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.
R&A Film MARGINS Traces Jordan Spieth and James Byrne’s Diverging Paths
The 27-minute documentary revisits the 2011 Walker Cup to examine why two leading amateurs experienced very different professional careers.
PING Launches Europe’s 2026 Solheim Cup Team Collection
Supporters can buy the competition-day designs created for Anna Nordqvist’s side.
Three Holes to Watch at Bernardus During the 2026 Solheim Cup
Water, deceptive wind and a demanding finishing hole could shape the tightest matches when Europe and the United States meet in the Netherlands.
Steven Alker Erases Two-Shot Deficit to Win The Ally Challenge
The New Zealander closed with a 68 at Warwick Hills, securing consecutive PGA Tour Champions titles and the 13th victory of his senior career.
Scottie Scheffler Wins Second FedExCup & Passes Tiger Woods in Career Earnings
A final-round 66 carried the world No. 1 past Viktor Hovland at East Lake, securing his 22nd PGA Tour title and a $10 million prize.
Ruoning Yin Wins 2026 FM Championship for Sixth LPGA Tour Title
A closing birdie completed a composed final round at TPC Boston as Yin ended a 672-day wait for another LPGA Tour victory.
Casandra Alexander Completes Wire-to-Wire Victory at KPMG Women’s Irish Open
The South African recovered from two opening bogeys to end a run of five runner-up finishes this season.
Mikael Lundberg Claims Long-Awaited First Legends Tour Title at Chart Hills
The Swede protected his overnight lead with a level-par 72, finishing two shots clear of Stephen Gallacher as Lee Westwood charged into third on his…
Joe Dean Powers to First DP World Tour Win at British Masters
The Englishman began Sunday eight shots off the lead but produced 11 birdies across 24 holes to complete a remarkable comeback at The Belfry.
Ruoning Yin Chips In at 18 to Take FM Championship Lead
Yin’s closing birdie moved her to 12-under at TPC Boston, one shot ahead of Sei Young Kim and Hyo Joo Kim entering Sunday’s final round.
Viktor Hovland Takes One-Shot Lead Into Tour Championship Final Round
Hovland closed his third-round 65 with six important putts to edge ahead of Ryan Gerard, while six players remain within five shots at East Lake.
Michael Block Takes Two-Shot Lead Into Ally Challenge Final Round
The club professional followed his opening 66 with a bogey-free 65 at Warwick Hills, putting him ahead of Steven Alker and Pádraig Harrington.
Daniel Hillier & Marco Penge Share British Masters Lead Before Marathon Sunday
The co-leaders face 30 holes at The Belfry, with Tom McKibbin one shot behind and several challengers still close after a weather-disrupted week.
Casandra Alexander Takes Three-Shot Lead Into Women’s Irish Open Final Round
The LET Order of Merit leader survived a rain delay at The K Club, while Sara Kouskova, Kajsa Arwefjall and Leona Maguire strengthened the Sunday…
Mikael Lundberg Defies Storm to Take Control at Chart Hills
A bogey-free 65 carried the Swede three shots clear of Stephen Gallacher, while Lee Westwood’s challenge faded over a punishing closing stretch.
Marco Penge Takes One-Shot British Masters Lead Into Third Round
The Englishman completed a second-round 65 on Saturday morning to reach 10-under, with former champion Daniel Hillier leading the pursuit at The Belfry.
Miyu Yamashita Takes Share of TPC Boston Lead Days After Record Win
The Japanese star remained at the top of an LPGA leaderboard after her nine-shot victory in Canada, while Allisen Corpuz and Hyo Joo Kim moved…
Vaughn Taylor Opens With 63 to Lead The Ally Challenge
The PGA TourChampions rookie birdied his final four holes at Warwick Hills, setting a personal scoring best and moving one stroke clear of John Rollins.
Ryan Gerard & Viktor Hovland Share Tour Championship Lead at East Lake
Gerard and Hovland reached 10-under at the halfway stage, but Collin Morikawa, Chris Gotterup, Cameron Young and Scottie Scheffler remain within two shots.
Stephen Gallacher Takes Two-Shot Lead at Staysure English Legends
The Scot opened with a bogey-free 65 at Chart Hills, while Lee Westwood and Mikael Lundberg emerged as his nearest challengers in Kent.