Category: Top Tours

Categories
European Tour

Pebble Beach and Adelaide dominate golf calendar this week

The professional golf calendar enters a pivotal week with marquee events across multiple tours testing the world’s best players. The PGA Tour‘s flagship AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am takes center stage in California, while the LIV Golf League heads to Adelaide for a historic milestone.

Scottie Scheffler arrives at Pebble Beach Golf Links as the clear favorite, bringing his world number one ranking and the momentum that defines his recent form. Rory McIlroy returns as the defending champion, seeking back-to-back titles at the storied California course. The event offers $20 million in prize money, with the winner earning $3.6 million.

One storyline commands immediate attention: Chris Gotterup’s remarkable run. The American has captured victories at the Sony Open and Phoenix Open in consecutive weeks, establishing himself as the tour’s hottest player entering Pebble Beach. Such form cannot be ignored in a field of this caliber.

LIV Golf Makes Historic Shift in Adelaide

Across the Pacific, LIV Golf enters uncharted territory at The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide. For the first time, the league’s event will award Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, marking a significant development in the tour’s evolution. This $30 million tournament carries substantial weight for players seeking to elevate their world ranking credentials.

Jon Rahm headlines a field featuring Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith, though attention naturally turns to the home team. The Ripper GC, featuring Smith, Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert, and Elvis Smylie, won both the individual and team titles in Riyadh last week. Smylie’s debut victory at 23 years old represents a significant statement from the young Australian, and Ripper GC now has the chance to build momentum in front of a home crowd.

Langer Eyes Historic Record in Florida

On the PGA Tour Champions, Bernhard Langer commands attention at the Chubb Classic in Naples, Florida. The German veteran holds the all-time record with 47 Champions Tour victories and has won the Chubb Classic five times previously. A sixth title would extend his remarkable record at this event, underscoring his continued excellence at 68 years old.

The Ladies European Tour launches its season in Saudi Arabia with the PIF Saudi Ladies International, the circuit’s richest event outside the majors. The $5 million purse attracts elite talent including Charley Hull, Celine Boutier, and Danielle Kang. German players feature prominently in the field, with Esther Henseleit carrying the title of Golf Saudi Ambassador while Laura Funfstuck, winner of the PIF London Championship in 2025, seeks to maintain her winning trajectory.

Several German-speaking competitors compete across the week’s tournaments. Stephan Jäger and Matti Schmid represent German interests at Pebble Beach, while Sepp Straka brings his four PGA Tour victories to California. Martin Kaymer captains the Cleeks GC squad at Adelaide. Alex Cejka joins Langer at the Champions Tour event in Florida, where both players bring decades of professional experience to the field.

This article was created with the help of AI and editorially reviewed. Report an issue

Categories
European Tour

Scheffler and McIlroy Eye Pebble Beach Glory as Gotterup Hits Peak Form

The PGA Tour heads to the California coast this week for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where Scottie Scheffler arrives as the clear favourite alongside defending champion Rory McIlroy. The event runs from February 12-15 at the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links, with a total purse of $20 million and the champion claiming $3.6 million.

Scheffler’s status as world number one and recent form make him the player to beat, but the focus this week may well centre on Chris Gotterup’s remarkable ascent. The American has claimed victories at both the Sony Open and the Phoenix Open in consecutive weeks, establishing himself as the tour’s hottest player heading into Pebble Beach. A third title in four weeks would represent a breakthrough moment for Gotterup.

McIlroy Defends Crown While Fresh Talent Emerges

McIlroy comes to defence of his 2025 title, seeking to add another chapter to his success at Pebble Beach. Fellow contenders include Justin Rose, who captured the Farmers Insurance Open last week, providing confidence heading into this week’s challenge.

The signature event format continues to attract celebrity involvement, with Travis Kelce among the notable participants joining professional golfers for the pro-am competition. This blend of professional competition and entertainment remains a defining characteristic of the Pebble Beach tournament.

DACH Region Well Represented

German interest is substantial this week, with Stephan Jäger and Matti Schmid both competing. Jäger finished tied seventh here last year and will be eager to improve on that result. Austria’s Sepp Straka, a four-time PGA Tour winner, also reached a tie for seventh in 2025 and represents another strong DACH region challenger.

Meanwhile, elsewhere on the global tour schedule, LIV Golf continues its international expansion with the Adelaide event in Australia, where Martin Kaymer serves as captain of Cleeks GC. On the senior circuit, legendary German Bernhard Langer competes in the Chubb Classic, seeking his sixth title at age 68.

The PIF Saudi Ladies International on the Ladies European Tour features strong German representation including Esther Henseleit, Laura Funfstuck, and rising star Helen Briem, who joined the LPGA Tour in 2026. Funfstuck arrives as defending champion of the PIF London Championship from 2025.

Pebble Beach has hosted some of golf’s finest moments over the decades, and this week’s field promises compelling competition as the tour enters its peak season.

This article was created with the help of AI and editorially reviewed. Report an issue

Categories
PGA Tour

From Hospital Bed to Golf Hero: Dylan’s Inspiring Meeting with Jordan Spieth

Jordan Spieth has long been a source of inspiration for golf fans around the world, but for one young man named Dylan, the PGA Tour star became something far more meaningful—a beacon of hope during life’s darkest moments.

While undergoing chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Dylan found solace in watching Spieth compete on the course. The tournaments became a constant in his life, a familiar rhythm that helped him through the grueling treatment process. For a young patient facing an uncertain future, seeing his favorite player perform at the highest level of professional golf provided both comfort and inspiration.

A Dream Realized

Now in remission, Dylan’s perseverance has paid off in more ways than one. Four years after first watching Spieth during his hospital stays, he got the opportunity to meet his hero in person—a moment that represents far more than a typical fan encounter.

“You’re really the main reason for why I started playing,” Dylan told Spieth, capturing the profound impact that professional athletes can have on those facing life’s greatest challenges. The meeting underscores the power of sport to inspire resilience and hope, reminding us why the PGA Tour means so much to fans beyond the scorecards and tournament results.

Spieth’s response to Dylan’s story reflects the character that has defined his career both on and off the course. These human connections remind the golf community that championships and accolades, while important, are often overshadowed by the lasting impact players have on the lives they touch.

This article was created with the help of AI and editorially reviewed. Report an issue

Categories
LIV Tour

Rahm Sets Pace at LIV Golf Adelaide as World’s Best Compete

Adelaide, Australia — Jon Rahm has taken the lead heading into the weekend at LIV Golf Adelaide with an immaculate nine-under 63, positioning himself as the favourite for the $4 million first prize at The Grange Golf Club.

Rahm’s blemish-free round highlighted a strong opening stretch for LIV Golf League‘s Adelaide event, the second stop of the 2026 season. The Spanish player’s consistency and precision with the putter have given him a commanding advantage as the field enters the weekend phase of competition.

The Adelaide tournament marks a significant moment for professional golf, as this is the first LIV Golf event to award Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, underscoring the league’s integration into the broader competitive structure of professional golf.

## Fierce Competition at Pebble Beach

Across the Pacific, the PGA Tour’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am continues to attract the world’s elite players. Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, headlines the field competing on the iconic California coastline. The tournament, which carries a $20 million purse with $3.6 million for the victor, represents the first PGA Tour Signature Event of the season.

Title defender Rory McIlroy returns to defend his crown, while emerging star Chris Gotterup has captured attention with two victories in as many weeks. His back-to-back wins at the Sony Open and Phoenix Open have positioned him as a genuine threat. DACH representatives Stephan Jäger and Sepp Straka, a four-time PGA Tour winner, are competing alongside Matti Schmid.

## Record Pursuits and Veteran Excellence

Meanwhile, legendary German golfer Bernhard Langer continues his remarkable career at the Chubb Classic on the PGA Tour Champions. The 68-year-old is pursuing a record-tying sixth title at the Florida event. With 47 Champions Tour victories already to his credit—a record itself—Langer remains a formidable competitor on the seniors circuit. Fellow German Alex Cejka, 55, is also competing in Naples.

The week also features extensive participation from German, Austrian, and Swiss golfers across multiple tours. The Ladies European Tour opened its season with the PIF Saudi Ladies International in Riyadh, where German talents including Laura Funfstuck, the recent winner of the PIF London Championship, are competing for the $5 million prize fund.

This article was created with the help of AI and editorially reviewed. Report an issue

Categories
LIV Tour

Corrius Joins Elite Albatross Club at LIV Golf Adelaide

The LIV Golf League witnessed a rare moment of brilliance on the greens this week as Pau Corrius recorded the third albatross in the league’s history during competition in Adelaide.

The remarkable double-eagle puts Corrius in exclusive company within the relatively young professional circuit. Only two other players have achieved the feat since LIV Golf’s inception: Richard Bland during the Mexico event in 2025, and Brendan Steele at the Greenbrier tournament in 2024.

A Rare Achievement on Golf’s Biggest Stage

Albatrosses remain among golf’s most elusive achievements, requiring a player to score three under par on a single hole. In professional competition, such moments are celebrated across the sport, regardless of tour affiliation. For a player to join this distinguished group at an international event underscores both the caliber of competition and the element of fortune required for such a shot.

The Adelaide event, held at The Grange Golf Club, continues to showcase exceptional play from the league’s competitors. Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith represent among the top contenders competing this week.

The Ripper GC Connection

The home team advantage looms large at the Australian venue. Ripper GC, featuring Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert, and breakout star Elvis Smylie, brings momentum into the event after sweeping both individual and team honors at the Riyadh tournament last week. The 23-year-old Smylie announced his arrival on the global stage with a debut victory, signaling a changing of the guard in professional golf.

The tournament represents the first LIV Golf event where competitors earn Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, elevating the competitive significance for players worldwide. Among the international contingent competing this week is Germany’s Martin Kaymer, who captains the Cleeks GC team.

The Adelaide event continues through February 15, with Corrius’ albatross already etched into LIV Golf lore.

This article was created with the help of AI and editorially reviewed. Report an issue

Categories
LIV Tour

Anthony Kim Joins 4Aces GC for Remainder of 2026 LIV Season

Anthony Kim has secured a team placement for the remainder of the 2026 LIV Golf League season, joining Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces GC. The move marks a transition from his previous status as an independent Wild Card player to a full-time team member.

Kim’s placement represents a significant development in LIV Golf’s competitive structure, as the league continues to refine its team compositions ahead of the Adelaide event this week. The 4Aces GC roster now features a strengthened lineup as the season progresses through its early events.

Team Structure and Season Momentum

The 4Aces GC joins other competitive teams in the LIV Golf League as they prepare for the Adelaide event at The Grange Golf Club this week. With prize money reaching 30 million USD for the tournament—including 4 million for the individual winner and 3 million for the team champion—teams are actively positioning themselves for strong performances throughout the season.

Kim’s integration into the 4Aces GC roster comes as the league has introduced Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points for LIV Golf events, adding another dimension to competition. The transition from Wild Card status to permanent team membership provides Kim with consistency and team support as the season develops.

The move underscores LIV Golf’s continued evolution in team dynamics and player positioning as it establishes itself within the broader professional golf landscape.

This article was created with the help of AI and editorially reviewed. Report an issue

Categories
PGA Tour

McIlroy Eyes Pebble Beach Defense After Historic 2025 Run

Continue reading “McIlroy Eyes Pebble Beach Defense After Historic 2025 Run”
Categories
LIV Tour

Elvis Smylie Makes History with First OWGR Points in LIV Golf

Elvis Smylie has become the first player to benefit from the Official World Golf Ranking’s recognition of LIV Golf League events, climbing from 133rd to 77th in the world rankings following his debut victory in Riyadh last week.

Continue reading “Elvis Smylie Makes History with First OWGR Points in LIV Golf”
Categories
European Tour

McIlroy Opens 2026 DP World Tour Season with Impressive 66

Continue reading “McIlroy Opens 2026 DP World Tour Season with Impressive 66”
Categories
European Tour

Patrick Reed Claims Qatar Masters Victory for Second Win

Patrick Reed has continued his exceptional early-season form by claiming victory at the 2026 Qatar Masters, marking his second win in just three weeks on the DP World Tour.

Continue reading “Patrick Reed Claims Qatar Masters Victory for Second Win”