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Amid Soaring Ryder Cup Fever, a Massive Crisis Awaits the Golf World as Fatal Fire Leaves Behind Trail of Devastation

Published 09/28/2023, 7:20 AM EDT

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One of the major golfing events, the Solheim Cup, concluded a few days ago. It faced a good share of issues concerning its functioning and availability of resources. The golf world was unhappy and hoped it would be avoided in Rome. But it seems like the Ryder Cup is on the verge of entering the same boat now!

The iconic showdown will happen in Rome at the Marco Simone Golf Club and commence on 29 September. While America is desperate to end the 30-year-old losing streak, Europe will not likely leave any space for losing at home. But how will they play if there are no balls at the golf course?

A tragedy looms over the upcoming Ryder Cup 2023

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The Associated Press on September 24 reported a piece of tragic news concerning a golf factory in Taiwan. A fire, followed by an explosion in Southern Taiwan, impacted the lives of many workers in the factory. According to the source, it began on Friday night, 22nd September.

The fire raged overnight and spread to the whole area. The current death toll has reached nine people, inclusive of some firefighters as well. The factory was famous for manufacturing balls for Launch Technologies, Inc. – the leading global supplier in Taipei, Taiwan.

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While the cause of the fire remains unknown, many are familiar with its impact. The companies associated with the Pingtung City golf ball factory were Callaway, TaylorMade, Bridgestone, Mizuno, and Wilson. At least 20% of the world’s supply of golf balls will be affected ahead of the tragic news.

 

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Golf Digest received an email from Dean Klatt, CEO and founder of Seed Golf – a ball manufacturer. There will likely be a complete shutdown of manufacturing for the next 12 months for the companies under Launch Technologies, Inc.

Impact on the iconic event

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Callaway and TaylorMade are the two most famous golfing brands. They have aided the golf players for a long while now and have them as their brand faces as well. While the ball manufacturing factory took a hit, it could also impact the upcoming Ryder Cup.

Callaway generally has more options for those with a higher handicap. And for mid to lower handicap, TaylorMade is ideal. If you are a beginner, the former might be a good option. However, it’s irons are expensive. And TaylorMade has the best driver.

Out of the players on the Ryder Cup squad, European golfer Jon Rahm and America’s Xander Schauffele and Sam Burns are the faces of Callaway’s golfing brand. Team Europe’s Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Tommy Fleetwood represent TaylorMade.

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The Ryder Cup squad is the face of these famous brands. While they reel with the after-effects of the deadly fire and explosion, can the players sail through the Ryder Cup smoothly? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch this story | As compatriots gear up for the Ryder Cup, LIV golfer Sergio Garcia’s $867345 worth plea suffers a brutal rejection from the officials

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Written by:

Manya Jain

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Manya Jain is a promising golf writer at EssentiallySports. Despite being in her early days, Manya displays a strong passion for golf writing. The majors are Manya's forte, and their in-depth coverage is her creative fueling.
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Edited by:

Sharan Nair

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