the ball outside your body so I recommend using your left shoulder or left hip as your benchmark for where you should position the

ball with the driver. When it comes to distance from the ball, you should take your stance like for any other club and then the length of the club will dictate how far you are standing. The best checkpoint is that when you take your setup, you want your left hand to be directly under your chin. If your hand is too close or too far away, you will start to change the shape of your swing and it will be harder to hit the center of the fairway. Learning these essential techniques will help you best prepare for your game and give you the necessary requirements to start off an excellent round of golf.

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GOLF ACADEMY

Learning to grip Learning to grip your club is possibly one of the most fundamental lessons you will learn. What many people don’t realize is that the golf club moves very fast when you swing it so if you don’t have a secure hold of your club, your chances of consistent contact will be more difficult to accomplish. One of the most important fundamentals is where the position of the club is in your top hand. When you’re positioning the club in your top hand, it’s important that the club sits down by where the fingers and palm meet and that it’s far away from the wrist. It should go straight across your hand and as you close your grip, your top thumb should go on top of the grip slightly off centre and firmly pressed down. You’ll want to make sure that your wrist is as far away from the grip as possible. A mistake that most beginners make is when they position the grip too high on the hand, in the palm, and very close to the wrist. If you’re too close to the wrist, you won’t be able to control the speed of the swing. For the bottom hand, you want it to come in slightly palm up and cover the top thumb completely. Your right thumb should end up on the opposite side but also pressed on the grip. When it comes to how you join your hands, there are several options. You can have all 10 fingers on the grip, commonly known as the “baseball grip”. You can do the overlapping grip where you take your right pinky finger and overlap it over your left hand. Then there’s also something called the interlocking grip where you can interlock your left forefinger and the right pinky finger. It is important that your fingers are strong on the club, but you want your wrists, elbows, and shoulders to be very free and relaxed.

How to use your smartphone to analyze your swing

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TRAVEL & GOLF VACATIONS

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SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS Seductive images of mountain and coastal scenes, and pristine greens make for tantalizing choices for our 2024 golf vacations

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hose must-see tournaments on the pro golf calendar are significant influencers when it comes to making our golf vacation choices. In December, maybe you checked out the Hero World Challenge (Albany, Bahamas) Golf Channel and NBC shared TV coverage, and the scenery was enough to make you say, “Man, I have to go there!” The Caribbean is always a favorite choice for golf vacations, especially during the months when one year folds into the next. In addition to The Bahamas, other perennial favorites featured in our line-up of choices are Missouri, Florida, South Carolina, California and Mexico.

Missouri’s magnificent Top of the Rock course is perched high above Table Rock Lake.

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TEE OFF FROM ALL SHADES OF BLUE play paradise

Tee off on the greens with magnificent Caribbean views best experienced ® at Sandals Resorts. Enjoy an all-inclusive vacation that features gourmet dining, unlimited premium liquors, and luxury accommodations – not to mentionthe finest, white sand beaches you’ll ever set foot on. Choose from four golf courses in The Bahamas, Saint Lucia or Jamaica, two of which are 18-hole championship caliber golf courses, featuring layouts by Greg Norman Golf Course Design. Swing into paradise with complimentary green feesand more when you stay at one of Sandals Resorts premier golf destinations.

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL TRAVEL ADVISOR OR

1-800-SANDALS | SANDALS.COM/GOLF January 11-17, 2024 *Visit www.sandals.com/disclaimers/7858 or call 1-800-SANDALS for important terms and conditions. Sandals® is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is an affiliate of Unique Travel Corp., the worldwide representative of Sandals Resorts. 7858/0523

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TRAVEL & GOLF VACATIONS

BAHAMAS’ BEAUTY

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n The Bahamas island of Nassau, Albany has a collection of private residences that are available for rental yearround. These properties combine the luxuries of a private home together with the highest level of service. Villas and custom homes provide guests with a spacious private haven ranging from three to eight bedrooms, while two- to seven-bedroom marina residences provide modern living with uninterrupted views of the water. If the big golf events are the main attraction, they also influence nearby alternative vacation choices. Ever popular on Nassau is 5-star Sandals Royal Bahamian, Bahamas’ leading all-inclusive resort. It’s also the most elegant resort, with exotic offshore

island adventure opportunities. The hotel in Nassau, The Bahamas, has two sky-sized pools, an all-new Coconut Grove lounge area, fine dining at 10 specialty restaurants, beach access, and an awardwinning spa. Golf opportunities are at the nearby Albany 18-hole championship golf course which hosts the Hero World Challenge every year, inviting the world’s best professional golfers to compete. Ernie Els designed the par-72, 7,309-yard golf course with five par-5s and five par-3s, with the remaining holes being par-4s. The links-style course features dunes up to 30 feet in height and also has multiple teeing areas on each hole to make the course fun and playable for

golfers at every skill level. On the nearby island of Great Exuma is Sandals Emerald Bay, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort within 500 tropical acres, and with a mile-long beachfront. Greg Norman designed the award-winning Emerald Bay Golf Course which is recognised as one of the most scenic 18-hole ocean-side golf courses in the Caribbean and is renowned for its challenging fairways. It’s a hot choice with golf vacationers, having six signature holes that follow the coastline of a scenic peninsula. The prevailing trade winds promise new experiences with every game. Emerald Bay Golf Course, with views of the scenic Emerald Bay shoreline.

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TRAVEL & GOLF VACATIONS

MISSOURI’S MAJESTY

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The par-3 19th at Payne’s Valley has a narrow island green framed by a large limestone outcrop and waterfalls.

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Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, Big Cedar Lodge seamlessly marries a deep passion for nature and conservation with an unparalleled golfing experience, curated by legendary architects.

Welcome to Nature Golf at Big Cedar Lodge. B IG CEDAR LODGE B IG CEDAR . COM

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TRAVEL & GOLF VACATIONS

Aerial view of the par-3 7th at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

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CALIFORNIA’S WEST COAST SWING

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TRAVEL & GOLF VACATIONS

FLORIDA’S FINEST

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n the picturesque Gulf of Mexico, Florida’s Sports Coast isn’t just a sun-soaked haven for outdoor enthusiasts, it’s also a golfer’s paradise waiting to be discovered. With its lush landscapes, perfect weather, and a plethora of world-class golf courses, this gem beckons both seasoned pros and casual enthusiasts to tee off amid stunning surroundings. The appeal of golf on Florida’s Sports Coast lies in the diverse array of courses that cater to every skill level. From meticulously manicured fairways to challenging water hazards, each course offers a unique experience, making the region a golf magnet for players of all abilities. The rolling greens, framed by palm trees and vibrant flora, create an idyllic backdrop that transforms every round into a visual feast.

One standout venue is the renowned Saddlebrook Resort. Home to two of Florida’s Sports Coast’s most picturesque and playable courses, Saddlebrook is a well-known destination for world-class golf. Both on-site courses were designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer and feature rolling fairways, well-maintained greens and wilderness areas full of cypress, pine and palm trees. If you’re looking for a golf experience with a touch of history, the Fox Hollow Golf Club is a mustvisit. This Robert Trent Jones Sr. masterpiece seamlessly blends the natural terrain with strategic design, offering players a journey through moss-draped oak trees and vibrant wildflowers. Beyond the fairways, Florida’s Sports Coast caters to the entire golf experience. Luxurious clubhouses,

state-of-the-art practice facilities, and professional instruction add a layer of refinement to the sport. After a satisfying round, golfers can unwind at upscale dining establishments or bask in the warm glow of a Gulf Coast sunset, celebrating the day’s triumphs on and off the course. Whether you’re a keen golfer or a casual enthusiast, Florida’s Sports Coast promises an unforgettable golf adventure. From the challenging courses to the breathtaking scenery, this outdoor haven invites enthusiasts to swing into a world where every round is an escape into golf perfection. So, pack your clubs and prepare for an extraordinary golf experience, amid the beauty of Florida’s Sports Coast. Courses at Florida’s Sports Coast promise an unforgettable vacation.

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HIT THE LINKS! Tee up along Florida’s Sports Coast to discover the best golf excursions. With a wide variety of courses, every round of golf here is both challenging and enjoyable.

NATURALLY FLORIDA After a round of golf, paddle through the peaceful Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park or unwind on the beach at Anclote Key Preserve State Park to experience the serenity of Mother Nature. flsportscoast.com

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Fox Hollow Golf Club Rolling fairways and five sets of tees offer new challenges every time you drive the ball.

Lexington Oaks Golf Club With a multitude of lakes and wetlands adding challenge and character to the course, it’s hard to forget a round here.

Plantation Palms Golf Club Fox Hollow Golf Club

Challenging greens, rolling terrain and tight landings make this course a true golfer’s dream play.

Saddlebrook Resort & Golf Club Boasting two picturesque Arnold Palmerdesigned courses, it’s no surprise Saddlebrook is a well-known destination for world-class golf.

Beacon Woods Golf Club

Lexington Oaks Golf Club

Each hole is designed to bring out the best in both novice and pro golfers, with sporting fairways and well-guarded greens.

Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club The rolling hills and elevation changes on Lake Jovita’s two courses will test your skills.

Seven Springs Golf & Country Club With one course perfect for beginners and another that will challenge the pros, the whole family will have a great time playing here.

The Groves Golf & Country Club Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club

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Designed with nature’s best interests in mind, The Groves is known as The Longest Short Course in Florida.

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TRAVEL & GOLF VACATIONS

SUBLIME SOUTH CAROLINA

here can be few better golf vacation choices than the attractions offered by South Carolina. With ambient climate and beautiful scenery, some of the best courses to play on your vacation are here. Of the many attractions the Kiawah Island Golf Resort has to offer, it’s The Ocean Course that is the big pull. This is rated third in the greatest public golf course in the U.S. and is also ranked one the 100 Greatest U.S. Golf Courses. The famous Ocean Course has an impressive tournament history having hosted the Ryder Cup, PGA Championship, and many other toplevel tournaments. In recent years, it was Phil Mickelson who showed how to handle the putting surfaces on his

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way to his historic win at the 2021 PGA Championship. Those who know the course well will tell you the par 72 Pete and Alice Dye design gives you a true test of skill. Having no fewer than ten coastline holes (the highest number in the northern hemisphere), not only is the unobstructed coastal view impressive, but the fresh breezes blowing in off the Atlantic also add to the many challenges The Ocean Course puts in your way. In addition, there are four other courses by leading designers: Osprey Point (Tom Fazio), Oak Point (Clyde Johnston), Turtle Point (Jack Nicklaus), and Cougar Point (Gary Player). The resort is also home to the Tommy Cuthbert Golf Learning Center, offering a variety of golf

instruction with PGA-certified pros to help players of every skill level and all ages refine their game in state-ofthe-art facilities. Property staff are on hand to create a custom-designed golf experience to accommodate your preferences, travel schedule, and accommodation requirements. Guests who book their golf experience directly through Kiawah Island Golf Resort also get to enjoy many additional exclusive guest benefits. The Cottages at The Ocean Course provide unparalleled accommodations, with majestic views of the Atlantic Ocean, The Ocean Course, Clubhouse, and access to championship golf. Groups staying in the collection of four exclusive cottages will have a dedicated concierge, who will ensure www.essential.golf

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IMAGES: KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT

the cottage is stocked with your preferred beverages and snacks, also arranging tee times, dining experiences (including exclusive private wine- or spirits-paired chef’s dinners), and other recreational activities, plus transport. The luxury

cottages are arranged with two guestrooms upstairs and two down (each with private ensuite bathrooms) with a shared living room and bar downstairs. Both floors have porches that give sweeping views of the course and ocean.

With its views over the Pacific, the Ocean Course is considered one of the greatest public golf courses in the U.S. The Ocean Course Cottages offer expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean and driving range.

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The unique par-3 17th at TPC Danzante Bay, with backdrop of the Sea of Cortez.

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IMAGES: TPC NETWORK

MAJESTIC MEXICO

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TRAVEL & GOLF VACATIONS

Due west from Mazatlán, across the Sea of Cortez to the tip of the Baja Peninsula is the spectacular golf course at Quivira Golf Club, Los Cabos. This dramatic setting at the land’s end of the peninsula is marked by huge windswept dunes, sheer granite cliffs, and rolling desert foothills. Just 10 minutes from downtown Cabo San Lucas, Quivira Golf Club, and the Jack Nicklaus Signature course, continues to wow adventurous vacationers seeking the most spectacular golf experience. The sprawling 7,139-yard, par72 layout marked a watershed moment in the history of golf in Los Cabos when it opened in 2014. In addition to its dazzling views and breathtaking drops from tee to fairway, Quivira offers players more oceanfront exposure than any other

course in Los Cabos. Completing our vacation experience at Quivira Golf Club is a thatched-roof clubhouse situated between the first tee and 18th green. Beside the clubhouse is a spacious double-ended practice facility that runs parallel to the ocean. And here there’s also a well-designed elongated practice putting green, additionally with a large, short-game practice area. Quivira Golf Club is accessible to guests of Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront Resorts and Spas, which consist of four properties: the adjacent Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Resort & Spa and Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa; and, in nearby Cabo San Lucas, Pueblo Bonito Rosé Resort & Spa and Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos. ■ The scenic ocean views are a highlight for every hole at Quivira Golf Club.

IMAGES: ALAMY

Mexico’s Pacific coast does indeed give you all the pleasures you could wish for, with Mazatlán four highlyrated golf courses, and with Cabo San Lucas farther south—a resort city on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Estrella Del Mar Golf & Beach, Mazatlán, is an upscale golf and beach resort set in 816 acres bordering the Pacific Ocean. It’s a gated community with lush tropical landscaping, anchored not only by one of Mexico’s top-rated courses but also with 3.5 miles of pristine beach. This is the Robert Trent Jones Jr. 18-hole championship course. Here, they cater for everything you could want on a luxury holiday break, including the hotel that offers 71 rooms ranging from Garden View and Ocean View rooms to Ocean Front and Presidential suites.

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ESSENTIAL EXTRAS

ESSENTIAL

EXTRAS

IMAGES: DREAMSTIME

A sponsored roundup of what’s new in the world of golf and beyond, covering everything from innovative technology and state-of-the-art golf equipment, to trendy and stylish apparel and other emerging products

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ESSENTIAL EXTRAS

EXPLORE NEW HORIZONS

ELEVATING

GOLF ATTIRE

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THE GAME OF W LOVE

MOTOCADDY’S AWARD-WINNING ELECTRIC CADDY

inner of MyGolfSpy’s ‘Most Wanted’ award for the last three years, the M7 REMOTE features a rechargeable handset, removable anti-tip rear wheel, and automatic Downhill Control for the ultimate in responsive control. Utilizing latest advancements in remote control technology, the ‘ergonomic’ remote handset is extremely easy to use and rechargeable—using the caddy’s USB charging port if needed, and the anti-glare LCD widescreen display features an on-screen remote battery meter ensuring it’s always ready for action. The M7 REMOTE also boasts a dual control mode, allowing it to instantly switch to handle control when preferred. Powered by whisper-quiet, yet powerful dual motors, Motocaddy’s DHC technology ensures the trolley maintains a constant speed while moving down a gradient, helping golfers stay in complete control around even the most undulating golf courses. www.motocaddy.us/m7-gps-electric-caddy ■

t Selective Search, we see your search for love as a strategic game of golf, where choosing the right partner is key. Our matchmakers work like experienced caddies, offering insight and guidance tailored to your unique personality and lifestyle, aiming to find your perfect match. This careful process mirrors a golfer’s precision in selecting the right club for each shot. Our bespoke matchmaking service is like having a set of custom-made golf clubs, designed specifically for your playing style. This personalized approach ensures your path to love is as unique and rewarding as winning the coveted green jacket. Think of us as your caddies in the game of love, guiding you towards a relationship as satisfying and triumphant as a championship win in golf. Reach out for a complimentary consultation and take the first step towards a love worth celebrating. Visit www.selectivesearch.com/golf ■

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ESSENTIAL EXTRAS

FAIRWAY FASHION

T WINDOWS THAT DEFINE LUXURY S

he golf world is finally in the spotlight, with golf culture taking center stage. Modernday golfers expect their on-course style to seamlessly blend with their everyday lives. AIEA Golf is transforming the golf experience for women with their fashion-forward, athleisure-style course apparel. Crafted from performance fabrics and featuring golf-specific details, pieces effortlessly transition from the course to city streets. The mission? To empower the modern era of women golfers by inspiring confidence, both on and off the course. But it’s more than just fashion; it’s about community and a forward-thinking mindset. Starting Fall 2024, NFC technology integrates into your favorite AIEA pieces. These smart tags will unlock endless possibilities, keeping your fashion game as smart as it is stylish. Golfers of all skill levels will be able to explore golf, fashion, and tech while enjoying perks and benefits within the AIEA Community. Exciting rollouts await throughout 2024—stay tuned for the future of AIEA Golf. Visit www.aieagolf.com ■

teel and bronze windows and doors have a distinct look that is unmistakable. Their refined elegance is characterized by whisper-thin frames, delicate muntins, and large areas of glass made possible by the remarkable strength of the solid metal frames, creating an architectural aesthetic that matches the precision of a perfectly executed golf swing. Hope’s Windows, Inc. provides extraordinary homes with the world’s finest steel and bronze windows and doors—timeless in appearance and enduring for generations. Despite the cold ruggedness often associated with steel, Hope’s windows and doors become an inviting and tactile piece of the architecture. You will find the interaction to be surprisingly opulent with smooth and graceful movement at the touch of a finger. Much like the way tailor-made golf clubs are meticulously crafted to meet your specifications, every Hope’s window and door is custom designed and expertly handcrafted to achieve your specific vision, whether you are renovating an historic property or building new. Find out more about the oldest and largest manufacturer of steel and bronze windows and doors in the U.S by visiting www.hopeswindows.com ■ www.essential.golf

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GUEST COMMENT

THE FINISHING HOLE Some inspirational reflections from Lee Pace on the pleasures of walking great golf courses

play golf for a myriad of reasons. One is the neverending challenge and the occasional pat on the head from the golf gods with that sub-eighty score. Another is feasting on the inexhaustible array of course designs, landscapes, styles, and terrains. Enjoying the companionship of my playing partners is important as well. Above it all is getting some great exercise and the simple act of slinging a minimalist carry bag on my shoulder, setting off on a four-hour walk, and embracing nature. In 2018, I started writing a book built around walking 18 of the best courses in the Carolinas, venues that have a vibrant walking culture, and a good story to tell. The result was published in 2021 and is titled Good Walks—Rediscovering the Soul of Golf at 18 Top Carolinas Courses. Two of the chapters featured longstanding stops on the PGA TOUR—Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island, S.C., and Sedgefield Country Club in www.essential.golf

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Lee Pace features Harbour Town Golf Links in his book Good Walks—Rediscovering the Soul of Golf at 18 Top Carolinas Courses.

Greensboro, N.C. Thankfully, golfers on the PGA TOUR are still required to walk. Sedgefield was designed by the Scottish architect Donald Ross and opened in 1925 and has an intimate, graceful, old-world feel. It was the co-venue for the Greater Greensboro Open on the PGA TOUR along with Starmount Forest from the tournament’s inception in 1938 through 1960. The tournament was held at Sedgefield alone from 1961-76, and the latest iteration of the tournament, now the Wyndham Championship, has been held at Sedgefield since 2008. Chris Deinlein is 80 years old and has lived on the eleventh hole at Sedgefield since 1986 and is such a traditional and “old soul” in the golf arena that he’s played the game only with vintage hickory-shafted clubs since 2006. “What a joy this course is to walk,” he says. “It can  A passion for the game ESSENTIAL GOLF 129

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tax you, particularly going up the hill on thirteen. That one gets me. I’ve had hip and knee replacements, so I’m fortunate I can still walk. But I’ll keep doing it as often and long as I can. “I truly think that walking is part of the game. My gosh—what do we play it for? The enjoyment of going out and hitting the ball and just being outside and walking to me is an integral part of it. I particularly love it late in the afternoon. You can see the contours with the way the sun is working on the ground.” A rite of spring each April on the tour is a trip to Sea Pines Plantation and its Harbour Town Golf Links, which opened in 1969 and has been the venue for the RBC Heritage Classic since day one. Pete Dye routed the course on a gentle piece of ground on the southwest corner of the 41 square-mile barrier island. There are plenty of houses along the holes, but the setbacks are generous and the distances between holes modest. And management supports a healthy walking culture. Lug it. Push it. Hand it off to a caddie. “We have kind of a heightened sense of awareness as we’ve seen the other side to it,” says John Farrell, the resort’s director of golf. “[Mandatory cards] is just not the way to do it. If you’re physically able, the way to play is to walk. It’s the easy way to roll. Here we’re at sea level, the proximity of greens to tees is good,

“We have kind of a heightened sense of awareness as we’ve seen the other side to it” —John Farrell it’s better socially, and obviously it’s better physically. There are so many benefits to walking I can’t see why you wouldn’t.” There’s nothing like a stroll through the South Carolina Low Country, lugging your bag on the parthree 17th with Calibogue Sound as a backdrop and then finishing with the grand red-and-white striped lighthouse behind the 18th green. Clubs clinking and wind whistling, you can almost hear Shivas Irons in his Scottish brogue from Golf in the Kingdom—“Ye’re makin’ a great mistake if ye think the gemme is meant for the shots. The gemme is meant for walkin’.” ■ Lee Pace has written about golf from his home in Chapel Hill, N.C., for four decades and has specialized in coffee table books celebrating the great courses of the Carolinas and beyond.

IMAGES: HARBOUR TOWN GOLF LINKS

The 18th at Harbour Town Golf Links is as scenic as it gets.

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For more than a century, Hope’s has handcrafted the world’s finest steel and bronze windows and doors, and we continue to refine the art that makes them the most sought-after, luxurious, and longest lasting windows and doors available. Hope’s exclusive hot-rolled steel and solid bronze profiles replicate the traditional aesthetic of historic buildings while providing modern performance and efficiency. Hope’s windows and doors are built to last a lifetime and beyond – sustaining their beauty and performance for generations.

HopesWindows.com

HOPE’S WINDOWS, INC. — EST. 1912 — JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK

architect: F. Douglas Adams and Associates products shown: Jamestown175™ Series steel door and windows

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photographer: IMG_INK

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From take–off to tee time, no one knows Australia like Qantas Fly non-stop from Los Angeles, Dallas/Fort Worth, and San Francisco and non-stop New York to Auckland and onto Australia. Book now at Qantas.com

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