LIV Golf eyes OWGR points, McIlroy reflects on 2025 success, and Fred Couples joins Malbon. The Back Nine.
After a career-defining 2025 season, Rory McIlroy shows no signs of slowing down. The 36-year-old capped off the year with a Masters win, completing his career Grand Slam, added an Irish Open title, and helped Team Europe to a Ryder Cup victory on U.S. soil. For his efforts, he was named BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year.
“I don’t know what I’ll do in 2026 to top this, but I’ll try,” McIlroy said. “There’s still a lot more to achieve.” Among his goals: a record-tying eighth Race to Dubai title to match Colin Montgomerie. “I still feel I have a few good years ahead. Thankfully, I’ve stayed injury-free, and the drive to improve is still there.”
Just a day later, McIlroy was spotted ringside at the Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul fight in Miami, where he also shared thoughts on his future and the upcoming TGL season. McIlroy confirmed that Michael Thorbjornsen will join Boston Common as a substitute player when Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama are unavailable for the January 2 opener.
LIV Golf and OWGR: ‘There’s a chance’
LIV Golf is making another push for inclusion in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR). Trevor Immelman, who chairs the OWGR board, revealed ongoing talks with LIV CEO Scott O’Neil. “We’re working closely to find a solution,” Immelman said. “They’ve moved to 72-hole events and plan to expand their fields.”
Immelman emphasized the merit-based nature of OWGR: “You have to earn your spot and fight to keep it. That’s what makes our sport compelling. We’ve worked with LIV to help them understand this perspective.”
Ryder Cup team honored, Donald gives thanks
McIlroy wasn’t the only one recognized at the BBC SPOTY awards. Team Europe, led by Luke Donald, was named Team of the Year for their Ryder Cup triumph at Bethpage Black. McIlroy accepted the award alongside Tommy Fleetwood, while the rest of the team chimed in via social media. Captain Donald shared his gratitude in a heartfelt message.
Fred Couples joins Malbon, Henseleit ties the knot
Fred Couples, the 1992 Masters champion, is the latest ambassador for trendy golf fashion brand Malbon, joining Charley Hull and Jason Day. Meanwhile, LPGA star Esther Henseleit married her caddie and fiancé Reece Phillips in the Italian Alps, with fellow golfers Polly Mack, Sophia Popov, and Nanna Koerstz Madsen in attendance.
Cadillac returns as PGA Tour sponsor
The PGA Tour announced Cadillac as the title sponsor of the 2026 Cadillac Championship, a Signature Event to be held at Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster course. The move marks another high-profile event at a Trump-owned venue