Categories
Tour News

Is Tiger Woods playing at the PGA Championship 2025?

The answer is: no. That Tiger Woods won’t tee it up at the PGA Championship this year comes as no surprise. The 15-time major champion is currently recovering from surgery on his left Achilles tendon and has already announced that he will not compete in any major tournaments this season. Still, for many fans, it’s a disappointment. Quail Hollow has been the site of many memorable golf moments – but once again, Woods will be absent. The 49-year-old continues to battle the long-term effects of numerous injuries, and a return to golf’s biggest stages remains uncertain.

Woods isn’t the only prominent name missing this week – several other well-known players are also absent, some for surprising, others for understandable reasons.

Champions Tour over PGA Championship 2025

Notably, five former PGA Champions – John Daly, Y.E. Yang, Davis Love III, Vijay Singh, and David Toms – have chosen not to play in Charlotte, opting instead to compete in the Regions Tradition, a major on the PGA Tour Champions circuit. Since the PGA Championship moved to May in 2019, this type of scheduling conflict had been avoided – until now.

John Daly explained his decision to the Associated Press as follows:
“I can go there and miss the cut and get $6,000. But I’m playing Birmingham. I love Regions. They’re a great sponsor. But why are they scheduling Regions the same week as the PGA Championship, where I can see Brooks [Koepka] and all the guys?”

Why more big names are missing

A number of current top-ranked players are also absent. Billy Horschel, currently ranked No. 24 in the world, is out due to hip surgery and is expected to miss several weeks. Shaun Norris (No. 101) reportedly declined his invitation due to his mother’s health. And Luke Clanton, ranked inside the top 110, is ineligible as an amateur – the PGA Championship is reserved for professionals.

Categories
Tour News

Golf World Ranking: Two Europeans Enter Top Ten

Straka’s win at Quail Hollow Club was anything but easy. Battling it out with Shane Lowry down the stretch, the Austrian kept his cool, carded a clinical final round, and sealed the deal in style. The win sends him flying up the Official World Golf Ranking from 17th to 9th – a massive leap up the rankings.

Golf World Ranking: Lowry Joins the Party, Hovland Slips Out

Straka wasn’t the only one making moves. Shane Lowry’s runner-up finish was enough to nudge him into the OWGR top 10 as well — he now sits at 10th, while Viktor Hovland just misses out at 11th.

At the top of the leaderboard, it’s business as usual: Scottie Scheffler is still No. 1, McIlroy holds steady at No. 2, and there’s no change among the rest of the other five.

Rank Player Nationality Last Week’s Rank
1 Scottie Scheffler 1
2 Rory McIlroy 3
3 Xander Schauffele 2
4 Collin Morikawa 4
5 Justin Thomas 19
6 Ludvig Aberg 5
7 Hideki Matsuyama 6
8 Russell Henley 17
9 Sepp Straka 36
10 Shane Lowry 27

See the complete Official World Golf Ranking here

European Ryder Cup Race Heats Up

The Ryder Cup standings for Team Europe now reflect the shifting momentum. Rory McIlroy continues to dominate the European Points List by a wide margin, but behind him, the race is tightening. Lowry’s strong form has propelled him into second place, while Straka now sits fifth, solidly in automatic qualification territory.

Fleetwood, Hatton, Rose, and rising star Ludvig Åberg are all clustered closely together, with plenty still to play for as the qualification period unfolds.

Team Europe Ryder Cup Rankings

Categories
Tour News

Golf-Weltrangliste: Rory McIlroy führt britische Spieler an

Die Golf-Weltrangliste hat erneut Rory McIlroy als den bestplatzierten britischen Spieler bestätigt. McIlroy hält seine Position auf Rang 2 mit einer unveränderten Position gegenüber der Vorwoche. Er hat eine durchschnittliche Punktzahl, die weiterhin zur Stabilität seiner Platzierung beiträgt. Tommy Fleetwood ist der zweitbeste britische Golfer und steht momentan auf Platz 13 der Golf-Weltrangliste. Er hat einen Platz gegenüber der Vorwoche verloren, was eine Verschiebung seiner Position nach unten zeigt.

null

Golf-Weltrangliste: Die Mittelfeldpositionen

Justin Rose nimmt derzeit den 16. Platz ein, was eine Verschlechterung um zwei Plätze im Vergleich zur Vorwoche darstellt. Tyrrell Hatton bleibt konstant auf Platz 20. Robert MacIntyre hat gegenüber der letzten Woche einen Platz verloren und liegt nun auf Rang 22.

Top 10 der Golf-Weltrangliste

An der Spitze der Golf-Weltrangliste steht weiterhin Scottie Scheffler ohne Änderungen seiner Position. Sepp Straka zeigt die eindrucksvollste Aufwärtsbewegung unter den Top 10 und verbessert sich von Platz 17 auf Platz 9. Shane Lowry ist ebenfalls in die Top 10 vorgedrungen und steht nun auf Platz 10, nachdem er sich zuvor auf Rang 12 befand. Viktor Hovland hingegen fällt von Platz 9 auf Platz 11 zurück.

Platz Spielername Nationalität Platz letzte Woche
2 Rory McIlroy NIR 2
13 Tommy Fleetwood ENG 11
16 Justin Rose ENG 14
20 Tyrrell Hatton ENG 20
22 Robert MacIntyre SCO 21
Categories
PGA Tour

LIV for ladies? The PIF sponsors Charley Hull and Co. a Global Series

Of course, the headline is provocative, and there is certainly no question of a team mode, a franchise concept or even poaching established golfing greats. But the fact that Saudi Arabia is casting covetous glances at women’s golf was already hinted at by its former calorifier Greg Norman during his time in office. Now Riyadh has manifested this interest and donated a Global Series to the European Ladies Tour (LET), initially with five events in five countries, financed and supported by the sovereign wealth fund PIF. In return, the Aramco Team Series has been dropped or renamed.

The PIF Global Series is organized and hosted by the LET, four of the five tournaments are endowed with two million dollars, plus the PIF Saudi Ladies International with a pot of five million dollars. Attentive observers of the women’s golf scene will have noticed that the first two competitions have already taken place: In February, Jeeno Thitikul won 675,000 dollars at the PIF Saudi Ladies International, and last weekend Korean Hyo Joo Kim celebrated a home victory in Seoul. Other venues include the Centurion Club near London (August 8-10), Houston (September 5-7) and Mission Hills in Shenzen, China (November 6-8).

As in the LIV Golf League, the PIF Global Series also has a team and an individual ranking, and PIF boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan is sticking to his vision of team golf. The captains are named based on the world rankings and can then put together their teams. Europe’s figurehead Charley Hull is naturally delighted – and not just because the Englishwoman is an ambassador for Saudi Golf anyway. In view of the generally low prize money at the LET, such multi-million dollar commitments are more than welcome. “Golf Saudi and PIF have shown themselves to be true trailblazers for women’s golf and have once again demonstrated their commitment to equal opportunities,” said Hull. Who would have thought that the Saudis would be talked about like this?

Categories
Tour News

Billy Horschel out for several months after hip surgery

Billy Horschel pulls the ripcord: After persistent problems, the eight-time PGA Tour winner has surgery on his right hip joint. This means a break of several months – in the middle of the decisive phase of the season.

Billy Horschel takes a break after hip surgery

The news came directly from himself: Billy Horschel announced earlier this week that he will undergo surgery on his right hip. The operation is to take place in Colorado and it is clear that the multiple PGA Tour winner will be out of the game for a while. His withdrawal from the Zurich Classic two weeks ago already suggested that something was wrong. Now it is clear that there is more to it than that. His statement speaks of a “preventative measure”, and the decision was made after consultation with doctors and the team. Billy Horschel hopes to be fit again by late summer or early fall. Until then, he will miss key tournaments – including the remaining majors.

Ryder Cup: Horschel’s chances dwindle

Billy Horschel has never been part of a Ryder Cup team – and now, of all times, when an opportunity could have presented itself, he has suffered a health setback. He is currently ranked 16th in the US rankings. Only six players qualify directly, the rest are in the hands of captain Keegan Bradley. Due to the forced break, Billy Horschel not only loses tournament starts, but above all time to collect points or recommend himself with strong performances. This makes a realistic Ryder Cup start more difficult – but the book is not yet closed.

What is still possible

Hope remains: if everything goes according to plan, Billy Horschel could tee off again in September – for example at the BMW PGA Championship, where he is the defending champion. The fall series of FedExCup events could also be a possibility. However, a start at the Open Championship in mid-July hardly seems feasible. And he remains eligible to play on the PGA Tour until 2026 thanks to his Memorial victory in 2022.

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Championship: How LIV Golfers Join Quail Hollow’s Strong Field

The PGA Championship 2025 promises one of the strongest fields of the year and now two more LIV Golf players have joined. Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin and Spain’s David Puig have received late invitations to the major at Quail Hollow, increasing LIV’s presence amid ongoing debates about world ranking points and qualification criteria.

PGA Championship: Golf’s Deepest Major Field?

The PGA Championship is renowned for its inclusivity. While the Masters maintains strict entry limits, the PGA of America traditionally invites nearly all top-100 players, unless they qualify otherwise. Since LIV events offer no world ranking points, stars like Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka rely on past major wins or special exemptions. Others, such as Joaquín Niemann, depend on invitations despite consistent LIV performances.

Tom McKibbin: Northern Ireland’s Rising LIV Star

Tom McKibbin could have played on the PGA Tour after securing his card via a strong 18th-place finish in the 2024 DP World Tour Race to Dubai. Despite warnings from Rory McIlroy, the 22-year-old joined LIV Golf, where he now plays for Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII.

Currently ranked 115th in the world, which is too low for automatic PGA Championship qualification, McKibbin’s steady LIV performances, including a team win in LIV’s season opener in Saudi Arabia, convinced the PGA of America to extend an invite. Legion XIII confirmed his participation via social media on Tuesday.

David Puig: Spain’s Bold College-to-LIV Prospect

David Puig jumped straight from college to LIV Golf. The 23-year-old sits 20th in LIV’s individual standings and recently impressed with a T4 at the Bahrain Championship on the DP World Tour.

Yet Puig’s world ranking slipped to 107th, typically insufficient for PGA Championship entry. Like McKibbin, he earned a late invitation, a golden opportunity to compete against golf’s elite and chase crucial ranking points.

LIV Stars at the PGA Championship

Beyond McKibbin and Puig, marquee LIV players like Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith will tee off at Quail Hollow. These major champions remain world-class despite LIV’s ranking-points drought.

All eyes are on DeChambeau as a potential contender, while veterans like Martin Kaymer, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, and Patrick Reed add experience. Rising talents like Niemann, Dean Burmester, and Eugenio Chacarra round out the field. Even Richard Bland, Laurie Canter, and McKibbin underscore LIV’s depth. For all, the PGA Championship is a chance to chase glory and global legitimacy.

LIV’s World Ranking Dilemma

The PGA Championship highlights LIV players’ qualification hurdles. Without ranking points on their tour, majors and sporadic DP World/Asian Tour starts are their only paths to climb the standings.

Niemann secured a U.S. Open spot via LIV’s performance, aided by a new rule granting starts to three top unqualified LIV players. For McKibbin and Puig, Quail Hollow offers a critical opportunity to play their way up the rankings.

Categories
PGA Tour Tour News

PGA Tour Tee Times: Rory McIlroy and More Set for Truist Championship

The Truist Championship, part of the PGA Tour, takes place at The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. With a par of 70, the event offers a $20 million prize pool. Reigning champion Rory McIlroy will defend his title.

PGA Tour Tee Times for UK Players at Truist Championship

Robert MacIntyre, hailing from Scotland, will join the field for the Truist Championship. MacIntyre begins Round 1 on Thursday at 11:20 AM alongside Davis Thompson from the USA and Denny McCarthy, also of the USA. For Round 2 on Friday, this group will tee off at 12:26 PM.

Aaron Rai, representing England, will start his Truist Championship campaign on Thursday at 11:53 AM. He partners with Austin Eckroat from the USA and Will Zalatoris, also of the USA. In the second round, Rai and his fellow players have a start time of 12:59 PM.

Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, the defending champion, is set to play in the company of Tommy Fleetwood from England and Justin Thomas from the USA. Their first-round tee time is 12:26 PM on Thursday, while for the second round, they will commence at 11:20 AM on Friday.

Justin Rose, another English golfer, shares his tee time with Shane Lowry from Ireland and Keegan Bradley from the USA. They begin Round 1 at 12:26 PM on Thursday and their second-round start is set for 11:20 AM on Friday.

Matthew Fitzpatrick, representing England, will tackle the first round at 12:59 PM. Alongside him are Thomas Detry from Belgium and Christiaan Bezuidenhout from South Africa. On Friday, Round 2 for this group is scheduled to begin at 11:53 AM.

Player Name Nationality Round Tee Time Flight Partner
Robert MacIntyre Scotland 1 11:20 AM Davis Thompson, USA; Denny McCarthy, USA
Aaron Rai England 1 11:53 AM Austin Eckroat, USA; Will Zalatoris, USA
Rory McIlroy Northern Ireland 1 12:26 PM Tommy Fleetwood, England; Justin Thomas, USA
Justin Rose England 1 12:26 PM Shane Lowry, Ireland; Keegan Bradley, USA
Matthew Fitzpatrick England 1 12:59 PM Thomas Detry, Belgium; Christiaan Bezuidenhout, South Africa
Robert MacIntyre Scotland 2 12:26 PM Davis Thompson, USA; Denny McCarthy, USA
Aaron Rai England 2 12:59 PM Austin Eckroat, USA; Will Zalatoris, USA
Rory McIlroy Northern Ireland 2 11:20 AM Tommy Fleetwood, England; Justin Thomas, USA
Justin Rose England 2 11:20 AM Shane Lowry, Ireland; Keegan Bradley, USA
Matthew Fitzpatrick England 2 11:53 AM Thomas Detry, Belgium; Christiaan Bezuidenhout, South Africa
Categories
Tour News

Tournament Teetimes (openings) Truist Championship de_DE-DACH

**PGA Tour Tee Times: Stephan Jaeger beim Truist Championship**

Entdecken Sie die Startzeiten der deutschen Golfer beim Truist Championship auf der PGA Tour.

Das Truist Championship auf der PGA Tour startet im Philadelphia Cricket Club in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Der Wettbewerb wird auf dem Wissahickon Course ausgetragen, der ein Par von 70 hat. Das Turnier bietet ein Preisgeld von 20 Millionen US-Dollar, und Rory McIlroy tritt als Titelverteidiger an.

PGA Tour Tee Times für deutsche Spieler

Stephan Jaeger tritt beim diesjährigen Truist Championship an. Sein Start in die erste Runde erfolgt am Donnerstag, um 11:53 Uhr. In der Gruppe spielen ebenfalls Will Zalatoris und JT Poston, beide aus den USA. Am Freitag startet die zweite Runde für Jaeger, Zalatoris und Poston um 12:20 Uhr.

Nachfolgend ist eine tabellarische Übersicht der Tee Times der deutschen Spieler und ihrer Mitspieler:

“`html

Runde Spieler Mitspieler Nationalitäten der Mitspieler Startzeit
Runde 1 Stephan Jaeger Will Zalatoris, JT Poston USA, USA 11:53 Uhr
Runde 2 Stephan Jaeger Will Zalatoris, JT Poston USA, USA 12:20 Uhr

“`

Beobachten Sie die PGA Tour Tee Times, um aktuelle Informationen über den Turnierverlauf zu erhalten.

Categories
LIV Golf

LIV Golf and OWGR in new discussions over ranking points?

Augusta was, as always, the stage for great golf moments – and apparently also for a meeting away from the fairways. At the Masters, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil and the new OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman were seen under the famous oak tree – a place where important matters in golf are often discussed. Nothing has been officially confirmed, but according to multiple reports, talks between LIV Golf and the OWGR about possible recognition of the league for world ranking points are said to be taking place. This would be the first time since the rejected application in 2022 that the two sides have moved closer again.


Possible Changes to LIV Golf’s Format

Since its founding in 2022, LIV Golf has been striving for recognition by the OWGR. So far, this has failed due to criticism of the format—particularly because of the team competition and the lack of relegation. Now, it seems things are moving forward. With new leadership on both sides, structural reforms, and the first visible signs of rapprochement—as reports suggest—the door to the world rankings may be opening a little wider.

What also seems apparent: LIV Golf appears willing to make structural adjustments. To accommodate the OWGR, there are said to be plans for clearer sporting mobility in the future. Players who end up in the so called “Drop Zone” at the end of the season would automatically be eliminated. A return would then only be possible through the Promotions Event or the Asian Tour.

OWGR Points as the Key to the Majors

The debate over ranking points has tangible consequences for many LIV golfers. While top players like Jon Rahm or Brooks Koepka are secured through major successes, others lack guaranteed access to big tournaments. The world ranking is the central criterion—without points, no starts in the majors. Integration into the OWGR system would significantly improve the competitive prospects of many LIV golfers.

Categories
Tour News

Trump Eyes Turnberry for 2028 British Open – But R&A Holds Final Say

Donald Trump isn’t letting up. The former U.S. President has spent years making it known: he wants the Open Championship back at Turnberry. The last time the Claret Jug was contested on the iconic Ayrshire links was in 2009, when roughly 120,000 spectators attended. The Open has since grown into a far bigger spectacle, and Trump believes the time is right for a return. The course may be ready – but is it ready enough?

Trump Wants the Open Back at Turnberry

If Donald Trump had his way, the 2028 Open Championship would be staged at a course he knows intimately: Turnberry. The storied Scottish links has been part of the Trump Organization since 2014, and the former president has repeatedly expressed his desire to see The Open return to the venue. According to British media reports, Trump has even raised the issue directly with Prime Minister Keir Starmer – not once, but multiple times.

Sources within the British government confirm there have been conversations with the R&A about hosting the Major. However, a spokesperson for the prime minister emphasized that decisions regarding Open venues rest solely with the championship’s organizers – not with politicians.

R&A Open to the Idea – With Conditions Attached

The R&A is sticking to that stance, but there are signs of interest. New CEO Mark Darbon recently stated he would welcome a return to Turnberry. Still, there’s a major caveat – and it has to do with logistics.

Since the 2009 Open, the event has grown dramatically. This year’s championship at Royal Portrush is expected to draw nearly 280,000 spectators – more than double Turnberry’s 2009 attendance. That’s the core issue: the area’s roads, railways, and accommodation infrastructure simply aren’t built for crowds of that scale.

Turnberry Under Review – No Decision Yet

Whether Turnberry can realistically host the 2028 Open is now the subject of a feasibility study. The R&A is currently assessing whether local infrastructure can be upgraded – and if so, at what cost. Early estimates suggest the required investment could run into the tens of millions.