Category: Top Tours

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LIV Tour

LIV Golf: Tom McKibbin transfers – teams for 2025 are set

Tom McKibbin joins LIV Golf. (Image: Getty)
Tom McKibbin joins LIV Golf. (Image: Getty)

Tom McKibbin is joining the Jon Rahm-led Legion XIII team and will play golf at LIV Golf in 2025. The transfer of the 22-year-old Northern Irishman, who is considered a close friend of Rory McIlroy, had already been expected and has now been officially confirmed. Like McIlroy, McKibbin comes from Holywood Golf Club in Northern Ireland. McKibbin had not commented on the first rumors regarding a move to LIV, which emerged at the beginning of January. He secured a PGA Tour card for the first time last season in 2024, but is now forgoing it in favor of his start at LIV. In response to the rumors, McIlroy explained at a press conference that he had spoken to McKibbin on the phone and clearly advised him against the switch.

Jon Rahm personally announces in an Instagram post that McKibbin will complete his team in the 2025 LIV season and welcomes him:

The LIV season starts next week from February 6 to 8 at the Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia, where 13 teams will compete with four players each. There have been several changes in the run-up to the event: back in December 2024, it was announced that Dane Frederik Kjettrup would be joining the Cleeks GC managed by Martin Kaymer, while Spaniard Luis Masaveu was announced as a new member of the Fireballs GC under team captain Sergio Garcia.

The complete overview of the LIV teams

Team Player
4Aces GC
  • Dustin Johnson (USA), Captain
  • Thomas Pieters (Belgium)
  • Adrian Meronk (Poland)
  • Harold Varner III (USA)
Cleeks GC
  • Martin Kaymer (Germany), Captain
  • Richard Bland (England)
  • Patrick Reed (USA)
  • Frederik Kjettrup (Denmark)
Crushers GC
  • Bryson DeChambeau (USA) Captain
  • Paul Casey (England)
  • Charles Howell III (USA)
  • Anirban Lahiri (India)
Fireballs GC
  • Sergio Garcia (Spain), Captain
  • Abraham Ancer (Mexico)
  • Luis Masaveu (Spain)
  • David Puig (Spain)
HyFlyers GC
  • Phil Mickelson (USA), Captain
  • Andy Ogletree (USA)
  • Brendan Steele (USA)
  • Cameron Tringale (USA)
Iron Heads GC
  • Kevin Na (USA), Captain
  • Jinichiro Kozuma (Japan)
  • Yubin Jang (South Korea)
  • Danny Lee (New Zeeland)
Legion XIII
  • Jon Rahm (Spain), Captain
  • Tyrrell Hatton (England)
  • Caleb Surratt (USA)
  • Tom McKibbin (Northern Ireland)
Majesticks GC
  • Ian Poulter (England), Captain
  • Henrik Stenson (Sweden), Captain
  • Lee Westwood (England), Captain
  • Sam Horsfield (England)
RangeGoats GC
  • Bubba Watson (USA), Captain
  • Ben Campbell (New Zeeland)
  • Peter Uihlein (USA)
  • Matthew Wolff (USA)
Ripper GC
  • Cameron Smith (Australia), Captain
  • Lucas Herbert (Australia)
  • Matt Jones (Australia)
  • Marc Leishman (Australia)
Smash GC
  • Brooks Koepka (USA), Captain
  • Talor Gooch (USA)
  • Jason Kokrak (USA)
  • Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland)
Stinger GC
  • Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa), Captain
  • Dean Burmester (South Africa)
  • Branden Grace (South Africa)
  • Charl Schwartzel (South Africa)
Torque GC
  • Joaquin Niemann (Chile), Captain
  • Sebastian Munoz (Columbia)
  • Carlos Ortiz (Mexico)
  • Mito Pereira (Chile)
Wild Card Players
  • Anthony Kim (USA)
  • Max Lee (Taiwan)
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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Tee Times for Rory McIlroy’s Seaon Opener

The Tee Times for the PGA-Elite at Pebble Beach. (Photo: Getty)

The PGA Tour tee times for the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am have been officially announced – and with them, anticipation is building for one of the most historic tournaments in golf. From February 6 to 9, the world’s best golfers will gather at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California to compete in the second Signature Event of the season. With a prize purse of $20 million and $3.6 million for the winner, the tournament is a true heavyweight on the tour schedule. Defending champion Wyndham Clark will also be returning.

TV coverage begins on Thursday and Friday at 5:45 PM, on Saturday at 5:30 PM, and on Sunday at 5:00 PM on Sky.

The PGA Tour Tee Times

Patrick Cantlay takes to Spyglass Hill Links at 06:53, accompanied by Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre. He’ll continue his tournament run with a 09:53 start at Pebble Beach.

Sahith Theegala is set to launch his tournament at 07:06 on Pebble Beach Golf Links, teeing off alongside Wyndham Clark. The pair will then take on Spyglass Hill Links at 10:06 for round two.

Rory McIlroy kicks off his first round at 08:48, joined by Sweden’s rising star Ludvig Åberg on Spyglass Hill Links. He’ll return to action for round two at 09:53 on the picturesque Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Collin Morikawa is pairing up with South Korea’s Tom Kim. They take on Spyglass Hill Links at 08:35 for their opening round, before shifting to Pebble Beach at 09:40 for round two.

Scottie Scheffler is set to begin his tournament at 09:01 on Spyglass Hill Links, pairing up with Brian Harman. He’ll then tackle his second round at 10:06 on Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Tommy Fleetwood takes to Spyglass Hill Links at 09:14, alongside Keegan Bradley from the USA. Their second round sees them moving to Pebble Beach for a 10:19 tee time.

Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, a dynamic duo from the USA, bring their skills to Spyglass Hill Links at 09:27 for their first round, then shift gears for their second round at 10:32 on Pebble Beach.

Viktor Hovland teams up with Rickie Fowler for an exciting start at 10:32 on Pebble Beach Golf Links, before heading over to Spyglass Hill Links for round two at 09:27.

Player(s)Round 1Round 2
Patrick Cantlay, Robert MacIntyre06:53 (SH)09:53 (PB)
Sahith Theegala, Wyndham Clark07:06 (PB)10:06 (SH)
Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Åberg08:48 (SH)09:53 (PB)
Collin Morikawa, Tom Kim08:35 (SH)09:40 (PB)
Scottie Scheffler, Brian Harman09:01 (SH)10:06 (PB)
Tommy Fleetwood, Keegan Bradley09:14 (SH)10:19 (PB)
Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth09:27 (SH)10:32 (PB)
Viktor Hovland, Rickie Fowler10:32 (PB)09:27 (SH)

Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Patrick Reed and Others in Bahrain

DP World Tour: The Tee Times of the US players at the Bahrain Championship. (Photo: Getty)

The prestigious Royal Golf Club in Al Mazrowiah, Bahrain, sets the stage for some of the world’s finest golfers to compete on a demanding par-72 course. With a prize pool of $2.5 million, this tournament is the fourth event of the DP World Tour’s International Swing this year, presented by Bapco Energies. Making its debut as the title sponsor in 2025, the company underscores the event’s rising importance on the global schedule.

Reigning champion Dylan Frittelli returns to the field as the favorite.

Sky will broadcast the tournament live, starting at 9:30 AM on Thursday and Friday, 10:00 AM on Saturday, and 9:30 AM on Sunday.

DP World Tour Tee Times

Patrick Reed is in a group with Rafa Cabrera-Bello from Spain and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen from Denmark. They start their first round on Thursday at 06:40 and their second on Friday at 11:10.

Jimmy Walker is paired with Marcel Siem from Germany and Jorge Campillo from Spain. Their first round begins at 06:30 on Thursday, followed by a second round at 11:00 on Friday.

Brandon Wu will play alongside Louis De Jager from South Africa and Manuel Elvira from Spain, teeing off first on Thursday at 07:00, with a second round on Friday at 11:30.

Jordan Gumberg joins the group with Jeff Winther from Denmark and Marcus Kinhult from Sweden. They start at 07:50 on Thursday and 12:20 on Friday.

Troy Merritt plays with Alexander Levy from France and Andrea Pavan from Italy, starting on Thursday at 11:30, continuing on Friday at 07:00.

Sean Crocker is paired with Haotong Li from China and David Ravetto from France. Their tee times are on Thursday at 12:00 and moving to Friday at 07:30.

Johannes Veerman will team up with Padraig Harrington from Ireland and Alejandro Del Rey from Spain, scheduled to start at 11:30 on Thursday and 07:00 on Friday.

Round Time Player 1 Nationality 1 Player 2 Nationality 2 Player 3 Nationality 3
1 06:30 Jimmy Walker USA Marcel Siem GER Jorge Campillo ESP
1 06:40 Patrick Reed USA Rafa Cabrera-Bello ESP Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen DEN
1 07:00 Brandon Wu USA Louis De Jager RSA Manuel Elvira ESP
1 07:50 Jordan Gumberg USA Jeff Winther DEN Marcus Kinhult SWE
2 11:00 Jimmy Walker USA Marcel Siem GER Jorge Campillo ESP
2 11:10 Patrick Reed USA Rafa Cabrera-Bello ESP Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen DEN
2 11:30 Brandon Wu USA Louis De Jager RSA Manuel Elvira ESP
2 12:20 Jordan Gumberg USA Jeff Winther DEN Marcus Kinhult SWE
Categories
European Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Richard Mansell and Jack Senior in Bahrain

DP World Tour: The Tee Times of the British players at the Bahrain Championship. (Photo: Getty)

At the prestigious Royal Golf Club in Al Mazrowiah, Bahrain, some of the world’s best golfers compete on a challenging par-72 course. The tournament, offering $2.5 million in prize money, is the fourth event of this year’s International Swing on the DP World Tour and is presented by Bapco Energies. This marks the company’s debut as the title sponsor in 2025, signaling the event’s growing significance on the global calendar.

Defending champion Dylan Frittelli returns to the course as the favorite.

The tournament will be broadcast on Sky, starting at 9:30 AM on Thursday and Friday, 10:00 AM on Saturday, and 9:30 AM on Sunday.

DP World Tour Tee Times

Richard Mansell from England tees off alongside Mikael Lindberg of Sweden and Keita Nakajima from Japan at 6:30 a.m. in the first round. Their second-round tee time commences at 11:00 a.m.

Jack Senior, another English competitor, will be playing with Matthias Schwab from Austria and fellow Englishman Nathan Kimsey. Their starting time for the opening round is 6:50 a.m. and the second round will begin at 11:20 a.m.

John Parry from England will be joined by Laurie Canter, also from England, and Ewen Ferguson from Scotland. This group starts at 6:50 a.m. for the first round and their second round begins at 11:20 a.m.

Ross Fisher from England is grouped with George Coetzee of South Africa and Ricardo Gouveia from Portugal. They will tee off at 7:10 a.m. for their first round and 11:40 a.m. in the second round.

Marcus Armitage will participate along with compatriot Robin Williams and David Puig from Spain with tee times at 11:00 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. for the first and second rounds, respectively.

Round Player 1 (British/Welsh/Scottish) Player 2 Player 3 Start Time
1 Richard Mansell Mikael Lindberg (SWE) Keita Nakajima (JPN) 06:30
1 Jack Senior Matthias Schwab (AUT) Nathan Kimsey 06:50
1 John Parry Laurie Canter Ewen Ferguson (SCO) 06:50
1 Ross Fisher George Coetzee (RSA) Ricardo Gouveia (POR) 07:10
1 Marcus Armitage Robin Williams David Puig (ESP) 11:00
2 Marcus Armitage Robin Williams David Puig (ESP) 06:30
2 Richard Mansell Mikael Lindberg (SWE) Keita Nakajima (JPN) 11:00
2 Jack Senior Matthias Schwab (AUT) Nathan Kimsey 11:20
2 John Parry Laurie Canter Ewen Ferguson (SCO) 11:20
2 Ross Fisher George Coetzee (RSA) Ricardo Gouveia (POR) 11:40
Categories
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.”

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

Categories
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