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.
Europe and United States Tied 2-2 After Opening Solheim Cup Foursomes
Nelly Korda and Allisen Corpuz made Solheim Cup history before Europe won the final two matches of a rain-hit morning at Bernardus Golf.
Joaquín Niemann Leads Wind-Hit Irish Open After Closing Birdie Burst
The Chilean mastered difficult conditions at Doonbeg to shoot 65, while Shane Lowry led the home challenge and several contenders were unable to finish.
G·GRIP AI Golf Club Put to the Test at University of Stirling
The sensor-equipped club measures grip pressure and swing motion before delivering feedback through an app. Collaborative research at Stirling could now establish whether its detailed…
Tiago Sousa Memorial Raises More Than €12,000 for School Golf Project
The fourth edition brought 88 players to Quinta do Lago’s South Course, with proceeds funding professional coaching for children in local schools.
Galvin Green Turns to the Forest for Modern Roots AW26 Collection
The six-piece range combines waterproof outerwear, technical layers and streetwear-influenced styling in Jungle Green, Navy and Blue Slate colourways.
Dalaman Golf Club Opens as Region’s First Golf Venue
The 6,728-yard coastal course pairs championship golf with TrackMan practice facilities and an established five-star resort, 20 minutes from Dalaman International Airport.
LIV Golf Files for Chapter 11 in Player Ownership Plan
A restructuring agreement with BC Partners Credit would place players in majority control, while fresh financing is intended to carry the league into a planned…
United States Holds Off Europe to Win 2026 PING Junior Solheim Cup
Europe collected 8½ points in the singles and threatened a record comeback at Bernardus, but Kelly Zhang secured the decisive point in a 13-11 American…
KBS Expands V-X Shaft Range With New Tour V-X
The steel iron shaft comes in six weights and six flexes, giving club fitters a broad matrix for different swing speeds and delivery patterns.
Aramco Korea Championship Switches to 72-Hole Strokeplay for 2026
Danielle Kang and Alison Lee are the first players confirmed for the revamped LET event, which returns to Seoul with a 108-player field and $2…
Mallet or Blade Putter? What the Tour Players Use and What the Testing Shows
More than 90 per cent of the world’s top 50 now putt with a mallet, and the 2026 PGA Tour winners’ list is dominated by…
GB&I Stun United States 13½–12½ in Walker Cup Comeback
Josh Hill secured the decisive point at Lahinch as the hosts overturned a three-point deficit in Sunday’s singles and ended the United States’ five-match winning…
Ireland Begins One-Year Countdown to 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor
A packed run of elite tournaments is keeping Ireland at the centre of golf as preparations gather pace for the Ryder Cup’s return next September.
Steven Alker Wins NI Legends to Complete Three-Victory Run
The New Zealander recovered from an opening bogey and held off Hennie Otto’s closing 64 to secure a two-shot victory at Galgorm.
Thriston Lawrence Makes History After Crans-Montana Play-Off Thriller
A final-round 62 and a 23-foot birdie on the fourth extra hole carried Lawrence past Paul Casey and into the Omega European Masters record books.
David Drysdale Joins Steven Alker Atop NI Legends Leaderboard
Drysdale remained bogey-free through 36 holes at Galgorm, while Alker continued his pursuit of a third consecutive victory.
GB&I Take 6½-5½ Walker Cup Lead After Late Lahinch Rally
Stuart Grehan beat world No. 1 Preston Stout on the 18th before Niall Sheils Donegan helped the hosts overturn a two-point deficit in front of…
Stuart Grehan Comeback Gives GB&I Walker Cup Lead at Lahinch
The Irishman won the final three holes against world No. 1 Preston Stout as the hosts finished Saturday with a one-point advantage over the United…
Paul Casey Hails ‘Wonderful Day’ After Taking Three-Shot Lead in Crans-Montana
Casey carded six front-nine birdies and a closing gain for a 63, then pledged his tournament prize money to a charity supporting people affected by…
Thriston Lawrence Takes Halfway Lead in Pursuit of Third European Masters Title
The defending champion produced a bogey-free 63 at Crans-sur-Sierre, moving two shots clear as he seeks to match a record held by Seve Ballesteros.