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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Just days after confirming his participation, Tiger Woods has withdrawn from the PGA Tour event.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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The Open Championship Returns to St Andrews in 2027

The 150th British Open took place on the Old Course at St Andrews in 2022. (Source: Getty)
The 150th British Open took place on the Old Course at St Andrews in 2022. (Source: Getty)

The R&A announced on Thursday that The Open Championship will be held in St Andrews in 2027. The connection between The Open and St Andrews is one of the most traditional in golf: the Major will be held on the historic Old Course for the 31st time. The club first hosted the tournament in 1873.

From 15 to 18 July 2027, the St Andrews Golf Club in Scotland will open its doors for the 155th Open. The Open Championship is the only one of the four majors to be held on European soil. It traditionally marks the end of the major season in July.

A special anniversary will be celebrated in 2027: 100 years ago then, in 1927, amateur Bobby Jones triumphed at The Open in St Andrews and celebrated his second of a total of three Open Championship victories.

The Open Championship and St Andrews: A Shared History

The last time The Open Championship was held in St Andrews was in 2022 to mark its 150th anniversary. Back then, Cameron Smith won the tournament with an overall score of 20 strokes under par. The first event on the Old Course took place in 1873, still over 36 holes. Tom Kidd won back then with rounds of 91 and 88 – the highest winning score over 36 holes in the history of the tournament.

In 2024, the St Andrews Links Trust, the R&A, the Scottish Government and VisitScotland agreed on a long-term partnership. This agreement ensures that The Open Championship will return to Scotland on a regular basis over the next eleven years.

Mark Dabon, Chief Executive of the R&A, emphasized the importance of the tournament: “St Andrews is the home of golf and it generates a unique atmosphere for the fans and the players as well as providing an amazing spectacle on television and digitally for millions of viewers around the world. It promises to be another milestone occasion at one of sport’s greatest and most historic venues and we will be doing everything we can to make it a memorable experience for everyone involved.”

Before returning to St Andrews in 2027, the tournament will be held at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland on 17-20 July 2025 and Royal Birkdale Golf Club in England in 2026.

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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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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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More money for U.S. Ryder Cup team: $200,000 available for the first time

Team USA celebrates the 2021 Ryder Cup victory - at that time without payment (Photo: Getty)
Team USA celebrates the 2021 Ryder Cup victory - at that time without payment (Photo: Getty)

The PGA of America has made a historic decision: Effective immediately, American Ryder Cup players and captains will receive direct compensation. Of the total 500,000 dollars that each player receives for their participation, 300,000 dollars will continue to go to charitable organizations. However, the remaining 200,000 dollars can be used freely by the athletes for the first time. The new regulation is causing discussion on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ryder Cup: Pay to play – or paid to play?

The PGA emphasized in its statement that the players had not actively asked for compensation. Nevertheless, the PGA believes it is justified to reward the players’ achievements. An official statement said: “The players and captains of the past and present are responsible for making the Ryder Cup one of the most special competitions in golf and one of the most sought-after events on the international sporting scene.” Since 1999, the amount of 200,000 dollars for charity has not been adjusted.

The news of the new compensation scheme triggered controversial reactions. European players such as Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry made it clear that for them the honor of taking part in the Ryder Cup was above all else – so much so that they would even pay for it. Tiger Woods countered these comments with a clear statement: “If the Europeans want to pay for the Ryder Cup, that’s their decision.”

Despite the new addition, the American team seems to be keeping charity in mind. Captain Keegan Bradley announced that the players could donate the entire amount of 500,000 dollars. However, the decision of how to use the 200,000 dollars is up to each player. The discussion over the payments has sparked an unexpectedly emotional December – nine months before the 2025 Ryder Cup at the iconic Bethpage Black. While the USA is changing its structure, Europe is sticking to its tradition of playing exclusively for charity.

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Equipment Highlights Tours

Rory McIlroy WITB with TaylorMade at the DP World Tour Championship

Rory McIlroy's WITB. (Photo: Getty).
Rory McIlroy's WITB. (Photo: Getty).
Victory in the Race to Dubai was safe for Rory McIlroy, but the outcome of the DP World Tour Championship remained exciting right down to the last few holes. With two late birdies, McIlroy prevailed over Rasmus Hojgaard and his Callaway bag to win the DP World Tour season finale and the season ranking for the third time in his career. A look inside the Northern Irishman’s golf bag reveals that he remains loyal to his sponsor TaylorMade.

DP World Tour Championship 2024: WITB Rory McIlroy

(Image: TaylorMade)
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (9°)
(Image: TaylorMade)
Wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15°, 18°)
(Image: TaylorMade)
Irons: TaylorMade P 760 (4) Irons: TaylorMade Rors Proto (5-9)
(Image: TaylorMade)
Wedges: TaylorMade MG4 (46, 50, 54, 60)
(Image: TaylorMade)
Putter: TaylorMade Spider Tour X
(Image: TaylorMade)
Ball: TaylorMade TP5X
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Ryder Cup 2025: Has the Classic Become a Luxury Event?

Ticket prizes for the 2025 Ryder Cup have exploded. (Credit: Getty)
Ticket prizes for the 2025 Ryder Cup have exploded. (Credit: Getty)

The announcement of ticket prices for the 2025 Ryder Cup at the Bethpage Black Golf Course has caused a wave of outrage in the golf world. While the PGA of America promotes the tournament as an elite, once-in-a-lifetime experience, many long-time fans are left grappling with the reality that attending may now be out of reach.

The Soaring Costs of Ryder Cup 2025

Set against the backdrop of the Bethpage Black Course, the 2025 Ryder Cup promises thrilling competition—but at what cost? With prices starting at $749 per day for the competition days, the entrance fee is higher than ever before. Even practice day tickets cost up to $423.

In comparison to past editions, the price surge feels extreme. Fans who attended Whistling Straits in 2021 or the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome paid significantly less. Bethpage Black’s price tag has led many to wonder whether this event, long cherished as “golf’s ultimate fan experience,” is now reserved for those with the deepest pockets.

Ryder Cup vs. Other Major Tournaments: A Price Comparison

For perspective, the pricing at Bethpage Black stands in stark contrast to other top-tier golf events. At the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, final round tickets were available for around $260—a fraction of what’s now being charged in New York. Even at Augusta, a single-day ticket to the Masters costs around $140. Similarly, the upcoming 2024 PGA Championship—also run by the PGA of America—tops out at approximately $200 for a day pass.

The PGA of America Defends Its Pricing

Responding to the backlash, the PGA of America has stood firm. Bryan Karns, tournament director for the 2025 Ryder Cup, highlighted the unprecedented demand for tickets, suggesting the pricing reflects the high interest. According to Karns, the Ryder Cup sits firmly within the ranks of “Tier 1” global sporting events, and the elevated pricing mirrors this status.

Yet, for many fans, this explanation falls flat. Social media is flooded with dismay, as long-time attendees express concern that the escalating costs could diminish the tournament’s famously electric atmosphere f only an exclusive group of spectators can attend.

Added Perks: Enough to Justify the Cost?

The PGA also points to the “added value” that comes with a Ryder Cup ticket. Included in the price is unlimited food and select non-alcoholic beverages—an offering aimed at softening the blow of the steep costs. Still, for many fans, the question remains whether these additional perks justify the price difference.

Perhaps the biggest concern shared by both fans and experts is the potential impact these prices could have on the atmosphere. The Ryder Cup is known for its energetic and passionate crowd. But there are worries that the high costs might push out the typical Ryder Cup fan and result in a quieter, less enthusiastic audience.

Long-Term Impact on the Ryder Cup

Despite the intense reactions, it’s unlikely that ticket prices will affect the success of the tournament. Ryder Cup tickets will be allocated via a lottery system in November 2024, and they are expected to sell out quickly.

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World Golf Ranking: Scottie Scheffler Holds Firm at the Top

Scottie Scheffler remains No. 1 in the World Golf Rankings. (Photo: Getty Images)

Scottie Scheffler remains the undisputed leader of the Official World Golf Ranking, retaining his position as the world’s number one player. His consistent play over the past months has kept him ahead of the pack, with his average points ensuring a firm grip on the top spot. Meanwhile, Xander Schauffele continues to showcase his trademark steadiness, sitting comfortably at number two as he solidifies his reputation as one of the most reliable performers in the game today.

See the complete Official World Golf Ranking here

World Golf Raking: American Presence Dominates in the Top 10

The strength of American golf is particularly evident in the latest rankings, with Collin Morikawa holding onto fourth place and Wyndham Clark staying stable at sixth. Patrick Cantlay, who continues to quietly compile strong finishes week after week, is also unchanged at ninth. These players have shown a remarkable ability to maintain their form, positioning themselves as fixtures among the world’s golfing elite.

Small Movements, Big Impact in the Top 10

While the top spots have remained relatively unchanged, there has been some movement further down the rankings. England’s Tommy Fleetwood has edged up to break into the top 10, a reward for his steady play throughout the season. However, Bryson DeChambeau was pushed consequently to 11th place . Rory McIlroy holds firm in third place, continuing his impressive run, while Swedish sensation Ludvig Åberg rounds out the top five. Åberg’s rise is one of the more compelling stories in recent months, as the young talent from Sweden continues to make waves on the international stage.

PositionPlayer NameAverage PointsChange from Last Week
1Scottie Scheffler17.090
2Xander Schauffele10.850
4Collin Morikawa6.140
6Wyndham Clark5.430
9Patrick Cantlay4.460
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World Golf Ranking: McIlroy Leads British Contingent, Fleetwood Cracks Top 10

Rory McIlroy stays 3rd in the World Golf Rankings, while Tommy Fleetwood climbs into the Top 10. (Photos: Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy continues to lead the British charge in the Official World Golf Ranking, holding steady at No. 3 this week. The Northern Irishman remains locked into his position with a solid average points score, keeping him in close contention with the world’s top two players. His consistency shows no signs of wavering as he continues his campaign through the closing stages of the season.

Meanwhile, Tommy Fleetwood has made headlines this week by breaking into the Top 10. The Englishman jumped from 11th to 10th, marking his return to the elite tier of world golf. Fleetwood’s steady performance and a string of strong finishes have solidified his upward trajectory, and his place in the Top 10 reflects his current form.

See the complete Official World Golf Ranking here

British Players Making Moves in the Rankings

Further down the rankings, Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre remains entrenched at No. 16, with no change from the previous week. MacIntyre’s consistent showing continues to keep him within reach of breaking into the higher echelons of the rankings, as he looks to close the gap on McIlroy and Fleetwood.

Tyrrell Hatton, however, is the week’s biggest mover. The Englishman soared up 18 spots from No. 38 to No. 20, an impressive leap that underscores his recent form. Hatton’s surge is one of the standout stories, as he looks poised to push even higher if his performances remain strong. On the other hand, Matt Fitzpatrick saw a slight dip, slipping one place to No. 30, but the 2022 U.S. Open champion remains well within the top tier of the rankings.

World’s Best Hold Their Ground

At the very top of the rankings, Scottie Scheffler remains the world’s No. 1, a position the American has held comfortably for much of the year. He’s followed closely by Xander Schauffele, with no changes among the top two this week. The rest of the Top 10 has remained largely static, with players like Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark, Hideki Matsuyama, Viktor Hovland, and Patrick Cantlay all maintaining their positions.

However, Bryson DeChambeau’s fall out of the Top 10 opened the door for Fleetwood’s rise, pushing him into 10th place and marking a significant shift in the rankings. With DeChambeau’s departure, the British contingent in the Top 10 grows stronger as Fleetwood reasserts himself among the world’s best.

PlayerPositionChangePoints
Rory McIlroy30–
Tommy Fleetwood10+1–
Robert MacIntyre160–
Tyrrell Hatton20+18–
Matt Fitzpatrick30-1–
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Augusta National: Statement On “Catastrophic Impact From Hurricane Helene”

The Augusta National Golf Club during the US Masters 2024 (Photo: Getty)
The Augusta National Golf Club during the US Masters 2024 (Photo: Getty)

Hurricane Helene reached the US mainland on Thursday. The storm, classified as a level four storm, raged through several of the coastal states in the south-east of the USA and also reached wind speeds of up to 130 km/h in Augusta, Georgia. Severe damage was caused throughout the region, with the Augusta National Golf Club – venue of the US Masters – not being spared.

Augusta National: “Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Everyone Affected”

More and more photos and videos are appearing on social media showing possible damage to the golf course. It can be seen that a large number of trees have been uprooted, with the famous Magnolia Lane also likely to be affected according to drone footage. Newly planted trees in particular are exposed to an increased risk as they are not yet strongly rooted. Last year, during the US Masters 2023, three pine trees collapsed in the middle of the spectators, but fortunately no one was injured.

Drone footage of Magnolia Lane at Augusta National:

In addition, images on social media show that the small Rae’s Creek, which flows through the golf course, has swollen into a raging river. The masses of water could cause considerable and lasting damage to the course.

The club’s chairman, Fred Ridley, issued a statement but added that the club’s main focus was on the community that had been devastated by the hurricane:

Understandably, the state of Augusta National is currently one of the lowest priorities of the club chairmen and the community. US media are currently estimating at least 52 fatalities and millions of people without power in the southeastern US.

Our thoughts are with the victims of the hurricane and their families.