Whether it's watching highlights of their rounds, or seeing what they had for breakfast, fans are closer to professional athletes in 2016 than ever, thanks largely to social media. Platforms like Twitter allow people to follow professional golfers around the world as they train, compete, relax and enjoy the perks of life on the European Tour.
The majority of players on Tour now have a Twitter account and our very own Social Media Manager, Jamie Kennedy, took on the task of picking five specific players that you should follow. Some of the names may surprise you.
"Twitter and other social networks are transforming the way fans enjoy sport,” said Kennedy. "Whether it is second-screening whilst watching golf, interacting with their favourite players or simply getting a behind-the-scenes look at life on Tour, it's easy to see why there are more than 300 million active monthly users on Twitter.
"While we know that almost three million people for Rory McIlroy and over two million people follow Ian Poulter, there are dozens of European Tour pros that many fans are not aware of on Twitter. Here's a look at five we think are worth following"
Fantastic set up for the spectators on the 18th @BMWPGA, one of the most impressive finishes of the year. pic.twitter.com/vh7IWVDXfI
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) May 23, 2016
"Graeme McDowell is the most high profile player to make this list. The ten-time European Tour winner has over 700 thousand followers but is worthy of plenty more. Gmac offers a good range of professional and private life posts, all flavoured with his Northern Irish sense of humour. He posts daily and is always keen to interact andanswer his Twitter fans."
Before anyone picks it up...
— Thomas Bjorn (@thomasbjorngolf) June 5, 2016
Yes, it is me.
Yes, it is my dad's shoes!
Yes, it is ugly clothes!
Yes, it is 1974 pic.twitter.com/MLiDYGTYj4
"The oldest player on our list, and youngest in terms of time on Twitter, is Thomas Bjørn. The 15-time winner justjoined the Twittersphere in Apriland has since kept his followers more than entertained withphotos,emojisand even acompetitionor two. The Great Dane has even attracted some celebrity followers, with the likes football legendsMatt Le Tissier and Robbie Fowler interactingwith him."
I couldn't help but laugh when the lady helping me locate my clubs said 'if you can hire a set we will refund the cost' #themasters #hireset
— Chris Wood (@Chris3Wood) March 30, 2016
"Chris Wood has been keeping his 30,000 followers entertained on Twitter since 2011 and no matter where he is in the world, he keeps his fans up to date with the latestcourse conditions, lost bag updates andfootball skills. The BMW PGA Champion has a great relationship with the other players and is never shy in having ahumourous digat them on Twitter. The 28 year old also has one of thestrongest emoji gameson Tour."
My caddy is high maintenance. Getting treatment during weather delays.. #WGCHSBC https://t.co/I0fV0I4Brm pic.twitter.com/NClNLqdhKM
— Thomas Pieters (@Thomas_Pieters) November 7, 2015
"Thomas Pieters made a name for himself in golf when he won in back-to-back starts on Tour in 2015. However, he’s been making a name for himself on Twitter since 2011. The young Belgian has fully embraced social media in recent months and is always on hand to share anon-site photos, hisinformal goals, or a throwbackphoto of him and Thomas Bjørn. Pieters is also first to retweet videos when he doesthings like this."
You know you're teeing off early when there's a hammered swede sitting eating his maccies outside your hotel room 😂
— Chris Paisley (@ChrisPaisley86) June 4, 2016
"Chris Paisley also joined in 2011 and is one of the most active players on Tour when it comes to Twitter. The 30 year old is a keen Newcastle United fan, which is evident in a lot of hisposts, however he is always good for a course photo or a video of hiscaddy having a go on a tricky par three. Chris is also one of the best users of slow-mo video on Tour, often sharingrange videosto show off his impressive swing."
