Author: Laura Gailus

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PGA Tour

Who’s the Favorite to Claim the Players Championship 2025?

Players Championship 2025: Who's the Favorite to Win? (Photos: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler has dominated the Players Championship for the past two years. In 2025, he has the opportunity to make history as the first player to win three consecutive titles at TPC Sawgrass. But with a strong field set to challenge him, can anyone break his stranglehold on the tournament?

Scottie Scheffler: The Quest for a Historic Three-Peat

For the past two years, TPC Sawgrass has belonged to Scottie Scheffler. He cruised to a five-shot victory in 2023 and followed it up with a 20-under-par performance in 2024 to successfully defend his title. Now, he stands on the brink of a historic three-peat. However, unlike previous years, Scheffler enters without a win this season. His results—third at the Genesis Invitational and a top-10 at Pebble Beach—suggest he’s close, but not quite at his dominant best. A win at The Players would mark his first title of 2025—and reinforce his standing as the player to beat at Sawgrass.

Rory McIlroy: The Prime Contender?

Few players boast the pedigree of Rory McIlroy at The Players Championship. A past champion in 2019, the Northern Irishman knows how to navigate TPC Sawgrass under pressure. Recent course modifications—extended yardages and thicker rough—could play to his strengths, as he remains one of the best tee-to-green players on Tour. If anyone is poised to disrupt Scheffler’s reign, it’s McIlroy.

Collin Morikawa & Ludvig Åberg: The Next Generation

Collin Morikawa enters The Players in excellent form, though he has yet to secure a win. Yet, in 2025, he has found himself in the frustrating position of being consistently close, but not quite over the line. Runner-up finishes at Maui and Bay Hill, the best ball-striker on Tour this season – if he can close out a tournament, Sawgrass could be the breakthrough moment.

On the other hand, Ludvig Åberg is no longer just a promising young talent—he’s a serious contender. The Swede finished eighth in his Players Championship debut last year and has already claimed a PGA Tour victory in 2025. With expectations now higher than ever, the question remains: Can Åberg handle the heat over four grueling rounds?

Schauffele’s Window of Opportunity

Xander Schauffele has been close to lifting the Players Championship trophy before. He finished second in 2024, missing out by a single shot, and also recorded a runner-up finish in 2018. His consistency is undeniable – he currently holds the longest active made-cut streak on the PGA Tour – but the question remains whether he can finally turn those near-misses into a victory.

Sepp Straka: The Dark Horse

He may not attract as many headlines, but Sepp Straka has quietly built an impressive resume. A winner at the American Express Championship earlier this season, and a fifth-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational propelled him into the world’s top 15. Could he be the dark horse to watch at Sawgrass?

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PGA Tour

Players Championship Tee Times: The World’s Top Three in One Group

The Players Championship Tee Times. (Photo: Getty)

When the best golfers in the world arrive in Florida, one thing is certain: It’s time for the Players Championship. TPC Sawgrass is set for four days of elite competition, with a $25 million purse, a world-class field, and a course that challenges even the greatest players. Scottie Scheffler has the chance to make history by becoming the first golfer to win three consecutive Players Championship titles. However, with Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele in his group, the tournament will be anything but a walk in the park.

Players Championship Tee Times: McIlroy, Scheffler & Schauffele in One Group

The Players Championship is contested on one of the toughest courses in the world – the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Tight fairways, deep bunkers, and lightning-fast greens test every aspect of a golfer’s game. And then there’s the 17th hole, the legendary island green that delivers high drama year after year. A perfect shot can shift momentum, while a mistake can end title hopes. In 2024, the course has been lengthened by nearly 70 yards, making the challenge even greater.

The tee times for the opening round have been released, and one grouping stands out: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele will play together. The trio will tee off at 1:29 PM on Thursday from the first hole, followed by an early start at 8:24 AM on Friday from the 10th tee. And by the time they reach the 17th, nerves could be running high.

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Panorama

Political Protest Targets Trump Turnberry Club in Scotland

Activists vandalize Trump Turnberry with political messages. (Photo: X@ Pal_action)

Over the weekend, Trump Turnberry made headlines—not for a golfing spectacle, but for a politically motivated act of vandalism. Activists from the group Palestine Action responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial statements about Gaza with a dramatic protest.

Trump Turnberry: When Politics Reaches the Fairway

Typically known for its pristine fairways and stunning coastal views, Turnberry presented a very different picture this weekend: the words “Gaza is not for sale” were painted in large letters across the grass, red paint was splattered on the clubhouse walls, and parts of the course were dug up. Pro-Palestinian activists gained access to the property overnight to protest Trump’s remarks on Gaza’s future. Police Scotland launched an investigation into property damage, while the resort’s management assured that operations would continue as normal.

Why Trump Turnberry Became a Target

The protest was orchestrated by Palestine Action, a group opposing Trump’s idea of placing Gaza under U.S. control and relocating the Palestinian population. In their statement, the activists accused Trump of treating Gaza as if it were his own real estate—so they decided to demonstrate that even his own property is not beyond reach.

Trump Turnberry’s management swiftly condemned the protest, calling it a “childish, criminal act,” but emphasized that the resort would continue to operate as usual. The controversy surrounding the incident, however, extends far beyond Scotland, as Trump’s Middle East comments have sparked global debate.

Trump Turnberry and The Open Championship: A Closed Door for the R&A?

There is little debate about Trump Turnberry’s status as a world-class golf course. The Ailsa Course has hosted The Open Championship four times, most recently in 2009. However, since Trump acquired the resort in 2014, it has disappeared from the major championship circuit.

The R&A, which oversees The Open, has suggested that Trump’s association with the course is a distraction and that the venue’s infrastructure does not fully meet modern major championship standards. While Turnberry consistently ranks among the world’s best golf courses, the question remains whether it will ever host The Open again.

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Highlights Tours

Solheim Cup 2026: Anna Nordqvist takes command for Europe

The three-time major winner will lead the European team at the 2026 Solheim Cup. (Photo: Getty)
The three-time major winner will lead the European team at the 2026 Solheim Cup. (Photo: Getty)

For Anna Nordqvist, the Solheim Cup is more than just a tournament – it is part of her golf DNA. In 2003, as a teenager in Sweden, she stood on the fairway and watched her first Solheim Cup live. At the time, she had just started playing golf properly. Now, more than 20 years later, she returns as captain – and thus comes full circle.

Since her debut in 2009, she has played for Europe in nine Solheim Cups and was the playing vice-captain in 2023 and 2024. Now she is taking over the helm from Suzann Pettersen and aims to lead Europe to victory at the 2026 Solheim Cup in the Netherlands. “The Solheim Cup has played such a huge part in my career ever since I made my debut in 2009 in Chicago”, said Nordqvist in the tournaments’ press release. “The friendships I have made, and the memories created during the nine matches I’ve played, make it so incredibly special to be given the opportunity to be European Captain at my tenth Solheim Cup!”

The Solheim Cup is coming to Bernadus Golf

From September 7-13, 2026, Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands will be the stage for one of the biggest events in women’s golf. “It’s a superb course,” says Nordqvist. “It’s also super close to Amsterdam so I think the fans are going to have an amazing experience enjoying its rich culture and the famous warm Dutch hospitality.” After the dramatic 14-14 draw in Spain in 2023 and the defeat in Virginia in 2024, the European team is keen to get the trophy back.

A new perspective on the sport

Nordqvist has experienced a lot on and off the course. In recent years, she has had to cope with serious personal setbacks, including the sudden death of her ex-husband and health challenges. But instead of being broken by them, she has fought back time and again.

“I think my life perspective has changed a little bit like the last couple of years and you’ve just got to do things that you want to do”, she told the Sky Sports Golf podcast.

Despite her new role, she remains active on the LPGA Tour – not only for personal ambition, but also to keep a closer eye on her potential team members. “I was interested because I wanted to do this at a time in my career when I can still be out there [competing]”, Nordqvist explained. “I still know the players, the coaches, the caddies and everyone, because I wanted to be approachable.”

Nordqvist has already spoken to former captains and wants to put her own stamp on the role. “There are so many things I admire about all the different captains. I think at the end of the day, you can learn and you can try to implement things, but I think the most important is just me trying to be myself.”

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Panorama

The Tough Reality Behind the Dream of the PGA Tour

Golf professional and coach Alex Romo breaks down the financial reality of mini tour golf in a social media video. (Source: Instagram @alexromogolf)

The road to the PGA Tour is paved with talent, dedication, and financial risk. For many aspiring professionals, mini tours provide a proving ground, but as Alex Romo recently highlighted, they come with a steep price—and no guarantees.

$2,500 Upfront – and No Promises

Reaching the PGA Tour is a long and costly journey. Most players start on mini tours—small, regional circuits designed to give professionals competitive experience. Unlike the PGA Tour, however, these events offer no guaranteed income. Players pay entry fees, cover travel expenses, and hope to play well enough to turn a profit.

Golf professional Alex Romo recently shared the financial breakdown of a week on the Asher Tour: a $1,350 entry fee, $600 for accommodations, $280 for gas, $60 for golf balls, and $200 for food. That totals roughly $2,500 before hitting a single shot.

For players who fail to make the cut, the financial loss is immediate. There are no appearance fees, no safety nets—just the reality of professional golf at an unforgiving level.

Breaking Even Requires Elite Play

Even for those who make the cut, turning a profit is far from guaranteed. At the event Romo analyzed, tournament winner Michael Feagles finished at 16-under par over three rounds, earning $20,000. A strong payday, but the numbers below him tell a different story.

To break even, a player needed to finish at least seventh, which required shooting 10-under par. Romo pointed out that a scratch golfer—typically considered elite at the amateur level—would average around 75 on this course. To contend, a player needed to perform at the level of a +6.3 handicap, just shy of Scottie Scheffler’s +7.5.

On the PGA Tour, that kind of golf is worth millions. On a mini tour, finishing seventh merely covers expenses. Those who barely made the cut but finished near the bottom saw little return. The last-place finisher after the cut earned just $600—well below the $2,500 needed to break even.

No Clear Path to the PGA Tour

Unlike the Korn Ferry Tour or international development tours, mini tours do not offer Official World Golf Ranking points or direct promotion pathways. Instead, they serve as testing grounds—players who consistently perform well may attract sponsor interest or receive exemptions into higher-level events. But success on a mini tour does not guarantee a PGA Tour opportunity.

For Romo, this particular event ended with a missed cut by three strokes. His 72.5 scoring average translated to a +2.5 handicap—a strong showing on a demanding course. But without making the cut, there was no prize money. And without prize money, the $2,500 investment became just another expense in the pursuit of a bigger dream.

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LIV Tour

LIV Golf: Patrick Reed’s Hole-in-One Sends Adelaide into a Frenzy

Patrick Reed aces the 12th hole at LIV Golf Adelaide. (Photo: Getty)

It took less than half an hour for LIV Golf Adelaide to serve up its first unforgettable moment in the first round. Former Masters champion Patrick Reed stood on the iconic 12th hole at The Grange Golf Club—dubbed the “Watering Hole.” A short par 3, framed by a sea of revelers primed for fireworks. And then came the shot: The ball landed, rolled, and disappeared into the cup. The already frenzied grandstand erupted. Beer cups flew skyward, rained down onto the fairway and green, and Reed, arms thrust in triumph, basked in the chaos. A hole-in-one on this stage? A guaranteed spectacle.

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Reed’s Shot Causes LIV Golf Frenzy

Reed’s start had been anything but remarkable. Opening his round on the 11th in LIV’s shotgun format, he stumbled out of the gate with a bogey. But the 12th hole, a par-3, flipped the script. A crisp strike, an ideal ball flight, a clean landing—and just like that, the ball disappeared.

An Ace for an Ace(s)

If there’s a hole built for these moments, it’s the 12th. Chase Koepka’s ace here in 2023 set the precedent, and Reed’s effort only added to the lore. As his ball vanished, the crowd detonated in celebration. Drinks took flight, cups littered the green, and Reed soaked in the moment, grinning ear to ear. Northern Ireland’s commentator David Feherty summed it up dryly: “Well, that didn’t take long.” The atmosphere rivaled the electric 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale, known for producing golf’s biggest party moments.

First-Round Takeaways

Despite the magic moment, Reed couldn’t sustain the momentum, finishing the day at one-over par. Meanwhile, Sam Horsfield surged to the top of the leaderboard, carding six birdies for a six-under-par round.

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Panorama

TaylorMade and Dustin Johnson: Parting ways after 18 years

Unusual picture: At the LIV Golf opening event, Dustin Johnson is seen without his TaylorMade cap - the first time in 18 years. (Photo: Getty)
Unusual picture: At the LIV Golf opening event, Dustin Johnson is seen without his TaylorMade cap - the first time in 18 years. (Photo: Getty)

For nearly two decades, Dustin Johnson and TaylorMade were inseparable. But after 18 years, their partnership has come to an end, and the two-time major champion is now without an official equipment deal, as confirmed by Golf.com.

From Rookie to Brand Icon

When Dustin Johnson turned professional in 2007, he immediately trusted TaylorMade. With their clubs, he secured 24 PGA Tour victories, won the U.S. Open in 2016, and triumphed at the Masters in 2020. Two contract extensions, in 2016 and 2021, highlighted the close bond between player and brand.

However, Johnson’s move to the LIV Golf League in 2022 shifted the dynamics of the partnership. While he continued using TaylorMade equipment, he became less visible in the brand’s marketing campaigns. Now, with his contract expiring, TaylorMade has opted not to renew the deal.

A Quiet Farewell

The season opener of the LIV Golf League in Riyadh made it official—Johnson no longer wore a TaylorMade cap, instead featuring logos of his 4Aces team and New Era. The split, long anticipated, was now confirmed.

Since joining LIV Golf, Johnson’s visibility in the sport has diminished. The Saudi-backed league’s tournaments do not contribute to the Official World Golf Ranking, causing the former No. 1 to drop to 578th place. His 2024 major championship performances have also been underwhelming, with two missed cuts and a best finish of T31 at The Open Championship.

Equipment-Free, But Still Using TaylorMade Clubs

Despite the end of his sponsorship, Johnson hasn’t completely moved on from TaylorMade. At the LIV opener in Riyadh, he had a Qi10 driver in his bag—though without the brand’s logo on his cap. Instead, he sported his team’s and New Era’s emblems. The split from TaylorMade follows another major departure—his separation from Adidas in 2023 after 15 years. His team is now outfitted by Extracurricular.

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Highlights Tours

PGA Tour: Tiger Woods Withdraws from Genesis Invitational

Just days after confirming his participation, Tiger Woods has withdrawn from the PGA Tour event. (Photo: Getty)

Tiger Woods will not be teeing it up at this week’s Genesis Invitational. The 15-time major champion made the decision to withdraw, citing the recent passing of his mother, Kultida Woods, who died last week. His anticipated return to official PGA Tour competition at Torrey Pines—his first since the 2024 Open Championship—will have to wait.

“I’m Just Not Ready”

Woods had signaled his intent to return to the PGA Tour at the Genesis Invitational, marking a significant step in his comeback following his latest back surgery. The 48-year-old, who had spent much of the past year recovering, had gradually reintroduced himself to competition through select exhibition events late last year.

However, the emotional toll of his mother’s passing proved too much. Three days after confirming his participation, Woods reversed course, explaining that he simply isn’t ready to compete.

“I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready,” Woods said in a statement on X. “I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my Mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.”

A Tribute to Kultida Woods

Throughout his career, Woods has often credited his mother for her unwavering support. Kultida Woods was a fixture at many of his most significant triumphs, a quiet but resolute presence in the background. Her influence was profound, and Woods has frequently described her as his “biggest fan and greatest supporter.”

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Woods wrote in a statement. “My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable. She was quick with the needle and a laugh. She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible. She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie.”

The Wait for Woods’ Return Continues

The Genesis Invitational was expected to mark Woods’ first official PGA Tour start since the 2024 Open Championship. After undergoing yet another back surgery in September, Woods had made only limited appearances, notably alongside his son Charlie at the PNC Championship in December. His participation at Torrey Pines was eagerly anticipated, with fans and tournament organizers alike hopeful for a competitive return.

Woods’ health has been a persistent storyline in recent years, including last year’s Genesis Invitational, where he withdrew during the second round due to illness. This year, with the tournament relocated from Riviera Country Club to Torrey Pines due to California wildfires, Woods would have been returning to one of his most iconic venues—the site of his legendary 2008 U.S. Open victory on a broken leg. However, for now, golf takes a backseat.

A New Opportunity in the Field

With Woods’ withdrawal, his spot in the Genesis Invitational field will be filled by Jake Knapp, who now has an unexpected chance to compete at Torrey Pines. Meanwhile, Woods has expressed hope that he may still make an appearance at the event later in the week, albeit in a non-playing capacity.

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Uncategorized

PGA Tour Tests New Measures to Tackle Slow Play

Starting in 2025, laser rangefinders will be tested at select PGA Tour events. (Photo: Getty)

Slow play has been a persistent issue on the PGA Tour, drawing criticism from players, fans, and broadcasters alike. In response, the Tour is set to implement and test a series of changes. Rangefinders will be introduced at select tournaments in 2025, field sizes will be trimmed starting in 2026, and enforcement of pace-of-play rules will become more visible. A shot clock—long considered unrealistic in professional golf—now appears to be a legitimate option under discussion.

Rangefinders: A Faster Path to the Yardage

For years, officials have debated ways to keep rounds moving. Now, the PGA Tour is taking a decisive step by allowing distance-measuring devices on a trial basis in 2025.

The logic is straightforward: rangefinders provide exact yardages instantly, eliminating the need for caddies to pace off distances or consult yardage books. According to Gary Young, Senior Vice President of Rules & Competitions, early testing on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Champions showed promising results. “It’s been tested on the Korn Ferry (Tour) level. It’s been tested for a full year at the PGA TOUR Champions level. Why not?” Young stated.

The introduction of rangefinders could be one of the most impactful changes in recent years. While purists argue that it alters the traditional role of the caddie, supporters believe it could significantly improve pace of play without compromising strategy.

More Transparency on Slow Play

For years, the PGA Tour has tracked shot times, but those numbers have remained behind closed doors. Now, discussions are underway to make that data public—an unprecedented shift that could reshape how slow play is addressed.

Chief Competitions Officer Tyler Dennis acknowledges that slow play isn’t solely about individual shot times. Factors such as field size, course setup, and weather conditions all contribute. However, publishing pace-of-play statistics could put additional pressure on the slowest players and encourage self-regulation among the field.

Additionally, the enforcement of slow-play penalties has been largely opaque. Historically, warnings and fines have been issued privately, with little public disclosure. That could soon change, as more voices within the game push for greater accountability—similar to how penalties are handled in other professional sports.

A Shot Clock on the PGA Tour?

One of the most debated proposals is the introduction of a shot clock—a concept once deemed incompatible with professional golf. The TGL, the new high-tech league led by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, has already implemented a 40-second timer, complete with a pulsating heartbeat sound to add urgency. Players like Rickie Fowler and Matt Fitzpatrick have voiced support for bringing a similar system to the PGA Tour.

 
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Dottie Pepper, former LPGA star and current broadcaster, recently summarized the issue in an interview with The New York Times in one word: “Respect.” Respect for fellow players, for fans, and for the broader audience who endure slow rounds week after week.

Smaller Fields, More Flow

While some proposed measures remain in the trial phase, one significant change is already confirmed: smaller field sizes at select tournaments starting in 2026. The Players Championship, for instance, will see its field reduced from 144 to 120 players.

The reasoning is clear—fewer players mean fewer groups on the course, allowing for wider gaps between tee times. This could provide tournament officials with more flexibility to monitor pace of play and enforce penalties when necessary.

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Uncategorized

Scottie Scheffler’s Ravioli Fiasco: A Golf Star, a Wine Glass, and Surgery

Scottie Scheffler’s season starts with a delay—an unusual accident puts the World No. 1 on the sidelines. (Photo: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler has probably faced plenty of challenges on his way to the top of the world rankings and the PGA Tour. But this past Christmas, he was bested by an unexpected foe: homemade ravioli. An improvised kitchen tool, a shattered wine glass, and suddenly, the best golfer in the world found himself out of action.

Scottie Scheffler and the Festive Faux Pas

A holiday tradition that begins in the kitchen and ends in the operating room is certainly not an everyday occurrence for a world-class golfer. But that’s exactly what happened to Scottie Scheffler when he attempted to make homemade ravioli. Lacking a rolling pin, he opted for a wine glass instead. One wrong move, the glass shattered, and the World No. 1’s hand came down on the jagged stem. The result: a deep laceration, surgery, and Rory McIlroy’s dry remark: “I think he made enough money to hire a chef. Like, why are you cooking yourself?”

From the Operating Table Back to the PGA Tour

For Scheffler, the forced break didn’t just mean missing tournaments—most notably The Sentry and The American Express—but also an unusual predicament: no driving range sessions, no full-scale gym workouts. “It was frustrating to be sitting at home, not being able to play golf, but we got some good time at home just us three. It’s pretty rare for me to be at home throughout the day without really having much to do. I couldn’t really work out at first, there wasn’t really a whole lot I could do, so it was nice uninterrupted time for us at home. But it was definitely still frustrating watching golf on TV and not being able to play,” he admitted. While he managed to do some exercises with his left hand, actual golf swings were off the table for the time being. “I’ve heard nothing but horror stories since this happened about wine glasses, so be careful,”Scheffler said with a grin in his first public appearance after the injury.

Now, he is preparing for his comeback at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, one of the season’s prestigious Signature Events. And as for Rory McIlroy’s suggestion? Scottie Scheffler had the perfect response: