Written by Simon Bale
Simon Bale is the publisher of Golf Today. A low single-figure handicap golfer, he was previously a major shareholder and course reviewer for Top100GolfCourses.com for over a decade, starting in 2010. Through this role, he developed extensive knowledge of golf course design and architecture while playing more than 300 courses worldwide.
Simon is also the founder of Media Drive, a leading digital golf marketing agency which he successfully directed from 2008 to 2024.
As a longterm student of the game, Simon takes an analytical approach to both equipment technology and swing mechanics—insights sharpened by two years working in a pro shop under the guidance of experienced professional, Rae Sargent, alongside 15 years in golf course and equipment marketing. His deep understanding of the elite and professional game is further reinforced by his role as the father of elite-level Surrey county player Henry Bale, and by the strategic partnerships he forged with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour (DPWT) throughout his career at Media Drive.
He has now turned his full attention to covering all aspects of the sport for Golf Today, regularly attending tour events and visiting global golf destinations to deliver authentic, first-hand reviews and original imagery.
Sun Mountain Launches ClubGlider3 Travel Cover
Nearly two decades after it gave a golf travel cover retractable legs, Sun Mountain keeps that system and adds a tougher shell, a TSA lock…
Terras da Comporta Named World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility for Second Year
The Portuguese estate’s repeat World Golf Awards win rests on pesticide-free courses, wastewater irrigation and a water treatment plant built before any homes, with GEO…
Shared Honors & Final-Round Drama: DP World Tour Q-School Concludes at Infinitum
The ultimate endurance test of professional golf came to a dramatic close today as the DP World Tour Qualifying School wrapped up at Infinitum. After…
Jumeirah Golf Estates Shifts 80-Strong Agronomy Team to Earth Course for DP World Tour Championship
Five weeks of walking-only golf, a nine-day closure and a returning superintendent: how a full members’ course in Dubai is readied for the Race to…
J.Lindeberg Winter Holiday 2026 and Pre-Spring 2027 Collections: Rain Shirt With Removable Sleeves Leads the Line
The Swedish brand’s new cold-weather drop centres on a 20,000mm-rated rain jacket that converts to a short-sleeve shirt, with two fine-gauge knits for layering and…
Brabazon Trophy Champion Tom Osborne Turns Professional
The Lindrick-based Yorkshireman leaves the England Men’s squad after a season that brought a wire-to-wire win at Moortown and the Copa S.M. El Rey in…
Carnoustie Confirmed as Host of the 157th Open Championship in 2029
The Angus links returns to the rota for the first time since Francesco Molinari’s 2018 win, backed by a multi-million-pound investment programme in the course,…
‘Growing the Game’ Without Respect 2.0: How LIV Golf’s Disregard for Tradition Led to its Decline
David Lavallee, Professor of Duty of Care in Sport at Abertay University in Dundee, Scotland, gives his views on the demise of LIV Golf and…
New Video Series to Showcase Costa Ragusa Golf Ahead of 2027 Sicily Launch
Olazábal and Jiménez front four short films on the revived former Donnafugata resort, as the Castle Course opening moves forward to autumn 2027 and a…
Shot Scope Launches Personalised Data Reports to Help Golfers Improve Their Game
Three tiers, from an eight-slide overview to a 50-page deep dive, turn a season of tracked rounds into a practice plan for 2027.
Blades Brown Wins World Wide Technology Championship to Become Youngest PGA Tour Winner in 95 Years
The 19-year-old started Sunday seven shots back at El Cardonal, closed with a 63 and beat Ben James on the second playoff hole.
Dalaman Golf Club Officially Inaugurated as Turkish Golf Federation Brings Republic Cup to Town
Türkiye’s sports minister and the Turkish Golf Federation president cut the ribbon on the country’s newest course.
Jean Hugo Wins European Senior Masters for Third Legends Tour Title in Four Starts
A bogey-free 65 at La Manga Club carried the South African past Van Phillips, who missed a six-foot eagle putt on the 18th that would…
Jon Rahm Caps Abu Dhabi Debut with Record Sixth Rolex Series Title
Four players shared the lead on the back nine at Yas Links before the Spaniard pulled clear of Tyrrell Hatton.
Peláez Triviño Wins Aramco China Championship With Hole-in-One and Flawless 64
The Spaniard started Sunday in a share of 10th at Mission Hills China, aced the 13th and finished with three straight birdies for her first…
Shuri Sakuma Wins TOTO Japan Classic With Closing 64 for First LPGA Tour Title
The eight-time JLPGA winner came from behind with a bogey-free 64 at Taiheiyo Club.
Ben James Fires 66 to Take Four-Shot Lead at World Wide Technology Championship
Birdies on his first three holes and a closing pitch to 2 feet put the PGA Tour University No. 1 on 21-under, one round from…
Van Phillips Holds on to Solo Lead at European Senior Masters
Phillips grinds out a 67 to lead by one at La Manga Club, Felipe Aguilar turns in 31 to sit second, and Singh’s bogey-free 64…
Ben James Fires 64 to Take One-Shot Lead Into Moving Day at El Cardonal
The PGA Tour University No. 1 made five straight birdies around the turn and stays bogey-free in Mexico.
Julien Sale Wins Grand Final as Alcanada Sends 15 More Players to the DP World Tour
France’s Julien Sale closed with a 65 to win by four in Mallorca, while Hamish Brown took the Road to Mallorca title. Alcanada’s list of…