A message from the editor, Neil Tappin:
As I write this, the Paris Olympics has just come to an end. Once again, I’ve found myself enthralled by sports I’d previously paid little or no attention to. From diving and track cycling to gymnastics and steeplechase, I’ve become an instant ‘expert’, cheering on Team GB and embracing the stories of these remarkable athletes. There is nothing quite like the Olympics.
Looking back now, I remember raising an eyebrow when golf’s return was first mooted in the mid-2010s. For me, the Olympics should be the pinnacle of any sport and, with The Masters, The Open, The Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup ranking so highly, I struggled to embrace the idea of golf as an Olympic event.
Having now watched both men’s and women’s events in Paris, I’m happy to say that my opinion has totally changed – maybe something to do with the frankly absurd money made available to the top male players these days. As these riches have flooded into golf, so the idea of competing for something bigger than yourself, more than financial reward, becomes more appealing, and Scottie Scheffler's tears on the podium were a good example of this.
In this issue, Michael Weston, with the help of Scheffler’s university golf coach, John Fields, provides a fascinating look into how he has emerged as the most dominant male golfer since Tiger Woods. He now has an Olympic Gold - one of the few achievements to elude Tiger. With the Solheim Cup just around the corner, Alison Root puts together her essential guide and also interviews European vice-captain Anna Nordqvist. To wrap up our features section, Michael also reports back on his incredible trip to Pedrena in Spain to visit the Ballesteros family home.
Each of these articles acts as a timely reminder that top-level sport isn’t about money. Golf, as with all Olympic sports, is about the challenge of competition and the ebb and flow of the journey.
Take a look below for more highlights from the current issue...
Iron-Play Masterclass
For Top 50 Coach John Howells, the number-one fundamental for the iron game is that your low point has to be after the ball. Here, he delves into this more and offers you some top tips and advice on how to take your iron play to the next level...
Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler is a remarkable golfer who is well on his way to becoming an all-time great. Michael Weston analyses his accomplishments and explores his life to date…
Solheim Cup Preview
The Solheim Cup seems to grow in significance and excitement with every staging, and this year’s encounter in Virginia promises to be no exception...
Visiting Seve's Home
Michael Weston makes a pilgrimage to Pedrena in Spain to visit Seve’s family home and talk about his life and legacy with his children.
Anna Nordqvist
Alison Root sits down for a chat with Anna Nordqvist, the three-time Major Champion and first playing assistant captain in Solheim Cup history.
The Perfect Golf Day
We take an in-depth look at what it takes to arrange and run a memorable and successful event.
The Hottest New Gear
We feature 19 pages of the best new equipment to hit the market this month, including a first look at the Titleist GT drivers and fairway woods.
The Best Courses You Can Play
Our team of course experts travel the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland to bring you a mix of well-known clubs and hidden gems to add to your wish list.
