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.
U.S. Open Final Qualifying: The Big Names Chasing Shinnecock Hills Spots on Monday
Ten sites, 36 holes, one day. Monday’s final qualifying wave features former major champions, proven PGA Tour winners, and elite amateurs all fighting for the…
Asterisk Talley Shoots 66 at Riviera, Sets U.S. Women’s Open Weekend Amateur Record
The 17-year-old from Chowchilla, Calif., made the cut on the number Friday, then posted a bogey-free 66 on Saturday to record the lowest weekend round…
Enrico Di Nitto Takes One-Shot Lead Into Final Round of Open International de la Mirabelle d’Or
Italy’s Enrico Di Nitto holds a slender advantage over France’s Maxime Legros heading into the final round in Metz, with several players still in the…
LIV Golf Andalucía: Hatton Holds Two-Shot Lead as Johnson’s 64 Lights Up Valderrama
Tyrrell Hatton takes a two-shot advantage into Championship Sunday at Real Club Valderrama, while Dustin Johnson’s hole-in-one and round-of-the-week 64 propels 4Aces GC to the…
Eugenio Chacarra Thrives in Brutal KLM Open Conditions, Shares Lead After Third-Round 65
While wind and rain battered The International in Amsterdam all week, the Spanish golfer posted the round of the day to pull level at the…
Paul McBride Wins Caddy Comps Championship for Second Clutch Pro Title of 2026
The former Walker Cup player fired a final-round 66 at Gloria Golf Club to finish on 17-under par, claiming the £8,000 prize and moving to…
Course Handicap vs Playing Handicap Explained
Two numbers, one scorecard. Here’s what Course Handicap and Playing Handicap actually mean, when they differ, and which one matters in your next competition.
Why the Genesis Scottish Open Now Serves Three Different Purposes at Once
Aaron Rai returns as a major champion, Brooks Koepka resurfaces after 11 years, and Jon Rahm is expected to play under his DP World Tour…
Creator Golf Is Becoming a Financing Model for Players Stuck Between Talent and Money
Ryan Ruffels played his way into a PGA Tour event through a creator-led qualifier. Behind that headline sits a practical question: can YouTube keep serious…
Tiger Woods Expected to Remain in Swiss Rehab Through June as PGA Tour Return Timeline Stays Open
The 15-time major champion is continuing treatment at a specialist facility in Switzerland following his late-March DUI arrest, with sources telling PEOPLE he is “doing…
Tyrrell Hatton Takes Two-Shot Lead at LIV Golf Andalucia After Round Two at Valderrama
The new father, who missed last week’s event in Korea for the birth of his first child, shot a two-under 69 on Friday to reach…
The Open Regional Qualifying Draws Confirmed, Chart Hills Added as 16th Venue for Royal Birkdale 2026
More than 2,100 golfers will compete across 16 venues on 22 June for a place in the qualifying pathway to The 154th Open at Royal…
Charlie Woods Qualifies for 2026 U.S. Junior Amateur After Playoff Win in Florida
The 17-year-old shot 3-under 68 at Heathrow Country Club, then beat Eric Zhao in a playoff to secure one of five qualifying spots for the…
Scottie Scheffler Chases Third Straight Memorial Title as 50th Anniversary Event Draws Elite Field
The World No. 1 aims to match Tiger Woods with a Memorial three-peat, while Masters champion Rory McIlroy returns and PGA Championship winner Aaron Rai…
Aaron Rai, J.J. Spaun and Brooks Koepka Confirmed for Genesis Scottish Open
Three major champions join an already loaded field at The Renaissance Club, strengthening the co-sanctioned event’s status as the premier warm-up before The Open at…
Jon Rahm Says He Will Focus on Playing as LIV Golf Seeks New Investors
The two-time major champion distanced himself from LIV Golf’s boardroom push, saying he “wouldn’t know the first thing to say” in an investor pitch as…
Ben James Earns PGA Tour Card as No. 1 in PGA Tour University Class of 2026
The Virginia senior held the top ranking wire-to-wire throughout his final college season, becoming only the fourth player to earn direct PGA Tour membership through…
Cabot Bordeaux Provides Quality Golf, Fine Wine and Luxury Dining
Golf Today visited South West France to ask why Cabot Bordeaux belongs on every discerning golfer’s bucket list and to experience après golf at the…
TGI Delivers Game Changing Technology with PLATFORM Golf at the Forefront
The TGL Finals delivered the kind of drama that only tech-enhanced golf can produce.
Masters 2026 Betting Predictions
The Masters 2026: Form, Fault Lines, and the Pursuit of Augusta Immortality