News.Life

Skaik Celebrates Game-Changing Partnership Between HotelPlanner Tour and Emirates Golf Federation

Unknown athletes, golf, golfers, sports, tournaments

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1ChdfW" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1ChdfW.jpg"/>

 The UAE national team player Ahmad Skaik is enthusiastically getting ready for his comeback at the HotelPlanner Tour’s (previously known as the Challenge Tour) two consecutive events in the UAE next month, which marks a crucial stage in his journey towards becoming a professional golfer.


 For the third successive year, the DP World Tour’s premier developmental tour will be hosted in the UAE, featuring two major events organized jointly by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF).


 The action begins with the UAE Challenge taking place from April 10-13 at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club, marking the first time this venue hosts an event sanctioned by the European Tour Group. Following that, the tour moves to Abu Dhabi for the Abu Dhabi Challenge, held at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club from April 17-20.


 These consecutive tournaments serve as platforms for emerging talents and champions from the DP World Tour striving to return to the international golf scene. Additionally, they significantly contribute to nurturing UAE National Team members, alongside local professional and amateur golfers based in the UAE.


 This advancement has been facilitated by the EGF’s longstanding collaboration with the European Tour group, ensuring 30 competition slots for UAE players across these two tournaments. This effort extends the European Tour group’s dedication to fostering golf development in the UAE up till at least 2032.


 Over the past two years, Skaik has significantly benefited from these opportunities and will once again participate with other members of the UAE National Team, such as Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj, Rayan Ahmed, Mohammed Skaik, and Nayl Cherrat.


 "The collaboration has proven extremely beneficial," stated Skaik.


 I sense improvement each time I participate in the HotelPlanner Tour — my character develops, and I gain confidence believing that someday I could compete and triumph there. The participants in this tour tend to be more precise, commit fewer errors, and maintain greater consistency. It feels as though I am progressing towards that level. All I need to do is continue training and stick with what works for me; perhaps then I might achieve victory at both the HotelPlANNER Tour and eventually on the DP World Tour.


 Coming face-to-face with top-tier competitors has significantly shaped Ahmad Skaik’s path as he aims to achieve his dream of becoming a pro, which might happen before the year ends after participating in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship held in the UAE.


 In last month's 2025 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Golf Championship held at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club in Saudi Arabia, this talented 27-year-old secured both individual and team gold medals for the UAE. He achieved an unprecedented score of 270 strokes, which was 18 under par, setting a new standard for the lowest tally ever recorded in the tournament’s annals. This remarkable feat also marked the biggest victory gap seen yet in the individual competition segment.


 This significant accomplishment was built upon the solid base of invaluable experience obtained through participating in 12 HotelPlanner Tour events during the last couple of years.


 Due to the EGF’s swapping of competition places with other golf organizations, Emirati athletes such as Skaik have had the opportunity to participate in HotelPlanner Tour competitions across the globe, thereby increasing their visibility and refining their abilities on an international platform.


 Sking mentioned that participating in these activities always assists him in staying ahead.


 I am determined to put in lots of effort and approach these events with confidence so that I can perform competitively. Whenever I'm playing at my best, I crave even more action—I truly enjoy having three or four forthcoming HotelPlANNER Tour starts because they allow me to continuously improve each week.


 Next month’s double-header on the HotelPlanner Tour will offer more than just high-level competition for the EGF’s players - it will also mark a new chapter for two of the federation’s newly appointed full-time rules officials.


 The Thai twin sisters Sasinun and Sasikarn Tungbenjapol are set to appear for the first time on the HotelPlanner Tour. They bring with them extensive experience gained from serving as officiating referees at various tours including the Thai LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour, and Asian Tour.


 Their notable qualifications also encompass refereeing for the R&A during the 2022 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship, which took place at Siam Country Club in Thailand.

Skaik Celebrates Game-Changing Partnership Between HotelPlanner Tour and Emirates Golf Federation

Unknown athletes, golf, golfers, sports, tournaments

The UAE national team player Ahmad Skaik is enthusiastically getting ready for his comeback at the HotelPlanner Tour’s (previously known as the Challenge Tour) two consecutive events in the UAE next…

Amateur World No. 1 Seeks Repeat Victory at Augusta

Unknown golf players, golfers, professional golfers, sports, women's sports

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1C7KRI" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1C7KRI.jpg"/>

 It was as she stood on the 12th tee at Augusta National that Lottie Woad experienced one of those 'pinch me' moments.


 The British amateur hailing from Farnham in Surrey, was just seven holes away from clinching a significant victory that could have jumpstarted his remarkable performance in 2024.


 It was a year that began with her being the first European to achieve the
 The Augusta National Women's Amateur (ANWA) championship title
 At the venue of the Masters - a championship she aims to be the first to retain this week as the two-and-a-half-day event kicks off on Wednesday.


 It was a year when she competed in her initial major tournaments, secured the position of top British player at the Women's Open, contributed to victory in the Curtis Cup, and concluded the year as the globally recognized number-one ranked female amateur.


 The past year was undoubtedly a significant milestone," states the 21-year-old to DIwida.Blog & NewsSport. "Securing victory at Augusta stood out as the peak moment, setting the stage for everything else this year.

<h2>
 'I am competing on hole number twelve at Augusta'
</h2>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1C7zJs" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1C7zJs.jpg"/>

 It happened during the latter part of the game at Augusta – where numerous Masters aspirations have taken flight and faltered – that Wood demonstrated remarkable composure.


 The 12th stood out as one of the crucial holes where she needed to compose herself to face one of the toughest par-threes in golf.


 Many scores have been spoiled on this beautiful hole. In 2020, following his victory with his fifth Green Jacket, Tiger Woods ended up hitting three balls into Rae's Creek, which guards the front of the green, leading him to score a 10.


 She says, 'As you stand at the tee, you think, This is hole 12,'.


 You feel anxious yet you also think, 'I’m teeing off at the 12th hole at Augusta,' which makes it somewhat easier to handle.


 Woad, who entered the final round of the 54-hole tournament – where the initial 36 holes were contested at the nearby Champions Retreat Golf Club – recorded a three on her scorecard to maintain a total of six under par.


 However, moving forward, American Bailey Shoemaker was concluding the first bogey-free round at Augusta during the five-year tenure of the ANWA. This remarkable 66-stroke performance established a benchmark of seven under par.


 A bogey on the par-five 13th put Woad two strokes back, yet she delivered an extraordinary conclusion with three birdies in her last four holes to claim victory at the end of the game.


 The shot on the 18th green was an 18-foot putt, going downhill.


 She mentions that it didn’t have a lot of brake, but it was quite fast.


 Once it went in, I secured my victory at Augusta and everybody got really excited.

<h2>
 'I discovered ways to practice more efficiently'
</h2>

 Woad's season was about to become even wilder. This win paved the way for them to compete against the top players, with their next challenge being the Chevron Championship two weeks down the line.


 She had a busy week juggling her social life and academic responsibilities at Florida State University, where she's in her second-to-last year studying sports management, prior to traveling to Texas.


 She mentions that her parents and coaches were in Augusta and wished to return home, leaving her alone for her first major event.


 I needed a local caddy, however, I felt very confident from my experience at Augusta, managed to make the cut, and stayed competitive.


 Woad completed the event in 23rd place, together with England's Georgia Hall and Charley Hull, who are two of her "favorite players" and whom she has always admired since focusing on golf around the age of 13.


 At the age of seven, she began her initial training sessions under Coach Luke Bone at Farnham Pro, a position he still holds as her mentor today.


 Advancement to the England Girls team came next for her at the age of 15. Although maybe not considered the most innately talented golfer, Woad’s dedication stood out as she utilized opportunities and tools that had been inaccessible before.


 She mentions having a putting coach, a strength and conditioning coach, and a psychologist.


 I've always been quite skilled at playing the long game, however, I needed to put in much more effort into improving my short game and figured out better ways to practice.


 In 2022, she secured victory in the renowned Girls Amateur Championship held at Carnoustie, exactly ten years following Hall’s success in the same competition.

<h2>
 'Awesome week at my debut Women's Open'
</h2>

 Woad returned to Scotland for last year's Women's Open, which took place at the Old Course in St Andrews.


 Although she failed to qualify for the US Women's Open and the Evian Championship cuts, she came into the tournament in high spirits, ready to tackle her fourth major championship in Fife.


 Woad would be in contention all week and finish joint 10th to win the Smyth Salver as the highest-placed amateur, with another highlight being a 60-yard chip-in eagle two on the par-four last in round three.


 “That put me back in the top 10 heading into the last day. It was an incredibly exciting moment with the stands packed with enthusiastic supporters,” she explains.


 At the award ceremony, I'll have the chance to stand beside the champion, Lydia Ko. Witnessing her lifting the trophy serves as great motivation.


 The entire week was flawless. As the home of golf, hosting the first Open – it surpassed all my expectations.


 However, there wasn’t much time for celebration as the Curtis Cup was up next. This tournament features the best women amateur players from Great Britain and Ireland competing against those from America.


 After dominating wins in the last three installments of the biennial event, the American team was favored to secure their fourth consecutive championship.


 However, GB&I gained confidence from having Europe’s winning Solheim Cup captain, Catriona Matthew, at their helm.


 And Woad, who grew up 40 minutes from the Sunningdale Old Course that hosted the event, contributed 2½ points in a nerve-shredding 10½-9½ triumph.


 By that point, Woad had ascended to top of the amateur rankings, which earned her the Mark H McCormack medal. Ko won the prize three successive times from its inception in 2011, while Ireland's Leona Maguire and rising US star Rose Zhang are also three-time recipients.


 So what does 2025 hold for Woad?


 The 'P' word is unavoidable, even if Woad will "only be making that decision when I get to it".


 Turning professional would appear to be the next logical step and Woad is on an LPGA pathway that could help accelerate that process.


 She mentions that one can obtain an LPGA card upon accumulating 20 points, adding that she presently has 16 points." She continues, "My aim for this year is to secure those additional 4 points so that we will face a decision thereafter.


 Should you score a hole-in-one, you receive one point. For achieving a top-25 ranking, you also earn a point. Winning at Augusta or securing victory during the NCAA Championships will award you with two points each.


 I'm attempting to not dwell on it excessively. However, if I perform well, I'll earn those points.


 The NCAA championships represent the peak of college golf in the U.S., where both teams and individual players compete fiercely. Last year, Woad came in second place individually, while her university’s team tied for ninth.


 This season, Woad has achieved an impressive streak of eight successive top-three placements starting from September. However, her teammate at Florida State, 19-year-old Malaysian Mirabel Ting, has outdone her by securing victories in six competitions since last year’s AWNA event, placing her at the top of the NCAA individual standings.


 Jasmine Koo is also competing in a field that includes 49 out of the top 50 players globally. In the last twelve months, the second-ranked player has secured four victories and achieved seven top-five placements.


 Asterisk Talley, who is only 16 years old, is expected to play a significant role once more. Last year, she tied for eighth place and later defeated Woad in the singles during the Curtis Cup, highlighting her impressive performance throughout 2024.


 Nevertheless, Woad enters the week with confidence, remembering her previous victory at Augusta National, and she will once more have England’s women's coach Steve Robinson caddying for her.


 She mentions, 'It’s going to be great having that sense of familiarity.' She expresses her excitement saying, ‘I’m really looking forward to it. It’s shaping up to be a fun week, and ideally, I’ll be able to successfully defend my championship.'

Amateur World No. 1 Seeks Repeat Victory at Augusta

Unknown golf players, golfers, professional golfers, sports, women's sports

It was as she stood on the 12th tee at Augusta National that Lottie Woad experienced one of those 'pinch me' moments. The British amateur hailing from Farnham in Surrey, was just seven holes away f…

馬場咲希も“被害”に？ LPGAの手続きミスで3選手が出場できず

Unknown golf players, golfers, professional golfers, sports, tournaments

<div>
 
 
 米国女子ツアー（LPGA）は21日、選手向けの内部メモで、2025年シーズンの優先出場リストに誤った選手が不適切な順位で登録されていたという事務的ミスがあったことを報告した。このミスにより、当該選手は本来出場資格のない3大会（ファウンダーズカップ、ホンダLPGAタイランド、HSBC女子世界選手権）に出場していたという。『ゴルフウィーク』などの海外メディアが報じた。
 
 
 
 
 【連続写真】平均270ヤード！　馬場咲希の秘密は“右足リバース”にあり
 
 
 
 
 ツアー事業・運営部門の最高責任者、リッキ・ラスキー氏が作成したメモによると、誤って出場していた選手については、CMEポイント、獲得賞金、Aonリスクリワードチャレンジのポイントをすべて公式記録から削除する対応が取られた。また、優先出場リストも正しい順位に修正された。
 
 
 LPGAは当該選手の名前を公表していないが、『ゴルフウィーク』の報道によれば、誤って上位に登録されていたのはソフィア・ポポフ（ドイツ）と見られている。
 
 
 ポポフは当初、優先出場リストの57位に登録されていたが、名前の横には「産休中」を示すダブルアスタリスク（＊＊）が記されていた。しかし実際には、2024年のポイントランキングでは136位に終わり、12月のQシリーズでも58位だったため、本来はより下位のカテゴリーに所属するべきだった。
 
 
 ポポフは2022年に右肩の治療のため医療休養を取り、その後まもなく妊娠が判明。ツアーでは選手が産休から復帰した際に『1シーズン分の出場権』が与えられることになっている。LPGAは『医療休養と産休を組み合わせた復帰スケジュールの計算ミス』によるエラーだと説明した。
 
 
 ポポフが本来出場資格のなかった3大会に出場したことで、それぞれの大会で出場機会を得るはずだった「第1リザーブ」の3選手がチャンスを失った。その中には、「ファウンダーズカップ」でリザーブ1番手だった馬場咲希も含まれていたとみられる。
 
 
 馬場は昨年のQシリーズで24位に入り、カテゴリー15に所属している。今季はこれまでに「ブルーベイLPGA」の1試合のみに出場し、17位タイの成績を収めた。
 
 
 スキー氏は「対象の3選手にとって最善の対応を取るため、現在内部で調整を進めています。ご迷惑をおかけした選手の皆様に、深くお詫び申し上げます」とコメント。またLPGAはこの件を受け、「即時に監査および確認プロセスを追加し、再発防止に取り組む」と発表した。
 
 
</div>
<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BqV8i" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BqV8i.jpg"/>

馬場咲希も“被害”に？ LPGAの手続きミスで3選手が出場できず

Unknown golf players, golfers, professional golfers, sports, tournaments

米国女子ツアー（LPGA）は21日、選手向けの内部メモで、2025年シーズンの優先出場リストに誤った選手が不適切な順位で登録されていたという事務的ミスがあったことを報告した。このミスにより、当該選手は本来出場資格のない3大会（ファウンダーズカップ、ホンダLPGAタイランド、HSBC女子世界選手権）に出場していたという。『ゴルフウィーク』などの海外メディアが報じた。 …

パットが上手くいかない原因、知ってる？室内でできる練習法を紹介

Unknown exercise, golf, golf players, golfers, sports

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BsGQi" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BsGQi.jpg"/>


 練習やラウンドを定期的に行いたいけど外はまだまだ寒い日が続きますよね。そんなゴルフから離れてしまっている人は“室内でパット練習”をしてみましょう。


 室内でもパッティング上達の効率を上げる練習法のヒントをツアープロが教えてくれました。

<h2>
 軸がブレないストロークを体に覚え込ませる
</h2>

 ミスパットは、ストローク中に体が左右に動いている（揺れている）ことが大きな原因。これは本人も気づきにくい悪いクセで、アマチュアのみなさんだけでなく、僕にもあります。


 この対策として、下半身を意図的にガチガチに固めて、「デコルテ」を動かします。デコルテとは、首すじから肩まわり、胸までの部分です。


 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BsErs" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BsErs.jpg"/>


 こうして、軸がまったくブレないストロークを体に覚え込ませることが大切。頭も動かなくなるので、フェースの真芯に球が当たるようになりますよ。


 
 これはNG
 


 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BszBS" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BszBS.jpg"/>


 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BsIQG" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BsIQG.jpg"/>

<h2>
 胸を中心に動かす
</h2>

 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BsEru" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BsEru.jpg"/>


 首すじから肩まわり、胸までの「デコルテ」と呼ばれる部分を動かして、手を使わずに打つ

<h2>
 パターマットで反復練習
</h2>

 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BsNVb" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BsNVb.jpg"/>


 悪いクセを直すにはパターマットでの練習が最適。体の動かし方を意識し、同じ動きを何度も繰り返すことが大事

<h2>
 専用器具で精度アップ
</h2>

 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BsQoo" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BsQoo.jpg"/>


 「レールタイプの器具は、方向のチェックだけでなく、真っすぐなラインの見え方と立ち方が確認できます」（植竹）


 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BszC3" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BszC3.jpg"/>


 
 植竹勇太
 


 ●うえたけ・ゆうた／1995年生まれ、北海道出身。163㎝、63㎏。正確無比なショットに定評があり、フェアウェイキープ率はつねに上位にランクイン。今季はツアー初優勝に期待。セガサミーホールディングス所属。


 構成＝小山俊正 写真＝相田克己、田中宏幸

パットが上手くいかない原因、知ってる？室内でできる練習法を紹介

Unknown exercise, golf, golf players, golfers, sports

練習やラウンドを定期的に行いたいけど外はまだまだ寒い日が続きますよね。そんなゴルフから離れてしまっている人は“室内でパット練習”をしてみましょう。室内でもパッティング上達の効率を上げる練習法のヒントをツアープロが教えてくれました。軸がブレないストロークを体に覚え込ませるミスパットは、ストローク中に体が左右に動いている（揺れている）ことが大きな原因。これは本人も気づきにくい悪いク…

Tournament Halted During Final Round of the 2025 Players Championship

Unknown golf, golf players, golfers, news, sports

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1B26Nx" data-reference="video" data-reference-config="{'autoplay':true,'mute':false,'inviewplay':true}"/>
<div class="RichTextArticleBody RichTextBody">
 
 Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. — Final-round action at The Players Championship was halted at 1:15 p.m. ET on Sunday due to an anticipated line of thunderstorms passing through the region.
 
 
 The tee times had been advanced by roughly three hours in preparation for the anticipated storms. Golfers were dispatched from both split tees and groups of three.
 
 
 Rory McIlroy, who won The Players Championship in 2019, took the outright lead at 12 under par after completing 11 holes. That’s where he stood when play was halted; he had scored 4 under for the session.
 
 <div class="Enhancement">
 <div class="Enhancement-item">
 <div class="PagePromo">
 <div class="PagePromo-media">
 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B27fW" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B27fW.jpg"/>
 </div>
 <div class="PagePromo-content">
 <div class="PagePromo-title">
 2025 Players Championship, Live: Scores, Results, Leaderboard, Updates, Highlights From Rory McIlroy and Participants in Final Round
 </div>
 <div class="PagePromo-description">
 
 Updates from the last round of The Players Championship.
 
 </div>
 <div class="PagePromo-byline">
 <div class="PagePromo-authors">
 <ul class="Page-authors-items PagePromo-authors-items mobile">
 <li class="Page-authors-items-item PagePromo-authors-items-item">
 Golf Channel Staff
 
 ,
 
 </li>
 </ul>
 <ul class="Page-authors-items PagePromo-authors-items tablet">
 <li class="Page-authors-items-item PagePromo-authors-items-item">
 Golf Channel Staff
 
 ,
 
 </li>
 </ul>
 </div>
 </div>
 </div>
 </div>
 </div>
 </div>
 
 McIlroy held a one-stroke advantage over J.J. Spaun, who led after 54 holes with only ten holes played. Following another stroke behind were Akshay Bhatia, Danny Walker, and Tom Hoge. Among them, Hoge was having the most impressive performance of the day, being six-under-par as he completed seventeen holes before the game was halted due to suspension.
 
 
 The sunset will occur at 7:35 p.m. on Sunday.
 
</div>

Tournament Halted During Final Round of the 2025 Players Championship

Unknown golf, golf players, golfers, news, sports

Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. — Final-round action at The Players Championship was halted at 1:15 p.m. ET on Sunday due to an anticipated line of thunderstorms passing through the region. The tee…

Master the Art of Avoiding Three-Putt Greens

Unknown golf, golf players, golfers, self improvement, sports

It’s crucial to be “target conscious” during every shot, particularly around the green, where numerous novice players frequently miscalculate putts or become preoccupied with the appearance or sensation of their swing. Often, they dedicate minimal attention to observing the cup, which makes it challenging for them to achieve the proper pace.


 If you frequently find yourself taking three putts, it probably stems from inadequate control over the ball's speed rather than issues with direction. The remedy might be straightforward—focusing intently on your intended target. By clearly visualizing this target throughout your pre-putt routine and during the swing itself, you will greatly improve your ability to regulate the pace at which the ball rolls.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1y9CVm" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1y9CVm.jpg"/>

 JD Cuban


 As you take practice swings, keep your gaze fixed on the hole.
 
 above
 
 With your focus fixed on your final objective, you can determine whether the putt is uphill, downhill, or curving to either side. This awareness will guide you in visualizing the right stroke length and pace required to get the ball near the cup. After positioning the putter head behind the ball, glance back at the hole once more. The moment your gaze returns to the ball, initiate your swing.


 When you create a robust visual link with the hole, you respond more quickly to your target and enhance your ability to access the sensation and mindfulness required to gauge distance—thus reducing instances of three-putts.


 
 Jackson Koert, recognized as a Golf Digest Best Young Teacher, serves as the director of instruction at Atlantic Beach (Fla.) Country Club.

Master the Art of Avoiding Three-Putt Greens

Unknown golf, golf players, golfers, self improvement, sports

It’s crucial to be “target conscious” during every shot, particularly around the green, where numerous novice players frequently miscalculate putts or become preoccupied with the appearance or sensa…

Spaun Masters the Sprinkler: How He Used the Rules of Golf to His Advantage

Unknown golf, golf players, golfers, professional golfers, sports

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1B1xm5" data-reference="video"/>

 J.J. Spaun had a tough beginning in the last round of the tournament.
 2025 Players Championship
 , recording two bogeys and no birdies over his first eight holes.


 However, his luck shifted at the par-5 ninth hole, which aided the third-round leader in reclaiming the shared top spot as he progressed toward the final stretch of holes.


 His second attempt fell far short of the green and landed in the thick grass. However, his third shot originated from the fairway and stopped just six feet eight inches away. According to NBC Sports commentator Jim "Bones" Mackay during the telecast, this favorable outcome was due to a lucky drop.


 <div>
 
 
 </div>


 When Spaun reached his ball in the rough, he found himself standing on a sprinkler head. Upon taking relief from the initial sprinkler head, he discovered yet another one nearby. According to Mackay, Spaun deliberately placed the ball on this second sprinkler head, thus qualifying for additional relief. Following two such placements, he finally ended up in the fairway.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/slideshow/AA1B2ePq" data-reference="slideshow"/>

 After two more shots, he found himself level with Rory McIlroy as they approached the final nine holes.


 Many golf enthusiasts expressed their displeasure with the incident on social platforms, raising doubts about its legitimacy. During the coverage, NBC chose not to display the drop scene but continued supporting Mackay’s account. Nonetheless, what Spaun executed adheres strictly to the Rules of Golf regulations; furthermore, he cleverly utilized these rules to secure an advantageous position followed by a birdie.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B20yq" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B20yq.jpg">
 
 To get real-time updates from the concluding stage,
 click here
 .
 
 
 
 The article was initially published on:
 J.J. Spaun intentionally tosses his golf ball onto a sprinkler during The Players Championship, leveraging the Rules of Golf to his benefit.
 
 
</img>

Spaun Masters the Sprinkler: How He Used the Rules of Golf to His Advantage

Unknown golf, golf players, golfers, professional golfers, sports

J.J. Spaun had a tough beginning in the last round of the tournament. 2025 Players Championship , recording two bogeys and no birdies over his first eight holes. However, his luck shifted at the …

Players 2025: Billy Horschel Drops the Most Relatable Golf Quote Ever Mid-Round

Unknown golf, golf players, golfers, professional golfers, sports

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B20mq" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B20mq.jpg"/>

 We enjoy watching the top players in the world perform feats with their golf balls that mere weekend golfers can only imagine doing. However, we equally appreciate when they experience moments of frustration. After all, it’s only fair that they understand our feelings occasionally, isn’t it?


 That’s why numerous fans—and even at minimum—
 one PGA Tour winner
 —he was thrilled to catch the Players Championship over the weekend. With strong gusts of wind combined with Pete Dye’s challenging course at TPC Sawgrass and the stakes of winning one of golf's premier tournaments, things were ripe for dramatic moments. (Think: Will Zalatoris’ issues on Saturday afternoon.)


 RELATED: Keegan Bradley helps out hole-in-one bettors with an ace on Sunday


 That’s why it was so invigorating to catchBilly Horschel’s commentsduring a walking interview with NBC Sports amid the challenging third round. Knownfor his straightforward approach, a somewhat off-form—but still top-tier—Horschel came outwithwhat might be the most relatable golf quote yet. Give it a listen:


 Horschel admits he has no genuine control over his golf swing," he says, "and currently he doesn’t know where the golf ball will go, so he’s aiming to get home as quickly as possible.


 Hackers from across the globe who pondered over the 19th hole as a place to tee off agreed with that sentiment. Well done, Billy, for expressing that view. Particularly this week when
 Golfers addressing the press
 has been a trending issue!


 Horschel ended up completing the round with 77 strokes. It was a challenging day for an eight-time PGA Tour champion, yet his score remains one that 99.99% of golfers would be happy to have. Nevertheless, from everyone who struggles with their swing, we extend our gratitude, Billy.


 RELATED: Witness Oz the Mentalist astonish everyone on the 'Live From' set during thePlayers

Players 2025: Billy Horschel Drops the Most Relatable Golf Quote Ever Mid-Round

Unknown golf, golf players, golfers, professional golfers, sports

We enjoy watching the top players in the world perform feats with their golf balls that mere weekend golfers can only imagine doing. However, we equally appreciate when they experience moments of fr…