Paying homage to his nickname – and following on from the popularity of his S-THREE ‘Iceman’ design – Stenson has helped with the design of another ultra-cool ‘Iceman’ inspired shoe in an ice-cold blue and white colourway, with the ECCO logo emblazoned on the sole. Stenson’s special edition shoe also features his now trademark tag reading “Henrik Stenson The Iceman”.

“I’m very excited to once again join forces with ECCO GOLF to create another ‘Iceman’ style,” commented Stenson. “ECCO GOLF is synonymous with crafting fantastic shoes, and it’s super cool that they continue to give me the chance to help create my own styles.

“I have stuck with the icy-cool colours for my BIOM^® H4, and I really wanted to make it look like you’re walking with ice on the sole of your shoe, hence the bright white and blue colours. I can’t wait to get my hands on a pair and turn some heads out on the golf course.”

Van Rooyen, who has now established himself as a style icon out on tour, has designed a snazzy, eye-catching colourway. Erik has become known for pushing the boundaries of golfing attire, often sporting clothes that have never before been seen at a PGA Tour event.

He has continued to make his mark with his custom BIOM^® H4 shoes, creating a striking colourway with a black insole, white leather outer and a brilliant, patterned finish on the midsole. Hidden on the sole of the shoe is a blue and orange colour scheme that is bound to catch the eye. The design also pays homage to van Rooyen’s love of guitar, with a nod to guitar strings on the uppers of the shoe.

Commenting on his custom project, van Rooyen said: “I am chuffed to be working alongside the guys at ECCO GOLF to create an awesome custom shoe design. I really enjoy being different and innovative on the golf course, and I think my design really emulates that feeling for me. It’s awesome to be able to create my own shoe and BIOM H4 is such a great shoe to do it with.”

BIOM^® H4 demonstrates ECCO GOLF’s dedication to innovation through a pioneering set of features and benefits, including:

• ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology; a ‘state change’ process that uses specialised fluid materials to form around an anatomical last, ensuring a finely-tuned balance of cushioning and rebound, while also creating a flexible and durable bond without the compromises common with stitched or glued assemblies
• Natural motion, stability, and control with BIOM^® 2.0 technology that offers low-to-the-ground stability, anatomical support, and a glove-like fit
• The innovative new ECCO MTN GRIP outsole has three different sections for stability and traction, ground penetration, and rotational support throughout the swing
• The T.PU element wraps around the foot from the outsole to the midsole, providing stability while elevating the modern, premium design

Additional detailing includes:

• Reduced seam construction for lightweight flexibility
• X-TENSA INVISIBLE Technology links the sole unit’s T.PU blocks to the lacing system via internal enforcement for 360° stability and a freedom-fit.
• A removable, washable Ortholite^® foam inlay sole provides long-term cushioning and superior breathability, plus the option of extra width when removed

golf.ecco.com

The post BIOM H4 REIMAGINED appeared first on Golf North.

Pre-Qualifying will be played across 18 holes at The Buckinghamshire in Denham on Monday, 11 July.

Final Qualifying will take place on Monday, 1 August at North Berwick, where after 18 holes a minimum of three golfers will earn a place in the AIG Women’s Open being played from 4-7 August.

The Buckinghamshire, which was designed by Ryder Cup Captain John Jacobs, is home to the Ladies’ European Tour and has previously hosted professional championships, including the Andersen Consulting World Championship of Golf won by Greg Norman in 1997 and Colin Montgomerie a year later. More recently it hosted Open Regional Qualifying from 2011 to 2015, the ISPS Handa Ladies European Masters on four occasions and two Rose Ladies Series events.

North Berwick has staged Final Qualifying for The Open on six occasions. It was also host of The Women’s Amateur Championship in 2008, which was won by reigning AIG Women’s Open champion Anna Nordqvist and held The Amateur Championship with Muirfield in 2010 when Jin Jeong of South Korea won the title.

Zoe Ridgway, Championship Director – AIG Women’s Open at The R&A said, “The Buckinghamshire and North Berwick are outstanding championship venues and will present a tough, but fair challenge to the players aiming to qualify for the 2022 AIG Women’s Open. We would like to thank the venues for their support and look forward to seeing which golfers emerge from qualifying to take their place at Muirfield.”

The AIG Women’s Open will take place from 4 – 7 August 2022 at Muirfield, with tickets now on sale via www.aigwomensopen.com. The Championship will follow government guidance in relation to spectator attendance.

Adult tickets will start from £30 with children aged under 16 years old admitted free of charge. Spectators aged 16-24 years old will be entitled to purchase youth tickets starting from £15. A £5 Mastercard discount is available once per person.

Hospitality options are now on sale with further information available at www.aigwomensopen.com/championsclub.

The AIG Women’s Open is proudly supported by VisitScotland.

For further information on the AIG Women’s Open or to purchase tickets, please visit www.aigwomensopen.com.

The post AIG WOMEN’S OPEN QUALIFYING VENUES CONFIRMED appeared first on Golf North.

The Portuguese islands will be more accessible than ever to players from next spring following Ryanair’s announcement that they will be operating new flights to Madeira’s capital Funchal from five airports: Dublin, Paris Beauvais and Marseille in France, Brussels Charleroi and Milan-Bergamo.

The twice-weekly services are part of a new schedule revealed by the low-cost airline which will launch from March. Adding capacity to already serviced cities such as Manchester, London Stansted and Nuremberg, Ryanair’s introduction of 10 routes will connect Madeira with mainland Portugal and six other European countries, helping to strengthen the archipelago’s position as one of the continent’s leading tourism destinations.

Named as Europe’s leading island destination at the 2021 World Travel Awards for the eighth year in a row, Madeira boasts three first-class golf courses – Palheiro Golf, Clube de Golfe Santo da Serra and Porto Santo Golf as well as an array of outstanding historic, cultural and lifestyle experiences.

The best way to enjoy the golf courses is with a Madeira Golf Passport which, providing holders with an unrivalled golf experience, is available to both individuals and groups and can be booked on a three or five-round basis.

Offering a one-stop shop for visitors eager to experience the finest things that the islands have to offer on and off the course, the portal features the chance for golfers to review and book their golf and accommodation, with a selection of quality hotel, self-catering and all-inclusive options all available. Three-round packages cost €225 per person while five-round passports are priced at €360 per person.

Madeira has enjoyed a steady increase in overseas bookings in the last 12 months with growing numbers of European golfers eager to experience the many benefits of playing first-class golf in a safe and secure environment.

Latest figures revealed recently by the Regional Directorate of Statistics of Madeira showed that more travelling golfers visited the Portuguese islands this summer than pre-pandemic two years ago, with the number of guests visiting in August 1.7 per cent more than the corresponding period in August 2019.

Located approximately 1,000km from the European mainland – and just 500km from the African continent – Madeira enjoys an amazingly mild climate, ranging from 25°c in the summer to 17°c in the winter, with very mild average temperatures and moderate humidity, making it the perfect year-round location for a golf break.

And visiting from the UK and Europe has never been easier with Madeira. Belongs to all – the consumer-facing brand of the Madeira Promotion Bureau – taking every step to ensure the safety of every resident and visitor.

Since the start of the pandemic, the archipelago has been considered one of the safest destinations in Europe and has been widely praised for its handling of the Covid-19 crisis. Earlier this year, Madeira was named as one of the safest destinations for 2021 by European Best Destinations and has worked closely with SGS, the world’s leading certification company, to ensure safe practice across the destination and minimise risk in regard to Covid-19.

Under the umbrella brand “Madeira Safe to Discover”, Madeira. Belongs to all has published updated guidelines for all incoming visitors, including for people who have been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid-19.

All adults and children aged 11 and above travelling to Madeira must register on the Madeira Safe site and complete an epidemiological survey between 48 and 12 hours prior to departure.

The green corridor already exists at Madeira airport for those who arrive with a vaccination certificate or with proof of a rapid negative antigen test done within 48 hours of travelling. Alternatively, visitors can take a free test at the airport on arrival and having entered Madeira, visitors are free to travel anywhere in the islands. People who did not test for free on arrival at the airport can still have a free test before travelling back to their country of origin if needed, while discounts are also available on any further tests that are required for visitors returning to their country of origin, with PCR tests from €90 and antigen tests from €18.

In addition, only an antigen test is required within 48 hours of arrival for travellers who have not been vaccinated or have recovered from Covid for more than 90 days.

For more information on Madeira, please visit: www.madeiraallyear.com

The post MADEIRA ON RUNWAY TO FURTHER GOLFING SUCCESS IN 2022 appeared first on Golf North.

Featuring an improved user interface and faster response times, the state-of-the-art software is simple to use and removes the need for golfers to use multiple apps to book upcoming games of golf.

The new-look booking page can be accessed directly from the HowDidiDo app’s timeline via a new booking button. Golfers can use the calendar feature to see a daily tee sheet for their selected date, which displays available tee times and any competitions on that day.

Upcoming competitions can also be viewed directly in one place, allowing for quick and easy sign-ups, while golfers can add playing partners, manage services such as buggy or trolley rental, and pay competition fees during the process. And with all bookings now being shown on the same page, golfers will be able see all their future rounds allowing them to plan their golfing calendar with ease.

Richard Peabody, CEO of HowDidiDo Media and managing director of Club Systems International, said: “We are always looking at ways to improve the services that we offer to our members and some of the feedback that we received from club golfers was that they wanted a more streamlined way of organising their golf.

“The creation of the booking platform means that we can offer competition results, score entry and all tee-time booking on one free solution, making life much easier all-round for golfers. We’re confident that it will prove very popular with our members and HowDidiDo can truly claim to be a one-stop shop for all golfers’ needs.”

The launch of the booking page is the latest new feature to be unveiled by HowDidiDo as the leading online golf platform continues to go from strength to strength following the recent surge in golfers in the UK and Ireland.

The latest figures for HowDidiDo revealed that, over the last two years, the number of page views on the site rose by nearly 146 per cent to an incredible 141,858,672 views, while the number of golfers using the platform has increased by 57.2 per cent.

In the ‘Today’s Golf’ section of the site – the area that allows to golfers sign in for competitions, add scores and view live leaderboards – there have been nearly 8.9m interactions over the same period, while the regular upgrade and introduction of new software of its free-to-download mobile app has seen numbers grow in record amounts.

With new features including the innovative Mobile Score Input (MSi) function – allowing all golf club members across Great Britain and Ireland to enter their own and their marker’s competition scores safely and quickly through their own mobile device – the app has revolutionised the visibility and control its users have over their handicaps, completely transforming and modernising the way golfers can input their scores and keep track of their performance.

With such technology at their fingertips, golfers have flocked to take advantage. The app has achieved 754,600 total downloads on iOS and Android devices, an increase of 47 per cent since the original app was redesigned in 2019, while the number of handicap qualifying rounds recorded was 3,537,959 rounds – a rise of 336,000 despite the UK and Ireland lockdown restrictions.

The HowDidiDo system, part of the solution offered to golf clubs by Club Systems International software, holds data from 128.9 million rounds of golf, along with handicaps, results and scores from nearly a million golf club members.
HowDidiDo allows members to analyse their game and compare performance with other players at their club or across the entire HowDidiDo network and is rapidly becoming the largest online social golfing hub in the world, with new, engaging and exciting content for golfers to enjoy. It is also used for official CONGU and WHS handicap and competition results.
As Europe’s largest online community, HowDidiDo has more than 750,000 club golfers from 1,600-plus registered clubs using the website or mobile app regularly across the UK and Ireland.
www.howdidido.com

Facebook: @HowDidiDo

Twitter: @HowDidiDo

Instagram: @HowDidiDo_

Youtube: @HowDidiDo

The post HOWDIDIDO BOOKING PLATFORM HAS ALL ROUNDS COVERED appeared first on Golf North.

The work is the latest step by the governing bodies to make the Rules easier to understand and apply and follows the modernisation process of the Rules of Golf in 2019.  The new Rules were informed by golfer and golf industry feedback as part of a comprehensive review, to ensure they continue to reflect how the modern game is played by millions of golfers around the world.

This review, along with global feedback received when the proposals were publicly shared earlier this year, reaffirmed amateur golf’s important position in the game and the value in maintaining amateur status Rules.

The result is a set of Rules that removes many of the restrictions that previously applied to amateur golfers, while ensuring that the integrity of the game is protected by limiting the form and value of the prizes an amateur golfer can accept.

As part of the modernisation effort, the new Rules identify only the following acts that will result in a golfer losing their amateur status:

• Accepting a prize with a value exceeding the prize limit (£700/$1000) or accepting prize money in a handicap competition.
• Playing as a professional.
• Accepting payment for giving instruction (although all current exceptions still apply, such as coaching at educational institutions and assisting with approved programmes).
• Accepting employment as a golf club professional or membership of an association of professional golfers.

To achieve this simplified approach, the following key changes have been introduced:

• Distinguishing between scratch and handicap competitions in terms of the prizes that may be accepted.
• The prize rule applies only to tee-to-hole competitions played on a golf course or a simulator but no longer apply to long-drive, putting and skills competitions that are not played as part of a tee-to-hole competition.
• Eliminating all advertising, expense-related and sponsorship restrictions.

The new opportunities provided by lifting sponsorship restrictions and the ability to accept prize money up to the increased limit of £700 or $1000 in scratch-only competitions will be of significant benefit to elite amateur golfers looking for ways to fund golf-related expenses.

Grant Moir, Director of Rules at The R&A, said, “We are delighted to be rolling out the modernised Rules of Amateur Status today. These Rules play an important role in protecting the integrity of our self-regulating sport but the code must evolve to meet the needs of the modern game. This is particularly important for modern elite amateur golf, where many of the players need financial support to compete and develop to their full potential. The new Rules give them this opportunity and will help to make the game even more inclusive.”

“Golf is unique in its broad appeal to both recreational and competitive golfers,” said Craig Winter, USGA Senior Director, Rules of Golf and Amateur Status. “This was emphasised in the feedback we received earlier this year and we believe these updates will help simplify these Rules and ensure the long-term health of the amateur game not only to those who compete at the highest level of amateur golf but for the millions of golfers at every age and skill level who enjoy competitive events at their home courses.”

The new Rules are accompanied by guidance notes, an overview document and explanations that detail the rationale for why changes have been made and, in some instances, why they have stayed the same. These materials can be found at www.RandA.org and www.usga.org.

The post Golf’s Modernised Rules Of Amateur Status Published appeared first on Golf North.

The R&A Scholars Education Day provides the chance for scholars to learn from industry leaders, and network with others also undertaking professional turf management qualifications.

Organised by Wendy Cole, Sustainability Manager of the R&A, the seminar consisted of crucial topics for course management, including sustainable development, integrated turf management, ecology and

water management, and tips for working alongside the wider course administration team.

We also welcomed Jim Croxton, CEO BIGGA; James Hutchinson, Sustainability Executive, BIGGA; Alistair Beggs, Head of Agronomy, R&A. Following the speaker presentations in the Egerton Suite, the group enjoyed a delicious lunch and round of golf to finish on our impeccably presented course.

In attendance was Knutsford Golf Club’s Course Manager, David Jones, who was selected to receive a place on the prestigious R&A Scholarship scheme in 2014 and completed his HNC in Golf Course Management in 2017. The scheme supports 411 scholars in 37 countries, who must go through a rigorous selection process in order to prove their commitment to continued professional development.

The Club is dedicated to supporting its employees in their professional development, and counting our own Course Manager among this elite group of scholars, together with Deputy Course Manager, Neil Sidebotham, studying HNC Golf Course Management and Assistant Greenkeeper, Ben Lambert, studying NVQ Level 2 “Sports Turf”, ensures that Knutsford remains at the forefront of industry developments, and the course continues to be better, healthier and more sustainable.

 Knutsford Golf Club recently commissioned an Environmental Report, conducted by James Hutchinson of BIGGA, who was also speaking at the Scholars Education Day, providing insight on best practices to develop the ecological aspects of the course. Forward thinking ensures not only the members and visitors’ enjoyment of the Club, but the longevity and preservation of an environment which supports an abundance of wildlife.

Phil Smeathers, Knutsford Golf Club Chair of Greens, said:

“All of us at Knutsford Golf Club were thrilled to host the R&A Scholarship Day. Seeing this group of forward-thinking Course Managers getting together with experts from The R&A and BIGGA to hone their approaches to Course Ecology and Sustainability was inspiring for me and our members.”

“Our Course Manager, David Jones, is an R&A Scholar who is passionately engaged with developing our course to best in class ecological standards. It was great to see David and the delegates playing a few holes and seeing the many positive changes we are making. Thank you for your feedback and encouragement. We look forward to welcoming The R&A back to Knutsford, where you are guaranteed a warm reception.”

 David Jones, Course Manager at Knutsford Golf Club, said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome fellow Scholars and The R&A representatives to Knutsford to enjoy a day of learning and golf together.”

 The Knutsford Golf Club is a welcoming and friendly members club in the heart of Cheshire. With 130 years of heritage and unique positioning next to Tatton Park, the club is dedicated to developing a modern and progressive culture, enabling players of all abilities to enjoy the fantastic course.

More information can be found at www.knutsfordgolf.com and via our social media channels Facebook www.facebook.com/knutsfordgolf , Instagram www.instagram.com/knutsfordgolf and Twitter www.twitter.com/knutsfordgolf

The post A Day of Learning with The R&A Scholars at Knutsford Golf Club appeared first on Golf North.

 It has been designed and built in as sustainable a manner as possible, using materials already available within the Park and locally. This facility will help open up the game of golf to people of all ages and backgrounds, introducing a whole new generation to the sport, and above all, making it a fun and entertaining experience for families and friends.

Speaking of the announcement Padraig commented:

“I have always been in awe of the popularity of the Himalayas Putting Course in St. Andrews and wanted to be involved in providing something similar for the people of Ireland to allow them to experience golf in a fun and family focused setting.

 With this in mind, the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation, with the assistance of a golf development grant from The R&A to contribute towards the construction of the facility and also a grant from Golf Ireland, supported by Sport Ireland’s special projects scheme, will fund the design and construction of  a state of the art, undulating and unique putting course covering 3,000 square metres at Marlay Park, working in partnership with Turfgrass® and Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

 My sincere thanks go to John Clarkin and his team at Turfgrass®, Anthony Bennett at Atlantic Golf Construction, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and it’s Parks team, all the contractors who have also offered their time and services for free or at preferential rates, as well as both The R&A and Golf Ireland for their generous grants.”

 An Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Cllr Lettie McCarthy said:

 “Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is dedicated to maintaining and developing the very best in publicly accessible sports and leisure facilities to the citizens of the county and is very proud of this new partnership with one of Irelands greatest sports stars. We very much look forward to its official opening in Spring 2022!”

The design and construction began in recent months, with the next step being to seed the putting green with a blend of grasses which are both indigenous and sustainable. The intention is to have an official opening in Spring of next year, depending on the growing conditions over the winter. Harrington, the Council and everyone involved in the inception and delivery of what will be a world class local facility very much look forward to bringing the game of golf in an accessible way to a new generation and a new audience.

For more information, please visit www.padraigharrington.com

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The latest development in the hugely successful BIOM^® HYBRID performance series, BIOM^® H4 allows golfers to walk more comfortably from tee to green, as well as experiencing advanced motion control throughout the swing.

A breakthrough in ECCO’s ever-evolving last technology, BIOM^® H4 features the new BIOM^® 2.0 last which offers a modern, updated look and feel combined with BIOM^®NATURAL MOTION^® Technology that enables the foot to move naturally, close to the ground, and forms like a second skin around the foot.

Powered by state-of-the-art motion technologies, the pioneering new ECCO MTN GRIP outsole includes three sections to provide the ideal blend of traction, stability, and rotational support, while ECCO FLUIDFORM^™ Direct Comfort Technology ensures a finely-tuned balance of cushioning and rebound to deliver dynamic comfort.

Wrapping around the foot from the outsole to the midsole, the T.PU element on the side of BIOM^® H4 enhances lateral stability while adding to the contemporary, premium design – with colour pops helping to create a vibrant aesthetic in certain styles.

The shoe’s uppers are crafted from premium, durable and thin ECCO performance leather, made in ECCO’s own tanneries, providing natural protection from wind and water. This is enhanced with 100% waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX technology that keeps feet dry and comfortable in all conditions.

The new BOA^® option comes in Black or White colourways for men; complementing the Black, White, Silver Grey and White/Concrete colourways available in the laced version of the shoe.

For women, BIOM^® H4 is available in three new colourways for Autumn/Winter 2021, with Ombre in the laced option, and Black or White/Silver Grey in the BOA^® Fit System. The design also comes in White, Limestone, and White/Silver Grey laced options.

BIOM^® H4 demonstrates ECCO GOLF’s dedication to innovation through a pioneering set of features and benefits, including:

• ECCO FLUIDFORM™ Direct Comfort Technology; a ‘state change’ process that uses specialised fluid materials to form around an anatomical last, ensuring a finely-tuned balance of cushioning and rebound, while also creating a flexible and durable bond without the compromises common with stitched or glued assemblies
• Natural motion, stability, and control with BIOM^® 2.0 technology that offers low-to-the-ground stability, anatomical support, and a glove-like fit
• The innovative new ECCO MTN GRIP outsole has three different sections for stability and traction, ground penetration, and rotational support throughout the swing
• The T.PU element wraps around the foot from the outsole to the midsole, providing stability while elevating the modern, premium design

Additional detailing includes:

• Reduced seam construction for lightweight flexibility
• X-TENSA INVISIBLE Technology links the sole unit’s T.PU blocks to the lacing system via internal enforcement for 360° stability and a freedom-fit.
• A removable, washable Ortholite^® foam inlay sole provides long-term cushioning and superior breathability, plus the option of extra width when removed.

ECCO GOLF shoes are worn in competition around the world by Henrik Stenson, Thomas Bjørn, Fred Couples, Erik van Rooyen, Lydia Ko, Minjee Lee and Caroline Masson, among others.

For further information about ECCO GOLF, please visit golf.ecco.com

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