Worldwide Golf DIgital April 2026

CHRIS WOOD

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Wood is back, Tiger teasing & why I’m shouting on Fitzpatrick at the Masters

By Alex Gallemore, Editor, Worldwide Golf

There are comeback stories… and then there’s Chris Wood. Just a few months ago, he was a name you spoke about in past tense. A Ryder Cup player, a BMW PGA Champion, a bloke who had it all and then, quite brutally, didn’t. Fast forward to now and here he is, topping the MENA Golf Tour rankings with a whopping 59,320 points and doing it properly, not sneaking over the line but winning by a mile. This isn’t just a nice story.

This matters. The MENA Golf Tour is no longer a side note. It is a pathway. A proper one. Woody hasn’t just picked up a trophy and a handshake. He has earned himself a route back to the big leagues, a full HotelPlanner Tour card, and more importantly, a reason to believe again.

Having watched him up close earlier in the season, you could see it. Not the old Woody exactly, but something sharper. Leaner mentally. Less noise. More purpose. Three wins in a handful of starts, then sealing the rankings. That is not luck. That is a player rebuilding his career brick by brick.

If you are one of those who think this is as far as it goes, think again. This has all the makings of a proper second act. Golf loves a redemption story, and Woody is suddenly right in the middle of one.

THE TIGER TEASE RETURNS

Every year we do this dance. The whispers. The range videos. The “he looks good” chat. Then the inevitable question: can he actually contend?

The romantic in all of us would love to see Tiger in green once more. The realist probably leans the other way. But Augusta is not a normal golf course and Tiger Woods is not a normal golfer. If he tees it up, he is part of the story. Simple as that.

Even if it is just four days of walking those fairways again, it lifts the entire tournament. The patrons know it. The players know it and deep down, we all know it would be a miracle if Tiger even made it to Sunday let alone sporting another green jacket.

RORY AND THE DOUBLE DREAM

Then there is Rory. Fresh off completing the career Grand Slam last year, now chasing something even

rarer. Back-to-back Masters. Tiger was the last man to do it. That alone tells you what kind of territory we are talking about.

What is fascinating about Rory now is not his swing. Not his putting. It is his mindset. For the first time in years, he looks like a bloke playing without the weight of history on his shoulders.

Augusta has always been Rory’s puzzle. Now that he has solved it, the question is whether he turns up relaxed… or slightly flat after the emotional release of last year.

WHY FITZPATRICK IS MY PICK

Everyone will pile into Rory. Plenty will get swept up in Tiger fever. Some will have their eyes on Scheffler, Rahm and DeChambeau, but my money, if I had to put it anywhere right now, is on Matt Fitzpatrick.This not a wild shout. It is staring us right in the face.

Second at The Players. Won the Valspar the very next week. That is serious golf. At Sawgrass, he finished just one shot off the win at 12 under, right in the heat of battle on Sunday. Then he rocks up a week later and closes it out, birdieing the last to get it done at 11 under.

That tells you everything about where his game is, but let’s go a level deeper, as Augusta does not just reward form. It rewards control.

At the Valspar, Fitzpatrick ranked second in greens in regulation and played the weekend without a bogey. That is Augusta all over. Hit greens. Stay patient. Take your chances.

He is also sixth in the world rankings right now, which is not a coincidence. This is a player who has quietly built one of the most complete games in golf. No real weakness. Properly tidy tee to green. Plus, when the putter warms up, he is lethal.

The other thing I love is his mentality. That Players loss would have stung. Properly stung. But instead of sulking, he turns up seven days later and wins. That is major champion behaviour.

Let’s not forget, he already knows how to get it done on the biggest stage. US Open champion. Not fazed. Not flashy. Just relentless.

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CHRIS WOOD CROWNED MENA GOLF TOUR RANKINGS CHAMPION

England’s Chris Wood has been confirmed as the 2025/26 MENA Golf Tour Rankings winner after a dominant season that saw him claim victory in three different countries and secure a HotelPlanner Tour card for the remainder of 2026.

Wood, whose career highlights include the 2016 BMW PGA Championship and a Ryder Cup appearance at Hazeltine, accumulated 59,320 points from eight events – well clear of Spain’s Juan Salama in second and France’s Pierre Pineau in third.

The triumph caps a remarkable comeback for a player who has battled chronic anxiety and burnout. He secured his MENA Golf Tour card with a wire to wire victory at Q School in Portugal before going on to win in Portugal, Egypt and Morocco during the season.

Keith Waters, Chairman and Commissioner of the MENA Golf Tour, said: “His story is one of real resilience and determination, and watching him compete week after week this season has been a privilege.”

The Rankings title triggers a series of pathway benefits for the tour’s leading players, including multiple HotelPlanner Tour invitations.

HOTELPLANNER TOUR RESCHEDULES UAE EVENTS AMID REGIONAL SITUATION

The HotelPlanner Tour has rescheduled two UAE events that were due to take place this month, citing the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

The RAKBANK UAE Challenge at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club and the Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club have both been pushed back, with the pair now scheduled to run on consecutive weeks in the autumn. The RAKBANK UAE Challenge will take place from September 24-27, followed by the Abu Dhabi Challenge from October 1-4.

The two events will now fall immediately after the Open de Portugal and ahead of back-to-back tournaments in China, with tour officials emphasising that playing opportunities have been preserved across a Road to Mallorca schedule that still features 29 tournaments.

In a statement, the tour said the rescheduling “prioritises the safety of all members” and described the regional situation as “evolving,” confirming it would continue to be monitored closely.

MENA GOLF TOUR PLANS STRONGER RETURN FOR 2026/27

The MENA Golf Tour has moved to reassure players, partners and the wider golf community that it remains fully committed to its future, with plans already taking shape for what promises to be its most ambitious season to date.

The 2025/26 campaign was brought to an early close due to the ongoing regional situation, with events removed from the schedule in the closing weeks of the season. But tour officials are clear: this is a pause, not a retreat.

“The current situation across parts of the region has been beyond anyone’s control, and we’ve had to make some difficult decisions in the latter stages of the season,” said Keith Waters, Chairman and Commissioner of the MENA Golf Tour. “But the MENA Golf Tour has never been stronger as an organisation, and we have every intention of coming back with a season that reflects that.”

Planning for the 2026/27 season is already under way, with officials confirming a series of announcements in the pipeline that they believe will significantly raise the profile of the tour. Among the headline developments is an expansion of the Qualifying School programme, including a new edition in Florida – a move designed to open the door for American players to earn their place on the circuit.

“The Middle East is our home and will always be our priority, but this Tour was built to give emerging players from around the world a genuine pathway to the top of the game,” Waters added. “A Florida Qualifying School opens that door to a whole new pool of talent, and that can only be good for the Tour and good for the players.”

The existing Q School format – most recently held at Troia Golf Course in Portugal – has already proved effective in identifying players capable of competing at the highest level. Chris Wood’s wireto-wire victory in the 2025 edition set the tone for a dominant season that culminated in the Order of Merit title.

Further announcements regarding the 2026/27 schedule, partnerships and expanded prize funds are expected in the coming months, with the tour keen to build on the foundations laid across a season that, despite its premature end, delivered some of the best golf seen on the circuit in recent years.

“We are proud of what this season produced on the course,” Waters said. “The level of play, the quality of the winners, the emerging talent – all of that gives us enormous confidence going into next season. We are going nowhere. The MENA Golf Tour will be back, and it will be better than ever.”

“The current situation across parts of the region has been beyond anyone’s control, and we’ve had to make some difficult decisions in the latter stages of the season.But the MENA Golf Tour has never been stronger as an organisation, and we have every intention of coming back with a season that reflects that.”

– KEITH WATERS

MONTGOMERIE

TAKES SEAT IN THE BOARDROOM

Colin Montgomerie has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the European Tour Group, the body that administers the DP World Tour, the HotelPlanner Tour, the Staysure Legends Tour and Ryder Cup in Europe.

The 62-year-old Scot – eight-time Race to Dubai winner and 2010 Ryder Cup-winning captain – replaces Ove Sellberg under the board’s rotational system. He joins fellow Ryder Cupwinning captain Thomas Björn and former tour professionals Paul Eales, Chris Hanell, Grégory Havret,

to joining the Board of the European Tour Group and I consider it a great honour to be asked,” said Montgomerie. “I pride myself on the fact that I was always one hundred per cent loyal to the Tour in my playing days, and indeed I continue to be so. These are interesting times in professional golf and I hope I will be able to support, encourage and assist the Tour going forward in any way I can.”

Chairman Eric Nicoli welcomed the appointment, noting that Montgomerie’s “knowledge of the

DINNER IS SERVED, AZALEAS ARE BLOOMING, AND THE MOST FAMOUS WEEK IN GOLF IS ALMOST HERE. BUT WHO’S GOING HOME WITH THE GREEN JACKET?

IT’S SHO

WTIME!

Photography: Getty Images

Nobody has won the Masters in consecutive years since Tiger Woods did it in 2001 and 2002.

But Rory McIlroy is about to try.

The Northern Irishman arrives at Augusta as defending champion, Career Grand Slam winner and – perhaps for the first time in his life – a man with absolutely nothing to prove. After 10 years of near-

misses, heartbreaks and an entire sport willing him over the line, he finally did it last April, dropping to his knees on the 18th green after defeating Justin Rose in a playoff to become only the sixth male golfer in history to win all four Majors. Half the world cried with him.

The question now is whether that release of pressure sets him free or leaves him flat. The early

signs from 2026 suggest very much the former.

But before we get into who’s hot and who’s not, let’s spend a moment on the place itself – because Augusta National is unlike anywhere else on earth, and if you’re going to understand why this tournament does things to people that no other event in golf can, you need to understand the stage.

THE COURSE: A PLACE UNLIKE ANY OTHER

Augusta National was built on a former plant nursery – hence every hole being named after a tree or shrub, from Magnolia at the first to Holly at the 18th. Designed by Bobby Jones and Scottish architect Alister MacKenzie, it opened for play in 1932. What many people don’t know is that at the very first Masters in 1934 the nines were played in the opposite order – what we now know as the back nine was the front. It was flipped the following year and has stayed that way ever since.

For 2026 the course stretches to 7,565 yards after Augusta National extended the par-4 17th by 10 yards ahead of this year’s championship – the latest

in a long line of subtle tweaks designed to ensure the world’s best players are always being asked the same difficult questions. The bunkers, incidentally, are not filled with ordinary sand but with granulated white quartz from the Spruce Pine Mining District in North Carolina, which gives them that luminous appearance on television. The ponds were once dyed blue. Augusta does things its own way.

The greens are as fast and firm as anywhere in the game, courtesy of an underground ventilation system called SubAir, invented by course superintendent Marsh Benson in 1994 and now used by more than 500 clubs worldwide. Augusta, naturally, got there first.

Amen Corner and the back nine is where Masters are won and lost. The par-3 12th – Golden Bell – is one of

the most deceptive holes in Major Championship golf, the wind swirling unpredictably through the towering pines and more than one title having slipped away there on a Sunday afternoon. The par-5 13th and 15th are where the game’s bravest players go hunting for eagles and birdies, and where the timid get found out.

One detail that always raises an eyebrow: there is exactly one palm tree on the entire property. It stands beside the fourth green and has been there so long that even the members have stopped mentioning it.

The par-3 16th is the only hole not designed by MacKenzie and Jones – rebuilt in 1948, it has produced more holes-in-one than any other par-3 on the course. The back-left Sunday pin position is as much a part of Masters folklore as the jacket itself.

THE TRADITIONS: DINNER, JACKETS AND GARDEN GNOMES

The Champions Dinner has been a Tuesday night staple since 1952, when Ben Hogan gathered past champions with the simple instruction to wear their green jackets and arrive by 7:15pm sharp. The reigning champion picks the menu. This year, that privilege belongs to McIlroy.

The Northern Irishman, never one to do things by halves, has assembled a menu that tells the story of his life. Appetisers include bacon-wrapped dates – a nod to his mother’s cooking – and grilled elk sliders, which McIlroy cheerfully admits he was consuming in considerable quantities in the weeks leading up to his 2025 triumph. The first course is a yellowfin tuna carpaccio with foie gras on a toasted baguette, a recreation of a signature dish from Le Bernardin in New York, his favourite restaurant. The Augusta National team actually flew up to meet with the chefs and work through the recipe together – because if something’s worth doing at Augusta, it’s worth doing properly.

For the main course, guests choose between

wagyu filet mignon and seared salmon, served with traditional Irish Champ – creamy mashed potato with green onions and butter – alongside Brussels sprouts, glazed carrots and Vidalia onion rings from a 20-county region of Georgia. Dessert is sticky toffee pudding.

The wine list is where McIlroy has really gone to town. Four bottles from Augusta National’s celebrated cellar – reached, incidentally, via private elevator – including a 1990 Château Lafite Rothschild, the wine he says he drank the night he won the Masters, and a 1989 Château d’Yquem,

chosen because it’s his birth year. The cheapest bottle retails at around $556.

“Every great meal deserves to be finished off with Château d’Yquem,” McIlroy said. “It’s like liquid gold.”

Past menus have always reflected the personality of the host. Scheffler served ‘Scottie-Style’ cheeseburger sliders and Texas-style chili last year. Rahm went full Spanish. Sandy Lyle once served haggis. Tiger has done cheeseburgers and sushi, in different years. Nobody has ever repeated a menu – except Bubba Watson, who in true Bubba fashion in 2015…put on

exactly the same spread he’d offered in 2013. Away from the dining room, there is one Augusta tradition that has taken on a curious life of its own – the garden gnomes. First introduced in 2016, a new design is produced each year and they have become so sought-after that customers are limited to one per person, with resale values running to several times the retail price. In 2026, four-day badges cost $525. Augusta National remains, by some distance, the most impossible ticket in sport to actually obtain.

THE

FIRM FAVOURITE:

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER

There really is no other place to start. Scheffler arrives at Augusta with two green jackets already in the wardrobe – 2022 and 2024 – and even in a week last year when his game never quite found top gear, he still finished fourth. Augusta suits him

THE DEFENDING CHAMPION: RORY McILROY

See the opening of this feature. The monkey is off the back. The Grand Slam is complete. The dinner menu has been chosen, the 1989 Château d’Yquem has been selected, and the man himself has described feeling more at ease with his game than at any point in recent memory.

He is 36 years old, widely regarded as the clear second favourite behind Scheffler, and arrives at Augusta having made peace with a course that tormented him for the best part of a decade. The scar tissue has healed. The demons, it seems, have finally been put to rest.

“I always thought about if I win the Masters one day, what would I want it to look like?” he said ahead of the tournament.

Now he gets to find out if he can do it all over again.

like no other course on earth. The angles off the tee, the premium on iron play, the patience the back nine demands on a Sunday afternoon – it all fits the way he plays.

He opened his 2026 season by winning the American Express at the first time of asking, his 20th PGA Tour victory, and has given no indication

since that the level is dropping. He is the World No.1 for a reason – several of them, in fact – and walking the fairways and greens of Augusta National, he will know it.

The question is not really whether Scheffler can win there again. It is whether anyone in the field can stop him.

THE ENGLISH CONTENDERS: TOMMY FLEETWOOD & MATT FITZPATRICK

At World No.3 and coming off the back of a FedEx Cup-winning season, Tommy Fleetwood arrives at Augusta as one of the most compelling figures in the field. Eight top-10s in 19 starts on Tour last year. Top-four finishes in all three play-off events. Statistically, the only player within a stroke of Scheffler’s average strokes-gained in last season’s signature events. The numbers tell the story of a man operating at the very top of his game.

The one chapter that remains unwritten is a Major Championship. Fleetwood has been in contention before and knows better than

anyone what it takes to compete on the biggest stages. Augusta, with its premium on patience, precision and ball-striking, is a course that sets up beautifully for the way he plays. The feeling among those who know the game well is that it is a matter of when, not if.

If that moment is coming – and few doubt that it is – this feels like a fitting stage.

If there is another Englishman quietly building a case that deserves serious attention, it is Matt Fitzpatrick. The former US Open champion arrives at Augusta in arguably the best form of his career, having finished second at The Players Championship before backing it up with a victory at the Valspar Championship. That is not just good form, that is elite company. Few players in the

THE X-FACTOR:

JON RAHM

There is a genuine case for Rahm being the most intriguing player in the Masters field. The Spaniard won this tournament in 2023 by four strokes, has a US Open title to his name and arrives at Augusta in excellent form – back-to-back LIV Golf individual

game can claim to have gone toe to toe with the strongest fields in golf in consecutive weeks and come away with that level of return.

What makes Fitzpatrick such a compelling contender at Augusta is not just the results, but the way he is achieving them. His iron play has sharpened, his distance gains over the past two seasons have transformed him from plotter to genuine all round threat, and his short game remains one of the most reliable under pressure. Augusta rewards patience, discipline and a sharp mind as much as it does power, and those are traits Fitzpatrick has built his career on. Add in a player brimming with confidence and momentum, and it would be no surprise whatsoever to see him firmly in the mix come Sunday afternoon.

season titles, a team championship in 2025 and a win in Hong Kong already in 2026 suggesting a player operating at the very top of his game.

The feeling in the game is that Rahm, on his best days, remains as naturally gifted as anyone in the world. Augusta – where length off the tee, imagination around the greens and intelligent

course management matter above everything — is a course built for the way he plays. He knows it, and so does the rest of the field.

This is his 10th Masters start. He knows every blade of grass. And with his form as strong as it has been in years, he may just be the man nobody is quite paying enough attention to.

THE OVERHYPED: XANDER SCHAUFFELE

Schauffele won two Majors in 2024 and briefly looked like a player ready to push Scheffler and McIlroy for genuine dominance of the game. Then came a rib injury that disrupted much of 2025, and he has not yet persuaded many observers that he is fully back to his best.

More missed cuts than top-fives in his last four trips to Augusta. A putting rank of 76th on Tour at one point this season. He looks, right now, like a player whose reputation is running slightly ahead of his form.

He absolutely has the game to win a Masters. But until the putter starts performing, faith in Schauffele feels more like sentiment than cold hard logic.

LET’S NOT FORGET TIGER…

Woods had his seventh back surgery in October – this time to replace a disc that was causing pain and restricting movement. By December he was chipping and putting. By January he was hitting short irons. As of the time of writing, he has not ruled out competing.

Five green jackets, second only to Jack Nicklaus’s six. His win in 2019, at the age of 43, remains one of the most extraordinary sporting comebacks any of us will ever witness. His 12-stroke winning margin in 1997, when he was 21 years old, is still the largest in Masters history.

If he does make it to Augusta, nobody will seriously believe he can win the 90th Masters. But then, nobody seriously believed that in April 2019 either.

THE ONE TO WATCH: COLLIN MORIKAWA

Morikawa is not getting nearly enough attention ahead of this year’s Masters and that, frankly, is baffling. Three consecutive top-10 finishes at Augusta, including a top-three last year. Leads the world in total strokes gained and strokes gained on approach. Won at Pebble Beach in February to end a 45-start drought on Tour. Has a PGA Championship and The Open already on his résumé.

Augusta National is widely and correctly regarded as a second-shot golf course. Morikawa is the best second-shot player in the world right now. The maths is not complicated.

The knock on him has always been that he struggles to close. Those still making that argument haven’t been paying attention. He is playing the best golf of his career and if the wider conversation is sleeping on him ahead of this tournament, so much the better.

The 90th Masters begins on April 9. Set the alarm and enjoy the ride.

CHRIS WOOD

THE LONG ROAD BACK

By Rick Bevan

Oplayers in the game. This was something else. These were the actions of a guy laser focussed on his own voyage of self rediscovery. He’d come on his own, no caddie, no family, no friends. He was there to do a job and that job was to gain a MENA Golf Tour card in order to open the door to the thing he so desperately needed above all else, a return to regular competitive action.

THREE WINS, THREE DIFFERENT STORIES

Six months, three countries and three victories later, Chris Wood is the 2025/26 MENA Golf Tour Rankings champion.

“I’m very proud to have won the Order of Merit,” he says. “There are some impressive players on the MENA Golf Tour, which shows the depth of golf worldwide nowadays. I was pushed all the way to my three victories,

“

Each win offered me different things,” he reflects.

which is great for me, to have those pressure situations.”

The pressure situations he’s referring to were rarely straightforward. In Egypt, he was two shots behind with three holes to play before birdieing the last to force a playoff, then converting on the first extra hole. In Morocco, he found the rough and then the bunker on the 54th hole before splashing out to four feet and rolling in the winning putt. In Portugal, he played 52 holes without a blemish before his only dropped shot of the week on the penultimate hole. Three different countries, three different tests, three different ways to win.

“Each win offered me different things,” he reflects. “Portugal I dropped my only shot of the week on the penultimate hole. Egypt I was two behind with three to play and birdied the last to sneak into the playoff. Morocco was a real mental battle for me.”

THE TOUGHEST BATTLE WAS INTERNAL

n a crisp November morning in Troia, Portugal, I followed Chris Wood for a few holes as he completed a commanding wire to wire victory at the newly relaunched MENA Golf Tour’s Q School.

He looked like a man very much in the zone. On his own journey. Doing the work. All week he’d kept himself to himself around the clubhouse and driving range, and out on course, he rarely interacted with his playing partners.

This wasn’t the aloof behaviour of a three time DP World Tour winner thinking he was too good to fraternise with the cast of unknowns he found himself among. Anyone who has spent any time with Woody knows that he’s one of the nicest, most down to earth

“Portugal I dropped my only shot of the week on the penultimate hole. Egypt I was two behind with three to play and birdied the last to sneak into the playoff. Morocco was a real mental battle for me.”

The Morocco win perhaps tells us most about where Wood is right now. At Al Houara, he was locked in his own head for much of the week, the anxiety that has been his constant companion for the better part of a decade threatening to take hold once more.

“Anyone who has suffered with anxiety will know that it just totally absorbs you,” he says. “Nothing in the week suggested to me I would feel any different, but I found that week particularly challenging. So to leave a 20 yard bunker shot over a ridge on the final hole, up and down to win, wasn’t ideal.”

It’s said with a smile, but anyone who has watched Wood’s journey knows exactly what that moment represented.

Back at Q School in Troia, those raw, unfiltered quotes captured in the November

chill told their own story. “I’ve had enormous challenges mentally over the last few years, so that is the important thing for me,” he said after his final round. “I’m coming quite a long way mentally, and that’s a massive deal for me.”

TRUST, FRIENDSHIP AND THE RIGHT PEOPLE

The work he’s referring to goes deep. He speaks about rediscovering intuitive skill rather than drilling swing mechanics, of surrounding himself with people who truly understand his journey. Chief among them is Chris Lloyd, Lloydy, a friend of 25 years who has carried his bag for much of the season.

“He totally gets the work I’m doing and is a big part of our conversations when I’m at events and when I’m on practice weeks at home,” Wood says. “He’s been on his own journey from when he was playing on the EuroPro, Challenge and DP World Tour. Nothing is off the table in our relationship. To have someone you can genuinely call a mate with you is quite rare.”

The anxiety that derailed Wood’s career from 2019 onwards was, by his own

admission, all consuming. At his lowest, his swing had become unrecognisably short and out of sync, a physical manifestation of a mental battle he was losing. He lost his DP World Tour card, fell outside the top 2,000 in the world rankings, and briefly stepped away from the game entirely.

Yet he never once considered walking away for good.

“Even at my lowest, darkest points, I would be watching some golf and saying to myself, I know I’ve got that shot, it’s in there,” he says. “The challenge with anxiety is it takes over your life. You are trapped and feel like you can’t get on top of it. It’s a very patient journey for me and the people I have around me.”

WHY THE MENA GOLF TOUR MATTERED MENA Golf Tour Q School gave him exactly what he needed, a quiet corner of the professional game where he could get on with his work, away from any spotlight or expectation.

“Going to Q School was a demonstration of how far I’ve come mentally to accept where I am,” he says. “I’d just come off missing the cut by one shot at DP World

FEATURES

CHRIS WOOD

Photography: Provided

Chris Wood pictured the trophy after winning the Egypt Golf SeriesAddress Marassi Golf Resort.

Tour Final Stage, but I felt like my game was moving in a positive direction. I needed and, importantly, wanted to play. Thankfully the MENA Golf Tour was relaunching and I decided to go.”

The tour has provided more than just competitive action. Its winter schedule, spanning Portugal, Egypt and Morocco, offered something Wood couldn’t find elsewhere. “It came at a great time of year, being able to play through the winter months,” he says. “There are no alternatives, and I see that as one of the many upsides of the tour. It will only grow each season, I’m convinced of that.”

Commissioner Keith Waters has earned particular praise from Wood for building something meaningful around the pathway to the DP World Tour. “Keith has a wealth of

experience and has managed to put in place some great opportunities for MENA Golf Tour players to progress their careers, at a time when the DP World and HotelPlanner Tours are restructuring their categories,” he says. “It has offered me a realistic route back to where I want to be playing.”

THE ROUTE BACK IS NOW REAL

That route is now clearly signposted. As Rankings winner, Wood receives a Category 12 exemption and a full HotelPlanner Tour card for the remainder of the 2026 season. He and the top three in the Rankings also earn direct exemptions into Stage Two of the DP World Tour Qualifying School in October. The DP World Tour card he has craved is now within genuine reach.

Since his last victory, the 2016 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, Wood and his wife have had four children: Jonah, Lottie, Toby and Kasper. None of them had seen Dad win a professional tournament. Until now.

“My daughter Lottie is especially keen to throw a big party with lots of music and a party dress,” he says. “In my mind, that party will come when I am fully exempt back on the DP World Tour. She does have my winners medal from Egypt hanging on her bed though, they were all very excited when I brought home the three trophies from my MENA Golf Tour wins.”

For Chris Wood, the voyage of self rediscovery that began on that crisp November morning in Troia is very much still underway. But the destination is coming into focus.

“

I’d just come off missing the cut by one shot at DP World Tour Final Stage, but I felt like my game was moving in a positive direction. I needed and, importantly, wanted to play.

Thankfully the MENA Golf Tour was relaunching and I decided to go.”

Lucky Cruz IS IN NO RUSH

Young, talented and already taking the road less travelled, the American is finding out exactly who he is on the MENA Golf Tour

Steph Curry was watching. The cameras were rolling. And Lucky Cruz did not blink.

On the stage of the Underrated Tour, with Stephen Curry lending both spotlight and credibility, Cruz delivered the kind of performance that turns promise into proof. Winning the Curry Cup did not just elevate his name, it changed the conversation around it.

Because what followed was not the expected next step.

At 17, instead of choosing the well trodden American college route, Cruz made the kind of decision that defines careers early. He turned professional and stepped into the unknown. No safety net. No soft launch.

Just golf.

By Alex Gallemore

FROM SPOTLIGHT TO SCORECARDS

There is a big difference between being noticed and being ready, and Cruz seems to understand that better than most at this stage of his career. The Underrated Tour gave him visibility and belief, but it was never the end goal. It was simply confirmation that he could compete and win when it mattered. That feeling was reinforced with another victory later that season at the Notah Begay 3 National Championship on Golf Channel, and suddenly the narrative around him began to shift. He was no longer just a promising junior. He was a player beginning to understand how to close.

THE DECISION AT SEVENTEEN

That sense of clarity fed into one of the most important decisions of his young career. While most talented American players follow the well established pathway through college golf, Cruz and his family made a different call. College was very much an option. There were offers on the table and commitments discussed, but ultimately the decision came down to experience and timing. Having already tested his game in professional events as an amateur, Cruz had seen enough to know that when he played well, he could compete at that level.

Turning professional at 17 is not a decision taken lightly. It removes the safety net and replaces it with a reality that is far less forgiving. Every week matters. Every performance counts. But for Cruz, the appeal of learning in that environment outweighed the comfort of waiting. Advice from players who had faced

similar choices also played a role, reinforcing the idea that gaining experience early could accelerate his development in ways that structured pathways sometimes cannot.

ON THE ROAD EARLY

If that decision raised a few eyebrows, what came next perhaps raised a few more. Rather than staying close to home and building a schedule around familiar surroundings in the United States, Cruz embraced the global nature of the game. Travel, different cultures, new courses and constantly changing conditions have become part of his weekly routine. It is not the glamorous version of tour life that many imagine. It is long journeys, unfamiliar environments and the constant need to adapt, but it is also exactly the kind of education that shapes a player.

He is refreshingly honest about that side of the game. Travelling and playing regularly is not easy, especially at such a young age, but there is a clear understanding that experiencing it early will only make him more resilient. It has also been a shared journey with his family, which adds another layer to the experience. There is a sense that this is not just about golf, but about learning how to navigate life on tour in all its forms.

WHY MENA MAKES SENSE

That journey has brought him to the MENA Golf Tour, and it is here that things begin to make even more sense. For a young professional looking for competitive opportunities, exposure to strong fields and a chance to develop under

pressure, the Tour offers a compelling platform. Cruz speaks about it with genuine appreciation. The competition is strong, the environment is supportive and there is a sense of community that is not always present in professional golf. At the same time, there is no lack of challenge. If anything, the MENA Golf Tour has provided a sharp introduction to some of the tougher realities of the game. The weather alone has been enough to test his patience and adaptability. Conditions that many players would prefer to avoid have become part of the learning process, and watching others perform in those same conditions has been both humbling and motivating.

It is one thing to believe you can handle difficult conditions. It is another to prove it. Cruz is beginning to understand the difference. The ability to adapt, to stay patient and to find a way to score when everything does not feel quite right is one of the defining traits of successful professionals. It is also something that can only be developed through experience, and the MENA Golf Tour is providing plenty of that.

The step up from junior golf to the professional game is significant in more ways than one. It is not just about stronger fields. It is about tougher courses, more demanding pin positions and an overall increase in intensity. Everything is a little sharper, a little faster and a little less forgiving. For Cruz, that has required a shift in mindset as much as technique. Learning how to manage rounds, how to respond to setbacks and how to stay composed under pressure are all part of the process.

FAMILY ON THE BAG

Another important element in his journey is the presence of his father, Fred, who acts as his caddie. It is a dynamic that brings both advantages and challenges, but one that has clearly contributed to his development. There is a strong sense of mutual growth, both as a player and as a person. The relationship requires balance, particularly when it comes to separating the roles of parent and caddie, but it also provides a level of trust and understanding that is difficult to replicate.

On the course, Fred brings an analytical approach, helping to navigate strategy and decision making. Off the course, his role becomes even more valuable. Managing travel, logistics and the day to day demands of life on tour is no small task, especially when operating across different countries and schedules. Having that support allows Cruz to focus more fully on his golf, which is a significant advantage at this stage of his career.

THE REAL COST OF THE DREAM

The financial side of professional golf is another reality that cannot be ignored. Behind every young player is a structure that needs to function week in and week out, and that requires support. Cruz is open about the importance of sponsorship, not as a luxury, but as a necessity. Travel, accommodation and basic living costs quickly add up, and having the right backing can make a substantial difference to a player’s ability to compete consistently.

A GLOBAL OUTLOOK

There is also a growing

appreciation for the global opportunities within the game. The MENA Golf Tour provides access to some of the most impressive venues in the Middle East, where golf is presented to a very high standard. For Cruz, this exposure is both inspiring and motivating. Competing on well prepared courses in regions that continue to invest heavily in the sport offers a glimpse of what lies ahead if his progression continues.

Despite everything that has happened so far, there is a grounded quality to Cruz that stands out. He speaks about his goals in a measured way, focused on progression rather than prediction. The ambition is clear. He wants to establish himself on a major tour within the next few years, whether that is the Sunshine Tour, DP World Tour or PGA Tour, but there is no sense of rushing the process.

That patience may prove to be one of his greatest strengths. In a sport where expectations can build quickly, particularly for young players who show early promise, the ability to stay focused on development rather than outcomes is invaluable. Cruz appears to understand that his journey is only just beginning, and that the experiences he is gaining now will form the foundation for what comes next.

Every young professional needs a place to learn, a place where potential is tested and shaped by reality. For Lucky Cruz, the MENA Golf Tour is providing exactly that. It is not simply a stepping stone. It is an education. He is not rushing it. He is not avoiding it. He is embracing it.

And in a game that has a habit of exposing everything, that approach might be the most promising sign of all.

SWING

SWING Cameron Young

Effortless power with a hint of controlled violence, Cameron Young’s swing is a modern blueprint for speed. A towering, wide arc and elite sequencing help him generate clubhead speeds north of 122 mph and ball speeds pushing 185–189 mph, producing 320+ yard carries with a motion that still looks remarkably balanced.

CAMERON YOUNG SWING SEQUENCE

Delighted to see Cameron win this years Players Championship and looking forward to analyzing his powerful driver action. He’s a player with exceptional ability with the driver. Unlike many other tour professionals Cameron feels comfortable shaping the ball and adjusting trajectory. He’s certainly not one dimensional and exciting to watch.

1: Cameron establishes an athletic dynamic posture as he confirms his start line and visualizes his shot shape and trajectory.

2: His arms hang beautifully under his shoulders as he maintains a strong wide solid base ready to initiate his move.

3: His lead leg pushes as his hips and chest create exceptional coil early in his pattern.

4: He loads his hands, arms and shoulders vertically up as he continues to coil. You can see how his tail bone and spine are both facing the target as he maintains his posture throughout. At this stage he really

is wound like a spring!! What you can’t see from the picture is his stand out tempo. He has a unique yet deliberate pause prior to starting his downswing.

5: This pause allows his arms and shoulders to drop perfectly and his trail elbow to fold. This shallows the club naturally as he pushes athletically into the ground. This squat phase reminds me of the late and great Sam Snead.

6: His lower half is starting to open as he stays solidly behind the ball. You can see both legs starting to push up through the ground as he keeps his right arm close to his body whilst

Written by Stephen DeaneHead International Development Coach for Dubai Golf

Stephen is an ambassador for Dubai Golf and coaches at their wonderful array of facilities whilst in Dubai. Stephen also spends a proportion of his time developing professionals, amateurs and VIPs Internationally He has a passion for coach education and sharing knowledge and ideas with his colleagues and students

maintaining his spine angle throughout.

7: Club working delightfully from the inside as he continues to open and stay behind the ball. His trail arm continues to stay close to his side and you can certainly see a high draw from this delivery position if he desires!

8: Bang!! Such a wonderful impact position. You can see how his weight has moved forward to the outer extremities of his lead foot as he’s pushed vertically up to create power. He’s maintained his spine angle and trail arm position producing a very stable face whilst still staying behind the ball.

9: Both legs continue to extend up whilst his shoulder pressure pushes down and his arms extend to further stabilse the face.

10: His chest and hips uncoiling fully whilst his trail arm extends and lead arm beautifully folds. Again, he keeps his spine angle and trail side bend.

11: He admires his work as he naturally allows his body to extend up as he continues to uncoil.

12: Full release of the club as both elbows fold as he finishes in a strong balanced position.

CUT AND HOLD!!

Photography: Alex Leyno

by Stephen Deane Viya Head International Development Coach

TRAIL ARM DRILL!

This trail arm cross grip drill was shown to me many years ago by Peter Cowen. It effectively allows the player to feel the correct trail arm and shoulder movement.

Let’s have a closer look at how it works.

Phase one place your trail hand on the top of the grip with the thumb off (Picture 1) and the lead hand below (Picture 2) (Picture 2.1). This is obviously the opposite of what we call a normal hand placement on the club but potentially a better way to play :)

Phase two allow the trail elbow to fold and the shoulder to load (Picture 3). During this phase the wrists will naturally set. If we have a closer look at the wrist action, you’ll notice the trail wrist has hinged earlier which encourages better face control (Picture 4) - (Picture 4.1) You’ll feel the trail shoulder has loaded up but also sat down (Picture 5). It’s a common issue for the trail shoulder to pinch out which we then must compensate for!!

Phase three the shoulders can power down and reconnect putting us into a solid, powerful, and repeatable delivery position (Picture 6). It allows the shoulders to push down rather than spin (Picture 6.1) or pull (Picture 6.2) as you start down. This pattern naturally encourages the correct sequence with the body naturally shifting forward and then rotating into impact.

Overall, the drill allows the hands, arms, shoulders, and club to match up much better with the body. Practice it initially without a ball and when you feel comfortable try hitting some shots.

DATA DRIVEN BAG OF Matt Fitzpatrick The

The precision tools behind one of golf’s most analytical players

Matt Fitzpatrick has always approached golf differently. Long before strokes gained became the language of modern golf analysis, the Englishman was already tracking every statistic imaginable. As a teenager he famously logged every shot he hit into spreadsheets, searching for the smallest advantage.

That obsessive attention to detail now defines everything about his professional career, from practice routines to the clubs he trusts in competition.

And it was that combination of preparation and precision that nearly earned him one of the biggest wins in golf at the 2026 Players Championship, where Fitzpatrick finished runner up after pushing Cameron Young all the way at TPC Sawgrass.

While Young ultimately claimed the title, Fitzpatrick’s performance underlined just how consistently competitive his game remains.

Much of that consistency begins with a carefully constructed bag.

BUILT FOR MODERN POWER

At the top of the bag sits a Titleist GT3 driver, a club designed to deliver both speed and adjustability.

Over the past few seasons Fitzpatrick has transformed his driving through strength training and speed work. Once considered one of the shorter hitters on Tour, he now averages just over 300 yards from the tee, giving him the firepower to compete with the longest players in the game.

But distance alone has never been the goal.

For Fitzpatrick the driver is about controlled aggression. Launch, spin and dispersion are all carefully monitored, ensuring the club performs exactly as the numbers demand.

STRATEGIC OPTIONS FROM THE FAIRWAY

Fitzpatrick complements the driver with TaylorMade Qi35 fairway woods, typically carrying a 3 wood and 5 wood.

These clubs are often used as positional weapons rather than pure distance tools. On tighter courses Fitzpatrick frequently opts for fairway wood off the tee, trusting accuracy and strategy over brute force.

It reflects the wider philosophy that has defined his career. While modern golf often rewards power above all else, Fitzpatrick continues to prove that smart course management still wins tournaments.

THE IRONS THAT REFUSE TO CHANGE

Perhaps the most fascinating element of his setup is the iron configuration.

Fitzpatrick still plays Ping S55 irons from 5 iron through pitching wedge, a model first released more than a decade ago.

In a world where Tour professionals constantly update their equipment, his loyalty to these irons is remarkable.

But Fitzpatrick values something more important than novelty: trust.

The compact head shape and predictable ball flight give him the confidence to attack pins knowing exactly how the ball will react.

He combines them with Ping i210 long irons, creating a setup that blends forgiveness in the longer clubs with precision scoring tools.

PRECISION AROUND THE GREENS

Short game performance has always been a strength of Fitzpatrick’s game.

His wedge setup includes Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges in 52°, 56° and 60°, allowing him to produce the variety of shots demanded by modern Tour courses.

On the greens he relies on a Bettinardi BB1 blade putter, a classic design that provides the soft feel and clean alignment he prefers.

Completing the setup is the Titleist Pro V1x golf ball, widely regarded as one of the most consistent balls in professional golf.

TRUST OVER TRENDS

In an era where equipment changes are constant, Fitzpatrick’s bag stands out for its stability.

The clubs may not always be the newest models on the market, but they deliver something far more valuable: certainty. Every number is measured. Every yardage is mapped. Every club has earned its place.

And after pushing all the way to the final hole at Sawgrass, it’s clear that Fitzpatrick’s data driven approach remains one of the most effective systems in modern golf.

FITZPATRICK’S 2026 NUMBERS

The performance data behind the bag reinforces just how balanced his game has become this season.

KEY PGA TOUR STATISTICS

Driving Distance : 303 yards average

Greens in Regulation : 68 percent

Strokes Gained Off the Tee : +0.42

Strokes Gained Approach : +0.58

Birdie Average : 4.1 per round

2026 HIGHLIGHTS

Runner up – Players Championship

Top 15 – Pebble Beach Pro Am

Top 10 – WM Phoenix Open

Those numbers paint the picture of a player who may not dominate in any single category but excels across every part of the game.

WITB: MATT FITZPATRICK

DRIVER

Titleist GT3 9°

Fairway Woods

TaylorMade Qi35 15°

TaylorMade Qi35 18°

Irons

Ping i210 (3 iron, 4 iron)

Ping S55 (5 iron through pitching wedge)

WEDGES

Titleist Vokey SM10

52°

56°

60°

Putter

Bettinardi BB1

Ball

Titleist Pro V1x

BRING OUT THE PLAYER IN YOU.Ahigh-launching, players-styledesignthatcombinesshot-makingprecisionwith score-savingforgiveness.Engineeredforthebestplayersin theworld.Customfitandcustombuiltforyou.

DISTANCE & CONTROL

LowerCGforincreased ballspeedandhigher launch.

PLAYER PREFERRED

Sizedandshaped fortrajectory control.

Game-improvement forgiveness;softerfeel, pleasingsound.

FORGIVENESS WITH FEEL GET FIT. GET OPTIMISED.

FAYCAL SERGHINI

FROM CASABLANCA TO THE HEART OF UAE GOLF

From chasing balls as a kid in Morocco to shaping the next generation in the UAE, Faycal Serghini’s journey is built on passion, patience and a deep understanding of the game.

Spend five minutes with Faycal Serghini and one thing becomes immediately clear: this is a man who lives and breathes golf.

Now Head Coach of the UAE National Golf Team under the Emirates Golf Federation, Serghini’s story stretches from the fairways of Casablanca to the global stage, shaped by influential mentors, hard-earned lessons as a touring professional and a genuine love for developing young talent.

particularly well and I would not say I was a great golfer at that stage.

Things started to improve after one of my first lessons when I travelled to the south of France to work with Jesus Maria Arruti, who was the Spanish national coach at the time. That was a turning point because I began to understand my swing flaws and what I needed to improve.

In this Worldwide Golf feature Q&A, he reflects on his journey, the evolution of golf in the Middle East and why the UAE’s next breakthrough star

“I fell in love with the little white ball”

Q: You grew up in Casablanca. How did you first discover golf, and what was the golfing environment like in Morocco when you were

I discovered golf through my parents, who were both avid golfers. My dad was a very good amateur player and extremely passionate about the game. I actually started with tennis when I was very young, but little by little I began following my dad onto the golf course and hitting balls when I was around seven or eight years old. That is how I fell in love

Influences that shaped a career

Q: Who were the biggest influences or mentors during your early years?

I will always look up to Mohamed Makroune, who was one of the best players of his time in Morocco. He had incredible hands and a real flair

As I got older, my coaches had a huge influence on my career. Adrian Fryer, Benoit Willemart, who is also a close friend and with whom I opened an academy in Morocco, and Alan Thompson all played important roles. I also had the privilege of

And then there is Gary Player. I had the incredible opportunity to spend four days with him in Mogador while he was building my home course. I even had a couple of bunker lessons with him, That was a really special experience.

Q: You turned professional in 2000. What do you remember most about those early years?

I actually turned professional at the end of 1999 and started competing in 2000. It was quite tough at the beginning, to be honest. I was not playing

Not long after, I won my first tournament in Morocco, a national event in Fes. That was my “aha” moment. It made me realise that if I could win, I had a good enough game to compete internationally. That is really where my career began.

Strengths, weaknesses and the eternal battle with the putter

Q: What were the biggest strengths in your game, and what did you constantly work on?

My biggest strength was my long game, especially driving and iron play. My approach shots were always solid.

The area I constantly worked on was my short game and putting, which was definitely my main weakness. I struggled with putting for many years, but I had the opportunity to work with Phil Kenyon. Even just a couple of lessons with him opened my eyes and helped me understand what I needed to do to improve.

The MENA Golf Tour impact

Q: You played during the early years of the MENA Golf Tour. How important was it?

I played in the first season of the MENA Golf Tour and stayed on it for around six or seven years, maybe even eight. I was also an ambassador for Golf in Dubai.

From a player’s perspective, the opportunities were huge, especially for Arab players. There was even an Arab Order of Merit, where you could earn additional bonuses by performing well.

It also opened doors to bigger events such as the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and the Hassan II Trophy. For players from the region, it was an incredible platform. I am really pleased to see the tour starting again.

A playoff that still lingers

Q: Do you have a particular memory from the MENA Golf Tour?

There are many, but one that stands out is my connection with Al Ain Equestrian and Shooting Club. It is a course that really suits my eye and where I have always played well.

Unfortunately, I did not win there. I lost in a playoff to Lee Corfield at the MENA Golf Tour Grand Final. I shot 65, 65 and 70 to get into the

playoff but lost on the first extra hole. That was around 2014 or 2015. It still sticks with me.

Courses that leave a mark

Q: Which courses or destinations remain favourites?

One of my favourite places in the world is Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Morocco. I grew up playing there and at Mohammedia, two very different courses that have produced many great players.

Dar Es Salam is also famous for hosting the Hassan II Trophy, and I have great memories there, including finishing seventh in that event.

Pebble Beach is another highlight. I had the chance to play there about 20 years ago and it was an unforgettable experience. I have also loved playing in the UK at courses like Royal Liverpool and Lytham.

Dubai: the journey

Q: When did Dubai become part of your journey?

Dubai became part of my journey after the Hassan II Trophy in 2007, where I finished seventh. That result earned me an invitation to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, which was the biggest event of my career at the time.

I fell in love with Dubai straight away. I made many friends there and would return every year

from

to say it has been a love story.

The rise of UAE golf

Q: How have you seen golf develop in the UAE and wider Middle East?

There has been huge growth. We are now seeing many more young players coming into the game compared to when I started.

In the past, it was mainly Moroccan players representing the Arab world. Now we have strong talent coming through in the UAE, like the Skaik brothers, Sam Mullane, Jonathan Selvaraj and Rayan Ahmed. On the girls’ side, players like Intissar Rich, Aassiya Salem and others are doing very well.

The Federation has done an incredible job. General Abdullah Al Hashmi has been instrumental, and Akram Skaik, our general manager, has also been a huge support. We also have a great coaching team with Hassine Cameron and Kieren Pratt as Director of Operations. It is a real team effort.

From player to coach

Q: How did the transition into coaching happen?

I had the incredible opportunity to spend four days with him in Mogador while he was building my home course. I even had a couple of bunker lessons with him, and we still have a video together on YouTube. That was a really special experience.”

I had a long playing career, but eventually I reached a point where I was no longer happy competing, especially without full status on a main tour. Playing satellite tours in my early forties, with a family at home, became difficult.

I decided to step away from playing and focus on family life. I already had an academy in Morocco and later became General Manager at Palmeraie Country Club in Casablanca, where I worked for four years.

Then I received a call asking if I would play a round with General Abdullah in Morocco. We had a very enjoyable day in Bouznika, and he later invited me to join a summer camp in Rabat. After that, I was offered the opportunity to join the UAE setup, which I accepted.

I have now been here for three years and I am very happy. I believe we are contributing to the growth of the game and helping young players improve.

Building the next generation

Q: What are you currently focused on with the UAE national team?

Our main focus is developing the game further and bringing more young players into golf through programmes like Future Falcons.

Cameron and Hassine oversee much of that pathway, while I focus on the elite team. My role is to help players understand their strengths and weaknesses, support them technically and guide them on the course.

I have even caddied for some of them to better understand how they think during competition. It is about improving every aspect of their game and helping them reach the next level.

Defining success

Q: What would success look like for UAE golf in the next few years?

For me, success would be seeing a UAE player, male or female, competing regularly on one of the main tours. Whether that is the DP World Tour, the Asian Tour, the HotelPlanner Tour or even the PGA Tour, that is the ultimate goal.

If we can help produce a player who reaches that level, then we know we are doing something right.

Photography: Alex Leyno

WHAT PING HAVE DONE

PING have taken the idea of a players distance iron and approached it in a very understated way. There is no shouting about it, just smart engineering doing the work.

The face is thinner and more responsive which helps generate faster ball speeds and higher launch. Inside the head there is a clever internal structure designed to improve feel and stability while still allowing that face to flex.

Add in tungsten weighting in the longer irons and you have something that launches easily, flies fast and stays stable through impact.

In simple terms it looks like a players iron but there is a lot more going on under the surface.

FIRST SWINGS ON THE RANGE

The first few shots tell you everything you need to know. You hit a seven iron, look up, and immediately question your numbers.

It is one of those moments where you wonder if the launch monitor has got it wrong. It has not.

The i540 is quick. Ball speed jumps off the face and the launch is strong without feeling excessive. It produces a flight that is powerful but still controlled.

What stands out most is how easy it is to hit. The ball gets up quickly and holds its line well. Even slightly off centre strikes still produce very solid results.

You get the sense very quickly that this is an iron that wants to help you.

DISTANCE WITH CONTROL

Yes, these irons are strong in loft and you will see extra yardage.

But this is not distance for the sake of it. The key difference here is consistency.

Distances are repeatable. You are not getting those occasional flyers that leave you scratching your head. When you hit a number it feels reliable.

For players trying to improve and shoot lower scores, that predictability is far more valuable than raw distance alone.

FORGIVENESS THAT DOES NOT LOOK LIKE IT SHOULD EXIST

This is where the i540 becomes seriously impressive.

It looks like a compact iron that should punish poor strikes. It does not.

Miss it slightly and you still get a good result. The loss in ball speed is minimal and the ball still flies on a decent trajectory.

Toe strike, thin strike, slight miss, it all holds together far

better than you would expect from something that looks this refined.

Over the course of a round that adds up. Shots that might normally come up short or drift offline still find greens or at least stay in play.

FEEL AND SOUND

This is an area where PING have clearly spent time.

The strike feels solid and lively without being harsh. There is a spring to it that gives you a sense of speed without losing control.

The sound is a little more noticeable than a traditional forged iron. It is more of a crisp crack than a soft click. Some players will love that feedback, others may take a little time to get used to it.

Either way it feels like a big step forward in terms of refinement.

TURF INTERACTION

This is classic PING and it is very good.

The club moves cleanly through the turf with very little resistance. It does not dig and it does not bounce excessively. It simply does its job and allows you to focus on making a good swing.

In softer conditions especially this becomes a real strength. Clean contact feels easier to achieve and more consistent.

It is one of those details that you only fully appreciate after a few rounds.

ON COURSE PERFORMANCE

Take these onto the course and everything you saw on the range translates.

Into the wind the flight stays strong and controlled. It does not climb too

much or lose its shape.

Downwind you will need to be aware of the added distance because these can really move.

Long irons are a standout. They launch easily and carry well which makes attacking longer holes far less intimidating.

Short irons give you enough control to shape shots and flight the ball when needed, while still offering a level of forgiveness that keeps you in play.

Most importantly, when your swing is not quite there, the i540 keeps you in the game.

WHO THEY SUIT

The i540 sits perfectly in that space between performance and forgiveness.

It will suit low to mid handicap players who want a compact look but still need some help. Golfers who are chasing more distance but do not want to lose control will get a lot out of these.

If you are trying to move from a good player to a consistently low scorer, this is exactly the type of iron that can help bridge that gap.

It gives you confidence without taking away the feeling of control.

ANY DOWNSIDES

No club is perfect and there are a couple of things to consider.

The sound may not suit everyone, especially if you prefer a very soft feel.

The stronger lofts mean you will need to pay attention to your wedge setup to ensure proper gapping.

And while it looks like a players iron, it is still designed with forgiveness in mind, so those looking for a pure traditional blade experience may want something different.

VERDICT

The PING i540 is one of those irons that grows on you very quickly.

It looks sharp, performs consistently and offers more help than you would ever expect from something this compact.

It is long without being uncontrollable. Forgiving without looking oversized. Playable without feeling compromised.

Most importantly it gives you confidence, and that is what lowers scores.

If you are serious about improving and want an iron that supports that journey without making the game harder than it needs to be, this is a very strong option.

And yes, you will probably gain a bit of distance. Maybe more than you admit to your playing partners.

QUICK TAKE

● Best for low to mid handicap players

● Strong ball speed and consistent distances

● Impressive forgiveness in a compact head

● Confidence inspiring throughout the set

Worldwide Golf verdict

A players looking iron with a surprising amount of help built in, and that is exactly why it works so well

TheNEXT ONE COMING THROUGH IMOGEN HALL

HALL

Photography: Alex Leyno

A“The opportunity that you have here is literally like nowhere else. If you want to get good at golf here, you have absolutely everything. The facilities, the tournaments, everything is here.”

t just 16, Imogen Hall is already doing what most young players only talk about. Winning, travelling, learning and quietly building a game that looks very comfortable under pressure. The Emirates Golf Federation Junior Order of Merit winner is part of a new wave coming through in the UAE, but there is something a little different about her. Spend time around Hall and you get the sense of a player who knows exactly where she is heading, but is still enjoying every step along the way.

EARLY STARTS AND BIG DREAMS

Like so many in the game, it all began with a bucket of balls and a parent who loved golf. Hall was introduced to the sport by her dad, tagging along to the range from as young as four or five before properly picking it up a few years later.

“I started playing golf properly when I was about nine years old, but I was kind of always into it from maybe like four or five. I used to go to the driving range with my dad when I was really young.”

At that stage, it was just fun. No pressure, no plan. That changed during a family trip to the United States, when the idea of college golf entered the picture and suddenly gave the whole thing direction.

“We discovered US college and golfing scholarships and stuff. We did loads of research and realised it was such a cool opportunity. That’s when I started taking it a bit more seriously.”

DUBAI BASE, GLOBAL OUTLOOK

Hall has spent the majority of her life in the UAE, moving to Dubai at the age of seven. It is a setting that has quietly become one of the strongest development environments in the game, and she is quick to recognise it.

“The opportunity that you have here is literally like nowhere else. If you want to get good at golf here, you have absolutely everything. The facilities, the tournaments, everything is here.”

There is also a strong sense of community within the junior scene, something that has helped shape her experience.

“Dubai is kind of a small place and everyone knows everyone, so it’s such a nice little circuit that we have.”

Her schedule, however, is anything but small. Winters in the UAE are followed by summers in the UK, where conditions and course styles present a completely different test.

“It’s definitely different. It’s a different type of golf you

have to play. I’m going to Scotland which is going to be links golf and super windy, so quite different to here.”

A SEASON THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

Winning the 2024 25 Emirates Golf Federation Junior Order of Merit proved to be more than just a title. It was the moment Hall fully committed to her journey.

“That was such a good season. I think that was when I started really deciding that I want to set my mind to getting really good.”

With that decision came a lifestyle change, including moving into homeschool to allow more time for training and competition.

“It was a really good season. I had a lot of fun. I really enjoy all the tournaments and seeing everyone.”

There is that word again. Fun. It is easy to forget how important that is at this stage, but Hall clearly has not.

BUILDING A COMPLETE GAME

On the course, Hall’s game is developing in all the right areas. She describes herself as naturally consistent off the tee, but like most modern players, she is chasing more speed.

“I’ve always been kind of consistent off the tee. I’m trying to put on some speed at the moment, but you have to manage accuracy as well when you do that.”

The biggest gains, however, have come on the

greens, where focused work has paid off.

“The biggest improvement in my game over the last year has been my putting. I started doing lessons and going to TFA with Michael Sweeney and he changed my putting.”

She has also embraced AimPoint Express, which has added another layer of confidence.

“I’ve been doing AimPoint Express, which is amazing. I’d say that at the moment is my strength.”

Away from the long game, the priorities are clear. Short game and physical development.

“Short game is the most important thing because it really helps bring the scores down. And getting in the gym as well, making sure my body is suited for golf.”

LEARNING TO HANDLE THE MOMENT

Golf at any level is a mental test, and Hall is already developing a healthy relationship with pressure. She does not try to avoid nerves. She embraces them.

“You still feel nervous, but I think it’s such a privilege to feel nervous. It shows that you care.”

For her, it all comes back to preparation and trust.

“As long as you trust yourself, know that you’ve prepared well and recognise the hard work you’ve put in, it really comes down to self belief.”

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It is a mature outlook, shaped by a growing list of competitive experiences and a support network that continues to guide her.

“I think the main one is everyone at TFA. Tommy is always around and he’s such an inspiration. We see how he practices and his attitude. It’s truly inspirational. And of course my parents. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be able to do any of this.”

LOOKING AHEAD WITH INTENT

The roadmap is already in place. A move to the United States in 2027, a focus on climbing the WAGR rankings, and a long term ambition to turn professional.

“My main goals are to get my WAGR ranking as best as I can. Getting below 1000 will be really good. I’ve got a big summer schedule coming up with some high level events.”

Beyond that, the dream is clear.

“I’d say playing professional on tour would obviously be incredible. I know I’ve got a long way to go, but I’m just super excited.”

She has already had a taste of elite level competition, including an invite to the Annika Sörenstam Invitational in Sweden, an experience that left a lasting impression.

“It was awesome. Being around other girls who were all really incredible players and such a big international field was great. I was really grateful for the opportunity.”

And if she could pick a playing partner for a dream round, the answer comes quickly.

“I think Nelly Korda. I love her golf swing, the way she plays and her attitude. She’s a big inspiration.”

For now, though, the focus remains firmly on the present and on keeping the joy in the journey.

“Just keep enjoying it and always have fun. Golf has its ups and downs, but the key is to keep enjoying it, gain experience and play as much as you can. Just keep going and never give up.”

Simple advice. But coming from a player already walking the walk, it carries a bit more weight.

I spent a lot of time there before joining and now I am based at one of the best facilities you could ask for. The members and staff have been brilliant. It is hard to get me away from the place.”

of my strengths and I feel like I get a lot out of my speed.” In other words, he has more than enough. It is a refreshing mindset in a game where chasing extra yards can sometimes become an obsession. Davidson has never felt the need to reinvent things just to find a few more miles per hour. A lot of his length has always been there. A good action, natural timing, and the small advantage of being six foot two. It all adds up. Of course, like any golfer, he has had one of those drives. The kind that makes you stop for a second and wonder if you have suddenly turned into a different player. “It would be on a links course in the summer,” he says, smiling. “Firm, downwind, and it just keeps going. You can get close to four hundred yards without really knowing.” We have all had one. We have just probably told a few more people about it. Put him in a long drive contest and Davidson is realistic enough to know where he stands. There are players out there who can send it well beyond three hundred and twenty without looking like they are trying. “I would not fancy that too much,” he admits, “but I would hold my own.” It is that balance that comes across in his game as well. He knows his strengths, but he is not trying to turn them into something they are not.

A New Base, A Better Balance

Away from the course, one of the biggest shifts in Davidson’s life has been his move to Abu Dhabi. Leaving London behind was not just about a change of scene, it was about giving himself the best possible environment to improve. “The main reason was the opportunity,” he says. “Being able to practice all year round in perfect conditions and use world class facilities is a huge advantage.” Anyone who has spent a winter trying to practise in the UK will understand that immediately. Cold mornings, limited daylight, and ranges that feel more like survival than progression. “The difference is massive,” he says. “You realise how important those conditions are, not just physically but mentally.” It is not just about hitting better shots. It is about enjoying the process a little more.

The move also makes sense away from golf. His fiancée works as a freelance fashion designer with clients all over the world, and being based in the UAE offers a setup that works for both of them. It is a modern balance, and one that seems to suit. Davidson has settled quickly. There are the coffee spots, the beaches, and the general ability to switch off when needed. But like most golfers, it does not take long before everything comes back to the course. For him, that means Yas Links. “That has been the standout,” he says. “I spent a lot of time there before joining and now I am based at one of the best facilities you could ask for. The members and staff have been brilliant. It is hard to get me away from the place.” That tells you everything you need to know.

More Than Just a Scorecard

Despite the demands of professional golf, there is still room for a bit of normal life. Days off look a little different now. Less grinding in cold conditions, more balance. “My fiancée has a list of things she wants to do and places to go, so we are working through that,” he says. “But also just relaxing by a pool or on the beach has been great.” It is not a bad way to recharge.

If golf had not worked out, Davidson has a fairly honest answer ready. “I would have loved

to be a footballer,” he says. He played at academy level when he was younger and still follows the game closely. There is always that crossover with golfers. The same competitive instinct, just expressed in a different way.

There are also a few things about him that might not be immediately obvious. He is colourblind, which has led to a few raised eyebrows over the years, and then there is the story that refuses to go away. Falling into the water at a hotel during a tournament in the Czech Republic is not something that usually makes the highlights reel, but in this case it did. Social media made sure of that. “It still gets mentioned,” he says, laughing. Every golfer has a story. Not every golfer has it replayed quite so often.

Like many players of his generation, Davidson grew up watching Tiger Woods. The swing, the presence, the way he carried himself. Sergio Garcia also left an impression with his style and flair. Those influences stay with you, even if they show up in subtle ways. The best advice he has taken on board is simple enough. Let the process win. It is the kind of phrase that sounds straightforward but becomes more important the longer you play the game. Especially when things are not quite going your way.

And when they are not, Davidson knows where to turn. “My fiancée and my family,” he says. “Just knowing you are not on your own helps you reset and refocus.” It is a reminder that, for all the individual nature of golf, no one really does it alone.

The reality is, golf does not care if you won last week. It will happily give you a dodgy lie, a cold putter and a reminder that this game is never quite as easy as it looks. Davidson has already had the high of getting it done and the frustration of having to sit back and watch. The next bit is the interesting part.

Because every golfer knows what comes after time off. You rock up, tell yourself you are fresh, hit a couple of lovely ones on the range… and then promptly miss the first fairway by a mile.

The trick is what happens after that.

If his week in Egypt showed anything, it is that when Davidson gets going, he does not hang around. So do not be surprised if the next time he gets a run, he is right back where he left it.

Photography: Alex Leyno

INFINITY

Junior INTERNATIONAL MASTERS

Where the next generation gets a proper taste of the big time

There is something about a proper tournament week that you can’t fake. You feel it straight away. A bit of buzz on the range, that quiet focus on the putting green, the slightly nervous walk to the first tee. At the Infinity Junior International Masters, that feeling is very

real. For Siddharth Dutta and Cedric Lossa, this is the one that matters most. It is the centrepiece of the Infinity Junior Golf Tour, where everything comes together. The strongest juniors, a growing international field and an environment that feels just a little bit closer to the real thing.

Photography: Alex Leyno

MORE THAN JUST A JUNIOR EVENT

But it is not just about who wins. What stands out is the sense of progression. This is a week where you see players move forward, not just in how they score but in how they carry themselves. From juniors who are still finding their way in the game to those already thinking about the next step, the tournament bridges that gap. It is also something the organisers take real pride in. Built in the UAE and now starting to draw attention from further afield, it feels like something that is only going one way.

One of the clever touches is the Green Jacket. You do not need to explain what it represents. Every golfer knows. Bringing that into a junior event gives it a different edge. It gives players something to chase that goes beyond the scorecard. You can see it when they put it on. That moment lands. It makes the whole thing feel real, like they have stepped into something bigger than a junior competition.

A PROPER STEP UP

The setting helps as well. Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club is a proper test without being over the top, and when you add in an international field, it sharpens things quickly. Different styles, different attitudes, different ways of playing the game. It lifts the standard without needing to say much. The tournament itself leans towards elite amateur standards, which is exactly the point. It gives these players a glimpse of what comes next.

Then there is the added layer of World Amateur Golf Ranking points. That changes the mindset. Suddenly there is something tangible on the line beyond the trophy. For many of these players, it is their first real step into the wider golfing world.

college pathways, bigger events. You can see the focus sharpen. That is where growth happens.

What the event does well is keep things in perspective. It is competitive, but it is still part of a bigger journey. Players learn how to handle pressure, how to manage their game over a few days, how to deal with the odd bad hole without letting it unravel everything. And if they perform, doors start to open. Opportunities to play in the US, Ireland and beyond are no longer out of reach. At this stage, that kind of exposure is huge.

BUILDING SOMETHING THAT LASTS

There is also a bigger picture here. Junior golf in the UAE is moving in the right direction, and this is a clear part of that story. The aim is simple. Get more kids playing, keep them enjoying it and give them something to aim for. This year in particular has shown a bit of character as well. With everything going on in the region, the fact that families still turned up, still travelled, still competed, says a lot. There is a genuine love for the game running through it.

If you arrive early enough in the morning, you see what this is really about. Kids turning up half awake with their bags over their shoulders, parents walking alongside, a few quiet swings before things get going. That is where it all starts. The Infinity Junior Golf Tour has created something that feels genuine. Competitive, yes, but also supportive, enjoyable and just serious enough to matter.

Because at this level, it is not really about winning. It is about that first drive that finds the middle of the fairway, the putt that finally drops, the

feeling that you belong out there. And if a few of them go on to bigger things from here, you would not be surprised. You can already see it.

FROM THE WINNERS

Mousa Shana’ah (15–18 Boys)

“I’m glad to have played consistent golf over the three days. Especially during Ramadan, it wasn’t easy, but overall it was a solid performance.

I would say it was a stretch of holes toward the end of the third day that made the difference. I hit a few really good shots and by the time I reached 18, I knew after the tee shot it was pretty much sealed.

Now it’s about continuing to do what I’m doing, practicing hard and staying dedicated.”

SAMARIA CHOUDRY (12–14 GIRLS)

“It feels really good. It’s been a few tricky days, but to win and have the Green Jacket is special. I’ve been struggling a lot with my putting, so when I made a solid birdie putt it really boosted my confidence and helped me settle.

Short term I want to win a bigger competition, and long term I want to turn professional and represent my country.”

ISABELLE ZHANG (10–11 GIRLS)

“I feel very proud of myself and also a bit relieved that it’s over.

There was one birdie on the third hole of the second day that helped me control my emotions and feel more settled.

My dream is to become an LPGA player like Lydia Ko and hopefully play in the Masters one day.”