GBR Tuesday | Golf Diplomacy Is the New Ping Pong: Cold War Tactics, Trump-Era Style
Every Tuesday and Friday Morning, We Bring You the Ten-Minute Summary of What Happened Last Week in the Golf Industry While you Were Golfing.
Good morning, GBR family,
We’re back to our regular swing after an intense — and unforgettable — 1st Anniversary week. Thank you for all your support, and a special welcome to the many new paid subscribers who’ve joined the clubhouse.
As the U.S. approaches what some are calling Liberation Day and others Demolition Day, we shift focus to a quieter kind of confrontation: the fairway. With tariffs looming and global alliances under strain, golf diplomacy is once again in play, echoing the quiet power of ping-pong diplomacy during the Cold War.
At Golf Bizz Review, we still believe in open trade, peaceful dialogue, and a world that talks — or plays — before it fights.
So, let´s go!
Industry
Circuits
Equipment
People to Watch
Must Read and Watch
Just for Paid Subscribers
1. INDUSTRY
NEWTON GOLF REPORTS RECORD GROWTH AND EXPANDS GLOBAL FOOTPRINT IN 2024
Newton Golf Company has announced a breakthrough year in 2024, reporting a full-year revenue of $3.45 million—a staggering 887% increase from 2023. Fourth-quarter revenue alone surged to $1.07 million, up from $117,000 the previous year. At the same time, gross margins climbed to 73% for the quarter and 67% for the year, reflecting improved production efficiencies and an optimized product mix. Formerly known as Sacks Parente Golf, the company rebranded to Newton Golf to underscore its physics-based approach to innovation and followed up with the successful release of multiple new products, including the Newton Fairway Motion and Fast Motion shaft lines and five new Gravity putter models.
The company also expanded its global distribution footprint, entering 50 of Japan’s top golf retail outlets and gaining wider tour adoption, with over 30 PGA Tour Champions players using Newton shafts in 2024. A major highlight included Doug Barron's win at the Regions Tradition using a Newton Motion shaft. With a cash balance of $7.65 million as of December 31, 2024, Newton Golf is positioned to scale operations and anticipates 2025 revenue to reach between $6.5 million and $7.0 million. Strategic priorities for the year include expanding global retail and club fitter partnerships, enhancing direct-to-consumer sales, and launching next-generation golf technologies tailored for high-growth markets in Asia and Europe. You can find the full breakdown of Newton Golf’s record-breaking 2024 year here.
TROON INTERNATIONAL REPORT REVEALS TRAVEL AND TECH PRIORITIES OF U.S. GOLFERS
Troon International has released a comprehensive report on the habits and preferences of amateur golfers in the United States, highlighting key trends in travel and digital engagement. Based on data from over 10,000 participants in the 2024 Troon Golfer Survey and insights from the National Golf Foundation, the report was officially endorsed by IAGTO and unveiled at the Asia Golf Industry Convention in Vietnam. Findings show that more than 50% of the 23 million-strong U.S. golf population take at least one golf trip annually, with 31% travelling twice or more. Popular destinations include Florida, California, Scotland, Ireland, and the Iberian Peninsula, with trips averaging 3.33 days.
The study also underscores the growing importance of digital convenience and lifestyle experiences. More than a third of U.S. golfers now book rounds online, with 57% relying on smartphones to do so. Dining and retail emerged as significant influencers, with over half of respondents identifying them as key decision-making factors when selecting a golf destination. The data also revealed that premium packages and course maintenance standards are vital for encouraging repeat visits. Troon International’s Clinton Norris emphasized that U.S. golfers increasingly seek international golf holidays, offering global venues a valuable opportunity to attract affluent, travel-minded players through curated experiences and seamless digital access. More details of the report and how to access it are available at Golf Business News.
ENGLISH GOLFERS CRITICISE COMPLEXITY AND TRANSPARENCY OF WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM
English golfers have voiced mixed opinions about the World Handicap System (WHS) in a global survey conducted by the R&A and USGA, the first of its kind since WHS was introduced in 2020. While some players acknowledged the system’s increased flexibility and inclusivity, a significant portion found it too complex, especially compared to the previous CONGU UHS model. The most frequently raised concerns included the reliance on player honesty and the potential for manipulation, underlining a growing frustration with the system’s perceived opacity and convoluted rules.
Despite educational efforts from governing bodies—including packed workshops aimed at demystifying the system—many club officials and players still struggle to fully understand elements like Course Rating, Slope, Playing Handicaps, and score differentials. Changes implemented in 2024, such as Course Rating minus Par, and further proposed adjustments to handicap allowances have only added to the confusion. Critics argue that unless clearer explanations and greater transparency are provided—particularly regarding key calculations like the Playing Conditions Calculation—there will remain a lack of trust and buy-in among golfers and club administrators alike. More feedback on the updated WHS can be found in Steve Carroll’s report in National Club Golfer.
GOLFZON LAUNCHES NEW SHOWROOMS TO SHOWCASE SIMULATOR TECHNOLOGY
GOLFZON has opened two immersive showrooms—one at Golf Envy in Irvine, California, and the other at its newly renovated U.S. headquarters in Chantilly, Virginia—to highlight the realism and innovation behind its award-winning simulators. Both locations feature the brand’s latest model, the TwoVisionNX, equipped with a 64-directional swing plate powered by Unreal Engine 5 graphics to deliver a hyper-realistic playing experience. Outfitted with broadcast-quality lighting and cameras, the showrooms double as content creation hubs, while the Chantilly site also includes a prototype testing lab for future models. These spaces mark a strategic move to deepen customer engagement and help further deepen GOLFZON’s reputation in the indoor golf market. More information on GOLFZON is available here.
JACK NICKLAUS WINS RIGHTS TO NAME AND LIKENESS IN LANDMARK LEGAL RULING
Eighteen-time major champion Jack Nicklaus has secured a decisive legal victory, regaining full control over his name, image, and likeness (NIL) just days before the 2025 Masters. A New York Supreme Court judge ruled that Nicklaus never contractually surrendered exclusive rights to his NIL during a 2007 transaction with financier Howard Milstein, who had acquired control of the Nicklaus Companies for $145 million. The dispute, which stemmed from escalating disagreements over Nicklaus’s role in golf course design and the alleged overreach of Milstein’s control, culminated in a 35-page summary judgment in Nicklaus’s favor. The ruling reaffirms the golf icon’s autonomy and marks the conclusion of a protracted battle over his personal and professional identity. You can read Ben Smith’s full article in GolfMagic here.
SUN DAY RED DROPS MASTERS-INSPIRED AZALEA COLLECTION AHEAD OF AUGUSTA
Sun Day Red has launched its limited-edition Azalea Golf Collection, a Masters-themed apparel line inspired by Augusta National’s signature spring blooms and Tiger Woods’ five career victories at the iconic tournament. The collection includes performance polos, lightweight hoodies, quarter-zips designed for the changeable April conditions in Georgia, and exclusive headwear and ball markers. Each piece features subtle golden azalea motifs and design elements referencing Woods’ triumphs at Augusta in 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, and 2019. With premium fabrics and thoughtful detailing, the Azalea line pays homage to the natural beauty of Augusta National and the legacy of one of its greatest champions. Full details of the new Azalea Collection from Sun Day Red are available here.
NASM LAUNCHES REIMAGINED GOLF FITNESS PROGRAM TO BOOST PERFORMANCE AND PREVENT INJURY
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) has unveiled a reimagined Golf Fitness Specialization (GFS) program, offering a comprehensive, science-based approach to improving golf performance and reducing injury risk. Built on NASM’s proprietary Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model and Corrective Exercise Continuum (CEC), the course equips fitness professionals, coaches, and trainers with the tools to assess, condition, and motivate golfers at all levels. With tailored assessments and progressive programming strategies, the GFS delivers practical mobility, stability, and strength solutions specific to golf. As global interest in golf continues to climb—over 531 million rounds were played in 2023—the GFS program meets the rising demand for sport-specific training that supports long-term health and game improvement. More information on the Golf Fitness Specialization program is available here.
2. CIRCUITS
RIPPER GC TAPS AG1 AS OFFICIAL NUTRITION PARTNER FOR 2025 SEASON
LIV Golf’s reigning Team Champions, Ripper GC, have announced a new partnership with global nutrition leader AG1, naming the company the team’s Official Nutrition Partner for the 2025 season. The collaboration will see AG1 provide the all-Australian squad — led by 2022 Open Champion Cameron Smith — with daily foundational nutrition and access to its scientific experts, reinforcing the role of wellness in elite performance. Smith, alongside teammates Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert, and Matt Jones, credited AG1 for simplifying routines and supporting peak readiness, with the product already a staple in many of their pre-round habits. With three team victories in 2024 and a championship title in Dallas, Ripper GC and AG1 are aligning innovation and performance to inspire athletes and fans alike, on and off the course. More information on the partnership between AG1 and Ripper GC can be found here.
LIV GOLF UNVEILS ALL-ACCESS DOCUSERIES ‘LIV TO WIN’ PREMIERING APRIL 7
LIV Golf is set to debut LIV to Win, an all-access docuseries offering fans unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to the League, its teams, and its players, premiering April 7 on FS1. The series will delve into the daily workings of the LIV Golf League, featuring exclusive interviews, strategic insights, and personal stories that illuminate life inside professional golf’s most talked-about circuit. Viewers can expect a candid look at the competition, camaraderie, and drama defining the tour, promising a compelling perspective for long-time fans and newcomers to the game. More information can be found on Fox Sports.
MCILROY BREAKS $100M EARNINGS MARK TO JOIN TIGER IN PGA TOUR HISTORY
Rory McIlroy has become only the second golfer in PGA Tour history to surpass $100 million in career earnings, joining Tiger Woods in the exclusive club. The four-time major champion crossed the milestone with a $338,000 payday for his T5 finish at the Houston Open, bringing his total to just over $100 million from 28 wins in 262 starts since debuting in 2010. Woods remains the all-time leader at $120 million, while Phil Mickelson sits third with $97 million despite his 2022 departure to LIV Golf. The PGA Tour’s recent prize increases, aimed at countering LIV’s financial draw, have propelled players like World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, now fifth on the list with $75 million, into elite earning territory. Matias Grez’s story for CNN Sports is available here.
TGL TARGETS YOUNGER VIEWERS AND EYES EXPANSION AFTER SUCCESSFUL DEBUT SEASON
TGL concluded its inaugural season with Atlanta Drive claiming the SoFi Cup in dramatic fashion. With Billy Horschel sinking the title-winning putt, the league capped off a short but impactful run, drawing an average ESPN audience of over 500,000—boosted to 850,000 using Nielsen’s Big Data metrics. More notably, the median viewer age was 52, making it one of the youngest audiences in golf, second only to the NBA. TMRW Sports co-founder Mike McCarley said the energy and buy-in from players and fans alike, including jubilant scenes in the locker rooms, signaled strong momentum for future seasons.
Now heading into a nine-month hiatus, the league is already planning ahead for 2026. ESPN is expected to retain its broadcast partnership, likely returning in the January-to-March window. Expansion is firmly on the table, with one group eyeing a Dallas franchise and estimating the investment at $77 million. All six original teams—Atlanta, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, and Jupiter—are set to return, and additional ownership groups from global sports like cricket and soccer have shown consistent interest. A potential West Coast venue is also being considered to ease logistics. Read Doug Ferguson’s full report in AP news here.
3. EQUIPMENT
TITLEIST UNVEILS GT280 MINI DRIVER FOR MAXIMUM VERSATILITY AND CONTROL
Titleist has introduced the GT280, a new mini driver designed to bridge the performance gap between drivers and fairway woods. Engineered for distance off the tee and playability from the turf, the GT280 combines technologies from Titleist’s GT driver and fairway metal lineups, including a forged L-Cup face and Seamless Thermoform Crown made from a Proprietary Matrix Polymer (PMP). The compact 280cc head features forward/aft CG adjustability, with an 11g weight in the rear and a 3g weight up front, enabling players to tailor launch conditions and spin. Aimed at golfers seeking forgiveness and control, the 13-degree GT280 offers a 43.5-inch shaft, two inches shorter than standard drivers, for enhanced workability.
Additional performance upgrades include a lower leading edge and softened heel-to-toe sole curvature, improving turf interaction and strike consistency. The deeper face and L-Cup design maintain ball speed and sound quality on low-face impacts, making the GT280 suitable for varied lies and swing types. The GT280 is available for fitting and pre-sale now, with retail sales beginning on April 18. Mitsubishi Chemcial Tensei 1K shaft fitted as standard. RRP $499 (£385, €460). More information on the GT280 is available at Titleist.
SRIXON LAUNCHES Q-STAR ULTISPEED BALLS FOR DISTANCE AND CONTROL
Srixon has unveiled the Q-Star UltiSpeed, a three-piece golf ball engineered for players seeking added distance off the tee without sacrificing feel. Featuring a FastLayer core that transitions from soft in the center to firmer at the edges, the UltiSpeed combines low driver spin with enhanced speed and a softer impact than Srixon's Z-Star range. Its 338-dimple ionomer cover is designed to reduce drag and maintain stability in windy conditions while offering more spin around the greens than the brand’s Soft Feel model. Available now in white and yellow, the Q-Star UltiSpeed offers a mid-range alternative for golfers seeking a balance between performance and price.
RRP $29.99 (£22.99, €26.99) per dozen. Available now. More information can be found at Srixon Golf.
WILSON RELEASES NEW INFINITE WEDGES WITH ADVANCED FORGIVENESS AND CONTROL
Wilson Golf has introduced its new Infinite wedges, expanding the successful Infinite putter family into the short-game category with a design focused on control, forgiveness, and feel. Featuring a cavity back construction and wide sole, the wedges are engineered for smooth turf interaction, aided by a strategically placed TPU insert that lowers the centre of gravity and boosts MOI for improved forgiveness and launch. Precision-milled grooves ensure clean, consistent contact, while the Onyx satin finish delivers a glare-resistant, confidence-inspiring look. Designed for golfers seeking dependable performance around the greens, the Infinite wedges offer technology-driven consistency from any lie. Available now, lofts range from 48 to 60 degrees. The Infinite wedges are available in both right and left-handed models (no 48-degree loft available in left-hand). RRP $130 (£100, €120). More information is available at Wilson Golf.
4. PEOPLE TO WATCH
Michael Evans has been officially appointed as president of Golf Ireland, succeeding outgoing President Rosemary Tully of Carlow Golf Club. Evans, who served as President-Elect over the past year, now takes over as the head of Ireland’s national governing body for golf. The leadership transition marks the continuation of Golf Ireland’s efforts to support and grow the game nationwide. Tully concluded her term during the meeting, having overseen a year of development and engagement within the Irish golfing community. More information on Evans’s appointment can be found at Golf Ireland.
Empower has announced a new sponsorship agreement with LPGA standout Jennifer Kupcho, a Colorado native and the youngest-ever inductee into the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame. Kupcho, a three-time “Golf Person of the Year” in her home state, was a key member of the 2024 U.S. Solheim Cup team and finished the season ranked 23rd in the Race to CME Globe. Her breakout year came in 2022, when she secured three LPGA victories, including her first Major at the Chevron Championship. The partnership aligns Empower with one of the LPGA’s most promising and accomplished young talents. More information can be found at the Golf Wire.
AI-driven wealth management firm Range has confirmed a new partnership with PGA Tour golfer Michael Kim. Kim turned professional in 2013 and is best known for his dominant eight-shot victory at the 2018 John Deere Classic—a tournament record. The partnership reflects Range’s commitment to aligning with elite athletes who exemplify consistency and performance. The full press release is available here.
5. MUST READ AND WATCH
LOOKING BEHIND THE SCENES OF AUGUSTA NATIONAL. We are just over a week away from the year’s first major, The Masters at Augusta National. To further whet your appetite ahead of the opening round next Thursday, we turn to The Masters YouTube channel and a fascinating tour of Augusta National’s clubhouse.
INSIDE SERGIO GARCIA’S WORLD BEYOND THE FAIRWAY. Ahead of LIV Golf Miami and his 100th major at Augusta, Sergio Garcia opens up about life off the course. From favorite Austin restaurants like Uchi to future travel plans in Africa and the $7 million raised by his foundation, Garcia’s story goes well beyond golf. From DeMarco Williams on Forbes Travel Guide.
IS TIGER WOODS JOINING PRESIDENT TRUMP’S INNER CIRCLE? Last week, Woods announced he was in a relationship with President Trump’s former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump. However, even before the official announcement, Tom Morgan and James Corrigan’s article in the Telegraph newspaper indicate that Woods was already gravitating close to the President’s world.
HOW OBSOLETE IS YOUR DRIVER IF IT’S FIVE YEARS OLD? My Golf Spy has conducted a fascinating test comparing the 2018 Titleist TS3 from 2018 with the current GT3. Does the newer driver offer vastly improved distance or accuracy to its distant relative?
6. JUST FOR PAID SUBSCRIBERS
FROM PING PONG TO GOLF DIPLOMACY: HOW COLD WAR RITUALS ARE BACK ON THE BACK NINE
In 1971, a table tennis match opened the world. American ping-pong players were invited to China, paving the way for Richard Nixon’s historic visit to Beijing and a reordering of Cold War politics. They called it Ping Pong Diplomacy — a low-stakes game as a high-stakes gesture between historic rivals.
More than 50 years later, the court has changed. Today, diplomacy isn't played on rubber tables but on meticulously groomed greens, and the racket has given way to the driver. The principle, however, remains the same: When institutions stall, sports become a language of power — especially if it’s the kind of sport that Donald Trump plays.
Last Saturday, Finland’s President, Alexander Stubb, made an unannounced visit to Palm Beach, where he shared breakfast, 18 holes, and lunch with Donald Trump. The official topics: Ukraine, Arctic security, and icebreakers — both literal and symbolic.
Trump wants to buy icebreakers from Finland. But the metaphor runs deeper: Finland, a newly minted NATO member with 1,340 km of shared border with Russia, is now playing a crucial role in navigating the icy return of Trump to the center of Western geopolitics.
This is not a country unfamiliar with tension. In 1939, during the Winter War, the Soviet Union invaded Finland. The result: tens of thousands dead and the forced cession of Karelia and parts of Lapland, a trauma that still shapes Finnish defense policy. Unlike its laid-back Nordic neighbors, Finland is heavily militarized, with universal conscription, extensive civil defense networks, and a cultural mantra that prepares children from birth for what to do “the day Russia invades.”
Enter Alexander Stubb, who doesn’t quite fit the mold. Charismatic, multilingual, and Atlanticist to the core, Stubb is the current president of Finland and a member of the centre-right National Coalition Party, placing him firmly on the conservative side of the country’s political spectrum. His political experience is deep—he was a former prime minister, MEP, and vice-president of the European Investment Bank—but so is his media savvy: He currently hosts a sharp and informal geopolitics podcast, The New World (Dis)Order.
And then, of course, there’s the golf. Stubb started playing at 12, joined Finland’s national team, and earned a golf scholarship to Furman University in South Carolina, where he not only honed his swing but learned the idiom of American elite power. Unlike most Finns — whose English often carries a rough, Slavic-tinged edge — Stubb speaks with the smooth cadence of a Washington insider. On the course, and off it, he knows how to play the game.
In his meeting with Trump, Stubb proposed setting a deadline for a Ukraine ceasefire, underscoring his commitment to practical, if unconventional, diplomacy [More info in Reuters: Finland's Stubb says he told Trump deadline needed for Ukraine ceasefire]. This blend of international fluency, media agility, and diplomatic realism makes him a rare bridge figure between Europe and Trump’s America. His visit to Mar-a-Lago was no fluke. It was a targeted maneuver in the emerging grammar of golf diplomacy. As one European diplomat put it: “Stubb is the icebreaker Europe needs to deal with Trump.”
That said, Stubb is far from the only leader who’s discovered that the smoothest path to Donald Trump often runs through the sun-drenched fairways of Mar-a-Lago: