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.
Michael Kim Opens With 63 to Lead FedEx Open de France by Two
The defending champion made eight birdies without a bogey on his first competitive round at Le Golf National, with Matt Fitzpatrick among seven players sharing…
Rockliffe Reopens After Multi-Million-Pound Transformation
The Hurworth-on-Tees resort has reopened with a renovated championship course, rooms and suites, a spa and a new restaurant from James Close.
FedEx Open de France Opens Qualifying Route to The 155th Open at St Andrews
One non-exempt player at Le Golf National will secure a place in the 2027 Open, with the world ranking available to settle qualifying ties.
Turnberry Titans Charity Golf Day Targets £50,000 in October
Steve Clarke, Sir Kenny Dalglish and Greig Laidlaw are among the sporting names joining three golf experiences at Trump Turnberry in aid of children and…
PING Launches Autumn/Winter 2026 Men’s Golf Apparel Collection
The AquaDrive Pro waterproof suit leads a broad cold-weather range spanning insulated jackets, relaxed mid-layers, knitwear and winter accessories.
PING Launches Autumn/Winter 2026 Women’s Golf Apparel Collection
The new range centres on the AquaDrive waterproof suit, supported by insulated layers, contemporary knitwear and winter accessories for changing course conditions.
Costa Navarino Golf Announces Exclusive Dan Grieve Coaching Partnership
The PGA master coach will lead his first academy in Messinia this October before returning for an expanded programme of golf schools and private tuition…
Quinta do Lago Joins GOLF.com’s Top 100 Resorts in the World
The Algarve destination makes its first appearance in the global ranking, adding to a run of awards for its golf, accommodation and wider resort offering.
Exclusive Collection and The Experience Golf Launch Luxury Stay-and-Play Packages across Southern England
The new partnership paths the way for golfers to enjoy luxurious hotels and sample England’s most iconic heathland golf courses. Award winning spa’s and Michelin-starred…
IMG and Hann Reserve Expand Partnership as Three-Course Resort Takes Shape
The agreement extends IMG’s role at the 450-hectare Philippine development, with a second course due to open before the end of 2026.
Terras da Comporta Enters GOLF.com’s Top 100 Golf Resorts
The Portuguese development joins the global list three years after Dunas opened, with its two championship courses anchoring a wider destination beside the Sado Estuary…
Cabot Wilds to Bring Riverfront Golf and Luxury Resort Living to Nova Scotia
The 2,500-acre development near Oxford will combine a Jeff Mingay course with cottages, wellness facilities and year-round outdoor pursuits when it opens in late 2027.
Monte Rei North Course Reopens After Six-Month Algarve Renovation
The Jack Nicklaus Signature layout has returned with rebuilt greens, upgraded bunkers and renewed infrastructure, while a Nobu hotel forms part of Monte Rei’s wider…
Zach Johnson Wins PURE Insurance Championship for Sixth Title of 2026
A closing 65 at Pebble Beach carried Johnson past a three-way chasing group and made him the PGA Tour Champions season’s outright wins leader.
Jacob Bridgeman Shoots Career-Best 61 to Win Biltmore Championship Asheville
The Presidents Cup debutant erased a five-shot deficit at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove, claiming his second PGA Tour victory after a low-scoring final round.
Charlotte Heath Holds Her Nerve for Maiden LET Victory at La Sella Open
The English rookie survived a tense final round in gusting winds, then birdied the 18th to complete a two-shot victory in Spain.
JJ Spaun Wins BMW PGA Championship After Late Wentworth Charge
Four birdies across the closing five holes carried the US Open champion to 17-under, before Manuel Elvira’s final-hole double bogey ended the Spaniard’s challenge.
Johan Edfors Storms to European Legends Cup Title at Fontanals
The Swede overturned a four-shot deficit with eight birdies and a closing 64, earning his second Staysure Legends Tour victory of the season.
Neal Shipley Leads Ben Kohles by One at Biltmore Championship Asheville
The PGA Tour rookie remains bogey-free through 54 holes, with his first title and potentially transformative status within reach at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove.
Rookie Henrik Stenson Shares PURE Insurance Lead at Pebble Beach
Stenson matched the second round’s lowest score to join Ryan Armour and Y.E. Yang at 8-under, with Zach Johnson and Steven Alker one stroke behind.