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These 4 big names are reportedly set to be unveiled as Saudi League players
There has been a major development in regards to the Saudi Golf League, according to a report in The Telegraph.
Per the report, Greg Norman, the league’s CEO, is set to announce some of the names that will be joining the controversial Saudi-backed league.
“We’ve respected the Masters and let it go off, but now our journey is finally coming to fruition —for the players, not for me,” Norman told the newspaper. “Their rightful place to have what they want. That’s why they are still very, very, very interested. We have players signed, contrary to the white noise you’re hearing out there.”
Norman alluded to the fact that it’s been widely reported that none of the game’s big stars have any interest in straying from the PGA Tour, but claims that isn’t the case.
“The interest level we’ve had… well, I had a player who’s won a couple of major championships sitting in my very office here 48 hours ago.”
Among the players expected to join are two-time Masters champ Bubba Watson, along with European Ryder Cup stars Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter and well as five-time tour winner Kevin Na.
There are expected to be more announcements of golfers joining the $225 million golf league in the coming weeks.
According to the report from The Telegraph, the Saudi league was prepared two months ago to reveal a list of players set to join that included Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson before Mickelson’s comments to Alan Shipnuck created major backlash.
Norman admitted that the fallout from the Mickelson comments that caused a handful of PGA Tour stars to publicly speak out against the Saudi League was a major blow.
“It was a kick in the teeth, there’s no question about it,” Norman told The Telegraph.
Norman also expects more players to join after seeing how much money is up for grabs and how little competition there may be to claim it.
“Quite honestly, it doesn’t matter who plays, we’re going to put the event on,” he said. “There’s a $4 million first prize. I hope a kid who’s 350th in the world wins. It’ll change his life, his family’s life. And then a few of our events will go by and the top players will see someone winning $6 million, $8 million, and say ‘enough is enough, I know I can beat these guys week in week out with my hands tied behind my back’.”
The first the eight-event tour is currently set to begin in two months at the Centurion Club in St. Albans with multiple U.S. stops as well, including at Trump Bedminster in New Jersey.
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Editor’s note: This is an excerpt from a piece our Andrew Tursky originally wrote for PGATour.com’s Equipment Report. Head over there for the full article.
…The Jailbird craze hasn’t really slowed down in 2024, either. According to Odyssey rep Joe Toulon, there are about 18-20 Jailbird putter users on the PGA TOUR.
Most recently, Akshay Bhatia won the 2024 Valero Texas Open using a broomstick-style Odyssey Jailbird 380 putter and Webb Simpson is switching into a replica of that putter at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship.
Now, Fowler, who essentially started the whole Jailbird craze, is making a significant change to his putter setup.
Fowler, who has had a couple weeks off since the 2024 RBC Heritage, started experimenting with a new, custom-orange Jailbird 380 head that’s equipped with a standard 35-inch putter build, rather than his previous 38-inch counter-balanced setup.
According to Fowler, while he still likes the look and forgiveness of his Jailbird putter head, he’s looking to re-incorporate more feel into his hands during the putting stroke.
He told GolfWRX.com on Tuesday at the Wells Fargo Championship that the 38-inch counterbalanced setup “served its purpose” by helping him to neutralize his hands during the stroke, but now it’s time to try the standard-length putter with a standard-size SuperStroke Pistol Tour grip to help with his feel and speed control.
Although Fowler was also spotted testing standard-length mallets from L.A.B. Golf and Axis1 on Tuesday, he confirmed that the custom Odyssey Jailbird 380 is the putter he’ll use this week at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship.
Head over to PGATour.com for the full article.
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Editor’s note: This is an excerpt from a piece our Andrew Tursky originally wrote for PGATour.com’s Equipment Report. Head over there for the full article.
So, with a couple of weeks off following his latest start at the 2024 RBC Heritage, Thomas sought to re-address his driver setup with the remote help of Titleist Tour fitting expert J.J. Van Wezenbeeck. About two weeks ago, Thomas and Van Wezenbeeck reviewed his recent driver stats, and discussed via phone call some possible driver and shaft combinations for him to try.
After receiving Van Wezenbeeck’s personalized shipment of product options while at home, Thomas found significant performance improvements with Titleist’s TSR2 head, equipped with Thomas’ familiar Mitsubishi Diamana ZF 60 TX shaft.
Compared to Thomas’ longtime TSR3 model, the TSR2 has a larger footprint and offers slightly higher spin and launch characteristics.
According to Van Wezenbeeck, Thomas has picked up about 2-3 mph of ball speed, to go along with 1.5 degrees higher launch and more predictable mishits.
“I’d say I’d been driving it fine, not driving it great, so I just wanted to, honestly, just test or try some stuff,” Thomas said on Tuesday in an interview with GolfWRX.com at Quail Hollow Club. “I had used that style of head a couple years ago (Thomas used a TSi2 driver around 2021); I know it’s supposed to have a little more spin. Obviously, yeah, I’d love to hit it further, but if I can get a little more spin and have my mishits be a little more consistent, I felt like obviously that’d be better for my driving…
“This (TSR2) has been great. I’ve really, really driven it well the week I’ve used it. Just hitting it more solid, I don’t know if it’s the look of it or what it is, but just a little bit more consistent with the spin numbers. Less knuckle-ball curves. It has been fast. Maybe just a little faster than what I was using. Maybe it could be something with the bigger head, maybe mentally it looks more forgiving.”
Head over to PGATour.com for the full article.
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The 2024 golf season is in full swing with the warm weather settling in and those long summer days right around the corner, but what if we told you that you should be thinking about golf this fall? While it may seem to be a ways away, now is the perfect time to start putting together your end-of-season fall golf trip.
Courses are in great shape, the weather is more enjoyable as temps cool off, and your golf game is in peak condition after playing all summer! The best part about fall golf trips is that there are some great deals to be found at golf destinations across the country! Additionally, you can get away to the Caribbean on an all-inclusive trip or travel across the pond for some links golf in the UK or Ireland before the end of their golf season in October.
If you are happy to stay stateside this fall, here are the best golf destinations you should book for your fall trip.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Commonly known as the “Golf Capital of the World”, this coastal destination is home to over 200 golf courses making it the ideal location for a golf trip! If you’re looking for golf and accommodation onsite, choose from a wide range of resorts including favorites like Barefoot and Legends. Alternatively, you could rent a house or stay by the beach and play top tracks like Caledonia, Grande Dunes, Pine Lakes, True Blue, TPC Myrtle Beach and many more! With a plethora of options, you will be able to customize your trip to stay within budget! Fall in South Carolina is a golfer’s paradise with minimal rain, sunny skies, and temperatures in the low 80s (dipping into the 70s in later fall with lower humidity), the perfect combination for a golf trip.
If you’ve never played golf in the desert, fall is the best time to do so and there is no better selection of desert layouts than Scottsdale. With a wide variety of golf resorts, courses, and attractions, it is easy to see why many professional golfers call this place home. Enjoy a golf and city trip with a stay close to the nightlife in Old Town and a tour of the local courses like Raven, McCormick Ranch, and Ocotillo. Head north of the city with a resort stay at The Westin Kierland or Hyatt Regency and play some Championship courses like TPC Scottsdale, Troon North, or Grayhawk. Or head out to the fabulous We-Ko-Pa Resort and Golf Club and indulge in the ultimate desert golf experience. The weather in Scottsdale will be very warm (mid to high 80s), with cloudless skies and green grass contrasting the desert landscape.
The golf mecca in the state of Florida, Orlando is a great golf destination any time of the year, but fall is really where it flourishes. Course conditions are impeccable, the weather is warm with fading humidity, and there are a multitude of off-course activities for the whole family. Stay & play at some of the best golf resorts like Reunion and Omni Championsgate or tick off a bucket list course when you visit Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill. A few other reasons this destination is so popular is the wide variety of rental houses throughout the area, perfect for a large group and the quality courses to choose from including Waldorf Astoria, Celebration, Shingle Creek, and the three Disney courses! With easy accessibility through the MCO Airport, Orlando is a no-brainer for a fall golf trip.
PAIUTE GOLF RESORT – LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
A destination often overlooked when it comes to golf, Las Vegas in the fall is a wonderful treat! A stay on the iconic Las Vegas Strip gives you a wide range of 3 to 5-star hotel options within walking distance to the city’s biggest entertainment venues, casinos, restaurants, and more! For golf options, you will need to travel outside of the city (roughly 20 mins) to play some incredible desert layouts like Rio Secco, Revere, Cascata, and the trio of courses at Paiute Golf Resort. If you fancy a longer day trip, you can always take the hour-long drive up to Mesquite and play Wolf Creek and Conestoga for a pure desert golf experience.
Alabama – Robert Trent Jones Trail
If you’re a golf nerd (like me) and you’re looking for something a little different for your trip, look no further than the incredible RTJ Trail in Alabama. The Trail spans 11 different locations across the state with over 400 holes of golf all designed by legendary course designer Robert Trent Jones, Sr. The more popular courses on the trail are in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Auburn, making it perfect for an extended trip. Some of the best courses on the trail include Ross Bridge, Grand National (2 courses) and Capitol Hill (3 courses).Weather-wise, fall is the best time to hit the trail with average temps hovering around 80s (dipping into the 70s as fall goes on) with a limited amount of rainfall. The summer months are usually where the pricing is the highest so you can find the best deals in the fall with courses still in good condition.
There has already been a huge uptick in fall golf trip bookings, so make sure to start planning now to get the travel dates and tee times you want for your group!
Editor’s note: This article is presented in partnership with Golfbreaks. When you make a purchase through links in this article, GolfWRX may earn an affiliate commission.
RELATED: 7 PGA TOUR courses you need to play
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Bob
May 12, 2022 at 6:43 pm
Good for Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancée to speak out against the LIV Bonesaw Tour.
This was NOT a mistake Greg. Making an example out of a journalist as a warning to other journalists is NOT a mistake. It is terrorism. Saudi Arabia was the country “officially” most directly connected to 911. What a coincidence.
Satan is rubbing his hands staring at you, Greg.
Truth Teller
May 2, 2022 at 5:07 pm
We have dropped Nuclear Bombs on a country. LOL When Obama was president he dropped 100,000 bombs on the middle east killing thousands upon thousands of innocents. Same thing with GW. Bush. But you think the Saudi’so are horrific for keeping their women in line and throwing the odd gay off a building. It’s nothing compared to what we have done.
PJ
Apr 26, 2022 at 8:27 am
It’s funny to read all the comments and fake outrage about Saudi human rights when not a word is said about China who is #1 in the world when it comes to human rights abuses. If you are against Saudi for their human rights abuses I can only assume you don’t use Apple phones or wear Nike products, all of which are made in China. I’m not condoning what the Saudis do but China is worse yet no one says a word. Tiger wears Nike gear along with many other tour players. Has anyone said a word about that? Of course not because you are hypocrites. The new league will thrive because professional athletes compete for money. Love makes the world go round but money greases the wheel. That’s just how it goes.
Dennis
Apr 21, 2022 at 3:56 am
The Saudis don‘t share our values, don‘t share our way of life. Why do they want to take part of it in sports?
jgpl001
Apr 21, 2022 at 3:55 am
4 Big Names????
OMG, you mean 4 washed up tour players who now struggle every week?
I wouldn’t look a them if they were in my garden
This utter nonsense will fail spectacularly
Fan
Apr 30, 2022 at 12:12 pm
It will succeed and be good for all golfers. Touring professionals will thank Greg Norman later.
GMatt
Apr 15, 2022 at 12:01 pm
Free Market… If that’s where they want to play so be it. If you want to watch then watch, if not then turn the channel and watch something else. Just be cognizant of the REAL WORLD…Money Talks…..
Don
Apr 20, 2022 at 2:50 pm
It certainly is a free market. It is a shame that some people, who have ethical issues, would support the Saudi’s who are known as murders and human rights violators. Anything for the almighty dollar!
Nuke the Revelers
Apr 28, 2022 at 10:11 am
Hey Don, you wont do ****.
Jon Schenkel
Apr 15, 2022 at 11:49 am
Hope Saudi collapses ! Does anybody care about human rights ? They obviously don’t ! . Good Luck ! ?
will
Apr 16, 2022 at 8:10 pm
It always makes me laugh to see someone in the west make comments about human rights..
Joe
Apr 19, 2022 at 3:59 pm
Because you are clueless?
JB
Apr 20, 2022 at 1:03 pm
Compared to Saudi Arabia and the middle East? Yes, we have a much better record on human rights.
Ryan
Apr 25, 2022 at 3:48 pm
We indiscriminately drop bombs on civilians around the
world—including US citizens. We have torture sites around the world as well. Read a history book.
Michael
Apr 15, 2022 at 11:39 am
It figures Trumpwhore is hosting an event in America.
I wonder who will broadcast it. You know it won’t be CBS, NBC, ABC or ESPN. Fox most likely despite their previous full blown failure.
Randall Flagg
Apr 15, 2022 at 10:22 am
I want names on the back of polos. “He Hate Me” is perfect for Phil.
Pingback: ‘A lot of Korn Ferry Tour players are going to get rich’ – KFT players flock to second Saudi event – GolfWRX
Birdies
Apr 14, 2022 at 9:54 pm
Bring on the new.
Fiat Currency is Fake
Apr 14, 2022 at 5:43 pm
Saudis looking for bagholders for Federal Reserve Notes before they go poof.
Gerry T
Apr 15, 2022 at 10:57 am
Hmmmm…and your point is…your commeentyy appears to bee going poof!
gurn
Apr 14, 2022 at 4:35 pm
This would be a great fit for Sabbatini and Angry Davis Love. Both get little joy from golf.
JT Dare
Apr 14, 2022 at 9:01 am
After what the Saudis did to Kashoggi, no credible journalist should cover a shot of this so-called league.
Happy Gilmore
Apr 14, 2022 at 9:57 pm
Journalism is dead.
Jack Nash
Apr 15, 2022 at 10:55 am
Remember libia? What happened then, which enabled eyesis.
Michael
Apr 15, 2022 at 11:41 am
Dude, your ability to communicate in English is in serious need of help.
Gerry T
Apr 15, 2022 at 10:56 am
Our own PM Turdeau has been kissing Saudi arse, but this league’s survival won’t be based on your judgements.
Holden Tudiks
Apr 13, 2022 at 11:00 pm
February…. didn’t care. March…. continued to not care. April…. still don’t give a ^%$#
Bob
Apr 13, 2022 at 10:41 pm
Saudis just trying to get rid of their Petrodollars onto a few bagholder golfers before they become worthless.
LOL.
Mike
Apr 14, 2022 at 4:24 pm
Petrodollars are US currency.
Bob
Apr 14, 2022 at 5:46 pm
You are exactly right, Mike. Brilliant!
Travis Bickle
Apr 13, 2022 at 10:08 pm
Who knows!?!? Ever heard of the WWF/WCW Monday Night war of the mid to late 90s? Well there might be a Sunday Night war for the PGA Tour/Saudi league.
RH Hernandez
Apr 13, 2022 at 8:00 pm
Maybe Rickie Fowler could make a cut over there…
Gerry T
Apr 15, 2022 at 10:50 am
Maybe you could too! ??
Tom Kay
Apr 13, 2022 at 7:12 pm
Big fish in small pond playing for huge prize pool.
David Hood
Apr 13, 2022 at 5:16 pm
It will be interesting to watch. I will be tuning in and as Norman says eventually it will gain traction. Money talks
geohogan
Apr 14, 2022 at 7:55 pm
No one will watch and Norman will fail again.
Wise Grasshopper
Apr 30, 2022 at 12:15 pm
Patience little grasshopper….. things take time. This will succeed.
Gerry T
Apr 15, 2022 at 11:00 am
I believe so too! Tim Finchem was too self-righteous to let this happen! Jealousy will get the PGA tour nowhere!
More Golf Please
Apr 13, 2022 at 4:52 pm
These players are independent contractors and the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, R&A, and USGA, don’t have a monopoly on golf.
If these players want to play the Asian Tour events, because at the end of the day that’s what they are, so be it. It doesn’t affect me one bit and it gives me more golf to watch.
I didn’t see many complaints when Harold Varner won the “Saudi” event, so…..
I’m all for these players to make all the money they can.
If anyone can give me a reason why the tour and this league can coexist, I’m all ears.
Gerry T
Apr 15, 2022 at 11:05 am
Well said! I work for contracts as a security guard. No offers in recent months opened the door for me to return to golf course employment. Snooze, you lose.
Whit Baker
Apr 13, 2022 at 4:05 pm
SCUM
Ruth Anne Phillips
Apr 13, 2022 at 3:36 pm
Let’s hope the Saudis decide not to start hacking up golfers.
If there’s a women’s league, I’m guessing they won’t be able to drive the golf carts and the skirts will be long enough as to not show ankles.
But hey, maybe Jared Kushner can use some of 2 billion dollar Saudi investment to get Ivanka a gig as a female entrepreneur. They already gave her 100 million. Whatever happened to that?
Seriously, I’m Pretty sure these guys are safe from reproach – we were able to overlook that most of the 911 highjackers came from and were funded by Saudi Arabia – so I’m pretty sure we can handle this.
Greg Norman just wants a piece of that Saudi cash cow. Good for him. Maybe Russia will start a new league next.
El Culebrón
Apr 13, 2022 at 5:22 pm
Do you feel the same way about the LPGA playing in Saudi Arabia for “Saudi” money?
Just asking….
Big Woman Ruthie
Apr 13, 2022 at 10:58 pm
But hey, maybe Hunter Biden can use some of billion dollar Ukraine investment to get his stripper baby mama a gig as a female entrepreneur. They already gave her 10% to the “Big Guy”. Whatever happened to that?
Don
Apr 20, 2022 at 2:54 pm
No kidding…the Saudi’s are rag top maggots.
Tiger who
Apr 13, 2022 at 2:18 pm
If they’re looking for more players you can sign me up.
aedeoiad
Apr 13, 2022 at 1:21 pm
Norman: “I have literally nothing of substance to say so here’s some complete bullshit I’ve made up.”
ND Hickman
Apr 13, 2022 at 12:12 pm
We’ve had the underwhelming list of venues already, then we get an equally underwhelming leak of players who are ready to sign. How else can Greg bore me to tears?
Oh Hickman!
Apr 13, 2022 at 2:12 pm
I guess you didn’t get an invite?
I’m sure you would have turned it down, lol…
Hickman's Ghost
Apr 13, 2022 at 2:14 pm
Underwhelming? Lol….
I guess you didn’t get an invite, lol…
CG
Apr 13, 2022 at 4:25 pm
Another coward heard from.
CG Cry Baby
Apr 13, 2022 at 4:44 pm
Whaaaaa!
No Donkey?
Apr 13, 2022 at 11:00 am
No Donkey Kuch?
Kdouuuuuuuuche, Kdouuuuuuuuuuche, Kdouuuuuuuuuuuuche, Kdouuuuuuuuuche, Kdouuuuuuuuuuche, Kdouuuuuuuuuuche….