In theory, golf is a pretty simple game. You put a ball on a tee, hit it and chase it around until you stroke the ball into the hole at the 18th. But have you ever tried to explain the rules to an absolute beginner? These are the rules that drive Golfshake's Derek Clements nuts - and should be tossed into the nearest water hazard, without penalty.

A worrying statistic emerged as the dust settled on The Masters. It is traditionally the most-watched golf tournament on the planet but CBS in America revealed that its viewing figures had fallen from well over 12 million in 2023 to less than 10 million this time around. But what does this mean for the game?

Scottie Scheffler continues to dominate men's professional golf, but in the aftermath of his Masters victory, Golfshake's Derek Clements was struck not by the American's sensational play, but instead by a gesture that demonstrates what a classy individual he is.

It comes as something of a surprise to see Rory McIlroy in the field for this week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans. This is a team event and is one of the season’s fun tournaments and McIlroy has opted to partner former Open champion Shane Lowry as he begins his preparations for the US PGA Championship.

LIV Golf is back in Australia for its Adelaide event, which was a huge success last year. Eyes will be on home favourite Cameron Smith, but Joaquin Niemann could once again surpass the biggest names and show why he's been the man to beat this season.

There will be a strong home presence as the DP World Tour returns to Japan for the ISPS HANDA Championship, and they are not there to make up the numbers.

Nelly Korda wrote herself into the history books by winning the first women’s major of 2024, the Chevron Championship, for a fifth successive victory. The American world number one joined legendary golfers Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam, to become only the third golfer to achieve the feat.

As the golf season gets into full swing it is the ideal time of year to ask yourself what you want to get from your game in 2024. Will you just carry on where you left off last season, or will you be setting yourself some targets? Here are the keys areas you should probably be working on.
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Most of us who play our sport do so in the company of regular playing partners, people we look forward to hooking up with each and every time we play. Turn up at any golf club and, week after week, you will see the same fourballs turning up for the same tee-time. But what makes the perfect playing partner?
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When you're watching golf on TV, you see many of the most beautiful and challenging courses on the planet, but how many of them would you love to play? Here are some of the venues that Golfshake's Derek Clements dreams about.

All eyes will be on Nelly Korda at The Chevron Championship, the first women’s major of the season, at The Woodlands in Texas. The American world number one is enjoying an extraordinary run of form, having won four tournaments on the bounce.

Matt Fitzpatrick returns to Harbour Town to defend his RBC Heritage title at the magnficent Hilton Head and although it follows The Masters, the Englishman is going to have his work cut out for him if he is to retain the trophy.

Golf clubs have faced huge challenges during the past six months as greenkeepers have struggled to keep courses open and playable in the face of incessant rain, so it was especially depressing to learn that two golf clubs in Bournemouth have seen parts of their courses targeted by mindless vandals.

LIV Golf and the future of the men's professional game was once again part of the backdrop throughout the 2024 Masters Tournament, but in this week's View From The Fairway, Derek Clements asks whether unity is really any closer.

Scottie Scheffler produced a masterful performance to win his second Green Jacket because he made fewer mistakes than anybody else and was able to hit the killer shots when it mattered most. But what else did we learn from this year's Masters? Here are some key takeaways from the week.

Golf is a sport that can make us all look very foolish. When all is going well it is a wonderful way to pass four hours or so. But it can and does always find a way to jump up and bite you. It can embarrass you, it can humiliate you and it can make you look just plain stupid.

For this week's View From The Fairway, Golfshake's Derek Clements returns to an issue that still hasn't gone away on tour and at golf clubs - slow play!

Who could be slipping into that Green Jacket on Sunday at the Masters? Golfshake's Derek Clements has assessed the chances of ten players who may - or may not - have a realistic chance of winning.

The Masters always serves up plenty of drama and this year’s tournament is going to be no exception. Can Rory McIlroy finally end his drought and secure the career Grand Slam? Will Jon Rahm successfully defend the title he won 12 months ago? And who is going to stop Scottie Scheffler from winning his second major?

Augusta National is a unique golf course that presents special challenges. It takes time to get to know its nuances and subtleties, and that is why so many first-timers come to grief. Here, we assess the chances of the Augusta rookies with the best chance of causing an upset.

Augusta National is a thing of rare beauty and offers unique challenges to the world’s finest golfers. Originally designed by Alister MacKenzie, it has been lengthened over the years but the course is still essentially the masterpiece created by MacKenzie.  Here are the holes to look out for as the Masters drama unfolds.

You can take nothing for granted at Augusta National. No lead is ever big enough, with potential disaster lurking around almost every corner - as these unforgettable meltdowns have shown.

Defending champion Jon Rahm is ready for a special week when he hosts the Champions Dinner at Augusta National, but the Spaniard is also looking forward to competing against the world's best.

There is no other major quite like The Masters. It is a tournament that always seems to create magical moments and ahead of this year’s tournament Golfshake's Derek Clements has delved into his memory banks for some of his favourites.

Jon Rahm is the first of two LIV golfers who will be defending majors this year - next month it will be the turn of Brooks Koepka at the US PGA Championship. Twelve months ago, Rahm held his nerve at Augusta National to win the Green Jacket for the first time.

Following our most recent survey, which focused on winter golf and 2024 membership, Derek Clements reports on the results reviewing the information around golf club membership and whilst the membership data is fairly positive and not dissimilar to previous years, there could be some challenging times ahead for some golf clubs.

After writing about his experiences of returning to the game and gaining a golf handicap, Golfshake's Derek Clements received a wide variety of comments and responses from keen golfers about the World Handicap System. He now shares those and reacts to what was said.

Changes have been made to the World Handicap System process, and for this week's View From The Fairway, Golfshake's Derek Clements describes the frustrating impact it has made to him.

LIV Golf arrives at Trump National Doral in Miami this week, with all eyes on the likes of Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Cameron Smith, Patrick Reed, Sergio Garcia, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Adrian Meronk and Joaquin Niemann, who will all be heading to Augusta National next week for The Masters.

The Texas Open at San Antonio provides a final opportunity for players to tune up for next week’s Masters. And the good news is that with Augusta looming, the tournament has attracted a surprisingly strong field.

Nelly Korda wrote herself into the history books by winning the first women’s major of 2024, the Chevron Championship, for a fifth successive victory. The American world number one joined legendary golfers Nancy Lopez and Annika Sorenstam, to become only the third golfer to achieve the feat.

Stephan Jaeger knows how to win tournaments. He has claimed six titles on the Korn Ferry Tour. But in his 135th start on the PGA Tour he finally made the biggest breakthrough of all, winning the Houston Open after Scottie Scheffler missed a five-foot putt on the final green to force a playoff.

It was not pretty in the end but that will not trouble Keita Nakajima, who recorded his maiden DP World Tour victory at the Indian Open.

The game of golf has seen seismic changes in recent times. That could make you long for the supposed good old days. But when he thought about it more, Golfshake's Derek Clements realised that things weren't so great after all back in the day.

Peter Malnati's emotional response to winning the Valspar Championship resonated with many out there - as have his comments since about what the game should be truly about. Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why the American is his new favourite golfer.

What is your dream golf holiday? It's the time of year when most of us start thinking about getting away from it all. It could be a family holiday in the sunshine, a camping trip somewhere in the UK. Or maybe just a long weekend in a hotel. And for golfers, we have so many options to choose from, but this is how you find the perfect golf break.

The guys who play golf on tour are the best in the world. They play a game that is entirely different from the one we experience. In the main, they know a few things that perhaps we can adopt and learn from.

All golfers prepare for majors in different ways. Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods built their season around them, while others adopt a less rigid approach. Golfshake's Derek Clements compares just how the leading contenders are getting ready for this year's Masters.

Former professional and current Sky Sports presenter and commentator, Nick Dougherty has taken the Golf Foundation's Unleash Your Drive campaign, which aims to introduce golf into schools throughout the country, to the House of Commons.

This is a funny old sport. Just when you think you have seen it all it has this habit of shocking, amusing and surprising us. Golfshake's Derek Clements has played and followed golf most of his life and he has seen some pretty strange sights. Here are just a few of them.

Robert MacIntyre had a bit of fun at the Valspar Championship when he chose the result from last year's Ryder Cup as being the wording on his caddie's bib. Golfshake's Derek Clements hopes that the little bit of gentle humour doesn't ultimately backfire on the Scot.

Golfshake's Derek Clements looks at the latest events and stories around the ongoing division in men's professional golf - and just where things might be going.

Scottie Scheffler will be looking for his third successive PGA Tour victory when he tees it up at the 2024 Texas Children’s Houston Open at Memorial Park Golf Course.

Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard makes his debut at the Hero Indian Open this week alongside a host of golfers looking for success on the DP World Tour’s Asian Swing.

Peter Malnati ended a near nine-year wait for his second PGA Tour title as he won the Valspar Championship, securing a place at The Masters in the process.

Jesper Svensson became the latest first-time winner on the DP World Tour as he claimed the Singapore Classic in a playoff, beating a resurgent Kiradech Aphibarnrat.

It seems pretty obvious that the world of golf faces some serious challenges. Of course there are lots of things to be optimistic about but there is also much we should be concerned about. Golfshake's Derek Clements has had a thought about what the biggest problems are - and this is how he would correct them.

World number one Scottie Scheffler has just won both the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Players Championship in consecutive weeks, making the American the clear favourite for the 2024 Masters. But just how good is he? Golfshake's Derek Clements looks into the numbers to find out.

Reflecting on months of wet weather and difficult golfing conditions, Derek Clements dedicates his latest View From The Fairway to the incredible work of greenkeepers across the game.

Whisper it, but the countdown to The Masters is well and truly on. This week sees the Valspar Championship, which ends the Florida Swing, and the world’s best golfers are now doing whatever they feel they need to in order to get their games in shape for Augusta National.

The DP World Tour’s Asian Swing gets under way with the Porsche Singapore Classic at Laguna National Golf Resort Club. And it has to be said that the field is surprisingly strong.

Have you watched the second season of Full Swing on Netflix? Golfshake's Derek Clements shares his detailed review of the latest series, explaining how it was an improvement on the first and the reasons why he found it absorbing to consume.

We absolutely love golf, but there are things about it that quite simply get on our nerves. Golfshake's Derek Clements has listed the issues that drive him most insane. How many of his rants do you agree with?

Despite having spectacular success last year, Viktor Hovland has changed coaches and sought to make changes to his swing. Golfshake's Derek Clements is baffled by this as such moves haven't always worked for great players who decided to update their technique.

Golf is a sport full of tradition, but that doesn't mean that there aren't areas that should evolve. Golfshake's Derek Clements has picked out just some of the things that he would change about the game, from the sensible to the essential - and even the blasphemous.

We all know the names of Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Gene Sarazen, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo and Phil Mickelson. But what about those who may be forgotten? We thought it might be fun to try to identify a few of the best golfers you have probably never heard of.

The Official World Golf Ranking continues to be in the spotlight, with many questioning its credibility. Golfshake's Derek Clements believes they are flawed but that the ranking itself has a place in the game. Is there any way to fix the system?

The Players Championship takes place at TPC Sawgrass this week, with the PGA Tour’s best players tackling Pete Dye’s fiendish layout - and defending champion Scottie Scheffler is bang in form.

There are many who feel that crowds at the Ryder Cup - on both sides of the Atlantic - have gone too far in recent years. And the worst may be yet to come. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks ahead to what could be a rowdy Ryder Cup at Bethpage in 2025!

Many of you are about to return to the fairways for the first time since putting the clubs away last autumn. But when you head to the course where you play your golf, what do you expect to find in 2024? You may not be surprised to learn that we have a few tongue-in-cheek ideas...

As DP World Tour titles go, the Jonsson Workwear Open is hardly the most prestigious. But try telling that to Matteo Manassero, the Italian golfer who ended a near 11-year drought to finally land his fifth success.

Mexico's Abraham Ancer blew a five-stroke lead but still managed to win his first LIV Golf event after a play-off in Hong Kong.

Matteo Manassero produced a comeback win for the ages when he claimed the Jonsson Workwear Open at Glendower in South Africa. It was his first win on the main tour in almost 11 years and it came after many had written off the Italian. 

If you're reading this article, then you're most likely someone who loves golf. But what is it about this sport that makes it so special? Golfshake's Derek Clements has come up with another 18 things that he loves about this incredible game!

LIV Golf continues its march around the globe with a visit to Hong Kong. Can Joaquin Niemann maintain his brilliant form, or will this be the week when Jon Rahm claims individual glory?

LIV Golf figurehead Greg Norman has recently commented that his circuit has been actively trying to recruit former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama. Golfshake's Derek Clements that this public pursuit of the Japanese star is a disgraceful move.

The PGA Tour's new Signature Events have proven to be contentious. Golfshake's Derek Clements - in his latest View From The Fairway - explains why he believes they are a bad concept for golf.

Kurt Kitayama was the surprise winner of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill 12 months ago. The tournament is now one of the PGA Tour’s signature events and, as such, has attracted the cream of the crop.

The Jonsson Workwear Open brings the DP World Tour’s International Swing to a close. This is a co-sanctioned event with the Sunshine Tour, and that means there will be a strong South African presence at Glendower Golf Club.

The new golf season is just around the corner. For those of us who have suffered through the winter it means we can start to look forward to shedding all the winter clothing and begin to feel a bit of warmth on our backs. But the question is: are you ready for the new season? We have a few tips.

Club professionals are a much-maligned species in some circles. But it should be a good career choice. A club pro can make or break a golf club because, at most clubs, he or she is the first and, in some cases, only point of contact. So what makes a good club pro?

Several municipal golf courses in Scotland have recently been threatened with potential closure, but this bleak outcome looks to have been averted following a widespread public outcry and subsequent change of heart from local authorities.

21 LIV players recently competed at the International Series Oman tournament, which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour. Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why an increasing number of these golfers are turning to this circuit.

What is the best golf story of the year so far? There have been some impressive candidates, but it's hard to beat the tale of Joe Dean, who finished runner-up at the Kenya Open in just his second start since gaining his DP World Tour card. As Derek Clements explains, the Englishman has waited a long time for this success.

There was a social media outcry when former PGA Tour professional Mark Lye criticised the lack of star power on the leaderboard in Mexico. Responding to that, Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why first-time winners are the lifeblood of this sport.

Our recent surveys have revealed that there are many areas of golf club membership that trouble us, much of which is understandable, but there is a small army of unsung heroes and heroines at every single course in the land - the volunteers who put themselves forward to take on positions that are both time-consuming and, in the main, thankless.

Golfshake's Derek Clements looks at the constant struggle for women's golf to grab attention and why that is something that desperately needs to change.

LIV Golf returns this week in Jeddah, where Jon Rahm will be hoping to claim his first individual title. The Spaniard may not have won either of the two season-opening tournaments but he did enough to show that he is taking this pretty seriously.

Rory McIlroy headlines the field at PGA National for the rebranded Cognizant Classic. Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, Rickie Fowler, Billy Horschel and Cameron Young are other names that are part of an impressive field in Florida.

England's Matthew Baldwin proved you should never give up on your dreams 12 months ago when he claimed his first DP World Tour title at the 200th attempt in winning the SDC Championship in South Africa by seven shots.

Jake Knapp, who spent time working as a nightclub bouncer, won his first PGA Tour event on only his ninth start as he took the Mexico Open by two shots.

Dutch golfer Darius van Driel scored a remarkable maiden DP World Tour success, winning the Magical Kenya Open by two shots.

Following in the footsteps of a famous parent or sibling is no easy matter. And that is especially true in the world of sport, where it is done under the unremitting glare of media attention. Charlie Woods is facing that scrutiny and Golfshake's Derek Clements believes that it's deeply unfair on the teenager.

When you watch the world's best golfers, you will see that they routinely consume food during their rounds. It's something that many everyday players neglect and it negatively impacts their concentration and preparation. Golfshake's Derek Clements has considered what we should all eat to play our very best.

Defending champion Tony Finau and the in-form Emiliano Grillo will be among the favourites at the Mexico Open, but Golfshake's Derek Clements believes that Belgium's Thomas Detry could upset the odds and claim his first PGA Tour victory.

After a well-deserved two-week break, the DP World Tour returns to action this week with the Magical Kenya Open at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi with Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino looking to continue his extraordinary start to the season.

Following the short appearance of Tiger Woods at last week's Genesis Invitational, Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on the unique star power of the 15-time major champion and describes why it's a major problem for golf that no one else comes anywhere near close. 

Hideki Matsuyama shot a sensational final round of 62 to end a two-year-victory drought in spectacular fashion at the Genesis Invitational.

If you are not especially proficient at something but insist on going about it in exactly the same way, the chances of ever improving are slim to non-existent. And that may apply to the game of golf more than it does to any other sport. Golfshake's Derek Clements describes some of the things that he keeps seeing golfers getting wrong.

What are the things that you most love about playing golf? Have a think and see exactly what you come up with. Golfshake's Derek Clements has been pondering about the particulars that makes this game special to him.

There are many different ways to swing a golf club. If you doubt it, just take a look at the world’s best golfers and study their swings. But the one thing that all these golfers had or have in common is that they all did the basics in exactly the same way. Golf is a game of fundamentals.

Sharing his latest View From The Fairway, Golfshake's Derek Clements addresses the latest stories around LIV Golf and the contrasting views on whether departed players should be accommodated back into regular tour events.

After his miserable performance at Pebble Beach, Rory McIlroy will be looking for better things at the Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club. But this week he will be playing second fiddle to a certain Tiger Woods.

Rikuya Hoshino of Japan captured his first DP World Tour title by shooting a final round of 68 to win the Qatar Masters by a stroke.

Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson birdied three of the last six holes to claim the LIV Golf Las Vegas title by one shot. It was his third title on the circuit and he claimed $4m in prize money.

The English language is both peculiar and highly idiosyncratic. But have you ever thought how odd the language of golf is? All of us who play the game don’t ever give it a second thought, but imagine trying to explain our sport to a layman.

Golfshake's Derek Clements has recently returned to the game after several years of injury problems. Having joined a club and deciding to make his comeback to the golf course, Derek shares an update on his journey that many of us can probably relate to.

Cristobal del Solar wrote himself into the history books with a mind-blowing round of 57 on the Korn Ferry Tour. There have been 12 sub-60 rounds on the PGA Tour. Remarkably, there has only been one each on the DP World Tour and LPGA Tour and we have already seen two on the LIV circuit.

Cristobal del Solar carded one of the lowest scores in the history of professional golf with an astonishing 13-under-par 57 in the Astara Championship.

Golf survived a global pandemic. However, the cost of living crisis is taking its toll in a way that COVID never did. You will no doubt be aware that many councils across the UK face serious budget shortfalls and are looking to make cuts. You also probably will not be surprised to learn that several municipal golf courses are under threat as a result.

There is a huge disparity in prize money on the men’s and women’s professional golf tours. There is still a long, long way to go, but the US Women’s Open has a new partner and will be offering record-breaking prize money this year, as befits such a prestigious major.

This week we will see Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Adrian Meronk and Lucas Herbert teeing it up in LIV Golf's second tournament of the season in Las Vegas. Rahm came within a whisker of winning on his debut in Mexico and will be looking to put that right this time.

Dig out the earplugs and prepare to take cover. Yup, it’s the WM Phoenix Open at TPC Scottsdale and the loudest and largest crowd in golf. Traditionalists may not enjoy everything that goes on here but there is no denying that this tournament is second to none when it comes to entertainment value.

The DP World Tour completes its swing of events in the Middle East at the Qatar Masters, where the likes of Scotland's Ewen Ferguson, Rasmus Hojgaard and former winner Jorge Campillo are among the likely contenders.

With more big-money signings for LIV and billions of dollars being pumped into the PGA Tour, Golfshake's Derek Clements is feeling just a little bit dispirited by what he's seeing in the men's professional game. Sharing his latest View From The Fairway, Derek describes a story that reminded him of what things were once about.

Joaquin Niemann survived starting the day with a two-stroke penalty to beat Sergio Garcia at the fourth playoff hole and win LIV Golf’s season-opening Mayakoba tournament.

Dylan Frittelli won his first DP World Tour title in six years with a two-shot victory at the inaugural Bahrain Championship.

The days are getting longer. It won’t be long before spring is in the air and we can think about putting the thermals away for another year. Are you somebody who sets yourself targets? And if not, why not? Golfshake's Derek Clements shares a few of the things he will doing this season.

If we are to believe everything we read then there is a bidding war going on between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to secure the signature of Anthony Kim. And Golfshake's Derek Clements doesn't understand why.

Our recent survey was a real eye-opener, revealing many things about what you consider makes a good course. There were also plenty of areas of concern for you, with joining fees, increased subscriptions and slow play among your bugbears. It got us thinking about what makes the perfect golf club, the one that you would never consider leaving.

All golf clubs face challenges - but two English venues in particular have recently been threatened by months of flooding and repeated vandalism respectively.

LIV Golf’s new season kicks off at Mayakoba this week and the one guarantee is that this time it will get a little more attention than normal - and that’s because it will see Jon Rahm making his debut.

The DP World Tour returns to Bahrain this week for the first time in 13 years for the inaugural Bahrain Championship. Rasmus Hojgaard headlines a field that includes rising stars Dan Bradbury, Alex Fitzpatrick, Yannik Paul and Jordan Smith.

Justin Rose defends his title at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and if he is going to repeat his success at one of the most iconic venues in America then he is going to have to be at his very best because he will be facing a world-class field.

Reacting to the news that Tyrrell Hatton has become the latest high-profile player to sign for LIV Golf, in his latest View From The Fairway, Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why these stories still matter as the professional game looks for a unified solution.

Matthieu Pavon stunned his rivals by becoming the first French golfer to win on the PGA Tour as he claimed the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines.

Amateurs winning professional golf tournaments is unusual but it is certainly not unheard of. Most of the amateurs who won pro events went on to bigger and better things, but nothing is guaranteed. Here, we look at some of the amateurs who stunned the professionals.

We all dream of low scores, holing birdie putts, hitting towering drives with a gentle draw and seeing our iron shots nestle next to the pin. But improvement does not happen on its own. So here are a few ideas for each and every one of you, tips that just might help you to trim a shot or two from your handicap.

Many of us will soon be digging our golf clubs out of hibernation in readiness for the arrival of spring. But when you have a look inside the bags, what are you likely to find? Here are just some of the objects that could be there!

Golfshake's Derek Clements comments in this week's View From The Fairway on the reaction to the imminent departure of DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley and why he believes that criticism levelled at the Canadian is harsh.

Max Homa is the defending champion this week at the Farmers Insurance Open as the PGA Tour makes its way to Torrey Pines. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks forward to what is always an early season highlight on the calendar.

The likes of Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton may have departed from the scene but the DP World Tour’s Middle East Swing continues with Daniel Gavins defending the Ras Al Khaimah Championship he won 12 months ago.

Nick Dunlap held his nerve to become the first amateur since Phil Mickelson way back in 1991 to win on the PGA Tour. The 20-year-old holed a six-foot par putt on the last to claim The American Express title by one shot from South Africa's Christiaan Bezuidenhout.

As spring approaches and we get the chance to get out there and play more golf, some of us may be drawing up wish lists for what we hope to see at their golf clubs in 2024 - all the more so as subscription renewals start to drop through our letterboxes or pop into our in-boxes. Here are a few of the things that you might be hoping for in the months that lie ahead.

The game is shrouded in uncertainty as the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf desperately try to find a way to work together. It got us thinking about the way other sports deal with change. So the simple question is: what can golf learn from other sports?

Describing his dream scenario for the future of men's professional golf, Rory McIlroy has outlined what he believes needs to happen. For his latest View From The Fairway column, Golfshake's Derek Clements reviews what the Northern Irishman has said.

Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Tom Kim and Tony Finau have all committed to The American Express. There is also a significant European presence, with Robert MacIntyre, Victor Perez, Alexander Bjork, Shane Lowry, Seamus Power and Matt Wallace all opting to tee it up here rather than playing in Dubai.

Of course all eyes will be on defending champion Rory McIlroy as he tries to become the first four-time winner of the Dubai Desert Classic this week but nobody will need to tell him that he is going to have his work cut out.

Grayson Murray ended a six-and-a-half-year search for a win on the PGA Tour by snatching a dramatic play-off victory after a remarkable finish to the Sony Open in Hawaii.

Anybody who has ever swung a golf club will know how frustrating a game this can be. But have you ever been angry enough to literally break your equipment? Then you are not alone.

Keith Pelley, the man who has helped to transform the DP World Tour, is reportedly quitting his post as chief executive to take up a similar job with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.

Rory McIlroy's recent comments about LIV Golf and the future of the game drew a variety of responses, including from Greg Norman and Phil Mickelson. For his latest View From The Fairway opinion article, Golfshake's Derek Clements shares his thoughts on the motivations of those involved and what it could all mean.

One of the things that emerged loud and clear from our recent membership survey is just how many of us have lost valuable playing time because so many courses have been closed as a result of flooding. And this is a problem that has arguably reached unprecedented levels throughout this winter.

Si Woo Kim defends his title at the Sony Open as the first full-field tournament of 2024 gets under way at Waialae Country Club. Gary Woodland and Will Zalatoris return to action, while Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton and Justin Rose will be flying the flag for England.

Rory McIlroy kicks off his season with a double-header in Dubai, starting with the inaugural Dubai Invitational. Unsurprisingly, McIlroy is joined by a host of Europe’s top players, including Tommy Fleetwood, Nicolai Hojgaard, Ryan Fox and Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.

Golfshake's Derek Clements has learned not to be surprised by anything that surrounds the professional game these days. But these latest comments from Rory McIlroy on LIV Golf have left him speechless.

The PGA Tour is back this week with The Sentry. Formerly the Tournament of Champions, for the first time the field includes more than just the year’s PGA Tour winners. The top 50 players from the 2022–23 FedEx Cup points list are also invited to tee it up - hence the change of name.

In a New Year special View From The Fairway, Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on golf in 2023 - the good, the bad, the indifferent and what golf meant for him.

As we head into a new year it is time to look forward. Golf is in a strange place right now, with huge uncertainty about how things are going to play out in the professional game. Derek Clements has picked out things that he sincerely hopes will happen in 2024.

Your response to our recent membership survey reveals that the landscape has changed in recent years. The boom that followed the COVID lockdown has seen both waiting lists and joining fees making a gradual comeback across the game.

Ready for the New Year, Golfshake's Derek Clements is looking forward to seeing who emerges during the coming season. He believes that we're going to witness the rise of exceptional talent on both sides of the Atlantic - with these golfers in particular catching his eye.

Visitors are the lifeblood of many golf clubs around the UK. In our recent membership survey we asked what clubs could do to attract new visitors. You have plenty of views on this subject and they break down into a number of categories.

It's that time of year when subscription renewals and reminders will be arriving. We asked thousands of club members if they were planning to renew their memberships in 2024 and the results were fascinating, including a significant number of golfers who remained undecided about their plans. And they told us why.

This is a very good time to be one of the world’s leading professional golfers. If you doubt it, you should take a look at how much money the world's best earned this year from prize money and bonuses.

Nothing ever stays the same, and we will surely see some players coming through next season whom we are not currently really familiar with. Golfshake's Derek Clements has gazed into his crystal ball and picks out some players he believes are ready to rise to the top in 2024.

Just like the rest of us, the world’s top golfers have written their letter to Father Christmas. Here is what we think they will be asking for in their stockings this year.

In this digital age where effective communication is essential for all businesses, many golf clubs have improved massively in recent years, but our latest survey has also shown areas that require improvement to benefit both members and visitors.

Reflecting on the current state of men's professional golf, Derek Clements shares his View From The Fairway in which he outlines why in his belief LIV has only changed the game for the worst.

The PGA Tour is reportedly close to completing a lucrative agreement with a group of American billionaire sport teams owners. What this means for the framework deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund remains unclear. Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on the recent developments.

This article forms part of a series of articles from our 2023 end of season survey looking at golf club membership.  This is the first article looking specifically at the feedback from golf club membership.

Many golfers will reflect on outstanding seasons, while others will look back on a year during which they will believe they could have done better. It’s the perfect time for Golfshake's Derek Clements to pass judgment on what has unfolded in 2023.

It is said that form is temporary but class is permanent. There are a number of well-known golfers who may subscribe to that theory. Here are just a few who will want to forget 2023 and hope for better fortunes in the year that lies ahead

Earlier this year, Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin won the Porsche European Open in Germany at the age of 20. But even at 20, he is nowhere near being the youngest ever winner on the DP World Tour. Here are just a few teenagers who beat him to it.

We are consistently told that golf clubs are in a really good place and that our sport continues to enjoy a boom. While that may be true for many venues, there are some places that have sadly been forced to close recently due to a myriad of factors.

What difference will the golf ball rollback make to the world's biggest hitters when it comes into force in 2028? Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why he thinks it will have minimal impact and that other changes may be necessary.

Golfshake's Derek Clements shares his latest View From The Fairway, where he comments on Jon Rahm's move to LIV Golf and Rory McIlroy's suggestion that the rules need to be changed to ensure the Spaniard is part of Europe's Ryder Cup team in 2025.

During recent weeks, several co-sanctioned DP World Tour events have been won by LIV Golf players, which ishas led to an inconsistent and confusing reflection on various ranking lists. Golfshake's Derek Clements can't get his head around the situation.

Louis Oosthuizen holed a 25-foot putt on the final green to beat his great friend Charl Schwartzel and lift the Alfred Dunhill Championship at a rain-affected Leopard Creek - his first victory for five years.

Amid all the chatter over new golf ball regulations and Jon Rahm’s shocking defection to LIV Golf, you may have missed the announcement that Victor Dubuisson has decided to retire from the sport - at the age of 33.

The DP World Tour’s final event of 2023 is the Mauritius Open. Most of the tour’s biggest stars have their feet up, getting ready for Christmas before it all starts again in January. And that means some of the lesser lights get an opportunity to win a tournament and gain a much sought-after two year exemption.

Following weeks of intense speculation, Jon Rahm has officially joined LIV Golf, which is a move that further leaves men's professional golf in turmoil. Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why it seems an extraordinary twist given the Spaniard's previous comments and statements on the subject.

The change in golf ball specifications means that the sport’s biggest hitters are going to be reined in by an average of 15 yards, but Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why for the overwhelming majority of us, there is nothing to worry about.

And so it has finally been confirmed. Golf balls WILL be rolled back for both professionals and amateurs, but we have plenty of time to take the news on board and prepare for it.

Speculation that Jon Rahm is about to join LIV Golf has increased with the announcement that he is not in the field for the American Express Championship in January. What has got everybody talking is the fact that he is the defending champion. Golfshake's Derek Clements why this would be a massive blow to the PGA Tour.

Dean Burmester made it back-to-back DP World Tour victories on home soil after producing a superb 68 to win the South African Open by three shots.

In our series profiling the world’s best professional golfers, Derek Clements looks at Celine Boutier, the Frenchwoman who has enjoyed a year to remember in 2023, winning her first major, starring in the Solheim Cup and just being pipped to top honours on both the LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour.

With an expected announcement coming that will reveal plans to reduce the distance that the golf ball travels across the game, Golfshake's Derek Clements addresses what is certain to be a contentious topic in his latest View From The Fairway.

LIV Golf had trumpeted the fact that a major champion would be in the field for their inaugural LIV Golf Promotions tournament in Abu Dhabi this week. It turns out that the golfer in question is Jason Dufner, a man whose career has been in terminal decline for a number of years and is now part of a field that lacking in household names.

Golf's so-called silly season continues this week with an innovative event that brings together stars from the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour. Mixed tournaments have become pretty commonplace on the DP World Tour but the Grant Thornton Invitational is something new on the other side of the pond.

The DP World Tour’s South Africa Swing continues this week at the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek, with home favourite Okie Strydom defending the title he won in emotional circumstances last year.

Chile's Joaquin Niemann beat Japan's Rikuya Hoshino in a play-off to win the Australian Open for the first time. The pair finished level on 14 under par after 72 holes and both birdied the 18th to send the sudden-death play-off to a second hole.

For once, common sense has prevailed. Luke Donald has been confirmed as the man who will once again lead Europe in New York.

Tiger Woods used his press conference at the Hero World Challenge to reveal his surprise at the secretive way in which a potential peace deal in golf’s civil war was agreed.

It came as a shock when NBC announced that they would not be renewing Paul Azinger’s contract as lead golf analyst. So it comes as another surprise that they might be replacing him with Paul McGinley.

Jordan Spieth has been appointed as the new player director to the PGA Tour's policy board to replace Rory McIlroy. His passion for the game make him a great fit to serve on the board in this important capacity.

Eight-time DP World Tour winner Bernd Wiesberger has been accepted back into the circuit after fulfilling financial penalties and suspensions after being let go by LIV Golf. Sports Journalist and Golf Writer Derek Clements looks at whether the Austrian should be welcomed back with open arms in his weekly View From The Fairway

It may be little more than an exhibition event, but the Hero World Challenge has once again attracted a world-class field, with the added bonus that tournament host Tiger Woods will be making his competitive return.

Adrian Meronk, who will be spending much of next season on the PGA Tour, will defend his ISPS HANDA Australian Open title this week. The tournament is being staged at The Australian Golf Club and The Lakes Golf Club.

The South African Open is one of the oldest golf tournaments on the planet and Thriston Lawrence returns to defend the title at Blair Atholl Golf Club.

Min Woo Lee thrilled the home crowds on Sunday, with a three-shot victory at the Australian PGA Championship. The 25-year-old Lee, who had held since  round two, produced a magnificent performance, converting a hole in one at the fourth and chip in for eagle at the ninth, and finished the week on 20 under par.

South African Dean Burmester has won the 2023 Joburg Open in sensational fashion, shooting a stellar error-free final round 64 to clinch victory by three shots.

The DP World Tour season has just come to end, with ten golfers gaining PGA Tour cards as a direct result of their efforts in 2022-23. Golfshake's Derek Clements takes a closer look at each of them and predicts who will have the biggest impact in America.

What are the greatest holes in golf? Everyone will have their own choices from those they have played and watched. Golfshake's Derek Clements has been reflecting on his experiences in the game and shares the holes that have will stay in his mind forever.

We now know that Tiger Woods will make his long-awaited comeback to competitive golf for the first time since The Masters when he plays at the Hero World Challenge.

In the latest in our series looking at the world’s best golfers, Derek Clements profiles Eric Cole, a breakthrough star at the age of 35.

The new DP World Tour season begins in South Africa, where England's Dan Bradbury is ready to defend his title, 12 months after securing a dream, fairytale victory in just his third appearance on the circuit. However, there are a host of home favourites ready to snatch the trophy from his grasp.

Rory McIlroy's resignation from the PGA Tour's Policy Board surprised many observers last week, but Golfshake's Derek Clements asks whether anyone can really blame the Northern Irishman for quitting and taking himself out of that position.

With no time to draw breath, the new DP World Tour season gets under way this week with two tournaments, the Joburg Open and the Australian PGA Championship. Among those making the trip from Dubai to Royal Queensland Golf Club in Australia are Robert MacIntyre and Min Woo Lee.

Nicolai Hojgaard shot a final round of 64 to beat a world-class field by two strokes at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, seeing off the challenges of Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Wallace and Viktor Hovland.

Do golf club memberships represent value for money? Our latest survey revealed that one of the biggest concerns you have is the cost of playing the game. We take a closer look at how valuable becoming a member can be and just what it means to the clubs themselves.

Rory McIlroy has resigned from the PGA Tour's Policy Board. His decision, which was unexpected, was revealed in a memo to the tour's players issued by commissioner Jay Monahan.

We wanted to know what you think clubs need to do to attract more members and what you see as the problems facing clubs when it comes to recruitment. These comments were submitted by non-members as they described their suggestions regarding the issues that clubs need to address.

In the latest in our series looking at the new generation of golfing superstars, Derek Clements focuses on the meteoric rise of Norway’s Viktor Hovland.

The brutal reality of life as a LIV golfer has come home to roost for five golfers who have been cut loose and now face an uncertain future. And among them is Graeme McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion whose game has been in a sharp downward spiral for some time.

The curtain comes down on the 2022-23 PGA Tour campaign, and possibly the careers of some well-known golfers, at the RSM Classic this week. It brings to an end the FedEx Cup Fall Season and, with it, the final chance to secure places in the top 125 in the standings - fall outside that and you are heading back to the Korn Ferry Tour.

Rory McIlroy returns to Dubai this week in search of a third DP World Tour Championship title and with a fifth Harry Vardon Trophy already secured. And the Northern Irishman is joined by a who’s who of European golf, as you would expect for such a prestigious tournament.

Golfshake's Derek Clements expresses his astonishment that PGA Tour members will be given permission to enter the LIV Golf Promotion event in December, which could grant a player a golden ticket into the 2024 series.

After a brutal 3,374 days, Camilo Villegas is once again a winner on the PGA Tour. The 41-year-old shot a six-under 65 in the final round at Port Royal Golf Course to win the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at 24 under by two shots over Alex Noren, who closed the week with a 68.

Golfshake's Derek Clements has been thinking about golfers who achieved great things in the game but whose part in our sport is largely overlooked. They may not have gripped the imagination in the way that the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have but they are golfers who definitely deserve a mention.

Many people will have put their clubs away for the winter. But for some of us, this is a year-round sport. But winter golf is a very different game. So what do you need to do if you are planning to brave the course in the weeks and months that lie ahead?

Betting in sport has been in the headlines of late - including golf. Golfshake's Derek Clements comments on the recent ban of two Korn Ferry Tour golfers for gambling, and shares his own thoughts on why placing bets on this unpredictable game is a thankless task.

Even if most of your golf is social, there are bound to be times when you play the sport competitively, either in matchplay or strokeplay/medal competitions. These can be fun. They can also be pretty stressful. Much depends on the type of golfer you are playing with or against.

Luke Donald, who led Europe to victory at Marco Simone, did not put a foot wrong. Golfshake's Derek Clements believes it's time for the Englishman to be named as captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup.

Star-studded and packed with technology, but will it be a success? Golfshake's Derek Clements shares his thoughts on the upcoming TGL indoor golf league that has been created by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

Life as a PGA Tour pro isn’t bad - this week they head to the Butterfield Bermuda Championship as the FedEx Cup Fall Season nears its end. The tournament represents a golden opportunity for some of the tour’s lesser lights and those still trying to make a name for themselves out here as most of the world’s top golfers are giving the event a miss.

Unsurprisingly, there is a star-studded field gathering at Sun City this week for the Nedbank Challenge, the penultimate event in the 2022-23 DP World Tour season. Tommy Fleetwood will be looking to cap a fine season by winning this tournament for the third time. The Englishman loves this golf course and will genuinely fancy his chances.

It secured his playing rights for two years and earned him a huge pay day of $1.47m, but after he holed an eagle putt on the 18th green for a 63 that secured his second victory on the PGA Tour, his caddie, Alex Carter, fell into Erik van Rooyen’s arms in tears.

After four brutal days at Club de Golf Alcanada in Mallorca, England’s Marco Penge emerged victorious at the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final, beating Tom Valiant of France by six strokes after starting the day with a one-shot lead.

Rory McIlroy has provided the DP World Tour with a welcome boost by announcing that he will begin 2024 by competing in back-to-back events, as he enters the Dubai Invitational and will defend his Hero Dubai Desert Classic title the following week.

There are many golf holes that give players of all standards the screaming heebie-jeebies. It can be water, it can be knee-high rough, out of bounds, a howling wind, or a narrow fairway. Golfshake's Derek Clements has put together a list of what he considers to be some of the most terrifying tee-shots in the sport.

The World Wide Technology Championship, formerly known as the Mayakoba Classic, will be held at El Cardonal in Mexico, which has been designed by Tiger Woods. All eyes will be on Ludvig Aberg, who has arrived on the professional scene like a whirlwind.

Professional golf at the highest level can be an incredibly rewarding way to make a living. But the Qatar Masters also marked a low for a number of well-known golfers. Only those who finished in the top 116 in the rankings have retained their cards and get to do it all again next season.

For his latest View From The Fairway opinion article - Golfshake's Derek Clements looks at the team element of LIV Golf and asks whether anyone can genuinely care about the individual sides?

In the first of an occasional series in which he will profile some of the brightest  young talents in the game, Derek Clements tells you everything you need to know about rising star Ludvig Aberg.

Celine Boutier's incredible season continued as she shot a final round of 64 and then went on to beat Attaya Thitikul in a nine-hole playoff to win the Maybank Championship.

The PGA Tour and LPGA Tour have announced a new mixed pairs event with the Grant Thornton Invitational. It will be the first time the circuits have held a mixed event since 1999.

Golf is a sport that is meant to put a smile on our faces. But there are times when golf can kick you where it hurts. These are the shots we all dread playing but all have to face at some time in our lives.

THERE has been much speculation about a peace deal that would see the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf being able to co-exist together but that seems a long way off after organisers of both The Masters and The Open made it abundantly clear that they have no plans to create exemptions for LIV Golf players in 2024.

In golf there have always been dominant players who win lots of tournaments but it takes more than that to write yourself into the very fabric of the game. That takes something special. Here is a list of the golfers who have helped to give us the game we know today.

In an additional View From The Fairway this week, Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on his article last week focused on his woes joining a new golf club and it may have hit a nerve with other golfers.

Many great amateurs have joined the paid ranks and disappeared into the distance. But occasionally, a rookie comes along and leaves everybody speechless at their ability to compete alongside the very best in the world right from the start.
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For this week's View From The Fairway, Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on whether LIV golfers should be awarded OWGR points.

THE Qatar Masters returns to Doha Golf Club this week and it has special significance for a number of players. It is the final tournament of the regular season and thus the last opportunity for players to secure their playing rights.

Golfshake's Derek Clements has recently returned to playing golf after injury and wanted to join a club in his local area. But what he found was a frustrating experience full of barriers that made becoming a member more challenging and less appealing than it needs to be.

For this week's View From The Fairway, Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on whether golfers should be paid to play in the Ryder Cup and explains how the views of everyday golf fans are the same as his own.

The DP World Tour completes a two-week stopover in Spain this week with the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters moving to a new venue at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande for the ninth edition of the event.

Lexi Thompson's debut on the PGA Tour at the Shriners Children's Open made headlines, but what did we learn from the American's performance? Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why he wants to see more appearances like this.

Keegan Bradley returns to Japan to defend his Zozo Championship title, where a strong field includes the likes of Rickie Fowler, Hideki Matsuyama, Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele.

At the heart of every good golf club lies the clubhouse. It is where we all gather after playing 18 holes to share stories, enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. And, inevitably, inside every clubhouse you will come across a variety of characters, some of whom you enjoy spending time with, others you will probably want to avoid at all costs.

When you think of world number ones since the Official World Golf Ranking was established in 1986, names such as Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo and Rory McIlroy come to mind. But there are many other players who have enjoyed stellar careers without ever being crowned world number one.

People getting involved with golf for the first time could be forgiven for feeling somewhat confused by the sport’s rules. Golfshake's Derek Clements has played the game all his life and still finds some of the rules and regulations utterly bemusing.

A peace deal may be in the offing but, for now at least, LIV Golf's attempt to be recognised by the sport's global rankings body has been denied.

The R&A has said it is keen to investigate the possibility of staging The Open or Women's Open at Portmarnock in the Republic of Ireland. Having previously been against such a move, Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why his stance has softened.

All eyes will be on Lexi Thompson as she becomes the seventh LPGA golfer to tee it up in a PGA Tour event in the Shriners Children’s Open at TPC Summerlin.

Now that things have settled down, in his latest View From The Fairway, Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on the Ryder Cup and what both teams can learn from the week before 2025.

Jon Rahm is assured of a hero’s welcome when he returns to home soil to defend his Open de Espana title this week. Last year he emulated his hero, Seve Ballesteros, by winning the tournament for a third time, and, fresh from helping Europe to win the Ryder Cup, he is desperate to claim a fourth victory.

Mackenzie Hughes defends his title at the Sanderson Farms Championship this week as the PGA Tour resumes - with rising European superstar Ludvig Aberg also competing.

Big-money tournaments continue to come thick and fast as the DP World Tour heads towards the conclusion of the Race to Dubai later in the year. And this week Ryan Fox returns to St Andrews to defend the Dunhill Links title he won in style 12 months ago.

The Ryder Cup brings out the best - and worst - in players. Here, Golfshake's Derek Clements picks out the winners and losers from a memorable week at Marco Simone.

Following Europe's brilliant victory at the Ryder Cup, much attention will now be focused on what appeared to be a dysfunctional American side led by Zach Johnson. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks at where the United States got it wrong in Rome.

Europe reduced their captain, Luke Donald, to tears as they regained the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. As expected, there was an American fightback of sorts but it was all too little, too late and the Americans will surely now launch a post mortem.

The Ryder Cup is here and will dominate conversations among golf fans - and those who would otherwise have little interest in the sport. There are going to be 28 points up for grabs at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome. To mark that, we have put together a Ryder Cup quiz consisting of…28 questions!

Ahead of the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club on the outskirts of Rome, Golfshake's Derek Clements has brought together a range of facts and stats that will get you ready for the showpiece event!

Marco Simone is a familiar layout to most of the European team as the host course for the Italian Open. But it has been no overnight story getting it prepared for the Ryder Cup.

Forget 320-yard drives. The Ryder Cup will be won - or lost - on the greens at Marco Simone. We've seen many crucial misses through the years, but that should come as no surprise given the pressure of this environment. A new study has analysed just how the brain influences performance on the greens.

Luke Donald is hoping that history will repeat itself in Italy this week. Historically, Europe have the upper hand in foursomes so Donald has opted to kick off this year’s contest with that format, hoping it will give his men a fast start.

You simply could not have made up the ending for the Solheim Cup in Spain. And if you had, nobody would have believed you. Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why it was the very best of team golf.

Rome's Marco Simone stages the Ryder Cup for the first time this week, but which courses would you most like to see the event visit? Golfshake's Derek Clements has picked out the places that he thinks would make great Ryder Cup venues.

Luke Donald's European team will be thirsting for revenge after that 19-9 Ryder Cup thrashing at the hands of the United States in 2021. There will be huge crowds at Marco Simone and, of course, the vast majority will want to see a home win. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks forward to what should be a memorable week in Rome.

Golfshake's Derek Clements looks ahead to the 2023 Ryder Cup and assesses the performance of both captains coming into the event, Luke Donald and Zach Johnson, and comments on some of the lingering controversies that they have had to overcome.

The Ryder Cup has provided many moments of high drama over the years. Until Continental Europe got on board the USA used to hand out a thrashing every couple of years. But things have changed. Here, we look at some of the best Ryder Cup moments, including a rare close-run thing when the match was still the USA v GB&I.

The United States regained the Ryder Cup with a record 19-9 victory over Europe at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin two years ago. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks back at the most crushing loss ever suffered by a European team.

Ryo Hisatsune became just the third Japanese winner in DP World Tour history, claiming the Open de France thanks to a stunning back nine of 30.

Europe retained the Solheim Cup in thrilling fashion with Carlota Ciganda securing the crucial point by beating Nelly Korda 2&1. The match finished 14-14 but, as holders, Europe will keep the trophy for a further year. It is the first time in Solheim Cup history that Europe have gone three successive matches unbeaten.

Nick Dougherty has recently launched the ambitious Unleash Your Drive project as part of his role as president of the Golf Foundation, which aims to use golf to help improve the mental wellbeing of children in all schools. Golfshake's Derek Clements lauds the initiative.

Europe will attempt to create a piece of history in Spain this week as they attempt to beat the USA for a third successive time in the Solheim Cup, something they have never achieved before. And the European team, captained by Suzann Petterson, will surely fancy their chances of another victory.

With the 2023 Solheim Cup now upon us, Golfshake's Derek Clements takes a closer look at Team USA led by captain Stacy Lewis.

Now captained by the great Suzann Pettersen, Europe are attempting to make history by winning a third successive Solheim Cup. They have every reason to feel confident in 2023, but nothing can be taken for granted. Golfshake's Derek Clements takes a look at the 12 women representing the continent at Finca Cortesin.

As Europe prepare to defend the Solheim Cup, and attempt to win it for an unprecedented third successive time, we look at some of the most dramatic moments in the event’s history.

Europe retained the Solheim Cup on American soil two years ago, giving captain Catriona Matthew back-to-back wins as her team claimed only their second victory in the USA.

Victor Perez will look to put his Ryder Cup disappointment behind him by winning the Open de France at Le Golf National. The Frenchman looked a likely qualifier for Luke Donald’s European team for much of the year but his best form deserted him when he needed it most.

He came close a couple of times in his rookie season and again this year so it came as no surprise when Sahith Theegala finally got the job done at the Fortinet Championship.

Over the years we have seen many astonishing shots in the Ryder Cup. We have witnessed remarkable fightbacks that have had us on the edge of our seats. But we have also seen some pretty unedifying incidents and some truly dreadful shots, proving that even the best golfers in the world are human, just like the rest of us.

Charley Hull made her Solheim Cup debut when she was just 17 years old. She will travel to Spain next week to make her sixth appearance in the competition - and will do so in the form of her life.

As we get closer to a highly anticipated Ryder Cup clash at Marco Simone in Rome, Golfshake's Derek Clements has singled out Shane Lowry for praise, as the Irishman's performance at The K Club last week underlined that he should be a formidable competitor in Italy.

The boom in club golf shows no sign of ending anytime soon. According to research commissioned by the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), more than 16 million people in the UK and Ireland played some form of golf in the past 12 months.

They have had a short break but now the PGA Tour resumes again, with Max Homa looking to win the Fortinet Championship for the third year on the trot.

Following suggestions that The Open Championship could one day be played at Portmarnock in Ireland, Golfshake's Derek Clements asks why the historic major hasn't yet been hosted in Wales?

The Ryder Cup is fast approaching, both teams are completed and eyes are now fixed on Marco Simone in the outskirts of Rome. Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why he believes that this has all the potential to become a classic between Europe and the United States of America.

Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm lead a star-studded cast at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth as the entirety of Europe's Ryder Cup team compete in the DP World Tour's flagship event. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks ahead to what is always a highlight of the year.

Sweden's Vincent Norrman shot a closing 65 to win the Irish Open on a Sunday when Rory McIlroy found water four times on the final day at The K Club.

Nobody has qualified for the Ryder Cup quicker than the young Swede Ludvig Aberg but he is by no means the only golfer to waste little or no time making an impact after turning professional.

There is always going to be debate and controversy when it comes to captain’s picks at any Ryder Cup. 2023 is no exception. But there have been many other players over the years who still feel aggrieved at not being chosen. Here, we look at just a few of them.

Ludvig Aberg, a man who has played just nine tournaments as a professional, was the eye-catching choice when Luke Donald named his Ryder Cup team to face the USA at Marco Simone Golf Club at the end of the month.

Rory McIlroy's appearance at this week’s Irish Open guarantees a huge crowd as the countdown to the Ryder Cup continues. The tournament is being staged at The K Club, which hosted the Ryder Cup in 2006.

Do you think Luke Donald and his European team will be intimidated by the United States side at Marco Simone in the Ryder Cup? Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why he feels that Europe have nothing to fear from their American counterparts.

Eurgene Chacarra, of Spain, won the recent International Series event at Fairmont St Andrews, beating Matt Jones of Australia in a playoff that lasted 10 holes. However, it was not the longest playoff that men's professional golf has seen.

As the dust settles on the Tour Championship and the end of the 2022-23 PGA Tour season, it is worth reflecting on the winners and losers in this week's View From The Fairway.

Ludvig Aberg continued his astonishing start to his professional career, shooting a final round of 61 to win the RSM Classic, the final event of the 2022-23 PGA Tour season.

In the end it was an all too familiar story, with the USA beating Great Britain & Ireland 14.5-11.5 to comfortably retain the Walker Cup at St Andrews. They have now won it 39 times, with GB&I claiming it nine times, and one match tied.

When was the last time you read a golf book that was laugh out loud funny? Golfshake's Derek Clements reviews Two Ruddy Ducks and a Partridge on a Par Three, The Unexpurgated Golf Letters of Mortimer Merriweather, penned by Clive Agran.

With 20 of the world’s top amateur golfers gathering at St Andrews for the Walker Cup we are about to see some of the best golfers on the planet, with some of the lowest handicaps in the game today.

Golfshake's Derek Clements asks whether Tiger Woods could succeed Jay Monahan as commissioner of the PGA Tour - and would that be a positive move for the game?

During recent weeks, the Asian Tour's International Series has featured events in England and Scotland. But what is the motivation behind these tournaments? Golfshake's Derek Clements takes a closer look at their function.

The European Ryder Cup team will look different this year, with Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter among those who won't be part of the event, but Golfshake's Derek Clements doesn't believe their absence is a negative for Luke Donald in Rome.

The European Masters at the magnificent Crans-sur-Sierre brings the curtain down on the race for places in Europe’s Ryder Cup team. After the winning putt has been holed on Sunday, Luke Donald will face the world’s press and name his team to face the USA at Marco Simone Golf Club.

DP World Tour rookie Todd Clements won the Czech Masters thanks to a fabulous final round of 63. He ended the week on 266, 22 under par, and pipped Matt Wallace by a single shot at Albatross Golf Club.

Golf clubs have changed dramatically over the years, but there is surely more progress to come during the decades ahead. But what form shall these advancements take? Golfshake's Derek Clements has some thoughts on what the future of your average golf club will look like.

One lucky man is going to be standing on the final green at East Lake on Sunday hoisting aloft the Tour Championship trophy and with a cheque for $18m sticking out of his back pocket.

As the race to qualify for Europe's Ryder Cup team draws to a close, Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why he feels the process is flawed and how it could negatively impact the chances of Luke Donald being a successful captain in Rome.

Luke Donald will make his first appearance at the D+D REAL Czech Masters this week at the fearsome Albatross Golf Resort. The tournament takes on special significance because it is the penultimate qualifying event for the European Ryder Cup team. 

Alexa Pano secured her maiden victory on the LPGA Tour when she won the women’s event at the ISPS Handa World Invitational in dramatic circumstances - on her 19th birthday!

Daniel Brown survived a scare to claim his maiden DP World Tour victory in just his 20th start as he held his nerve for a five-shot win at the ISPS Handa World Invitational.

When galleries turn up to watch majors they expect to see the game’s elite competing for the sport’s biggest prizes. Normally, they are not disappointed, but over the years there have been plenty of major champions who came from nowhere to win. Here, we look at just a few of them.

There is good news for those who ply their trade on the DP World Tour - next season they will be playing for record prize money of £117m. The Race to Dubai will also be split into three phases throughout the year.

If money makes the world go around, you can be pretty sure that the planet’s best golfers have no plans to stop the globe from spinning anytime soon. The prize fund for 2023 FedEx Cup is a staggering $75m.

All eyes will be on Tom McKibbin when he tees it up on home soil for the first time as a DP World Tour winner at the ISPS HANDA World Invitational. The ISPS HANDA World Invitational sees men and women play on the same courses, at the same time, while being co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour, LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour.

Lilia Vu produced a composed display to win the Women's Open at Walton Heath, her second major title of 2023.  Vu, the Chevron Championship winner in April, clinched victory by six shots from England's Charley Hull.

Cam Smith continued his fine form as he romped away from the field to win the LIV Golf Bedminster event by seven strokes, his second success in little over a month.

Lucas Glover is walking on air. Having won the Wyndham Championship to secure his place in the FedEx Cup playoffs, he defeated Patrick Cantlay in a sudden-death playoff to add the St Jude Championship seven days later and give himself a very real chance of securing the $18m prize at the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake next week.

Have you faced an extended break from playing golf due to injury or other circumstances? That's exactly been the case for Golfshake's Derek Clements, who has only recently been in a position to play again. Derek explains what he has done and what you could learn from that in a similar situation.

Ashleigh Buhai will defend her AIG Women's Open title at the magnificent Walton Heath and many eyes will be on Rose Zhang, the American sensation who won on her professional debut. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks ahead to the final major of the year.

There's another $4m first prize on offer this week as LIV Golf arrives at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. Henrik Stenson won the individual title last year, while Bryson DeChambeau is the man in the hottest form.

The top 70 players on the PGA Tour this year head to TPC Southwind for the FedEx St Jude Championship. With just three events remainining, it's looking like a battle between Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy for the big money at The Tour Championship, but much can still happen.

Following the news that Tiger Woods has joined the PGA Tour's policy board as a player director, in his latest View From The Fairway, Derek Clements asks whether the 15-time major champion can become the deal broker that golf needs?

Lucas Glover is walking on air. Having won the Wyndham Championship to secure his place in the FedEx Cup playoffs, he defeated Patrick Cantlay in a sudden-death playoff to add the St Jude Championship seven days later and give himself a very real chance of securing the $18m prize at the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake next week.

Bryson DeChambeau shot a 61 in the second round of the LIV Golf Greenbrier. It was some round of golf, and easily the best of his professional career. But he improved upon it by three strokes in the final round as he recorded a scarcely credible third and final round of 58 to win.

LA Golf is an emerging brand that is quickly growing a considerable reputation. Now expanding into the UK, the manufacturer has released two new models onto the market, which boast innovative technology and claim to be revolutionary.

With anticipation growing as the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone looms into view it got us thinking about the role of the non-playing captain. Can a captain who doesn’t hit a shot in anger really make a difference? Without a shadow of doubt. Here we look at some of the best and worst captains on both sides.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan defied The R&A and USGA when he confirmed to players that he would reject calls to introduce the new Modified Local Rule to rollback the golf ball. Golfshake's Derek Clements believes there's a simple reason why the tour boss rejected the governing bodies.

During the Evian Championship, Carlota Ciganda was disqualified after being penalised for slow play and then refusing to add the two-stroke penalty to her scorecard. Golfshake's Derek Clements believes that this sort of action is something that needs to be more greatly enforced on all tours.

A week on from Brian Harman's dominant victory at The Open, Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on the American's achievements in his latest View From The Fairway article.

The 10th event of the LIV Golf season takes place at The Greenbrier this week. Talor Gooch is the form man in LIV Golf, with two wins already this season, although 2022 Open champion Cameron Smith is always going to be a threat on a course that demands such a strategic approach.

As we head into August the final event of the regular PGA Tour season takes place this week for the Wyndham Championship title at Sedgefield Country Club. When the final putt is holed, the top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings will head to the FedEx St Jude Classic.

Japan’s Ayaka Furue produced the round of her life 12 months ago to win the Women’s Scottish Open and will defend her title at Dundonald Links this week.

Lee Hodges is the latest man to live the dream after scorching to a six-shot victory in the 3M Open. After what had been a pretty miserable season, the 28-year-old American claims his major PGA Tour title.

Alex Cejka defeated Padraig Harrington in a play-off to win The Senior Open in brutal conditions at Royal Porthcawl on a day when not a single player managed to break par.

Celine Boutier's incredible season continued as she shot a final round of 64 and then went on to beat Attaya Thitikul in a nine-hole playoff to win the Maybank Championship.

Following recent struggles with injury, Golfshake's Derek Clements wanted to make a return to the golf course, but was sure that his clubs no longer suited him. Derek visited Precision Golf to undergo a full bag custom-fitting with Simon Cooper, something that has made an enormous difference.

We've just seen the world's best competing in Scotland and England, but fans of the DP World Tour will be left wondering why there are no events on the schedule for a month, leaving European-based players without any competition in a Ryder Cup year.

With The Open behind us, attention for many will turn to the Ryder Cup as both teams now approach being finalised. There is much speculation about who could represent Europe and the USA in Rome, with Golfshake's Derek Clements looking at the facts and projecting which 24 men will be competing in September.

Following a tie for sixth place at Hoylake, Rory McIlroy will enter 2024 facing a decade since he last won a major title. But Golfshake's Derek Clements believes that any critique of the Northern Irishman is misplaced as he faces more scrutiny that anyone else in the biggest events.

Tony Finau returns to TPC Twin Cities in Minneapolis to defend his 3M Open title. It was the start of a purple patch of form that the popular American would love to emulate.

American Brian Harman destroyed a world-class field to win the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool by an astonishing SIX shots. Few people would have tipped the left-handed American to land his first major but he found fairways all week and putted like a god. He may be a surprise winner but he deserved it.

Anybody who has ever picked up a golf club will know exactly just how frustrating this sport can be. And the world’s best golfers are capable of losing their cool too. Here are just a few who struggle to keep a lid on it when things go wrong.

This time last year, R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers would not have been able to bring himself to talk about anything to do with Saudi Arabia. But now, in an extraordinary about-turn, he says that the R&A is looking at the possibility of Saudi sponsorship.

Currently playing on the Challenge Tour, Welshman Oliver Farr is part of the field at Royal Liverpool, having also qualified for The 150th at St Andrews last year. This week presents an opportunity, but also an experience that he is hoping to enjoy to the fullest.

Jon Rahm says that he doesn’t feel he deserves a payment from the PGA Tour just because he did not defect to to LIV Golf. He could be in line for another payout after the peace deal between the opposing sides with discussions taking place over a loyalty dividend to players who turned down the Saudi cash.

If you wish to add colour and vibrancy to your wardrobe on the golf course, then Royal & Awesome could be the brand for you. Golfshake's Derek Clements has worn a series of their items and describes them for us - as we also reveal an exclusive discount code.

Following months of noise and controversy in golf, Golfshake's Derek Clements has explained why he hopes that attention at this year's Open at Royal Liverpool will be simply on the golf itself rather than those other contentious topics in the game.

Eyes are fixed on Rory McIlroy as he returns to Royal Liverpool in search of a fifth major title, but he will need to be at his very best, as the list of contenders is formidable as we look ahead to The 151st Open Championship.

Who is your choice to claim the Claret Jug on Sunday? Here are the 10 players we believe are most likely to be in the mix come the final round at Royal Liverpool.

There is almost always a surprise challenger at the majors. Here we look at the men most likely to emerge from the pack and bid for the Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool.

Golf's original championship, The Open is unsurpassed when it comes to history and the records and statistics associated with it. Golfshake's Derek Clements has picked out a series of facts, some of which you will know, but others may be less familiar, providing knowledge that will impress your golf friends this week!

Rory McIlroy dominated the 2014 Open at Royal Liverpool and deservedly became Champion Golfer of the Year for the first time. At 25 years and 77 days, the Northern Irishman was the third-youngest player to achieve the third leg of the modern Grand Slam at the time.

Until later in his career, Tiger Woods was never a golfer to show a great deal of emotion when winning majors, but Royal Liverpool in 2006 was different. The American produced an imperious display of strategic links golf to mark the return of Hoylake as host of The Open for the first time in 39 years.

It will be of no consolation to Rory McIlroy that Cameron Smith produced a stunning final round to claim the 150th Open. The Australian's back nine of 30 was the lowest score on a Sunday inward half by any champion in Open history.

The Open has been part of Golfshake's Derek Clements' life for as long as he can remember and he has been fortunate enough to have attended many, both as a paying spectator and in his capacity as a journalist. Here are some of his favourite memories of the championship.

Just when you thought he had made his final public statement on LIV Golf, Rory McIlroy said that he would retire if it was the last place to play golf on earth.

The R&A has confimed that the man who lifts the Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool will also pocket a cheque for $3m, but that eye-watering sum falls short of many other events in the game, as golf's prize money inflation continues.

Sepp Straka squandered the opportunity to break 60, but nonetheless claimed his second PGA Tour victory at the John Deere Classic, boosting his chances of representing Europe in September's Ryder Cup.

As the world’s elite golfers gather in Scotland, there is a chance for an unsung PGA Tour player to make a name for himself by winning the Barbasol Championship and securing a place in the field for The Open Championship.

Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka courted controversy when he publicly criticised his LIV Golf teammate, Matthew Wolff, causing the younger man distress. Golfshake's Derek Clements believes that the American went too far with his comments.

Much has been said and written about the partnership between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, but Golfshake's Derek Clements believes that this week highlights its strengths, providing golfers with a potentially life-changing opportunity.

The Scottish Open takes place at The Renaissance Club this week boasting what is surely the strongest field assembled in this country apart from The Open Championship. The star attraction is Rory McIlroy who next week will return to Royal Liverpool, where he won The Open in 2014, hoping that the stars will align for him to finally end his major drought.

American Allisen Corpuz won the US Women's Open at Pebble Beach to claim a maiden title on the LPGA Tour despite a spirited final day charge from England's Charley Hull.

Home favourite Rasmus Hojgaard won the Made in Himmerland event as bogeys cost Scots Richie Ramsay and Robert MacIntyre in Denmark. Hojgaard beat Nacho Elvira in a playoff to secure victory.

LA Golf is a brand that has made a name for itself in the United States, with its innovative range of putters, golf shafts and golf balls now making their way across the Atlantic. Golfshake's Derek Clements had a chance to hear about their ambitions and to test the products for himself.

For most club players, golf bags tend to be something that we fill with all sorts of detritus. Golfshake's Derek Clements is as guilty as everybody else. From time to time he decides to clear out his bag and is appalled by some of the things he finds. So, here’s what we think SHOULD be in your golf bag.

Golfshake's Derek Clements recently enjoyed a marathon road trip around Scotland, which included a golf break in Fife. During his time there, Derek stayed at Letham Feus, which is run by Largo Leisure Holidays. And it turned out to be the absolutely perfect base from which to explore the area.

New Zealand's Daniel Hillier produced a finish for the ages to win the British Masters at The Belfry - his maiden victory on the DP World Tour.

Most of us who love this great game have had our fill of all the shenanigans that have dominated the headlines in recent months. Professional golf may be where the money is but the heart and soul of the game is all about the likes of us, the everyday golfer.

The world’s best women golfers arrive for what will be a historic US Women’s Open, to be staged for the first time at the wonderful Pebble Beach, where Minjee Lee defends her title.

There is a place at The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool up for grabs for the man who wins this week’s John Deere Classic. Last year’s champion, JT Poston, returns to defend his title, hoping for a repeat of the form that secured his place at the 150th Open at St Andrews.

An emotional Rickie Fowler won the Rocket Mortgage Classic in dramatic style for his first success in more than four years. The American birdied the final hole of regulation and the first hole of a three-man playoff.

In this week's View From The Fairway, Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on Rory McIlroy's chances of repeating his Open Championship victory at Royal Liverpool.

The build-up for the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool continues with all eyes on twins Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard at the Made in HimmerLand in Denmark.

Rory McIlroy's well-documented struggle to land his fifth major just goes to prove how difficult it is to win one of golf’s top men's titles. But plenty of world-class golfers finished their careers without ever securing even one of golf’s majors. Golfshake's Derek Clements has picked out just some of the very best.

The truth is that the world’s top professional golfers play a game with which the rest of us are not familiar. And for true sports fans there is nothing better than to be able to say that you were there. Golfshake's Derek Clements has picked out the ten greatest shots that he has seen in the flesh.

LIV Golf arrives at Valderrama this week with the usual suspects vying for another $4m bonus. And with the aftershocks following news of golf’s merger still being felt around the world, there is certain to be a whole new level of interest.

Tony Finau returns to Detroit for the defence of his Rocket Mortgage Classic title and will need to overcome a field that includes the likes of Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks ahead to the event.

A star-studded field will line up for the British Masters which is being staged at the iconic Belfry for the third year in a row this week. The tournament will be hosted by Sir Nick Faldo who played in three Ryder Cups on the Brabazon Course.

It is a story that has dominated the headlines - the proposed merger between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF). We ran a survey to seek your views. Unsurprisingly, you were as shocked as the rest of us.

Derek Clement's rounds up 40 of the best golf courses he has played over the year's across the UK and Ireland based solely on his enjoyment, experience and how long they have lived in his memory.  How many have you played?

GOLF fans are being spoilt right now. All of the world’s best players will be in action at the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands, the latest of the PGA Tour’s elevated tournaments, including Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele.

IF YOU were ever in doubt that this is a Ryder Cup year then you should tune in to the BMW International Open at Golfclub München Eichenried this week, when Luke Donald and his vice-captains are all in the field to cast an eye over some of those vying for a place in the team.

Wyndham Clark carded a level-par 70 to claim his first major on 10 under and the $3.6m (£2.8m) winner's cheque at the 2023 US Open held at Los Angeles Country Club.

Golfshake's Derek Clements is returning to his homeland of Scotland for a holiday, something that got him thinking about his formative years growing up in golf and the often painful experiences that this game provides - both metaphorically and literally.

Since the announcement of the merger between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and the Public Investment Fund was made, the deal has been short on detail. Even the players at the heart of it all are confused, as Golfshake's Derek Clements describes in his new View From The Fairway.

The world of golf is still reeling from the astonishing U-turn that will see the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf forming an uneasy alliance that has led to widespread accusations of hypocrisy. But with talk of more money being injected into the game, Derek Clements asks how much is too much?

The 2023 US Open is the 123rd playing of America's national championship, which means there is rather a lot of history behind the event. Golfshake's Derek Clements has picked out some of his favourite facts and stats to give you a flavour of the US Open at its best.

Ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick's defence at the 2023 US Open, Golfshake's Derek Clements has reflected on the past history of this iconic championship and identified several of his favourite US Open moments.

It has been a long haul for Dale Whitnell so it was no surprise when the Englishman struggled to hold back the tears after winning the Volvo Scandinavian Mixed in Sweden.

You may have noticed something about the leaderboard at the Canadian Open - it was dominated by English golfers. Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Aaron Rai and Justin Rose were all in the mix. Luke Donald, Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, will have been delighted with what he witnessed.

The 2023 US Open is being staged for the first time at Los Angeles Country Club, a venue that has long possessed significant mystique. England's Matt Fitzpatrick defends the title he won so dramatically last year, but a significant challenge is posed by the many leading contenders who are in top form.

While most eyes will be fixed on the biggest names and championship favourites, there is undeniably an opportunity for a relative outsider to usurp those fancied individuals and spring a surprise to claim America's national title.

Providing a welcome distraction from recent events in golf, the US Open is surely the most brutal of the four majors in the men's majors. Matt Fitzpatrick will defend his title at Los Angeles Country Club, which is hosting the event for the first time. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks ahead to the championship.

Most professional golfers, having just shot a round of 84, would have headed straight into their car and headed for their hotel or the nearest airport departure lounge. But not Billy Horschel, who showed his class at the recent Memorial Tournament when opening up to the press on his emotions during a tough season.

12 months ago, Matt Fitzpatrick won the US Open at Brookline after a dramatic final day. And he did it on the course upon which he won the US Amateur Championship nine years earlier thanks to a sensational bunker shot at the final hole.

Nick Taylor produced a finish for the ages to set up a playoff victory over 47-year-old Charley Hoffman at the Waste Management Phoenix Open in front of massive crowds at TPC Scottsdale.

We all agree that golf is meant to be fun, right? In saying that, you would be hard-pushed to believe it when you watch or experience at first hand the antics of some club golfers. But Golfshake's Derek Clements has a few ideas for ways that you and your mates can spice things up, while having a bit of fun.

Speaking less than 24 hours after it was announced that the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf had merged, Rory McIlroy addressed the media at the Canadian Open and was typically candid with his thoughts.

In a special View From The Fairway column, Golfshake's Derek Clements shares his current thoughts on the staggering news story that has engulfed the world of golf this week.

As we digest the shock news of the merger between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf, it is worth taking some time to reflect on how this whole sorry saga has played out.

The Official World Golf Rankings were first launched in 1986 and a total of just 24 golfers have occupied that lofty position of number one. Some of the men who have been crowned as the world’s best golfers will surprise you. Having taken a long look at the list, Golfshake's Derek Clements thought that the time had come to rank the top 10.

Whether it be LIV Golf or the PGA Tour's proposed designated events, Golfshake's Derek Clements addresses the importance of having cuts in professional golf as part of this week's View From The Fairway.

Rory McIlroy will be looking to become the first player to win three consecutive RBC Canadian Open titles at Oakdale Golf & Country Club in Toronto this week. And with the US Open looming large on the horizon, McIlroy could do with making a decent fist of his defence.

Defending champion Linn Grant and 10-time DP World Tour winner Alex Noren will tee it up this week at the unique Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed at Ullna Golf & Club, just 30 minutes from the Swedish capital Stockholm.

Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin has won his first DP World Tour title with a two-shot victory at the European Open in Hamburg. The 20-year-old carded a three-under-par 70 to finish nine under and beat home hopes Maximilian Kieffer and Marcel Siem, with France's Julien Guerrier also finishing on seven under.

It's that time of year when you might be considering planning a golf break, either with a small group of friends or with a society. So, what do you need to consider before you get it booked? Golfshake's Derek Clements shares some key advice - most of it from personal experience.

If you had any doubts that a schism still exists within the world of professional golf, they would have been dispelled by a series of press conferences at Muirfield Village, scene of this week’s Memorial Tournament.

Emiliano Grillo won the Charles Schwab Challenge despite a double-bogey six at the 72nd hole. He hit his drive into a penalty area, took a drop, played his third shot to just short of the green, then pitched on and two-putted for a six at the par four.

Much is made of The Players Championship being golf’s fifth major, but if ever there was a course that was made to host the US Open it is Muirfield Village, the venue for this week’s Memorial Tournament, hosted by Jack Nicklaus.

There are genuinely high hopes of a home winner at the Porsche European Open in Germany this week, following a resurgence in German golf, but Frenchman Victor Perez could be the man to beat on the outskirts of Hamburg.

Brooks Koepka has won one major championship this year and finished runner-up in another, so will the LIV Golf star be part of the American Ryder Cup team? Golfshake's Derek Clements can't imagine a reality where Koepka is not part of Zach Johnson's side in Italy.

You could be forgiven for believing that a caddie is simply somebody who lugs a huge golf bag around and tells his or her player how far they are from the green. If it were that simple, we would all be doing it, especially when you consider the serious amounts of money to be made from accompanying the best golfers on the world’s fairways.

Brooks Koepka goes for his third victory of the year when he joins 47 other golfers for the latest LIV Golf tournament at Trump National in Potomac Falls, Virginia. And who would bet against him claiming another win this week?

The feel-good story at the PGA Championship was written by a club pro called Michael Block. From comfortably making the cut to playing with major champions and making a hole-in-one on Sunday, the 46-year-old reminded us all why we love sport.

There is a knack to being a successful golf commentator. It certainly helps if you have been involved at the sharp end, and that contributed towards Nick Faldo’s success with a microphone in his hand. Golfshake's Derek Clements has been thinking about who among those currently playing the game that would make a successful transition.

Usually, the week after a major sees a seriously weakened field but with the US Open just around the corner the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Tony Finau, Max Homa, Jordan Spieth and Tommy Fleetwood have opted to play in the Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial.

Ryder Cup hopeful Victor Perez will defend his KLM Open title at Bernardus Golf Club this week, knowing that victory would go a long way towards securing his place in Luke Donald’s team

Jason Day's recent victory at the Byron Nelson was a long time coming, following years of struggles and doubts. Golfshake's Derek Clements has previously found the Australian's slow style difficult to watch, but he describes why he has a new-found respect for the former world number one.

There was much to like about this year's PGA Championship, but Golfshake's Derek Clements believes that the event has lost a degree of spark following its move to May and that should be addressed by the PGA of America.

Brooks Koepka won over the fans at Oak Hill with a sensational performance to claim his third PGA Championship title and fifth major victory, establishing the American as an all-time great, something that seemed unlikely just a year ago.

With the influx of money as a result of LIV Golf it will come as no surprise to learn that golfers figure prominently in the Forbes Sports List top 20 for 2023, with five LIV players in the top 20 and four times as many golfers in the top 50 as last year.

When Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia resigned from the DP World Tour, it meant that Europe lost three future Ryder Cup captains in the blink of an eye. So who are the men most likely to be asked to step into the fray in future? Here are some serious contenders, and a couple who won’t be asked but really would bring something special to the contest.

The second men's major of the year kicks off with most of the world’s best golfers in sensational form as they do battle for the Wanamaker Trophy. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks ahead to what promises to be a compelling week at Oak Hill.

It's time for the second major of the year as the PGA Championship returns to the revered Oak Hill, one of the most acclaimed venues in the United States. Always competitive and fascinating, who do you think will triumph? Golfshake's Derek Clements has some names for you to watch.

Who could surprise the favourites and lift the Wanamaker Trophy at Oak Hill? Golfshake's Derek Clements has identified several outsider contenders to follow during the 2023 PGA Championship.

Oak Hill Country Club was originally designed by Donald Ross. Cary Middlecoff, Lee Trevino and Curtis Strange won US Opens here, while Jack Nicklaus, Shaun Micheel and Jason Dufner have lifted the Wanamaker Trophy on the famous East Course. And who could forget the Ryder Cup in 1995 when Europe triumphed again on American soil.

Justin Thomas won the 2022 PGA Championship after shooting a final day 67 to finish five under and complete a stunning come-from-behind victory. He battled back from an eight-shot deficit to ultimately prevail in sweltering heat at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In this week's View From The Fairway, Golfshake's Derek Clements takes a closer look at the remarkable stories behind the competitors at the inaugural G4D Open, demonstrating that golf can be the most inclusive of sports, irrespective of disability or impairment.

The PGA Championship has often been regarded as the least significant of the sport’s four majors, something that Golfshake's Derek Clements believes is unfair. There have been some amazing editions of the PGA in recent years, and here are just a few of Derek's favourites.

The last time the PGA Championship was played at Oak Hill it was won by Jason Dufner, who set himself on the way to victory with a stunning 63 in the second round. His triumph made up for the disappointment of finishing runner-up to Keegan Bradley at Atlanta Athletic Club two years earlier.

Jason Day produced a stunning final round of 62 to win the AT&T Byron Nelson. It’s his 13th PGA Tour title at the same tournament at which he broke through for his first success way back in 2010, but it was his first since 2018.

Simon Forsstrom recovered from a back-nine wobble with a series of late birdies as he held off the charge of fellow Swede Jens Dantorp to claim his first DP World Tour title at the 2023 Soudal Open.

US Open champion Wyndham Clark won a weather-affected AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. After a third round of 60 he was on 17 under par after 54 holes and that proved to be good enough when tournament organisers decided not to ask the players to return on Monday.

Talor Gooch will this week attempt to win his third successive LIV Golf event at Cedar Ridge Country Club in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. And he has an additional incentive for doing so as he is from this part of the world.

Tour players withdraw from events they had entered fairly regularly, but there has been much scrutiny about recent decisions made by Rory McIlroy, Georgia Hall and Charley Hull. Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why he hasn't been impressed by these actions.

With the PGA Championship taking place next week you will not be surprised to learn that many of the world’s leading players have chosen to give the AT&T Byron Nelson a miss. However, Scottie Scheffler and Tyrrell Hatton are heading to TPC Craig Ranch to tune up for the second major of the year.

For this week's View From The Fairway column, Derek Clements addresses the growing impact of social media trolls in golf, including the shameful recent online abuse of Brendan Lawlor.

Belgium’s top golfer will not be in the field for this week’s Soudal Open at Rinkven International Golf Club. But in the absence of Thomas Pieters, home hopes lie with Nicolas Colsaerts and the gifted Thomas Detry, who is currently plying his trade on the PGA Tour and is to be commended for crossing the Atlantic to compete on home soil.

Golfshake's Derek Clements has been lucky to play many of the most famous golf courses on the planet, but he wanted to share with you some of the lesser-known tracks that he has been fortunate enough to tackle over the years.

As we approach the PGA Championship it seems like a good time to take a look at a number of golfers who may have gone under the radar and are now ready to make some headlines on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood have officially ruled themselves out of the running for this year’s Ryder Cup after resigning from the DP World Tour.

Pablo Larrazabal secured his second DP World Tour title in three starts, his fourth in 15 months and his ninth in total after producing a great finish to win the 2023 KLM Open by two shots.

There has been much discussion about the Official World Golf Rankings, how points aren't been awarded for LIV events, and the impact that could have on the major championships. Ultimately, Golfshake's Derek Clements believes that it's time for common sense to prevail.

For this week's View From The Fairway, Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on the recent Chevron Championship and describes why he thinks the women's majors aren't getting the coverage they deserve.

Max Homa will attempt to win the Wells Fargo Championship for the third time in four years but will have to see off course specialist Rory McIlroy if he is to do so.

The Italian Open takes on an added significance this week. It will be staged at Marco Simone Golf Club, which hosts the Ryder Cup later this year and will provide European captain Luke Donald with a unique opportunity to view the course and gauge the form of some of the players who will be representing his team at the end of September.

And so the debate goes on. We recently reported on the feedback from our latest annual survey regarding the World Handicap System, a subject that continues to divide opinion. And it came as no surprise that the article exercised many of your minds yet again.

Golfshake's Derek Clements has been playing golf for longer than he cares to remember. That got him thinking about how the game has changed during that time, including the ways that things have progressed for the better.

The LIV Golf League will be in action for a second successive week. After playing Adelaide last week, they head to Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore. And they will do so in high spirits after performances of Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson and Patrick Reed at The Masters.

Sharing his weekly View From The Fairway column, Golfshake's Derek Clements comes to the defence of DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley, who has faced criticism from some observers in recent months.

Jon Rahm returns to Vidanta to defend his Mexico Open title and he will do so as the only member of the world’s top 10 in the field. It is difficult to see beyond Rahm making a successful defence after a meteoric start to 2023. He has already won four times this year, including that memorable performance at Augusta National.

A cosmopolitian field gathers in Incheon for the inaugural Korea Championship, with Europe’s best golfers facing a strong challenge from some of the most gifted home talent. The likes of Robert MacIntyre, Guido Migliozzi, Rasmus Hojgaard and Jordan Smith know that they need to find some big weeks if they are to have any chance of making it to the Ryder Cup in Italy.

Talor Gooch gave US Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson food for thought as he denied Bryson DeChambeau his first LIV Golf victory with a birdie-birdie finish at Valderrama.

Australia's Lucas Herbert came through a marathon effort to beat Aaron Cockerill in a playoff and win the ISPS HANDA Championship in Japan and secure his third DP World Tour title.

America's Lilia Vu beat compatriot Angel Yin in a playoff for her first major title at the Chevron Championship. Vu started the day four shots back but moved up the leaderboard and took full advantage of the sluggish finish of Yin, who had victory in her grasp.

Over the years many golfers have attempted to follow in the footsteps of famous fathers and very few have enjoyed much success. However, brothers and sisters are an entirely different kettle of fish. We take a look at golf’s top sibling rivalries.

Major sporting events have suddenly become soft targets for protesters, and with Just Stop Oil promising to disrupt further sporting events this summer it begs an obvious question: just how vulnerable is professional golf?

From our most recent annual survey it became abundantly clear that many of you believe that much work still needs to be done in order to successfully grow the game and attract more people to golf. Our sport talks a good game but does it deliver?

After weeks of intense pressure, the world’s best golfers have a chance to relax and have a bit of fun this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Week in, week out, these guys try to beat each other’s brains out but this tournament has a unique format, giving PGA Tour golfers the chance to pair up with their buddies for what is always a birdie fest.

The LIV Golf League heads to Adelaide in Australia this week for the first of two back-to-back tournaments - next week the destination is Singapore. Brooks Koepka, now fully fit again after struggling with a knee injury for almost two years, could be the man to beat Down Under.

The DP World Tour returns with the ISPS Handa Championship being staged at PGM Ishioka Golf Club in Japan. Rasmus Hojgaard is a key name in the field, which also includes the likes of Rafa Cabrera Bello, Robert MacIntyre and Christiaan Bezuidenhout.

Rory McIlroy's decision to withdraw from the RBC Heritage has won him few friends - and is likely to cost him a great deal of money. So it should surprise nobody that many of his fellow players want to know how he is going to be punished.

The World Handicap System was introduced in Britain amid much fanfare more than two years ago. It was supposed to end the debate once and for all. But many of you still have serious issues with it. In our recent annual Golfshake Survey it once again turned out to be a thorny subject for you.

Rory McIlroy will have won few fans after deciding to withdraw from the RBC Heritage. His decision came after he missed the cut at The Masters, where he refused to speak to the media afterwards, two actions that Golfshake's Derek Clements believes are unprofessional.

Jon Rahm's victory at the 2023 Masters meant he was the fourth Spaniard to claim the Green Jacket. He followed the legendary Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia. Spanish golfers have thrilled galleries all around the world with their swashbuckling style of play. Here, we look at some of their most memorable moments on the world stage.

Golfshake's Derek Clements has just returned from a holiday to Australia, where he played golf at Secret Harbour Golf Links near Perth. What Derek found out is that golf - and life - is very different Down Under when compared to back home in the UK.

Before The Masters got under way, two-time champion Bubba Watson, who defected to LIV Golf last year, claimed that the animosity between the PGA Tour and LIV was media driven. However, Golfshake's Derek Clements believes there is enough evidence to prove that statement is inaccurate.

Don't you just love this time of year on the PGA Tour? We have just had four glorious days at Augusta National and now we move on to the RBC Heritage at the beautiful Harbour Town Links at Hilton Head Island, which is a Designated Event, meaning that the field is spectacular.

In his View From The Fairway column, Derek Clements addresses the Masters withdrawal of Tiger Woods and explains why the legendary golfer's major career may soon be over.

Following a memorable 87th Masters, Golfshake's Derek Clements reviews the whole spectacle, the stories, the talking points, and shares his thoughts on the Sky Sports coverage of the week, including praise for the commentary and analysis.

Jon Rahm held his nerve to become the fourth Spaniard to win The Masters. In the process, he emulated last year’s champion Scottie Scheffler by winning his fourth tournament of the year, reclaimed the world No1 spot and tightened his grip at the top of the FedEx Cup standings.

The DP World Tour has been told that it was within its rights to fine and suspend the likes of Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood after they took part in LIV Golf’s inaugural tournament at the Centurion Club last year.

Much has been made in some circles of what is perceived to be a lack of form by European golfers on the world stage. But Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald has no reason to be losing any sleep over his potential team.

Scottie Scheffler will head to Augusta this week as one of the hottest favourites to retain the Green Jacket since Tiger Woods was in his prime - and with some justification. Get ready for the 87th Masters with our comprehensive preview.

This year's Masters is hotly anticipated considering the brilliant form of the favourites in addition to the extra dynamic of LIV Golf players being determined to contend for that coveted Green Jacket. Golfshake's Derek Clements has given us ten picks to win the Masters at Augusta!

There are 88 invited players expected to compete in the 87th Masters Tournament at Augusta National, with attention fixed on leading favourites like Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy. However, there is plenty of quality further down the field. Golfshake's Derek Clements has identified ten possible contenders who could be worth an outside bet!

Augusta National has been extended since last year. It now measures 7,521 yards. Originally designed by Alister MacKenzie, it has been lengthened over the years and changed significantly in places since those early days.

Scottie Scheffler began 2022 still looking for his first tournament victory. He finished The Masters as champion and world number one as he won his fourth event in an extraordinary run of form.

The Masters Tournament and Augusta National boasts a rich, fascinating and sometimes controversial history. Golfshake's Derek Clements has picked out a series of facts and stats that you may not know - which tell the story of this iconic event.

More than any other major, The Masters is a tournament that is guaranteed to produce more than its fair share of dramatic moments. Here are just a few of them.

Golfshake's Derek Clements has been on holiday for a month and returns to share his thoughts on the golf ball proposals from The R&A and USGA, believing that there is a better and simpler solution to curb the impact of distance.

Brooks Koepka produced a final round of 67 to win his third PGA Championship and his fifth major, in the process becoming the first LIV Golf member to claim a major title.

Canada's Corey Conners warmed up for his sixth Masters appearance by winning the Texas Open for a second time. He shot a bogey-free four-under-par 68 to finish on 15 under, one clear of PGA Tour rookie Sam Stevens who had two eagles in a 66 at TPC San Antonio. Had Stevens won he would have secured a spot at Augusta.

Dell’s sponsorship has come to an end, which means there is now not a single matchplay tournament on the PGA Tour schedule. As things stand, there is nothing on the calendar for 2024. And that is a crying shame in the view of Golfshake's Derek Clements.

JJ Spaun will relish his return to the Valero Texas Open, scene of his maiden PGA Tour success 12 months ago - and a victory that signalled the start of a magnificent run of good form for the American.

Brandon Stone will be among the home players looking to succeed at the Jonsson Workwear Open in South Africa, with the former Scottish Open champion attempting to get his DP World Tour career back on track.

The top 64 players in the world are eligible to play in the WGC Dell Technologies Match Play, with Scottie Scheffler defending one of the four titles he won during a quite extraordinary run in 2022.

Presenting his latest View From The Fairway opinion column, Golfshake's Derek Clements looks at the crucial team aspect of LIV Golf and explains why he finds it difficult to engage with, unlike the passionate connection people have to sides in other sports.

Sam Burns will attempt to create a piece of history this week as he goes for a third successive title at the Valspar Championship, but the likes of Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood will be hoping to stop his winning run here.

There will be a strong South African presence at the SDC Championship at the magnificent St Francis Links this week. They include Thriston Lawrence, Shaun Norris, the prodigiously talented Wilco Nienaber, Zander Lombard, Brandon Stone, Darren Fichardt and Oliver Bekker.

We all watch professional sport to be entertained. And in every sport there is a man or woman who stands out from the crowd. It is not just about a God-given talent - it is charisma, it is an ability to do the unexpected. There is a feeling that golfers are robots. Not true. Here are 10 of the greatest entertainers the game has ever seen.

It's time for The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. This is one fabulous golf tournament, boasting the strongest field of the year to date, and with huge financial rewards on offer. The winner this week will pick up a cheque for a mind-boggling $4.5m.

The way that we watch golf on TV has changed, just as the game itself has been transformed forever with the launch of LIV Golf. So, what can be done to grow golf coverage viewing figures? Here are some of your opinions from our 2022 Golfshake Survey.

Ashun Wu of China returns to Nairobi to defend his Magical Kenya Open title. He won 12 months ago after a closing 65 gave him a four-shot win. This year, the likes of Marcel Siem and Robert MacIntyre are in the field.

With so much cash sloshing around in the world of professional golf, Jon Rahm must be wondering what on earth all the fuss is about. But for now, everybody is in awe of what the Spaniard is achieving as we build towards the 2023 Masters.

For many of us, one of the joys of competition is that it provides us with the opportunity to play with people we don’t normally compete alongside. It can lead to new friendships. It can also pair you with people you will never want to see again. Here are just a few of the characters you can expect to come across in the monthly medal.

When Tiger Woods won The Masters in 2019 it was hailed by some as the greatest sporting comeback the world has ever seen. Golfshake's Derek Clements has suggested that what Chris Kirk achieved at the Honda Classic comes pretty close.

The PGA Tour has announced that its designated tournaments in 2024 will consist of smaller fields - and will have no cut, a decision that has raised eyebrows among golf fans and led to coordinated derision from LIV Golf members.

Golf is a hard enough game as it is. But there are plenty of outside influences that add to our frustration, things we have no influence over. So, what are the things that ALL golfers hate? Golfshake's Derek Clements has shared his thoughts.

So, have you watched Full Swing yet? Golfshake's Derek Clements loved every single minute of the Netflix series. Not because of any insights into LIV Golf or those who opted to jump ship. And not because of any of the golf clips, of which there are plenty. He explains just what aspect of the programme he found genuinely moving and insightful.

Scottie Scheffler returns to Bay Hill to defend his title at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, hoping to continue the form that saw him win four times by the middle of last April and rise to the top of the world rankings.

Marcel Siem turned the clock back by winning the Hero Indian Open. It was his first DP World Tour success for eight years. That sounds like a long time to wait between victories, but it is way short of the record.

Charles Howell III fired a final round of 63 to win the individual title at the LIV Golf Mayakoba and also lead Crushers GC to the team prize as the new LIV Golf season got under way.

Chris Kirk produced one of sport’s great comeback stories as he claimed the Honda Classic, his first title in nearly eight years, after overcoming alcoholism and deep depression.

Marcel Siem won his fifth DP World Tour title at the Hero Indian Open - eight years after his fourth victory. He held off the challenge of fellow German Yannik Paul to win by a single shot.

What is the current state of golf club memberships ahead of the 2023 season? We all know that golf enjoyed a massive boom during the height of the pandemic, but does the picture remain quite so optimistic this year? Our latest survey has offered some fascinating insights.

The new LIV Golf season kicks off this week at El Camaleón Golf Course at Mayakoba in Mexico with all the usual suspects once again competing for vast sums of money. It is the start of an expanded season, with 14 tournaments being played in 2023.

The always tricky PGA National hosts the Honda Classic, which boasts a field that includes defending champion Sepp Straka, and former winners Sungjae Im, Padraig Harrington, Rory Sabbatini and Camilo Villegas. Hoping to join that list is Billy Horschel, who is playing five weeks in a row.

The Indian Open returns for the first time since 2019, when Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher claimed the title. Gallacher’s victory was a surprise - home golfers normally dominate this event, and Shubhankar Sharma will be looking to continue that at DLF Golf & Country Club this week.

Golfshake's Derek Clements has some recommended viewing for you in his latest View From The Fairway as he describes the profile film about the world's top ranked disabled golfer Kipp Popert that you can see on Sky Sports Golf.

Bernhard Langer wrote another piece of history and broke a host of records after a two-shot victory over Steve Stricker at the US Senior Open. The German's win is his 46th PGA Tour Champions title, breaking the previous all-time total held by Hale Irwin, with the victory also his 12th senior major and extending his own record tally.

Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen won his eighth DP World Tour title by six shots after a closing round of 67 at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship.

One of the most encouraging findings from our 2022 Golfshake Survey shows that 48% of you saw your handicap fall last year. So, how did these golfers manage that? It seems pretty obvious to say but it appears that you get out of the game what you put into it.

LIV Golf was a massive story last year and remains a talking point going into 2023. We wanted to find out more about how many golfers have watched those events and how the demographic of that audience compares to the overall picture of golf fans who view tournaments on TV and attend in person.

Ahead of the 2023 golf season, what is the current state of the game? These have been strange times for golf, with the sport enjoying a well-documented boom during the pandemic. So how are things looking now? The results are in for the Golfshake Survey, with more than 3,500 of you responding to tell us about your lives on the golf course.

The Genesis Invitational is hosted by Tiger Woods and the big news is that the 15-time major champion will be playing in the event. There is also a world-class field heading to Riviera, led by Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and man of the moment Jon Rahm.

Local favourite Kiradech Aphibarnrat says that he can’t wait to tee it up on home soil once again at this week's Thailand Classic as the DP World Tour returns to the country for the first time since 2016.

Both leading professionals and golf fans have expressed their excitement ahead of the release of Full Swing, including Golfshake's Derek Clements, who looks forward to the Netflix series following an unforgettable year on the PGA Tour.

Winning majors is supposed to be exhausting. But it seems that nobody told Scottie Scheffler. The world number one cruised to another comfortable victory at the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town, leaving a world-class field trailing in his wake.

If you regularly watch golf on TV you will know that in this country, Sky Sports leads the way. When you don’t have competition it is all too easy to become complacent and rest on your laurels. It is, therefore, to Sky’s credit that they have continued to innovate. But how could they further improve their coverage? Golfshake's Derek Clements has some ideas.

We reckon that any day spent at the golf course is fundamentally a good one, but what factors come together to create the perfect day? Golfshake's Derek Clements has given that some thought and describes what would be his absolutely perfect, dream round of golf.

There are all sorts of golfers at clubs around the country. But what makes them a proper golfer? Sharing his tongue in cheek analysis on the various personalities and behaviours he sees, Golfshake's Derek Clements offers his thoughts on the subject.

Justin Rose ended a four-year drought by winning the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. In the process, the Englishman secured his place in the field for The Masters.

Full Swing, the Netflix documentary series following a year in the life of the PGA Tour, has sparked a huge amount of interest. When the producers came up with the idea they could not possibly have imagined what would follow. It got us wondering about the documentaries and real-life movies that never happened but would surely have been ratings winners.

There is much controversy surrounding professional golf at the moment, but Golfshake's Derek Clements offers an optimistic take on things, demonstrating why he sees enough positive things for fans and viewers to be excited about in 2023.

This is a significant week for the DP World Tour, with an arbitration panel to decide whether the likes of Lee Westwood, Patrick Reed, Martin Kaymer and Ian Poulter can carry on playing in its tournaments.

Ian Poulter recently announced that if he was invited to play in this year’s Ryder Cup he would probably decline. But he tells a very different story in the new Netflix series, Full Swing, which will be available from February 15.

Phil Mickelson has been making a lot of noise on social media in recent weeks, stirring things up and causing a fair degree of controversy along the way. Golfshake's Derek Clements hasn't been left impressed by the six-time major champion.

There is a truly exceptional field that has been assembled by the PGA Tour for the typically raucous WM Phoenix Open, where Scottie Scheffler defends the title. World number one Rory McIlroy is competing. Fresh from winning the Dubai Desert Classic, TPC Scottsdale is a course that should be made for him.

Li Haotong is one of the star attractions at the inaugural Singapore Classic at Laguna National Golf Resort, but one of last year's standout performers, Ryan Fox, is surely among the favourites in this new DP World Tour event.

Daniel Gavins found water twice at the final hole and then holed a 30-foot double-bogey putt to win the Ras Al Khaimah Championship in the most dramatic fashion.

Abraham Ancer held off the challenge of Cameron Young to win the Saudi International by two strokes and claim a wire-to-wire victory after dropping just two shots all week.

Yes, even the best golfers on the planet have areas of the game that could be improved. So what would happen if you took the best parts from the best players? You would end up with some player. Thanks to golf’s obsession with statistics, it is actually possible to produce the complete golfer.

The public spats over LIV Golf continued last week, involving Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed, with even Sir Nick Faldo getting involved. Golfshake's Derek Clements believes that it's a pattern that has done the wider game no favours.

It's one of the PGA Tour's most divisive events, but Tom Hoge defends his title in California at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, with reigning US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick among the favourites to be successful this week.

The DP World Tour’s Desert Swing ends this week with the Ras Al Khaimah Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club. And Thriston Lawrence will make his second appearance at the event after getting his season off to a flyer with victory on home soil at the South African Open, while Padraig Harrington will again attempt to become the oldest winner in tour history.

Cameron Young, one of the hottest properties on the PGA Tour, will tee it up in the Saudi International. As expected, the field is full of LIV Golf members, including defending champion Harold Varner III, Phil Mickelson, Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed.

It was somehow inevitable that the Dubai Desert Classic would come down to Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed, but it was the Northern Irishman who triumphed in dramatic style with a closing birdie on the last to deny the American.

Max Homa shot a 66 to come from five behind to claim the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines as Spain’s Jon Rahm, who had been attempting to win his third event in a row slumped to a 74 

When Golfshake's Derek Clements looks around at the behaviour of some of the people he sees playing this great game, it sometimes makes him wonder why they bother. And it got him thinking about the sort of individuals that, in an ideal world, we would want to play with. And those we wouldn’t want to be on the same course with, never mind in the same fourball.

Jon Rahm has been singing the praises of former Wales and Real Madrid footballing superstar Gareth Bale’s golfing ability after they played together in the pro-am at the Farmers Insurance Open. Bale isn’t the first professional footballer to have a gift for golf.

There are some golf tournaments that you know will always deliver, whether it be by providing guaranteed drama or an incredible atmosphere. But there are other wonderful events that might not obviously capture the public’s imagination. Derek Clements has picked out some underrated dates for your diary.

Rory McIlroy kicks off 2023 looking for a third victory at the Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club as part of a world-class field that includes Shane Lowry, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, Ryan Fox, Francesco Molinari, Thomas Pieters, Guido Migliozzi, Robert MacIntyre, Adrian Meronk, Thriston Lawrence and Victor Perez.

Jon Rahm is back at his favourite venue, Torrey Pines, for the Farmers Insurance Open. The in-form Spaniard will be joined in the field by the likes of Xander Schauffele, Will Zalatoris, Hideki Matsuyama, Max Homa, Collin Morikawa and Tony Finau.

Using The Open, the Premier League and the Australian Open tennis as examples, Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on the manner in which spectators are treated, with the highest consideration seemingly paid to whatever TV demands.

Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter has suggested that he would turn down a place on this year's team, should he qualify for Europe. But in his latest View From The Fairway opinion piece, Derek Clements believes that the Englishman's comments were delusional and misplaced.

You will probably be aware that LIV Golf has struck a deal with the CW Network for it to broadcast all 14 of its tournaments in 2023, but it's an announcement that left several unanswered questions.

Jon Rahm came out on top in an epic duel with rookie Davis Thompson to claim the American Express title. It was the Spaniard’s fourth win in five starts and his second in succession.

Frenchman Victor Perez secured the biggest win of his career and boosted his Ryder Cup qualification hopes after holing a bunker shot at the penultimate hole on his way to a final round of 66 and a dramatic victory at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

What should you be looking for if you have decided that the time has come to join a golf club? It's a scenario that many golfers face if there are several options available in their area. Golfshake's Derek Clements has been a member at venues across the country and he has outlined a number of factors you must consider.

After his spectacular comeback victory at the Tournament of Champions, Jon Rahm declared that nobody in the world is playing better golf than the Spaniard - and it is difficult to argue with him. And he will be one of the favourites to win The American Express Championship at PGA West this week.

Belgium's Thomas Pieters returns to Yas Links to defend his Abu Dhabi Championship title against a strong field as the DP World Tour resumes. Seamus Power will make his debut alongside former winners Shane Lowry, Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton, Ryan Fox, 2018 Open Champion Francesco Molinari and Sepp Straka.

The Official World Golf Rankings have continued to be a hot topic, with Jon Rahm again questioning his positioning following recent victories. Golfshake's Derek Clements is perplexed too, as he describes in his new View From The Fairway column.

Si Woo Kim shot a final round of 64 to pip Hayden Buckley and win the Sony Open in Hawaii by a stroke, continuing what has been a fast start to the year for Callaway's new Paradym Driver.

High-flying Polish star Adrian Meronk holed the winning putt as Continental Europe beat Great Britain & Ireland 14.5-10.5 to win the inaugural Hero Cup in what has been set up as a dress rehearsal for Europe’s prospects in the Ryder Cup later this year.

Golf is a very special game. Those of us who play it love the sport and almost everything about it. However, for those who look in from the outside, it is also a game that is surrounded by misconceptions. Golfshake's Derek Clements addresses some of those and, hopefully, dispels a few myths.

Rory McIlroy is a man who influences much of what happens in professional golf. And his resurgence got our Derek Clements thinking about the men he considers to be the 10 most influential golfers of all time.

The Saudi International is a tournament that has consistently divided opinion, even before the arrival of LIV Golf, but given that context, many will be surprised to discover that the PGA Tour has given permission to several of its players to compete next month.

2022 was quite the year to follow the PGA Tour, but that's just what the makers of Full Swing did for a fly-on-the-wall documentary series for Netflix, which is hotly anticipated by golf fans following the reveal of its first trailer.

Tommy Fleetwood captains GB&I against a Continental Europe side led by Francesco Molinari in the inaugural Hero Cup this week. It is seen as a dress rehearsal for the Ryder Cup and while some of the 20 players in action in Abu Dhabi will be in Rome, many of them will not.

Hideki Matsuyama defends his title at the Sony Open this week, the first full-field tournament of 2023. The likes of Billy Horschel, Jordan Spieth and Tom Kim are competing in Hawaii, making this an intriguing event to follow as the PGA Tour kicks back into gear.

Golfshake's Derek Clements assesses the current state of the Ryder Cup, the impact of possible exclusions for LIV golfers, and how the potential teams are looking with the showpiece event only nine months away.

There were several talking points that emerged from the Tournament of Champions, including the news that Patrick Cantlay is no longer sponsored by either Titleist or Hugo Boss. Golfshake's Derek Clements delves into some of the off-the-course highlights from an intriguing week.

As the new golf year kicks into action we should not underestimate the importance of the decision made by Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley and his committee to allow LIV Golf players to compete at The Masters in April.

Jon Rahm produced a glorious final round of 63 to overturn a seven-shot deficit as he won the Tournament of Champions by two shots. It allowed the Spaniard to put last year’s disappointment behind him when he finished second as Cameron Smith won the same event, making birdies for fun.

There are some individuals who are guaranteed to generate interest and make headlines, no matter what they say and do. Here, we look at the nine people in golf who are absolutely guaranteed to move the needle - even without hitting a single shot in anger.

With barely any time to draw breath, the PGA Tour is off and running again with the Sentry Tournament of Champions at The Plantation Course at Kapalua - and it will need to go some to top last year’s tournament.  Derek Clements looks head to this year's event.

SPORT can be an unforgiving mistress. Just when you think that you have it sussed, it has a nasty habit of biting you where it hurts most.  And golf is no exception. Just because a golfer has a couple of dream years, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will continue.

The introduction of LIV Golf has divided the golfing world, creating tension between players and fans alike. As we head into 2023, it is time to consider ways to bridge this gap and reconcile the sport. Derek Clements explores ways to reunite golfers and fans, and bring harmony back to the game.

With Tiger Woods' best days now behind him, the search is on for the next golfing superstar. The 2022-23 season on the PGA and DP World Tours may be the key to discovering just who that individual might be. We have identified 10 golfers whose progress bears watching in the upcoming season. From well-known names to potential up-and-comers, these players could be the future of golf.

There are no guarantees of success in sport. Over the years there have been many young prodigies who have been identified as being the next big thing. Here, we look at golfers we believe have underachieved. Some of the names in this list may surprise you.

Winning golf tournaments is no easy matter. No lead is ever big enough going into the final round. We have seen some remarkable final rounds this year on both the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour, and it got us thinking about the greatest comebacks in the history of our sport.  Here are 10 of the best.

This is a time of year for both reflection and for looking ahead. It is to be hoped that 2023 is a rather more uneventful year off the course.  Sports Writer Derek Clements shares what he would like to see happen in the 12 months that lie ahead.

This has been a year that we will not forget in a hurry. 2022 was the year when LIV Golf arrived, many of the world’s best players defected after being given massive signing-on cheques and were suspended by the PGA Tour. Here, we take a look at some of golf’s biggest winners and losers in 2022.

There was considerable outrage expressed by many in the golf community when neither US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick nor Rory McIlroy made the short list for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

What makes a good golf course? What makes you want to return? What lives long in the mind and makes you want to tell everybody you know? It may surprise you to learn that, according to Golfshake subscribers, the thing we all want is a proper challenge.

Nobody wants to be known as the best golfer never to have won a major. Make no mistake - they are not easy to win. Next year promises to be another exciting one, and Golfshake's Derek Clements picks out ten players he believes are most likely to be challenging for their first major successes.

Kylian Mbappe and France may have lost the World Cup final but their countryman Antoine Rozner produced a superb display of front-running as he fired a 67 to win the Mauritius Open by five shots.

We all know what makes a good golf course and a decent golf club. There are all sorts of reasons that we want to visit courses other than the ones of which we are members. Sadly, you tell us that there are still many courses and clubs that you visit once and decide never to return.

It has certainly been an eventful year in the world of professional golf. We have seen some outstanding performances in the majors, the resurgence of Rory McIlroy and the arrival of LIV Golf. There has been a lot of focus on events off the course, but we think there is still plenty to celebrate. Golfshake's Derek Clements shares his top 10 golfers of 2022.

The lack of world ranking points on LIV Golf has led to serious consequences for a number of players who have tumbled down the rankings during the past 12 months. For some it means that they will no longer be exempt to play in any of the four majors.

Belgium's Thomas Detry, who has made a superb start to his PGA Tour career, goes in search of his first DP World Tour victory at the Mauritius Open, which brings the curtain down on another wonderful golf year.

In his View From The Fairway opinion piece, Derek Clements recaps the latest around LIV Golf and the questions surrounding its newly announced venues for 2023 and what that could mean for the established tours.

South Africa's Ockie Strydom carded a final-round 69 to claim a maiden title on the DP World Tour with a two-shot victory at the Alfred Dunhill Championship on Sunday.

In his latest View From The Fairway opinion article, Derek Clements takes a closer look at the two teams announced for the Hero Cup in January and analyses whether the event can make a difference for Europe at September's Ryder Cup.

The QBE Shootout brings the curtain down on an eventful year for the PGA Tour, with 12 two-person teams competing at Tiburon Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida.

The Alfred Dunhill Championship returns to Leopard Creek for the first time in two years with Christiaan Bezuidenhout back to defend his title on home soil. The tournament marks the end of the DP World Tour’s South Africa Swing and once again boasts a strong field, dominated by home players.

Viktor Hovland produced a sensational display of golf to win the Tour Championship, the FedEx Cup and $18m. The 25-year-old Norwegian finished with a 63 - and he needed it as Xander Schauffele, his nearest challenger, ended the week with a 62.

Thriston Lawrence claimed his second win of the season as he overhauled Joost Luiten on a dramatic final day in Germany to take the title at the BMW International Open.

Poland's Adrian Meronk shot a closing 66 for a one-stroke victory over Matti Schmid at the Andalucia Masters at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande in San Roque.

Ashleigh Buhai capped a magnificent year by winning the Australian Open in Melbourne. Trailing 54-hole leader leader Jiyai Shin of South Korea by one stroke, Buhai carded a one-over par 73 to post a winning total of 14-under.

Speaking ahead of the Hero World Challenge, Tiger Woods has repeated Rory McIlroy’s call for Greg Norman to quit as LIV Golf CEO - to allow a settlement to be negotiated in golf’s civil war.

Sadly, Tiger Woods isn't competing in the Hero World Challenge this week after withdrawing due to injury, but the 15-time major champion will host 20 impressive names, including Jon Rahn, Justin Thomas and Scottie Scheffler.

The South African Open returns this week at Blair Atholl Golf Club in Johannesburg. As you would expect, there is a strong home presence, led by the likes of Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace, Dean Burmester, Dylan Frittelli, JC Ritchie, Thriston Lawrence, Wilco Nienaber, Erik van Rooyen and Darren Fichardt.

A significant piece of history will be created this week at the first mixed gender Australian Open at Victoria Golf Club and Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne. With men, women and disabled players all competing on the same stages at the same time, the Australian Open will return for the first time since 2019.

You will be aware that Greg Norman’s LIV Golf series has been adding new marquee signings all year and that more big names are due to join for the 2023 season, when a total of 14 big-money tournaments will be staged. What you may have missed throughout the season is that LIV Golf axed golfers who might have thought they were set up for life.

Cameron Smith completed his astonishing year by winning the Australian PGA Championship for his fifth victory of 2022. The Australian won the Tournament of Champions, Players Championship and Open Championship. He then moved to LIV Golf and wasted no time in winning again.

Dan Bradbury, a 23-year-old Englishman, is in wonderland after his wire-to-wire victory in the Joburg Open. Bradbury, who only turned professional in the summer, came into the tournament with no status on any tour but made the most of a sponsor’s invite, clinching a magnificent three-shot win as the 2023 season got off to a start that he will never forget.

Sweden's Caroline Hedwall beat Switzerland’s Morgane Metraux in a four-hole playoff to win the LET’s season-ending Andalucia Costa Del Sol Open de Espana - her first tournament victory in four years.

There are many, many ways to play golf well. When we start the game we all have it drummed into us that mastering the basics is essential if we are ever to play at a decent level. And while that is undoubtedly true, it has to be said that there are some very good professionals who do things their own way. Here, we look at some of the top stars’ idiosyncrasies.

It's often been said that golf is a gentleman's game, but some of the actions of its best players have regularly defied that cliche. Golfshake's Derek Clements takes a closer look at some of the sport's highest profile - and ugliest - public feuds.

For those hoping to see a reconciliation of sorts across men's professional golf, the continued prominence of Greg Norman appears to be a significant stumbling block, with Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and new PGA Tour board member Jimmy Dunne all seeing the two-time Open champion as a negative representative for LIV Golf.

With no time to draw breath, one season on the DP World Tour ends and another one begins. And South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence will defend the Joburg Open title he won 12 months ago in a tournament reduced to 36 holes because of the weather.

Open champion Cameron Smith is the star attraction and red-hot favourite to win the Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane this week, a tournament co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia.

Eventual DP World Tour Championship winner Jon Rahm was highly critical of the Official World Golf Ranking, which under a new algorithm granted the PGA Tour's RSM Classic more ranking points. Golfshake's Derek Clements supports the Spaniard's view.

Rory McIlroy's fourth-place finish at the DP World Tour Championship means that he finishes as Europe’s top golfer for the fourth time and caps an outstanding season that also saw him him claim the Tour Championship, the CJ Cup and the Canadian Open on the PGA Tour.

The DP World Tour Championship was won for the third time by Jon Rahm, of Spain, who finished with a 67 and a 72-hole total of 268, 20 under par, to beat Alex Noren and Tyrrell Hatton by two shots.

Lydia Ko's resurgence continued as she won the LPGA Tour Championship in Florida, beating Ireland’s Leona Maguire by two shots. It is Ko’s second victory in less than a month.

Canada's Adam Svensson won his maiden PGA Tour title at the RSM Classic at Sea Island after barely making the 36-hole cut. The 28-year-old's first Tour victory came on what was a 70th PGA start for the world number 174.

Marbella is one of the most famous holiday destinations in Spain. It is, of course, famous for its mix of night clubs, beach bars and shopping. But it has far, far more to offer both holidaymakers and golfers, including the spectacular Los Monteros Spa & Golf Resort.

As the red-hot summer starts to become a distant memory it might be time to start thinking about a winter golf break in the sun - and there are plenty of options to choose from to suit all budgets. We look at the USA, Dubai and the beautiful island of Mauritius, each coming recommended by our friends at Golfbreaks.

Rory McIlroy has called for Greg Norman to quit as commissioner of LIV Golf, hinting it is the only way that a peace deal can be achieved to end the dispute that has rocked men's golf in 2022.

Lincoln is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in England, and just 20 miles away you will find Belton Woods Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, a magnificent golf resort boasting a stunning hotel and two golf courses.

The news that the prize fund for the Aramco Saudi Ladies International is to be increased from $1m to $5m got us thinking about the whole question of prize money once again. The boost means that the women will be playing for the same financial rewards as those competing in the men’s Saudi International. Sadly, this is something of an exception.

In his weekly View From The Fairway, sports journalist Derek Clements addresses the new Hero Cup to be staged in January, featuring captains Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari, in a team event that is hoped will improve Europe's chances at the Ryder Cup. But Derek is skeptical about its likely impact.

Rory McIlroy arrives in Dubai for what he hopes will be his coronation as Europe’s number one when he tees it up at the DP World Tour Championship. The Northern Irishman leads the DP World Tour rankings ahead of Ryan Fox and US Open champion Matthew Fitzpatrick before the showpiece finale.

Seamus Power and Sepp Straka will be looking for another big week at the RSM Classic as both begin to lay their claims for Ryder Cup berths. They are joined by another European who is still looking to find his way back to his best form. Since winning The Open, Francesco Molinari has endured something of a rollercoaster ride, but he is finally back to full fitness and there have been some encouraging recent signs.

Tommy Fleetwood birdied the final two holes to win the Dubai Invitational by one shot from Rory McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence.

THERE was a six-year gap between Tony Finau’s maiden victory and his second. But after winning in successive weeks in July 2022 on the PGA Tour, the 33-year-old American has clearly developed a taste for it.

Chiara Noja turned the form book on its head by shooting a final round of 65 to win the Aramco Team Series at the tender age of 16. She finished tied with England’s Charley Hull after regulation play and then held her nerve to win the playoff with a birdie.

Social media has gone into meltdown with the news that Tiger Woods has announced he will return to action at the 2022 Hero World Challenge.

There are sportsmen and women who go about their business with great fanfare. Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed are examples of golfers who wear their hearts on their sleeves, get the crowd involved and know how to enjoy winning golf tournaments.  But not everybody is like that. Many Tour pros go about their business quietly, with a minimum of fuss. Here, we look at 10 players who go under the radar.

IT IS often said that the most important six inches in golf is the space between our ears. We have all made decisions on the golf course that we later live to regret. We have all walked off a tee or green shaking our heads in disbelief at some act of stupidity.  So here are just a few of them.

In his weekly - View From The Fairway - Sports Journalist Derek Clements reports on the last announcement from the DP World Tour guaranteeing every player who plays in at least 15 tournaments $150,000 and poses the questions - do the players have LIV Golf to thank?

The PGA Tour visits Memorial Park for the 2022 Houston Open which was won last year by Jason Korkrak. The Houston Open was first played in 1946, with the inaugural event captured by Byron Nelson at River Oaks Country Club.

The Gary Player Country Club in South Africa hosts the penultimate event of the 2021-22 DP World Tour schedule, with the curtain coming down at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai next week. The event, which is widely regarded as South Africa’s major, makes a welcome return to the calendar, boasting a tremendously strong field.

Russell Henley ended a five-year winless drought when he claimed the Mayakoba Championship by four shots from Brian Harman.

The PGA Tour has made dramatic enhancements to several of its events, but what about this side of the pond? It got us thinking about tournaments on the DP World Tour that we believe could perhaps do with a review - and a boost in prize money and status.

As the days get shorter, our thoughts may turn to the prospect of heading off for some winter sun. And there are some incredible destinations recommended by our friends Golfbreaks that are closer than you might think.

A number of high-profile professionals have lost their DP World Tour cards. They include tournament winners such as Joost Luiten, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, David Horsey, Brandon Stone and Lucas Bjerregaard. But none had a more agonising finish than Italy's Renato Paratore.

Are you looking to change your golf clubs? Maybe you fancy a set of shiny new irons, or you could be looking for a set of second-hand clubs. You could, of course, head to your local professional’s shop and seek advice, but there are many options open to you.

The first LIV Golf season has come to an end after eight tournaments that have ripped professional golf asunder, setting many of the sport’s leading lights against one another. Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on the impact of the new circuit and what's ahead.

Fans will return to the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba for the first time in two years as Viktor Hovland returns in an attempt to win the title for the third year on the trot. The hugely talented Norwegian will have his work cut out for him, however, with his biggest challenge perhaps coming from Collin Morikawa.

Ireland's Seamus Power laid down a marker for European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald by winning the Butterfield Bermuda Championship on the PGA Tour, beating Belgium's Thomas Detry by a shot.

After a hiatus of five years, Jordan Smith finally won his second DP World Tour title, securing the Portugal Masters at Dom Pedro Victoria. And he did so in the most spectacular fashion, shooting a final round of 63 for a mind-boggling 72-hole total of 254 - an astonishing 30 under par.

The LIV Golf season reaches its conclusion at Trump National Doral Golf Club in Miami this week, with huge sums of money on offer once again. The iconic Blue Monster course will stage the seeded three-day, knockout tournament featuring both match play and stroke play as LIV Golf’s 12 teams compete for a $50m purse.

There are worse places to be at the end of October than at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship this week. And Polish star Adrian Meronk will be hoping to make a name for himself as he makes a rare start on the PGA Tour after what has been an outstanding season in Europe.

The Portugal Masters represents the last-chance saloon for number of players on the DP World Tour. It is the final regular tournament of the 2021-22 season and offers the final chance to secure playing privileges for the year ahead.

It was not pretty but Rory McIlroy held on to win the Dubai Desert Classic for a record fourth time, defeating Poland’s Adrian Meronk by a single shot after leading by four at one point.

Yannik Paul secured his maiden DP World Tour title after a dramatic finish to the Mallorca Golf Open. Paul birdied the last to post a one-over 72 at Son Muntaner Golf Club and end the week on 15 under, a shot ahead of fellow German Nicolai von Dellinghausen and England's Paul Waring.

The Cary Arms is a luxury, five-star venue that is located in a glorious bay in Babbacombe, near Torquay in Devon. It also has a stay-and-play arrangement with Teignmouth Golf Club, designed by Dr Alister MacKenzie. Golfshake's Derek Clements had the opportunity to experience both and he describes his time spent there.

France is becoming an increasingly popular destination for UK golfers. There are many reasons for this, not the least of which are the quality of courses combined with how easy it is to get there. However, we believe that The Resonance Golf Collection can provide you with the answers to all of your French golf questions.

Murcia is a historic city located in the south-east of Spain and is the perfect location for a golf break, no matter what time of year you may be thinking of heading off for some R&R.

Whether it be the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour, or LIV Golf, the riches available to the best men's golfers are extraordinary, with purses also rising across the women's game. Golfshake's Derek Clements takes a closer look at what some leading golfers have pocketed this year.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a sports journalist covering a golf tournament, especially a major championship? Golfshake's Derek Clements has decades of experience and he offers a behind the scenes view of what that week looks like for members of the press.

Rory McIlroy began his outstanding 2021-22 season with a victory at the CJ Cup at Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, South Carolina and returns to defend his title against a world-class field that includes Scottie Scheffler, Hideki Matsuyama, Matthew Fitzpatrick and Viktor Hovland.

The DP World Tour completes its Spanish Swing at the Mallorca Open at Son Muntaner Golf Club in Palma. The field include Ryan Fox, Ewen Ferguson, Rafa Cabrera Bello, the Hojgaard twins, Nicolai and Rasmus, Erik Van Rooyen and Daniel Gavins.

Keegan Bradley sealed a sixth career win on the PGA Tour with victory at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut. It was his second win of what is turning out to be a resurgent season for the 37-year-old.

Lexi Thompson put a tough couple of years behind her with a three-shot victory at the Aramco Team Series in New York. It is the American’s first win since she claimed the title at the Shoprite LPGA Classic in 2019.

Brooks Koepka became the latest $4m man when he defeated Peter Uihlein in a playoff to win the LIV Golf tournament in Jeddah. Both men finished the 54-hole tournament on 198, 12 under par.

Adrian Otaegui stormed to a six-shot victory with an astonishing display of stroke-making to win the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama. He reduced the course to 265 strokes, 19 under par, as he beat Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren. Min Woo Lee was third, a further three shots adrift.

US Open champion Matthew Fitzpatrick defends his Andalucia Masters title at Valderrama this week as the DP World Tour remains in Spain for the second of three events.

Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele lead the field at the Zozo Championship at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club in Japan. Also heading to the land of the rising sun are Cameron Champ, Rickie Fowler and Tommy Fleetwood.

LIV Golf moves to Jeddah for the penultimate event of its inaugural campaign, where the likes of Dustin Johnson and Cameron Smith will be among the favourites to triumph on Saudi Arabia's Royal Greens Golf and Country Club.

It took her 246 attempts but England's Jodi Ewart Shadoff is finally a LPGA Tour winner, going wire to wire to claim the Mediheal Championship by a shot.

Tom Kim made a successful defence of his Shriners Children’s Open title at TPC Summerlin, Las Vegas. At the age of just 21, this was his third PGA Tour victory - only Tiger Woods managed the same thing at a younger age.

Jon Rahm's victory at The Masters takes him back No1 in the world rankings and consolidates his position at the top of the FedEx Cup standings. It also means he has now won two majors. This was his fourth victory of the year - exactly the number achieved by Scottie Scheffler when he claimed the Green Jacket 12 months ago.

You may have never heard of Eugenio Lopez-Chacarra, but he woke up this morning $4m richer after claiming the LIV Golf Bangkok title. His final round of 69 gave him a three-stroke victory.

Golf returned to the Olympic Games in Rio in 2016, when Justin Rose and Inbee Park claimed the gold medals. Xander Schauffele and Nelly Korda took the gold in Tokyo last year. And now, it has been confirmed that the game will make its debut at the Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Australia in 2026.

Sungjae Im defends his Shriners Children’s Open title, looking to emulate his astonishing performance 12 months ago, when he shot a final round of 62 to win by four shots. Jason Day, Gary Woodland and Stewart Cink are all in the field at TPC Summerlin and will be joined by Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar, Cameron Champ, Harris English and J.T. Poston. But it's Patrick Cantlay who should be the man to beat.

Jon Rahm leads a star-studded field at the Open de Espana, and has his sights on a third success to add to his victories in 2018 and 2019. He is determined to emulate legendary fellow Spaniard Seve Ballesteros, who won this tournament in 1981, 1985 and 1995.

LIV Golf moves to Bangkok this week, where Open champion Cameron Smith's biggest threats are likely to come from Dustin Johnson, who has yet to finish outside the top 10 in the LIV Golf series, and the hugely gifted Joaquin Niemann.

It was a memorable week at the Dunhill Links, perhaps most so for the horrendous weather conditions on Friday that have Golfshake's Derek Clements wondering whether this long-standing autumn tradition at the Home of Golf would be better served moving to summer.

It wasn't pretty to watch but Mackenzie Hughes finally has his second PGA Tour victory, six years after his first. The Canadian beat Austria’s Sepp Straka at the second hole of a playoff at the Sanderson Farms Championship thanks to a magnificent birdie on the 18th.

Charley Hull shot a magnificent final round of 64 to win The Ascendant on the LPGA Tour with a 72-hole total of 266, 18 under par. It was the English golfer’s first success on the LPGA Tour for six years and it wasn’t easy. Her last triumph on the Tour came in 2016 when she won the CME Group Tour Championship in Florida.

In a perfect world, Luke Donald would have watched one of his Ryder Cup team win the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Instead, the title went to New Zealand's Ryan Fox, who recovered from a triple bogey to beat Tyrrell Hatton and Aaron Rai.

Feeder tours are an essential part of the professional game - they are where young players go to learn their trade and, for the lucky few, they are the route to the likes of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

The Ryder Cup may still be 12 months away but it is already dominating the thoughts of many pundits. After the USA’s comfortable victory in the Presidents Cup, you can be sure that the events that will unfold in Italy next year are already dominating the thoughts of European captain Luke Donald.

Last year at the Sanderson Farms Championship, Sam Burns rolled off four birdies in a six-hole stretch to start the back nine and pulled away for a five-under 67 to secure his second PGA Tour title. And he is back, fresh from helping the USA to retain the Presidents Cup at Quail Hollow.

Rory McIlroy returns to Europe for the third time in four weeks when he plays in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. He finished second at the BMW PGA Championship and fourth at the Italian Open to extend his lead at the top of the DP World Tour rankings, and he can more or less sew things up with a victory at St Andrews this week.

Xander Schauffele holed the putt that gave the USA a 17.5-12.5 victory in the Presidents Cup. And so The Internationals’ quest for success on American soil continues despite a spirited performance during the last two days of matches.

Guido Migliozzi won the Open de France at Le Golf National thanks to a sensational final round of 62, which was good enough to pip Rasmus Hojgaard by a single shot.

Klara Spilkova claimed the Women's Irish Open after a three-way play-off at Dromoland Castle in Clare. It was her first victory in five years. The 27-year-old from the Czech Republic birdied the par-five 18th to defeat Nicole Broch Estrup and Ursula Wikstrom, both of whom made pars. The trio finished on 14 under par after a dramatic final day.

All 50 golfers currently signed to LIV Golf have written to Peter Dawson, chairman of the Official World Golf Rankings board, demanding that they be awarded ranking points. But what is stopping the new circuit from being eligible for points? There are several established criteria that it must meet.

Imagine for a moment that money was no object, that you have a series of luxury cars in the driveway of your eight-bedroom home. We have looked at some of the golf courses in the UK that provide the very best value for money. Now, we explore those where the green fees would make most of us baulk and walk away.

Captain Trevor Immelman will be hoping to mastermind the biggest of upsets as he prepares to captain The Internationals against Davis Love's USA in the Presidents Cup at the magnificent Quail Hollow this week.

A strong field has assembled at Le Golf National this week for the Open de France, which is being played for the first time since 2019. Three years ago the tournament was won by Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks ahead to the event.

Max Homa cruised to victory at the Nedbank Challenge at Sun City, his third win of a fabulous season for the American.

Scotland's Robert MacIntyre put a miserable season behind him as he saw off U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick in a play-off to win the Italian Open.

Cam Smith continued his fine form as he romped away from the field to win the LIV Golf Bedminster event by seven strokes, his second success in little over a month.

Last week's BMW PGA Championship will not be forgotten in a hurry. Among the many stories from the week was that of Sergio Garcia, who withdrew after the opening round without a word of apology or explanation, instead attending a college football game in America. Derek Clements wonders just how much damage this has done to the Spaniard's reputation.

This week's Italian Open takes on special significance as it will be hosted at Marco Simone Golf Club which, in 12 months' time, will host the Ryder Cup, with Europe thirsting for revenge after suffering a humiliating defeat at Whistling Straits last year.

Shane Lowry produced a flawless final round of 65 to win the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. He finished the tournament - reduced to 54 holes after the death of The Queen - on 199, 17 under par.

A stellar cast gathers at Wentworth this week for the BMW PGA Championship, with huge excitement surrounding the appearance of Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy.

After a gap of eight years, England’s Oliver Wilson finally landed his second DP World Tour title at the Made in Himmerland in Denmark.

Alexander Knappe moved to the top of the Road to Mallorca Rankings as a four under par round of 68 was enough to secure a fourth Challenge Tour title at the B-NL Challenge Trophy by Hulencourt. In the process, he secured his return to the DP World Tour.

MANY of you have told us about the soaring cost of green fees since lockdown ended. And while it is quite clearly true that many clubs have opted to cash in on the golf boom by increasing their green fees for visitors, it is still possible to find a bargain.  We have had a trawl around and have come up with 18 courses that won’t break the bank - and the best news of all is that these are courses you should thoroughly enjoy as a visiting golfer.

AND so the 2021-22 PGA Tour season has come to end. And it is one that we will not forget in a hurry.  There has been plenty of fabulous action on the course, with several new names coming to the fore, as well as established stars continuing to build upon their reputations.

RYDER  Cup Europe has announced a radical change to the qualification process for the 2023 European Ryder Cup Team at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy, with Luke Donald being given six picks.

THE DP World Tour heads to Denmark this week for the Made in Himmerand, a tournament won last year by Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger. 2022 will see a new champion and there will be a great deal of attention on a strong home presence, led by Thorbjorn Olesen, Thomas Bjorn, Soren Kjeldsen and Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard.

THE fourth LIV Golf tournament takes place in Boston this week, with the organisers promising to announce the names of more marquee defectors. It comes at the end of a PGA Tour season we will not forget in a hurry.

KERCHING! Rory McIlroy overturned a six-shot deficit to pocket a cheque for $18m as he became the first golfer to win the FedEx Cup three times after an astonishing final round at the Tour Championship at East Lake.

Rory McIlroy - alongside Tiger Woods - has taken on a significant leadership role as the PGA Tour reacts to LIV Golf and the current situation in the game, but as Golfshake's Derek Clements notes, that lofty position has also brought with it some unwanted attention.

It is a big week at East Lake. The Tour Championship has seen some dramatic finishes over the years and some of the biggest names in the game of golf picking up the trophy. And, of course, there is also the small matter of the FedEx Cup and a cheque for $17m for the champion.

The DP World Tour heads to the Swiss Alps for the Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre, one of the most spectacular venues on the planet. Unsurprisingly, this stunning golf course has attracted a strong field.

Defending FedEx Cup champion Patrick Cantlay rewrote the record books by becoming the first golfer to successfully defend a tournament in the FedEx Cup post-season by retaining the BMW Championship.

American Nelly Korda produced a superb five-under-par 67 to win the Aramco Team Series event at La Reserva Club, Spain as her sister, Jessica, collapsed to 77 in the final round. 

Max Kieffer of Germany won his first DP World Tour title at the 249th attempt following a dramatic finish to the Czech Masters. We take a closer look at his career to date, profiling the player and looking at the clubs that he uses.

Tom Weiskopf was blessed with a glorious golf swing but he was cursed with a volcanic temper. It is one of golf's great mysteries that a man who struck the ball as well as Weiskopf, who has passed away at the age of 79, ended his career with just one major to his name.

Sadly, the scale of the schism that exists in professional golf has come to the fore once again this week, with events off the course continuing to dominate the headlines.

Tenerife is one of the most popular year-round European destinations for British tourists - and it is not difficult to work out why. You won’t be surprised to learn that it is also a paradise for golfers, boasting no fewer than nine courses, many with luxurious accommodation. Let’s start with Hotel Las Madrigueras and the superb Golf Las Americas.

The Algarve boasts a variety of spectacular golf courses that will live long in the memory. Perhaps the most famous of all is Penina, designed by the legendary Henry Cotton. It was also the first course to be built in the Algarve. And while many others have since been created, Penina has stood the test of time and remains a must-play for anybody visiting the region.  

During the FedEx St Jude Championship, there was a social media debate surrounding the apparent lack of star names on the leaderboard. Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on that and why it demonstrated the strength of depth on the PGA Tour.

With just two events left in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, everything can change. There is huge money at stake, as well as extra points for the man who wins the BMW Championship. Will Zalatoris’ win at the St Jude means he now leads the standings, with Scottie Scheffler in second.

The D+D Real Czech Masters has become something of a personal benefit for Thomas Pieters and the Belgian will be looking to win the tournament for a third time this week. 

If you are going to win your first tournament on the PGA Tour you may as well make it a FedEx Cup playoff event. And that’s exactly what Will Zalatoris did, when he defeated Austria's Sepp Straka on the third play-off hole to claim the FedEx St Jude Championship in Memphis.

Ewen shot a final-round 69 to complete a wire-to-wire victory at the ISPS Handa World Invitational at Galgorm Castle Golf Club - his second win of the year.

There have been some changes made to the Official World Golf Rankings, but it's fair to say that they haven't been received positively by everyone, with some DP World Tour players expressing concerning that they are being short-changed when compared to the PGA Tour.

And so the PGA Tour enters its final straight as the Playoffs begin, with Tony Finau defending his title at what was the Northern Trust Open but is now the FedEx St Jude Championship at TPC Southwind.

Daniel Gavins returns to Galgorm Castle to defend his title at the ISPS HANDA World Invitational, while Irish star Leona Maguire headlines the women's section of this unique event where the DP World Tour and Ladies European Tour stage tournaments simultaneously.

It was always going to come to this, but the news that Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau and Ian Poulter are among 11 LIV Golf players who have filed a lawsuit against the PGA Tour in order to challenge their suspensions simply confirms that professional golf is in the middle of a civil war in which there are unlikely to be any winners.

Two decades after her idol Ernie Els won the Open at Muirfield, South Africa’s Ashleigh Buhai followed in his footsteps after a dramatic finish to the £6 million AIG Women’s Open. Els had to come through a four-man, five-hole play-off to claim his third major title in 2002 and Buhai required four extra holes to win her first by beating South Korea’s In Gee Chun after giving up two seemingly commanding leads.

Joohyung Kim shot a final round of 61 to win the Wyndham Championship, his maiden PGA Tour title. Born in Seoul, the 20-year-old becomes one of the youngest ever winners on the American circuit and is a rising star in the game.

Big-hitting Englishman Callum Shinkwin claimed a four-shot victory over Scotland's Connor Syme at the Cazoo Open at Celtic Manor. It was his second DP World Tour success but his first, in 2020, was when there were no crowds because of the pandemic. This was different.

The continuing fallout from the emergence of the LIV Golf Series and the wider response to the venture remains dominant in the headlines, but Golfshake's Derek Clements has been left confused by much of the whole situation and the discussion around it.

A frantic spell for women’s golf comes to a head when Anna Nordqvist defends her Women’s Open title at Muirfield. This is the final major of the year, with the world’s best heading to one of the most famous golf courses on the planet.

Luke Donald has been named as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain, replacing Henrik Stenson, who was sacked after joining the Saudi-back LIV Golf Series.

Ahead of the Women's Open at Muirfield, Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on last year's championship at Carnoustie, where Anna Nordqvist claimed her third major title in dramatic fashion with Scottish amateur Louise Duncan giving the home fans a thrill on the final day.

This week’s Wyndham Championship is a season-defining tournament. It marks the final regular event of the 2021-22 PGA Tour season, with the top 125 players in the rankings guaranteeing their playing rights for next season.

The Cazoo Open returns to the Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor, representing the fifth of six successive tournaments being staged in the UK, with the run coming to an end with the ISPS Handa World Invitational at Galgorm Castle next week.

Henrik Stenson admitted last week that he had joined LIV Golf for the money. And it didn’t take long for the decision to pay off for the controversial Swede as he shot a final round of 69 to win at Trump National, beating Dustin Johnson and Matthew Wolff by two shots. 

Tony Finau claimed a second PGA Tour title in as many starts by cruising to a five-stroke victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit. The 32-year-old recorded six birdies on his way to a five-under 67, seeing him end the week on 26 under and become the first player since Brendon Todd in 2019 to win PGA Tour events on successive weeks.

American Sean Crocker landed his maiden DP World Tour title as he took the Hero Open by a single shot but boy did England’s Eddie Pepperell give him a fright.

LIV Golf has announced that 2023 will feature 14 tournaments boasting a mind-boggling total prize fund of £335m. The full schedule will be revealed at a later date but the Saudi-backed organisation’s footprint will expand to incorporate Europe, North America, the Middle East, Latin America and Australia.

Greg Norman’s Saudi-backed-series appears to have cut loose a number of golfers who played in the first event at Centurion Golf Club in St Albans, including Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal and American Andy Ogletree.  So what now?

RYAN FOX will be looking to continue his astonishing DP World Tour season when he tees it up at the Hero Open at Fairmont St Andrews as many of Europe’s finest golfers return to the home of golf.

CAMERON YOUNG arrives at the Rocket Mortgage Classic fresh from his wonderful performance at the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews, where he finished a shot behind winner Cameron Smith after a spectacular final round of 65.

The third LIV Series 54-hole tournament takes place this week at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New York, with the news that Henrik Stenson has, as widely predicted, joined the circus. He will be joined by Jason Kokrak and the money-making machine that is Charles Howell III.

Twelve months ago it was Jon Rahm who saw off the challenge of Tony Finau to win the Mexico Open. But this time Finau produced a final round of 66 to secure a three-stroke victory over the world No.1. He finished the week on 260, a magnificent 24 under par.

ON A roller-coaster day that saw 13 players lead at one point or another, Canada's Brooke Henderson holed an eight-foot birdie putt on the final green to win the Evian Championship and secure her second major title after a six-year wait.

RICH RAMSAY ended his seven-year wait for a fourth DP World Tour title as he nervelessly holed his tricky par putt at the 18th to win the 2022 Cazoo Classic by one shot.

DARREN CLARKE joined a pretty elite club when he became only the fourth man to add the Senior Open to the Claret Jug he won at Royal St George’s in 2001.

For Golfshake's Derek Clements, it was bad enough that Henrik Stenson is expected to confirm his defection to the Saudi-backed LIV Series. It is now a hundred times worse that he has done so after being named as captain of Europe’s Ryder Cup team, a coveted position that the Swede has now lost.

What was initially a minor inconvenience for the PGA Tour and DP World Tour is now a crisis as LIV Golf continues to attract new players, with speculation mounting that Henrik Stenson, Cameron Smith and Hideki Matsuyama are about to take the jump. For Golfshake's Derek Clements, whatever happens, the Ryder Cup must be protected - no matter what it takes to do so.

WHAT a week that was. The 150th Open Championship was long-anticipated and boy did it live up to expectations. Golfshake's Derek Clements reflects on an extraordinary event that delivered on history, moments, atmosphere and the weather, an Open that all of the 290,000 spectators who attended will never forget.

The 3M Open boasts a pretty strong field this year, led by 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, who will be flying from St Andrews. Matsuyama will be joined by former World No. 1 Jason Day, J.T. Poston, who won the John Deere Classic, and former Open champion Stewart Cink. Former major champions Danny Willett and Lucas Glover are also teeing it up, along with the big-hitting Tony Finau and four-time DP World Tour winner Matt Wallace.

The magnificent Hillside Golf Club hosts the DP World Tour at the Cazoo Classic, where the likes of Robert MacIntyre, Marcus Armitage and Eddie Pepperell will be hoping to produce a strong performance. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks ahead to the event.

Chez Reavie took advantage of the absence of the world’s best players to win the Barracuda Championship on Sunday, holding on in the final round of the PGA Tour’s modified Stableford scoring event to secure his third title.

Australia's Cameron Smith rewrote the record books as he won the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews by a single shot from American rookie Cameron Young. Between them, Smith and Young broke the heart of Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irishman, seeking his first major victory since 2014, was joint lead after 54 holes with Norway’s Viktor Hovland.

Major champion and Sky Sports Golf Rich Beem analyst has tipped Tyrrell Hatton and Patrick Cantlay to do well at St Andrews, and also believes that Tommy Fleetwood has an outside chance at the historic 150th Open.

With the world’s best playing in The Open Championship at St Andrews this week, the Barracuda Championship represents a chance for many of the sport’s lesser lights to gain some valuable FedEx Cup points.

There is huge excitement ahead of the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews, with a record crowd of 290,000 guaranteed at the Home of Golf to see if Collin Morikawa can successfully defend the Claret Jug.

The 150th Open Championship at St Andrews is a milestone event that would be a unique achievement for a player to win. But who could that be? Golfshake's Derek Clements has some thoughts...

The Old Course at St Andrews is one of the most iconic venues in sport. Unusually, it features just two par threes and two par fives. Seven of the greens are shared by two holes each, with hole numbers adding up to 18. Only the 1st, 9th, 17th and 18th holes have their own greens.

The Old Course at St Andrews, host to the 150th Open Championship, has been the scene of much drama over the years. Here, we look at some of the classic moments that have unfolded at the Home of Golf.

Unless you have been living on the moon, you will know that this year’s Open Championship at St Andrews is the 150th and we thought it might be fun to mark what will be a very special week by giving you 150 facts and figures about The Open.

Xander Schauffele continued his red-hot run of form by winning the Scottish Open at Renaissance. The American, who led after 54 holes, opened with early birdies but dropped shots at the sixth, seventh and ninth holes. However, birdies at the 14th and 16th holes got him back on track and his final round of 70 was good enough to give him a one-shot victory over fellow American Kurt Kitayama and South Korea's Joohyung Kim.

The winner of the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews will walk away with a record £2m. It represents an increase of more than £300,000 on the £1.7m Collin Morikawa won last year, while the total purse for the game's oldest major has risen by 22% from last year to £11.2m.

St Andrews is, of course, known as the home of golf. But the Auld Grey Toun offers so much more to those who visit it. Golfshake's Derek Clements picks out some of the key attractions and history behind this remarkable corner of Fife.

The most most recent Open Championship to be played at St Andrews featured a dramatic conclusion, fitting for such an iconic venue. Arnold Palmer and Peter Thomson made final appearances in the Champion's Challenge, Nick Faldo and Tom Watson bowed out, and there was incredible tension as the action unfolded on the delayed final day. 

Ten years ago we witnessed one of the most remarkable Open collapses. Adam Scott led by four shots with four holes to play at Lytham but bogeyed each one to lose by one to Ernie Els. Now 41, Scott says he cannot wait to tee it up at St Andrews.

Last year, Collin Morikawa shot a scintillating bogey-free final round to clinch the Claret Jug on his Open Championship debut as returning fans soaked up the sun at Royal St George's.

There has been a great deal of talk about loyalty in recent weeks. LIV golfers Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia have been quick to criticise the DP World Tour for fining and suspending them and have all talked about their years of loyal service to the tour. But what can be considered loyal these days?

A can of worms has been opened with the news that Ian Poulter will be allowed to play in the Scottish Open after an appeal against his ban was upheld. Adrian Otaegui and Justin Harding have also been cleared to play after taking legal action against the DP World Tour, whose chief executive Keith Pelley said: “We are disappointed by the outcome of today’s hearing.”

The Scottish Open boasts the strongest field of the year to date as many of the world’s best golfers use it as an opportunity to get their games in shape for The Open Championship at St Andrews next week.

The launch of the controversial LIV Golf Series has caused uproar within the world of professional golf, but Golfshake's Derek Clements believes there is a need for innovation and freshness on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour to provide a more compelling product to golf fans.

Lee Westwood says that he doesn’t think his defection to the LIV Golf series should affect his chances of playing for Europe in the Ryder Cup next year, with record points scorer Sergio Garcia holding a similar view about his future participation in the event.

JT Poston became the first wire-to-wire winner of the John Deere Classic in 30 years winning by three shots at Deere Run in Illinois. The 29-year-old also claimed a place in The Open at St Andrews, along with Emiliano Grillo and Christiaan Bezuidenhout, who finished tied second, three shots behind Poston.

Adrian Meronk wrote a piece of golfing history as the first Polish winner on the DP World Tour after producing some wonderful golf on the back nine to win the Irish Open by three shots.

South Africa's Branden Grace won the second LIV Golf Invitational Series in Portland, pocketing a massive $4,375,000 in the process.

DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley has admitted for the first time that talks did take place about a possible collaboration with the Saudis who are funding the LIV Series, but a new 13-year joint venture partnership has instead been announced with the PGA Tour.

Rory McIlroy is one of the most exciting and naturally gifted golfers on the planet. There is no more thrilling sight than watching the Northern Irishman in full flight. He is also one of his sport’s great thinkers. The media loves him because when he speaks he usually has something worthwhile to say. He is also not afraid to stir up a bit of controversy.

Many of the PGA Tour’s biggest stars are taking some time off as they prepare for the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews. It means that the field for this week’s John Deere Classic is not the strongest, but it does provide the potential for somebody to make a name for themselves.

The likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Abraham Ancer, Patrick Reed and Pat Perez will be teeing it up alongside the likes of Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Louis Oosthuizen, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Phil Mickelson and Charl Schwartzel, winner of the inaugural event at Centurion, for the second LIV Golf event.

The entry list for the Irish Open at Mount Juliet reads like a who’s who of European golf. With The Open Championship just a couple of weeks away, it is little surprise that so many leading lights should choose to head to Ireland in order to tune up for St Andrews.

Xander Schauffele won the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands after rookie Sahith Theegala suffered a nightmare on the final hole.

Lexi Thompson threw away a two-shot lead with three holes to play to hand the Women’s PGA Championship to South Korea's In Gee Chun. It was her third major title but her first in six years.

Haotong Li ended a four-year wait for a DP World Tour title in style as he beat Thomas Pieters in a play-off with a gigantic birdie putt to complete a stunning wire-to-wire victory at the BMW International Open in Munich.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington led the US Senior Open at Bethlehem by six shots with 10 holes to play. That’s when Steve Stricker decided to put his foot to the floor and, in the end, Harrington was forced to hang on for dear life to claim the title by a single shot.

The DP World Tour put itself on collision course with the players who took part in the LIV Series tournament at Centurion. The tour stopped short of suspending them but the likes of Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Richard Bland will each be fined £100,000 - with the threat of further fines if they take part in other LIV events.

It was clear that the PGA Tour had to do something to keep its best players, and they have come up a format that should do precisely that, announcing a series of highly lucrative tournaments, eight events to begin at the end of 2023, each boasting purses of $20m for the top 50 in the previous season's FedEx Cup standings.

It is just you against the golf course and the elements so when you play badly there is nobody to blame but yourself. And that means you are going to hear excuses for poor shots. Lots of excuses. Some of them are pretty far-fetched. Some of them are just plain daft. Without further ado, here are some of the best excuses you will hear on the golf course.

Although the money is obviously a significant factor, it is becoming increasingly clear that a reason many of the world’s best players are signing for the LIV Series is that the idea of playing less competitive golf is appealing to them.

Linn Grant's astonishing victory at the Scandinavian Mixed has reopened the debate about the disparity in prize money between men’s and women’s golf with a potential solution either being more mixed gender tournaments or men's and women's championhips being staged alongside each other. Golfshake's Derek Clement delves into the debate.

The most significant impact of the LIV Series is going to be on the Ryder Cup. With a number of top Europeans reaching the end of their careers, there was always going to be a changing of the guard for European captain Henrik Stenson. But now his hand has been forced and things will look different in 2023.

Harris English returns to defend his title at the Travelers Championship, where Rory McIlroy headlines a star field that includes Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka and Tommy Fleetwood.

Billy Horschel fresh from his victory in The Memorial at Muirfield Village, is the star attraction as he makes his debut at the BMW International Open at Golfclub München Eichenried in Germany.

Matt Fitzpatrick beat defending champion Jordan Spieth in a dramatic play-off to win the RBC Heritage title in South Carolina - a tournament he used to attend with his family.

Jon Rahm will arrive at the fearsome Brookline Country Club looking to successfully defend his US Open title, but will face contenders in hot form, including Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Sam Burns and Scottie Scheffler. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks ahead to what is sure to be a fascinating week at a venue rich with history.

The US Open returns to The Country Club, Brookline, where Jon Rahm defends America's national title. But who will lift the famous trophy at this most historic of venues? Golfshake's Derek Clements has picked out ten potential winners, ranging from pre-tournament favourites to surprise contenders.

The Country Club, Brookline, will host the US Open for the fourth time but the course will see some changes from when Curtis Strange defeated Nick Faldo in 1988.

The 2022 US Open is going to be overshadowed by the news that the PGA Tour has suspended every player who took part in the LIV Invitational at Centurion. The likes of Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Talor Gooch and Louis Oosthuizen will tee it up at Brookline with the prospect of any of them winning America's national title surely a concern for the powers-that-be.

The Country Club at Brookline is best remembered by many for some of the most unedifying scenes ever witnessed on a golf course during the 1999 Ryder Cup between Europe and the United States.

Jon Rahm claimed his first major 12 months ago after finishing with back-to-back birdies on an astonishing final day of the US Open at Torrey Pines.

Curtis Strange had twice won the money list on the PGA Tour but he had also thrown away a golden chance of victory at The Masters in 1985 and had earned the unwanted tag of being the best player never to have won a major. That all changed at the 1988 US Open at Brookline when he defeated Nick Faldo in an 18-hole playoff.

There will be a field of 156 golfers teeing it up at Brookline on Thursday. But when entries closed in April the USGA had accepted a total of 9,265 entries, including 12 champions. The number of entries was the sixth-highest total in championship history.

Rory McIlroy produced a sensational final round of 62 to retain the Canadian Open title he won in 2019. It was his first victory of the year and the timing could not have been better, with the US Open at Brookline starting on Thursday.

Sweden's Linn Grant wrote herself into the history books with a stunning nine-shot victory at the Scandinavian Mixed to become the first female winner on the DP World Tour.

Charl Schwartzel woke up this morning $4.75m richer than when he arrived at St Albans last week. The South African won the inaugural LIV Invitational at Centurion Golf Club, for which he picked up a cool $4m and he also collected a further $750,000 for being a member of the winning team element.

There are many lists of must-play courses, together with seemingly endless lists of the best courses. That made Golfshake's Derek Clements think about all the courses he has played, picking out those that left an impression and made him want to come back and play them again.

Two-time major champion Dustin Johnson has quit the PGA Tour to focus on the LIV Series, which is reported to have paid him $150m to commit his future to the Saudi-backed project.

Get ready for a media feeding frenzy as Phil Mickelson emerges from his self-imposed exile as the highest-profile player in the 48-man field for the inaugural LIV Invitational at Centurion Golf Club in St Albans.

We thought it was about time that we featured 18 of the holes that give those who compete on the PGA and DP World Tour the heebie-jeebies. You won’t be surprised to see that it features several huge par fours. You may, however, be taken aback when you realise that it also contains four par threes - all beautiful, but all with the potential to inflict disaster and wreck the best of scorecards.

It is three years since the Canadian Open was last staged. The pandemic saw the tournament being scrapped in both 2020 and last year. Rory McIlroy won in 2019 and heads to St George’s Golf Club in Toronto as defending champion, looking to fine tune his game ahead of next week’s US Open.

Home favourites Alex Noren, Linn Grant and Ingrid Lindblad will join defending champion Jonathan Caldwell at the Volvo Scandinavian Mixed, which features a field of 78 men and 78 women playing for one prize fund and one trophy and is hosted by Swedish golf legends Annika Sorenstam and Henrik Stenson.

With Dustin Johnson now the headline act of the first LIV Series event at Centurion Club, for Golfshake's Derek Clements it again raises questions about the staggering sums of money being pushed into this venture, with little chance of any financial return.

Minjee Lee, the 21-year-old Australian golfing sensation, has added another extraordinary title to her growing list of accomplishments. On Sunday, Lee made history by winning the US Women's Open at Pine Needles by four impressive shots.

Billy Horschel is a seven-time winner on the PGA Tour, not to mention his triumph at the BMW PGA Championship in 2021. Golfshake's Derek Clements describes the American's career, performance statistics and golf clubs, with the 35-year-old now unquestionably a major contender.

New European Open champion Kalle Samooja overcame a brutally testing golf course to claim his maiden DP World Tour victory. It has been a long time in the making for the 34-year-old. Golfshake's Derek Clements takes a closer look at the Finn, profiling his career and looking at what clubs he uses.

And so, finally, we know who is going to be playing in the LIV Golf Invitational at Centurion Golf Club next week, and there are few surprises. Dustin Johnson and Sergio Garcia are among the field confirmed for the first $25m Saudi-funded event, and will be joined by Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Richard Bland and Graeme McDowell.

What are your favourite golf holes? We all have a selection that stick in the mind, but imagine if you could combine them all into one course! Providing a touch of inspiration for you to consider, Golfshake's Derek Clements has taken to describing his dream ones - the places where some unforgettable magic has occurred. 

There is something special about The Memorial. Maybe it’s the magnificent Muirfield Village course upon which it is played. Perhaps it’s because it is hosted by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. Or it could be because the US Open is just around the corner and this course provides a proper test ahead of the season’s third major.

Tommy Fleetwood showed a welcome return to form at Southern Hills, where finished in a tie for fifth place. And he will start the week at the Porsche European Open as a warm favourite to claim Marcus Armitage's title from last year.

Rory McIlroy cut a dejected figure after the recent PGA Championship when a promising start finished with yet another missed chance at a major victory. But where does the Northern Irishman go from here as he look to finally cross that winning line again?

It only seems like yesterday that Padraig Harrington was winning The Open and the PGA Championship but he has just announced that he will be making his Senior Open debut at Gleneagles in July.

You can talk all you like about 350-yard drives that split the middle of fairways, but if you can’t putt nobody is likely to remember anything you do from the tee. Just ask Victor Perez, who ended a three-year victory drought by holing a series of incredible putts to defeat Ryan Fox in a play-off and win the Dutch Open.

What are the golf holes that still make you scream with terror? Everyone has a tale of somewhere that utterly shattered their scorecard and spirit. For a touch of inspiration, Golfshake's Derek Clements has shared his 18 nightmare holes, completing a course of pure horror.