In the week leading up to the U.S. Open, the golf world’s attention turns to Canada. For the first time, the RBC Canadian Open will be held on the newly renovated North Course at TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley – a tournament with a history spanning over 100 years. Players will compete for a prize purse of $9.8 million, with Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre returning as the defending champion. TV coverage begins daily at 6:00 p.m. (Sunday at 5:30 p.m.) on Sky.
At 7:18 AM, Gary Woodland begins his tournament from the first tee. He is paired with Max Homa and Sam Burns, forming a strong U.S. trio.
In the morning wave, Rory McIlroy – a two-time champion of the RBC Canadian Open – begins his quest for a third title at 7:40 AM local time (Tee 10). He is grouped with Sweden’s Ludvig Åberg and rising American Luke Clanton, a featured trio for the opening day.
Despite record buzz at the U.S. Women’s Open, slow play frustrations resurfaced. (Photo: Getty)
At first glance, this year’s U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills offered all the hallmarks of a breakthrough moment for women’s golf. “I think if women’s golf was a stock, you’d buy it because it’s what’s driving our game forward,” declared USGA CEO Mike Whan. “The first thing they would say about the future is the future of the game looks more female than it’s ever looked in 100 years. That’s an exciting time.”
It’s a sentiment shared by many, and rightly so. The talent pool has never been deeper, the storylines more compelling, or the athleticism more evident. Yet amid all the deserved optimism, an all-too-familiar issue once again cast a long shadow: pace of play.
Despite years of dialogue and supposed reforms, slow play remains a thorn in the side of the women’s game. And at Erin Hills, it reached a boiling point. Several groups took well over three hours to complete just nine holes, grinding the tournament to an excruciating crawl and drawing criticism from fans, media, and players alike.
This isn’t a new dilemma. The LPGA Tour and the Ladies European Tour have both faced mounting pressure to tackle the problem, especially in marquee events. But for all the promises of change, the pace at the U.S. Women’s Open suggested that the message hasn’t quite landed.
No one embodied the frustration more than Charley Hull. Paired with the ever-methodical Lexi Thompson, Hull’s irritation was plain to see—and she didn’t try to hide it.
She was seen walking off greens before her group had finished, heading straight to the next tee box, even sitting down in the rough in silent protest. Her body language spoke volumes—and quickly went viral.
Hull’s exasperation echoed the concerns of fellow star Nelly Korda, who has also been vocal about the need for stricter enforcement. And while tournament officials have introduced new policies in recent seasons, those guardrails were evidently missing in Wisconsin.
The stakes are high. Women’s golf is enjoying a long-overdue surge in popularity, and moments like Erin Hills should be showcasing the sport’s brilliance—not bogging it down with marathon rounds and player frustration. The USGA and its partners must act decisively. Because if women’s golf is indeed on the rise, it cannot afford to trip over the same stumbling block again and again.
Let the headlines be about the birdies, not the bottlenecks.
Sergio Garcia returns to the DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Sergio Garcia is officially back in the fold. The former Masters champion has settled his outstanding fines related to unapproved appearances on LIV Golf, clearing the path for a long-awaited return to the DP World Tour.
Garcia, 45, has been absent from European Tour competition since his sudden withdrawal from the 2022 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Now, nearly two years on, the Spaniard is slated to tee it up at two high-profile events: the BMW International Open in Munich this July, and his national Open, the Open de España, later this autumn.
Sources close to Garcia confirm that additional starts are on the horizon, as the veteran eyes a late push for Ryder Cup consideration. Though he narrowly missed out on qualifying for the U.S. Open, Garcia remains motivated to meet the minimum eligibility requirements necessary for a potential Captain’s Pick.
With Team Europe set to defend the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in September, Garcia’s renewed presence on the DP World Tour could prove timely—not just for his own ambitions, but for European hopes in hostile territory.
Isaac Rowlands during his world record over 182 holes. (Photos: The Grove)
After 182 holes, 53 miles on foot, 35 lost balls and 8,000 calories burned, 25-year-old Isaac Rowlands has broken the Guinness World Record for the World’s Longest Golf Marathon which he played in the Arctic Circle’s midnight sun – raising more than £5,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support in the process.
Word record to raise money for cancer support
Battling four hours of heavy rain at the start and playing non-stop for 32 hours, the Assistant Pro from The Grove in Hertfordshire completed his extraordinary feat to beat the previous record of just under 31 hours at Lofoten Links in Norway, the world’s most northerly links course, regularly ranked among the best in the world and one of the most picturesque courses on the planet. The previous record was also set at Lofoten Links back in 2022.
The challenge was inspired by Isaac’s own brush with cancer as a teenager, and the physical and emotional effort poured into the campaign is set to give him international recognition with a place in the record books.
The 25-year-old Cambridge native and former captain of the Cambridgeshire County Golf team joined The Grove back in 2022, before taking his PGA studies and joining the Pro team in October 2023. After completing the successful record attempt, Isaac said: “It was both exhausting and exhilarating. Playing a course as incredible as Lofoten Links was a true privilege, and being able to contribute to such an important cause made the experience even more rewarding.
“I had a Lymphoma scare when I was 19, for which I had many tests and two operations until I was given the all-clear. Throughout the whole process, Macmillan provided unwavering support. I would want others in the same situation to continue to get this level of support when going through such a difficult time.
“I have seen for myself the amazing work Macmillan does for people, and I want to raise awareness of their care and dedication. Thank you to my friends and colleagues at The Grove and Lofoten Links for helping me make this happen, it’s an experience I’ll never forget. Donations are still welcome on his dedicated Just Giving page.
Isaac Rowlands supported by The Grove
Support from back home helped him through months and months of training and preparation. Joel Westwell, Director of Golf at The Grove, said: “We were very proud at The Grove to support Isaac, while many of us were envious of him playing in such an incredible golf course. Although millions of us love playing golf, this was a seriously physical challenge, and we have supported him in every way we could to ensure a successful world record attempt. I would urge everyone to give generously for such an amazing cause.”
In 2023, The Grove celebrated its 20th anniversary, securing its reputation as a premier golf and lifestyle resort in the UK. The resort is particularly known for its inclusivity and was awarded as England’s best golf hotel in 2024.
The US Open is the third major of the year - Source: Pexels
It is that wonderful time of the year. With two majors down, we now move our attention to the Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania for the 125 th US Open. All majors draw in the crowds, but the US Open has a particular buzz about it. Maybe it’s because the last four events have been decided by just a single stroke. It could all go down to hole 72 once again.
Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler have picked up a major apiece so far in 2025 and the competition is set to be high for the third major of the year. You may want to read some offshore sportsbook reviews to find out where to place your bets on the event. But we are here to give you all the information you will need for who to back to win the title.
The action kicks off on Thursday 12 th June, promising four days of intense golf action – and featuring the best golfers on the planet. It is always one of the real highlights of the season and the Oakmont Country Club is sure to put on a show as it hosts its first US Open since 2016. Here are some of the favorites to win.
Scottie Scheffler
Ranked number one in the world and with three career majors to his name, Scottie Scheffler is the out-and-out favorite to win the US Open this year. If he is to do so, he will have completed three-quarters of the ultimate grand slam – and the way he is playing this year, it will take something very special to stop him.
Scheffler waited until the third round of the PGA Championship last month to make a break for the lead and handled his nerve after a tricky front nine of the final round to win by five strokes. He has burst onto the scene since turning professional only a few years ago and is now relishing the chance to further etch his name in the history books.
Rory McIlroy
One golfer who might be able to reign in Scottie Scheffler’s trophy haul is Rory McIlroy. The Northern Irish golfer has recently become the first European to achieve the grand slam, of course, and he will be more than keen to stoke up the intriguing rivalry between him and the current world number one.
McIlroy won his only US Open title way back in 2011 but is still only 36 and will travel to Oakmont, Pennsylvania full of confidence. He was able to navigate the nerves of a playoff to take the Masters, which came after his second PGA Players Championship earlier in the year. It feels as though McIlroy is currently enjoying a very successful second wind.
Xander Schauffele
Last year was more than memorable for Xander Schauffele, as he became the first golfer since 2018 to win multiple majors in the same season. The American has just had to relinquish his PGA Championship reign to Scottie Scheffler but has previously stated that he thinks it will be Rory McIlroy who will be playing pressure-free since that golfer’s grand slam exploits.
Although those two will be the favorites to claim the US Open this year, Schauffele’s own title aspirations should not be ignored. It has been a relatively quiet start to 2025, however, with no top ten finishes on the Tour and a T8 his best major result of the year. Title-winning experience can play its part though, so Schauffele has to be considered one of the major challengers.
Bryson DeChambeau
Much has been written about his analytical approach to the sport and his meticulous club selection, but one thing Bryson DeChambeau has in his favor over many of his competitors for the upcoming US Open is that he knows what it takes to win the title. In fact, he is the reigning champion and is looking for a hat-trick of US Open titles after claiming his first in 2020.
Although DeChambeau has been playing well this year, he only recently managed his first LIV Golf win of the year – but that might be perfect timing for the American. With McIlroy playing so well, DeChambeau will take comfort from the memory of last year’s US Open triumph, where he won by one stroke after trailing with just four holes to go.
Jon Rahm
He is something of a forgotten man when it comes to debating potential majors champions. Jon Rahm was routinely one of the favorites to win titles a few years ago, as he battled with the likes of Scheffler and McIlroy, claiming the Masters in 2023. He had previously made the US Open his first major triumph at Torrey Pines in 2021.
But a move to LIV Golf seemed to deflate the Spanish golfer, with a string of poor performances at majors and other tournaments. He didn’t even play in last year’s US Open because of a foot injury, after looking below par throughout 2024. His form at Quail Hollow was very encouraging, however, and maybe now is the time for Rahm to show his undoubted talent once again.
The title might go down to the last hole once again – Source: Pixabay
Long Shot Chance
The beauty of this sport is that it is not always the number one ranked player who wins the titles. Golfers have come from nowhere to win majors and four rounds of intense competition can throw up the unlikeliest of champions. Patrick Cantlay is hardly an unknown, with nine professional wins to his name, but he is what you would consider a long shot to win the US Open.
The main thing in his favor is that he is a huge fan of the event. His best performance in a major was a T3 in last year’s US Open – and has consistently done well at the event. Add to that his impressive form this year and Cantlay might be one of the best long shot picks for the 2025 US Open.
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced today that its Board of Directors has elected Craig Kessler as the organization’s 10th Commissioner.
The appointment comes during the LPGA’s landmark 75th anniversary season, marking a pivotal moment of global growth and opportunity for one of the most enduring and respected leaders in women’s professional sports worldwide.
Craig Kessler becomes 10th LPGA Commissioner
Kessler was selected following a rigorous and comprehensive global search, led by the LPGA Board’s Search Committee and shaped by input from LPGA Tour athletes, partners, staff and key stakeholders.
“We set out to find a transformational leader with a deep appreciation for the LPGA’s legacy and a clear vision of what’s possible for our future,” said John B. Veihmeyer, Chair of the LPGA Board of Directors. “Craig is an inspiring and engaging leader, who brings a unique mix of executive leadership experience, deep relationships in the golf industry, and a genuine commitment to elevating women and girls through golf. The LPGA has never been more dynamic – and Craig is exactly the right leader to drive its next era of growth and impact.”
Kessler brings a broad and impressive range of experiences across sports, business, private equity and entrepreneurship. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer of the PGA of America, where he oversaw all operations of the 30,000-member organization, including its non-profit foundation. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Buff City Soap, a fast-growing experiential retail company that expanded from 100 to 260 stores under his leadership. Earlier in his career, Kessler also served as Chief Operating Officer at Topgolf, where he helped scale the company’s groundbreaking blend of sports, entertainment and technology.
In addition to his executive roles, Kessler brings board-level experience with the National Golf Foundation, UT Southwestern hospital system, and the Dallas Mavericks Advisory Board. He began his career at McKinsey & Company and went on to leadership positions at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) and Providence Equity Partners. His track record includes evaluating investments and working alongside management teams to improve company performance – skills he now brings to one of the world’s premier women’s sports organizations.
“The LPGA stands at the intersection of world-class competition and global impact,” said Kessler, incoming LPGA Commissioner. “From young girls who are picking up a club for the first time, to the LPGA Professionals helping teach this great game to people around the world, to the incredible athletes competing on Tour—the LPGA is driving the future of golf. I’m honored to join this powerful movement and eager to help build what comes next—together.”
“This isn’t just about leading a sports organization – it’s about redefining what’s possible,” Kessler added. “This role is deeply personal to me – not just as a professional opportunity, but as a chance to make a difference in the world and create new opportunities for others. Golf changes lives. I believe in the LPGA’s mission, its members and its momentum. I can’t wait to get started.”
Kessler will officially step into the role on July 15, succeeding Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who stepped down in January 2025. Liz Moore will continue as Interim Commissioner until that time. Veihmeyer added, “Liz has done an exceptional job in the interim role, and we look forward to the many important contributions she will continue to make to the LPGA in the future.”
The DP World Tour Tee Times of the English Players. (Photo: Getty)
Following the season’s second major, the DP World Tour returns to European soil to usher in the eagerly awaited European Swing. First up: the Soudal Open, hosted once again by the prestigious Rinkven International Golf Club near Antwerp. The historic par-71 course, among Belgium’s finest, will see players vie for a prize fund of $2.75 million. Defending champion Nacho Elvira of Spain is back to protect his title. Coverage begins daily at 1:00 PM (CET) on Sky Sports and DAZN.
DP World Tour Tee Times
Scott Jamieson will be one of the first players out on Thursday morning, teeing off at 07:30 from Tee 1. The Scotsman is paired with England’s Matthew Southgate and Jayden Trey Schaper of South Africa. His second round begins on Friday at 12:30 from Tee 10.
Ewen Ferguson, another Scottish contender, opens his tournament ten minutes later at 07:50 from Tee 1. He plays alongside Daniel Hillier (New Zealand) and Lev Grinberg. Ferguson returns to the course on Friday at 12:50, this time from Tee 10.
Calum Hill, who’s been steadily building form in recent months, starts at 08:40 on Thursday from Tee 1. He’s joined by South African Brandon Stone and Germany’s Yannik Paul. Their second round begins at 13:40 on Friday from Tee 10.
Representing Wales, Jamie Donaldson tees off Thursday afternoon at 13:40 from Tee 1. The veteran is grouped with England’s Callum Shinkwin and American Troy Merritt — a trio with plenty of international experience. Donaldson’s Friday round starts at 08:40 from Tee 10.
Grant Forrest, also flying the flag for Scotland, is among the later starters on Thursday. He begins at 14:30 from Tee 1, alongside Italy’s Francesco Laporta and Jordan Gumberg from the USA. The group returns to action on Friday morning at 09:30 from Tee 10.
Round
Time
Player
Nationality
Partners
1
07:30
Scott Jamieson
Scotland
Matthew Southgate (ENG), Jayden Trey Schaper (RSA)
1
07:50
Ewen Ferguson
Scotland
Daniel Hillier (NZL), Lev Grinberg
1
08:40
Calum Hill
Scotland
Brandon Stone (RSA), Yannik Paul (GER)
2
12:30
Scott Jamieson
Scotland
Matthew Southgate (ENG), Jayden Trey Schaper (RSA)
The DP World Tour Tee Times of the American Players. (Photo: Getty)
After the season’s second major, the DP World Tour heads back to European soil to kick off the much-anticipated European Swing. Leading the way is the Soudal Open, once again taking place at the renowned Rinkven International Golf Club near Antwerp. This historic par-71 layout—one of Belgium’s premier courses—sets the stage as players compete for a $2.75 million prize purse. Spain’s Nacho Elvira returns to defend his title. Daily coverage starts at 1:00 PM (CET) on Sky Sports and DAZN.
DP World Tour Tee Times for American Players
Sean Crocker begins his campaign in Belgium on Thursday at 9:00 AM from Tee 1. The American is paired with Ugo Coussaud of France and fellow Englishman Dan Bradbury. Their second round is set for Friday at 2:00 PM, this time from Tee 10.
Brandon Wu, another American in the field, will look to find early rhythm as he tees off Thursday at 9:20 AM from Tee 1, alongside Wil Besseling (Netherlands) and Loris Maquet. Wu’s group returns on Friday at 2:20 PM from Tee 10.
Johannes Veerman opens his tournament on Thursday afternoon at 12:40 PM, starting from Tee 1. He joins Dylan Naidoo (South Africa) and Pablo Larrazábal (Spain) in what promises to be a dynamic group. Their second round gets underway early Friday morning at 7:40 AM from Tee 10.
Veteran Troy Merritt will take on the Rinkven layout starting Thursday at 1:40 PM from Tee 1, paired with South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli and Spain’s Adrian Otaegui. Merritt’s Friday tee time is scheduled for 8:40 AM from Tee 10.
Lucas Bjerregaard (DEN) welcomes Corey Shaun of the U.S. to a group that also features England’s Marcus Armitage. Their first tee time is Thursday at 2:00 PM from Tee 1, with the second round following Friday morning at 9:00 AM from Tee 10.
Eric Cole celebrates after recording the first ace of the PGA Championship 2025 on Quail Hollow’s 4th hole. (Photo: Twitter@PGAChampionship)
It didn’t take long for the PGA Championship 2025 to deliver its first moment of brilliance. On Thursday afternoon at Quail Hollow Club, American Eric Cole made tournament headlines with a perfectly struck 7-iron on the 184-yard par-3 4th hole – his 13th of the day.
Cole’s tee shot pitched just short of the flagstick, bounced twice on the elevated green, and rolled cleanly into the cup. Initially frozen in disbelief, the 36-year-old quickly turned to celebrate as cheers erupted from the gallery and his playing partners.
Momentum shift after a shaky start at the PGA Championship 2025
Cole’s front nine had been less than ideal. After beginning the round on the 10th tee and reaching the turn at one under, the Californian stumbled with a bogey at the 1st and a costly double bogey on the par-4 2nd. But the ace at No. 4 provided immediate redemption — and a serious momentum swing.
The hole-in-one vaulted Cole from 92nd to T49 on the leaderboard, bringing him back to even par and right into the conversation early in the week at Quail Hollow.
Straka and Lowry jump into the Top 10 of World Golf Ranking. (Photo: Getty)
Straka’s win at Quail Hollow Club was anything but easy. Battling it out with Shane Lowry down the stretch, the Austrian kept his cool, carded a clinical final round, and sealed the deal in style. The win sends him flying up the Official World Golf Ranking from 17th to 9th – a massive leap up the rankings.
Golf World Ranking: Lowry Joins the Party, Hovland Slips Out
Straka wasn’t the only one making moves. Shane Lowry’s runner-up finish was enough to nudge him into the OWGR top 10 as well — he now sits at 10th, while Viktor Hovland just misses out at 11th.
At the top of the leaderboard, it’s business as usual: Scottie Scheffler is still No. 1, McIlroy holds steady at No. 2, and there’s no change among the rest of the other five.
The Ryder Cup standings for Team Europe now reflect the shifting momentum. Rory McIlroy continues to dominate the European Points List by a wide margin, but behind him, the race is tightening. Lowry’s strong form has propelled him into second place, while Straka now sits fifth, solidly in automatic qualification territory.
Fleetwood, Hatton, Rose, and rising star Ludvig Åberg are all clustered closely together, with plenty still to play for as the qualification period unfolds.
Team Europe Ryder Cup Rankings
Sepp Straka joins the party 🇪🇺 Lowry climbs to second ☘
