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.
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.
Steven Alker Sets NI Legends Pace With Opening 67
The New Zealander finished with three consecutive birdies at Galgorm, taking a one-shot lead as he pursues a third successive victory.
Ashun Wu Leads Omega European Masters After Flawless 63
Seven birdies carried the Chinese player one clear in Crans-Montana, with defending champion Thriston Lawrence tied for second.
ECCO Golf Adds BIOM C5 Premium With Aluminium BOA Dial
The leather performance shoe builds on the BIOM C5 with a precision dial closure, waterproof construction and an outsole designed for traction in varied conditions.
Wilson Golf Adds The 606 and Lakeview Women’s Putters to Zero Torque Range
The two 33-inch mallets use Wilson’s low-rotation design, forward shaft lean and double-milled faces, with distinctive gold detailing.
Brandt Snedeker & Geoff Ogilvy Name Six Captain’s Picks for 2026 Presidents Cup
Jackson Koivun earns a debut only three months after leaving Auburn.
J.Lindeberg Fall Winter 2026 Moves From Golf Course to Mountains
The Scandinavian brand’s latest lifestyle range combines technical sportswear with ready-to-wear pieces designed for cold rounds, urban use and winter trips.
Els Club Ladies Open Draws 100 Golfers as Avelyn Tan Makes History
The 12-year-old won the gross title with a 78, becoming the youngest champion of any amateur event staged at The Els Club Desaru Coast.
How to Watch the 2026 Walker Cup at Lahinch on TV and Online
Sky Sports, R&A TV and Golf Channel will carry the two-day match live, while the BBC has scheduled Sunday-night highlights.