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PGA Tour

Jon Rahm and the Status of his Ryder Cup Relationship: It’s Getting Complicated

Photo: Getty
Photo: Getty

What’s the difference between Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton? No, it’s not the fact that one looks like a Basque bear, while the other – albeit English – looks like an Irish leprechaun in a tall hat under his baseball cap and all too often behaves like one. Like on Saturday at the Dubai Desert Classic, when Hatton smashed a tee marker in anger.

Rather, what is meant is the loudly proclaimed claim of both to be called up for Bethpage Black, for the European Ryder Cup team’s away match on Long Island in September.

Hatton Strengthens Ryder Cup Bid, While Rahm Faces Struggles

While Hatton underlined his claim again yesterday with victory in Dubai after winning the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in October, his eighth title in his 200th start on the DP World Tour, Rahm lacks precisely such successes. Instead, the Spanish LIV star made a false start to the 2025 golf year, firing an underground 77 after an opening 69 on Friday and missing the weekend – also because he lost out in the battle with a bush.

Now, of all times, the supposed Ryder Cup top performer has missed his first cut at a Rolex Series event and his third in more than four years. Now, of course, it is premature and completely inappropriate to pass the sporting baton on the 30-year-old. Team boss Luke Donald will hardly be able to avoid giving Rahm the wild card for his fourth continental competition anyway; after all, he finished second and sixth in his two Spanish home appearances in autumn 2024. Nevertheless, the status of the relationship with regard to the Ryder Cup is likely to remain unchanged: It’s going to be complicated.

Rahm’s Ryder Cup Chances Clouded by Legal Issues

After all, Rahm is virtually operating in a legal vacuum and is speculating that he will ‘survive’ in it until September. That does have a certain flavour. As a reminder, the Spaniard – like Hatton – has lodged an appeal against the multi-million fine imposed by the DP World Tour for the unauthorised switch to the LIV League, is playing under a temporary injunction and is counting on the expected judgement against him not being passed until after the Ryder Cup. The competent appeals court has already legitimised the Tour’s sanctions in other cases, and should a decision be made in Rahm’s case before September, he would have to pay in order to actually be able to play in the USA.

Anyone who doubts that Rahm would also pay without hesitation if, as hoped, the fine is not due until after Bethpage Black. The man to whom the Saudis are paying a guaranteed fee of 450 million dollars for four years and who was already worth over 50 million dollars beforehand has a family of four to feed, so you have to keep your pennies together. Irony off again. Instead, it would be desirable for Rahm to do the same as Hatton – not in terms of tea markers, but to mask the stale odour of his tactics with the fragrance of sporting success. The Englishman also plays with the proviso of a revision. But at least he wins. And gets a lot of encouragement for it:

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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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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Favorit Xander Schauffele WDs from American Express

Xander Schauffele WDs from American Express on PGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Xander Schauffele WDs from American Express on PGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)

After Scottie Scheffler withdrew from the American Express on the PGA Tour due to his hand injury, Xander Schauffele, the world No. 2 and two-time major winner, was considered the main favourite for the tournament. But on Monday, the 31-year-old also withdrew from this week’s event, which is regarded as one of the easiest tournaments on the PGA Tour.

PGA Tour: Xander Schauffele withdraws from American Express

The reason for Schauffele’s cancellation is medical reasons, ESPN was told by his manager, but no specific details were given. Schauffele had most recently started his season at The Sentry and suffered a heavy defeat at the TGL premiere with the New York Golf Club.

Following the cancellation of Schauffele and Scheffler, who wants to give his hand more time to heal after an injury at Christmas, Wyndham Clark is the only player from the world’s top 10 who will be competing this week. Like Schauffele, Clark took part in the TGL premiere in Florida and was part of the victorious Bay GC. He starts the tournament in 7th place in the world rankings. Defending champion Nick Dunlap, who won the tournament last year as an amateur, will also be competing. He was the first winning amateur since 1991.

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Scottie Scheffler still out of action

Scottie Scheffler still injured. (Image: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler still injured. (Image: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler, who already missed the PGA Tour’s first tournament of the year with The Sentry, is also withdrawing from the American Express, he announced on Instagram on Monday.

PGA Tour: Scottie Scheffler withdraws from American Express

“After consulting with my medical team, I have made the decision to withdraw from the American Express tournament next week to give my injury more time to heal,” Scheffler said on Instagram.

Scheffler had injured himself on Christmas Day while cooking Christmas dinner on broken glass and had to have surgery on his right hand to remove small pieces of glass. Following the injury, Scheffler’s manager Blake Smith spoke of a recovery period of “three to four weeks”. While Scheffer withdrew from The Sentry, he was still targeting The American Express to start the year at that point.

Instead, the two-time Masters winner is taking some more time to heal and has the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the second signature event of the year, as his next target. It takes place from January 30 to February 2. After an absolute 2024 season in which he earned the title of “Player of the Year” for the third time in a row, it remains to be seen whether Scheffler can continue his dominance on the tour.

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Tour Championship changing to a group format?

A change to the Tour Championship format might be in the works. (Photo: Getty)
A change to the Tour Championship format might be in the works. (Photo: Getty)

Schedule: The PGA Tour is considering a change to the tournament format for the Tour Championship. According to US media reports, a bracket solution is being discussed for the season finale at East Lake Country Club, i.e. dividing the field of participants into two groups, which will then play out the champion in stroke play and match play. The current format is controversial among active players, but a format with direct duels would be well received. ‘I’d like to see something the players are excited about and the fans are excited about,’ said Patrick Cantlay, a member of the PGA Tour Policy Board, which has to approve a change. As only the top 30 players of the season or the play-offs are competing in East Lake anyway, the problem that makes a match play format unattractive for standard tournaments would also be obsolete: because no underdogs could fight their way through to the semi-finals or final and then possibly rather unattractive names with low ratings would duel each other at prime time on Sunday.

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Highlights Tours

TGL “Boston Common Golf”: Blend of Politics and Bullfrog Emblem

Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Hideki Matsuyama, and Adam Scott make up the Boston Common Golf team. (Photos: TGL Media Hub and Getty)

Boston is one of the most iconic sports cities in the United States, so it’s no surprise that the inaugural season of the high-tech TGL golf league includes a team from this New England hub. Named “Boston Common Golf,” the team is headlined by TGL co-founder Rory McIlroy. No Boston-based sports lineup would be complete without Keegan Bradley, a passionate fan of the Celtics, Red Sox, and New England Patriots. The team is rounded out by Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama. Backing the team financially are the Fenway Sports Group (FSG), pop sensation Niall Horan, and McIlroy himself.

A Touch of Politics

The inclusion of Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott on the roster seems far from coincidental. Both players are members of the PGA Tour’s Transaction Subcommittee, which is negotiating with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). Also on this committee is John W. Henry, principal owner of Fenway Sports Group. The FSG is a key player in the Strategic Sports Group (SSG), which struck a multi-billion-dollar deal with the PGA Tour in January 2024. The SSG features numerous billionaires who own major U.S. sports franchises.

Team Identity

The team’s name pays homage to Boston Common, the first public park in the United States. Appropriately, the logo features a bullfrog—a nod to the Frog Pond located in the heart of Boston Common. According to the team’s official website, the team colors also hold special significance:

“The primary color for Boston Common Golf, Common Green, symbolizes the richness of the sport and city: namely, the abundance of green spaces, the proud Irish heritage, and the walls of Fenway Sports Group’s namesake. Along with Earth White and Navy, the palette includes a pop of vibrant lime green (Boston Volt) to represent a new, modern vision for golf and the vivid digital and dimensional environment in the SoFi Center – TGL’s new tech-forward venue in Palm Beach, Florida.”

 
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Quick Facts About “Boston Common Golf”

Team NameBoston Common Golf
Team MembersAdam Scott (Australia), Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), Keegan Bradley (USA), Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)
InvestorsFenway Sports Group (FSG), Niall Horan (Singer), Rory McIlroy
LogoBullfrog with its inflated chest forming a golf ball
Team ColorsCommon Green, Earth White, Navy, and Lime Green

Upcoming Matches

  • January 27, 2025: vs. Jupiter Links GC
  • February 4, 2025: vs. Los Angeles Golf Club
  • February 17, 2025: vs. The Bay Golf Club
  • February 24, 2025: vs. Atlanta Drive GC
  • March 3, 2025: vs. New York Golf Club
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PGA Tour

TGL “Jupiter Links GC”: Tiger’s Team in Signature “Tiger Red”

Jupiter Links GC featuring Tiger Woods, Tom Kim, Kevin Kisner, and Max Homa. (Images: Getty and TGL Media Hub)

The Jupiter Links Golf Club represents the TGL team of co-founder Tiger Woods. Joined by Kevin Kisner, Max Homa, and Tom Kim, Tiger has assembled a dynamic roster of distinctive personalities.

Kevin Kisner, a four-time PGA Tour winner, is known as much for his candid TV appearances with NBC as for his golfing prowess, even though his current form falls short of his peak. Meanwhile, Max Homa, a fan-favorite on social media, is celebrated as one of the most exciting players of the new generation.

Speaking of rising stars, the inclusion of Tom Kim is a testament to Tiger’s eye for talent. The 22-year-old South Korean has already claimed three PGA Tour titles, showcasing his passion and charisma on the course. A standout moment was his role as an emotional leader during the 2024 Presidents Cup, where he electrified crowds with his performances.

Naming and Branding: A Nod to Jupiter and the Sunshine State

Named after Tiger’s hometown of Jupiter, Florida, the team has backing from TGR Ventures (Tiger Woods) and David Blitzer, a prominent investor involved with teams like the Washington Commanders (NFL) and Philadelphia 76ers (NBA).

“The Palm Flag” and “Tiger Red”

The team logo, dubbed the “Palm Flag,” blends beach and golf themes. It features a palm tree and a golf flag, with a segmented flagpole representing the three players who compete in each match. The red circle at the base symbolizes the rising sun on the horizon.

When it comes to colors, the legendary “Tiger Red” is front and center, paying homage to Tiger’s iconic Sunday attire. Complementary tones include midnight blue, sand, and sunrise red, reflecting Jupiter’s coastal charm.

Fast Facts About Jupiter Links GC

Team NameJupiter Links GC
PlayersTiger Woods, Kevin Kisner, Max Homa (USA), Tom Kim (KOR)
InvestorsTiger Woods (TGR Ventures), David Blitzer
LogoPalm Flag
Team ColorsTiger Red, Midnight Blue, Sand, Sunrise Red

Schedule

  • January 14, 2025: vs. Los Angeles Golf Club
  • January 27, 2025: vs. Boston Common Golf
  • February 18, 2025: vs. New York Golf Club
  • February 25, 2025: vs. The Bay Golf Club
  • March 4, 2025: vs. Atlanta Drive GC
Categories
PGA Tour

Scottie Scheffler Withdraws from Season Opener

Scottie Scheffler during the third round of “The Sentry” 2024 in Maui, Hawaii. (Image: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler during the third round of “The Sentry” 2024 in Maui, Hawaii. (Image: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler misses the PGA Tour season opener in Hawaii. The 28-year-old suffered an injury to his right palm while preparing dinner on Dec. 25. Scheffler’s manager, Blake Smith, said in a statement released Friday: “On Christmas Day while preparing dinner, Scottie sustained a puncture wound to the palm of his right hand from a broken glass. Small glass fragments remained in the palm which required surgery. He has been told that he should be back to 100 percent in three to four weeks. Unfortunately, he will have to withdraw from The Sentry.”

The US American will therefore not be able to compete at “The Sentry” in Hawaii, the season opener. The tournament takes place from January 2 to 5 on Maui, a Hawaiian island. The venue is the “Plantation Course at Kapalua” (par 73). Scheffler’s next planned tournament is “The American Express” from January 16 to 19, according to his manager Blake Smith.

Scottie Scheffler and his historic season

Scottie Scheffler has had a memorable 2024 season. He won seven official PGA Tour tournaments, including the US Masters and the Players Championship, where he became the first player ever to successfully defend the title. In August, he won Olympic gold and shed tears at the award ceremony afterwards. Scheffler was also successful in team competitions in 2024. With Team USA, he defeated Team International by 18 1/2 to 11 1/2 points at the Presidents Cup in Canada at the end of September.

As a logical consequence of all this success, Scheffler was voted Player of the Year on the PGA Tour (Jack Nicklaus Award) for the third time in a row. He is also the first player since Tiger Woods in 2009 to spend an entire year at the top of the world rankings.

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PGA Tour Champions

Charlie Woods plays the first ace of his life at the PNC Championship 2024

Charlie and Tiger Woods celebrate Charlie's hole-in-one. (Photo: Getty)
Charlie and Tiger Woods celebrate Charlie's hole-in-one. (Photo: Getty)

For Charlie Woods, it was the first ace of his life. And at the PNC Championship, where all eyes have been on the teenager for several years. Except, in this case, those of his father Tiger Woods. He was busy with his bag when Charlie hit the ball into the hole from the tee on the par-3 4th.

Hole-in-one for Charlie Woods

It was a picture-book Sunday at the Ritz-Carlton GC in Florida. Team Langer and Team Woods met in the final flight and played a cat-and-mouse game over 18 holes to make it into the play-off. Early in the day, 15-year-old Charlie Woods provided a highlight when he holed out for an ace on the first par-3 of the course. Pictures between surprise and joy:

Charlie Woods just made his first ever hole-in-one!! 📺: GOLF Channel pic.twitter.com/yEvN3HuYWP — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 22, 2024

Although it was the first hole-in-one in ten years (and the second ever) at the PNC Championship, it wasn’t to stop there. Paddy Harington, son of Padraig Harrington, also played an ace. Just a few moments after Charlie’s hole-in-one on the 4th, he put the ball in the hole on the 8th.

The 2nd(!!) ace of the day 🤯 Paddy Harrington makes a hole-in-one to tie the lead! pic.twitter.com/Al3AEbr5wX — PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) December 22, 2024

Charlie and Paddy were not the only players to attract attention. Carson Kuchar, the son of Matt Kuchar, also wowed the crowd. He put the ball into the hole on the par-4 16th with his second shot: hole-out eagle for Team Kuchar.

Eagle from long range 😲 Carson Kuchar holes it for eagle on No. 16! 📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/Eny6z8hOEi — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 22, 2024

And last but not least, we look at Gary Player, who at 89 was the oldest player in the field at the 2024 PNC Championship. In round 1, he played “only” even par with his grandson Alexander Hall. On Sunday, they improved by a total of ten strokes. The highlight: Gary Player holed his final putt on the 18th for eagle.

Gary Player for eagle! The 89-year-old goes out with a bang on No. 18 🔥 pic.twitter.com/j8om5RUOM9 — PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) December 22, 2024