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.
Max Greyserman Shares Biltmore Championship Lead With Eric Cole
Greyserman returned from five weeks away to open with a 64 in North Carolina.
Aaron Rai & Joakim Lagergren Share BMW PGA Championship Lead
Rai opened with a 6-under 66 alongside Lagergren at Wentworth, where a packed leaderboard left six players within one shot and Rory McIlroy three behind.
Six Share La Sella Open Lead as Storm Delays First Round
Five players completed opening rounds of 68 in Spain, while Anna Zanusso joined them at 4-under before darkness brought a disrupted Thursday to an early…
Takomo IGNIS D2 Driver Launches With Refined Design and Greater Forgiveness
The Finnish direct-to-consumer brand’s second driver moves to a single rear weight port, a stiffer carbon crown and an eight-position hosel, and it arrives with…
PGA Tour Sets Membership Pathways for Two-Series Structure From 2028
The Championship Series will house the Tour’s leading players, while the Challenger Series offers 20 annual promotion places under a performance-based system.
East Lothian Confirmed as Host Destination for Elevate Golf 2028
The invitation-only golf tourism event will bring leading international tour operators to Scotland’s Golf Coast after editions in Northern Ireland and Ayrshire.
Zach Johnson Edges Ben Crane for Fifth Win at Sanford International
Johnson birdied the final two holes to finish 11-under, matching Stewart Cink for the most PGA Tour Champions victories this season.
Shane Lowry Wins Amgen Irish Open by Record 11 Shots
A closing 63 sealed his second Irish Open title and the largest winning margin in the event’s history.
Europe Reclaims Solheim Cup With 15-13 Victory at Bernardus
Carlota Ciganda delivered the decisive point for the second European home contest in succession after Lottie Woad moved the hosts to the brink in Sunday’s…
Apes Hill Barbados Partners With Sophie Michell on New Resort Dining Plans
The British chef will develop restaurant concepts, in-villa experiences and stronger links with Barbadian producers as the golf resort expands its hospitality offering.
KBS Expands V-X Family With New Tour V-X Steel Shaft
The 105g to 130g shaft pairs a firmer profile with six flex choices, giving fitters a broad new option for players seeking less movement through…
Zach Johnson & Jay Jurecic Take Sanford International Lead With Low Rounds
Johnson fired a 64 and open qualifier Jurecic posted a career-best 65 to reach 7-under.
Jennifer Kupcho’s 90-Foot Birdie Pulls USA Level at Solheim Cup
Kupcho produced two extraordinary birdies over the closing holes at Bernardus, turning a likely defeat into a vital American point before Sunday’s singles.
Shane Lowry Takes Four-Shot Irish Open Lead Into Final Round
The 2009 champion pulled clear of Jacob Skov Olesen with a composed back nine at Doonbeg.
Europe Build 7-5 Solheim Cup Lead as Korda & Corpuz Lose
Three victories from Saturday morning’s four foursomes moved Europe two points clear at Bernardus, with rookies Mimi Rhodes and Nastasia Nadaud supplying the biggest win.
The Alto Club Unveils New Nine-Hole Par-3 Course in Sotogrande
Manuel Piñero’s new layout features holes from approximately 80 to 200 metres, giving beginners, families and elite players a quicker setting for learning and sharpening…
Chad Campbell & Mark Wilson Share Sanford International Lead After Wind Disrupts Round 1
More than five hours were lost to high winds before lightning ended play, leaving the entire field to return on Saturday morning and complete the…
Shane Lowry Sets Doonbeg Record to Take Irish Open Halfway Lead
The 2009 champion carded nine birdies in a second-round 62, moving three shots clear of Haotong Li.
Carlota Ciganda’s 18th-Hole Escape Leaves Solheim Cup Tied 4-4
The Spaniard converted a 12-foot par putt to complete an unlikely escape, earn Europe a vital half-point and finish a historic opening day level at…
Fescue & Dunes Adds Six Leading Clubs to Partner Portfolio
Walton Heath, Royal Cinque Ports and Hillside are among the English and Irish venues joining the US-based golf merchandise platform.