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Goswick Links Constructs Its First All-New Hole in 60 Years

Matt Nicholson — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:04:22 +0000

Goswick Links is well on its way to adding its first all-new hole since the 1960s with the construction of the par-3 7^th designed by renowned golf course architects, Mackenzie & Ebert that replaces the existing par-3 9^th hole.

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.

A view of the new-look 7th hole from the Blue Tee

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.

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Golf Group adopts Hugh’s Law in support of families

Matt Nicholson — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 16:48:05 +0000

One of the UK’s leading golf groups has announced it has formally adopted the principles of Hugh’s Law, a policy designed to ensure no parent is forced to choose between work and being at the bedside of a critically ill child.

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.

Ceri Menai-Davis

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.

The Inspiration part of the Bridgetown Golf Group

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.”

Hugh Menai-Davis

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.

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“Golf saved my life” Pat shares amazing story

Matt Nicholson — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 09:49:01 +0000

The 67-year-old disabled golfer Pat Duke, who has battled a number of challenges over the past 12 years, enjoyed a very special moment on Monday 8 December that will stick with him forever.

“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!”

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SPECIAL FEATURE: IS LONDON ABOUT TO LOSE GOLF COURSES

Matt Nicholson — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 09:02:58 +0000

Golf News has been speaking to Ian Barnett, Group Land and Development Director at LRG, about how London’s latest planning proposals could have far reaching consequences for golf clubs across the country.

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.

Blue Mountain in Bracknell was redeveloped for 400 homes

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.

The Caversham is the new home of Reading Golf Club

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.

Maidenhead GC

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.

Ian Barnett

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.

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Sir Nick Faldo Returns Home After Successful Heart Surgery

Matt Nicholson — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:13:27 +0000

Sir Nick Faldo, is returning home after spending two weeks in Cleveland, Ohio, where he underwent a successful preventative heart procedure.

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.

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DAVID CREAMER 1942-2026

Matt Nicholson — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 23:35:04 +0000

David Creamer excelled at the elite level in two sports which, while both involving small white balls of similar size, demanded vastly different skillsets, table tennis and golf.

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.

David Creamer with the trophy at the Energis Senior Masters at Wentworth. pic: Andrew Redington/ALLSPORT

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

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Husqvarna becomes Title Partner of the British Masters

Matt Nicholson — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 10:40:46 +0000

Husqvarna, a global leader in robotic lawn mowing and part of Husqvarna Group, has signed a multi-year agreement to become the new Title Partner of the British Masters – one of the world’s most historic golf tournaments.

The 2026 Husqvarna British Masters will be staged at The Belfry on the iconic Brabazon Course in England. In addition, Husqvarna will also be the official robotic mowing partner of the DP World Tour.

“Golf is the perfect stage to demonstrate the performance of Husqvarna’s robotic lawnmowers, already delivering world-class results at over 1,700 courses worldwide.

Yvette Henshall-Bell of the Husqvarna Group

This partnership marks a shared commitment to reinvent golf course maintenance for a new era”, says Yvette Henshall-Bell, President Europe BU Husqvarna Forest & Garden Division, Husqvarna Group.

GREAT CHAMPIONS

First played in 1946, the British Masters has a distinguished history with past champions including Peter Thomson, Tony Jacklin, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Seve Ballesteros, Sir Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Sweden’s Alex Noren in the 2025 tournament.

Six-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo, himself a Husqvarna Brand Ambassador, will return as host of the Husqvarna British Masters in 2026.

“As a former Champion, I take great pride in hosting this iconic tournament and it’s about to enter an exciting new era with this new partnership.

I love Husqvarna’s products, and they will be out in full force at The Belfry next August to make sure the Brabazon Course is in perfect condition”, says Sir Nick Faldo.

2025 winner Alex Noren with the Betfred British Masters trophy Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

As part of the agreement, Husqvarna also becomes an Official Marketing Partner of the 2026 DP World Tour, building on the successful partnership in 2025.

PARTNERSHIPS IN 2026

In 2026 Husqvarna will be the Official Tournament Partner to the British Masters and the Amgen Irish Open, Corporate Partner to the BMW International Open, KLM Open and FedEx Open de France.

With this elevated status, Husqvarna will showcase its products across DP World Tour channels throughout the season, and partner with green keepers and course managers to deliver consistent quality on the tournament courses.

Recently, at the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Porthcawl in Wales, 15 Husqvarna CEORA robotic mowers maintained all 18 fairways during the tournament, marking the first time robotic mowers have maintained fairways live on the world golf stage.

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England Golf celebrates record-breaking 2025

Matt Nicholson — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:16:12 +0000

England Golf have announced that 2025 was another landmark year for the game across the country, with iGolf and iPlay reaching new heights and more scores than ever before being submitted through the World Handicap System.

remarkable 11.83 million scores were submitted through WHS in 2025 – a 16% increase on 2024 and the highest total since the system’s introduction.

Nine-hole golf saw particularly strong growth, with submissions rising 28%, and 18-hole scores increased by 14%. Meanwhile, general play continued its upward trajectory, accounting for 52% of all scores and growing 26% year-on-year.

Following the introduction of four-ball better-ball (4BBB) scores for handicapping purposes in 2024, England saw a 68% increase in acceptable 4BBB scores being submitted in 2025, which shows the education and support provided is having a real impact on the number of acceptable scores being recorded.

England Golf’s sustained focus on growing the women and girls’ game has delivered significant results.

WOMEN’S GOLF

Female golfers submitted more than 151,000 additional scores in 2025, representing a 14% increase. Bank Holiday Monday 5 May was the most popular day of the year for female participation, with 13,200 scores entered.

Meanwhile, Saturday 3 May became the busiest day overall for golf in England, with 98,361 scores submitted – including 93,591 from male golfers.

Richard Flint, Chief Operating Officer at England Golf, said the figures reflect a sport in excellent health.

“Golf really is thriving in England, and the stats are there to back it up,” said Flint. “Our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility through the Respect in Golf movement is making a real difference. All affiliated clubs and counties have embraced and implemented modern ED&I policies, ensuring the game is welcoming to all.

“The rise in WHS scores also shows the simplicity and popularity of the MyEG app, which enjoyed a record year with more than 500,000 downloads. Education around score entry has clearly improved, and shorter rated tee sets for men and women are helping more people play together on courses that suit their ability.”

THE RORY EFFECT

Flint also highlighted the growing appeal of shorter formats. “The growth in nine-hole scores – particularly among women, up 24% – shows that golf doesn’t always have to mean 18 holes. If nine holes help people enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of the game, that’s fantastic.

“Other factors for the growth would certainly include the fact that we had a dry, hot summer, so therefore more people want to get out on the course, and there’s no doubt the feel-good factor from Rory McIlroy’s grand slam win at The Masters, or Europe’s away win at The Ryder Cup, had an impact on inspiring more people to pick up a club.

“All of these factors have played a role in driving our core aim of inspiring more golfers, and we hope more will continue to catch the bug in 2026.”

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TNT Sports Secures LIV Golf Broadcast Deal

Matt Nicholson — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 22:24:26 +0000

TNT Sports has announced a new multi year agreement to broadcast the LIV Golf League across the UK and Ireland from January 2026.

The deal will see all 14 events of the 2026 season shown live across TNT Sports channels and its streaming platform discovery+.

Global Coverage From Riyadh to the UK

Live coverage begins February 4 to 7 at the ROSHN Group LIV Golf Riyadh, played under lights at Riyadh Golf Club. The 2026 season features 14 events across ten countries and five continents, including the league’s first visit to South Africa in March, along with stops in Adelaide, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mexico, the USA, Spain and the UK.

(Photo by Jon Ferrey/LIV Golf)

TNT Sports will act as LIV Golf’s UK and Ireland broadcast partner, with on site presentation planned throughout the season. Further details on scheduling will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Four Day Format and Star Players

From 2026, LIV Golf events will move to a four day, 72 hole format. The season will feature 57 players across 13 teams, plus five wild card entrants. The field includes Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Joaquin Niemann, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Tyrrell Hatton and Tom McKibbin.

Phil Mickelson (Photo by Chris Trotman/LIV Golf/Getty Images)

Reaction From Broadcaster and League

Scott Young, Executive Vice President at Warner Bros Discovery Sports Europe, said the addition of LIV Golf strengthens TNT Sports’ premium live sports portfolio and brings more top level golf to subscribers.

LIV Golf’s SVP of International Media Rights, Orjan Olsson, described the partnership as a landmark moment for the league in a key sports market, promising enhanced storytelling and greater access for fans.

Growing Global Presence

The season continues from Saudi Arabia to Australia the following week, returning to Adelaide after crowds of more than 100,000 in 2025. Founded in 2021, LIV Golf launched its first season in 2022 and has quickly become a major presence in the global game.

The agreement adds LIV Golf to TNT Sports’ existing rights, which include Premier League football, UEFA competitions, the FA Cup, Premiership Rugby, UFC and MotoGP.

Current LIV Golf 2026 Schedule (as it stands)

4-7 February – ROSHN Group LIV Golf Riyadh, Riyadh Golf Club, Saudi Arabia

12-15 February – LIV Golf Adelaide, The Grange Golf Club, Australia

5-8 March – HSBC LIV Golf Hong Kong, Hong Kong Golf Club at Fanling, Hong Kong

12-15 March – LIV Golf Singapore, Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore

19-22 March – LIV Golf South Africa, Steyn City, South Africa

16-19 April – LIV Golf Mexico City, Club de Golf Chapultepec, Mexico

7-10 May – LIV Golf Virginia presented by Maaden, Trump National DC, USA

4-7 June – LIV Golf Andalucia, Real Club Valderrama, Spain

25-28 June – LIV Golf Louisiana, Bayou Oaks at City Park, USA

23-26 July – LIV Golf UK by JCB, JCB Golf and Country Club, Great Britain

20-23 August – LIV Golf Indianapolis, The Club at Chatham Hills, USA

27-30 August – Aramco LIV Golf Michigan, The Cardinal at Saint John’s, USA

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Golf loses one of its biggest characters: Derrick Pillage dies aged 95

Matt Nicholson — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 14:19:16 +0000

A Life Shaped by Golf

Golf has lost one of its most colourful and influential figures with the passing of Derrick Pillage, a larger-than-life character whose impact on the professional game spanned more than seven decades.

Born in 1930 in Devonport, Plymouth, Pillage’s life took an extraordinary turn at a young age when he was sent by boat from England to the United States to live with his aunt and uncle in California.

They worked at the pro shop of Santa Ana Golf Club and, with his uncle as club professional and his aunt an avid golfer, the game quickly became Derrick’s destiny.

Derrick Pillage with great friend David Leadbetter (Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images)

A Prodigious Talent and a Colourful Nickname

He grew up immersed in golf, caddying with friends for 25 cents a bag, playing endlessly, and by the age of 14 had reached scratch handicap. Living close to the Mexican border, he earned the nickname “the blue-eyed Mexican,” a nod to his striking blue eyes and vibrant personality, a feature people would remark on throughout his life.

Service, Boxing and Early Lessons in Leadership

Alongside golf, Pillage also boxed and represented the Navy during his national service. Even then, the game remained central to his life, and he spent much of his time giving golf lessons to officers.

After completing his service, he returned to the United States and earned a golfing scholarship to the University of Southern California, further cementing his place in the sport.

Derrick Pillage with some of his players, Top Left to Right Malcolm Gregson, Sandy Lyle, Brian Barnes, Carl Mason.
Bottom: Tommy Horton, Derrick Pillage and Sam Torrance

A Career-Changing Injury and an Unbreakable Spirit

At just 24, his promising playing career was derailed by a freak accident. A poor bunker shot resulted in a broken back, leaving him confined to a wheelchair for two years. Doctors told him he would never walk properly again, let alone play competitive golf.

Derrick defied those predictions, rebuilding his life and finding new ways to influence the game he loved.

Hollywood, Zulu and a Life Beyond the Fairways

In his mid-twenties, Pillage worked in public relations for Warner Bros, where he became friends with actor Stanley Baker and even made a cameo appearance in the classic film Zulu. Though his path briefly took him to Hollywood, golf was never far from his thoughts.

Derrick Pillage (centre) on one of his many golf trips with Sean Connery (left) Bruce Forysth (above) Brian Barnes (bottom right) and Max Faulkner (above)

Golf’s Most Influential Managers

Pillage went on to forge a formidable career in golf management, representing some of the biggest names in the sport, including Sandy Lyle, Lee Trevino, Bernard Gallacher, Sam Torrance, Max Faulkner and Brian Barnes. At his peak, he managed around 35 players and was regarded as one of the most influential figures in professional golf.

Derrick Pillage with Max Faulkner

Sports Management

One contemporary newspaper clipping captured his standing perfectly:
“Pillage has a list of runners capable of winning everything in the world and is a rival to Mark McCormack’s IMG top spot on the management tree.”

The Golfing Lions

Derrick later worked with British Caledonian Airways and founded the Golfing Lions, a group of professional golfers who toured the world, spreading the game to new audiences and regions.

Derrick Pillage (centre) with Gay Brewer (left) and Bill Casper

Shaping Careers Through the Safari Circuit

He was instrumental in the creation of the Safari Circuit, a groundbreaking initiative that helped shape the careers of many players by providing competitive opportunities in emerging golfing nations.

Writer, Umpire and Trusted Voice of the Game

Beyond management, Pillage also made his mark as a golf writer, contributing to publications including Golf News and Golf Monthly. He served as a tournament press officer and umpire at numerous professional events, including the Ryder Cup and on the European Tour.

Derrick at Wentworth while umpiring at the World Matchplay

St Mellion Trophy

Derrick was also involved in setting up the St Mellion Trophy, working alongside legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Sandy Lyle and Nick Faldo.

Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, SandyLyle and Nick Faldo at St Mellion

Tributes from Golf’s Greatest Names

Tributes from across the golfing world underline the scale of his contribution.

“Derrick’s contribution to the game of golf has been a great one,” said Jack Nicklaus.

“You were a great manager, my man. You were way before your time,” added Lee Trevino.

“Derrick, you were cheeky, you could have been a salesman to anything, but you certainly left a footprint in the game,” said Peter Alliss. “You were a good man and added to the quality of golf.”

Sam Torrance recalled: “I was watching Zulu and thinking of him.”

Sandy Lyle reflected on “the great times and victories we had and the fantastic memories with the Golfing Lions, playing in places like Brazil, Argentina and Zambia.”

Tom Watson joked: “I am still drying out from the time spent at St Mellion playing with Jack years ago!!”

Bernard Gallacher paid a deeply personal tribute:
“Derrick gave me the best advice I ever received when turning professional, both on and off the golf course… He is responsible for me being the Head Pro at one of the world’s best clubs for over 25 years, and I will never forget that.”

Broadcaster Ewen Murray added:
“There were many professional golfers who benefitted greatly from having Derrick as a manager and friend. I am one of these… His contribution to professional golf was more than significant. His long and successful life, I rejoice, and it was a privilege to be part of his 95 years.”

Derrick Pillage lived life to the full

A Legacy That Will Endure

Derrick Pillage leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience, vision, sharp wit and an unwavering love for the game, a true original whose influence will continue to be felt throughout the world of golf.

There is only one Derrick Pillage

Derrick Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on 20th December 2025 aged 95 years.

Beloved husband of Sally, father of Grant and Samantha, father in law to Greg and Vicky and Papa of Jasmin, Chloe, Sadie, Josh, Isabella and Emilia.

Funeral service was held at St. Mary the Virgin Church, Church Lane, Clymping on Wednesday 7th January 2026

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