A bit of a late bloomer to the game of golf, Max fell in love with the sport when he attended Saturday coaching sessions down at his local golf club after being inspired by friends and family members.

Max has remained a member of Eden Golf Club in Carlisle for a number of years now as he looks to get his handicap down into single figures. Most of his golfing career has been spent battling a permanent slice off the tee, which has led to some ugly rounds.

Having studied at the University of Sunderland, Max is starting out his dream career in sports journalism. During his time at university, he picked up valuable work experience at Reach PLC, BBC Radio Cumbria and GiveMeSport, whilst also getting work published in the Teesside Live. He also spent time working at a local weekly newspaper, Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser, as a general news reporter partially covering some local sport just north of the border in Langholm.

Max has just started his journey with the NCG working as the assistant equipment editor. He looks forwarded to reviewing the latest golf equipment, taking up an interest in reviews when buying his first golf club, a Cleveland RTX wedge.

With his bag not going under too many changes throughout the last few years, Max carries an M3 driver, Titleist GT3 Fairway Wood, M2 hybrid, a set of M2 irons, Callaway Jaws wedges and a TaylorMade Spider putter. And yes, Max is a bit of a self-proclaimed TaylorMade fan boy.

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I hadn’t heard much about Costa Ragusa, once named Donnafugata, nor contemplated golf in Sicily before I embarked on this trip.

So, in an effort to expand my golf knowledge and experience, I was truly excited to make the journey.

When we were told co-designer Miguel Ángel Jiménez, the ‘Mechanic’, would be joining us, my intrigue and excitement went to another level.

How do you get to Costa Ragusa?

A three-hour flight from Manchester to Catania was followed by an hour-and-45-minute transfer. It’s not the quickest of European destinations to get to, but some places are simply worth it.

Comiso Airport is only 20 mins away from the resort and is ready and capable of accepting flights when the expected demand increases. Even if this doesn’t happen, a new motorway is under construction from Catania, which will speed up transfers.

What is Miguel Ángel Jiménez’s involvement?

Costa Ragusa has engaged Miguel Ángel Jiménez to reimagine the Queens Course, while José María Olazábal will add his experienced touches to the Castle Course.

The Queens Course is due to open in late March 2027, and I had the pleasure of spending some time with Jiménez to discover his golf architecture likes and dislikes, and to find out how the Queens Course stacks up for him.

Sitting with his trademark huge cigar in hand, Jiménez exuded a deep love and enthusiasm for what he does. Golf is truly a family affair for him. His entire family plays, and his son, Víctor, is currently training to become a rules official. This lifelong passion for the game shines through in his obvious excitement for the Costa Ragusa project.

During our conversation, Jiménez revealed that much of his architectural inspiration comes from the legendary Pete Dye. For golfers visiting the Queens Course, this influence means they can expect several classic Dye design philosophies integrated into the landscape:

Visual illusion and deception: Dye was famous for making holes look more intimidating than they actually are. Golfers can expect clever angles that trick the eye, requiring mental focus before every shot.

Small, well-protected greens: Instead of massive targets, Dye-inspired courses favour precise approaches to smaller, heavily bunkered green complexes.

The “Heroic” option: Golfers will often face a choice – take a risky, aggressive line for a better reward, or play it safe for an easier bogey but a tougher par.

While the original Franco Piras layout remains largely intact, the bunkers and green complexes have been thoroughly updated.

The course will feature distinct changes in elevation, but it is fundamentally set up for players of all abilities to enjoy.

Measuring a modest 6,600 yards from the championship tips, it won’t demand raw power, but it will absolutely require precision. Strategy from the tee will be highly important.

True to Jiménez’s design preferences, holes and hazards will be fully visible, eliminating unfair blind shots. He noted that the 8th and 12th holes offer particularly spectacular views – the kind of standout holes that golfers will remember long after their visit. 

Jiménez is incredibly happy with the progress of the Queens Course so far, and his vision promises a thoroughly rewarding experience.

What can we say about the course?

The original courses were named Donnafugata, which translates to ‘escaping women’. According to Sicilian lore, the woman in question was Queen Bianca of Navarre, who was imprisoned in the castle by Count Bernardo Cabrera who wanted to force her to marry him.

The unwilling queen managed a middle-of-the-night escape, which prompted locals to call the site the place of the “fleeing women”. Hence the new course names being Queens and Castle.

We managed to escape to the course and walk on the aforementioned 8th and 12th holes. Although the turf is yet to be laid down, the tees, fairways, bunkers and greens could easily be visualised.

Like every hole on the Queens, there are five distinct tee options and, at just under 160 yards from the tips and not much over 100 yards from the front tee, the 12th gives everyone a chance and a challenge.

The view is spectacular, the infinity green gives way to distant sea views. Add to this the changeable winds, and you won’t know if a well-struck shot will find a place on the green until it lands!

I think the 8th hole is really going to be a huge favourite for many. From the tee, the eye runs down the hole past the large bunker on the right to the end of the fairway and then, the almost island green rises out of the large lake.

Elite players will be itching to drive the ball close to the green but that comes with a whole load of risks. So it’s about choosing the right lay-up club from the tee, which will then leave your favourite pitch shot.

The practice facilities are still under construction, but the plans suggest they will be first rate with a putting green, large chipping green and bespoke bunker practice green. I’m not sure I’d make it to the course!

So for those professionals looking to arrange coaching trips, it’s going to be absolutely ideal and don’t forget the Queens course will be super playable for all abilities.

What is the accommodation like?

Sitting on the breathtaking beachfront, there are two distinct five-star lodging concepts ready for luxury seekers.

The primary option is Mangia’s Costa Ragusa Borgo, a beautifully designed all-inclusive village. It features over 430 sophisticated rooms, suites, and private villas immersed in lush Mediterranean gardens. Built around the central Piazza Ibla, it caters extensively to families and couples. 

For travellers seeking a quieter escape, the adjacent Icona’s Costa Ragusa Resort offers an exclusive, adults-only, five-star experience with 105 upscale rooms blending contemporary Italian design with panoramic sea views.

Beyond accommodations and amazing golf options, sport is elevated into a true lifestyle experience here.

The complex boasts an impressive world-class sports zone featuring 14 red clay tennis courts, three padel courts, and pickleball setups, making it a premier destination for intensive training camps or casual matches.

Active guests can also take advantage of scenic running paths, a bright, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and a dedicated water sports hub for sailing, kayaking, and snorkelling directly off the 3,000-square-metre private beach.

The beach bar was a favourite of mine and was just a three-minute walk from the hotel. I walked down there early on the day I was leaving, and the peace, tranquillity, furniture, and sea view with waves gently crashing left me in a truly meditative state.

What about eating out?

I love hotel breakfasts, and breakfast at Costa Ragusa just excels, with beautiful food (in fact, anything and everything you could ever want), very attentive staff and great coffee!

After the course walk, we travelled to the Donnafugata Winery where we were treated to a simply amazing wine tasting.

We were given appropriate dishes to go with each wine, and each one was explained and described to us by the enthusiastic and knowledgeable Adriana.

Whether you are a wine connoisseur or not, it’s a special experience. It certainly helps you ‘relax’ for the rest of the day.

For the evening meal, a five-minute buggy ride took us to the AMA Restaurant. It’s situated on a small promontory with stunning views of the ocean and beaches. We could hear the waves all night as we watched the sun go down.

The hotel also boasts the IBLAE fine dining restaurant, which highlights the incredible Sicilian cuisine.

Final thoughts

Costa Ragusa is a destination that demands attention. With Comiso Airport located just 20 minutes from the resort – and fully capable of accepting flights as demand increases – access is only going to improve.

Even if flight patterns take time to shift, a new motorway currently under construction from Catania will soon speed up transfer times significantly. 

Combined with the world-class design signatures of Jiménez and Olazábal, Costa Ragusa is stepping out of the shadows to become a major player in European golf. It is an emerging gem that every passionate golfer should have on their radar.

About John Green

John was the head professional at Alwoodley for 35 years and is a Fellow of The PGA. He assists in the club’s office and pro shop and now plays more golf than ever.

He loves everything about golf except for the slow play of tour players and handicap manipulators. He has a handicap of +0.4 and supports York City.

Now have your say on Costa Ragusa

Will you be heading to Costa Ragusa? Let us know your thoughts on the changes to the resort either by leaving a comment or getting in touch on X.

NOW READ: Why Terre Blanche is one of France’s finest golf resorts

NOW READ: Is Quinta do Lago the best golf resort in Europe?

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This is where you can keep up to date with the Rory McIlroy schedule.

The sport’s latest entrant to the Grand Slam Club is expected to start his season in the Middle East on the DP World Tour, before switching to the United States to defend his title at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

McIlroy will seek to add to his resume of five major championships in 2026, beginning with his defence of the Masters at Augusta National in April.

Which PGA Tour and DP World Tour tournaments will he play next? As soon as any changes are made, you will be able to read about them right here…

ALSO: How much is Rory McIlroy worth?

ALSO: Rory McIlroy wants to be the best European ever – but which player holds this title?

Here is the Rory McIlroy next tournament schedule…

What tournament is Rory McIlroy playing in next?

2026 – Rory McIlroy next tournament

Hero Dubai Desert Classic: January 22-25 (Emirates GC) T33
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am: February 12-15 (Pebble Beach Golf Links, Spyglass Hill) T14 Genesis Invitational: February 19-22 (Riviera CC) T2 Arnold Palmer Invitational: March 5-8 (Bay Hill Lodge) WD
The Players Championship: March 12-15 (TPC Sawgrass) T46
The Masters: April 9-12 (Augusta National) WIN
Truist Championship: May 7-10 (Quail Hollow Club) T19 PGA Championship: May 14-17 (Aronimink GC) T7
The Memorial Tournament: June 4-7 (Muirfield Village GC) T12 US Open: June 18-21 (Shinnecock Hills GC) T32 Genesis Scottish Open: July 9-12 (Renaissance Club)
The Open Championship: July 16-19 (Royal Birkdale)

2026 results:

Dubai Invitational (Dubai Creek) T3

2025 results:

Hero Dubai Desert Classic (Emirates GC) T4
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Monterey Peninsula) WIN
Genesis Invitational (Torrey Pines) T17
The PLAYERS Championship (TPC Sawgrass) WIN
Texas Children’s Houston Open (Memorial Park) T5
The Masters (Augusta National) WIN
Zurich Classic of New Orleans (TPC Louisiana) T12
Truist Championship (Philadelphia Cricket Club) T7
PGA Championship (Quail Hollow) T47
RBC Canadian Open (TPC Toronto) MC
US Open (Oakmont CC) T19
Travelers Championship (TPC River Highlands) T6
Genesis Scottish Open (Renaissance Club) T2
The Open Championship (Royal Portrush) T7
BMW Championship (Caves Valley Golf Club) T12
Tour Championship (East Lake) T23
AMGEN Irish Open (K Club) WIN
BMW PGA Championship (West Course at Wentworth) T20
DP World India Championship (Delhi GC) T26
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship (Yas Links) T3
DP World Tour Championship (Jumeirah Golf Estate) 2 Crown Australian Open (Royal Melbourne GC) T14

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A look back at Rory McIlroy’s 2025 season

McIlroy continued his great form at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, finishing inside the top five for the fifth year in succession. He started his 2025 campaign with a T4 finish at Emirates GC. After a first appearance in the TGL League, the Northern Irishman then secured his 27th win on the PGA Tour, claiming victory at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am – his first win at the famous event.

Although it wasn’t to be in the first season of TGL, with Boston Common losing all five of their matches, the Northern Irishman did secure a second victory of the season at TPC Sawgrass. It was his second win at The PLAYERS Championship, and the first time he had won twice in the United States before the opening major of the season.

That was all the pre-show, though. Once again, coming into The Masters at Augusta National, the talk was about whether the Northern Irishman could secure the Career Grand Slam, on what was the 11th time of asking. He finally managed to achieve that goal, beating good friend Justin Rose in a playoff on the 18th green to put on the Green Jacket, and to become the sixth man of all time to complete the set.

McIlroy achieved four more top tens over the next couple of months, with one of those coming at the Open Championship at Royal Portrush. He finished T7 there, following a runners-up finish at the Genesis Scottish Open the week prior. In his next appearance on home soil, at the AMGEN Irish Open, McIlroy won for the 20th time on the DP World Tour, getting the better of Joakim Lagergren on the third extra hole.

The Northern Irishman then played four more times on the DP World Tour through to the end of the 2025 season, finishing inside the top 20 in three of those tournaments. In the DP World Tour Playoffs, McIlroy finished in a tie for 3rd at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, before then coming home as the runner-up at the DP World Tour Championship, losing out to Matt Fitzpatrick in a playoff. He did take home the Race to Dubai title for a seventh time, moving into second on the all-time list behind only Colin Montgomerie.

NOW READ: Inside Rory McIlroy’s incredible £900k luxury car collection…

NOW READ: Who is Rory McIlroy’s wife? Meet Erica Stoll

NOW READ: Who is Rory McIlroy’s caddie? Meet Harry Diamond

Done with the Rory McIlroy next tournament schedule? Surprised by anything on the Rory McIlroy schedule and results? Tell us on X!

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There are plenty of holes that can make you nervous. Particularly when it’s the first of the day.

There are holes with intimidating water carries, brutally narrow fairways and greens that just look tiny, surrounded by deep bunkers.

The opening tee shot on the Old Course at St Andrews is one of, if not the, hardest shots in golf. That might sound ridiculous at first glance.

The fairway is enormous, especially by modern standards. It can look almost comically wide, which is often the case when the Sky Sports cameras rock up for The Open Championship every five years or so.

There is no 200-yard carry over water, and you don’t have to thread your ball between two trees. Yet bizarrely, that is exactly what makes it so difficult.

I have had the privilege of playing the Old Course several times. It’s a special place. But not many say it’s a tough place to play, especially for the professionals.

For me, it’s a hole that does something to my head that very few golf shots can replicate. It gives you so much room that, rather than freeing you up, it creates doubt.

Of course, first tee nerves are nothing new. They are arguably heightened when playing at a course with so much history and significance. But this is more than that.

It is 100% the hardest shot on that golf course, and it might be one of the hardest shots you will play anywhere. It is ridiculous what it does to your mind.

I’ve seen it happen to everyone. I have played with very good golfers who all suffer the same fate. Before playing there recently, I had a whole conversation with a PGA professional about what he was going to hit from the first tee. He’s unsurprisingly a very good golfer, and he was adamant that he was going to hit a 2-iron.

He had no hesitation beforehand – that was his plan the night before. I told him it wouldn’t be as straightforward as that and he’d go back-and-forth changing his mind.

The mental effect of the Old Course

I said that when we actually got there the following morning, his certainty would disappear. He would stand over the ball and start thinking about all the ways he could hit it badly.

The thoughts of shanking, fatting and hitting it off the toe end will all start to enter and regurgitate around his mind.

And once those thoughts start creeping in, you begin to second-guess yourself. Maybe a 2-iron isn’t the right club, perhaps a 3-wood would be safer, or should I be looking to hit driver?

Then you start thinking that driver might go too far. Before you know it, you’re standing on one of the widest fairways in golf with absolutely no idea what club you actually want in your hands. And, as predicted, Lee got there and started doing exactly that.

That is the genius of the hole.

He went back to his bag about three times, changing clubs and faffing around before eventually settling on the 2-iron he’d originally been so certain about hitting.

Then he hit a low hook that nearly ended up on the road. I couldn’t help but think, this is a hole that has a unique way of mentally getting to you. No matter how good they are, it seems to play tricks on them.

To me, it’s what makes the first on the Old Course so fascinating. It isn’t necessarily testing your ability to hit a golf ball but rather your mental fortitude. Your brain will go into overdrive.

Golf is as much of a mental game as it is a technical one, and the first at the Old Course is one of the best examples of that kind of challenge anywhere in the world.

You are standing on the first tee at the home of golf, surrounded by history and expectation, looking at a fairway that seems to stretch forever, with not a clue which club to hit. And in my book, that makes it one of the hardest holes in golf.

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NOW HAVE YOUR SAY

Do you think the first at St Andrews is a hard hole? What’s the hardest hole you have played? Where would you rank the Old Course in terms of difficulty? Let us know by leaving a comment or get in touch with us on X!

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Paul has been playing golf for around a fourth of a Century, whilst his time on this Earth is rapidly approaching half a Century!

During that time his handicap, on average, has gone down around half a shot a year and is currently at 8.

His general love of Sport included a time studying the Philosophy and Sociology of Sport.

In 2013 he co-authored a book chapter ‘The good and bad of youth sport today’.

His passion for youth sport is equally matched in his role heading up the Buyer’s Guides for National Club Golfer.

He wants to inform golfers what gear is the best whilst finding all the best golf deals so you can save money.

Since joining the equipment testing team at NCG he has become a hybrid convert and is ready to tell you to ditch the long irons if you want to hit more greens this season!

Paul uses Titleist GT3 driver, Callaway Ai Smoke hybrids, a SeeMore Giant Putter and a TaylorMade Tour Response golf ball.

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A journalist for more than 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long.

A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A’s prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.

Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men’s Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.

A part of NCG’s Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He’d like to tell you he floats around 10. The reality is more like 13.

Steve plays at Sandburn Hall, in York, and is a country member at Close House in Newcastle. He has served on various club committees during his time in the game, and is the current Rules Secretary at Sandburn.

Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NCTJ exams at Darlington College of Technology. He began his career working on weekly papers in Newcastle, before joining the York Press in 2001. After five years as a news reporter, he joined the sports desk – specialising in horse racing and snooker – and was Digital Sports Editor when he joined National Club Golfer in 2016.

What’s in Steve’s bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; Caley 01T irons 4-PW; TaylorMade Hi-Toe wedges, Odyssey 2Ball Microhinge putter.

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Summer golf is upon us, and if you’re still wondering which clubs would make the best purchase this season, the top-sellers from the month of May offer clear data.

Irons were the runaway winners, taking all five of the top spots, but one model, TaylorMade’s P790, a players distance model designed to suit a wide array of skill levels, had a notable surge since last month, nearly taking over the top spot. Ultimately, Mizuno’s Pro M-15s, another players distance option that has dominated the list for the last several months, again came out on top.

Other best-sellers include Titleist’s T150 and T250 irons, and Ping’s G440s. Check them out in detail via the links below.

Not sure which model is the best fit for your game? That means you’re likely due for a visit to your local True Spec, where a professional staff of fitters who specialize in objective, brand-agnostic guidance will direct you to the best equipment for your game.

Once you’ve nailed down your ideal specs, you can customize your irons when you order them, choosing your preferred length, shaft flex, grip and more.

Make this summer of golf your best ever with a new set of best-selling irons today!

Shop May’s top-selling irons from Fairway Jockey

Mizuno Pro M-15 Custom Irons

The Mizuno Pro M-13 and M-15, part of the all-new Modern Series. Sitting alongside the existing Signature Series (S-1 and S-3), the Modern Series represents a fresh evolution in forged performance. Engineered for players seeking a bit more speed, forgiveness, and playability, while maintaining the unmistakable Mizuno Pro shaping and feel.
The Modern Series debuts with two distinct models, each designed for a specific type of ball striker. The M-13 features tour-preferred proportions and a faster, more consistent flight profile, while the M-15 delivers higher launch and additional forgiveness that blends smoothly through the set. Both retain the craftsmanship and forged heritage that define every Mizuno Pro iron.

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TaylorMade P790 Custom Irons

REVOLUTIONARY FORGED FEEL

More Speed, More Consistency
Increased Distance with Improved Gapping
FLTD CG – Shaped for Elegant Performance

FEATURES

Enhanced Feel & FeedbackSubstantially improved feel was a key focus when designing the 2025 P·790. Individual head optimization and advanced modal analysis, combined with SpeedFoam Air, deliver best-in-class forged feel with an explosive sensation at impact.

Faster Face, Greater SpeedThe 2025 P·790 introduces an all-new ultra-high-strength, high-speed forged face material (4340M), which is 20% stronger than previous generations. This increased strength enables a thinner face, faster ball speeds, and a sweet spot up to 24% larger.*
*Comparison vs. 2023 P·790 7 iron.

Optimized CG for Precision & DistanceA faster 4340M face, individual head optimization, and FLTD CG technology precisely position the center of gravity (CG), delivering increased carry distances with ideal launch and spin for improved gapping throughout the set.
In 2025, the long irons feature an even lower CG for enhanced launch and playability, while the scoring clubs have a higher CG to improve spin rates and control. FLTD CG strategically shifts the center of gravity from low in the long irons to progressively higher in the short irons for optimal performance.

Refined Aesthetics & Turf InteractionThe all-new P·790 boasts a thinner topline for a cleaner look at address and an increased sole radius with a progressive leading edge. This design enhances turf interaction and promotes more consistent impact locations.

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Titleist 2025 T150 Custom Irons

T150 Irons are crafted for added distance with unwavering accuracy. Forged into a player’s shape with progressive blade lengths, T150 offers a precise blend of speed, stability, and consistency—providing the confidence to hit and hold greens from anywhere.  
Confidence-Inspiring Forged Design 
Forged into a player’s shape with a slightly larger head size for pure feel with extra stability.
Elevated Ball Speed
1° stronger lofts (vs. T100) combine with an improved muscle channel through 7-iron and lower long-iron CG to help improve speed, launch, and carry.
Superior Flight and Stability 
Split high-density tungsten produces optimal CG with remarkable stability for precise shotmaking.
Consistent Speed & Spin  
New VFT technology and progressive groove design provide consistent spin and speed across the face in variable conditions. 

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Titleist 2025 T250 Custom Irons

Distance never looked this pure. T250 Irons give golfers the ultimate combination of raw speed, stability, and consistency with an ultra-clean design that players love. It’s a merger of form and function, crafted for powerful performance while satisfying the eye of the most discerning golfers.   
Singular Design 
High-strength steel construction allows powerful performance technologies to be discreetly housed within a sleek, modern design. 
Elevated Speed 
A new forged L-Face Design heightens ball speed and launch for astounding distance across the face. 
Enhanced Consistency
Improved Max Impact Technology and a progressive groove design promote consistent carry, spin, and dispersion from any lie. 
High Flight & Stability 
Split high-density tungsten produces optimal CG with high stability for more forgiving shotmaking. 
Launch Spec Configuration
A brand-new addition to the T-Series lineup, T250 Launch Spec provides the same technology and features the same construction as T250 but with a lighter headweight and added loft, promoting effortless launch, increased carry distance for low-flight players and more stopping power into the greens.

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PING G440 Custom Irons

The G440 iron is a distance-driven design that best fits golfers in need of game-improvement technology who prefer the influence of a players-style shape. Increased ball speed comes from the thinner face and the low/back CG location – resulting in higher- launching, longer-carrying shots with stopping power.
FAST AND FORGIVING
Thinner face flexes for more ball speed, saves weight to increase MOI.
LOW CG SYSTEM
Shorter face lowers CG for more ball speed, higher launch. 
PLAYERS INSPIRED
Shallow face height and shorter blade height. 
PREMIUM PERFORMANCE 
Four-piece, chrome-plated cavity badge increases flexing, damps vibration. 

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