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19th Hole

St. Andrews, other coastal courses, could soon “crumble into the sea,” report says

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Could St. Andrews soon be under water? Many of the great golf courses of the British Isles–iconic, historic venues like St. Andrews and Royal Troon–are coastally located. Bearing this fact in mind and meditating on the realities of rising sea levels and climate change, a report from the Climate Coalition shouldn’t come as a shock.

The sister group to over 130 environmental organizations, which describes itself as the UK’s largest group of people dedicated to action against climate change, says golf is facing an “unexpected threat” and that courses could soon be “crumbling into the sea.”

The report, titled “Game+Changer: How climate change is impacting sports in the UK,” says “only a small increase in sea-level rise would imperil all of the world’s links courses before the end of the century.

Indeed, Montrose, one of the five oldest golf courses in the world, is already being eroded by the rising North Sea.

Chris Curnin, director at Montrose Golf Links, says: “As the sea rises and the coast falls away, we’re left with nowhere to go. Climate change is often seen as tomorrow’s problem – but it’s already eating away at our course. In a perfect storm we could lose 5-10 metres over just a couple of days and that could happen at pretty much any point.”

In addition to pointing out how horrific (and economically damaging) it would be to lose any of the foundational courses of the game, BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter makes an interesting point in light of the findings

“This report might also impact on discussions aimed at limiting driving distances because it highlights potential dangers in the maintaining the current trend of lengthening golf courses.”

And of course, an increase in rainfall and extreme weather events adversely impacts the golf industry as a whole in the region. The report finds there was 20 percent less playing time in Scotland in 2016-2016 compared to 10 years prior.

Steve Isaac, director of sustainability for the R&A, says “future threats are very real” for the game.

An unbylined BBC piece highlights the rest of the report’s findings and potential impacts on soccer and cricket

You can read the Climate Coalition’s full report here.

What do you think GolfWRX members?

 

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19th Hole

54-hole golf tour deemed eligible for OWGR points…but it’s not LIV

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After a seventeen-month application process, a 54-hole golf tour was deemed eligible for OWGR points.

Unfortunately, for LIV Golf and their fans, it was the Clutch Pro Tour.

After the decision, which is effective immediately, OWGR chairman Peter Dawson issued a statement.

“This is a significant milestone for golf, and OWGR is deeply encouraged by the achievement and the continued efforts in developing the sport of golf in the United Kingdom.”

“We look forward to watching the progress of the Clutch Pro Tour as it continues to play a key role in the development of players from the region,” Dawson added.

The Clutch Pro Tour operates in the United Kingdom and features a 36-hole cut. It also has an open qualifying school.

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19th Hole

Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open

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As first reported by Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Woods will be attempting to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.

The first stage of qualifying for this year’s tournament will be an 18-hole local event on Thursday, April 25th, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

There will be 84 players in the field, five of which will reach the 36-hole qualifier that will take place in June.

Earlier this season, Charlie attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic, and struggled, shooting an 86.

If the younger Woods is able to qualify, he will tee it up in the same field as his father in a few months at one of the more historic U.S. Open venues.

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19th Hole

Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss

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In our forums, our members have been discussing one of the new sensations in the world of golf – Ludvig Aberg. The 24-year-old finished solo second at the Masters a couple of weeks ago, and gained many plaudits, including from several WRXers.

One member, RoyalMustang, took to the forums to explain why Aberg is now their favorite player, saying:

“I loved the way the Ludvig was out there, having a great time, not taking himself or the situation too seriously. Even after the double at 11, he was like “well, that’s golf!” Loose and relaxed: that’s the way to play. It’s obvious he loves what he’s doing, he loves the big moments, and he loves being a part of it all.

Arnold Palmer was viewed that way. Just like Brooks Robinson was forever viewed as not just a great baseball player, but a great human being and friend to Baltimore.”

And our members have been reacting and sharing their positive takes on the young Swede.

Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.

  • redfirebird08: “Ludvig has a great attitude, a great smile, and a great golf swing.”
  • otto6457: “I’m very lucky to have talked with Ludde several times at the Rawls Course at Texas Tech.  He’s a truly nice guy and very friendly.  Always said hello when we passed each other in the club house and was always smiling. Watching him hit balls on the range was a joy.  He has “that sound” and trajectory to die for.  There were many times he was out on the range in 30+ mph winds just hitting the most beautiful shots that just seemed to ignore the wind.  World class ball striker. And yes……..I am a fan boy.”
  • konklifer: “I like him. In an era of endless waggles and laboring, his swing and pace of play are a joy to watch.

Entire Thread: “Why Ludvig Aberg is my new favorite player – GolfWRXers discuss”

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