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.
Eugenio Chacarra Plays Through Fractured Toe to Share Spanish Open Lead
Spain’s double winner this season posts a two-eagle 66 in Madrid alongside Scots Connor Syme and Grant Forrest, then admits he may not risk Friday…
Nami by Bernardus Wins Michelin Star at Solheim Cup Venue
Nikkei cooking and a redesigned dining room strengthen the appeal of an overnight golf escape to Cromvoirt, where Bernardus pairs its championship course with an…
McIlroy Set for Dubai Return at DP World Tour Championship
An eighth Race to Dubai title would draw McIlroy level with Colin Montgomerie, but rankings leader Patrick Reed will also be in the field for…
Jacob Bridgeman Leads Baycurrent Classic as Max Homa Joins Chasing Pack
Jordan Smith sits one shot behind after a bogey-free 64 at Yokohama Country Club, while Homa is among four players two strokes off the pace.
Patricie Mackova Leads by Two After Day One of Aramco Korea Championship
The Czech equalled the New Korea Country Club course record with a bogey-free 65. Miyu Yamashita heads a four-strong chasing pack, and two-time defending champion…
A New Jewel in the Crown of Sicilian Golf to Open in 2027
Donnafugata Golf redesigned and to reopen as Costa Ragusa Golf in 2027, with Jiménez’s Queens Course and Olazábal’s Castle Course
Stirling to Test BirTee Pro Speed+ Against Traditional Golf Tees
The reusable design avoids pushing a tee into hard ground, with potential appeal for winter practice, simulator users and golfers with mobility challenges.
Six Players Secure 2027 PGA Tour Cards Ahead of Korn Ferry Tour Finale
Michael Johnson earns his first card a decade after turning professional, while Tommy Morrison advances in the same season he joined through PGA Tour University.
Close House Celebrates More Than £350,000 Raised for Charity in 2026
The Have a Heart Charity Golf Day raised £90,000, with air ambulance, hospice and children’s charities among the causes supported at the Northumberland venue.
Angkor Golf Resort Appoints Troon Ahead of Planned November Reopening
The Faldo-designed venue offers golfers a Siem Reap stop within reach of Angkor’s temples. Course preparation is under way, but travellers should confirm availability before…
SO/ Sotogrande Recognised in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards
The Andalusian hotel takes sixth place in the Best Resorts in Rest of Europe category, adding a hospitality accolade to a destination with three of…
Madeira Combines Golf and Nature for an Active Autumn Break
Three established courses, levada walks and a UNESCO-listed forest give visiting golfers plenty to build around a three-round passport costing from €310 per person.
Can LIV Golf Survive With BC Partners’ Backing?
A conditional $300 million financing plan and player ownership could support a smaller league. The harder test is keeping its leading golfers while building a…
Pádraig Harrington to Lead €7m Seapoint Redesign With Irish Open Ambition
Four new holes and seven new green complexes are planned at the County Louth links, which will close during construction and aims to reopen in…
Solheim Cup Legend Suzann Pettersen Returns to Action in South Korea
European golfing icon returns to the fairways at New Korea Country Club, balancing mother-first perspective with world-class tournament ambition.
Jeeno Thitikul Wins LOTTE Championship for Fourth LPGA Tour Victory of 2026
The world No. 2 recovered from a double bogey at the 16th with back-to-back birdies, beating Ina Yoon by three strokes at Hoakalei Country Club.
Steven Alker Wins Fourth Title of 2026 at Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic
Late birdies helped Alker hold off Tag Ridings by one stroke, with 19-year-old Lehigh Country Club caddie Whyatt O’Rourke standing in for the ill Troy…
Austin Smotherman Wins Bank of Utah Championship in 100th PGA Tour Start
A double bogey briefly cut his lead to one, but Smotherman recovered to beat Doug Ghim by two shots, set a tournament scoring record and…
Adrian Meronk Claims Fifth DP World Tour Victory at Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
The Pole ended a 1,078-day wait for a title at St Andrews, secured his playing status and completed a double alongside amateur partner Tom Chaplin.
Jean Hugo Wins in China to Secure Full Staysure Legends Tour Playing Rights
A final-round 71 in gusts reaching 40mph gave the South African his maiden title, three shots clear of Matthew Cort, in just his fifth tour…