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 lifelong 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 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.
Verdura Resort launches Simon Holmes Academy in Sicily
The Sicilian resort adds a serious coaching asset, with a veteran instructor who has worked with more than 80 Tour players.
PGA Tour Announces Two-Tier Championship and Challenger Series for 2028
The PGA Tour will split into two concurrent competition tracks with promotion, relegation, $20 million purses and a revamped postseason that could feature match play.…
How the Official World Golf Ranking Works: OWGR Points, Field Rating and Time Decay Explained
The OWGR system is built on field rating, finishing position, and a two-year rolling average. Here’s how the mechanics actually work, from Strokes Gained to…
Yamashita Wins Meijer LPGA Classic After Woad’s Three-Foot Miss Forces Playoff
Miyu Yamashita erased a five-shot deficit with a final-round 64 and beat Lottie Woad on the first extra hole at Blythefield Country Club after the…
U.S. Open Runner-Up Sam Burns Expected to Skip Royal Birkdale for Birth of Second Child
Fresh off the best major finish of his career at Shinnecock Hills, Burns looks set to miss the 154th Open Championship as he and wife…
2029 U.S. Open Confirmed for Pinehurst No. 2, June 14-17
Pinehurst’s Donald Ross masterpiece will host its fifth U.S. Open in 2029 and stage back-to-back men’s and women’s championships for the second time, cementing the…
Lexi Thompson Withdraws From KPMG Women’s PGA Championship With Hip Injury
The 11-time LPGA Tour winner pulls out of the third major of the season at Hazeltine National, with Spain’s Carolina Chacarra taking her place in…
Simon Griffiths Wins 2026 Costa Navarino Legends Tour Trophy After Final-Round Surge
England’s Griffiths broke clear of an eight-way tie with consecutive birdies on the back nine to claim his third Legends Tour title at the Greek…
Why Does Wyndham Clark Divide Opinion Among Golf Fans?
A locker-room outburst at Oakmont, rules scrutiny, and a visible temper have made Clark divisive. But the former U.S. Open champion’s story also includes grief,…
USGA Moves U.S. Open Sunday Tee Times Forward After Thin Late Crowds at Shinnecock
Wyndham Clark called Saturday’s atmosphere “a little flat” after spectators poured out of Shinnecock Hills before the final group finished. The USGA responded by pushing…
The Rise of Golf Tourism in France
Golf in France is gaining popularity among travelers. The country offers a unique blend of sport, culture, and leisure.
What a Round at Ardfin on the Isle of Jura is Really Like
Ardfin Golf Course is Bob Harrison’s clifftop layout on Scotland’s Isle of Jura. It’s become a true cognoscenti’s choice, generating huge buzz amoung golf purists.
Stuart Grehan Wins 131st Amateur Championship at Royal Liverpool
The 33-year-old Irishman from County Louth overcame a slow start and a late rally from American Matt Moloney to claim a one-hole victory in the…
Grehan and Moloney Set Up Ireland vs USA Final at 131st Amateur Championship
Stuart Grehan and Matt Moloney will contest the 36-hole final at Royal Liverpool on Saturday, marking the second consecutive Irish-American showdown for amateur golf’s oldest…
Machrihanish Dunes partners with Cultar Restaurant Group to reshape dining across the resort
The Kintyre links resort has enlisted the Glasgow group behind Michelin-starred Cail Bruich to overhaul food and beverage operations, with local sourcing at the centre…
Wyndham Clark Leads US Open With a Mixed Bag After Titleist Deal Ended
Clark entered 2026 as an equipment free agent and built a multi-brand setup spanning TaylorMade, Ping and Titleist. Halfway through the US Open at Shinnecock…
Matt Fitzpatrick Stays in U.S. Open Contention with Even-Par Round at Shinnecock Hills
The 2022 champion carded nine straight pars on the front nine and kept his composure on the back to sit three under through two rounds,…
Why Jordan Spieth Switched to the Titleist Pro V1x Left Dash in 2026
Jordan Spieth rarely changes golf balls. But after 18 months of iron shots coming off too spinny and finishing short, the 13-time PGA TOUR winner…
Bryson DeChambeau Debuts Prototype TaylorMade Driver at U.S. Open After Years With Niche Brands
DeChambeau put a TaylorMade Qi4D Proto 200+ in play at Shinnecock Hills, ending his run with smaller equipment makers. The 7-degree prototype was built for…
OGIO Europe adds new 2026 colourways across Renegade Vault, Alpha & RIG collections
Four new shades join OGIO’s premium hard-shell luggage and backpack lines, while the RIG 9800 and RIG ST gear bags pick up fresh colourways of…