Sports Then and Now

Now that the PGA has wrapped up an abbreviated 2019-2020 schedule, they are preparing to immediately begin a 2020-2021 season that will be unlike no other.

The jam-packed season will feature 50 FedEx Cup Tournaments, including 14 events that were postponed or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It marks the most tournaments in a single season since 1975.

In addition, there will be a total of six majors on the schedule, with the U.S. Open (September 14-20) and the Masters (November 12-15) completing their 2020 events and then hosting their 2021 events at their traditional time.

Unlike those of us who are able to take time and enjoy a relaxing round of golf with a cool product like a Sunday Golf Bag, there will be no rest for the weary as the PGA professionals are beginning the 2020-2021 season just three days after the end of the 2019-2020 season.

The first event of the new season is teeing off in Napa, California with the Safeway Open from September 10-13.

Following right behind is the first of six majors on the schedule with the 2020 U.S. Open being played at Winged Foot Golf Club in New York.

While the 2020-2021 schedule is a full one, it does not include the Ryder Cup, which was originally scheduled for September 25-27, 2020 at Whistling Straits Golf Course in Wisconsin will now take place on September 24-26, 2021.

Like the musical group that had one big hit then faded off into the world of elevator music and reunion tours, the PGA Championship has more than its share of champions whose greatest moment under the professional golf sun came at what was for many years the final major of the season.

Names like Jim Turnesa, Chandler Harper, John Mahaffey, Wayne Grady, Jeff Sluman, Shaun Micheel, Jason Dufner and Rich Beem grace the victory roster at the PGA Championships while golf greats including Arnold Palmer, Nick Faldo, Hale Irwin and Seve Ballesteros never claimed the crown.

Of the four major championships, the PGA Championship has by far been the kindest to players looking for their first (and in many cases only) major championship.

Since World War II, 44 golfers have claimed their first major title at the PGA Championship. This compares to 38 for the U.S. Open, 31 for the British Open and 31 for the Masters.

The PGA Championship is also home to the greatest number of golf’s “one hit wonders” as 33 of the first-time winners of the tournament failed to claim another major title. In comparison, 24 winners of the U.S. Open, 22 of the British Open and 19 of the Masters failed to win another major.

It is hard to pin-point one specific reason for why so many golfers have won their only major at the PGA Championship, but there is no question that it has been the toughest tournament for great players to win multiple times.

Known for many years as “Glory’s last shot” because it was always the final major of the year, the PGA Championship moved to second in the order of majors in 2019. However, because of COVID-19, this year it will be the first major of the season.

South Africa has been lucky enough to host some of the most epic sports events in history, and we haven’t stopped there. Alongside some international events, our proudly South African country hosts a variety of successful annual sporting events too! 

With the pressure on, and excitement practically tangible, these events bring some thrilling opportunities to take part in online sports betting. So, what are some of the biggest sports betting events of 2020?

Annual South African Soccer Events

Telkom Knockout Cup 

This soccer fan favourite event sees sixteen Premier Soccer League teams go head to head for the highest paying cup in Africa. The total prize money amounts to R14.2 million. The Telkom Knockout Cup will take place in August 2020.

Premier Soccer League (PSL) 

1997 saw the rise of South Africa’s top soccer league where SA’s 16 best soccer clubs competed annually. It gave local players the opportunity to play professional soccer and put them on the map to be discovered by international teams. 

Annual South African Cricket Events 

The SuperSport Series

This four-day cricket event brings together six provincial teams. Broadcast all over the country, this event began for the purpose of improving the overall cricket skill that local teamscan compete more successfully in international games. 

The six teams that participate in the SuperSport series are the Dolphins, Highveld Lions, Cape Cobras, Titans and the VKB Knights. Over the four days, the best teams prove themselves, and a final is played on the fourth day to determine the overall winner. 

Looking Back on the Nedbank Golf Challenge 2019: A Spectator’s View

For the weekend of November 14^th2019, Sun City was home to another successful Nedbank Golf Challenge, hosted by Gary Player. As one of the biggest sporting events in South Africa, fans are always in for a treat; the Nedbank Golf Challenge has more to offer annually. 

Something for the Fans

A major focus this year was fan engagement and activities. Spectators had so much to choose from; from virtual reality experiences, dinners prepared by culinary geniuses,real-time sports betting, to the premium hospitality that has come to be expected from, Nedbank Golf Challenge sponsor, Sun International. 

Eager punters could visit the Sunbet marquee, where they gave away hundreds of promotional free cash bets and double-ups vouchers to go with the player activations. Other competitions were rife throughout the weekend events and celebrations, and some lucky supporters got the chance to win epic prizes.  

When it comes to playing the game of golf — and playing well — skills are only half of the equation. In a professional tournament setting, your mental state greatly influences your swing and how well you’ll play. If you obsess over your technique, fear the next shot or are distracted, your performance will suffer. However, if your mind is strong and your focus is sharp, you can utilize your skills and win tournaments. 

Here’s how to mentally prepare yourself for the green and play your best game of golf.

Practice With Purpose 

Winning tournaments — and mental battles — begins on the practice green. Most golfers try to practice the same way they play in a professional setting. This means they practice with purpose, putting their mind in a real game situation. Doing this can help your brain get its game face on and get accustomed to taking things seriously. Put a little pressure on yourself while you practice and treat every shot like “the one.” 

If you enjoy playing golf every day, but could not go to the golf course due to heavy rain outside or too sunny out, you do not need to get disheartened. There is a wide range of indoor putting green mats available in the market at the best price. You can choose the one as per your gaming requirements and budget. These mats give ample fun for you to enjoy the golf game to the core with your family and friends right at your home. Many people enjoy playing golf as it helps them to stay healthy and improve the coordination between the hand and eye. The game stands the test of time. People who are familiar with golf techniques and terms would know that they will be able to play the game well when they can putt well.