The Stroke Index ⛳ Thursday 17 April 2025
McIlroy's Slam dunk / Delacour wins in South Africa / Masters final day boosts viewing figures / Deconstructing the average English golfer / Improve your long iron play with Tiger, Rory and Scottie
Welcome to the first edition of The Stroke Index, a regular look at all things golf with the latest stories from the pro tours as well as news, hints and tips for club and recreational golfers alike. Of all the weeks to launch, what a momentous time to choose. The dust has hardly settled since Sunday’s scenes among the lofty pines of Augusta National where Rory McIlroy finally discarded the long-held burden of Masters expectation. A green jacket and Career Grand Slam following a play-off victory over the ever-gracious Justin Rose will see McIlroy’s name chiseled into golf’s folklore, while the wild rollercoaster ride that was the 2025 Masters tournament will live long in the memory. And that is what The Stroke Index is all about - bearing witness to what is happening in the sport we love, both on a professional and amateur level. I hope you enjoy this regular selection of some of the best golf content all in one place, and feel free to share your thoughts.
View From the Tee - Masters Mop-up
⛳ “Locked into his own world”. The BBC’s Ffion Wynne writes about sports psychologist Bob Rotella expanding more on Rory McIlroy’s game plan not to engage with playing partner Bryson DeChambeau.
⛳ Winning the Masters comes with a lot of perks, and Golf Monthly’s Michael Weston lists a dozen reasons why Rory McIlroy has played himself into an exclusive club.
⛳ For there to be a winner, there has to be a loser and a mention must go to Justin Rose, missing out on a green jacket after another play-off loss. Samuel Meade in The Mirror writes about the Englishman’s ‘classy’ message in defeat.
⛳ Arise Sir Rory? Felix Keith, in The Express, reports on rumoured plans to give the Northern Irishman a knighthood.
⛳ If anyone should have the final word from Augusta, it has to be the Masters champion himself. Watch Rory McIlroy’s full press conference after completing the Career Grand Slam.
Other Tour News
⛳ Perrine Delacour claimed her second Ladies European Tour (LET) title on Sunday in the Investec SA Women’s Open at Erinvale Country and Golf Estate. All of the details were covered by ladieseuropeantour.com
⛳ From green to tartan jackets. Adam Stanley at pgatour.com takes an opening look at the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links, which tees off today with Scottie Scheffler the defending champion.
⛳ lpga.com’s Amy Rogers gives the low-down on the 2025 JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro, as the golfers prepare to battle for a share of an increased purse of $3.75m.
⛳ As the DP World Tour heads east for the Volvo China Open, beginning today with defending champion Adrian Otaegui taking a good early look over the course, europeantour.com also reports on European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald’s decision to tee it up at The K Club in the Amgen Irish Open, from September 4.
FAIRWAY FACT
Spain’s Sergio Garcia became the 19th male golfer to play in 100 major championships at Augusta National last week, tying Sir Nick Faldo and sitting just one behind Davis Love III, Sandy Lyle, and Vijay Singh.
Around the Greens
🕳 Golf Business News reports on how Rory McIlroy’s Masters triumph helped Sky Sports break its viewing record for one day.
🕳 England Golf has crunched the numbers to provide a fascinating insight into what the average golfer in the country currently looks like. Click here to drill down on the numbers.
🕳 golf-foundation.org explains how the British Golf Industry Association (BGIA) is investing in growing the game by funding a Golf Foundation pilot programme to help more school pupils to play.
“Our aim is to build upon the success of the Unleash Your Drive programme in schools and ensure that at least 50% of the pupils involved have a follow-on coaching experience with a PGA professional at a golf facility.” - Brendon Pyle, CEO of the Golf Foundation
🕳 Bunkered details how struggling Merrist Wood Golf Club, in Surrey, cannot get its renovation plans past councillors as it looks to re-open as an 18-hole course. The club is also on the market for a guide price of £2.25 million.
🕳 Thomas Wragg at Gulf News speaks to Dubai-based golfer Garrick Porteous, who is keeping his hand in on the Challenge Tour after stepping away from the circuit at the end of last year.
Clubhouse Chat
☕ If you are looking to improve your driving distance off the tee this year, Kieran Clark and Ryan Rastall at golfshake.com can lead you in the right direction.
☕ If remote-controlled electric golf trolleys are your thing, Golf Business News reports on PowaKaddy’s launch of three models in its RX range.
☕ Matt Coles at National Club Golfer heads to Cornwall to discover the delight that is Perranporth Golf Club.
☕ Needing to improve your long iron play? TaylorMade Golf has teamed up with three of the best - Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler - to show you how it is done in this YouTube clinic.
Thanks for reading edition number 1 of The Stroke Index. It will return next week with more of the best golf content all in one place to keep you in the swing. The Stroke Index is written by journalist Simon Payne. If you have any feedback, tips or news to share, please contact The Stroke Index here.