Building on the global acclaim earned over the past two years for exceptional all-around performance, the latest four-piece urethane constructions deliver enhanced speed, control, durability and feel for elite players.

Both models are also available in the popular TRK360 alignment-focused design, providing golfers with improved visual feedback and precision on the greens.

“The new Staff Model and Staff Model X golf balls are engineered with distinct performance attributes to meet the needs of different elite players,” said Frank Simonutti, Global Director of Golf Ball Innovation.

“We wanted to build on the momentum we’ve had over the last few years, which is our premium balls stack up to anything else on the market and it’s good to see so many golfers are putting them in play,” he added.

The balls are engineered using advanced V-COR performance technology which utilises a unique core composition to magnify energy and generate maximum velocity off the club face for the fastest ball speeds on the market, according to internal testing*.

Staff Model

The Staff Model ball features a compression of 90, which is 10 points softer that the Staff Model X. This ball is designed for the elite golfer who wants the performance of a Tour caliber golf ball but prefers a lower spin rate than a harder urethane ball.

The 2026 Staff Model iteration produces ball velocity, distance, and a lower spin rate (~ 3.5% to 4%) than “harder” premium urethane balls on both driver and irons. The ball utilises a soft-compression rubber core, a softer inner mantle layer to control driver spin, a hard ionomer outer mantle layer for velocity and distance, and a thin, soft cast urethane cover layer for exceptional spin on approach shots.

The dimple pattern of the Staff Model ball comprises 362 dimples arranged in a modified hexahedral pattern. The dimple pattern is designed to produce the optimum flight trajectory to maximise distance performance.

Staff Model X

The new Staff Model X remains the World’s Fastest Urethane golf ball but now offers a softer feel and sound to address feedback from Wilson Tour professionals.

This was achieved with a construction comprising a small, mid-compression core, a soft fatty-acid modified terpolymer inner mantle layer, an extra-stiff ionomer outer cover layer, and an ultra-thin cast urethane cover.

The softer compression core, compared to the previous Staff Model X, reduces driver spin rate, the soft inner mantle layer provides a combination of velocity and feel/sound, the stiff outer mantle layer provides ball velocity, and a thin, soft cast urethane cover combines with the outer mantle layer to provide exceptional spin on approach shots.

The dimple pattern of the Staff Model X is a 362 hexagonal seamless dimple pattern designed to produce the optimum flight trajectory to maximise distance performance.

For added shelf appeal to global golfers, both Staff Model balls incorporate new eye-catching premium packaging to match its on-course performance.

The Staff Model is now available in a standout Graphite Box design alongside the Staff Model X in its Champagne Bronze colourway.

TRK360

Both the Staff Model X and Staff Model balls are also available with the popular TRK360 design.

The 360-degree visual alignment lines are offered in a muted black and silver stripe to help golfers aim more accurately at their target but not become a loud, visual distraction.

The side seam stamp doubles as a training aid during putting practice, with a smooth, end-over-end roll indicating a well-struck putt, while any wobble reveals an off-centre strike.

For more information on the new Staff Model ball range and all Wilson Golf products, including woods, irons, wedges, putters, balls and accessories, visit www.wilson.com

The post WILSON LAUNCH STAFF MODEL BALLS FOR THE ELITE GOLFER appeared first on Golf News.

Goswick broke ground on the new hole near the end of 2025 and Golf Course Architect Tom Mackenzie signed off on the shaping of the tees, green and surrounds. Finishing work on the two greenside bunkers remains. The new hole will be ready for play in April.

“It’s just amazingly rewarding to see everything coming together,” said Mackenzie during a recent site visit.

“I hope we have delivered what we promised we were going to deliver in terms of the improvement to the front 9 and creating a really good new hole.”

A video of his comments as well as insights into the hole’s design can be viewed by clicking here.

MASTERPLAN

The creation of this new hole represents a major milestone in a front 9 improvement plan proposed by Mackenze & Ebert and approved overwhelmingly by the club’s membership in 2022.

Since then, Goswick has improved the 2^nd and 3^rd hole green surrounds, built new tees and significantly resculpted the green on the 4^th hole, as well as building new tees on the 5^th and 6^th holes that have added length.

At the same time that it carved out the new 7^th hole, the club also built new dramatically positioned tees on what will become the 8^th hole. Those, too, will be ready for play in April.

The removal of the 9^th hole now creates the opportunity to reroute the 1^st hole and to build a world class short game practice facility.

Those improvements are scheduled to begin in October. The Mackenzie & Ebert plan also calls for new tees and a new green for what will become the new 9^th hole. The timing of that work remains to be set.

The post Goswick Links Constructs Its First All-New Hole in 60 Years appeared first on Golf News.

Support for families

Under the policy, employees of The Bridgedown Group will be supported to take leave from work to be present in hospital when their child is seriously ill. This includes job protection and financial security during what is often the most traumatic period of a family’s life.

The Bridgedown Group owns The Shire London, The Inspiration, The West London Golf Centre and the upcoming Legacy Club.

The story behind Hugh’s Law

Hugh’s Law is the result of more than three years of campaigning by Ceri Menai Davis, Director of The Bridgedown Group, following the death of his son Hugh in 2021. Hugh was six years old and had spent ten months battling a rare form of cancer.

Ceri Menai Davis, a former recipient of the PGA Tony Sunderland Award, has since led a national campaign calling for statutory protections for working parents when a child becomes critically ill.

His work has involved extensive engagement with Parliament, ministers and employers, arguing that work should never add pressure during a medical crisis.

Growing national recognition

As a result of the campaign, Hugh’s Law has now been formally named in the forthcoming Carer’s Leave Review, with a dedicated chapter confirmed in the House of Commons.

This followed an amendment tabled in the House of Lords in July 2025 by Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson which, although unsuccessful, significantly advanced parliamentary debate on the issue.

The policy proposes that parents of critically ill children should be entitled to up to 12 weeks of paid leave at the statutory leave rate. Leave would be taken in defined blocks and supported by medical confirmation, offering clarity for employers and certainty for families.

Golf leads by example

The Bridgedown Group’s decision follows a recent announcement by Brentford FC, which confirmed it has incorporated the principles of Hugh’s Law into its own staff leave policies.

Managing Director Tony Menai Davis said the move reflected both compassion and good business practice.

“When a child is critically ill, nothing else matters. No parent should be worrying about their pay, their job or whether they will be penalised for being where they need to be.

By adopting the principles of Hugh’s Law, the group is showing that compassion, clarity and good business can go hand in hand.

“The work and time that Ceri and Frances have committed to campaigning for this in honour of my grandson Hugh is inspirational and we hope we are the first of many clubs to adopt these principles.”

A wider movement

The adoption of Hugh’s Law principles reflects a growing movement among UK employers who are choosing to act ahead of legislation. Many now recognise that structured, time limited support for parents is both humane and operationally workable.

More information about the campaign can be found at www.hughslaw.uk.

About Hugh’s Law

Hugh’s Law was founded in memory of six year old Hugh Menai Davis, who died from rhabdomyosarcoma in 2021.

After Hugh’s death, his parents Ceri and Frances Menai Davis set up the charity It’s Never You after experiencing first hand the lack of support available to parents when a child becomes critically ill.

Over the past three years the campaign has pushed for change in Parliament, leading to debates, amendments and formal recognition within a Government review.

Hugh’s Law aims to ensure parents are supported rather than abandoned when their child’s life is on the line.

The post Golf Group adopts Hugh’s Law in support of families appeared first on Golf News.

Available for custom fitting and pre-sale now at authorised PING retailers worldwide, the s259 range features 25 loft and grind combinations across two finishes – Hydropearl 2.0 Chrome and Midnight – offering one of the most comprehensive wedge fitting line-ups on the market.

“The s259 wedges are already winning on Tour and continuing to find their way into players’ bags around the world,” said John K. Solheim, PING CEO & President.

“Players love the clean look, versatility and the ability to launch and spin shots with precise control.

We’ve refined our grinds and expanded loft options to help more golfers achieve proper gapping and improved short-game performance.”

Spin and Control Where It Matters Most

The s259 wedges feature wheel-cut grooves and a precision-machined face, combined with advanced face-blast technology to increase surface friction and maximise spin.

Higher-lofted models (54°–62°) use tightly spaced MicroMax grooves for enhanced greenside control, while 46°–52° wedges are optimised for consistency and distance control on full shots.

Extensive player testing has shown the wedges perform exceptionally well in both wet and dry conditions.

“Our wedge-face technology is designed to retain spin and control in real-world playing conditions,” added Solheim. “That consistency can provide a genuine short-game advantage.”

The Hydropearl 2.0 Chrome finish is hydrophobic, helping repel moisture at impact, while the Midnight finish offers a darker, anti-glare appearance (available exclusively in the SS grind).

Tour-Inspired Feel and Shape

Each s259 wedge is cast from 8620 carbon steel and features a larger, re-shaped elastomer insert behind the face to deliver a soft, tour-preferred feel.

Refinements to the head shape, hosel transition and full-length bottom groove create a clean, square look at address, while progressive hosel shaping helps the wedges blend seamlessly into PING’s iron line-up.

Centre of gravity placement varies by loft, ensuring lower-lofted wedges are optimised for speed and gapping, while higher-lofted models offer more visual offset to inspire confidence when opening the face around the greens.

Six Grinds to Suit Every Swing

PING continues its commitment to custom fitting with six distinct sole grinds (S, H, B, T, W and E), including refinements to the popular E and T grinds and the addition of new 50°W and 52°W options.

• S Grind – Versatile mid-bounce option suited to a wide range of players and conditions

• H Grind – Inspired by PING WRX, ideal for softer turf and steeper swings

• B Grind – Low-bounce design for shallow attack angles and firmer conditions

• T Grind – Lowest effective bounce for maximum versatility on tight lies

• W Grind – Wide sole offering maximum forgiveness for steeper players

• E Grind – Eye2-style sole for consistent performance from bunkers and tight lies

“Finding the correct sole grind is key to unlocking wedge performance,” said Solheim. “That’s why custom fitting is so important, whether you’re a tour professional or a club golfer.”

Updated WebFit Wedge App

PING has also updated its WebFit Wedge app, allowing golfers to quickly identify the best s259 wedge setup for their game.

The browser-based tool requires no download or registration and is accessible via QR code in pro shops and at ping.com.

New Dyla-Grip for Greater Shot Control

The s259 wedges are fitted with PING’s new Dyla-Grip, featuring subtle hand-placement indicators to assist with gripping down, shaft lean and face manipulation.

The grip is ¾-inch longer with a reduced taper, designed to enhance feel and control on finesse shots around the green.

Specifications and Pricing

• Construction: 8620 carbon steel head, elastomer insert, precision-milled face and grooves

• Finishes: Hydropearl 2.0 Chrome; Midnight

• Stock Shafts: PING Z-Z115; PING Alta CB Blue (SR, R, S)

• Stock Grip: PING Dyla-Grip (Aqua -1/64″, White Standard, Gold +1/32″)

• RRP: £190 per club (steel shaft) / £200 per club (graphite shaft)

The PING s259 wedge series is available now for custom fitting at authorised PING retailers across the UK.

The post PING Unveils New s259 Wedge Series appeared first on Golf News.

With a laid-back pace of life, great weather, beautiful beaches, delicious food, widely spoken English, a manageable mid-haul flight time, and even a road system that involves driving on the left.

It’s no surprise that Cyprus has long been a popular destination for UK holidaymakers. Throw in a great mix of hotels and a strong private rental property market and it’s easy to see why us Brits make up over a third of the four million tourists that visit this beautiful island every year.

While the ‘fly ‘n’ flop’ brigade traditionally dominate the sun-seeking visitors that fly into Larnaca and Paphos during the hot summer months.

An increasing number of golfers are choosing to book their main golfing holiday in Cyprus during the more temperate shoulder season (September-November and March-May) thanks to a quintet of championship golf courses that now feature in the south-western corner of the island.
While Minthis Hills (minthisresort.com) and Secret Valley (secretvalleygolfresort.com) put Cyprus on the golf holiday map when they first opened in the mid-1990s, it wasn’t until 2002.

With the arrival of Aphrodite Hills (aphroditehills.com), with its Cabell B Robinson-designed championship course and attendant five-star hotel and resort, that serious golf aficionados began to consider the island something a bit more than a place to indulge in a bit of holiday golf between trips to the sun lounger.

RAISING THE BAR

That bar was raised still further in 2010 when golfing knight Sir Nick Faldo put down his marker in the plentiful sand at the Eléa Golf Club (eleaestate.com), whose majestic layout located just a short drive from Paphos.

And now that quartet has been joined by Limassol Greens, another Cabell Robinson design that opened at the end of 2025 that is set to raise the bar by yet another notch.

Adding depth and variety to the golf offering in Cyprus, and creating the potential for extended golfing stays, Limmasol Greens was only fully open to members in November – when I had the opportunity to play it – but is now welcoming visitor bookings for 2026.

Located on a flattish strip of land a mile west of the historic town of Limassol, on the most southern tip of the island, the 18-hole course overlooks a saltwater lagoon and beyond that.

Somewhat incongruously, the RAF airbase at Akrotiri, which, I was amazed to discover, is deemed to be a British Overseas Territory as a hangover from when Cyprus was a British colony prior to its independence in 1960.

The golfers among the 4,000-plus personnel who work at the base will no doubt be delighted to have a new course to play on their doorstep, as the other aforementioned layouts are all located 50-60km to the west.

FLOWING DESIGN

While Limmasol Greens’ slightly inland setting doesn’t boast the theatrical drama of Aphrodite Hills or the grandiose bunkering of Eléa.

The quality of its design and the impressive attention to detail in its presentation, makes it more than hold its own as a golfing experience.

Robinson, the architect behind fine courses such as La Reserva do Sotogrande, Finca Cortesín and Las Colinas, is a master of letting strategy and setting do the talking.

And he has done some of his best work here, building a course that flows through the landscape rather than imposing itself on it.

At just over 6,900 yards from the back tees, the par-71 course has the length expected of a modern championship layout, but it doesn’t bully you with it.

Fairways are generous without being featureless, inviting you to swing freely while still punishing lapses in concentration.

Bunkering is thoughtful rather than ornamental, water features are strategic rather than punitive, and the overall impression is of a course that rewards patience and placement more than brute force.

The white tees take the overall length to a more holiday-friendly 6,450 yards, while the yellows (5,900), blues (5,480) and reds (5,000) ensures that there are tees to suit all standards of player.

While also providing a variety of options to change the strategy of each hole. I played off the whites, which most mid-handicappers will feel comfortable with, and one which offers a good test without being too severe.

STRATEGIC TEST

The course kicks off with a straightforward, if somewhat lengthy, par five, although with water all the way down the left, you’ll have to be both straight and forward on this 550-yarder to avoid an early reload.

Gutsy two-putt par secured, we moved onto the second, a shortish par 4, which is a feature of the course, with the card boasting no fewer than five ‘two-shoters’ that are under 360 yards, which makes for a refreshing change from the type of courses which think holiday golfers get a kick out of trying to make a par on a 470-yard par-4.

The third is the first of five par-3s on the card, and is arguably the least interesting of the bunch, with the hole playing between 180 and 210 yards depending on the pin position, to a green that slopes gently from back to front. Guarded by bunkers left and right it presents quite a tough target from the tee.

I liked the look of the 6^th hole off the tee, with this 380-yard par 4 featuring a 90-degree left-to-right dogleg which asks you to decide how greedy want to be.

The answer, in my case, was too greedy, as my drive, which looked great in the air, stalled in the wind – it’s almost always a bit breezy here, I’m told – and caught the edge of the marshy water hazard that lurks half-way down the dog leg’s tibia.

A second-ball par ensued, with my reloaded tee shot giving the hazard a little more respect.

The 7th, a 310-yard par 4, presents an outside eagle chance for big hitters with a helping wind. I came up 60 yards short and was happy to make a bogey after a duffed chip from the clawing semi-rough came up short of the putting surface.

Speaking of grass, the turf choices speak volumes about the ambition here. The Bermuda grass sown on the fairways offers durability and consistency in the dry Cypriot climate.

While Bentgrass greens delivered the smoothest, truest putting surfaces I played on for quite some time.

The front nine finishes with another dog-leg, this time a right-to-left, 580-yard par-five with a lake guarding the area to the left of the all the way up to the edge of the green.

It will require two lusty blows, the second over the angle of the lake to set up a shortish approach to pin that hopefully isn’t too close to the water’s edge.

The back nine is slightly longer than the front and feels it on the 10^th, a 430-yard par-4 that features a large swale in front of the green that will see shorter hitters struggle to find the short stuff in regulation.

A ridge running through the middle of the green makes find the right side of the hole essential if you are to avoid dropping shots. The 11^th, the fourth of the short holes, is a fun 150-yarder requiring a mid-to-short iron to a green that feature a lake lurking on the right side.

No fewer than six bunkers to the left of the putting surface will snaffle up those who over-cook their bale out.

CHALLENGING FINISH

The par-4 13^th begins a particularly tough stretch, with the 400-yard hole living up to its stroke index 1 billing thanks to out-of-bounds down the left and bunkers left and right of the landing area of a fairway that sweeps around to the left.

An elevated green with a deep bunker short left completes the challenge.

The 14^th is a relatively straightforward par-5 that bigger hitters will be able to make in two providing they avoid a collection of fairway bunkers at the 270-yard mark.

While 15^th is another of those tricky dog-legs that Robinson seems to have such a liking for, with a massive bunker on the knee of the leg ready to snap up anything under hit off the tee.

After navigating the lengthy and challenging par-3 17^th, which features a raised green and a sloping apron, the round comes to a suitably rousing finish at the 18^th, a 400-yard dog-leg par 4.

Which offers a tantalising tee shot over a lake to a narrow strip of fairway before setting up an approach to a very long, yet narrow green guarded by a brace of front bunkers.

After finishing my round and sipping on a cold beer in the sunshine on the spacious clubhouse terrace, what struck me most about the course — even allowing for the fact that it is still bedding in — was how playable it felt.

This is a course that will stand up to repeated play, with opportunities to find new angles and new ways of playing each hole rather than feeling beaten up by it. For holiday golfers, that matters – a lot.

OFF-COURSE FACILITIES

 While the on-course experience at Limassol Greens is impressive, there is no let-up in quality in the off-course facilities. In addition to the stylish two-storey clubhouse.

The second phase of which is yet to be built but will contain a 150-cover restaurant and members’ lounge – the club boasts a 350-yard, 30-bay outdoor driving range, with half of the bays kitted out with Trackman ball-tracking technology which connect to high-resolution touchscreens to offer instant feedback on every swing, from club-head speed and launch angle to carry distances and dispersion patterns.

Add in a course-standard practice putting green and chipping areas, and a team of professional coaches, and it’s clear that Limassol Greens is aiming to nurture golfers, not just accommodate them, and makes it a solid option for golf tuition holiday groups.

WORLD-CLASS ADDITION

It would be remiss of me to leave you thinking that Limassol Greens is the finished article. Some facilities and supporting infrastructure were still to be completed during my visit in November.

While the property development that is an essential element of virtually all new overseas golf ventures these days is being rolled out in phases and will be on-going for several years to come.

But that should not deter you from the main focus – the course, which although will undoubtedly improve with a few seasons under its belt, is already a world class addition to the Cypriot golfing supply chain.

And with green fees starting from €98 – including a buggy – it also represents decent value, even more so if you build a round or two here into a package offered by one of the major golf tour operators that take in other nearby courses.

STAYING & PLAYING AT THE CITY OF DREAMS MEDITERRANEAN

If Limassol Greens represents the new face of golf in Cyprus, City of Dreams Mediterranean – where I stayed during my three-night trip – represents its future in hospitality.

Just minutes from the golf course – and soon to be connected to the golf course by a private buggy path – this vast, unapologetically luxurious 500-room resort is impossible to miss – a 14-storey Limassol landmark with views stretching from the sea to the mountains.

On arrival at the resort, following a stress-free 40-minute transfer from Larnaca airport, I was somewhat surprised to find the central lobby of the hotel leading directly to cavernous casino.

The bright lights and hum of activity was quite an assault on the senses but certainly adds another dimension to the more traditional leisure options on offer at your average hotel.

While it’s undoubtedly a gambling heaven for rollers both high and low – many of whom fly in for the weekend to do nothing else – if slot machines, roulette tables and poker aren’t your bag.

There are plenty of other activities on offer at City of Dreams, with a myriad of outdoor swimming pools, an expansive spa and fitness centre, tennis courts, kids clubs.

And an impressive adventure playground, ensuring that a holiday here doesn’t require apologies to those family members travelling without golf clubs or poker chips in tow.

There is also an outdoor amphitheatre for hosting cultural events and concerts, and impressive conference and wedding facilities, should you be looking to tie up any business deals or conjugal knots during your stay.

ROOMS WITH A VIEW

Guest bedrooms and suites are spacious and suitably luxurious, with south-facing rooms enjoying views to the lagoon and the sea, while north-facing suites look out to the distant mountain range.

All feature generous balconies with ample seating. From our south-facing room we took great delight in watching the daily cargo plane landing at the nearby RAF base.

No doubt delivering supplies of Marmite, sliced white bread and copies of the Daily Mail to home-sick members of the British Armed Forces who are stationed there.

A beside tablet controls lighting, curtains and room service – while bathrooms encourage pampering, with deep tubs, powerful rainforest showers and the kind of towels that make you think it’s high time to upgrade your own threadbare options at home.

EATING AROUND THE WORLD

Dining at City of Dreams is not to be taken lightly and is right up there with anything I’ve experienced at a resort in terms of both quality and choice. Anaïs, the resort’s flagship fine dining restaurant, leans into classic French cooking with confidence rather than fuss.

This is grown-up dining — crisp linens, thoughtful wine pairings, and dishes that respect ingredients.

Elsewhere, Prime Steakhouse delivers theatrical cuts of high-grade beef from Japan, America and Australia; Amber Dragon offers polished pan-Asian cuisine, and Aura provides a relaxed buffet-style experience that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

The latter also serves an impressive breakfast spread that will leave little room for lunch.

EXPLORING THE LIMASSOL AREA

In between sumptuous meals and rounds of golf, be sure to find time to explore the area in and around Limassol.

At the heart of the city is Limassol Castle, a medieval fortress now home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum, where you can learn about local history and admire artifacts spanning centuries.

The Limassol Archaeological Museum and the Folk Art Museum also reveal local heritage, while the surrounding Old Town is perfect for wandering narrow streets lined with traditional shops, cafés and tavernas.

Limassol’s Molos Promenade stretches along the waterfront with a wide range of cafés, bars and restaurants making it ideal for an evening stroll and a sundowner.

While nearby beaches such as Lady’s Mile provide soft sand and calm waters – perfect for trying out a variety of water sports like jet-skiing and windsurfing.

Beyond the city, scenic drives lead to the Troodos Mountains or charming villages like Apsiou, offering hiking, wine tasting and a taste of rural Cypriot life.

While history buffs should head to the Amathus archaeological site, which features the ruins of one of Cyprus’s oldest ancient kingdoms, overlooking the sea; while the Greco-Roman theatre at Kourion, which was built around 2BC, is also well worth seeing.

BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES

Your Golf Travel is offering a seven-night, four-round package, taking in two rounds at Limassol Greens (limassolgreens.com) and two rounds at a choice of Secret Valley, Minthis, Elea or Aphrodite Hills, plus seven nights’ dinner, B&B at City of Dreams Mediterranean (www.cityofdreamsmed.com.cy), from £1,739pp. For all enquiries, visit www.yourgolftravel.com.

The post TRAVEL FEATURE: LIMASSOL GREENS appeared first on Golf News.

“I’m not very good at golf, but it’s saved my life,” said ‘Pat’.

A proud Irishman, who moved to England in the 2000s, Pat used to enjoy Gaelic football, rugby, soccer and cricket, and was a very competitive sportsman, while he worked in the road surfacing industry for over 30 years.

But his life changed dramatically one evening on 8 March, 2012.

In his role as a Road Surfacing Operator, while operating a chipping machine, Pat’s jacket got caught in the auger, which dragged his arm into the machine.

He said: “I was trapped in it for two hours and never lost consciousness. I refused to close my eyes because I thought I was going to die.

So, because of that, I’ve got post-traumatic stress disorder. I’ve got phantom pain and phantom sensation forever now – it’s like unbelievable pain for 15 seconds, like your fingers have been crushed, your wrist and your arms are being broken, and I feel it in my nerves, in my stump. It’s just mental torture.

“I ended up in St. Mary’s in Paddington and when they wheeled me up the ramp, I was talking to the paramedic, and the surgeon was absolutely gobsmacked that I was alive. He said: “I can’t believe this gentleman is talking to us.” Then I was 14 hours in the operating theatre.”

Sadly, Pat’s accident meant he lost his arm, and his road to recovery has been an extremely challenging one, going on to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.

“I was in a really bad place,” said Pat. “It’s improved, obviously, but it’s still there. I lost a relationship because of the PTSD. I’m not the same person as I was before. I’ve had to do this on my own. I do have bad days, but I handle it a lot better now.

“I was recently told that what happened to me is impossible now with all the guards and kill switches, and they have elastic on the wrists of the jackets so they’re not baggy anymore, which is what caused my accident.

“Somebody asked if I’d come and talk at a health and safety conference, but I didn’t have the courage, I wasn’t in a good place. I was struggling with PTSD and was self-loathing. I had suicidal thoughts.”

FINDING GOLF

Despite his challenges, Pat was one day speaking to a friend, who urged him to try golf. But it wasn’t a sport Pat was interested in, until 2018…

“Golf wasn’t really my game, I thought it was for old people!”, admitted Pat. “I’d never played golf in my life. I’m 6’2 and about 20 stone. I was never interested when I was able-bodied. When I lost my arm, a friend asked what I was doing, and I said: “Not a lot.”

“He said: “Why don’t you just go and try it?”, to which I said I wasn’t interested. I couldn’t see the point of it. But I went around the corner from me to Overstone Park, and I said: “Who do I see about trying golf?”

They directed me to Brian (Mudge, PGA Pro) at his simulator, and he asked if I’d ever hit a golf ball, to which I replied: “Never!”.

I had six lessons off Brian. He said to me: “Don’t copy anybody else because you’re the only disabled golfer here. So what works for you won’t work for anybody else, and what works for anybody else won’t work for you.

Just play the way you play. You’ll never hit it as far as everyone else, but just try and keep it on the fairway and that’s what I’ve been trying to do!

“He introduced me to some older members who showed me around and gave me the confidence to get on the course. I thought I’d be holding everyone up and I’d be an embarrassment, but it wasn’t the case.

“I’m not good at golf, but at least I can do it. I can hit the ball 200 yards down the fairway thanks to Brian.”

RECOVERY

Pat started playing several times a week and has made dozens of friends at Overstone Park.

And he is adamant that golf has helped save his life.

He said: “It’s a self-confidence thing. It’s the most frustrating game I think I’ve ever took part in and having been really competitive with other sports, only having one arm playing golf I found really frustrating to begin with, but it teaches you so much. I

It helped me – and the people I’ve met in the game are absolutely phenomenal.

“To come from having suicidal thoughts, self-worth going out the window, no courage, no confidence, no nothing – and then to find golf and friendship, I think everything happens for a reason.

“To start playing golf, to meet Brian Mudge, and to meet the people at Overstone, is it fate? I don’t know.

“I don’t know the ins and outs of golf, to be honest, but it’s helped me a hell of a lot. It actually saved my life. It got me out and about.

It gave me self-worth, confidence, and I feel better about myself. People were saying how amazing it was that I could hit the ball, and it meant a lot.

“All the people I’ve met, the social side of it – the people coming up paying you compliments, it’s just lovely. It gives you the will to live.

If I felt a bit down, depressed or lonely, I just picked the phone up and asked if they (Overstone Park) could fit me in. They are always obliging people and it’s so nice.”

HOLE-IN-ONE!

Despite the setbacks, Pat remains upbeat and continues to use golf as a tool to keep him active and socialising – and was recently rewarded with a moment he will never forget.

On Monday 8 December, Pat was playing with friends on the 120-yard par-3 4th hole at Overstone Park, Northamptonshire, where he struck his 7-iron. The rest is history…

He recalled: “There’s a pond to the left of the green and it gets in my head usually, as seven times out of 10 I put it in there! But I thought to myself, I’m just going to ignore it. I caught the 7-iron well – next thing, it dropped just past the pin and span back in the hole!

“I was gobsmacked. I just stood looking at it to be honest, but Kevin O’Connor (playing partner) kept saying: “That’s in, that’s in the hole!”, even when it was in the air – as it was straight at the flag.

The people on the 5th started clapping and those on the 4th were congratulating me. I had a round of applause when I went back into the clubhouse. I’m not used to stuff like that.

“I was really touched and absolutely humbled by the amount of people who congratulated me.

Brian sent me an email asking if I knew that I was in an elite club. He explained that I am one of very few, who have just one arm, to have enjoyed a hole-in-one – so I was amazed!”

Asked about what he did with the ball, Pat admitted: “I lost it today playing a round!”

The post “Golf saved my life” Pat shares amazing story appeared first on Golf News.

London’s emerging planning policy has put golf courses firmly in the spotlight. As part of the consultation on the new London Plan, the Mayor has suggested that some areas of Metropolitan Open Land, including certain golf courses with limited public access and low recorded biodiversity value, could be assessed for release for housing.

According to Barnett, this is not just a London issue. He believes it is a strong signal of how national policy could evolve and of the difficult choices that golf clubs across England may face in the years ahead.

The question for many owners is whether this represents a slow squeeze on courses at the edge of towns and cities, or a genuine opportunity to secure the long term future of their clubs.

A shift in thinking around open land

Golf courses have long occupied an uncertain position in planning policy. Many sit within the Green Belt or Metropolitan Open Land.

While they are clearly developed in practical terms, they often function and appear like open countryside. For decades this has resulted in strong policy protection and limited scope for change.

The London Plan consultation marks a subtle but important shift. While overall protection for Metropolitan Open Land remains, the Mayor is asking whether all such land is performing the function for which it was designated.

Some golf courses are not accessible to the wider public and some have relatively low recorded ecological value compared with other forms of open space.

These are the sites the Mayor has identified as potential candidates for redevelopment, subject to strict requirements around public access, biodiversity enhancement, high quality design and a significant proportion of affordable housing.

At a national level, changes to the National Planning Policy Framework introduce the concept of the grey belt within the Green Belt.

This refers to lower performing Green Belt land, often previously developed or compromised in character, where housing may be acceptable if clear rules are met on affordable housing delivery, infrastructure provision and public green space.

Taken together, Barnett sees a clear pattern emerging. Well located open land on the edge of settlements that performs poorly against policy objectives is now being actively reconsidered, provided development can deliver tangible public benefits. Many golf courses fall into this category.

What this means for golf club owners

Barnett says that clubs tend to react to this issue in one of two ways. Some see development as an existential threat to their club.

Others see headline land values and assume that securing planning permission will be straightforward and highly lucrative. In his view, both positions are overly simplistic.

The most realistic opportunities often sit between these extremes. For some clubs, full relocation from an increasingly urbanised site to a more suitable location on the edge of town or in a rural setting can be transformational.

Residential development on the original site can fund a new course with better facilities and a more sustainable long term future.

The debate is already playing out on the ground. Golf News recently reported on proposals affecting Ifield Golf Club in West Sussex, where land has been identified for potential housing of 3000 homes as part of wider local plan discussions.

Another example Barnett points to is Basingstoke Golf Club, where he advised on the planning, disposal and relocation of the club.

After exploring several options, the club successfully relocated to an existing course at Dummer on the opposite side of the M3. Housing development on the former site is now well underway.

Another example is Blue Mountain Golf Club in Bracknell Forest. Surrounded by housing and identified as having development potential, the site was redeveloped to include a Golfplex entertainment centre, driving range, clubhouse and parking, alongside 400 new homes, community sports facilities and a new school.

The club now has a viable long term base, the local authority has secured housing and infrastructure, and land value has been realised in a planned and structured way.

In other cases, partial redevelopment has been the preferred solution. At Maidenhead Golf Course, land has been allocated for around 2,000 homes while retaining a golf offer, and at the former Reading Golf Course, development and green space have been planned together.

In these situations, releasing part of the land has allowed clubs to reinvest in the remaining course and often improve the quality of the golfing experience.

The importance of site specific analysis

Barnett is clear that not every golf course is suitable for development. The starting point, he says, should never be land value assumptions, but a detailed understanding of planning policy as it applies to that specific site.

Key considerations include whether the course lies in the Green Belt, Metropolitan Open Land or open countryside, how the local plan treats that designation, the recorded biodiversity value of the land, levels of public access, proximity to services and transport, and the scale of local housing need.

In London in particular, the Mayor’s reference to limited biodiversity value has already prompted objections from environmental groups, many of whom point to the wildlife interest of golf courses.

As a result, Barnett stresses that robust ecological assessment is essential before any strategy is developed.

Early specialist advice can make a critical difference. A strong planning and land team will assess local plans, housing targets, infrastructure commitments and emerging policy changes.

They will identify constraints such as landscape, heritage or environmental designations and benchmark land values and delivery prospects to manage expectations among members or shareholders.

What we do know is at the planning map around golf courses is changing. London’s proposed approach to MOL and the national grey belt policy are part of a wider shift.

The post SPECIAL FEATURE: IS LONDON ABOUT TO LOSE GOLF COURSES appeared first on Golf News.

Faldo and his wife, Lindsay, are now beginning the next chapter of his recovery following the operation.

On January 8, Sir Nick underwent a scheduled open-heart surgery to repair an enlarged aorta. The procedure was performed at Cleveland Clinic by world-renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Lars Svensson, Chief of the Sydell and Arnold Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute. The surgery was successful, and Faldo is progressing well under medical guidance.

The Faldo family expressed profound gratitude to Dr. Svensson and the Cleveland Clinic medical team for their expertise, precision, and compassionate care throughout the process.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest golfers of his generation, Sir Nick Faldo won six major championships during his storied career, including three Masters titles and three Open Championships.

Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1997, Faldo has remained a prominent figure in the sport through broadcasting, course design, and philanthropic work via the Faldo Series.

As his recovery continues, Faldo is already looking ahead to returning to his golf course design work before traveling to Augusta, Georgia, for Masters Week.

This year’s visit will coincide with the celebration of the 1996 Masters, marking the iconic victory that secured his sixth major championship, often remembered as “Six back in ’96.”

Now headed home, Faldo and his family say the return carries special meaning following the health journey.

Updates on Sir Nick Faldo’s recovery will be shared in the coming weeks through social media channels.

The post Sir Nick Faldo Returns Home After Successful Heart Surgery appeared first on Golf News.

As a golfer, David played in the PGA Cup, competed in more than 200 European Senior Tour events, worked as a head professional both at home and abroad, and coached on two continents.

Born in the London borough of Ealing, David first made his mark in table tennis, where he was one of England’s leading players.

He competed alongside two of the sport’s post-war greats, Johnny Leach and Chester Barnes.

In 1964, David partnered Leach to win the England Doubles Championship, while a year earlier he had played alongside Barnes when England contested the World Table Tennis Championships in the Swaythling Cup.

During one summer, David also put his table tennis expertise to good use by coaching holidaymakers at Butlins in Somerset.

David began his golf career working for Bill Cox at Fulwell Golf Club in Middlesex. After being elected to PGA Membership in 1968, he was appointed teaching professional at nearby Finchley Golf Centre.

His first experience coaching overseas came in 1969, when he worked in Spain, Switzerland and Sweden. He later returned to England, spending nine years as head professional at Ellesborough Golf Club in Buckinghamshire.

While at Ellesborough, David represented Great Britain and Ireland in the 1974 PGA Cup at Pinehurst, North Carolina. He also competed regularly in PGA tournaments and recorded a notable fifth-place finish at the 1977 Kenya Open.

David subsequently served as head professional at Bryn Meadow Golf and Country Club in south Wales for four years before opening and running the David Creamer Indoor Golf School in Bristol from 1983 to 1987.

This marked the end of his UK-based professional appointments, after which he took up posts as guest or head professional at clubs in Switzerland and Germany.

Alongside his club professional roles, David continued to compete at a high level. He won the Swiss PGA Central Championship in 1986 while working at Davos Golf Club in the Swiss Alps, followed by further success with victories in the German Senior Professional Championship in 1994 and the German PGA Open in 1995.

By then eligible for the European Senior Tour, David went on to become the first player to compete in more than 200 events.

He claimed victory at the Energis Senior Masters at Wentworth in 2000 and finished runner-up on six occasions, including the PGA Seniors Championship in 1994 and the Lawrence Batley Seniors in 2002, where he was defeated by Neil Coles in a play-off.

David retired from competitive golf in 2007, a year after being made an Honorary PGA Member

David is survived by his wife Josefine

The post DAVID CREAMER 1942-2026 appeared first on Golf News.

Tommy Fleetwood arrives at the Dubai Invitational not only as a former champion at Dubai Creek Resort, but as a player firmly established among the game’s elite.

Now world No. 3, the Englishman reflects on a breakthrough year in the United States, the value of consistency, memories of a defining victory in Dubai, and the challenge of chasing down the two players currently setting the standard in men’s golf.

Unchanged Ambitions After a Breakthrough Year

Fleetwood’s long-awaited PGA TOUR victory last season marked a major milestone, yet he is quick to stress that it has not altered his long-term outlook.

Rather than redefining targets for the year ahead, Fleetwood sees his journey very much as a continuation of the same process that has guided him throughout his career.

He explains that his broader life and career ambitions remain intact, with the focus still on becoming the best golfer he can be. While last season placed him in unfamiliar territory, particularly in terms of world ranking, he views that success as a platform rather than a destination.

A well-earned break after an intense year has helped him reset, and as the new season begins, Fleetwood is eager to return to work, sticking with familiar routines and continuing to push for incremental improvement.

Consistency as the Foundation of Success

When asked to pinpoint the reasons behind what many described as an outstanding year, Fleetwood points not to any dramatic technical changes, but to years of steady, disciplined effort.

Consistency, he says, has always been central to his identity as a player. While the absence of a PGA TOUR win had often been highlighted, Fleetwood never felt that his underlying performance level was lacking.

In his view, last season’s run of form simply represented his ability to play, more often and more consistently, at the level he knows he can reach. The difference was not in approach, but in execution, finding himself in contention more regularly and allowing results to follow.

Surrounded by a strong support team and armed with detailed preparation, Fleetwood believes last year was the natural reward for sustained hard work finally aligning with opportunity.

Defending Champion Memories at Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek Resort holds special significance for Fleetwood, and memories of his victory there remain fresh. Central to that win was a compelling final-round battle alongside Rory McIlroy.

Fleetwood recalls the experience as both enjoyable and demanding, describing it as a valuable test against one of the greatest players of his generation. The closing stages served as a reminder of golf’s unpredictability, the need to stay patient, focused and committed until the final putt is holed.

Winning in Dubai was made even more meaningful by having his family present, adding a personal dimension to a professional highlight.

Reflecting on the course itself, Fleetwood describes Dubai Creek as a fair examination that rewards quality ball-striking. Calm morning conditions and receptive greens offer scoring opportunities, but accuracy off the tee is critical. Straying into the rough, particularly as the course firms up, quickly turns the test into a grind.

Life at World No. 3

Starting the season ranked third in the world is new territory for Fleetwood, and one he finds both motivating and exciting.

He is candid in acknowledging the gap between himself and the two players ahead of him, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, whom he regards as the clear standard-bearers of the modern game. Closing that gap, he believes, will require improvement across every area, measured in the smallest of margins.

Rather than setting short-term expectations, Fleetwood frames the challenge as a long-term pursuit. Maintaining his current level is the first priority, with any further progress seen as the result of patience and continued development rather than immediate results.

He also recognises the privilege of being mentioned in the same breath as the game’s very best, viewing it as both a compliment and a source of motivation.

Focused on the Process, Ready for the Challenge

As Fleetwood tees it up once again at the Dubai Invitational, his mindset is clear: grounded, consistent and forward-looking.

There is no sense of complacency despite recent success, nor any rush to force the next step. Instead, Fleetwood remains committed to the same principles that have carried him to this point — trust in his work, belief in his process, and an appreciation of the challenge that lies ahead.

At Dubai Creek Resort, a course that rewards precision and patience, Fleetwood finds himself perfectly aligned with both the setting and the moment.

The post Tommy Fleetwood: Calm Confidence and the Long View appeared first on Golf News.