New year, new decade and with them, plenty of innovations in your favourite sport. Expect this year to come with upgrades on courses and equipment, new faces to watch in the tournaments, new deals on green fees and changes in championships. Plus some personal goals for you to aim for. Read on to discover what’s new in golf in 2020.

New in championships

Although the PGA Tour officially begins in the autumn, the real action arrives in the spring and summer. Here’s our round-up of highlights to look out for on the world’s top courses in 2020:

The Masters – played from 9 to 12 April, expect reigning championship Tiger Woods to make a real bid for his 16th Major title at Augusta National this year. Woods is on top form and many analysts believe he’ll pull it off. If he does, he’ll be one step closer to Jack Nicklaus’ absolute record of 18.

The Olympics – after its triumphant return to the 2016 Games, golf is back at the 2020 Olympics in Japan. Expect to see the world’s top players in action – think McIlroy, Rahm, Koepka and Woods – at Kasumigaseki Country Club in Saitama from 30 July to 2 August.

Ryder Cup – new in golf in 2020 is the chance for the US team to take revenge on the Europeans. They’ll be trying at one of the greatest golf courses in the US, Whistling Straits on Lake Michigan from 25 to 27 September.

New goals for your golf in 2020

We might be nearing the end of January but there’s still time to make some resolutions for your game this year. How about aiming to finish a round with no three-putts? Or hitting at least one birdie every month?

Whatever your golfing resolution for 2020, you’ll find it much easier to keep if you have some professional help. Find yours at the Rio Real Academy where tailor-made tuition from our Pro Sergio de Céspedes will ensure your golf rises to new heights in 2020. Find out more here. 

New on the driving range

Marina Bay, the only golf course in Singapore, has just welcomed a brand-new driving range. Accommodating no less than 114 players at any one time, the state-of-the-art range has a touchscreen console that allows you to track and analyse every one of your shots. Look out for similar features at driving ranges everywhere over the next few years.

Balls go new in golf in 2020

As you’d expect, golfing equipment also benefits from innovation this year. The very latest in golf ball technology has added a larger core and thinner cover giving the ball much more spin. New design on the dimples add aerodynamics to the ball too.

Our Pro Shop stocks all the latest in golfing equipment and accessories. Pop along and let our expert staff find just what you need in your golf bag. 

Players to watch on the greens

No list of what’s new in golf in 2020 would be complete without mentioning some golfers to watch this year. We’ve gone for two emerging champions:

Victor Hovland – the 22-year old Norwegian has been making waves for the last couple of years and is expected to make a big splash in 2020. He is described as having “phenomenal play and a complete lack of fear”. He’ll probably make the European team at the Ryder Cup.

Muni Hi – Chinese Hi is just 20, but she has already made a name for herself on the LPGA circuit. Analysts believe 2020 will the year she makes the big jump.

New deals in golf in 2020

All golfers love a great deal and if it’s at one of the best golf courses on the Costa del Sol, so much the better. This one’s brand new for 2020 and comes with a 20% discount on all green fees throughout the year. So you can play much more golf for much less with possibly the best green fees in Marbella.

Book your green fee with 20% off now.