Author: Laura Gailus

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European Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Richard Mansell and Jack Senior in Bahrain

DP World Tour: The Tee Times of the British players at the Bahrain Championship. (Photo: Getty)

At the prestigious Royal Golf Club in Al Mazrowiah, Bahrain, some of the world’s best golfers compete on a challenging par-72 course. The tournament, offering $2.5 million in prize money, is the fourth event of this year’s International Swing on the DP World Tour and is presented by Bapco Energies. This marks the company’s debut as the title sponsor in 2025, signaling the event’s growing significance on the global calendar.

Defending champion Dylan Frittelli returns to the course as the favorite.

The tournament will be broadcast on Sky, starting at 9:30 AM on Thursday and Friday, 10:00 AM on Saturday, and 9:30 AM on Sunday.

DP World Tour Tee Times

Richard Mansell from England tees off alongside Mikael Lindberg of Sweden and Keita Nakajima from Japan at 6:30 a.m. in the first round. Their second-round tee time commences at 11:00 a.m.

Jack Senior, another English competitor, will be playing with Matthias Schwab from Austria and fellow Englishman Nathan Kimsey. Their starting time for the opening round is 6:50 a.m. and the second round will begin at 11:20 a.m.

John Parry from England will be joined by Laurie Canter, also from England, and Ewen Ferguson from Scotland. This group starts at 6:50 a.m. for the first round and their second round begins at 11:20 a.m.

Ross Fisher from England is grouped with George Coetzee of South Africa and Ricardo Gouveia from Portugal. They will tee off at 7:10 a.m. for their first round and 11:40 a.m. in the second round.

Marcus Armitage will participate along with compatriot Robin Williams and David Puig from Spain with tee times at 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. for the first and second rounds, respectively.

Round Player 1 (British/Welsh/Scottish) Player 2 Player 3 Start Time
1 Richard Mansell Mikael Lindberg (SWE) Keita Nakajima (JPN) 06:30
1 Jack Senior Matthias Schwab (AUT) Nathan Kimsey 06:50
1 John Parry Laurie Canter Ewen Ferguson (SCO) 06:50
1 Ross Fisher George Coetzee (RSA) Ricardo Gouveia (POR) 07:10
1 Marcus Armitage Robin Williams David Puig (ESP) 11:00
2 Marcus Armitage Robin Williams David Puig (ESP) 06:30
2 Richard Mansell Mikael Lindberg (SWE) Keita Nakajima (JPN) 11:00
2 Jack Senior Matthias Schwab (AUT) Nathan Kimsey 11:20
2 John Parry Laurie Canter Ewen Ferguson (SCO) 11:20
2 Ross Fisher George Coetzee (RSA) Ricardo Gouveia (POR) 11:40
Categories
Top Tours

Rory McIlroy: Clear Message to Tom McKibbin – “I Wouldn’t Make That Decision”

Rory McIlroy shares his perspective on Tom McKibbin’s potential move to LIV Golf. (Photo: DP World Tour)

Rory McIlroy and Tom McKibbin – two golfers from the small Holywood Golf Club in Northern Ireland, whose careers could not be more contrasting. While McIlroy has established himself as one of golf’s all-time greats, McKibbin is still carving his path. Now, at just 22, McKibbin faces a pivotal choice: a possible move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour.

“He’s Giving Up A Lot To Not Really Benefit That Much”

“I’ve known Tom since he was, I don’t know, 10 or 11 years old. As soon as he got the offer, he rang me,” McIlroy said ahead of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

This call was unsurprising, as McIlroy has long served as a mentor to McKibbin. “We had a really good conversation, and I’ve talked to him multiple times over the course of December to sort of get a feel of what he was thinking and what he was going to do,” he added. McIlroy didn’t hold back: “I told him that if I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you’re thinking of making.”

McIlroy’s advice to his compatriot was unequivocal. For him, the drawbacks of switching outweigh the benefits. He highlighted McKibbin’s promising career trajectory and the potential he sees in him.

“I think working so hard to get your tour card in the States, which he really did to achieve that goal last year, was a big achievement. I think what he’s potentially sacrificing and giving up—with access to majors or a potential Ryder Cup spot, depending on how he would play—wouldn’t be worth it,” McIlroy emphasized.

A Career at a Crossroads

Despite his strong opinions, McIlroy made it clear that he didn’t intend to pressure McKibbin into any decision. “I’m not in his shoes. He’s a grown man at this point and can make his own decisions. All I can do is try to give him my perspective,” McIlroy said. Still, he admitted he’d be personally disappointed if McKibbin joined LIV Golf: “I think we all see the potential that he has, and I definitely think he can be a top-10 player in the world. But obviously his ranking won’t show that for the next couple years if he makes one decision over another.”

McIlroy’s LIV Golf Stance Remains Firm

While McKibbin reflects on his future, McIlroy is focusing on his game. As the defending champion of the Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy is aiming for his third consecutive victory at the event, held at the venue of his first professional win in 2009.

Yet, LIV Golf continues to cast a shadow over the tournament. “What I would say is, there is still a ton of money to be made on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour,” McIlroy remarked. “But at the same time, I feel like he’s giving up a lot to not really benefit that much, you know.”

Whether McKibbin will ultimately choose LIV Golf remains to be seen. But McIlroy leaves no doubt about his own stance: “At the end of the day, he has to make his own decision, and when he does, whatever way that goes, I’m always going to be a fan of his,” McIlroy said. “I’m always going to try to help him in whatever way that I can.”

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Highlights Tours

Bernhard Langer: One last time at The Masters

(Photo: Getty)
(Photo: Getty)

Bernhard Langer, a pioneer of golf in Germany, will take part in the Masters Tournament in Augusta for the last time in 2025. After four decades on the famous course and two victories in 1985 and 1993, the 67-year-old will finally bid farewell to the stage that has played a key role in shaping his career.

End of an era: Bernhard Langer plays his last Masters in 2025

‘It’s time to say goodbye,’ says Langer, the 67-year-old from Anhausen. A post shared by the PGA Champions Tour and the PGA Tour confirms Bernhard Langer’s decision to play his last Masters in 2025. This was actually already planned for 2024 before ‘Mr Consistency’ ruptured his Achilles tendon. After decades that have shaped the sport of golf, the German golf legend is bidding farewell to the stage that made him famous. The Masters was always more than just a tournament for him – it was the stage on which he made golfing history in 1985 and 1993.

 
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Between triumph and tradition

In 1985, Bernhard Langer slipped into the green jacket, the symbol of victory at the Masters, for the first time. His triumph was not only a milestone for him personally, but also for golf in Germany. His performance brought the sport out of its niche and into the limelight. Eight years later, he repeated this success at Augusta National Golf Club and proved that his first victory was no fluke.

The challenge of the new generation

At the age of 67, Langer has now achieved almost everything that is possible in golf. Nevertheless, he himself describes the increasing physical demands of the game as one of the reasons for his retirement. ‘It’s a totally different course for the young players,’ he explained. ‘They are 80 to 100 yards ahead of me at times. They are hitting a wedge and I got a 2-hybrid off a sidehill, downhill lie,’ he reflected with a grin.

Despite these challenges, Langer has managed to remain competitive. On the PGA Champions Tour, he set the all-time record with 47 victories.

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Uncategorized

World Golf Ranking: Rory McIlroy Steady at Third as Tommy Fleetwood Slips

Rory McIlroy keeps steady at third place as Tommy Fleetwood slips a place int the world golf ranking. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy maintains his grip on the third position in the OWGR, unchanged from the previous week. The Northern Irishman’s consistent play is reflected in his stable average points score, a testament to his continued dominance in the upper echelons of the sport. Meanwhile, Tommy Fleetwood, who started the week ranked 9th, has dropped to 10th.

See the complete Official World Golf Ranking here

MacIntyre and Hatton Hold Key Positions in the Top 20

Robert MacIntyre retains his 14th spot in the rankings, mirroring his position from the previous week. Tyrrell Hatton, however, has experienced a slight dip, sliding from 16th to 17th. Similar to Fleetwood, Hatton’s average points remain unchanged, emphasizing the marginal differences that separate players at this elite level.

Elsewhere, England’s Matt Fitzpatrick has seen a more notable decline, falling three places to 44th. His drop serves as a reminder of how fiercely contested every position in the rankings can be.

Top 10 Rankings: Scottie Scheffler Reigns Supreme

The pinnacle of the leaderboard remains firmly in Scottie Scheffler’s grasp, as he holds onto the coveted world number one position. The rest of the top ten is marked by stability, with one exception: Bryson DeChambeau’s improvement from 10th to 9th. This shift comes at the expense of Fleetwood, who now occupies the final spot in the top ten.

RankPlayerNationalityChange
3Rory McIlroyNIR0
10Tommy FleetwoodENG-1
14Robert MacIntyreSCO0
17Tyrrell HattonENG-1
22Aaron RaiENG0
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Uncategorized

World Golf Ranking: Bryson DeChambeau Climbs a Place

Bryson DeChambeau advances to 9th of the World Golf Ranking. (Photo: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler continues his dominance in the World Golf Ranking, holding onto the number one spot. His average point score has solidified his position at the top, unchanged from last week. Right on his heels, Xander Schauffele remains steady at second place, matching his previous ranking with a consistent performance average.

See the complete Official World Golf Ranking here

Changes in the World Golf Ranking

Collin Morikawa maintains his fourth place, showing no change from last week, reinforcing his strong standing. Meanwhile, Wyndham Clark holds his ground at seventh, also without a change in his ranking. Bryson DeChambeau climbs one spot to take the ninth position from the previous tenth, an indication of his upward momentum in the ranking.

Current Top 10

At the summit of the Ranking stands Scottie Scheffler, followed by Xander Schauffele. Rory McIlroy maintains third place with no movement. Hideki Matsuyama stays fifth, while Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland retain their respective sixth and eighth placements. Significant movement includes Bryson DeChambeau’s rise to ninth, swapping places with Tommy Fleetwood, who now rounds out the Top-10.

RankPlayer NameRank Last Week
1Scottie Scheffler1
2Xander Schauffele2
4Collin Morikawa4
7Wyndham Clark7
9Bryson DeChambeau10
Categories
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.

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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.”

Categories
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)