DP World Tour star shares hilarious story about apply spherical

You typically hear the tales of PGA Tour execs taking part in large cash video games in apply rounds forward of tournaments.

1000’s of {dollars} are on the road whereas bragging rights between pleasant rivals are, too. But, execs place bets on the course not as a result of they’ve a playing drawback. They achieve this to attempt to simulate event strain earlier than the photographs start to rely. Nothing compares to the warmth of competitors, so having one thing to play for helps ramp that strain up.

However generally, gamers will play for greater than cash, as was the case between Nicolai Højgaard, Rasmus Højgaard, and Matt Wallace earlier than the DP World Tour’s first playoff occasion, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

“There was greater than cash in danger, and that’s most likely why it obtained so aggressive,” Rasmus Højgaard mentioned on Tuesday.

“So we have been taking part in a birdies recreation, so whoever makes probably the most birdies. I made what was equal to 6 birdies, Matt three, and Nicolai two.”

However what did the ultimate outcomes of that birdie recreation equate to?

“The birdies meant that each birdie you have been behind is a minute within the chilly plunge,” Rasmus additional defined.

Picture by Andrew Redington/Getty Photos

“Clearly, we had just a little additional recreation on the market. So it turned out that Nicolai needed to do three minutes, and Matt needed to do two minutes. Matt’s most likely already executed it. So I didn’t get to see it, however I’m undoubtedly watching [my brother] Nicolai.”

A visit to the ice tub isn’t enjoyable, nevertheless it undoubtedly motivated Rasmus to play properly on Tuesday.

However this robust play is nothing new for Rasmus. He has performed properly all season on the DP World Tour and arrives in Abu Dhabi ranked third within the standings, trailing solely Rory McIlroy and Thriston Lawrence. For those who recall, Rasmus held off McIlroy at Royal County Down, birdieing the ultimate three holes to eclipse the hometown hero by one.

The Dane now appears to be like destined to safe one of many 10 PGA Tour playing cards up for grabs on the finish of the DP World Tour Championship, a brand new pathway created a yr in the past. The highest 10 finishers in Dubai—not in any other case exempt—obtain playing cards to play on the PGA Tour in 2025, and Rasmus completed eleventh in these rankings in 2023.

“Sitting there final yr on that Sunday was a bit tough. I used to be clearly very, very pleased to see Nicolai win the [DP World Tour Championship], however for myself, it was robust that I missed out by one spot on a card for the PGA Tour,” Rasmus mentioned.

“I used to be very motivated to come back out this yr and play some good golf. I’ve managed that in stretches through the yr. So yeah, it’s been a terrific yr. I’m pleased the place I’m at and attempt to squeeze the final bit out of those two occasions.”

One yr later, issues look a lot better for Rasmus. He’s off to a robust begin within the Center East this week—a lot in order that he playfully despatched his brother to the ice tub, a lot to his dismay.

Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Enjoying Via. Be sure you take a look at @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You’ll be able to comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as properly.