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Golf is booming with more and more people finding time to pick up their clubs and play a few holes. The major tournaments and international team events obviously steal the lion's share of coverage and draw in huge audiences with so much content to consume it can feel overwhelming.
To be honest, it's almost impossible to keep track of everything - especially the easily missed stories not making national headlines. But what happens when the media caravan moves on? The Stroke Index, written by journalist Simon Payne, is hoping to bridge the gap by providing a digest of the best golf content and trends all in one place, reliably delivered to your inbox - for free.
Our mission is simple: deliver a streamlined, ad-free newsletter with the latest tour previews, results, global golf news, and curated links to equipment, fashion, and travel for every golfer. For expert analysis, the latest stats, and informed commentary, join The Stroke Index and be part of a growing golf community.
Who is Simon Payne - author of The Stroke Index?
Simon Payne has almost three decades of experience working in broadcast and print media. Having started his career at Sky TV before moving on to journalism roles including news and picture editor at Golf Monthly magazine and a number of years as a freelance sports writer, he settled back behind a desk as a sub-editor in the regional press industry where his focus has been on helping to deliver local news across the South East of England.
Yet his passion for all things golf has never diminished and he feels now is the right time to get back in the game. He said: 'I have been playing golf for many years, and watching for even longer. I remember being inspired by Sandy Lyle playing THAT bunker shot on the 18th at Augusta on the way to winning the Masters in 1988. But I must have been interested long before that because I can still recall the crazy footage of Bernhard Langer climbing a tree to play a ball that had lodged in the trunk, back in 1981. The seed was well and truly sown.
'Of course, the sport has moved on tremendously since then and the professional game is bigger than ever, commanding more attention and allowing fans multiple media platforms on which to access the latest news. And that is where The Stroke Index comes in. Rather than trawling through a range of content you want to read behind the main headlines, why not enjoy receiving a regular email with links to some of the best stories out there? It will save time yet still keep you fed with up-to-date news and trends.
'The newsletter also aims to go beyond the professional game, giving amateur golfers a fix of articles from the business of golf to tournament and event news. Added to this will be links to the best stories on equipment, fashion and travel for those looking to expand their game and the experiences that come with it.
'I'm hoping The Stroke Index will in time go beyond just being a platform to source golf news and will actually play its own small part in helping to grow the game.'
The Stroke Index is more than just a newsletter – it's about building a community. A place where people can come together to share ideas, discuss the highs and lows and dissect every key moment from tee to green. If you love golf, this is your new home!
So where and how do I join?
The Stroke Index is published on Substack, an independent platform with no ads. You can read it on the desktop, the Substack app or directly from your inbox. No need to scroll or rely on algorithms - once it's live, the newsletter is sent straight to you. You can join by clicking here or entering your email into the sign up box further up the article.
So what's on our scorecard?
Every newsletter will consist of a number of sections each with just what you need to stay one step ahead on the range, at the course, or sitting in front of the TV.
These will include:
- View From the Tee: Bringing you the best news lines from respected sources inside golf, pre- and post-tournament analysis, the stats that matter, updates from the heart of the professional game, and so much more.
- Around the Greens: News from the UK regions and around the world. Business updates and feature articles to inspire any club or recreational golfer.
- Clubhouse Chat: If you're looking for the latest bit of golf kit, technology, clothes to wear, or places to visit, then sit down with a cuppa and find the stories you need to improve your game and, more importantly, enjoy it. There will also be the best of golf socials, things you might have missed and light-hearted moments guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
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