LIV Golf eyes OWGR points, McIlroy reflects on 2025, and Fred Couples joins Malbon. The Back Nine.
Rory McIlroy capped off what he called the best year of his professional golf career by being named Sports Personality of the Year. But the 36-year-old isn’t resting on his laurels. “I don’t know what I’ll do in 2026 to top this, but I’ll try. There’s still a lot more to achieve,” he said after a season that included a Masters win to complete the career Grand Slam, a victory at the Irish Open, and a Ryder Cup triumph on foreign soil.
One goal in sight: a record-tying eighth Race to Dubai title, which would place him alongside Colin Montgomerie. “I still feel like I have a few good years ahead of me. Knock on wood, I’ve stayed injury-free. And the drive to improve is still there.”
Just a day later, McIlroy was spotted ringside at the boxing match between Anthony Joshua and Jake Paul in Miami, where he also gave interviews.
OWGR and LIV Golf: ‘There’s a Chance’
LIV Golf is renewing its push for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. Trevor Immelman, chair of the OWGR board since April, revealed ongoing talks with LIV CEO Scott O’Neil. “We’re working closely to find a solution. I think there’s a chance,” said Immelman. LIV has agreed to switch to 72-hole events and may expand its field size. “The OWGR is about meritocracy,” Immelman emphasized. “You have to earn your place and fight to keep it. That’s been a key part of our discussions with LIV.”
Team of the Year: Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup Squad
McIlroy wasn’t the only one honored at the BBC’s SPOTY awards. Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup team, which won at Bethpage Black, was named Team of the Year. McIlroy accepted the award alongside teammate Tommy Fleetwood, while others joined virtually. Captain Donald expressed his gratitude on social media.
Fred Couples x Malbon, and More
Fred Couples has joined Charley Hull and Jason Day as a brand ambassador for trendy golf apparel label Malbon. The 1992 Masters champ brings his signature cool to the streetwear brand.
In other news, Tiger Woods’ irons from his historic Tiger Slam sold for $5.1 million at auction. Meanwhile, the PGA Tour announced Cadillac as the title sponsor for the 2026 Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster course. And finally, a WWII grenade found at Royal Liverpool was safely detonated—just another week in the world of golf.