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Equipment

Motocaddy takes push trolley product range to a new level

Motocaddy, the world’s leading golf trolley brand, introduces the innovative QB2 Push Trolley, a groundbreaking model that combines compact design, smart features, and intuitive operation. With its sporty elegance and maximum functionality, the QB2 takes the on-course experience to the next level.

Highlights of the new Motocaddy QB2 Push Trolley:

  • Ultra-Compact Design: When folded, the QB2 is over 20% smaller than the Motocaddy CUBE. Thanks to an innovative two-step folding mechanism and an automatically retracting front wheel, the trolley folds and unfolds in seconds – ideal for easy transport and space-saving storage.
  • Ergonomic Handling: The adjustable, ergonomically shaped, and ambidextrous handle provides a comfortable, customizable pushing experience – suitable for golfers of all heights.
  • Effortless Navigation: Large, smooth-rolling wheels with low resistance ensure a stable and smooth ride across all terrains, enhancing maneuverability on the course.
  • Convenient Features: Includes an integrated accessory compartment, scorecard holder, under-handle storage net, and compatibility with a wide range of Motocaddy accessories to boost convenience during play.
  • Secure Parking: A foot-operated parking brake keeps the trolley firmly in place – especially on sloped surfaces.
  • Bag Compatibility: The adjustable upper bag support with elastic strap is EASILOCK®-compatible, the world’s simplest connection system between Motocaddy trolleys and golf bags.

“The demands on push trolleys differ significantly from those of electric models. With the QB2, we’ve created a product specifically for golfers who value maximum usability and mobility,” explains Thorsten Kück, Managing Director of Motocaddy EMEA GmbH. “The sleek, sporty design of the 2025 model is combined with premium build quality. The launch of the QB2 is further proof of our drive for innovation and our commitment to providing golfers with products that genuinely enhance their game.”

Motocaddy has long been the best-selling trolley brand in Germany, with the award-winning CUBE leading the way in the push trolley segment. The new QB2 takes the range to a new level and reaffirms Motocaddy’s leadership in quality, design, and innovation.

The Motocaddy QB2 Push Trolley is available now at an RRP of €249.99 in four stylish color options: Blue, Graphite, Lime, and Red.

(Text: Motocaddy)

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Highlights Tours

Does He Play or Lead? Keegan Bradley and the Bethpage Dilemma

Fortunate is he who gets his affairs in order early. Take Ryder Cup Europe Ltd., for example. Captain Luke Donald now has a full 22-month term to prepare for the away match in the U.S. at the end of September—compared to just 14 months before Rome 2023, due to Henrik Stenson’s LIV Golf exit. That went pretty well nonetheless. Edoardo “The Brain” Molinari is back on board as vice-captain, bringing his statistical expertise to the table. Rory McIlroy, who’s famously on a quest for motivation and his personal Mount Everest, has crossed the career Grand Slam off his list—but winning the Ryder Cup on American soil remains high on his wish list, alongside lifting the Claret Jug at home. So far, so good for Team Europe.

Most consistent American behind Scheffler

Things look far less organized for the hosts. Apart from Scottie Scheffler, the stars and stripes are running a little flat—players like Schauffele and Morikawa have yet to hit full throttle. The most consistent performer behind the world number one? A certain Keegan Bradley: major champion, eight-time PGA Tour winner, a man with experience and plenty of electrifying energy. Based on current form, he’d be a lock for the U.S. team heading into the home match this September at the infamous Black Course in Bethpage State Park.

The only problem? Bradley has been tapped to serve as team captain. But his win at the Travelers Championship last Sunday has opened Pandora’s box. Ever since, a lively debate has erupted in the U.S. golf world: should there be a Ryder Cup comeback for the playing captain? Columns, podcasts, and social media are bursting with hot takes and opinions—a clear sign of the uncertainty facing Team USA. Despite the home advantage and the individual brilliance on paper, there’s growing doubt whether they can truly embrace the role of favorites at Bethpage Black.

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Keegan’s Conflict: He Just Wants to Play

The last time a playing captain led Team USA was in 1963, when none other than Arnold “The King” Palmer—aged 34—guided the Stars and Stripes to a dominant 23–9 victory over what was then a purely British side featuring Peter Alliss and Christy O’Connor Sr. That squad was captained by Scotsman John Fallon, and the venue was the Atlanta Athletic Club—known today as East Lake.
Now, over six decades later, the idea of a playing captain has resurfaced—and not without irony.

Keegan Bradley, by his own account, has always just wanted to play. After being snubbed by Zach Johnson for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, the 2011 PGA Champion sat at home in bitter disappointment, his bags packed and hopes dashed. The upside? He avoided a third Ryder Cup defeat, having already lost in 2012 and 2014. But the sting of rejection lingered—until the PGA of America unexpectedly tapped him as captain for the 2025 home match just outside New York. A surprising move, widely seen as a last-minute solution.

“We want you to be the first playing captain since Arnie.”

Originally, Tiger Woods was the frontrunner for the role. The PGA of America even brought in John Wood as team manager to ease the load. But the superstar hesitated—and eventually declined. Bradley wasn’t Plan B; he was a contingency pick. And the powers that be knew exactly how to sweeten the deal. “Keegan, we want you to be the first playing captain since Arnie,” PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh reportedly told him over the phone. Bradley himself shared that anecdote during his Travelers Championship winner’s press conference.

“My whole life every year I was out here I wanted to play on the Ryder Cup team, and then this would be the first year where maybe I didn’t want to. I just wanted to be the captain and, of course, you know, this is what happens. But we’ll see. I’m going to do whatever I think is best for the team. Whether that’s me on the team — this certainly changes a lot of things. I was never going to play on the team unless I had won a tournament and so that’s changed, but we’ll see.” Keegan Bradley

The question of a dual role has been simmering ever since his appointment. After all, at 39, Bradley is the youngest U.S. captain since Palmer’s 1963 appearance. So far, Captain Keegan has consistently played it down, insisting he wouldn’t “waste a captain’s pick” on himself—and would only consider playing if he qualifies automatically.

“Carefully weigh what’s best for the team”

Bradley’s second Travelers win, following his 2023 triumph, has changed the game—and he admits it himself. Now ranked seventh in the world and ninth in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings, he said: “This changes the story a little bit. I never would’ve considered playing if I hadn’t won. Now I have to very carefully weigh what’s best for the team.”

At this point, the decision seems rather straightforward: come the evening of September 25, Bradley should name himself to the Friday morning fourball session—right after delivering his opening speech. Since 2022, he’s racked up four PGA Tour wins, making him America’s number two behind Scottie Scheffler (with 12). None of the other top-12 in the Ryder Cup points standings come close to matching that form.

Scheffler, for all his brilliance, doesn’t carry the vocal, emotional leadership qualities often needed in the team room. That role might better suit someone like Bryson DeChambeau—or, perhaps more fittingly, Bradley himself, whose fire and spirit have long defined him.

At least two rookies, little depth

Then there’s the depth issue. As it stands, U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun and Russell Henley (ranked third and fourth in Ryder Cup standings) are all but locked in, meaning two likely rookies will tee it up at Bethpage. The second half of the rankings is even more concerning, with names like Ben Griffin, Harris English, or Maverick McNealy currently in qualifying position.

Of course, much can change over the coming weeks. But if Team USA wants to counter Luke Donald’s blue-and-gold squad—led by Rory McIlroy and packed with gritty characters like Tyrrell Hatton, Shane Lowry, and Jon Rahm—then Bradley may need to look beyond the top 13 when it comes to his captain’s picks. Right now, that would mean players like Patrick Cantlay (14), Sam Burns (15), Cameron Young (17), or Tony Finau (19). But let’s be honest: there’s a reason they’re that far down the list.

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Unrealistic and Absurd: Woods as a Ceremonial Figurehead

With a bit of humor, the current situation could be labeled “Keegan’s Conflict.” But in reality, it’s a classic dilemma—one that naturally gives rise to a flood of creative solutions. One charming, albeit utterly unrealistic and borderline absurd scenario? That Bradley does all the heavy lifting in the lead-up to Bethpage, only to hand over the reins to Tiger Woods as a sort of chef de mission—someone who would soak up all the media attention while Bradley quietly focuses on pairings and tee times. It would be a slap in the face for Bradley—and let’s be honest, Woods isn’t going to settle for playing the ceremonial mascot.

A far more likely outcome is that the vice captains take on more responsibility. Veterans like Jim Furyk or Brandt Snedeker could handle public-facing duties and media obligations on-site, giving Bradley space to concentrate on strategy and team dynamics. After all, not all vice captain slots have been filled yet—who knows what cards Team USA still has up its sleeve, especially if Bradley does end up playing and needs someone to step in more prominently.
That said, Bradley has firmly ruled out any kind of abdication:
“I’m definitely staying on as captain. I’m not stepping down or anything like that. I’ve already put too much work into this.”

It’s about the 12 best players …

At the end of the day, the Ryder Cup entourage is large enough—and clearly defined. Most of the logistical and strategic groundwork happens long before the first tee shot. The captain’s job is to oversee, coordinate, and ultimately make the right calls. But his most important task by far? Choosing the twelve best players. Seen that way, the Keegan Bradley situation may already be decided.

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Highlights Tours

Phil Mickelson Produces Magic Ahead of What May Be A Final US Open

The magician is at it again: Phil Mickelson’s short game wizardry is the stuff of legend, and if you needed a fresh reminder, just watch his latest sleight of hand from the rough at the LIV event in Virginia. With a wildly unconventional stance and angle of attack, “Lefty” holed out in a way that only he could.

The six-time major champion has hinted that the upcoming 125th US Open—his 54th major start—may very well be his last appearance at the national championship. His exemption from winning the 2021 PGA Championship expires after this year, and without another win or high enough ranking, automatic qualification will no longer be guaranteed.

The US Open has long been Mickelson’s white whale. It’s the only major missing from his résumé, the one title that stands between him and the elusive career Grand Slam. That he has finished runner-up six times only adds to the cruel poetry of it all. As he prepares to tee it up once more, just days before his 54th birthday, the question lingers: can golf’s great escape artist pull off one last trick?

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Live

PGA Tour Tee Times: Rory McIlroy Heads Field at RBC Canadian Open

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.

PGA Tour Tee Times: Key Players

Mark Hubbard leads off among the Americans, teeing off at 6:56 AM alongside Andrew Putnam and Sam Ryder.

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.

Patrick Rodgers heads out at 8:02 AM, joining Alex Smalley and Joel Dahmen in another all-American group.

Earlier in the afternoon, Brice Garnett tees off at 12:44 PM, playing alongside Canada’s Adam Hadwin and American Luke List.

Rounding out the featured times, Joseph Bramlett begins his round at 1:17 PM, paired with England’s David Skinns and fellow American Trey Mullinax.

RoundTimePlayer 1NationalityPlayer 2NationalityPlayer 3Nationality
106:56Mark HubbardUSAAndrew PutnamUSASam RyderUSA
107:18Gary WoodlandUSAMax HomaUSASam BurnsUSA
107:40Rory McIlroyNIRLudvig ÅbergSWELuke ClantonUSA
108:02Patrick RodgersUSAAlex SmalleyUSAJoel DahmenUSA
112:44Brice GarnettUSAAdam HadwinCANLuke ListUSA
113:17Joseph BramlettUSADavid SkinnsENGTrey Mullinax

USA

Categories
Highlights Tours

“Snail Plague” at the U.S. Women’s Open: Momentum Killer in the Making

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.”

 
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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.

 
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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.

 
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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.

 
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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.

Categories
European Tour

Sergio Garcia Returns to DP World Tour After Settling Fines

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.

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Uncategorized

New Golf Resorts in America to Visit in 2025

Stepping onto brand-new turf is a quiet thrill. Fresh paint on the tee markers, unblemished greens, and grand openings that still smell of pine all promise stories you will brag about later. Across the country, a lively wave of new golf resorts is turning that first-tee buzz into a full travel trend.

Every trend needs headliners. Early reviews are already debating which properties deserve the title of best new golf resorts and why their architects seem to have skipped sleep in pursuit of perfection.

Why 2025 Is Shaping Up as the Year of Fresh Fairways

Industry insiders point to an unprecedented cluster of golf course openings in the next eighteen months. Several will debut with festivals that mix live music and junior clinics, making the grand opening ticket feel like an amusement park pass for golfers.

Magazines are teasing preliminary rankings, and chatter suggests at least three layouts could top the lists of best new golf courses 2025. This is thanks to daring green contours and bunker shapes that look sculpted more by artists than bulldozers.

For those of us who travel with clubs, the calendar for golf travel 2025 looks like a buffet. Want ocean spray on every iron shot? A Carolina retreat has you. Prefer mountain air that grants a bonus ten yards of carry? Colorado is ready to kneel at your swing altar.

One thing is certain. Several properties are already positioning themselves among the top golf resorts in the United States, flaunting cliff-side par threes and spa menus loaded with sports therapy treatments.

Scorecard of Rising Resorts

All these pins on the map can blur together, so here is a quick reference for golfers plotting that next buddies trip or anniversary escape. Each destination below plans to welcome guests within the coming year.

Critics predict that at least two of these layouts will stake early claims to the honor of best new golf courses once players and panelists finish their first lap.

ResortLocationWhy It’s Worth the Detour
Cabot Citrus FarmsBrooksville, FloridaTwo championship tracks weave through fragrant former orange groves, giving every swing a citrus backdrop.
Omni PGA Frisco Fields RanchFrisco, TexasThe home base of the PGA of America features twin 18-hole layouts, a lighted short course for night matches, and a massive putting green.
RainDance National ResortWindsor, ColoradoHigh-plains elevation adds free yardage to your drives, while wide fairways and canyon edges keep shot-making fresh.
Black Desert ResortIvins, UtahJet-black lava rock and red-cliff vistas frame emerald fairways, pairing dramatic scenery with spa-level comfort.
Pinehurst No. 10Pinehurst, North CarolinaThe newest Sandhills route glides through wiregrass and mining-era dunes, delivering a bold modern twist to a storied town.
The Lido at Sand ValleyNekoosa, WisconsinMeticulous re-creation of a lost golden-age masterpiece lets golfers test template holes like Redan and Biarritz.
Sedge Valley at Sand ValleyNekoosa, WisconsinHeathland-style design favors creative ground play across firm, fast turf bordered by rugged native vegetation.

Plan Your Perfect Tee-Time Adventure

Smart planning turns a new layout into a lifelong memory. Start by matching the course personality with your own. For many travelers hunting new golf resorts, the decision begins with knowing whether you flourish on firm links or lush parkland corridors.

Jet lag plus back-to-back rounds can siphon energy, so block one afternoon for the spa or pool. Resorts celebrating recent golf course openings often bundle unlimited replay rounds into their packages, perfect for golfers chasing redemption without a second greens fee.

An unexpected treat in between golf games is the themed casino corner. Online entertainment lovers can enjoy a variety of slots, from popular American titles like Extra Chilli free play. Demo versions of slots are a real godsend: you can play risk-free, test out the mechanics, bonuses and graphics before committing to something more serious. Perfect for getting to know the game.

Early spring and late autumn usually deliver quieter tee sheets and friendlier rates. Time your trip right, and you might sample a future classic before it tops the lists of best new golf courses in 2025, when the flags are still crisp from the packaging.

Five-Star Comfort on the Green

After a successful day of birdie hunting, few things matter more than a resort that truly understands recovery. If you keep a checklist of the best new golf resorts, you know that steam rooms, orthopedic mattresses, and fresh shoe spikes can be as satisfying as a well-struck wedge.

New Golf Resorts in America For Family and Friends. (Photo Source: Freepik)

The newest entrants in the luxury golf resorts USA category spare no expense on hammam-style steam rooms, plush bedding, and attendants who tighten spikes while you eat.

That devotion to detail is why many of these properties already rank among the top golf resorts in the United States, even before their second season begins.

Fresh Fairways You Will Want on Your Bucket List

If your clubs are begging for a new adventure, you are in luck. A handful of American venues are rolling out flawless turf and scenery so captivating that you may pause mid-swing just to stare. Booking now locks in your golf travel 2025 calendar before tee sheets fill.

These openings mix classic design principles with modern comforts so you can chase birdies by day and gourmet desserts by night. Many new golf resorts in the USA even add lighted short courses for evening matches.

  • Cabot Citrus Farms in Florida lets you roam through sweet-scented groves on two full courses, plus a quirky par three loop. It’s no surprise the routing already appears on shortlists of best new golf courses for players who love bold bunkering and fast greens.
  • Omni PGA Frisco Fields Ranch in Texas feels like a playground for every skill level, featuring twin championship tracks, a lighted ten-hole short course, and a putting green that looks like spilled emerald paint across the prairie.
  • RainDance National Resort in Colorado delivers altitude-boosted drives across wide fairways that feel forgiving until a crafty canyon edge demands focus.

Final Thoughts

The newest class of American golf destinations is imaginative and inviting. Architects blend environmental sensitivity with strategic flair, hoteliers layer comfort into every fairway view, and playful diversions keep the energy high long after the last putt drops. 

With new golf resorts always opening in America, you and your buddies will find a course, hotel, and luxury facilities to meet your budget and location. 

Categories
Panorama

32 hours, 182 holes: Pro completes golf marathon and breaks world record

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.

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Uncategorized

US Open Preview

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.

Categories
Ladies Tours

Craig Kessler elected as new LPGA Commissioner

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.”

(Text provided by LPGA)