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New Post has been published on bunkered.co.uk

New Post has been published on http://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/tiger-woods-splits-from-sean-foley

Tiger Woods splits from Sean Foley

Tiger Woods has parted ways with Sean Foley after a four years of working with the Orlando based coach. During his time with Foley, Woods won nine PGA Tour events, but, crucially, never added to his tally of 14 majors.

On a statement released on his website, the American thanked Foley for his hard work in their time spent together.

“I’d like to thank Sean for his help as my coach and for his friendship,” said the world No.12. “Sean is one of the outstanding coaches in golf today, and I know he will continue to be successful with the players working with him.

“With my next tournament not until my World Challenge event at Isleworth in Orlando, this is the right time to end our professional relationship.”

“It was a lifelong ambition of mine to teach the best player of all time in our sport.” – Sean Foley

Sean Foley, whose students include recent Barclays champion Hunter Mahan, leaves Tiger after fulfilling what he describes as a ‘lifetime ambition’.

“My time spent with Tiger is one of the highlights of my career so far,” said the Canadian. “I am appreciative of the many experiences we shared together. It was a lifelong ambition of mine to teach the best player of all time in our sport.

“I am both grateful for the things we had the opportunity to learn from one another, as well as the enduring friendship we have built. I have nothing but respect and admiration for him.”

Who’s next for Tiger Woods?

After dropping Sean Foley, the door is open for another coach to take up the role. But Tiger Woods insist he doesn’t have anyone lined yet.

“Presently, I do not have a coach, and there is no timetable for hiring one,” said the 38-year-old.

His past coaches include Butch Harmon and Hank Haney. The bridge between Woods and Haney is long since burned after Haney’s explosive book documenting his years with Woods ‘The Big Miss’.

However, there have been calls for the injured star to go back to Harmon. Whether Woods will swallow his pride, or Harman will have the time to work with Tiger again, remains to be seen.

Who will be Tiger Woods’ next coach?

Butch Harman

David Leadbetter

Chuck Cook

Randy Smith

Pete Cowan

Rick Smith

Claude Harman

Jim McLean

Peter Kostis

Michael Bannon

  pollcode.com free polls

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New Post has been published on http://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/jim-furyk-left-frustrated-again

Jim Furyk left frustrated again

Without a win since 2010, Jim Furyk carded his sixth top five finish of the year at The Barclays, New Jersey yesterday, prompting questions as to why the American is finding it so difficult to close out victory.

The eight-time Ryder Cup veteran was paired with Jason Day in the final group at The Barclays, but a final round 70 wasn’t enough to challenge. He eventually finished four shots behind Hunter Mahan who won the FedExCup opener.

Only two players in the top 25 at The Barclays shot a worse final round score than Fuyrk. Despite failing to win yet again, the world No.6 remained resilient.

“Obviously, 70, where everyone else is shooting 66 and 68, 70 is not a good score,” said the 44-year-old.

“There’s a lot worse stuff going on in the world than me shooting 70 on a Sunday.” – Jim Furyk

“It’s golf. I didn’t die out there today. I don’t expect anyone to feel sorry for me. I’ve played great this year. I’ve played very good this year. I won’t say great because I haven’t won.

“You know, I’m close, and I’m not going to hang my head. I’m not going to walk away from here.

“There’s a lot worse stuff going on in the world than me shooting 70 on a Sunday.

I’m disappointed, I will learn from it, and I feel like I’m getting closer.”

Jim Furyk defends Sunday record

With so many close calls this year, questions over Furyk’s ability to hold his nerve on the final day have arisen. However, he maintains his record down the home stretch isn’t something he’s overly concerned about.

“I had three seconds this year with a 65 and a 66 on Sunday,” said the former US Open champ. “So I don’t know how much more you can punch it in.”

For Jim Furyk, the reason he never won The Barclays crown was simple. His short-game wasn’t up to scratch.

“I never found a way today till the end to get the ball up‑and‑down when I needed to or to make the key par to keep the round going,” Furyk said.

“Then I had that stall in the middle that I really could have done some damage on six, seven, eight and nine. I could have played those holes three‑under and I played them even. To me, that’s a big difference in the day.”

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New Post has been published on bunkered.co.uk

New Post has been published on http://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/pga-tours-website-lacking

PGA Tour's website lacking?

For the biggest and most lucrative golf tour in the world, the PGA Tour’s website just isn’t up to scratch. It’s hard to navigate, and sometimes times just plain frustrating.

Nobody is perfect – I’ve made more than my fair share of mistakes – yet still, for a ‘brand’ like the PGA Tour, its online presence is so poor.

In general, pgatour.com overwhelms the user as you get lost among the different offshoots and information shoved in your face.

It was recently revamped to be more mobile friendly, but that’s come at the expense of the site itself. It just isn’t as easy to use as it should be.

Sometimes it’s hard to tell what exactly you should be looking. And when you’re looking for something, you can’t find it.

Does the PGA Tour ignore the Ryder Cup?

Want to find out about the Ryder Cup? It’s a mega event. Go onto the PGA Tour’s homepage and there’s nowhere to click to get info on the biennial match. It’s like it doesn’t exist.

If you want a quick scan of the leaderboard in the latest PGA Tour event you have to work for it. Make it more visible on the homepage.

Looking to find out the leaderboard from past tournaments? Well, unless it’s last year’s standings you’re after then forget it.

If you head over to player profiles, you’ll see Tiger Woods, ranked 218th in the FedExCup rankings. Shouldn’t the No.1 player in the world be the first thing we see?

Want to know stats for a particular tournament such as driving distance, putts per round or GIR? They’re nowhere to be found, either. Those stats might be somewhere. I just gave up looking.

pgatour.com may look great on your mobile, but it is a website first and foremost. This may be just a personal opinion, but it just isn’t as good as it once was. For a an organisation the size of the PGA Tour, its online presence needs to up its game.

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New Post has been published on bunkered.co.uk

New Post has been published on http://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/jamie-donaldson-seals-ryder-cup-spot

Jamie Donaldson seals Ryder Cup spot

Welshman Jamie Donaldson will make his Ryder Cup debut at Gleneagles next month after winning the Czech Masters yesterday, booking his place in Paul McGinley’s European side.

The 38-year-old shot a final round 68 to finish on 14-under-par, two shots ahead of his fellow Welshman Bradley Dredge.

The win was the first of the season for Jamie Donaldson and leaves him in fourth spot in the European Ryder Cup qualifying list ahead of Sergio Garcia, and eighth in the World Points List in front of Graeme McDowell.

Donaldson is glad the pressure is off his shoulders having qualified for next month’s match, and knows how valuable his win will prove to be.

“This is big, it’s been an amazing week,” said the former Irish Open champion.

“There was a lot on the line and this week I played really well.” – Jamie Donaldson

“I didn’t get here until late. I needed to play well either this week or next week, or both, to guarantee my place in the Ryder Cup team so there was a lot on the line and this week I played really well, so that’s great.

“Winning is everything, wins shoot you up world rankings, Race To Dubai, all sorts. It’s massive. Those three last holes coming in there were really tough with the wind blowing, so I’m just really happy to seal it.

“It’s so difficult to get into the team, the lads are playing so well. You know that you have to play well to secure your place and it did come down to the wire, but that’s how it is to get into the team.

Jamie Donaldson hits form at the right time

Having missed the cut in the – the Scottish Open and the Open – Donaldson was under pressure from the likes of Stephen Gallacher and Luke Donald in the Ryder Cup race. With this win, and a return to form, he’s delighted to have secured his place on merit.

“I played as well as I can play for 18 months, and then a couple of slow events and you rocket down the list,” said the new world No.27. “So it’s great to come here and play so well and do enough to get into the team.”

Stephen Gallacher still in the hunt for Ryder Cup place

Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher ended the Czech Masters in seventh place, after a fourth round 73 left him on seven-under-par.

With the Italian Open the only event reaming before automatic qualification before the Europe team is decided, Gallacher was happy with his finish.

His attention now switches to Italy, where he must play well to make the line-up.

“The week went pretty well,” said the 39-year-old. “ disappointed with today, I didn’t really play that well, but top ten if you’re not firing is quite good.”

“My goal this week was to win it or try and finish as high up as I could. I was in contention in the second last group, if you then play well you can win, if you don’t and still finish top ten, then you’ve got it round well.

“I’m off to Italy, home for a couple of days and then I’ll be heading there.”

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New Post has been published on bunkered.co.uk

New Post has been published on http://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/rory-mcilroys-major-distraction

Rory McIlroy's major distraction

Perhaps trying to win your fourth tournament in a row on the back of a major win is just too much to ask, even for world No.1 Rory McIlroy.

After a first round three-over-par 74 at The Barclays, New Jersey, The Northern Irishman is cast adrift in 101st place, nine shots behind leader Bo Van Pelt.

The 25-year-old admits he may not have put in the work needed the past week heading into the FedExCup Playoffs opener after winning the PGA Championship.

“I think it’s more to do with just not putting the adequate time into my game over the past week for obvious reasons,” said the four time major champion.

“I wasn’t going to do that, I was enjoying myself.” – Rory McIlroy

“It was inevitable, after such a great few weeks. I wanted to enjoy it for a week.

“I came here Monday morning, hit some balls, practiced pretty well. But I guess taking a week off and sort of getting back into it this week, I probably just needed to give myself a little bit more time. But I wasn’t going to do that, I was enjoying myself.”

If McIlroy can turn it around and win on the PGA Tour this week, he would join an elite group of players including Tiger Woods and Ben Hogan of players to win four or more consecutive tour events.

If he’s to reach those heights, he’ll needs to up his game when he tees off at 6:06pm GMT this evening.

Rory McIlroy hungry for more 2014 success

Despite doubling his lifetime major tally, securing his place in the Ryder Cup and rising to world No.1, Rory McIlroy insists he still wants more success this season.

“It’s a career for a lot of people,” said McIlroy of his two major triumphs. “[But] you know, it’s behind me, it’s gone. I’ve done it and I want to move on.

“I want to achieve more things. I want to be successful from here to the end of the season. So it’s just all about giving yourself new goals and new targets.”

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New Post has been published on bunkered.co.uk

New Post has been published on http://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/kingsbarns-to-host-2017-womens-british-open

Kingsbarns to host 2017 Women's British Open

It has been announced today that Kingsbarns Golf Links will host the 2017 Ricoh Women’s British Open, the first time the Fife links will welcome a major championship.

The course proved popular with both players and media after it staged last year’s final qualifying for the Women’s British Open, and Art Dunkley, Director of Kingsbarns Golf Links, is proud his club will play host to such a prestigious event.

“People have said many flattering things about our course and facilities since we opened in 2000,” said Dunkley, “but being selected to host our first major championship is the greatest accolade of all.”

“We look forward to a long relationship with them.” - Shona Malcolm, the LGU’s CEO on Kingsbarns

The Fife club has won praise from the highest levels in the women’s game, with Shona Malcolm, the LGU’s CEO describing the course as a ‘wonderful addition’.

“We believe Kingsbarns will be a wonderful addition to the Women’s Open rota,” said Malcolm. “Their excitement at hosting their first major will make the 2017 edition very special and we look forward to a long relationship with them.”

As well as pleasing the tour, the courses addition to the Women’s Open rota has been welcomed by the tournament’s title sponsor Ricoh.

“We think adding Kingsbarns Golf Links to the roster with its world-class course and facilities is an exciting and refreshing addition which will further enhance this great tournament,” commented Simon Sasaki, corporate executive vice president of Ricoh.

Kingsbarns goes global

With Turnberry’s famous Ailsa course the venue for the 2015 Ricoh Women’s British Open, today’s announcement adds to Scotland’s pedigree in the women’s game.

Paul Bush from EventScotland is confident the 2017 Women’s Open at Kingsbarns can boost the Fife links’ global appeal, and Scotland’s as a whole.

“Bringing major championships to Scotland outlines our ambition to host the biggest events in world golf,” said Bush.

“The addition of the Ricoh Women’s British Open in 2017 further strengthens our envied portfolio of golf tournaments in 2014 and beyond.

“This is also a great compliment to Kingsbarns Golf Links and shows just how established the venue has become on the global golf map.”

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New Post has been published on bunkered.co.uk

New Post has been published on http://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/catriona-matthew-on-life-in-scotland

Catriona Matthew on life in Scotland

Speaking to the Ladies European Tour, defending champion and two-time winner of the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open, Catriona Matthew, discusses her life and loves at home.

  Where were you born and where is it exactly in the country?

Edinburgh, the Scottish capital city in the east of Scotland.

  Tell us more about where you were born.

Edinburgh is probably one of the most scenic cities in the world. It is full of history from Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace to modern day history with the Scottish Parliament. It has great museums and art galleries, one of the best universities in the world and is a great place to visit. There is something for everyone.

  What is the best thing about your country?

The fact that wherever you go, anywhere in the world, everyone knows where Scotland is and has either visited there or it is top of their list on places to go. I think that is pretty special.

  Give some examples of the traditions from your home that you like or love doing.

Every New Year’s Day we run into the sea for the New Year’s dook. It is absolutely freezing but good fun and an amazing number of people from North Berwick take part.

Tell us something about your festivities.

At Halloween we go around the neighbours’ houses with the girls and they go trick and treating. They love having a big bucket of sweets at the end of the night.

  What is your favourite place in Scotland and why?

My favourite place in Scotland is North Berwick. Its home and I feel very lucky to live in such a great place.

What are the typical food and drinks from your area that you love?

I love haggis, neeps and tatties.

  What food from your country do you like to cook?

I don’t really like cooking. I do like to cook breakfast though (pancakes or French toast) and I enjoy baking and like to make scones and cupcakes with the girls.

  Be our travel guide… what places would you recommend us to visit in your country and things to do?

Edinburgh for culture… East Lothian for golf and a quick visit over to St Andrews. You really need a good couple of weeks. Even though I am from here there are loads of places I have never been.

When you are not on tour and you are not preparing for any tournament, how do you spend a typical weekend?

A typical weekend at home is up at seven – the girls never sleep in. Usually followed by a trip to the swimming pool, park and a walk or play on the beach.

  What is the most popular sport in your country?

Football is by far and away the most popular sport in Scotland. It baffles me as to how much media coverage it gets as the standard of it is awful.

  Golf is popular too. Women’s golf in Scotland like Britain is not as popular amongst the young. I think there is almost a missing generation in most golf clubs in Britain of women between 30-45 years up the game so something needs to be done about that. Maybe more nine hole competitions so it doesn’t take so long. The pros should show an example too and play quicker.

  What are your favourite sports and teams that you support?

My favourite sports team is Manchester United and I’ve attended several games.

  Who is your favourite celebrity/personality/idol from your country?

I am most proud of all the famous inventors and scientists that have come from Scotland, but specifically Alexander Fleming for coming up with penicillin which has over the years saved countless lives.

Who is your favourite golfer and sports personalities from your country?

I think Colin Montgomerie’s consistency over the years on the European tour when he won seven in a row is incredible and something that will be hard to ever repeat.

Andy Murray is obviously the most high profile sportsman from Scotland and has been unfortunate not to have won more grand slam events. Liz McColgan is my favourite sports woman because of her drive and never give up attitude.

  What do you miss from home when you travel?

Katie and Sophie.

  Is there something unusual from your country that you could explain to us?

We have two national flags, the Saltire, blue with a white cross which also makes up part of the Union Jack symbolising our part in the UK and also the Lion Rampart, which is a yellow background with a red lion standing on its hind legs, symbolising national pride and belonging.

  What are your favourite “Scottish” sayings?

“You’re a long time deid” means that you should enjoy life to the fullest and take advantage of all the opportunities you have because you are not around forever.

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New Post has been published on bunkered.co.uk

New Post has been published on http://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/catriona-matthew-reflects-on-ladies-scottish-open-win

Catriona Matthew on Ladies Scottish Open defence

Last year, Catriona Matthew secured her second Ladies Scottish Open title in three years at Archerfield Links. With this year’s championship right around the corner, the seven-time Solheim Cup player spoke to the Ladies European Tour about her upcoming defence, plus a whole lot more.

What are your abiding memories from last year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open?

That the last day was freezing cold and very windy!

  How much have you and will you, practise and play at Archerfield Links leading up to your title defence?

I have not played much at Archerfield this year. I have played the odd 9 holes here and there and used the practice ground but not played a whole lot. I will probably play 9 holes on both Wednesday and Thursday next week.

  How do you rate your current form?

I have been playing steadily. I believe I am very close to being really good.

  How easy do you think it will be to retain the title and win it for the third time and what are you working on to ensure success?

Obviously these things are never easy! The tour has got much deeper these past few years. This year I see Laura Davies is playing and she has been playing a lot better these past few weeks. Also Sophie (Gustafson) and Trish (Johnson) have great experience plus all the other current year winners. Holly Clyburn is another that is doing well.

  Who will act as your tournament caddie and why?

Graeme will caddy this year as he was on the bag last year.

  How much do you enjoy playing in your country and at this golf club in particular?

I really enjoy playing both in Scotland and at Archerfield. I just hope the weather is good and that a lot of people come out and watch.

  How much time do you spend in Scotland now as opposed to the States?

I spend more time in Scotland now and my schedule is limited to about 24 events a year, of which about 15 are in the US and the others are all over. Both the LPGA and LET are now global tours.

  We understand that you are building a new house in North Berwick on the site of your old house. How involved have you become in that project?

Yes, we are currently in the process of trying to secure a builder. All the planning permissions are through which took a while! Getting a builder is proving trickier than we imagined as all the good ones are very busy!

  How do you manage your time with two young daughters, competitions, practice and fitness?

It’s tough to balance and luckily I have Graeme at home to help. They have not been travelling with me much this past year and a half. My practice schedule on a non-tournament day is usually some kind of workout for about 45 minutes. I will then practice maybe for about 30 minutes then go play 9 holes, then do another hour or so practice after playing. Then I putt and chip for maybe an hour. I believe in quality practice rather than length. Do what you need to do then get out of there! I see far too many people being at the course all day and chattering on their phones thinking they are practising.

  What do you think about the success of the Scottish players on the LET this season, particularly two-time winner Kylie Walker and rookie Sally Watson and what does this mean for the future?

It has been great to see Kylie start to break through. She is starting to believe in herself a lot more and be more patient on the golf course. Sally has done well too and has been consistent. She has been smart in that she has a good degree behind her from Stanford.

  What are your goals for the rest of this season?

After this event I have Evian then another six events: four in Asia, one in Mexico and one in the US, so I would like to finish off the year strongly and snag a win. Then I will start out the year at Royal Melbourne in February 2015.

  Next year is a Solheim Cup year. How important is it to be on the European team in Germany after the win in 2013?

Obviously I want to be part of the team that wins 3 in a row.

  Do you see yourself as a future captain?

Absolutely. I would love to do be captain in the not too distant future.

  What importance do you place on representing Great Britain at the 2016 Summer Olympic Games?

It is definitely something I want to be part of. It has kept me going these past few years and is a good goal. It is really the only event I have not competed in and I want to be part of it in 2016.

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New Post has been published on bunkered.co.uk

New Post has been published on http://www.bunkered.co.uk/courses-travel/your-golf-travel-supports-portugal-masters

Your Golf Travel backs Portugal Masters

Your Golf Travel, the world’s largest golf travel company, has announced today its sponsorship of the Portugal Masters, which takes place at Oceanico Victoria Golf Club in Vilamoura from October 9-12 this year.

The travel provider has released exclusive packages that will allow attendees to watch the European Tour event tournament, and play some of the top golf courses in the Algarve – a region famed for its golfing pedigree.

Ross Marshall, chief executive of Your Golf Travel, is delighted his company will be supporting the event.

“This exciting new partnership represents Your Golf Travel’s fulfillment of a genuine commitment to support the European Tour and one of its most highly valued events, as well as a desire to connect with avid golfers in our No.1 ranked destination, Vilamoura,” said Marshall.

“We’ll be coming to the tournament with prizes and giveaways.”

He then revealed fans are in for a treat at the tournament, as the company intends to offer some free giveaways.

“Be sure to keep an eye out for the Your Golf Travel banners,” continued Marshall. “We’ll be coming to the tournament with prizes and giveaways and lots of ways for fans to engage, all focused around the Your Golf Travel bar.”

What’s on offer with Your Golf Travel?

Customers who book a Portugal Masters package with Your Golf Travel will benefit from free tickets, as will clients with existing plans to travel to the Algarve during tournament week.

Your Golf Travel expects to give away more than 30,000 drinks during the tournament, while providing a range of entertainment and activities around Vilamoura throughout the week.

Golfers are also invited to take part in a competition in the lead up to the event, with the company giving away spaces to play alongside leading tour pros in the Portugal Masters Pro-Am.

It’s not just the travel operator who are looking forward to October’s tournament. Peter Adams, championship director of the Portugal Masters, feels the travel company will be a perfect fit for the event.

“We are delighted to join forces with such a pro -active company as Your Golf Travel,” said Adams.

“There is an obvious synergy between tourism and golf in Portugal, and specifically, the Algarve, which is home to so many wonderful courses.

For more information, please visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644.

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New Post has been published on bunkered.co.uk

New Post has been published on http://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-equipment/powakaddy-announces-fw7-special-offer

PowaKaddy announces FW7 special offer

PowaKaddy’s Freeway electric trolley range hit the market back this Spring. Now the brand is offering a free Sport or Ladies Classic cart bag with every purchase of the range’s flagship FW7 model.

The FW7 model is PowaKaddy’s most advanced model, and is part of the 2014 Freeway family that also includes the FW3 and FW5 models.

PowaKaddy’s FW7 cart bag offer, company chairman, John DeGraft-Johnson, believes the offer will make the FW7 an even bigger hit with golfers.

“We are confident that a great number of golfers will be encouraged to sample the FW7.”

“From the feedback we have received from our retailers, the media and directly from consumers, we know the FW7 is one of the most popular products we have created in recent years,” said DeGraft-Johnson.

“With that in mind, we are delighted to be able to add value to what is already and outstanding product at its price point to those in the market for a performance-driven, fully digitally-enabled electric trolley.

“With the additional incentive of a free PowaKaddy Sport or Ladies Classic Cart Bag to be given away at purchase, we are confident that a great number of golfers will be encouraged to sample the FW7 and benefit from its outstanding performance.”

PowaKaddy FW7 features

Automatic Distance Function

USB charging port

Anti-Tamper security pin lock

Exclusive Plug ‘n’ Play Battery System

Robust PowaFrame

Three-fold mechanism for simple storage

RRPs of £445 (Standard Battery); £480 (Extended Battery); £610 (Lithium Battery); £670 (Electronic Braking System Lithium Battery)

Those looking to make life a little easier on the course with a PowaKaddy FW7 electric trolley can now claim a free Sport Cart Bag or a Ladies Classic Cart Bag with their purchase.

Sport Cart Bag features

14 full-length dividers

Nine storage pockets

PowaKaddy’s Key Lock Base System

RRP of £119.99

The Ladies Classic Cart Bag includes:

RRP £119.99

Identical features to the Sport Cart Bag

Constructed of water-resistant Nylon fabric

Silver/Black/Fuchsia colour combination

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The brand’s Cart Bag offer is available from August 22 to September 30, 2014, or while stocks last, at participating retailers.

To find your nearest PowaKaddy stockist, or for more information about the 2014 Freeway range, visit www.powakaddy.co.uk

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New Post has been published on bunkered.co.uk

New Post has been published on http://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/ladies-scottish-open-gets-a-shakeup

Ladies Scottish Open gets a shakeup

The Ladies Scottish Open has been given a significant boost with the news that title sponsor Aberdeen Asset Management and the Scottish Government have pledged their support for the tournament until 2017.

The agreement sees the event make the move to Dundonald Links, having had its home at Archerfield Links since 2010. The tournament’s prize fund will also be increased to €500,000 as part of the three year deal.

In addition, a new date for the event has been established with a strong player field expected to do battle in the unique pro-am event in Ayrshire from July 24-26, 2015.

That means the Ladies Scottish Open will take place just one week ahead of the Ricoh Women’s British Open, at nearby Turnberry.

This emulates the men’s Scottish Open, which sits just one week ahead of the Open Championship, giving both sets of players the ideal links preparation ahead of the major.

July 2015 a huge month for Scottish golf

men’s Scottish Open –  July 9-12

the Open – July 16-19

Ladies Scottish Open – July 24- 26

women’s British Open – July 30 – August 2

Alex Salmond MSP, the First Minister of Scotland, is hoping the changes will result in the same success enjoyed by the men’s Scottish Open, which has saw the last four Open champions play the event the week before.

“The movement of the Ladies Scottish Open will place the tournament in a similar situation and raises the profile of the women’s gam.” – Alex Salmond MSP

“The men’s Scottish Open now attracts the world’s top players as the challenge of the links game is viewed as the perfect preparation for the following week’s Open Championship,” said the SNP leader.

“The movement of the Ladies Scottish Open will place the tournament in a similar situation and raises the profile of the women’s game, which is currently in rude health in Scotland.

“I am confident that the test of Dundonald Links will prove to be a huge draw for more top female golfers to come to Scotland and hone their links game.”

Kylie Walker backs Ladies Scottish Open changes

Kylie Walker, two-time LET winner this season, echoed Salmond’s comments, and is sure the tournament will help her fine tune her game before the Women’s British Open.

“The Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open’s unique format is enjoyed by all the players so I am delighted with the announcement.

“To be able to play at Dundonald just a week ahead of the Women’s British Open is the perfect links preparation for all the players.

“The tournament is continuing to grow in stature so I can’t wait to play my part in the future of the event that is a permanent fixture on my schedule.”

Dundonald delighted to welcome LET Tour’s best

Bill Donald, General Manager of Loch Lomond Golf Club and Dundonald Links is proud to welcome the LET to the West of Scotland.

“We are delighted to play host to the high profile Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open,” said Donald.

“This is a tremendous achievement for Dundonald Links and we look forward to extending a very warm welcome to everyone involved with the tournament.”

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Bubba Watson’s Ryder Cup fighting talk

With the Ryder Cup just over a month away, US team member Bubba Watson is fired up, admitting he’s not content with just making the team. He wants to go down as a champion.

Speaking ahead of The Barclays, the first FedExCup Playoff event, the American revealed his desire for a victory at Gleneagles this September.

“As a kid growing up, your whole dream was to be on the PGA Tour and then make the Ryder Cup Team,” said the 35-year-old, making his third straight appearance in the biennial contest.

“I think sometimes as a player, or myself, we get so excited about making the team, but now not having a victory, not tasting a victory, that drives me to try to win one.

“Not just making the team, not just being a guy that’s made seven teams or three teams. I want to have a guy that has a W by one of those at least.”

“I think we’re all champions.” – Bubba Watson on US Ryder Cup team

The US has lost to Europe in seven of the last nine Ryder Cup head-to-heads. Three of the last four majors have also fallen into European hands, and Europe’s Rory McIlroy is currently world No.1. Despite this, the left-hander believes September’s match is evenly split.

“I think we’re all champions,” Bubba Watson said of his US Team members. “I think we have a shot just like anybody. We have a 50/50 shot of winning. There’s only two teams.”

Bubba Watson on Ryder Cup pressure

If Tom Watson’s US Ryder Cup side is to break Europe’s dominance of the event, Watson believes it will all come down who handles the pressure on the greens the best.

“When a guy makes you putt a three footer, when a guy makes you putt a five footer you’re going to have to make them,” said Bubba, who topped the US Ryder Cup qualifying standings.

“So I think that’s what it’s going to come down to. We can all hit the golf ball. It’s coming down to under the pressure, making the putts.

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Nike Golf Unveils Vapor Iron family

Inspired by Tiger Woods, Nike Golf’s Vapor Irons franchise, the brand’s latest offering to hit the market, were debuted near New York City this week in an event featuring Nike athletes Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, and celebrity golf fan Jimmy Fallon.

The innovations used in the Vapor Irons started with insights from Tiger Woods, as Rob Arluna, Nike Golf’s global golf club business director explains.

“Our engineers and designers at The Oven have been working with Tiger for quite some time to evolve this innovation and bring it to the golf athlete,” said Arluna.

“We started with the traditional blade and asked what could be done to enhance its performance and modernise the design while maintaining a traditional, pure look at address.

“Thanks to Tiger’s inspiration, coupled with Rory’s added insights, we made the Vapor Pro blades feel and perform better with a technology advantage over the traditional blade. We then extended that innovation and design to Vapor Pro Combo and Vapor Speed.”

“I immediately noticed a more balanced feel and more consistent performance.” – Tiger Woods

Woods reveals he began trying out different weight combinations years ago, and is delighted with the finished products.

“Years back when we tested the parts with adjusted weighting, I immediately noticed a more balanced feel and more consistent performance,” said the 14-time major champion. “Working with the club team to bring this concept to life was a great experience.”

In all, the Vapor Iron franchise includes three new models: the Vapor Pro, Vapor Pro Combo, and Vapor Speed.

The Vapor Pro is said to be Nike Golf’s ‘most precise iron to date’, and features a modernised take on the classic blade profile.

The Vapor Pro Combo aims to deliver the clean lines and workability of a blade, with the power of a distance iron. Overall, it tries to bring a blend of precision and power to your golf bag.

Finally, the Vapor Speed attempts to give players pure power for those who want maximum distance and forgiveness through their set.

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Nike Golf Vapor Iron family philosophy

The new Nike Golf range is based upon the philosophy of ‘Modern Muscle’, a design that moves the iron’s centre of gravity to the centre of the clubface, in the hope of more efficient and purer strikes.

Nike Golf design director, Andrew Oldknow, is confident the new irons will deliver a more precise centre of gravity.

“Our goal was to create a visual look on the exterior of the club that defines what’s happening on the inside,” said Oldknow.

“Shifting weight away from the heel of the club for a more precise centre of gravity is what defines Modern Muscle. That is distinctly visible across the three iron designs.”

Nike Golf Vapor Irons availability

You’ll have to wait until January 31, 2015 to get your hands on a set of Nike Golf Vapor Irons. Confirmed prices and specs will also be announced at a later date.

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Czech Masters :: big week for Gallacher

The European Tour stages the inaugural Czech Masters this Thursday, with Stephen Gallacher aiming reignite his bid for Paul McGinley’s European Ryder Cup team in the penultimate week for automatic qualification.

The Scotsman travels to the Czech Republic two places behind Graeme McDowell who is in ninth spot in the World Points List, with England’s Luke Donald one place ahead of him.

The top four in the European Points List automatically make the team for September’s match. Following that, the top five on the world list, not already qualified from the European list, secure automatic spots in McGinley’s team. The captain will then make three wildcard picks to complete his 12-man line-up.

To make sure he makes the journey to Gleneagles, Gallacher needs to prove his worth at the Czech Masters. In recent weeks, though, the world No.34 has struggled for form, missing the cut at the PGA Championship and the Wyndham Championship last week.

His last top ten finish came at the Scottish Open over a month ago, where he finished fourth at Royal Aberdeen. If he’s to make the team on merit, the 39-year-old will to be in the hunt come Sunday.

Challenging Gallacher at the Czech Masters

As he tries to follow in his uncle Bernard’s footsteps and represent Europe in the Ryder Cup, the two-time Dubai Desert Classic winner will have to go head-to-head with some of the European Tour’s top talent.

One of those will be 28-year-old Austrian Bernd Wiesberger, looking to draw upon the experienced of being paired with Rory McIlroy in the PGA Championship’s final round.

“I’m going to try and feed off that good week in Kentucky,” he told europeantour.com. “Hopefully I can do that more often for the rest of the season. I will have some support with me this week.”

Three places behind Gallacher in the Ryder Cup World Points List, Joost Luiten is one of the favourites heading into the Czech Masters after an impressive season so far. The Dutchman finished a respectable 26th in the PGA Championship two weeks ago, and he has four top tens to his name on the European Tour this year. He’ll be gunning for his fourth European Tour title this weekend.

Welshman Jamie Donaldson is in Paul McGinley’s team for Gleneagles as things stand, but in eighth place on the World List, his place is by no means safe. He knows he needs to play well at the Czech Masters to keep his hopes of a Ryder Cup debut alive. Will claim the re-named Czech Masters – formerly Czech Open, and with it his first title of the year?

Keep up to date with the Czech Masters

For a full list of tee times click here.

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The Barclays :: World's best return

With the top 125 from the regular season’s standings qualifying for the PGA Tour’s FedExCup Playoffs, The Barclays at Ridgewood Country Club, New Jersey, marks a return to action for many of the game’s top players.

The favourite

World No.1 Rory McIlroy heads into The Barclays on the back of two major wins, with victory at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational separating them. Last year, the 25-year-old finished six shots behind 2013 champion Adam Scott. With both players now No.1 and 2 in the world, will we be treated to a battle between the game’s top two?

The defending champ

As mentioned, Australian Adam Scott holds the title everyone is chasing at The Barclays. Since his Crowne Plaza Invitational win at the end of May, the 34-year-old has been threatening to win almost every event since, racking up four top ten finishes in the five tournaments which have followed. He finished ninth the last time The Barclays was held at Ridgewoodin 2010, and he’s expected to be among the leaders, again, this year.

Hot on their heels

Rickie Fowler’s third place finish at the PGA Championship saw him join Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to finish in the top five in all of four majors in the same year. In a field filled with top talent, the American is expected to have a say down the home stretch yet again.

The outsider

World No.76 Nick Watney comes into this week’s championship full of confidence after ending the Wyndham Championship in fifth place last week. Add to that his win at The Barclays in 2012, and ninth place last year, and the American will feel he’s in with a chance at contending at Ridgewood.

Scot watch

Russell Knox is the only Scot in the field at The Barclays. After a week off he’ll be hoping to bounce back after a missed cut at the PGA Championship. Without a top 20 spot since the RBC Heritage in April, the world No.105 will be out to finish on a high as the season nears its end.

In the field at The Barclays

To see the field in its entirety, and tee times, click here.