Author: Laura Gailus

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Professionals

Rory McIlroy: A Season Between Victories and the Futile Hunt for the 5th Major

Rory McIlroy's 2024 season in review. (Photo: Getty)
Rory McIlroy's 2024 season in review. (Photo: Getty)

A year full of contrasts – characterised by triumphs, setbacks and the eternal dream of the next major title. Rory McIlroy looks back on an eventful season highlighted by great moments on the course and personal turmoil off the fairway.

Rory McIlroy’s majors, personal crises and a missing fifth title

The season got off to a successful start for Rory McIlroy: he made an early statement on the DP World Tour with a victory at the Dubai Desert Classic. Back on the PGA Tour, he showed a different face – not alone, but as part of a well-rehearsed duo. Together with Shane Lowry, he triumphed at the Zurich Classic, a team event that often promises more fun than strategy. But when it came to the play-off, there was no more relaxation: McIlroy’s approach on the 18th hole was accurate to the millimetre and the subsequent putt secured the first PGA title of the season.

But McIlroy’s individual brilliance on the PGA Tour was evident at the Wells Fargo Championship. At Quail Hollow, he secured his fourth title at this tournament and dominated with a flawless final round, which was characterised by two eagles and a spectacular birdie putt on the 15th hole. ‘When Rory is on form, he’s unbeatable,’ said second-placed Xander Schauffele. The victory marked McIlroy’s 26th PGA Tour title – a strong signal ahead of the upcoming majors.

A rocky road to the US Open

But golf remains a game of uncertainties – and 2024 also had some bitter moments in store for McIlroy. The US Open was another chapter in the quest for his fifth major, which has been going on for years. Two shots ahead, only a few holes left to play, the end almost in sight – and yet victory slipped away from him. Two missed putts on the final holes not only left their mark on his score, but also on McIlroy’s expression. His withdrawal without talking to the media spoke volumes.

‘It was incredibly painful,’ admitted McIlroy at a later point after he was ready for interviews again. ‘I could be sitting here with a fifth major title – but I’m not. It stings and that’s something I have to come to terms with.’ At the same time, he looked at the positive aspects of his season: ‘I was incredibly consistent again. I’m proud of that. But the thoughts of the missed opportunities remain.’

Headlines off the fairways too

In addition to his sporting achievements, Rory McIlroy also made headlines off the course in 2024. Active as ‘Player Director’ on the PGA Tour Policy Board since 2022, he became a central figure in the negotiations between the PGA Tour and the controversial LIV Golf League. But the burden grew: ‘It wasn’t what I signed up for,’ McIlroy explained after his surprise resignation in November.

Just a few months later, however, he hinted at a return to the committee after Webb Simpson vacated his seat. ‘I think I can be helpful,’ said McIlroy, who continues to see a united golf world as a goal.

This back-and-forth comes alongside another setback for the Northern Irishman: reports of an impending divorce from his wife Erica Stoll appeared to be weighing on his mind. But in a surprise twist just before the US Open, the separation was withdrawn – a personal birdie putt that put McIlroy back on his feet.

The grand finale in Dubai: a worthy end to the season

The months between the majors were a rollercoaster ride of emotions: From missing the chance to win the Irish Open at home to losing the play-off at the BMW PGA Championship to the season finale, McIlroy experienced highs and lows. This phase, characterised by frustration, culminated in a moment of redemption: the triumph in Dubai.

Like the experienced golfer that he is, McIlroy found his way back to his best form. At the DP World Tour Championship, he left no doubt as to why his name has been at the top of the world’s leaderboards for years. The duel with young Dane Rasmus Højgaard had it all: setbacks, comebacks, and finally a determined McIlroy, who sealed his third title of the tournament and sixth DP World Tour title of the season with a birdie on the 18th hole.

blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”>

That feeling when you win your sixth Race to Dubai title😎🏆#DPWTC | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/ACZjqqLGcz

— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 18, 2024

With tears in his eyes, he spoke about the legacy of this victory: ‘Seve was always a role model for me. To catch up with him in the number of wins this season is something I never thought possible.’ For a moment, it was clear that even a player like McIlroy, whose name has long been a legend, is still inspired by the great gestures of the game.

The comparison with Seve Ballesteros emphasises McIlroy’s position in golf. But despite this historic success, there was still one downer: McIlroy’s long search for a fifth major title, which did not lead him to his goal in 2024.

A year full of meaning

Rory McIlroy’s 2024 season was a mixture of extraordinary successes and painful moments. While he equalled Seve Ballesteros and further cemented his place in golf history, the pursuit of more majors remains the drive of a player who is never satisfied. ‘If I had to rate the season, it would probably be an eight out of ten,’ said McIlroy in Dubai. ‘Not perfect, but a solid year.’

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Panorama

From Arrests to Fan Chaos: The Biggest Golf Controversies of 2024

What were golf's biggest headlines in 2024? (Photos: Getty Images)

Golf in 2024 wasn’t just about birdies and bogeys. From legal entanglements and organizational blunders to unruly fan behavior, the year highlighted how golf often took a backseat to off-course drama. Here are the most talked-about moments.

Police Cars on the Fairway: Scottie Scheffler’s PGA Championship Saga

Sometimes reality outshines fiction. On the morning of the second round of the PGA Championship, world number one Scottie Scheffler found himself in an unexpected setting: handcuffed in the back of a police car.

The bizarre incident stemmed from a misunderstanding. While heading to the Valhalla Golf Club, Scheffler attempted to bypass a roadblock, assuming participants were allowed through. Unaware of his identity, the officers detained him briefly. Despite the ordeal, Scheffler made it to his tee time, but the episode became a defining narrative of the tournament.

The usually composed Texan caused yet another stir at the BMW Championship.

During the second round at Castle Pines, nothing seemed to go Scottie Scheffler’s way. After a poorly executed approach shot sent his ball into the water, his frustration boiled over into an uncharacteristically emotional outburst. “How is that possible? What the f*ck! That’s impossible!” he shouted, his caddie, Ted Scott, silently walking ahead.

The incident was followed by a double bogey, and Scheffler’s round ended on a disappointing even par.

WM Phoenix Open: When the Party Spirals Out of Control

Known as one of the liveliest stops on the golf calendar, the 2024 WM Phoenix Open teetered on the edge of chaos. With over 50 arrests, countless reports of alcohol-related misconduct, and overcrowded stands, the event’s exuberance reached its tipping point.

The 16th hole, famous for its electric atmosphere, became a safety concern as fans packed in beyond capacity. Organizers temporarily shut the gates, vowing stricter controls and considering attendance limits for future events. While players like Sahith Theegala praised the passionate crowd, others called for a return to a more traditional tournament ethos.

No Dutch Golfers at the Olympics: A Scandal in Paris

In one of the year’s most contentious stories, the Dutch Golf Federation barred its players from competing in the Paris Olympics, despite them meeting the qualification criteria. Joost Luiten, Darius van Driel, and Dewi Weber were deemed unlikely to finish in the top eight, prompting the federation to withhold their entries.

Luiten took legal action and won. However, by the time the ruling was made, his spot had been given to another player. This debacle underscored how bureaucratic decisions can overshadow athletes’ aspirations, sparking widespread criticism across the golf community.

Fitzpatrick’s Broken Driver Sparks Rule Debates

The BMW Championship brought golf’s rulebook under scrutiny when Matt Fitzpatrick was denied a replacement for his cracked driver. Despite visible damage affecting performance, officials ruled the defect insufficient to warrant a replacement.

Forced to finish his round without a driver, Fitzpatrick called the decision “an absolute disgrace.” The incident ignited debates on social media, with fans and experts alike calling for modernized rules to avoid such controversies in the future.

Empty Stands at the Solheim Cup: A Transportation Fiasco

The 2024 Solheim Cup started on a sour note due to massive logistical failures. Shuttle services intended to transport fans to Virginia’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Club collapsed under the strain, leaving thousands stranded in long lines while players teed off to sparse crowds.

Players like Lexi Thompson worked hard to energize the few attendees, but the iconic opening atmosphere was noticeably lacking. Organizers faced heavy criticism and pledged to overhaul the transport system for future events.

Ryder Cup 2025: Golf for the Elite?

Even before its first shot, the 2025 Ryder Cup stirred controversy with record-breaking ticket prices, reaching up to $749 for a single day. Fans voiced frustrations, accusing organizers of turning the beloved event into an exclusive luxury experience.

While the PGA of America defended the pricing as reflective of the tournament’s premium status, the backlash highlighted growing concerns about alienating the sport’s broader fanbase. Many wonder if the Ryder Cup’s spirit can survive this shift toward exclusivity.

Categories
Panorama

A Golf Year in Review 2024: The Emotional Highlights

The 2024 Golf Year in Review: Moments That Moved the Golf World. (Photos: Getty)

Golf in 2024 was marked not only by outstanding performances on the course but also by moments off the greens that highlighted the human side of the sport. From personal milestones to emotional victories, this year was filled with stories that went beyond birdies and bogeys.

An Alpine Fairytale Wedding: Martin Kaymer’s Personal Highlight

Martin Kaymer turned Castle Elmau in the Bavarian Alps into a picturesque venue for love and camaraderie. Celebrating with his wife Irene Scholz, Kaymer hosted a festive wedding ceremony two years after their private vows. Their son Sam, born in early 2022, took part in the festivities, carrying the rings in a touching moment. Fellow golfers, including Adrian Meronk, shared glimpses of the joyous occasion.

A Painful Loss: Grayson Murray’s Absence Felt Deeply

On May 25, 2024, the golf world was stunned by the tragic news of Grayson Murray’s passing. The 30-year-old, who had celebrated victory at the Sony Open earlier in the year, took his own life after a long struggle with mental health challenges.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan remarked, “We lost not only a talented golfer but also a unique individual. The Tour is like a family, and this loss affects us all deeply.”

Olympic Gold: Scottie Scheffler Reaches a Career Pinnacle

The Olympic golf event at Le Golf National became the stage for an intense final. Scottie Scheffler secured the gold medal with a flawless 62 in the last round, clinching the title with a decisive birdie on the 17th hole.

During the medal ceremony, Scheffler tearfully sang the U.S. national anthem as the flag was raised.

Bernhard Langer’s Final Curtain in Europe

Bernhard Langer, the German golf legend, bid farewell to European tournaments in 2024. Despite an Achilles tendon injury that nearly ended his season, the 66-year-old returned to compete in the BMW International Open, his last major European event.

The crowd honored Langer with standing ovations, acknowledging a career that spanned decades. Teeing off with Martin Kaymer and Marcel Siem, Langer reflected on the changes in the game, joking, “The courses are getting longer, and I’m getting shorter.”

Rory McIlroy: US Open of Missed Opportunities

The US Open 2024 at Pinehurst was supposed to be Rory McIlroy’s long-awaited breakthrough, nearly a decade after his last major victory. With a two-shot lead over the final five holes, everything seemed to be going according to plan. But the drama unfolded: two short putts, missed at the 16th and 18th holes, cost McIlroy the title. McIlroy left the course without comment and withdrew from public life for several weeks. Later, he admitted, “It was a tough day, probably the hardest of my career.”

Bryson DeChambeau: Major Win and a Path Back to the Fans’ Hearts

While McIlroy faltered down the stretch, it was Bryson DeChambeau who emerged as the hero at Pinehurst. With a spectacular bunker shot on the 18th hole, which he later called “the shot of my life,” DeChambeau secured his second US Open title after his 2020 triumph. The victory was not only a sporting milestone but also marked a remarkable image transformation.

Once considered a polarizing figure, particularly due to his involvement in the LIV Golf controversy, DeChambeau showed a new side in 2024. In his post-win press conference, he dedicated the victory to his late father and golf legend Payne Stewart, who won the US Open at the same venue in 1999. “I wanted to do it for them,” he said, tears in his eyes.

His behavior on and off the course noticeably shifted. He engaged more with fans and earned praise for his emotional display. The US Open victory thus became both a sporting and personal triumph, symbolizing the evolution of a player committed to change.

A Rising Star: Robert MacIntyre Triumphs in Canada

The RBC Canadian Open 2024 was a breakthrough moment for Robert MacIntyre. The Scotsman demonstrated nerves of steel on a tense final day to secure his first victory on the PGA Tour.

It was not just the sporting achievement that made the story special. His father served as his caddie and shared the defining moment with him. “This is a dream I’ve shared with my dad since childhood,” said an emotional MacIntyre.

Team Spirit and Karaoke: McIlroy and Lowry Win in New Orleans

At the Zurich Classic, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry showcased the power of friendship on the course. With a playoff victory, the Irish duo clinched the title, proving how much fun golf can be as a team. “Winning with Shane by my side was something special. We’ve known each other for over 20 years – it makes this success even more meaningful.”

The fun didn’t stop on the course: after their victory, McIlroy and Lowry celebrated with gusto, surprising fans with a karaoke rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Images of the singing duo with their WWE-inspired championship belts went viral, making their win one of the year’s most entertaining moments.

Categories
Panorama

LPGA Tour and USGA: New Gender Guidelines Cause Discussion

With a far-reaching change to their gender policy, the LPGA Tour and the USGA are sending a clear signal from the 2025 season. (Photos: Getty)
With a far-reaching change to their gender policy, the LPGA Tour and the USGA are sending a clear signal from the 2025 season. (Photos: Getty)

The LPGA Tour, together with the USGA, has announced a fundamental adjustment to its gender policy. The changes, which will apply from 2025, are intended to ensure a balance between inclusion and fair competition.

A Balancing Act Between Fairness and Inclusion

New, stricter gender guidelines will apply from the 2025 season. According to the LPGA and USGA, these are intended to preserve the sporting integrity of the women’s tour by excluding female athletes who have gone through male puberty. This change affects all of the organization’s elite tournaments, from the Epson Tour to the Ladies European Tour.

According to the organizations’ statements, the rules were developed in cooperation with the USGA and are to be based on scientific findings. The medical standards are strict: testosterone levels must be permanently below a certain limit and development must not have gone beyond Tanner Stage 2 – a threshold that lies in early puberty.

“The policy represent our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions”, explained Mollie Marcoux Samaan, Commissioner of the LPGA Tour.

The Controversy Surrounding Hailey Davidson

The decision particularly affects Hailey Davidson, who qualified for the Epson Tour in 2025. As the second transgender golfer in the history of professional golf, Davidson seemed to be on the verge of a milestone – but the new rules make further participation impossible.

Davidson expressed her disappointment on social media and spoke of a step backwards. “I’m being penalized for something that doesn’t give me an advantage,” she wrote in a statement. Davidson emphasized that she is regularly outperformed by other players and criticized the lack of support from the golf community.

Golf in the Footsteps of Other Sports

With its new guidelines, the LPGA Tour is following a trend that can also be observed in other sports. Organizations such as World Aquatics and the World Athletics Council have issued similar regulations to ensure equal opportunities in women’s competitions. The realignment of the gender policy is a response to years of demands from the golf world. Players such as Amy Olson, former LPGA proette, had repeatedly called for a return to a “female-at-birth” approach. “I am very, very sad that women’s organizations have waited so long to change their gender policies,” said Olson. “There are people, human beings in the middle of these situations that it effects. I wish that it could’ve been dealt with before there was a face and a name involved.”

USGA CEO Mike Whan emphasized the importance of fairness as the basis for the decision: “It was all based on competitive fairness as the North Star. Right or wrong, let’s be able to look ourselves in the face and any competitor in one of our women’s events in the face and say if you’re in this event, nobody has a competitive advantage relative to their gender.”

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European Tour

DP World Tour: Defending Champion Max Homa Tees Off at African Major

DP World Tour: Tee Times for the Nedbank Golf Challenge. (Photos: Getty)

The DP World Tour tees off this week at the Nedbank Golf Challenge, held at the renowned Gary Player Country Club in Sun City, South Africa. With a Par-72 layout and a $6 million prize purse, the event promises world-class golf, featuring top players from around the globe. Defending champion Max Homa leads a strong American contingent, with live coverage available on Sky starting Thursday at 10:00 AM.

Tee Times of the American Contingent

The tournament boasts a strong lineup of American players, including Max Homa, Will Zalatoris, and Johannes Veerman.

Jordan Gumberg kicks off his round at 9:21 AM. He’ll play alongside South Africa’s Ockie Strydom and Ryggs Johnston, setting the stage for an early start.

Johannes Veerman begins his round at 10:05 AM. Paired with English golfers Joseph Dean and Matthew Jordan, Veerman’s group combines a blend of American finesse with British grit.

Will Zalatoris is set to tee off at 10:38 AM. He’ll compete alongside Erik Van Rooyen from South Africa and Tom McKibbin of Northern Ireland.

Defending champion Max Homa starts his title defense at 11:11 AM. Joining him are Thriston Lawrence, representing South Africa, and Nicolai Højgaard from Denmark.

DP World Tour Tee Times

RoundTimePlayer 1Player 2Player 3
109:21Jordan Gumberg (USA)Ockie Strydom (RSA)Ryggs Johnston
110:05Johannes Veerman (USA)Joseph Dean (ENG)Matthew Jordan (ENG)
110:38Will Zalatoris (USA)Erik Van Rooyen (RSA)Tom McKibbin (NIR)
111:11Max Homa (USA)Thriston Lawrence (RSA)Nicolai Højgaard (DEN)
Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Grant Forrest and Ewen Ferguson at Africas Major

DP World Tour: Tee Times for the Nedbank Golf Challenge. (Photos: Getty)

The DP World Tour lands in Sun City, South Africa, this week for the iconic Nedbank Golf Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club. With its challenging Par-72 layout and a prize purse of $6 million, the tournament brings together a stellar field of international golfers. Defending champion Max Homa returns, while fans across the globe can tune in starting Thursday at 10:00 AM on Sky.

DP World Tour Tee Times for British and Scottish Golfers

Among the many stars taking to the fairways are notable names from Britain and Scotland. Players like Grant Forrest and Ewen Ferguson are set to navigate the iconic course, paired with seasoned competitors from across the world. Here’s a closer look at their pairings and starting times:

Grant Forrest represents Scotland in a dynamic trio that includes compatriot Calum Hill and Japan’s Yuto Katsuragawa. Their 10:38 tee time positions them perfectly to tackle the morning conditions.

Ewen Ferguson, another standout from Scotland, begins his round at 10:05. He’ll be joined by Spain’s Jorge Campillo and Sweden’s Sebastian Soderberg.

Connor Syme steps onto the first tee at 11:00, playing alongside Darius Van Driel from the Netherlands and Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune.

England’s Joseph Dean shares a 10:05 tee time with Johannes Veerman from the United States, while Matthew Jordan completes the group, adding a second English presence to the pairing.

DP World Tour Tee Times

RoundTimePlayer 1NationalityPlayer 2NationalityPlayer 3Nationality
19:32Ewen FergusonSCOJorge CampilloESPSebastian SoderbergSWE
110:05Joseph DeanENGJohannes VeermanUSAMatthew JordanENG
110:38Grant ForrestSCOCalum HillSCOYuto KatsuragawaJPN
111:00Connor SymeSCODarius Van DrielNEDRyo HisatsuneJPN
Categories
LPGA Tour

LPGA Tour Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan Announces Resignation

Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan at the LPGA Tour season finale. (Photo: Getty)

Mollie Marcoux Samaan will step down as Commissioner of the LPGA Tour effective January 9, 2025. Liz Moore will assume interim leadership in the coming weeks, while a global search is conducted for a permanent successor.

The Marcoux Samaan Era: Growth and Transformation

Since taking office in 2021, Marcoux Samaan has left an indelible mark on the LPGA Tour. Under her leadership, prize money surged by 90%, with a record $131 million set to be distributed across 33 tournaments in 2025. Players benefited from unprecedented enhancements, including missed-cut stipends, health benefits, and travel subsidies—a first in the history of the LPGA Tour.

“Since joining the LPGA in 2021, Mollie has been instrumental in solidifying our position as the global leader in women’s professional golf, realizing record growth in player earnings and fan engagement. Mollie has been a steadfast advocate for equity in the sport and has worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for women and girls through the game,” stated LPGA Board Chair John B. Veihmeyer.

The tour also saw worldwide growth in viewership and set records for fan engagement. In her resignation statement, Marcoux Samaan emphasized the importance of her tenure: “In this role, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a remarkable community of athletes, teachers, partners, tournament operators, industry colleagues, media, fans, volunteers, and staff who share a deep commitment to growing the LPGA and using the organization’s unique platform to empower and advance women and girls.”

Challenges in a Complex Sporting Landscape

Despite economic success, Marcoux Samaan’s tenure faced notable challenges. The LPGA Tour contended with issues surrounding transparency and operational shortcomings. A key example was the 2024 Solheim Cup, where insufficient spectator transport planning led to logistical setbacks.

Sponsorship relationships and limited live television coverage also became focal points of critique. The absence of long-term TV contracts and reliance on other tours hindered broader audience accessibility, sparking ongoing discussions about the LPGA Tour’s visibility.

Liz Moore Steps In: Transitioning to the Future

Liz Moore, a seasoned executive with over a decade at the LPGA, will take on the role of interim Commissioner. Having spearheaded major projects such as the tour’s digital transformation, Moore brings a strong blend of legal and technological expertise, along with deep operational knowledge of the LPGA’s strategic framework.

Her primary objective will be to ensure a smooth transition and prepare the tour for the upcoming season. The 2025 schedule begins with a record-setting $131 million in prize money across 33 official events—an enduring testament to Marcoux Samaan’s growth-oriented vision.

(This article draws on materials provided by LPGA Communications.)

Categories
Live

Prize Money: How much LPGA Stars earn Compared to the PGA

(Photo: Getty)
(Photo: Getty)

The LPGA Tour made history in 2024: Jeeno Thitikul became the top earner with annual earnings of over 6 million US dollars. Her victory at the CME Group Tour Championship, which was worth USD 4 million, marked a historic moment. Never before had there been such a high individual prize in women’s golf. But while Thitikul topped the tour’s prize money list, Nelly Korda also achieved an impressive record with just under 4.4 million dollars. Nevertheless, a look at the PGA Tour shows how far there is still to go to achieve equality.

The superstar gap: Korda and Scheffler in a prize money comparison

The year 2024 brought exceptional performances for both Scottie Scheffler on the PGA Tour and Nelly Korda. Scheffler triumphed in seven tournaments, including several prestigious events, and finished the season with record prize money of 29.2 million US dollars. His victory at the Players Championship alone earned him $4.5 million – more than Korda’s entire season.

Nelly Korda had a season to rival the best in LPGA history in 2024, becoming only the third player to break the $4 million mark before the season finale. With seven titles, including a major, she recorded earnings of $4.39 million – yet she remains only second in the annual rankings behind Jeeno Thitikul. A further comparison shows the dimensions of her achievement: on the PGA Tour prize money list, Korda would ‘only’ rank 39th despite her outstanding year, 38 places behind the men’s top earner, Scottie Scheffler.

New records, old differences

The history of prize money in women’s golf nevertheless shows progress. What began in the 1950s with sums of a few thousand dollars has developed into millions, especially through events such as the CME Group Tour Championship – the LPGA season finale set a mark with Thitikul’s $4 million victory. Never before has there been such a large prize in women’s golf.

The gap between the tours

On the PGA Tour, however, such a sum has long been standard. The financial explosion triggered by LIV Golf has drastically increased the prize money on the men’s tour and forced the PGA Tour to massively increase its payouts – a development from which players like Scheffler benefit. Since his PGA Tour debut four years ago, Scheffler has already earned 71.79 million US dollars, while the women are still waiting for their big breakthrough.

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European Tour Uncategorized

Sergio Garcia’s Return to the DP World Tour: A Step Towards the Ryder Cup

Spaniard Sergio Garcia wants to fulfil his dream of returning to the Ryder Cup by rejoining the DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Spaniard Sergio Garcia wants to fulfil his dream of returning to the Ryder Cup by rejoining the DP World Tour. (Photo: Getty)

Sergio Garcia is making a fresh start on the DP World Tour. The Spaniard, who set European Ryder Cup records, wants to play his way back into the world elite – with a clear goal in mind: to return to the European team for the 2025 Ryder Cup in Bethpage.

Garcia’s DP World Tour retirement prevents participation in the Ryder Cup

Following his retirement from the DP World Tour in May 2023, Garcia’s career in Europe appeared to have stalled after sanctions were imposed on him and other LIV golf players. Participating in LIV Golf events in the Saudi-backed series without authorisation led to significant consequences: hefty fines, tournament bans and the loss of his Ryder Cup eligibility. But Garcia has decided to turn over a new leaf. Over a million pounds in fines have been paid, the conditions accepted – the door to returning as a member of the Tour has been opened.

DP World Tour confirms re-entry

The official re-entry was confirmed by a DP World Tour spokesperson. His return is therefore a done deal, even if Garcia will not be able to officially take part in DP World Tour events again until the 2025 season. This return marks a decisive step in Garcia’s plan to qualify for the Ryder Cup again – a goal that has always played a special role in his golf career.

With 28.5 points, Garcia is the most successful player in the history of the European Ryder Cup. His name is synonymous with passion and success in one of golf’s most prestigious duels.

Ryder Cup comeback: a rocky road

However, this path will not be easy. Results from LIV golf tournaments in which Garcia continues to play do not count towards the European Ryder Cup ranking. This means that he will have to impress with strong performances in majors and on the DP World Tour – or hope for a wild card. Garcia proved in 2024 that he is still playing at the highest level: A win at Valderrama and six top-five finishes in 14 LIV events earned him third place in the individual rankings.

But for the Ryder Cup, only what happens on the DP World Tour counts. The decision is in the hands of captain Donald, who has made it clear that all players with membership have an equal chance.

More familiar faces on the DP World Tour 2025

With Sergio Garcia’s return, the DP World Tour 2025 will also welcome some other familiar faces from the LIV Golf League. In contrast to Garcia, who was the only one not active on the DP World Tour at the same time, the returnees include Ryder Cup stars such as Tyrrell Hatton, Jon Rahm and Thomas Pieters as well as up-and-coming talents such as Adrian Meronk and Joaquin Niemann.

Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Johannes Veerman and Billy Horschel in Dubai

DP World Tour Tee Times: Johannes Veerman and Billy Horschel set to tee off at the DP World Tour Championship. (Photo: Getty)

The DP World Tour Championship is set to take place on the prestigious Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As the centerpiece of the DP World Tour, this tournament features a challenging par-72 course and a substantial prize fund of $10 million, attracting the tour’s top players for the season finale.

Defending champion Nicolai Højgaard of Denmark returns, aiming for a strong finish after a season marked by ups and downs. Television coverage will be broadcast daily on Sky: Thursday through Saturday starting at 8:00 a.m., and on Sunday beginning at 7:30 a.m.

DP World Tour Tee Times

Johannes Veerman, a prominent American golfer, will begin his campaign at 9:10 a.m. from Tee 1. Joining him are Daniel Brown from England and Alex Fitzpatrick, also representing England.

Billy Horschel stands out as another key American figure in the upcoming rounds. He will tee off at 12:25 p.m. from Tee 1, accompanied by Rasmus Højgaard from Denmark and Rory McIlroy representing Northern Ireland.

Round Start Time Player 1 Player 2 Player 3
Round 1 09:10 Johannes Veerman (USA) Daniel Brown (ENG) Alex Fitzpatrick (ENG)
Round 1 12:25 Billy Horschel (USA) Rasmus Højgaard (DEN) Rory McIlroy (NIR)