Category: Highlights Tours

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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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Ein Beitrag geteilt von PGA TOUR Champions (@pgatourchampions)

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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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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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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Highlights Tours

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.

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Presidents Cup 2024: Team USA Dominates the Saturday Matches

Patrick Cantlay celebrates after a putt on the 18th green during the Saturday Foursomes of the Presidents Cup 2024 (Photo: Getty)
Patrick Cantlay celebrates after a putt on the 18th green during the Saturday Foursomes of the Presidents Cup 2024 (Photo: Getty)

The Presidents Cup 2024 is turning into an up-and-down affair for the international team. After a disastrous 0:5 start to the tournament, the team fought back furiously the following day and went into Saturday’s fourballs and foursomes with a 5:5 score. There, however, the Americans dominated again and won both rounds 3:1. So the defending champions will go into the twelve singles matches on the final day with a score of 11:7.

Presidents Cup 2024: Team USA with 11:7 Lead Going Into the Final Day

There were not many positives for the international team in the Saturday fourballs and foursomes. The Americans got the day off to a perfect start with victories in the first two fourballs of the morning. The first point was secured by the duo of Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa against Adam Scott and Taylor Pendrith (2&1), the second by Tony Finau and Xander Schauffele against Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes (3&2). In the third match of the day, Si Woo Kim and Tom Kim gave Team International some breathing space: the duo won against Keegan Bradley and Wyndham Clark with a comfortable 4&3 and the shot of the day. However, the next setback came in the fourth game of Saturday’s fourballs. There, the Americans in the form of Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns managed the third point of the day against Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im (2&1).

The afternoon’s foursomes were similarly modest from the international team’s perspective. In the first foursome, Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley increased the score to 9-6 for Team USA in the overall standings (3&2) in their clash with Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im. The rest of the afternoon was to develop into a thriller. All three remaining matches were decided on the last hole: First, Taylor Pendrith and Adam Scott took the second and so important point of the day for Team International. With a one-shot lead, they went up against Max Homa and Brian Harman on hole 18, where a par was enough to win the match (2 up). The international team failed dramatically on the last two holes: both the Conners/Hughes duo against Morikawa/Burns and the Kim duo against Cantlay/Schauffele were tied on hole 18, but in both cases the Americans held their nerve and won the two holes in front of their home fans. To euphoric cheers, Patrick Cantlay put the finishing touches to what was a bitter day for the international team.

So Team USA goes into the final day with an 11:7 lead. Despite the good starting position for the defending champions, everything is still wide open. After all, a whole twelve points are still up for grabs in the individual matches. It remains exciting in Canada.

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2024 Presidents Cup: All You Need to Know About the Team Competition

All you need to know about the 2024 Presidents Cup. (Image: Getty)
All you need to know about the 2024 Presidents Cup. (Image: Getty)

From September 26 to 29, the 15th edition of the Presidents Cup will take place at The Royal Montreal GC. The twelve best golfers from the USA will compete against the twelve best international players (excluding Europe). The tournament is played over four days. The first team to reach 15.5 points wins the golden cup.

All you need to know about the Presidents Cup

The schedule for the 2024 Presidents Cup

Unlike the Ryder Cup, the Presidents Cup does not take place over three days, but four. Five fourball matches are played on Day 1, followed by five foursomes on Day 2. On Saturday, the tournament is played in two sessions, first four fourballs and then four foursomes. Sunday traditionally sees the twelve singles duels.

The golf course

The Royal Montreal GC in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is the venue for the 15th edition. The course is a par 70 and has a parkland-style front nine. On the back nine, water hazards come into play on the last five holes. The Royal Montreal GC is the oldest golf club in North America and was founded in 1873.

How many points does a team need to win and what happens in the event of a tie?

A team needs 15.5 points to win the Cup – one point more than in the Ryder Cup. This is because 30 matches are played at the Presidents Cup, two more than at the Ryder Cup. The scoring system for the matches is the same: one point is awarded for a win, half a point is awarded to both teams if a match is tied after 18 holes. If the Presidents Cup ends in a draw, the two teams share the cup – another significant difference to the Ryder Cup.

2024 Presidents Cup: Team USA

The team is made up of six qualified golfers and six captain’s picks. Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Wyndham Clark, Patrick Cantlay and Sahith Theegala have qualified.

Sam Burns, Tony Finau, Russell Henley, Keegan Bradley, Brian Harman and Max Homa were selected for the team by US captain Jim Furyk.

The International Team

Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), Sungjae Im (South Korea), Adam Scott (Australia), Tom Kim (South Korea), Jason Day (Australia) and Byeong Hun An (South Korea) made it into the team by qualifying. Min Woo Lee (Australia), Christiaan Bezuidenhout (South Africa), Si Woo Kim (South Korea) and the three Canadians Taylor Pendrith, Mackenzie Hughes and Corey Conners were selected for the team by captain Mike Weir.

Why are there no LIV golfers? And other interesting facts

LIV Golf players

Because the Presidents Cup is organized by the PGA Tour, no LIV golfers are allowed to take part in the competition. This affects the International Team in particular, as top players such as Cam Smith, Joaquin Niemann and Louis Oosthuizen are missing.

Differences to the Ryder Cup

While 28 matches are played over three days at the Ryder Cup, there are 30 matches over four days at the Presidents Cup. Furthermore, in the event of a final tie, the cup does not go to the defending champion but is shared. The setup of the course is not subject to the home team, but to the PGA Tour – another significant difference.

Do the players earn money for competing?

Not for themselves, but each participant will receive an equal share of the event proceeds for a charity of their choice.

The trophy

The golden trophy designed by Tiffany & Co. weighs around 28 pounds. The original can be found in the World Golf Hall of Fame in Pinehurst, North Carolina.