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.
Michael Block Fires 63 for One-Shot Lead at Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic
The club professional will play alongside Steven Alker in Sunday’s final group again, having seen the New Zealander overturn his two-shot advantage at the Ally…
Jeeno Thitikul Seeks Fourth LPGA Tour Win With Three-Shot LOTTE Lead
Five back-nine birdies helped the world No. 2 pull clear at Hoakalei Country Club, with Polly Mack and Ina Yoon leading the pursuit.
Austin Smotherman Holds One-Shot Lead at Bank of Utah Championship
Doug Ghim fired six birdies on the back nine at Black Desert Resort, with both leaders chasing a maiden PGA Tour victory and a two-year…
Casey Jarvis Takes ‘Dream’ Lead into Alfred Dunhill Links Final Round
A bogey-free 65 at St Andrews puts the South African two shots clear of Matthew Jordan and Adrian Meronk as he chases his third title…
Jean Hugo Holds One-Shot Lead at Reignwood Legends Championship
Stephen Gallacher’s 65 brought him within one shot of Hugo in Beijing.
Yang, Green & Karlsson Share Jefferson Lehigh Valley Classic Lead
Robert Karlsson posted his lowest round of 2026 as he chases a first PGA Tour Champions victory, while Steven Alker continued his strong recent run…
Jeeno Thitikul and Polly Mack Birdie 18th to Share LOTTE Championship Lead
The world No. 2 and Germany’s Mack remain bogey-free through 36 holes at Hoakalei, with Carolina Melgrati and Ina Yoon just one shot behind.
Austin Smotherman Matches Career-Low 62 to Lead Bank of Utah Championship
Playing his 100th PGA Tour event, Smotherman is chasing his first victory after setting a 36-hole tournament record at Black Desert Resort.
Casey Jarvis Leads Alfred Dunhill Links Championship After 36 Holes
Rocco Repetto Taylor, MJ Daffue and Matthew Jordan share second as they chase maiden DP World Tour titles.
Jean Hugo Takes Two-Shot Lead at Reignwood Legends Championship
An early eagle helped the South African to a bogey-free 65 in Beijing, where four players share second place.
Verdura Resort Hosts Inaugural Sir Rocco Forte Captain’s Trophy
Colin Montgomerie joined amateur golfers for a four-day programme in Sicily, with competition across two championship courses and Team Verdura Golf Club taking the team…
A Lim Kim Leads LOTTE Championship With Bogey-Free 65
Ina Yoon and Yu Liu sit one shot behind the 2024 champion in Hawaii, while an eagle helped Auston Kim join Jeeno Thitikul among the…
Zach Bauchou Leads Bank of Utah Championship With Career-Best 62
Jordan Smith’s closing albatross put him among nine players a shot behind, while the race to retain PGA Tour cards added weight to a low-scoring…
Michael Stewart & Jack Buchanan Share Alfred Dunhill Links Lead
Stewart made the most of a late invitation at Carnoustie, while Buchanan found form at Kingsbarns.
Patrick Reed Confirms DP World Tour Championship Place as Race to Dubai Leader
The American will make his eighth appearance on the Earth course in November, with Rory McIlroy pursuing a record-equalling eighth season title.
Alcanada Grand Final to Decide 15 DP World Tour Cards
The HotelPlanner Tour’s top players will head to Mallorca from October 29 to November 1.
Sebastian Friedrichsen Wins Open de Portugal With Record 28-Under Total
The Dane’s first HotelPlanner Tour victory moved him into the Road to Mallorca top-10 as the national open returned to PGA Aroeira Lisboa after three…
Highgate Appoints Albert Docker as Golf Sales Manager at Salgados
Docker will develop Highgate’s golf business from its Algarve resort, working with Troon and the hotel group’s commercial team.
INFINITUM Completes The Hills Renovation Ahead of DP World Tour Qualifying School
The Costa Dorada course has an island-green-style 18th, a revised closing stretch and new fairway grasses ahead of November’s qualifying event.
Apes Hill Barbados Enters Golf.com’s Top 100 Golf Resorts for First Time
The Barbadian resort has also been recognised for its accommodation, with private-pool villas close to its championship course and nine-hole par-three layout.