Golf Monthly April 2021

Given the November Masters in 2020, it seems no time at all since we watched Dustin Johnson slipping, rather comfortably, into his first Green Jacket. But we’re almost at the point where DJ will defend his title at Augusta, with the year’s first Major back in its regular spring slot. I’m sure I’m not alone in longing for the sight of a blooming azalea, and my excitement has been piqued preparing our Masters preview for this issue. As part of the preview, Brian Wacker spoke exclusively with the defending champ. The World No.1 gives his thoughts on the tournament and his ambitions for the future in a superb interview on page 44. We continue to strive to deliver content featuring the absolute golfing elite, and the fact we have features with Jon Rahm,…

Given the November Masters in 2020, it seems no time at all since we watched Dustin Johnson slipping, rather comfortably, into his first Green Jacket. But we’re almost at the point where DJ will defend his title at Augusta, with the year’s first Major back in its regular spring slot. I’m sure I’m not alone in longing for the sight of a blooming azalea, and my excitement has been piqued preparing our Masters preview for this issue. As part of the preview, Brian Wacker spoke exclusively with the defending champ. The World No.1 gives his thoughts on the tournament and his ambitions for the future in a superb interview on page 44. We continue to strive to deliver content featuring the absolute golfing elite, and the fact we have features…

Extra terrestrial It will be great to see all the Majors back in their usual places this year after the chaos of the last 12 months. However, it is sad that our uplifting, fascinating and, yes, frustrating game will be behind the TV paywall for a good majority of the viewing public. Wouldn’t it be great if just one golf tournament this season could break the shackles of the money men and be brought out blinking into the sunlight for eager, humble golfers to enjoy and be inspired? Cricket has already, to some extent, seen the light and has let in the wider population with the recent Channel 4 deal to show the England team in India. Not to mention the BBC showing The Hundred and the T20 tournament. I’m not saying that Sky…

Across 7 Venue of 2012 Ryder Cup (7) 8 Turnberry course (5) 9 Familiar name of five-time Major winner found through perseverance (4) 10 Royal club in Scotland (8) 11 Club official who has their task off to a tee? (7) 13 Media have a second bet (5) 16 Winner of four Senior Majors between 1994 and 2000 (5) 18 A taller form of hazard (7) 20 Major winner whose brother Fred won the US Open in 1898 (4,4) 22 Sponsor of WGC-Match Play (4) 23 Links in County Mayo (5) 24 Open won by Sam Horsfield in 2020 (7) Down 1 Her bet about Major-winning brothers (6) 2 Texan Major winner up to the mark (4) 3 First to achieve modern Grand Slam (7) 4 Golfer and commentator elected to the Texas Golf Hall of Fame (4) 5 Angry pro leaves chaotic sleepover with pack of balls…

Will distance-measuring devices speed up play in PGA of America Majors? The PGA of America has announced that distance-measuring devices will be allowed in its three Major Championships: the USPGA and Women’s and Senior PGA Championships. The organisation says they are being introduced to help with the ‘flow of play’ during the events. But will their introduction speed play up? The easy assumption is that the laser will come out, the flag will be zapped and the player will pull the trigger. But the reality is far different. According to Sean McDonagh, who has caddied for Andy Sullivan, Lucas Bjerregaard, Chris Wood and Paul Waring, “It is 100% going to slow play down in the pro game. Of all the numbers, distance to the pin is probably one of the least important.” It’s…

Tyrrell Hatton Picking up where he left off Tyrrell Hatton carried his fine 2020 form into the European Tour’s first event of the year to secure a four-stroke victory in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. Hatton produced a stress-free closing 66 to land his fourth Rolex Series title and overtake Rory McIlroy in the world rankings. Hatton’s triumph at Abu Dhabi Golf Club was his fourth since November 2019. The Englishman has now established himself as a genuine world-class player and Major contender. BY THE NUMBERS 6 Tyrrell Hatton collected his sixth European Tour title in Abu Dhabi 13.37 Hatton gained 13.37 strokes on the field from tee to green over the four rounds €15,686,840 Career earnings on the European Tour 5 The win took him to fifth in the world – a new career high…