Golfshake

I always have a little chuckle to myself when I sit in the clubhouse at any golf club and listen in to the conversations that go on around me. Almost without fail people will be moaning about the condition of their course. I often wonder if they ever stop and think about how incredibly difficult it is to present a golf course in pristine condition for 12 months of the year - and give any thought to all the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that we are able to play.

Anne van Dam still gets nervous on the first tee-box and she flies planes for fun! For most people, golf is a means of relaxation, a way to destress away from work. So, what do you do if golf is your job? Well, the 2026 Solheim Cup vice captain Anne van Dam flies planes. It’s fair to say the new mother is putting work in early to one day earn the title of ‘cool mum’ in the school playground.

The United States ended a seven-year Solheim Cup drought with a tight 15½-12½ victory over Europe in Virginia two years ago. World number two Lilia Vu delivered the winning moment - holing a short birdie putt on the 18th to secure a half point against Albane Valenzuela - after Europe had pushed the hosts close in a tense finale. "It could have gone either way, it's crazy how it unfolded," said US captain Stacy Lewis.

The Solheim Cup takes place in the Netherlands for the first time, at Bernardus Golf in North Brabant, with Anna Nordqvist's European team desperate for revenge after losing on American soil two years ago. Angela Stanford's American team are led by the formidable Nelly Korda but the holders come to Europe with a team that, Korda apart, have been struggling throughout 2026.

Rory McIlroy will go in search of his 22nd DP World Tour title as the defending champion at the Amgen Irish Open this week, where he will be hoping to close the gap on Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed. The 36-year-old won his sixth major with a one-shot victory at Augusta National in April as he became only the fourth player after Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods to retain the Green Jacket.

Twelve months ago Rory McIlroy gave the home fans the victory they craved as he held his nerve to win the Irish Open in a dramatic play-off and claim his first victory since completing the career Grand Slam at the Masters. The world number two edged out Sweden's Joakim Lagergren on the third extra hole to win his national title at the K Club for the second time - nine years after his first - at the end of a thrilling final round.

Great Britain and Ireland defeated the United States of America 13½-12½ to win the 51st Walker Cup at Lahinch in one of the most dramatic finishes in the match’s 104 year history. Trailing 9½-6½ going into this afternoon’s singles session, Dean Robertson’s side conjured up a comeback for the ages which culminated in Josh Hill securing the winning point on the 18th hole with the last putt of the match to secure GB&I’s first victory in the historic encounter since 2015 at Royal Lytham and St Annes.

Course Information Hackensack Golf Club, New Jersey is an 18 hole, par 72, 7011 yards golf course in Emerson, New Jersey. 18 holes Par 72 7011 yards Address: 1 Golf Club Road, Emerson, New Jersey, NJ 07430 United States Tel: (201) 261 5505 Golf Pro: Mike Dezic Website: https://hgc.org/ Click the following link to find out what facilities are available at Hackensack Golf Club and read frequently asked questions.

We absolutely love and revere 9-hole golf courses. They might just be the most underrated type of layout in the game. These are typically venues that are integral parts of their communities, they are often found in rural locations, and their design makes the most of limited acreage to create something memorable that is also ideally suited for an adaptable lifestyle where perhaps you don't always have the time to play 18 holes.

The Walker Cup is one of the most special and historic events in the game. Pitting a selection of the best amateur golfers from Great Britain and Ireland against their equivalents in the United States, it has been the peak for many a fledgling career and a memorable step towards greatness for some of the most legendary names that this sport has ever seen.