Author: Victoria Sallmann

Categories
Panorama

“Rock what you got”: Nelly Korda swaps the golf course for a bikini

Bikinis instead of birdies: Nelly Korda at the swimsuit shoot (Photos: l. Instagram @golf_com | r. Getty)
Bikinis instead of birdies: Nelly Korda at the swimsuit shoot (Photos: l. Instagram @golf_com | r. Getty)

Currently, Nelly Korda is dominating the world of golf like few before her. With seven LPGA titles in 2024 alone—including the Chevron Championship—five consecutive wins, and the prestigious “Rolex Player of the Year” award, it has been a year to remember. But now, the 25-year-old is proving she can shine beyond the golf course as well: For the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Korda was photographed by Ben Horton in Boca Raton, Florida.

Off the Fairway: Nelly Korda Embraces New Challenges

“It was such an exciting shoot,” says Korda. “I think that’s what the shoot is about. I think that’s what life is about, also, sometimes challenging yourself.”

The two-time Olympian posed in a variety of looks at the luxury resort The Boca Raton. Despite the bright lights and model poses, she remained completely true to herself. “I had such a great crew to work with and work alongside,” Korda shares. “It was just so much fun. When people look at these photos, I hope it inspires them to rock what they got.”

A Role Model On and Off the Course

For Korda, the shoot wasn’t just a fun detour into a different world—it’s also part of her mission to inspire others. “Golf has impacted my life in an incredible way outside the sport,” she explains. “I get to inspire the next generation. I see girls that look up to me.”
The world No. 1 remains on course for success—on the fairway and beyond. “I get to travel the world for a living and do what I love,” Korda says. “When you’re passionate about something, it’s never work.”

Categories
Highlights Tours

One Year After Scandal: Scottie Scheffler’s Arrest PGA Championship 204

It's been a year since Scheffler's arrest at the 2024 PGA Championship (Photo: Getty)
It's been a year since Scheffler's arrest at the 2024 PGA Championship (Photo: Getty)

It was one of the most surreal scenes in golf history. On May 17, 2024, just before the start of the second round of the PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, world number one Scottie Scheffler was arrested – in front of live cameras and stunned onlookers.

PGA Championship Chaos: Scottie Scheffler in Handcuffs

The day began with tragedy. Early in the morning, a tournament worker was struck and killed by a shuttle bus while crossing the road outside Valhalla Golf Club. Police sealed off the main entrance to the course, causing heavy traffic congestion.

Scheffler, en route to the course in an official PGA Tour vehicle, approached one of the blocked entrances. In the resulting confusion, a police officer attempted to stop his car. The situation escalated rapidly: Scheffler was pulled from the vehicle, handcuffed, and temporarily taken into custody.

An ESPN reporter captured the moment live. Images of Scheffler – in training clothes, clearly shocked, and in handcuffs – spread rapidly across social media and dominated global headlines.

Scheffler was released the same morning and returned to the course shortly thereafter. In a brief statement, he called the incident a misunderstanding and emphasized that he never intended to endanger anyone. He expressed his respect for law enforcement and declined to comment further.

“To be honest, I’m having a hard time processing it all. My adrenaline was high. I was shocked and saddened by what happened this morning,” Scheffler told ESPN after finishing his round.

Despite the dramatic events, the second round went ahead with a delay. Scheffler shot a remarkable 66 and remained in contention for the title.

Charges Dropped: No Consequences for World No. 1

Roughly two weeks later, all charges against Scheffler were dropped. During a court hearing in Jefferson County, the prosecutor requested the case be dismissed – and the judge agreed.
“Mr. Scheffler’s statement that this was a big misunderstanding is supported by the evidence,” said prosecutor Mike O’Connell, according to ESPN. The golfer’s actions did “not satisfy the elements of a criminal offense.”

One year on, Scottie Scheffler is back at the PGA Championship, this time without any off-course drama. He tees off alongside Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele – a true marquee group. Their first round begins Thursday at 2:22 p.m., followed by their second round on Friday at 5:47 p.m. (CET). So far, it’s all about golf.

Categories
Highlights Tours

Is Tiger Woods playing at the PGA Championship 2025?

PGA Championship 2025: Is Tiger playing? (Picture: Getty).
PGA Championship 2025: Is Tiger playing? (Picture: Getty).

The answer is: no. That Tiger Woods won’t tee it up at the PGA Championship this year comes as no surprise. The 15-time major champion is currently recovering from surgery on his left Achilles tendon and has already announced that he will not compete in any major tournaments this season. Still, for many fans, it’s a disappointment. Quail Hollow has been the site of many memorable golf moments – but once again, Woods will be absent. The 49-year-old continues to battle the long-term effects of numerous injuries, and a return to golf’s biggest stages remains uncertain.

Woods isn’t the only prominent name missing this week – several other well-known players are also absent, some for surprising, others for understandable reasons.

Champions Tour over PGA Championship 2025

Notably, five former PGA Champions – John Daly, Y.E. Yang, Davis Love III, Vijay Singh, and David Toms – have chosen not to play in Charlotte, opting instead to compete in the Regions Tradition, a major on the PGA Tour Champions circuit. Since the PGA Championship moved to May in 2019, this type of scheduling conflict had been avoided – until now.

John Daly explained his decision to the Associated Press as follows:
“I can go there and miss the cut and get $6,000. But I’m playing Birmingham. I love Regions. They’re a great sponsor. But why are they scheduling Regions the same week as the PGA Championship, where I can see Brooks [Koepka] and all the guys?”

Why more big names are missing

A number of current top-ranked players are also absent. Billy Horschel, currently ranked No. 24 in the world, is out due to hip surgery and is expected to miss several weeks. Shaun Norris (No. 101) reportedly declined his invitation due to his mother’s health. And Luke Clanton, ranked inside the top 110, is ineligible as an amateur – the PGA Championship is reserved for professionals.

Categories
Highlights Tours Uncategorized

Olympics 2028: Mixed Team Golf Event to Make Its Debut

Mixed team golf at the 2028 Olympics for the first time (Photo:Getty)
Mixed team golf at the 2028 Olympics for the first time (Photo:Getty)

With a historic innovation, golf will take a new step forward at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles: a mixed team event will be introduced for the first time. Approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the competition will take place between the men’s and women’s individual tournaments at the Riviera Country Club. This marks a milestone in the still-young Olympic golf history, which only returned to the Olympic program in 2016. In addition to the established men’s and women’s individual competitions, the mixed team event brings a new dimension to Olympic golf – focusing on team play, something that has long been absent from the Olympic schedule.

Mixed team event makes its debut in the Olympic program

The mixed team tournament will consist of two rounds of 18 holes each. The first round will follow the foursomes format, where the female and male players alternate shots. The second round will be a four-ball round – both players play their own ball, and the better score per hole counts towards the team’s total. Each nation is allowed to enter only one team, consisting of one male and one female athlete who are already competing in the individual tournaments. The decision to include this new format was made in close coordination with the International Golf Federation. The mixed team event is expected to give golf greater visibility within the Olympic Games.

Golf’s growing significance at the Olympics

This means golf joins the ranks of six sports that offer a mixed-gender competition in the Olympic program. Other sports with similar formats include archery, athletics with the 4×100-meter mixed relay, as well as table tennis and rowing.

Golf has only been part of the official Olympic program again since the 2016 Games in Brazil, making it one of the newer disciplines. The mixed team competition marks the first addition of a team format in Olympic golf since 1904.

At the most recent Games in Paris, Lydia Ko (gold), Esther Henseleit (silver), and Xiyu Lin (bronze) won medals in the women’s individual event. In the men’s competition, Scottie Scheffler claimed gold, Tommy Fleetwood took silver, and Hideki Matsuyama earned bronze.

Categories
Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2025: How much prize money does Rory McIlroy win?

US Masters 2025: How high is the prize money? (Photo: Getty)
US Masters 2025: How high is the prize money? (Photo: Getty)

Traditionally announced on Saturday morning, the prize money for the Masters Tournament 2025 has been revealed: A record total of $21 million will be awarded this weekend at Augusta National Golf Club. The winner will receive not only the iconic green jacket, but also $4.2 million—more than ever before in Augusta.

The Masters Tournament 2025: Golf Elite Competes for Millions

This weekend will decide who secures the record-breaking prize money and the legendary green jacket. While the money may be secondary for many at this prestigious event, the battle for glory, honor, and a mega check is on.

The Masters Tournament 2025 – All Live Scores

This is how high the record prize money is in 2025

The US Masters in Augusta is not only known for its traditions but also for its special prize money policy. While other majors already publish their prize money structure in advance, the prize money at the US Masters is traditionally only announced after the cut. This year, it amounts to a total of 21 million dollars – the highest amount ever awarded in the history of the tournament. It surpasses last year’s record prize money by 1 million dollars. The winner receives 4.2 million dollars, the runner-up can look forward to 2.268 million dollars. Third place brings 1.428 million dollars. But even beyond the podium, the payout remains above the million mark: fourth place is rewarded with 1.008 million dollars.

Rank Prize Money Player
Win $4,000,000 Rory McIlroy
2nd $2,268,000 Justin Rose
3rd $1,428,000 Patrick Reed
4th $1,008,000 Scottie Scheffler
T5 $798,000 Bryson DeChambeau, Sungjae Im
7th $703,500 Ludvig Åberg
T8 $588,000 Xander Schauffele, Zach Johnson, Jason Day, Corey Conners
T12 $462,000 Max Homa, Harris English
T14 $336,000 Jon Rahm, Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth, Tyrrell Hatton, Matt McCarty, Tom Hoge, Collin Morikawa
T21 $210,000 Hideki Matsuyama, Davis Riley, Tommy Fleetwood, Daniel Berger, Byeong Hun An, Viktor Hovland
T27 $158,550 Aaron Rai, Michael Kim
T29 $142,800 Sahith Theegala, Denny McCarthy, Jaoquin Niemann
T32 $121,537 Rasmus Højgaard, Maverick McNealy, Max Greyersman
T36 $101,063 Justin Thomas, Brian Harman, Patrick Cantlay, Charl Schwartzel
T40 $88,200 Matt Fitzpatrick, Nick Taylor
T42 $75,600 Akshay Bhatia, Danny Willett, JT Poston, Shane Lowry
T46 $61,180 Wyndham Clark, Sam Burns, Davis Thompson
49th $54,600 Min Woo Lee
50th $52,920 JJ Spaun
51 $52,820 Nico Echavarria
T52 $52,670 Stephan Jaeger, Tom Kim

Players who made the cut but finish outside the top 50 receive decreasing prize money starting at $51,660. Unlike most other tournaments, even players who miss the cut don’t go home empty-handed: They each receive $25,000.

Categories
Uncategorized

The Masters 2025: Scheffler serves up ‘Scottie Style’

Scottie Scheffler's champions dinner for The Masters 2025. (Photo: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler's champions dinner for The Masters 2025. (Photo: Getty)

World number one Scottie Scheffler is hosting the traditional Champions Dinner in the run-up to the US Masters 2025 for the second time this year. After his victory in 2022, he already had the honour of designing the exclusive menu once. This time too, he is staying true to his Texan style, with small but personalised adjustments.

The dinner, which traditionally takes place on the Tuesday evening of Masters week in the clubhouse at Augusta National, is reserved for former Green Jacket winners. ‘It’s more or less the same as two years ago,’ explained Scheffler. ‘My favourite dishes haven’t changed too much, but there are a few nostalgic elements.’

Scheffler’s menu for the Champions Dinner of the The Masters 2025

The starters consist of ‘Scottie style’ cheeseburger sliders – a signature dish where the fries are placed directly on the burger. ‘I always put fries on my burger, that’s ‘Scottie style’ for me. My favourite burger joint has thin patties with cheese between the layers. I then take some of the melted cheese, throw in the fries and enjoy it. It’s just great.’ Alongside the burger, there are firework prawns with sweet Thai chilli and Sriracha mayo.

New on the menu: ‘Papa Scheff’s’ legendary meatballs

One new addition is the replacement of the tortilla soup with ‘Papa Scheff’s Meatball and Ravioli Bites’ – a tribute to his father. ‘Papa Chef is my father,’ explained Scheffler. ‘His meatballs were legendary when we were growing up. Every time he made them, we were all beside ourselves with excitement. I thought it would be a nice idea to put them on the menu this year, and the ravioli complements it perfectly.’

The first course remains hearty: Texan chilli with cheddar cheese, jalapeños and corn chips – inspired by his coach Randy, whose recipe serves as the basis. ‘My coach makes the best chilli. So they try to use his recipe as inspiration.’
Main course options include Texas ribeye steak or redfish, accompanied by savoury sides such as family-style mac and cheese, corn with jalapeño cream, Brussels sprouts with soy glaze and roasted sweet potatoes with chipotle lime. Guests can also look forward to tequila and bourbon – a real Texan finish.

For dessert there is a warm chocolate chip skillet cookie with vanilla ice cream.

The Masters Champions Dinner – The dinner of legends

The Champions Dinner goes back to Ben Hogan, who created it in 1952. Each defending champion puts together their own menu and often adds a personal touch. While Scottie Scheffler stays true to his Texan style, previous champions have brought culinary diversity to Augusta. Jon Rahm focused on Spanish cuisine in 2023 with tapas, tomahawk steak and basque cheesecake. The year before, Hideki Matsuyama served a Japanese-inspired menu with Wagyu beef, sushi and traditional specialities. In 2020, Tiger Woods combined a selection of sushi, steak fajitas and churros for dessert. Patrick Reed opted for Caesar salad, cowboy ribeye steak and mac & cheese in 2018, while Jordan Spieth brought Texan flavours to the table in 2016 with BBQ ribs, steak and warm apple pie.

Categories
PGA Tour Uncategorized

Double ace on the 17th hole and a dip in the water

One ace, one jump (Photo: Twitter@PGATour)
One ace, one jump (Photo: Twitter@PGATour)

The excitement ahead of the 51st edition of the Players Championship could hardly be greater. Even before the “fifth major” officially begins at the TPC Sawgrass in Florida, two hole-in-ones on the legendary 17th hole cause a stir – one by a tournament debutant, the other by a caddie.

Premiere ace for Tosti and a dip into the water

The 28-year-old Alejandro Tosti experiences an unforgettable start to his first Players Championship. On Wednesday afternoon, during his practice round, the Argentinian hits a 52-degree wedge from 121 meters. The ball lands behind the flag, rolls back – and disappears into the hole! Tosti’s joy is boundless, and he keeps his promise: He jumps into the water full of enthusiasm. The crowd roared as he resurfaced and raised his arms; his caddie helped him out of the pond and they hugged on the lawn. It was the first hole-in-one of his career – and he was also making his debut at the Players Championship.

“I’ve been telling people that if I make it in the hole on 17, I’m going in the water, so I had to 100% go in the water, and I was so happy, and really cool to have that moment today.”

First ace in the history of the Caddie Challenge

But Tosti wasn’t the only one with an ace on the day. JJ Jakovac, Collin Morikawa’s caddie, made history when he hit the first hole-in-one in the 26-year history of the Caddie Challenge. His pitching wedge shot spun smoothly back towards the hole and triggered a real celebration. Never before had a caddie managed to hit an ace on this legendary hole.


The Caddie Challenge is a firm Players Championship tradition. Every year, the caddies swap their usual role for a moment and compete on the par-3 17th hole themselves.

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: Jäger and Straka kick off with the world leaders

The PGA Tour tee times (Photos: Getty).
The PGA Tour tee times (Photos: Getty).

The Arnold Palmer Invitational 2025 on the PGA Tour will take place from March 6 to March 9 at Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida. Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1, enters the tournament as the defending champion, facing a star-studded field that includes nine of the world’s top ten players. As one of the PGA Tour’s Signature Events, the tournament features a $20 million prize purse, with the winner earning $4 million and 700 FedEx Cup points. German-speaking golf fans will have their eyes on Stephan Jäger and Sepp Straka, who are both in the field.

Alongside Scheffler, other top stars in action include Rory McIlroy, a former API champion, Xander Schauffele, returning from a rib injury, and Ludvig Åberg, the recent Genesis Invitational winner.

PGA Tour Round 1 Tee Times

Ludvig Åberg from Sweden begins his first round at 3:00 PM CET, alongside defending champion Scottie Scheffler.

Stephan Jäger from Germany tees off at 6:00 PM CET, playing with Corey Conners from Canada.

Sepp Straka from Austria starts his round at 6:35 PM CET, alongside Tony Finau from the USA.

Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland and Shane Lowry from Ireland follow at 7:00 PM CET.

Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas, both from the USA, begin their round at 7:10 PM CET.

Categories
PGA Tour

LIV golfer qualifies for PGA Tour

Laurie Canter plays on the PGA Tour next week (Photo: Getty).
Laurie Canter plays on the PGA Tour next week (Photo: Getty).

For the first time, a former LIV golfer will participate in a regular PGA Tour event: Laurie Canter has qualified for The Players Championship and will tee off next week at TPC Sawgrass in Florida.

The 35-year-old Englishman finished in second place at last week’s Investec South African Open after losing in a playoff against South African Dylan Naidoo. This result pushed Canter into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), allowing him to participate in the tournament. Canter will be the first LIV Golf player to compete in a regular PGA Tour event that is not a major.

Laurie Canter was an active member of the LIV Golf League during its first three seasons. In 2022, he joined as a founding member of Cleeks GC and played a significant role in the league’s first year. In 2023, he was a reserve player before participating in the first two LIV events in Mexico and Mayakoba in 2024. However, he has not played for LIV Golf since February 2024.

Start spot secured at the Players Championship on the PGA Tour

Thanks to his second-place finish in South Africa, Canter has qualified for The Players Championship, which will take place from March 14-17, 2024. The tournament is considered one of the most prestigious in the golf calendar and is often referred to as the “fifth major.” The PGA Tour invites the top 50 players from the OWGR to this event. Since it has been more than a year since he last played for LIV Golf, his eligibility for the PGA Tour has been reinstated, allowing him to compete in Florida. The PGA Tour prohibits non-members from participating until a year after their last LIV appearance.

In recent months, Canter has established himself on the DP World Tour. In addition to his victory in Bahrain and third place in Dubai, he finished the past season with six Top-25 finishes, including a win at the European Open in June.

Categories
Panorama

Billy Horschel vs. alligator: 60-degree wedge in special use

Billy Horschel vs. Alligator (Source: X@GolfDigest).
Billy Horschel vs. Alligator (Source: X@GolfDigest).

On the first day of the Cognizant Classic in Florida, golf pro Billy Horschel had an unusual encounter with an unexpected guest – an alligator. While Horschel shot a round of 66 and fought his way to a tied 16th place, the scene on the 6th hole caused quite a stir. However, the six-time PGA Tour winner remained ice-cold and proved that he can handle not only a golf ball but also reptiles.

Billy Horschel: ‘I’m not afraid of gators’

The scene occurred when Horschel had just finished his putt on the sixth hole and was marching towards the seventh tee. Suddenly he noticed an alligator crawling slowly across the green – directly towards the crowd. A police officer who was on site tried to chase the animal away, but to no effect.

“Yeah, we were on No. 6 green and I just putted out, went to the left side of the green there. Right about to walk to 7 I saw the gator coming across,” Horschel explained. “The cop who was working with us walked over there and tried to shoo him, but he didn’t have anything to touch him and he was trying to get as close as he could. It was either someone was going to have to go up to No. 8 and grab a rake or I was 30 yards away, 25 yards away, and I just grabbed a club and went over there and pushed him away.”

60-Degree Wedge in Action

Billy Horschel, who himself played college golf for the Florida Gators, showed no fear of the reptile. With a 60-degree wedge in his hand, he approached the alligator and skilfully directed it back into the water.

“I’m not afraid of gators. Listen, as I tell most people, I said, they’re more afraid of you. The majority of the time they’re only going to come after you during mating season where they’re a little aggressive and then if you’re around their nest when they’ve got some eggs,” Horschel said. “The majority of the time, they’re fine. I grew up with my dad grabbing their tail when they’re on the side of the bank and shooing them back in the water. I never touched a tail with my hand but I’ve done it with a club. Not that big of a deal.”