Category: Top Tours

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PGA Tour

Players Championship Tee Times: The World’s Top Three in One Group

The Players Championship Tee Times. (Photo: Getty)

When the best golfers in the world arrive in Florida, one thing is certain: It’s time for the Players Championship. TPC Sawgrass is set for four days of elite competition, with a $25 million purse, a world-class field, and a course that challenges even the greatest players. Scottie Scheffler has the chance to make history by becoming the first golfer to win three consecutive Players Championship titles. However, with Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele in his group, the tournament will be anything but a walk in the park.

Players Championship Tee Times: McIlroy, Scheffler & Schauffele in One Group

The Players Championship is contested on one of the toughest courses in the world – the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Tight fairways, deep bunkers, and lightning-fast greens test every aspect of a golfer’s game. And then there’s the 17th hole, the legendary island green that delivers high drama year after year. A perfect shot can shift momentum, while a mistake can end title hopes. In 2024, the course has been lengthened by nearly 70 yards, making the challenge even greater.

The tee times for the opening round have been released, and one grouping stands out: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele will play together. The trio will tee off at 1:29 PM on Thursday from the first hole, followed by an early start at 8:24 AM on Friday from the 10th tee. And by the time they reach the 17th, nerves could be running high.

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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.

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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.

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PGA Tour

Tiger Woods: Still No PGA Tour Start – When Will He Return?

Tiger Woods during his last PGA Tour appearance at the PNC Championship. (Source: Getty)

The field for the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Bay Hill is packed with top players, but Tiger Woods is not among them. He will not be teeing it up at the high-profile tournament in Bay Hill this week.

No Tiger Woods at the Arnold Palmer Invitational

Earlier this year, Woods stated his intention to compete more frequently in major tournaments. Ahead of the Masters, he planned to play multiple events and expressed confidence in his physical condition. However, his last appearance on Tour was in December at the PNC Championship alongside his son, Charlie Woods. His most recent individual start came eight months ago at the British Open.

At the recent Genesis Invitational, a Signature Event where Woods serves as tournament host, he withdrew from the field following the passing of his mother, Kultida.

Woods at the Seminole Pro-Member Tournament

On Monday, March 3, Woods will compete in the Seminole Pro-Member tournament in Florida. The exclusive event is traditionally held without TV coverage or detailed reporting. The format is best ball, and Woods will once again team up with former PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh.

The field features several notable names. Rory McIlroy is playing alongside his father, Gerry, while Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, and Nelly Korda are also in the lineup. NFL legend Tom Brady is among the high-profile participants.

TGL Return but Unclear PGA Tour Schedule

Beyond his individual schedule, Woods remains active in TGL. He missed his last match with Jupiter Links GC but is set to return on Tuesday for the team’s final regular-season matchup against Atlanta Drive GC. His next PGA Tour start remains uncertain. Many expect him to play at next week’s Players Championship, but there has been no official confirmation.

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PGA Tour

From Prison to The Open: Former Inmate Qualifies for Major

Ryan Peake secures victory in New Zealand and books his spot at The Open 2025. (Photo: Getty)

In 2019, Ryan Peake walked out of prison after serving a five-year sentence. Just six years later, he is preparing to tee it up in one of golf’s most prestigious championships. With his victory at the New Zealand Open, part of the PGA Tour of Australasia, Peake secured a spot in The Open 2025 at Royal Portrush.

Golf Career After Five Years in Prison

Peake’s journey is unlike any other in professional golf. Once a promising amateur, he was sentenced to prison for assault at 21 while also being involved with the outlaw motorcycle gang “Rebels.” His connection to the sport was nearly severed—until his former coach, Ritchie Smith, reached out while Peake was still incarcerated. Smith encouraged him to return to golf after his release, and Peake committed fully to rebuilding his career.

This season, he earned his first tour card and immediately made an impact by winning in New Zealand. Since the tournament is part of The Open Qualifying Series, his victory secured him a place at Royal Portrush in July 2025.

Peake’s participation in the event was uncertain even before he teed off. Due to his criminal record, he was initially denied entry into New Zealand, only arriving at the tournament site, Millbrook Resort in Arrowtown, on the Tuesday of tournament week. Despite the late arrival, he settled quickly. Starting the final round four shots behind the leader, he kept his scorecard bogey-free. On the 18th green, he faced a decisive putt from just over two meters—and holed it, avoiding a playoff against three tied runners-up.

Peake: “I’ve Just Changed My Life”

“I’ve just changed my life,” Peake said after securing his biggest career victory. “This is what I do. I want to be here and just play golf. The story is what it is, but I’m just out here playing golf.”

Peake emphasized the role his support system played in his comeback. “My coach, my family, my team, everyone believed. Most of all, I believed as well.”

With his win, Peake not only secured a place in The Open but also earned $112,000 and full status on the Asian Tour, ensuring more opportunities to test his game at the highest level.

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LIV Tour

LIV Golf: Patrick Reed’s Hole-in-One Sends Adelaide into a Frenzy

Patrick Reed aces the 12th hole at LIV Golf Adelaide. (Photo: Getty)

It took less than half an hour for LIV Golf Adelaide to serve up its first unforgettable moment in the first round. Former Masters champion Patrick Reed stood on the iconic 12th hole at The Grange Golf Club—dubbed the “Watering Hole.” A short par 3, framed by a sea of revelers primed for fireworks. And then came the shot: The ball landed, rolled, and disappeared into the cup. The already frenzied grandstand erupted. Beer cups flew skyward, rained down onto the fairway and green, and Reed, arms thrust in triumph, basked in the chaos. A hole-in-one on this stage? A guaranteed spectacle.

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Reed’s Shot Causes LIV Golf Frenzy

Reed’s start had been anything but remarkable. Opening his round on the 11th in LIV’s shotgun format, he stumbled out of the gate with a bogey. But the 12th hole, a par-3, flipped the script. A crisp strike, an ideal ball flight, a clean landing—and just like that, the ball disappeared.

An Ace for an Ace(s)

If there’s a hole built for these moments, it’s the 12th. Chase Koepka’s ace here in 2023 set the precedent, and Reed’s effort only added to the lore. As his ball vanished, the crowd detonated in celebration. Drinks took flight, cups littered the green, and Reed soaked in the moment, grinning ear to ear. Northern Ireland’s commentator David Feherty summed it up dryly: “Well, that didn’t take long.” The atmosphere rivaled the electric 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale, known for producing golf’s biggest party moments.

First-Round Takeaways

Despite the magic moment, Reed couldn’t sustain the momentum, finishing the day at one-over par. Meanwhile, Sam Horsfield surged to the top of the leaderboard, carding six birdies for a six-under-par round.

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Top Tours

What had to be proven: Trump is involved in the PIF deal

President Donald Trump. (Image: getty)
US President Donald Trump. (Image: getty)

Last week, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and Player Director Adam Scott were in Washington to talk to US President Donald Trump about the planned involvement of the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund PIF as a minority investor in the new PGA Tour Enterprises venture. Since the announcement of the framework agreement by Monahan and PIF boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan in June 2023, negotiations have been very slow and complicated, not least due to the expected objections from the previously Democrat-dominated US Department of Justice and the antitrust authority based there. The Donald, on the other hand (“The best players in the world should also play on a joint tour”), had already been touting in his full-bodied manner before his re-election that he would wrap up the deal within 15 minutes.

“When the leader of the free world spends his time playing golf, I am very happy. This game is important. It conveys values that this world needs more of at the moment. It brings us together and connects us with each other.”

Scott O’Neil, new CEO of LIV Golf, in an interview with Al Arabiya News

The Gulf Post has already pointed out several times that Trump’s relations with the Saudis and with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally, as well as the Republican dictate in the US government bodies, should be very conducive to an agreement. This is exactly what will happen. “We have asked the President to commit himself for the good of the sport, the country and all countries involved,” reads a statement issued by Monahan, Scott and Tiger Woods – also a player director. “We are grateful that his leadership has brought us closer to a final agreement and paved the way for the reunification of men’s professional golf.” That sounds like a very deep kowtow to the White House. And Scott O’Neil’s statement is better left uncommented …

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LIV Tour

McKibbin and his LIV movement: Pragmatists or pioneers of the contemporary spirit?

Tom McKibbin at the Porsche European Open. (Image: getty)
Tom McKibbin at the Porsche European Open. (Image: getty)

Tom McKibbin is probably the best known of the six new additions to the LIV Golf League 2025. With 292,500 dollars for a tie for 15th place, the Northern Irishman only collected around 50,000 dollars less at the season opener than for winning the Porsche European Open 2023 on the DP World Tour. And there will probably be a share of the team success in Riyadh anyway, which will earn Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII three million dollars. McKibbin’s move to the competitive circuit is therefore likely to have already paid off, for which he even threw Rory McIlroy’s advice to the wind. The two share the same home club, Holywood GC near Belfast, and the four-time major winner – a millennial by the way – had advised his young colleague to work his way up the DP World Tour and make a go of it on the PGA Tour, for which McKibbin qualified last year: “If I were you, I’d make a different decision to the one you’re thinking of making. It would be a waste of your enormous potential.”

McKibbin on missing out: “I am not in these Majors anyway”

But McKibbin didn’t care and chose the penuncle. Of course, if he was offered such prospects – why not take them? The Northern Irishman is just the latest in a series of young players to follow the call of fast money: Money first, what’s the rocky road to the majors or team competitions like the Ryder Cup compared to that. McKibbin’s mantra in this regard could not be more pragmatic and is as telling as it is significant: “I’m not in these majors at the moment anyway, so it doesn’t bother me too much.” He was number 106 in the world when he switched sides, but now there are no more OWGR points for the time being. And the appointment to the GB&I team for the Team Cup 2025, i.e. the nomination to the extended circle of European Ryder Cuppers, doesn’t seem to have triggered a surge of ambition either: Profession instead of vocation, the path of least resistance and work-life balance instead of competitive toughness and perseverance. And that at the age of 22. Oh, right, McKibbin has an excuse for that too: “I made this decision because I’m young. It [LIV] is something completely different; something that probably appeals to more people my age.”

For some, this fulfills every cliché that is often attributed to Generation Z and the attitude of these so-called millennial children towards challenges. For example, the management consultant and lawyer Susanne Nickel, who wrote a book in 2024 entitled “Verzogen, verweichlicht, verletzt” (Spoiled, effeminate, hurt) and defines Gen Z as the product of an affluent society that tends to overprotect and lacks discipline, motivation and resilience. So, if the Zoomers determine the zeitgeist, McKibbin would be a “model boy”.

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LIV Tour

US Open awards starting places to LIV golfers

US Open exemption for LIV Golfers. (Photo: Getty)
US Open exemption for LIV Golfers. (Photo: Getty)

Until now, LIV golfers could only qualify directly for the biggest tournaments of the year via the world ranking, unless they had already qualified for majors through past successes. Without world ranking points, however, this becomes more and more difficult, which is why the USGA now provides a full exemption for a LIV golfer at the US Open 2025.

US Open introduces qualification criteria for LIV golfers

Already this year, a place in the field will be awarded to the best LIV golfer who has not yet qualified for the US Open at Oakmont Country Club and is in the top 3 of the LIV Golf individual rankings (as of 19 May 2025). In addition, the top 10 in the LIV Golf individual rankings (as of 7 April 2025) will receive a place in local qualifying for the major tournament and can therefore also qualify.

In 2026, there will additionally be a direct starting place for the best, not yet qualified LIV Golf player from the top 3 of the 2025 final ranking, as well as places for local qualifying based on the top 10 of the final ranking.

‘The USGA continues to evaluate the opportunities that exist to e“The USGA continues to evaluate the pathways that exist to ensure those playing their best have the opportunity to compete in our national championship,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer. “Consistent with our historical approach, we continuously evaluate talent levels on professional tours and in amateur events, which has led us to add a new exemption category.”

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil is delighted by the news. “We’re pleased that the USGA has formally created a new exemption for LIV Golf players to compete in the U.S. Open and appreciate Mike Whan’s leadership and commitment to growing the game of golf. Every golf fan in the world longs to see the greatest players in the world competing on golf’s biggest stages at the majors.

The US Open is the first major tournament to follow this path. The PGA Championship has extended a special invitation to LIV golfer Joaquin Niemann, as it did in 2024.

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Shane Lowry’s ball hits Volunteer

Shane Lowry at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. (Photo: Getty)
Shane Lowry at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. (Photo: Getty)

In the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Sunday, an incident in the leading flight caused a brief moment of shock: Shane Lowry hit a ball that then struck a volunteer.

Lowry slightly misjudged his tee shot on hole 15 of the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links and missed the fairway on the right-hand side. A volunteer was standing there and the ball hit him on the left shoulder in flight. He fell to the ground, but fortunately remained uninjured: CBS reporters announced shortly afterwards that the volunteer was fine and in good health.

Shane Lowry’s behaviour criticised

The incident caused a lot of discussion on social media. The particular misfortune of the volunteer, who was in the wrong place at exactly the wrong time, was summarised by a comment on X: “Wow… that’s like getting struck by lightning. What are the odds? He’s all by himself too”.

Sky Sports commentator Andrew Coltart criticised Shane Lowry for not warning the volunteer loudly: “Didn’t hear him shout ‘fore’. We need to be hearing players shout ‘fore’.” But some fans on X defended Lowry: “That volunteer was irresponsible. He should have been looking at the ball or standing further in the rough. There’s no reason for him to be standing that close to the fairway”. One suggestion from the community was: “I’ll never understand why the spotters in the landing areas aren’t given hard hats with sponsor logo??!! Perfect opportunity for volunteer safety and good pr for sponsor!!!”

Another volunteer who was on site at Pebble Beach posted in the comments and confirmed that the person concerned was fine, but that he would still be feeling the pain the next day. It is also said that the volunteer received a medal from a PGA rules official.

Shane Lowry went into the final round in a tie for second place and played for the title in the final flight together with Rory McIlroy and Sepp Straka. Lowry finished the tournament in second place behind McIlroy with a round of 68 (-4).