With Scheffler adding both The Open and the PGA Championship to his résumé, posting 17 top-10 finishes in 20 starts, and earning an eye-watering $27,659,550 in prize money, the World No.1 appeared untouchable.

But as golf fans who regularly check sites like Betdaq and every major betting exchange discussed the season’s narrative, one thing became abundantly clear: McIlroy wasn’t about to be overshadowed. Not this year. Not with history on the line.

Becoming only the sixth player ever to complete the career Grand Slam, McIlroy reignited the debate—and with what followed in the Ryder Cup and the Race to Dubai, the Northern Irishman has arguably nudged ahead of his American rival by year’s end.

At 36, there’s very little left for McIlroy to accomplish in golf aside from perhaps that elusive Olympic Gold in Los Angeles in three years’ time. Until then, here’s a look back at one of the most remarkable seasons of his illustrious career.

Early-season warning signs

McIlroy has always been known for fast starts, building form through the early months before the spotlight turns to Augusta.

But 2025 felt different from the outset. His two-stroke win over close friend Shane Lowry at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February was impressive, but it was the dramatic playoff victory over J.J. Spaun at The Players that suggested this might be an extraordinary year.

Momentum was building. Hope was rising. And as the azaleas began to bloom at Augusta National, the sense of destiny grew stronger.

Career Grand Slam

There could be no more poetic place for McIlroy to end his long major drought than the Masters—his white whale, the lone gap on an otherwise glittering career record.

But the road to the Green Jacket was far from smooth. At several points during the weekend, especially in the tension-filled final round, it looked like the ghosts of past Augusta collapses were circling once more.

Yet this time, McIlroy stood firm.

In a gripping playoff against Justin Rose, he finally exorcised those demons, completing the career Grand Slam and etching his name into golf’s most exclusive club. It was emotional, cathartic, historic—perhaps the defining moment of McIlroy’s career.

Irish Open success

The Open at Royal Portrush didn’t bring the fairy-tale home victory many hoped for, though a tied-seventh finish was still a far cry from the heartbreaking missed cut on the same course in 2019. But any lingering disappointment was wiped away weeks later.

At the K Club in September, McIlroy delivered once again for the Irish faithful. A monstrous eagle putt on the 18th forced a playoff with Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, and extra holes were all he needed to seal another unforgettable Irish Open victory.

It was vintage Rory—flair, courage, and a touch of magic.

Away Ryder Cup victory

Back in January, McIlroy laid out his three remaining career goals: win the Masters, win Olympic Gold, and win another away Ryder Cup. Many assumed those might take years—especially the latter, as away wins are notoriously rare.

And yet, in one of the most dramatic Ryder Cups of the modern era, Europe stunned the USA with a 15–13 triumph at the hostile Bethpage Black.

McIlroy was central to the charge. Despite losing his singles match to Scheffler, he collected three-and-a-half points from four in the pairs sessions, once again leading from the front. It was redemption, vindication, and a monumental achievement rolled into one.

Seventh Race to Dubai title

The final jewel in McIlroy’s 2025 crown came on the DP World Tour. Entering the final tournament of the season, only two players had a mathematical chance of catching him in the Race to Dubai standings.

Even though he lost a playoff to Matt Fitzpatrick at the DP World Tour Championship, McIlroy had already done more than enough.

A seventh Order of Merit title—his fourth in a row—sealed his place in history. Surpassing the legendary Seve Ballesteros and moving to within one of Colin Montgomerie’s record was an achievement that spoke not only to McIlroy’s brilliance but also to his longevity.

The post Remembering Rory McIlroy’s remarkable season appeared first on Golf News.

Q. Before we talk about winning The Race to Dubai again, let’s talk about today and the events that unfolded, eagling the last, again. Tell us about today from your point of view?

Yeah, got off to the perfect start. 3-under through five, 4-under through seven. Felt like I had sort of taken control of the golf tournament. Was a couple ahead.

Then, yeah, I made two bogeys on the way in on 12 and 16 and didn’t birdie 14 and 15, the birdie holes. Obviously knew I needed something to happen on the last. I actually hit a great shot on 17, ended up a little short. Hit a great putt that lipped-out.

On the last, I knew what I had to do. I hit a great 5-wood. Lucky to see Rasmus’s putt before mine. His hung out a little bit before it started to turn, so got a read from him. It was a great way to finish, making the playoff.

But unfortunately hit it in the water there on 18 in the playoff. Just sort of put me behind the 8-ball. But happy for Matt. He’s had a great end of the season. Played great to get on the Ryder Cup Team, and then he sort of kept it going since, so really happy for him as well.

Last year you equaled Severiano Ballesteros’s Race to Dubai titles, and this year you surpassed him. Tell us how it feels to surpass his title.

I had a course with his wife, Carmen, before I went out to play today, and she told me how proud he would have been. You know, I said this on this green last year, he means so much to this tour and to the European Ryder Cup Team. We rally so much around his spirit and his quotes and everything he meant for European golf.

To equal him last year was cool but to surpass him this year, yeah, I didn’t get this far in my dreams, so it’s very cool.

Now just one behind Colin Montgomerie’s 8th record title. You don’t need it, but how much do you want it?

I want it, of course I do. I caught up with Monty this week when he was here a couple days ago and I saw him. Look, it seems within touching distance now. I’d love to be the winningest European in terms of Order of Merits and season-long races.

You know, I’ve probably got a few more good years left in me, and hopefully I can catch him and surpass him.

The post INTERVIEW: RORY WINS SEVENTH EUROPEAN ORDER OF MERIT TITLE appeared first on Golf News.

Event Snapshot

Dates: 13 – 16 November 2025.

Venue: Earth Course, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, UAE.

Format: The season-ending limited field, featuring the best performers of the year.

Significance: The climax of the season and the final chapter of the “Race to Dubai”.

Why This One Matters

It marks the culmination of the tour’s season, with players competing not only for the trophy but for final honours and standings. The prestige of the tournament is enhanced by its place as the closing act.

The course itself — designed by Greg Norman — challenges the world’s best with length, strategy, and premium setup.

Every shot could make a difference: swings in momentum, season standings, and legacy are all in play.

Key Players & Storylines

Rory McIlroy is one to watch, having led the Race to Dubai standings coming into this event and looking to make a statement.

Rising challengers and seasoned contenders alike: Expect names like Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood and others to push hard.

With so much on the line, season titles, ranking points, pride — the atmosphere is charged and the stakes are high.

Course Watchpoints

Length and layout: The Earth Course demands precision, especially around the greens and in tee-shots where missteps are costly.

Strategy: Players will need to balance bold aggression with smart course management. Late-season fatigue may also play a role.

Weather/Condition: Dubai in mid-November can provide firm fairways and quick greens — scoring could go low, but only if handled with composure.

LATEST ODDS

Here are the latest odds with Betway

What the Odds Tell Us

McIlroy is the clear favourite: He’s entering in strong form and has the pedigree in this event to back him as the leading contender.

Fleetwood is a solid second pick: His consistency and past performances make him someone to watch.

Value plays: Players like Hatton, Åberg, or even Penge offer good value if you believe in a surprise or a tight finish.

Why These Odds Matter This Week

The Race to Dubai is still on the line for some top players — everything isn’t just about the trophy, but also about season rankings.

The Earth Course demands strategic iron play and good approach-shot execution. Betting markets seem to reward those who are strong in those areas.

With no cut, even long‐shots have a shot at making a late charge, which could influence betting behaviour and potential payoffs.

What to Keep an Eye On

Opening rounds: A fast start will set the tone. In a condensed field, early momentum pays off.

Back-nine on Sunday: Historically where champions emerge or fall apart, pressure builds.

Season stakes beyond the trophy: The Race to Dubai leaderboard, end-of-season bonuses, and standings will influence mindsets.

Head-to-head battles: Top players in contention make each pairing meaningful.

Course conditions: With top players teeing off early, adapting to conditions quickly will be key.

For further odds visit Betway

The post DP WORLD TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW appeared first on Golf News.

“It’s been unbelievable, really,” Penge said after signing his card at The Renaissance Club. “I wasn’t even in this event at the start of the year, so to be here and competing at this level, it’s just wild. I’ve loved every minute of it.”

The 27-year-old has steadily worked his way up the ranks, and his performance under pressure in Scotland solidified his place among the game’s rising stars.

Penge credits much of his recent success to experience gained playing on the downland courses of Goodwood, Worthing, and Dyke Golf Clubs in Sussex, as well as the challenging links at Prince’s in Kent growing up.

“Playing on those courses growing up really shapes your game. You get used to wind, firm turf, and tricky lies — all of which help massively when you get to places like this,” he said.

MAJOR PLAYER

Penge, who also impressed earlier this year with a strong showing at the PGA Championship, noted that confidence in his tee-to-green game has been building all season. He led the PGA field in that category, and the belief has only grown since.

“Even today, under that kind of pressure, it’s still a bit of an unknown,” he admitted. “But playing with Matt Fitzpatrick the last two rounds helped a lot. He’s someone I’ve always looked up to, and he really settled me down.”

With another strong result under his belt, Penge is aiming to carry this momentum into next week at The Open before taking a well-earned break.

“My wife Sophie probably deserves a rest she’s been holding the fort with our son Enzo, while I’ve been out here,” he smiled. “But I’ll try to ride this wave for a bit longer.”

The post Penge Shines in Scottish Open With Tied-Second Finish appeared first on Golf News.

In the ever-evolving world of professional golf, few figures have played a more influential role behind the scenes than Guy Kinnings.

Now CEO of the European Tour Group, Kinnings has carved a unique path from his early days in law to the forefront of the international game.

With decades of experience as an agent to some of the game’s biggest stars and now as one of its key decision-makers, he brings deep insight, a global perspective, and a passion for the sport that’s as personal as it is professional.

In this exclusive interview, Guy Kinnings reflects on the journey that brought him to the top of professional golf, sharing with Matt Nicholson his insights on the sport’s future and the defining moments that have shaped both his own path and the modern game.

How did your journey in golf begin? Was it as a player, a fan, or through another path?

 I always followed golf growing up and enjoyed playing although I was late to the game having started at Law School.

My journey really began when I moved from my first job in a legal firm in London to the legal department of IMG. At that time IMG managed an extraordinary generation of talent – Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Sandy Lyle, Greg Norman and Nick Price to name but a few and having done legal work for them, it was Ian Todd, Senior VP of EMEA then suggested I move into a management role.

As well as working with these players, I began a long association with Colin Montgomerie shortly after that before signing clients like Justin Rose, Luke Donald and Adam Scott.

What drew you to the business side of sports, particularly golf?

 I’m a firm believer in the importance of relationships. That has been the basis of my career and it’s the essence of what the business side of sport is about.

Whether it is between a player and their sponsors, which was my focus as an agent, or between the Tour and our partners or players, relationships are such a fundamental part of what we do.

Golf is uniquely placed in that sense. The Pro-Am alone is such an incredible opportunity that provides an experience for partners unlike any other sport.

Can you tell us about your time at IMG and how that shaped your approach to golf administration?

I learned the importance of respecting clients – player, sponsor, broadcaster, Tours and Federations – and I learned to listen and to understand that you have to put the client first.

I learned the importance of hard work and finding creative solutions and learning almost every aspect of the golf business over nearly three decades prepared me for my roles at the European Tour group and to be the CEO.

The Tour is ultimately a members’ run organisation, so the players are the shareholders that I answer to.

Athletes are a unique breed who I have a huge amount of admiration for, and I’d like to think that working closely with them during my time at IMG enabled me to learn what makes them tick.

Were there any mentors or pivotal moments early in your career that influenced your trajectory?

 I learned the ropes from the legendary Mark McCormack at IMG, who managed the likes of Arnold Palmer and Gary Player and basically invented the role of a modern sports agent.

I could not have asked for a better mentor. Mark essentially created the sports marketing business.

He was a genius and I was very lucky to work for him. I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor. I always say I am fortunate to work in the most wonderful sport, and I certainly owe a lot to Mark from the experiences I gained early in my career.

There have also been some wonderful advisers that I have benefitted from since I have joined the European Tour group.

What motivated your move from IMG to the European Tour in 2018?

 Experiencing the Ryder Cup as the representatives of various players, Captains and Vice Captains made it all the easier to make my decision.

I absolutely loved my time at IMG and I had been asked to consider other things, but I never really thought about leaving.

But when the opportunity came along to work on the Ryder Cup though, I really couldn’t say no.

That’s because there is something very special about the Ryder Cup. Alongside that, I also had the opportunity to work on the Tour side as Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Commercial Officer.

It was a great opportunity and I’m delighted I took it.

How would you describe the evolution of your role from Chief Commercial Officer, Deputy CEO and Ryder Cup Director to CEO?

 I was delighted to be given the opportunity to be CEO. I already knew everyone at the Tour because as well as doing the Ryder Cup, I also took on the commercial side, which is now significantly stronger.

I was Deputy CEO as well, so I was closely involved in everything we were doing. I handled a lot of the discussions, so when Keith Pelley announced he was returning to Toronto, it was a relatively easy transition.

I knew the business, I certainly knew the sport, and I didn’t have to spend my time getting to know people. It allowed me to focus on the key issues from the outset and also build on the momentum we had.

What does a typical day look like in your current role?

 One of the great things about working in sport, is there isn’t really a ‘typical’ day as such.

I try to get to as many of our tournaments as possible to spend time with our players and our partners.

I also spend a lot of time speaking to and working with other organisations in the game such as the PGA TOUR, the PGA of America, the R&A and the Major Championships.

I’m very fortunate that we have a great team at the Tour who keep me informed and updated on all aspects of our business, and I work with them to ensure we are continually improving in everything we do.

It’s an unbelievable privilege to be CEO of the European Tour Group and we work hard every single day to do the best we can for our members.

 What have been your proudest achievements since joining the Tour?

 It’s hard to choose. I’m very proud of the significant commercial success we’ve had over the last six years after investing in building strong commercial structures in the business.

That enabled us to grow all key revenue areas. I was also particularly proud of the way we handled the Covid pandemic.

You can’t underestimate the extent of that challenge for a global business which visits more than 25 different countries, so to be able to navigate through that the way we did was huge testament to how we operate as an organisation and the remarkable team we have.

It is not just me that thinks that. We have won ten awards in the past 18 months across social media, sponsorship activation, event staging, tech and sustainability – a true example of the industry recognising our innovation.

But if I was to pick one, it would probably be the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome.

It was just such a special week. To stage the most successful Ryder Cup ever to be held in Europe, in such an iconic city, was incredible.

Then on top of that, the way Team Europe performed under the meticulous Captaincy of Luke Donald, just made it such a proud achievement for all of us who were fortunate enough to be involved.

The DP World Tour has undergone major transformations recently. What’s been the biggest challenge in managing that change?

 As a global sporting organisation, you are always undergoing some kind of transformation.

Nothing stands still and you have to keep adapting and innovating. We are a members’ organisation, so the biggest challenge in managing change is always trying to balance the needs and interests of the entire range of 300 or more players, each of whom are at different ages and stages in their careers.

How do you balance the demands of global expansion with maintaining the Tour’s European identity?

It’s an interesting question because the European Tour will always be our heritage and we will always remember and celebrate that, as we have done for the past 53 years through a number of initiatives including our National Opens.

But at the same time, as I talked about in the previous answer, you have to keep adapting and innovating and over the last few decades, golf and our Tour in particular, have become more global.

We changed the name of our main tour at the start of the 2022 season to become the DP World Tour.

It was great fit for us, not just because DP World have been such a terrific long-term partner, but also because it enabled us to have ‘world’ in our name. “European Tour” was increasingly a misnomer, as while Europe remains a strong territory for us, particular in our summer, we now play more than half our tournaments outside the continent.

We are golf’s global tour – we play in global destinations, showcase global talent and connect our global community, so having ‘World’ in our name is much more reflective of who we are.

What were the key factors behind the success of the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome?

One of the key factors was the Ryder Cup’s enduring appeal as one of global sports’ leading events. People want to be part of it – players, fans, partners, broadcasters.

It has this unique appeal which transcends our sport. Non-golf fans tune in for the Ryder Cup because of the passion and the drama it always provides.

Of course, there were numerous other factors which contributed to it being the most successful Ryder Cup we’ve staged in Europe – the hard work of our staff in delivering operational excellence and the appeal of Rome as the host city to name just two.

But it is impossible to talk about the success of Rome 2023 without referencing the huge role that Luke Donald played.

Everything he did as Captain was faultless. He was meticulous, measured, decisive and inspirational not just to his 12 players, but to his backroom team and to all our staff at the European Tour Group.

It was no surprise that everyone associated with him and the event wanted him to be the Captain again for this year.

With the emergence of LIV Golf and shifting dynamics, how do you see professional golf reconciling its divisions?

 Clearly a lot has happened over the last few years. We’ve been consistent in saying the game has been too fractured.

It has been complicated trying to resolve that. We continue to focus on acting in the best interests of our members and we will see how things evolve.

How is the Tour working to support the next generation of players across Europe and beyond?

 Golf recycles and regenerates very quickly. New talent emerges all the time. The pathways we have established over the last five years or so with our partner Tours in South Africa, Australia, China, India, Japan and Korea, enable leading international talent to have direct access to compete on the DP World Tour.

The Global Amateur Pathway (GAP) has also been a strong addition, helping us to identify some of the best amateurs and provide them with a pathway to compete on either the DP World Tour or the HotelPlanner Tour.

We also have our own pathway to the PGA TOUR through our Strategic Alliance, enabling players to become dual members and maximise their earning opportunities.

 What do you believe golf must do to stay relevant for younger audiences?

 Innovation is such a big part of that. If you look at the last decade, we’ve always tried to ensure we appeal to difference audiences.

We were the first tour for example to introduce in-round interviews and concerts at tournaments to broaden the appeal, in addition to trying new formats such as GolfSixes, the Shot Clock Masters and mixed events such as the Volvo Scandinavian Mixed.

Our award-winning content is also such an important way of reaching younger demographics.

We’ve become renowned for our creative content and part of the ten awards I mentioned earlier was one at the Sports Industry Awards for our collaboration with YouTuber Brandon B.

Our team worked with Brandon on a video using special effects that showed Tommy Fleetwood making a hole-in-one from a cargo plane from 30,000ft. It achieved 295 million organic video views and eight million engagements, which is hugely impressive.

Are there moments where you’ve had to make tough calls that shaped the Tour’s direction?

 Yes, there have been, but I try to listen to the right people in those moments. To players and to my team.

I’m a big believer in building the best team you can have and empowering them. In any business, there are going to be tough calls to make, but you have to assess all the information you have, listen to those around you and do what is best for your organisation, which is our case means our members.

 What do you love most about working in golf?

I’ve always said, golf is the most wonderful sport and it has given me so many incredible opportunities that I feel fortunate to have spent my career working in the game. As a sport, golf produces so many remarkable stories.

Even just this year, you think of Rory winning the Career Grand Slam, and what an extraordinary moment that was at Augusta, to see all that emotion.

We’ve also had so many other examples of players winning on our Tour after overcoming adversity.

Each player has his own unique story. The sport is also always evolving and these are exciting times. We have had icons in the past such as Arnie and Tiger and Rory is now the new icon, leading the next era.

When you look back in a decade, what do you hope your legacy at the European Tour and Ryder Cup will be?

 I think golf has a great opportunity at the moment with participation up and so many strong commercial partners.

Legacy is always for other people to talk about, but I just want to ensure we continue to take advantage of the opportunities in front of us and strengthen our Tour and the game for long-term prosperity.

I would like to see golf continue to globalise and foster more union, and of course it would be nice to win a few more Ryder Cups in that time too!

FINAL THOUGHT

As golf continues to navigate global expansion, generational change, and increasing competition, Guy Kinnings stands at the forefront, grounded in tradition yet focused firmly on innovation.

His deep respect for the players, the fans, and the institutions that make the game what it is today comes through in every answer.

From strengthening commercial foundations to shaping unforgettable Ryder Cup moments, Kinnings is helping steer the sport into a bold new era.

And if his legacy is measured by the opportunities he helps create for players and fans alike, then the future of the DP World Tour and golf more broadly is in capable hands.

 

 

The post EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: GUY KINNINGS appeared first on Golf News.

Continuing his exclusive column for Golf News, DP World Tour player Dan Bradbury finds that a few costly errors at the wrong time are continuing to frustrate him, but a top-10 finish at the KLM Open will hopefully kickstart a change in fortunes as the busy summer schedule gets into full swing

I’s funny how golf gives you the highest highs and the lowest lows, sometimes within the same hole. That’s just the nature of it – small margins make big differences. And that was never clearer to me than it was at the Turkish Airlines Open, my first tournament back after five weeks away from competitive action. .

Turkey was a lovely place, and we had a great week. The golf course was in immaculate condition – really well set up. There was a good mix of tough, strong par-fours and some risk- reward par-fives, which I loved. But my game? It didn’t quite show up the way I wanted.

NEAR MISS

I shot one-under the first round, which wasn’t bad. The second round, though, I had morning conditions – easier than the first day’s afternoon slot – and I just didn’t take advantage of it early. I played solid on the back nine, gave myself a lot of chances, but just couldn’t convert. And then came the final hole, which I’ll remember for a while.

We finished on the 10th hole that week due to the two-tee start. Normally a par five, it was playing as a 500-yard par four. Water all down the left, trees on the right, and water short of the green. The pin was tucked left, so missing it left was dead, and long was no good either. I hit a perfect drive and left myself 200 yards in over water into that tucked pin. I knew a par would likely make the cut. Bogey maybe still had a chance. Double, and I was definitely out.

So, I played safe — aimed for the middle of the green with a 6-iron, hit a decent shot that just caught the wrong ridge, and ended up with a 45-foot putt. I rolled it too hard, left myself seven or eight feet coming back, and missed. Bogey. Missed the cut by one.

It’s always tough when you’re watching the cutline shift all afternoon. You’ve just got to sit and wait. But that’s the game. The two-tee starts we get every week on the DP World Tour mean that depending on your start, you might finish on a brutal hole or a gettable one. In Turkey, the 10th was a beast to finish on. Other places, like Singapore, the ninth is the tough one, and the 18th is reachable. It adds a layer of complexity, especially when you’re grinding on the cutline.

TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Prior to teeing it up in Turkey I had a month off the tour and spent some time back home working on my game and catching up with friends and family. I also went on a golf trip to Portugal with a few mates. Playing golf with friends definitely reminds me why I fell in love with the game in the first place. It’s different, of course. I’m still competitive – bad shots still annoy me – but I don’t second-guess myself as much. I get the number, pick the club, hit the shot. There’s no overthinking. And sometimes I wish I could take that simplicity into tournaments.

After that trip I had some sponsor commitments in London, including a round at Windlesham Golf Club in Surrey with the guys at MASHIE GOLF, which offers organised events at top venues throughout the UK. After that I managed to squeeze in a game at Royal St George’s, which was dry, firm, and breezy, but still one of the best courses I’ve ever played.

In my amateur days, everything was links golf, but funnily enough, I’ve never really had my best

results on links courses. I love them, and think links is the purest form of golf, but something about the greens — the subtle breaks, the flatness, the lighter grass — throws me off.

I drive it straight, pace putt well, but I struggle to read links greens sometimes.

We don’t get to play much links golf on the DP World Tour – which is perhaps no bad thing given
my results on them – but I’m looking forward to the Scottish swing, with the Scottish Open
at Renaissance, and especially the new tournament, the Scottish Championship, which is being held
at Trump International near Aberdeen. I’ve not played it before, but it looks like an exciting course.

US OPEN QUALIFYING

With a break in the DP World Tour schedule caused by the PGA Championship, I took the opportunity to play in US Open qualifying at Walton Heath a couple of weeks ago.

Walton has been good to me in the past — some of my best amateur results came there. I played solidly. Three birdies and three bogeys over 36 holes, but that’s not enough in a qualifier. I was level-par, but it took seven-under to make the top eight. Sometimes, that’s the way it goes. I didn’t play badly, just not well enough.

Qualifying for The Open itself is something I’m undecided on. The R&A moved final qualifying to a Tuesday, which makes it almost impossible for tour players to manage with the travel involved.

If it was still on a Monday, I’d be in. But with a Sunday finish in Italy, travel on Monday, 36 holes on Tuesday, then off to Munich for the BMW International on Wednesday — it’s just not viable. Especially not when you factor in the costs. Between flights, caddie expenses, and accommodation, you’re looking at nearly £2,000.

It’s tough to swallow when you see Open spots given to winners of obscure events in far-off places where some players have little genuine interest in The Open. Meanwhile, national champions like the Spanish or French Open winners don’t get in. I won the French Open last year and finished 30th in the DP World Tour Rankings, which would traditionally have got me an Open spot, but now it’s just the top 25, so I still didn’t get a spot. It doesn’t feel right.

GAME GETTING CLOSER

The Soudal Open in Belgium was tough. My Thursday round was the worst I’ve had in a long time — just nothing was working. Prep was fine, but when Thursday came, I had no control, no confidence. The ball wasn’t going where I wanted it. I knew I needed something special on Friday
to make the cut— six-under or better — and when I missed a few chances early, that was that.

But I didn’t give up. I still tried to take the positives – my short game was solid and my putting felt okay. After missing the cut, I had a good session with my coach. Sent some videos over, got some feedback. Turns out a few old habits had crept back into the swing. Not ideal, but fixable.

Statistically, I usually gain off the tee and on approach. Lately, I haven’t. I’ve been hitting greens, just not close enough. Short game has improved, putting’s been okay — but not great. Still, I know my game is close. I’ve missed seven cuts this year by one shot, including at the Austrian Alpine Open, where I finished tied 67th on level par, with those on -1 under making the cut. Those are the fine margins we’re dealing with, but the Belgium round was the first time I really wasn’t in it.

ALL CHANGE AT KLM

Thankfully, things turned around at the following week’s KLM Open in The Netherlands, where a top-10 finish has provided me a bit of positive momentum. I got off to a really good start, holing a few early putts to go three under after eight holes, but I gave all those shots back around the turn, and then kind of hung in there to be one-over for the first round. It was pretty windy for the second round – gusting 40mph and it was just a case of limiting the damage and hoping everyone else was finding scoring
as tough as I was.

Thankfully that proved the case and my +3 total for 36 holes was two shots inside the cut mark. I played pretty solidly over the weekend, shooting 71 on Saturday and then fired a 66 on Sunday to move 40 spots up the leaderboard on the final day into a share of seventh. They were tough scoring conditions, so I’m proud of how I dug deep over the those closing holes and got the best possible result out of what was a difficult week.

With so many tournaments in Europe over such a short period of time, I decided to drive my own car between events, rather than flying back and forth. It’s been a 3,000-mile-plus road trip through some amazing countryside and I really enjoyed having my feet on ground. Compared
to flying – packing bags, checking clubs, airport stress – driving’s a dream.

Right now, I’m having a couple of weeks off before playing the Italian Open, the BMW International in Germany, and the Scottish Open. It’s a busy stretch, but they’re all relatively close together, so there’s less travel stress and hopefully they’ll bring some better results.

DAN’S SPONSORS

Dan’s Equipment Set up

Driver: Ping G440 LST (9°)

Fairway Wood: Ping G440 (14°)

Utility Iron: Ping iCrossover (3)

Irons: Ping Blueprint S (4-PW)

Wedges: Ping S159 (50°, 56°, 60°)

Putter: Ping PLD Custom Oslo XL

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Apparel: Ping

Shoes: Nike

The post DAN BRADBURY’S TOUR DIARY appeared first on Golf News.

Starting the day tied for the lead with home favourite Bowen Xiao, the Englishman briefly trailed a surging Sean Crocker at the turn.

However, a sensational run of three consecutive birdies at the 12th, 13th, and 14th holes saw Penge pull clear of the field and wrap up an emotional victory at Mission Hills Resort Haikou.

The 2023 HotelPlanner Tour Number One finished the tournament at 17 under par, carding seven birdies and two bogeys on Sunday.

Crocker and Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan shared second place at 14 under, while Denmark’s Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen finished another shot back.

Penge, who secured his full DP World Tour playing rights with a clutch performance at the Genesis Championship last October, was overcome with emotion after his breakthrough win.

THANKING NETWORK

“This obviously means the world to me,” he said. “It’s something I’ve always dreamt of — winning on the biggest stage. After my time off over the winter, it was the thing I wanted to prove to myself and to everyone, to show what a player I am.”

He was quick to pay tribute to his support network, adding: “My caddie has been my rock through it all, and I wouldn’t be where I am without my wife and my whole team. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Reflecting on the personal side of his journey, Penge shared: “We spend so much time away from home. All of us lads are doing this for our wives, our families, our kids.

To be able to say I’ve won on the DP World Tour when my son is older and can see that – to be a hero to him – that’s everything.

Before I teed off, I watched some videos of him laughing and smiling, and it gave me that inner strength I needed today.”

The victory capped off an incredible stretch for Penge, who also booked his place in next month’s US PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club by finishing third in the Asian Swing standings.

Japan’s Keita Nakajima topped the rankings, with Eugenio Chacarra second and Penge third — all three securing their spots in the second major of the year.

The post Marco Penge Claims First DP World Tour Victory at Hainan Classic appeared first on Golf News.

Chacarra took a one-shot lead into the final round at DLF Golf and Country Club, only to run up a double bogey on the first hole and drop another shot on the third.

However, the 25-year-old responded with birdies on the sixth, ninth, 11th, 12th and 14th, where he enjoyed a massive stroke of luck as his chip was set to race off the green until it slammed into the pin and dropped into the hole.

Chacarra bogeyed the treacherous 17th but safely parred the last to card a closing 71 and finish four under par, two shots ahead of defending champion Keita Nakajima.

FORMER LIV PLAYER

Dutchman Joost Luiten was the only other player to finish in red figures on one under.

Chacarra left Oklahoma State in 2022 to join LIV Golf and won in Bangkok on his fifth start on the Saudi-funded breakaway, but recorded just two top-10 finishes in the last two seasons and did not have his contract with Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs GC team renewed for 2025.

He needed an invite to get into the field in New Delhi and was quick to thank the tournament sponsors in a post-round interview with Sky Sports.

“Thanks to everyone involved with Hero, you guys probably changed my life today,” Chacarra said.

“It was a tough day, we knew it was going to be a long day with a lot of pressure and obviously not having the start I wanted to.

“I think I did a great job all week of staying patient and I know God was helping me today. I got a couple of good bounces [including] that chip on 14. I got some luck that you need to win but very proud.

“I know when I play my best I’m one of the best players in the world, I’ve already proved that a million times. It’s just awesome; it’s going to need to sink in but really proud and just happy.”

The post Eugenio Chacarra claims first DP World Tour title of career at Indian Open appeared first on Golf News.

Morrison lost his full playing rights at the end of last season and failed to regain them at the Qualifying School, and has missed the cut in four of his five events since.

In the midst of that spell the two-time DP World Tour winner swapped his clubs for a microphone to work as an on-course analyst during the Bahrain Championship, an experience he enjoyed and would like to repeat.

However, Morrison is also keen to embrace his limited chances to compete on the main circuit this season, starting with this week’s Magical Kenya Open.

“I’m only 40, still fit and healthy,” Morrison told the DP World Tour website.

IDIOT COMMENT

“I played a practice round with Sean Crocker here in Kenya. He’s like, ‘I can’t believe you’re only 40 and talking about doing commentary and giving up. Are you some sort of idiot?’.

“That sort of stuff has hit home with me a little bit. I’ve taken a breath for the last few months, but it’s now time to get my head down and try and succeed again.

“One thing I look back at with my career is I never enjoyed the highs enough and the lows were always too low.

“I think every golfer takes for granted good golf, winning events, finishing top five, playing the majors and being top 100 in the world, whatever else. You think that’s what your divine right is, but it’s not.

“I never really sucked in the good times as much as I really wanted to. I want to have those feelings again of winning and excelling and doing well and making my son and wife proud.

“I’m only going to get 10-12 DP World Tour events this season, probably, maybe a bit more than that, so I’ve got to try and take everything I can with both hands.

“But that is actually quite exciting for a mindset point of view because you can’t waste time and just have to give it everything and see what happens.”

The post James Morrison vows to give everything after being labelled an idiot appeared first on Golf News.

The package offers golfers the chance to experience the challenge of the championship course at the Argentario Golf Club, the only PGA National Golf Course in Italy, and play the very same 18 holes that the top pros will take on from June 26 to 29 in an effort to secure the country’s national open that dates back to 1925.

GOLF BREAK

This unforgettable golf break includes green fees, bed and breakfast accommodation in a design room, access to the comprehensive practice facilities as well as the Resort’s other on-site activities such as padel and tennis courts and a mini football pitch from just Euros 1,368 for three nights for two guests on a shared basis in a Superior Room.

Golfers on this package are able to enhance their stay with a special offer that allows them to book a 25-minute Golfer’s Massage for just €40 per person (instead of the usual €50), an ideal way to unwind after a demanding day on the golf course.

Set on the Monte Argentario promontory, Argentario’s eco-friendly golf course meanders through cork-oak woods and olive groves.

The 6,218 metre, par 71 layout features 18 holes boasting spectacular panoramas over the Orbetello Lagoon, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Monte Argentario hillside.

Indeed this unique location creates a microclimate that allows golf to be played at any time of the year.

A varied and technically challenging course thanks to an array of tight fairways, water hazards and tricky greens, it requires a combination of accuracy and power as well as strategic course management that makes it testing for amateurs and professionals alike.

CUISINE AND SIGHTSEEING

Part of the Autograph Collection, Marriott International’s premium brand celebrated for its distinctive, hand-selected properties, the Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort promises guests not only fantastic golf, but the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Tuscan way of life.

Local cuisine created using organic ingredients direct from the Resort’s own vegetable garden and a selection of Tuscan wines are available whilst the surrounding nature reserves, charming fishing villages, typical Tuscan hilltop towns and crystal clear waters of the Silver Coast are all ready and waiting to be explored.

Located just 90 minutes by car from Rome Fiumicino airport, the Resort is also conveniently located for a number of other golf courses including the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, which memorably hosted the Ryder Cup 2023, and the Royal Golf La Bagnaia, home to a Robert Trent Jones Jr layout.

Argentario is also well placed for those wishing to take a day trip to this year’s Catholic Church Jubilee, a year of faith, penance and forgiveness of sins that happens every quarter century, in nearby Rome either by car or train.

ITALIAN OPEN HISTORY

Over the years the Italian Open has been won by some legends of the game including German Bernhard Langer, Tyrrell Hatton of England and Italy’s very own Francesco Molinari.

In 2025 Argentario is looking forward to welcoming the likes of Marcel Siem, the current Italian Open champion and Italian Matteo Manassero as well as former winners, Robert McIntyre of Scotland and Poland’s Adrian Meronk.

In-form John Parry who won the Italian Challenge Open at Argentario last September is another possible contender for the title.

Overall the five-star Argentario Golf & Wellness Resort, located in the Maremma region of Tuscany, is an ideal destination for those looking for a relaxing holiday that combines golf, wellness and gastronomy in the stunning environment of Tuscany.

The full details of the Italian Open golf getaway package are:

• Daily buffet breakfast
• 3 green fees per person on the renowned PGA National Italy course, host of the 2025 Italian Open
• Access to the driving range, padel and tennis courts, and jogging paths
• Full access to the 2,700 m2 spa and wellness centre
• Outdoor parking (no reservation required)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

3 nights from Euros 1,368 for 2 guests in a Superior double room in low season and based on Resort availability.

To book your Tuscan golf vacation, call the Resort at +39 0564 810292 or e: booking@argentarioresort.it or visit argentarioresort.it/en/.

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