2019 promises to be a bumper season for golf fans across the world with a host of exciting new venues and dates.
The US Masters kicks off the 2019 Majors calendar in April. Hosted by Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, which was designed by tournament co-founder Bobby Jones, the event runs from April 11 to 14. Next up is the US PGA Championship, held at Bethpage State Park’s Black Course in New York for the first time. Traditionally the last Major of the season, this year the event moves from August to May to avoid clashing with the opening weekend of NFL fixtures.
Golf’s toughest test
Then all eyes turn to the US Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links, California between June 13 and 16. Established 123 years ago, the tournament is known as golf’s toughest test with the signature 15th hole one of the world’s most demanding par 5s. Wrapping up the series, Northern Ireland’s Royal Portrush Golf Club welcomes The Open again after a 67-year absence. The oldest Major, which runs from July 19 to 22, is also one of the most fiercely contested with Italy’s Francesco Molinari clinching a famous two-shot victory in 2018.
The Players Championship, unofficially known as the fifth Major because of the high calibre of the field, will be held at TPC Sawgrass’ Stadium Course in Jacksonville in May. Among the main attractions is the infamous par-3 17th hole where the green is on an island in the Atlantic.
Europe bound
Across the pond, the European Tour season is ushered in by the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship which runs from January 17 to 20. One of the flagship events on the Persian Gulf leg of the Tour, the event was won last year in dramatic fashion by Tommy Fleetwood on the final day. Closer to home, Fleetwood will play host to the British Masters at the Hillside Golf Club in Southport from May 9 to 12. With a sea breeze, pot bunkers and pine trees lining some of the fairways, it is a challenge for even the best golfer.
The Scottish Open, viewed by many as the warm-up to The Open, then arrives at the Renaissance Club in East Lothian between July 11 and 14. Maintaining the UK theme, Surrey’s prestigious Wentworth Club in Virginia Water is the setting for the BMW PGA Championship in September. Later that month, the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship comes to the Old Course St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns in Scotland.
Fitting finale
The European year closes with the DP World Tour Championship at the Jumeirah Golf Estates Earth Course in Dubai at the end of November. In the final event of the Race to Dubai, the top 60 European players fight it out for the ultimate prize.
In the women’s game, Scotland’s historic Gleneagles provides the backdrop to The Solheim Cup between September 13 and 15. Europe will be looking to restore the balance at the biennial tournament, with the US holding a commanding 10-5 lead.
Whatever your fancy, with so many high quality tournaments to choose from across the world, there is something there for every golfing enthusiast.