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 lifelong 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 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.
Shura Links Set for Five New European Routes From December
The all-premium flights will bring Brian Curley’s island course closer to European golfers.
Michael Thorbjornsen Claims First PGA Tour Title With Closing 63 at Rocket Classic
The 24-year-old produced a bogey-free final round and holed a 26-foot birdie putt at the last to beat Xander Schauffele in Detroit.
Shiho Kuwaki Wins Maiden Major in AIG Women’s Open Playoff
The 23-year-old defeated Esther Henseleit over two extra holes at Royal Lytham & St Annes, continuing Japan’s run of success in the championship.
Zach Johnson Wins Fourth PGA Tour Champions Title of 2026 in Portugal
A bogey-free final-round 65 carried Johnson past Stewart Cink at The Els Club Vilamoura, continuing an exceptional rookie season on the senior circuit.
Davis Riley Takes One-Shot Rocket Classic Lead After Closing Birdies
A bogey-free 63 moved Riley to 15-under at Detroit Golf Club, putting a third PGA Tour title and a place in the FedExCup Playoffs within…
Yealimi Noh Takes Three-Shot Lead Into AIG Women’s Open Final Round
A back-nine surge carried the American to seven under at Royal Lytham & St Annes, while five players share second place ahead of Sunday’s final…
Stewart Cink in Three-Way Tie for Lead at Portugal Invitational
An opening burst carried Cink to the lowest round of Saturday, while Pádraig Harrington and Rory Sabbatini matched his 13-under total in Vilamoura.
Cameron Young Shoots 61 to Share Rocket Classic Lead
Seven birdies in his first eight holes put Young within range of PGA Tour history before he settled for a share of the lead with…
Two-Time Major Winner Haeran Ryu Holds Halfway Lead at AIG Women’s Open
Ryu recovered from a difficult start to reach seven under at Royal Lytham, with Shiho Kuwaki one behind and Jeeno Thitikul and Yealimi Noh sharing…
Zach Johnson Opens With 64 to Lead Portugal Invitational
The PGA Tour Champions rookie birdied his first three holes and leads Rory Sabbatini by one at The Els Club Vilamoura, with a fourth victory…
Putting Coach Jamie Donaldson Appoints The Loop to Grow Global Brand
The AimPoint Performance co-founder has enlisted the golf marketing agency to expand his audience, develop commercial opportunities and bring more of his coaching work into…
How TurfRad Is Shaping The Els Club Vilamoura for the Portugal Invitational
Luís Pinto’s greenkeeping team is using detailed soil-moisture mapping and targeted irrigation to prepare Ernie Els’ Algarve course for a 78-player field and its first…
Peter Malnati Shoots Career-Low 61 to Lead Rocket Classic
Seven birdies on the front nine sent Malnati to the lowest opening-round score on the PGA Tour this season, two shots clear of Rickie Fowler…
Jeeno Thitikul Fires Bogey-Free 64 to Lead 2026 AIG Women’s Open
The world number two made seven birdies at Royal Lytham & St Annes, opening a two-shot advantage over Haeran Ryu and Shiho Kuwaki.
R&A Adds Digital Fan Tools and Broadcast Hours for AIG Women’s Open
Spectators can locate players around Royal Lytham, follow personalised recommendations and watch six additional hours across the opening two rounds.
Robinswood Membership Connects Bangkok Golfers With Reignwood’s Global Clubs
Three-time club champion Chaiyatat Ben Bunjapamai will represent Robinswood at Wentworth.
Galvin Green Launches Great Wide Open Golf Apparel Collection for 2026
The 2026 Part Two range combines new waterproof colourways, recycled insulation and nature-inspired prints across men’s and women’s garments.
Jackson Koivun Wins 3M Open in Third Pro Start, Holds Off Scottie Scheffler
The 21-year-old rookie closed with a bogey-free 66 at TPC Twin Cities, setting a tournament scoring record and resisting a final-round 63 from the world…
Lucas Herbert Sets LIV Scoring Record as Ripper GC Complete UK Sweep
Herbert closed with a bogey-free 62 to win by six shots at JCB Golf & Country Club, while the Australian Ripper GC secured its third…
Jerry Kelly Wins ISPS HANDA Senior Open at Gleneagles
The American held off Matt Gogel, Cameron Percy and Darren Fichardt to win by two shots on the King’s Course, securing the third senior major…