Junghwan Lee secures his first DP World Tour victory at the Genesis Championship in South Korea, while Germans finish mid-field.
Author: Golf Post
Michael Brennan holds the lead at -17 going into the final round of the Bank of Utah Championship, with Stephan Jaeger climbing the leaderboard.
Nicolai von Dellingshausen remains in the top 20 after round three of the Genesis Championship, while Max Kieffer drops back.
While golf continues on its steady drive to boost its global fan base, a new wave of sponsors is entering the clubhouse. Online casino operators are stepping up, and they are bringing funds, controversy and casino credibility to pro golf.
You may not imagine that an unmoving fairway and a high-stakes online roulette table would have much in common. But lately, the online gambling and golf worlds have started to overlap in interesting and extremely profitable ways. From sponsorships of major tournaments to flashy logos on golfers’ polo shirts, online casino firms are leaving their imprint on golf like never before.
It’s an unusual coupling on the surface, but once you delve underneath the dynamics; audience demographics, marketing aims and the shifting stance toward gambling in sport, it all makes sense. So, why are online casino brands lining up to sponsor professional golfers and tournaments now? And what does it mean for the sport moving forward?
The money trail: Why golf is a magnet for casino brands
To understand the allure, start with numbers. Golf has a loyal, affluent and increasingly global audience. It draws eyeballs from North America, Europe, Asia and beyond. And unlike other sports, golf television coverage goes on for hours, think wall-to-wall weekend coverage, especially for majors. That’s a goldmine of brand exposure.
Online casino operators, especially those keen on breaking into regulated markets like the U.S. and Canada, see golf as a low-risk, high-class way of getting in front of potential customers. Golf doesn’t have the same reputation baggage as, say, combat sports or esports. Golf is squeaky clean, polished and attracts an audience that already knows its way around a betting slip.
We’re seeing operators like bet365 and Betway become increasingly visible in golf sponsorships. Bet365 partnered with the PGA Tour as an Official Betting Operator between 2022 and 2024 in markets such as the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada, while Betway sponsors the Big Easy Tour in South Africa.
Sites are closing the gap
For the fans who are both golf aficionados and recreational bettors, websites like Bonuses.com are also playing a key role. These sites pair users up with exclusive promotions at a wide range of online casinos and sportsbooks, making it easy to review new offers and bonuses without needing to sift through many individual sites.
What’s notable is the way these sites are cleverly linking with sports content. A few even offer golf betting guides, odds trackers or promo codes linked to significant events such as The Masters or the Ryder Cup. The distinction between fan and player is becoming thinner, and a few fans are okay with that.
From fairways to felt: Sponsorships on the rise
It’s not even tournament signage alone. Increasingly, the companies are sponsoring players. And the amounts of money they’re paying are not chump change.
Take a look at the shirts and bags next time you’re watching a tournament, those logos might belong to casino and sportsbook operators rather than the usual golf brands.
In some cases, casino brands are using the sponsorships as part of a broader sports marketing push. It’s not just golf, they’re going after soccer, MMA, tennis and even Formula 1. But there’s something about golf that fits their image. Maybe it’s the sophistication, maybe it’s the slow-burn drama. Whatever the case, casino brands want in.
Regulation, reputation and red flags
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Golf’s relationship with gambling is still evolving, and for some, the fact that online casinos are involved with the sport raises eyebrows.
The PGA Tour only officially embraced gambling in recent years, as state-level legalization in the U.S. opened the floodgates. But the Tour is also mindful of its image. You’re unlikely to see a sportsbook title sponsor a PGA event just yet, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t involved behind the scenes.
There is a balance to be found here. On one hand, casino gambling and sports wagering are more mainstream now, especially among younger fans. On the other, concern over gambling addiction, integrity issues and the tone it sets for a sport that’s long been proud of honor and sportsmanship still lingers.
With that said, most operators are incorporating responsible gambling messaging and are working under strict advertising guidelines.
What this means for golf
So, where is all of this headed? Larger deals are coming. As regulations fall into place in the United States and markets open up overseas, online casinos will only continue to invest in sports marketing, and golf is a sure bet. Expect additional player sponsorships, additional subtle integrations during broadcasts and possibly even the first casino-sponsored event within three years.
Nevertheless, balance will be the key. Golf is not looking to sell its soul for a quick buck. The best scenario? Tasteful, respectful sponsorships underwriting the game’s growth without turning each tee box into a casino billboard.
A bet that might just pay off
Golf has always been a game of precision, patience and risk management, which, ironically enough, makes golf the perfect metaphor for this new trend of sponsorships. The online casino world thinks it has discovered an enormous opportunity in golf, and so far, they’re approaching it wisely, targeting the right constituencies and spending in the right places.
To fans, that might just mean more purse money, better broadcasts and some fun promotions on the side. As long as the game doesn’t lose its integrity, this might be the rare instance where the house doesn’t always win, but a smile is given to everyone.
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)
The 2025 golf major season unfurled as a testament to every kind of greatness. Rory McIlroy, dogged by over a decade of heartbreak, finally slipped into the Green Jacket at Augusta, exorcising demons 14 years in the making. At Pinehurst, J.J. Spaun put on a US Open clinic, transforming quiet confidence into a star-making, razor-sharp victory. Scottie Scheffler, meanwhile, rubber-stamped his status as the finest golfer on the planet as he swept both the PGA and Open Championships to re-establish his place at golf’s summit.
Even though the major season has now drawn to a close, there is still plenty to look forward to throughout the rest of the year. The headliner is without question the Ryder Cup, a tournament that online golf betting sites are already salivating at the prospect of.
The Europe vs USA showdown has already been priced up by online golf betting sites, and they make the Americans a 4/5 favorite to retain their crown, with the Europeans out at 6/4.
And yet, for all the spectacle of surging youth in recent times, the modern era of men’s golf has delivered plenty of moments where wily veterans roll back the years and upset the odds. Let’s take a look at the oldest players to claim a major title since the turn of the millennium, and the performance they put on to steal the show one last time.
Phil Mickelson – 50 years, 11 months
When Phil Mickelson teed it up on the wind-lashed Ocean Course to contest the 2021 PGA Championship, the numbers offered little hope: zero majors in eight years, a world ranking outside the top 100, and, at 50 years, 11 months, an age that in golf often marks admiring retirements, not new chapters. But nobody scripted what happened next.
Mickelson attacked Kiawah’s brutal stretches with absolute conviction. He averaged 305.3 yards off the tee, outdriving younger stars like Brooks Koepka and Louis Oosthuizen. His scrambling—saving par on 73% of missed greens—was among the best in the field. Under relentless pressure on Sunday, Mickelson nearly lost the lead on the front nine, only to respond with two brilliant birdies at 10 and 16, the latter capped by the unforgettable image of swarming fans cresting the fairway.
The final tally: Mickelson closed with a 73 for a two-shot victory, claiming a sixth major and smashing Julius Boros’s all-time age record by more than two years. This was no nostalgia trip, but a masterclass from an all-time great.
Tiger Woods – 43 years, 3 months
One Sunday in April 2019, Augusta didn’t just tremble—it thundered, as Tiger Woods delivered what might be the ultimate resurrection in sports. After a decade of public pain—four back surgeries, personal struggles, and 11 years since his last major—Woods, at 43 years, 3 months, didn’t just compete; he conquered at the Masters.
The post-tournament breakdown revealed Woods’ tactical edge: a driving accuracy of 71.4%, and, perhaps more crucially, a calm that infected his play as younger leaders faltered. On Sunday’s back nine, the famed “Tiger Roar” arrived as he birdied 13, 15, and 16, methodically dismantling Francesco Molinari and company. He needed only a bogey to capture his 15th major, clutching his son in an emotional coda that echoed his famous 1997 win.
Darren Clarke – 42 years, 11 months
Darren Clarke’s emotional Open Championship win didn’t just break his major duck—it ignited a wave of joy through golf’s tightest-knit fraternity. Approaching 43, Clarke entered as a 200-1 outsider, a nearly man with over 50 major starts and more rain delays than playoff successes.
But Clarke’s arsenal—laser-precise ball striking, unmatched links savvy, and veteran patience—gave him a rare advantage over the field. He hit 71% of fairways and 70% of greens in regulation, minimizing damage when swirling English winds punished the careless. While rivals wilted, Clarke posted just three bogeys in his last 27 holes. He grasped victory by three strokes, his closing stretch a study in measured aggression and steely resolve.
No win resonated more with the golf public that decade: Clarke, cigar in hand, hoisting the Claret Jug, was the embodiment of perseverance finally paid off—a celebration for every late bloomer who dares to persist.
Ernie Els – 42 years, 7 months
Ernie Els’ second Claret Jug is the stuff of sporting fable, its dramatic arc made all the sharper by the numbers. At 42 years, 7 months, and after a winless major stretch spanning an entire presidency, Els roared back.
Trailing for much of Sunday, The Big Easy delivered under maximum pressure. His back nine consisted of four birdies, culminating in a 15-foot stunner at the 18th, just as Adam Scott collapsed with four closing bogeys. Els’ 68 to Scott’s 75 was a turnaround for the ages. What made it even more remarkable? Els had ranked outside the top 65 in strokes gained putting that season. His putter caught fire when he needed it most—a testament to the long view, the ability to draw on decades of facing down adversity.
With four majors now to his name, Els didn’t just restore his place in golf’s elite; he proved that resilience, as much as talent, is a champion’s greatest club.
Understanding etiquette is crucial whether you’re teeing off on a golf course or logging into an online casino. Respectful behavior enhances enjoyment and ensures a positive experience for everyone involved. Both golfing and gaming communities value adherence to unwritten rules of conduct.
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.
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“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.
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?
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.
| Round | Time | Player 1 | Nationality | Player 2 | Nationality | Player 3 | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 06:56 | Mark Hubbard | USA | Andrew Putnam | USA | Sam Ryder | USA |
| 1 | 07:18 | Gary Woodland | USA | Max Homa | USA | Sam Burns | USA |
| 1 | 07:40 | Rory McIlroy | NIR | Ludvig Åberg | SWE | Luke Clanton | USA |
| 1 | 08:02 | Patrick Rodgers | USA | Alex Smalley | USA | Joel Dahmen | USA |
| 1 | 12:44 | Brice Garnett | USA | Adam Hadwin | CAN | Luke List | USA |
| 1 | 13:17 | Joseph Bramlett | USA | David Skinns | ENG | Trey Mullinax |
USA |