In the magazine: Iron Play Masterclass, Scottie Scheffler, Solheim Cup preview, Seve’s family home and much more!
A message from editor Neil Tappin:
As I write this, the Paris Olympics have just finished and once again I have found myself fascinated by sports I had previously paid little or no attention to. From diving and track cycling to gymnastics and steeplechase, I became an instant ‘expert’, cheering on Team GB and getting swept up in the stories of these remarkable athletes. There is nothing quite like the Olympics.
Looking back now, I remember raising my eyebrows when there was first talk of golf returning in the mid-2010s. For me, the Olympics should be the pinnacle of any sport and with The Masters, The Open, The Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup being so high profile, I found the idea of golf as an Olympic discipline difficult to accept.
Having now watched the men’s and women’s tournaments in Paris, I am happy to say that my opinion has completely changed – perhaps it has something to do with the absurd amount of money available to the best male players today. As these riches have poured into golf, the idea of competing for something bigger than yourself, something more than a financial reward, has become increasingly attractive, and Scottie Scheffler’s tears on the podium were a good example of this.
In this edition, Michael Weston, with the help of Scheffler’s university golf coach John Fields, offers a fascinating insight into his rise to become the most dominant male golfer since Tiger Woods. He now has Olympic gold – one of the few feats Tiger has not achieved. With the Solheim Cup just around the corner, Alison Root puts together her essential guide and also interviews European vice-captain Anna Nordqvist. To round off our feature section, Michael also tells of his incredible trip to Pedrena in Spain to visit the Ballesteros family home.
Each of these articles is a timely reminder that elite sport is not about the money. Golf, like all Olympic sports, is about the challenge of competition and the ups and downs of the journey.
Further highlights from the current issue can be found below…
Iron Play Master Class
For top 50 coach John Howells, the most important rule of iron play is to hit bottom after the ball. Here he goes into more detail and gives you some top tips and advice on how to take your iron play to the next level…
Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler is a remarkable golfer who is well on his way to becoming one of the greats. Michael Weston analyzes his achievements and explores his life so far…
Solheim Cup Preview
The importance and excitement of the Solheim Cup seems to grow with each edition, and this year’s encounter in Virginia promises to be no exception…
Visiting Seve
Michael Weston makes a pilgrimage to Pedrena, Spain, to visit Seve’s family home and speak to his children about his life and legacy.
Anna Nordqvist
Alison Root talks to Anna Nordqvist, the three-time major champion and first playing assistant captain in the history of the Solheim Cup.
The perfect golf day
We take a close look at the requirements for organizing and executing an unforgettable and successful event.
The hottest new gear
We’re showcasing 19 pages of the best new gear hitting the market this month, including a first look at the Titleist GT drivers and fairway woods.
The best places to play
Our team of course experts travel the UK and Ireland across the world to bring you a mix of well-known clubs and insider tips for your wish list.