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North Wales Live
4 days ago
- Sport
- North Wales Live
Sign up for golf news from our free newsletter The Stroke Index
If you want to keep up to date with the latest pro tour news and results, the best of the amateur coverage from the UK regions and further afield, or simply want to find out the latest bit of kit hitting the headlines that could improve your game then our new newsletter The Stroke Index is for you. Golf is booming with more and more people finding time to pick up their clubs and play a few holes. The major tournaments and international team events obviously steal the lion's share of coverage and draw in huge audiences with so much content to consume it can feel overwhelming. To be honest, it's almost impossible to keep track of everything - especially the easily missed stories not making national headlines. But what happens when the media caravan moves on? The Stroke Index, written by journalist Simon Payne, is hoping to bridge the gap by providing a digest of the best golf content and trends all in one place, reliably delivered to your inbox - for free. Our mission is simple: deliver a streamlined, ad-free newsletter with the latest tour previews, results, global golf news, and curated links to equipment, fashion, and travel for every golfer. For expert analysis, the latest stats, and informed commentary, join The Stroke Index and be part of a growing golf community. Who is Simon Payne - author of The Stroke Index? Simon Payne has almost three decades of experience working in broadcast and print media. Having started his career at Sky TV before moving on to journalism roles including news and picture editor at Golf Monthly magazine and a number of years as a freelance sports writer, he settled back behind a desk as a sub-editor in the regional press industry where his focus has been on helping to deliver local news across the South East of England. Yet his passion for all things golf has never diminished and he feels now is the right time to get back in the game. He said: 'I have been playing golf for many years, and watching for even longer. I remember being inspired by Sandy Lyle playing THAT bunker shot on the 18th at Augusta on the way to winning the Masters in 1988. But I must have been interested long before that because I can still recall the crazy footage of Bernhard Langer climbing a tree to play a ball that had lodged in the trunk, back in 1981. The seed was well and truly sown. 'Of course, the sport has moved on tremendously since then and the professional game is bigger than ever, commanding more attention and allowing fans multiple media platforms on which to access the latest news. And that is where The Stroke Index comes in. Rather than trawling through a range of content you want to read behind the main headlines, why not enjoy receiving a regular email with links to some of the best stories out there? It will save time yet still keep you fed with up-to-date news and trends. 'The newsletter also aims to go beyond the professional game, giving amateur golfers a fix of articles from the business of golf to tournament and event news. Added to this will be links to the best stories on equipment, fashion and travel for those looking to expand their game and the experiences that come with it. 'I'm hoping The Stroke Index will in time go beyond just being a platform to source golf news and will actually play its own small part in helping to grow the game.' The Stroke Index is more than just a newsletter – it's about building a community. A place where people can come together to share ideas, discuss the highs and lows and dissect every key moment from tee to green. If you love golf, this is your new home! So where and how do I join? The Stroke Index is published on Substack, an independent platform with no ads. You can read it on the desktop, the Substack app or directly from your inbox. No need to scroll or rely on algorithms - once it's live, the newsletter is sent straight to you. You can join by clicking here or entering your email into the sign up box further up the article. So what's on our scorecard? Every newsletter will consist of a number of sections each with just what you need to stay one step ahead on the range, at the course, or sitting in front of the TV. These will include: - View From the Tee: Bringing you the best news lines from respected sources inside golf, pre- and post-tournament analysis, the stats that matter, updates from the heart of the professional game, and so much more. - Around the Greens: News from the UK regions and around the world. Business updates and feature articles to inspire any club or recreational golfer. - Clubhouse Chat: If you're looking for the latest bit of golf kit, technology, clothes to wear, or places to visit, then sit down with a cuppa and find the stories you need to improve your game and, more importantly, enjoy it. There will also be the best of golf socials, things you might have missed and light-hearted moments guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Wales Online
5 days ago
- Health
- Wales Online
Sign up for golf news from our free newsletter The Stroke Index
Sign up for golf news from our free newsletter The Stroke Index Whether it has been the fine Spring, the 'Rory' effect or a combination of both, more people have been getting out on the fairways for a round of golf this year. As participation rises so does an interest in the latest golf news, and that's where our newsletter The Stroke Index comes in Rory McIlory and caddie Harry Diamond with the Masters trophy (Image: AP Photo/Ashley Landis ) If you want to keep up to date with the latest pro tour news and results, the best of the amateur coverage from the UK regions and further afield, or simply want to find out the latest bit of kit hitting the headlines that could improve your game then our new newsletter The Stroke Index is for you. Golf is booming with more and more people finding time to pick up their clubs and play a few holes. The major tournaments and international team events obviously steal the lion's share of coverage and draw in huge audiences with so much content to consume it can feel overwhelming. To be honest, it's almost impossible to keep track of everything - especially the easily missed stories not making national headlines. But what happens when the media caravan moves on? The Stroke Index, written by journalist Simon Payne, is hoping to bridge the gap by providing a digest of the best golf content and trends all in one place, reliably delivered to your inbox - for free. Our mission is simple: deliver a streamlined, ad-free newsletter with the latest tour previews, results, global golf news, and curated links to equipment, fashion, and travel for every golfe r. For expert analysis, the latest stats, and informed commentary, join The Stroke Index and be part of a growing golf community. Who is Simon Payne - author of The Stroke Index? Article continues below Simon Payne has almost three decades of experience working in broadcast and print media. Having started his career at Sky TV before moving on to journalism roles including news and picture editor at Golf Monthly magazine and a number of years as a freelance sports writer, he settled back behind a desk as a sub-editor in the regional press industry where his focus has been on helping to deliver local news across the South East of England. Yet his passion for all things golf has never diminished and he feels now is the right time to get back in the game. He said: 'I have been playing golf for many years, and watching for even longer. I remember being inspired by Sandy Lyle playing THAT bunker shot on the 18th at Augusta on the way to winning the Masters in 1988. But I must have been interested long before that because I can still recall the crazy footage of Bernhard Langer climbing a tree to play a ball that had lodged in the trunk, back in 1981. The seed was well and truly sown. 'Of course, the sport has moved on tremendously since then and the professional game is bigger than ever, commanding more attention and allowing fans multiple media platforms on which to access the latest news. And that is where The Stroke Index comes in. Rather than trawling through a range of content you want to read behind the main headlines, why not enjoy receiving a regular email with links to some of the best stories out there? It will save time yet still keep you fed with up-to-date news and trends. 'The newsletter also aims to go beyond the professional game, giving amateur golfers a fix of articles from the business of golf to tournament and event news. Added to this will be links to the best stories on equipment, fashion and travel for those looking to expand their game and the experiences that come with it. 'I'm hoping The Stroke Index will in time go beyond just being a platform to source golf news and will actually play its own small part in helping to grow the game.' The Stroke Index is more than just a newsletter – it's about building a community. A place where people can come together to share ideas, discuss the highs and lows and dissect every key moment from tee to green. If you love golf, this is your new home! So where and how do I join? The Stroke Index is published on Substack, an independent platform with no ads. You can read it on the desktop, the Substack app or directly from your inbox. No need to scroll or rely on algorithms - once it's live, the newsletter is sent straight to you. So what's on our scorecard? Every newsletter will consist of a number of sections each with just what you need to stay one step ahead on the range, at the course, or sitting in front of the TV. These will include: - View From the Tee : Bringing you the best news lines from respected sources inside golf, pre- and post-tournament analysis, the stats that matter, updates from the heart of the professional game, and so much more. Article continues below - Around the Greens : News from the UK regions and around the world. Business updates and feature articles to inspire any club or recreational golfer. - Clubhouse Chat: If you're looking for the latest bit of golf kit, technology, clothes to wear, or places to visit, then sit down with a cuppa and find the stories you need to improve your game and, more importantly, enjoy it. There will also be the best of golf socials, things you might have missed and light-hearted moments guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Reason the PGA Championship isn't played at same course each year like Masters
This year's PGA Championship is set to tee off at the prestigious Quail Hollow course in Charlotte, North Carolina - but last year's tournament played out on the greens and fairways of Kentucky's Valhalla The 2025 PGA Championship tees off at Quail Hollow on Thursday, with a field of 156 professionals vying for major glory. The tournament lands as the second major of the golfing calendar, following on from April's Masters and preceding June's US Open and the Open Championship in July. And while there are many similarities between the US PGA and the Masters that always comes before – including the ability for golfers from the PGA Tour, DP World and LIV Golf to come together and compete alongside one another – there is one major difference. That is how the Masters is always played at the same course, while the other majors are not. As many golf fans will know, the Masters always takes place on the famed fairways and greens of Georgia's Augusta National, however, the PGA Championship – along with the US Open and the Open – change home each and every year. But why is this? It all dates back to the creation of the Masters. Amateur golfer Bobby Jones – who was born in Atlanta, Georgia, spotted a plant nursery in the nearby Augusta that he thought would be a brilliant space for a course. As per Golf Monthly, Jones said of the plot: "I shall never forget my first visit to Augusta National. The long lane of magnolias through which we approached was beautiful... but when I walked out on the grass terrace under the big trees behind the house and looked down over the property, the experience was unforgettable. "Indeed, it even looked as though it were already a golf course." Alongside Alister MacKenzie, he designed the course that later became Augusta National, with a vision for an invitation-only event to be played there. Construction began on the course in 1931 before it was complete the following year, with the Masters seeing its first tournament at Augusta National in 1934. An invite-only event with a smaller field, the Masters was turned into a major in 1960 due to the tradition surrounding the event – and organisers announced that it would continue to be held at the course it was conceived on every year. Fast forward to 2025, and it's a tradition that still rings true, with professional golfers from all walks of life dreaming of playing at the famed course and acquiring the coveted Green Jacket which is awarded to winners. Rory McIlroy famously won this year's event at Augusta, doing so in historic fashion. After sweeping up titles at the PGA Championship, the US Open and the Open, the Green Jacket was the only major accolade that had eluded him through the course of his career. And after a nail-biting play-off of the 18th against Justin Rose, McIlroy etched his name into the annals of history by completing the career Grand Slam by finally earning his win on the 17th time of asking. For his efforts, he joined an incredibly exclusive club made up of just Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods in completing the career Grand Slam - a feat that many professional golfers will only ever dream of given the stiff competition surrounding them week in, week out. It comes as McIlroy will hope to double down in terms of majors at this week's PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, after seeing success on the very same course at last year's Wells Fargo Championship (renamed as the Truist Championship this year). There, he ran out victorious after registering a total score of 17-under-par – five strokes clear of Xander Schauffele. Last year's PGA Championship, of course, was played at Kentucky's Valhalla Golf Club, while it was contested at the Oak Hill Country Club in New York the year prior. The last time the event was played at Quail Hollow came in 2017, when Justin Thomas clinched a win with a margin of two strokes over Francesco Molinari, Louis Oosthuizen, and Patrick Reed.
Scottish Sun
21-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
Five of the UK's 10 best golf courses are in Scotland – but St Andrews misses out on top spot
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SCOTLAND is widely recognised the world over as the home of golf. So it's perhaps little surprise that FIVE of the UK and Ireland's top 10 courses are here. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The Open will be back at St Andrews in 2027 Credit: AFP 4 The Old Course has been ranked as the No2 course in the UK and Ireland Credit: Getty 4 Royal County Down is top of the list Credit: Getty Images - Getty 4 Trump Turnberry's Ailsa Course is highly ranked too Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd However, the course that carries that same lofty moniker of the 'home of golf' has missed out on being named the best course in the country. Popular golf publication Golf Monthly have announced their top 100 courses in the United Kingdom and Ireland for 2025/26. Published every couple of years, the extensive list reveals the very best places to tee up. A vast array of Scottish courses are included in the top 100, but what is even more eye-catching is that HALF of the top 10 can all be found in Scotland. However, it is NOT a Scottish course that sits at the top of the list. For the second consecutive time, it's the championship course at Royal County Down that takes the coveted number one spot. That means that once again, the Old Course at St Andrews - the renowned home of golf - has to settle for No2. While it's been pipped to top spot, Golf Monthly do admit that the Old Course "really should be top" as far as bucket list courses go. In fact, four of the top five courses on the list are all in Scotland. Following St Andrews in third spot is the Ailsa Course at Trump Turnberry. I was one of last people to play Turnberry's iconic Ailsa course before it shut for £1.5m revamp The host venue of the 2009 Open Championship has undergone significant renovation since the Trump Organization took ownership in 2014. The holes closely located to the iconic lighthouse in particular have been given a new look with a new par three at the ninth hole providing what is described as "a daunting prospect." Despite its recognition as one of the country's top courses, Turnberry was removed from the Open Championship rota of host courses in 2015 following Donald Trump's candidacy for the US Presidency. Coming in at number four is another course that was previously removed from the Open rota. Muirfield, which last hosted the Major in 2013, was reinstated to the rota of host courses back in 2017 after the club voted to allow female members for the first time in its history. It had had been taken off the rota the previous year after a previous poll at the club saw a vote taken to continue excluding women from joining. But now it's back and could once again host the championship in the future. Like St Andrews, both Turnberry and Muirfield retain their same ranking from the previous one. Royal Dornoch - which had been ranked as the second-best course in the WORLD by another golf outlet last year - rounds off the top five of Golf Monthly's list. The spectacular course in the Highlands moves up into fifth, taking the place of Royal Birkdale where the Open will be held in 2026. Birkdale has been placed sixth in the list, one place ahead of Royal Portrush where this year's Open will be held. In eighth position is the fifth and final Scottish course to be ranked inside the top 10. That's yet another Open venue in the form of Carnoustie, down one place from the previous ranking. While seven courses are ranked above it, the list says "there's a strong case for saying that Carnoustie's championship course may be the most challenging in our entire top 100 list." The top 10 is rounded off by two courses at Sunningdale in Berkshire, with its new course jumping up a spot to snare ninth position from its old course. A whole host of other Scottish courses are included in the full top 100. Kingsbarns, Trump International Golf Links, Royal Aberdeen's Balgownie course and Royal Troon are all ranked inside the top 20. Castle Stuart, North Berwick, Gleneagles' King's course, Dumbarnie Links, Nairn's championship course, Prestwick and Western Gailes are in the top 50. Cruden Bay's championship course enjoyed a rise of eight places up to 58th while the Castle Course at St Andrews was a re-entry onto the list. The Machrie on Islay, Gleneagles' Queen's course, Gullane, Machrihanish, St Andrews' New Course, Blairgowrie, Murcar Links and Dundonald Links all placed on the list. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
USA Today
10-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
The simple reason Aaron Rai wears 2 gloves at the 2025 Masters
The simple reason Aaron Rai wears 2 gloves at the 2025 Masters Aaron Rai is creating some early roars at Augusta National on Thursday — and creating some questions from fans who may not be too familiar with the 2025 Masters debutant. Questions like: Why is Rai wearing two distinct black gloves? Most pro golfers only wear one glove when they're driving or hitting iron shots. Rai has always been one of the few pros to buck that trend. The 30-year-old from England has actually been wearing two gloves when he plays since he was a kid. Masters 2025: The latest leaderboard updates and tee times here. "It started when I was eight years old," Rai told Golf Monthly. 'I just happened to be given these two gloves – the guy who actually makes them sent a pair over – and I got into the habit of wearing them. Then, a few weeks down the line, my dad forgot to put the two gloves in the bag so I had to play with one. It was terrible. I couldn't play, I couldn't feel the grip, so I've always stuck with the two gloves ever since.' Rai is certainly having no trouble figuring out his clubs on Thursday. He opened his round with four birdies on the front nine, holding onto a share of the lead before a bogey on No. 11. No debutant has won the Masters since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979. If Rai breaks the 46-year streak, we might see a new tradition born for first-year players at Augusta.
