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Diego Maradona and his love for golf; golf world pays tribute to sporting icon

Published

3 years ago

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The sporting world is mourning the loss of a great, with the passing of Diego Maradona on Wednesday. The Argentine, who led his country to glory at the 1986 World Cup,  is widely considered to be the greatest footballer/soccer player of all time but golf was a sport that was also very close to his heart.

Maradona took the sport up at the age of 40 when in Cuba and reportedly became so fanatic over the game that he would regularly play two 18 hole rounds a day.

Speaking to Golfing World a decade ago, Diego explained how he got bitten by the golf bug, and it’s something we all can relate to:

“I only started playing when I was 40, and even though I think I maybe took up golf a bit too late, ever since I started, I’ve been bitten by the bug. I haven’t been able to think of spending a single day without playing golf.”

In the same interview, Maradona, who worked his way down to a 16 handicap, also revealed the similarities between his sport and golf, comparing the movement of the swing to a free-kick in football, and also poked fun at how it’s viewed as a relaxing past time for some.

“There’s a certain similarity between football and golf; it’s in the movements. In the way you position your body for a free-kick as well as a golf swing.

Some people say golf is relaxing, but I don’t think you can relax too much. But it is great fun.”

According to Gerardo Lorenzo, a chauffeur for the British Embassy who played with Maradona while in Cuba: “He became a golf fanatic and even played at night with phosphorescent balls.”

Here is how some tour pro golfers have been paying tribute to Maradona via social media:

“Thanks to the greatest. Diego Armando, we are going to miss you!”

 

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Gianni is the Managing Editor at GolfWRX. He can be contacted at [email protected].

19th Hole

LET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you

Published

21 hours ago

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Apr 26, 2024

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On Friday morning, Ladies European Tour player, Hannah Gregg, took to social media to share her weekly expenses playing on the LET.

“Expenses of my first week on Ladies European Tour: Flights: $2600 Work Visa: $350 

  • Food: $377 
  • Caddie: $0 because I have an amazing Fiancé 
  • Hotel: $0 because  @GregChalmersPGA sorted me host housing for the week!  
  • Rental Car: +0 because the Tour Tee guys GAVE me their car  
  • Gas: $165 
  • Entry Fee: $130 
  • Lounge Pass for caddie: $50 
  • Gym: $0 
  • Yardage book: $0 
  • Total expenses: $3672 

Made cut, finished 54th, total earned: $1244 Factor in 35% tax on earnings. To break even, needed to finish 24th. To make money, 21st. Guess we have our goals laid out for next event!”

When factoring in Gregg’s free housing, free caddie and free rental car, it’s evident that most LET players would have to finish well inside of the top-20 to make any money.

With ridiculous amounts of money being thrown around in professional golf these days, it’s important to remember the other side of the coin as well. There are countless professionals out there who struggle to get by on their golf salary.

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19th Hole

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

Published

2 days ago

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Apr 25, 2024

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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

Published

2 days ago

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Apr 25, 2024

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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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