Will LIV Golf earn OWGR points soon? Plus McIlroy’s ambitions, Donald’s thanks, Henseleit’s wedding and Couples’ new look.
After a career-defining season in 2025, Rory McIlroy shows no signs of slowing down. The 36-year-old capped off his year with a Masters win, completing the career Grand Slam, a victory at the Irish Open, and a triumphant Ryder Cup performance. Named BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year, McIlroy declared, “I don’t know how I’ll top 2025, but I’ll try. There’s still a lot more to achieve.”
One of his goals? Matching Colin Montgomerie’s record with an eighth Race to Dubai title. “I still feel like I have a few good years left. Thankfully, I’ve stayed injury-free. The drive to improve is still there,” McIlroy said.
Just a day later, McIlroy appeared ringside at the Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul boxing match in Miami, where Paul suffered a double jaw fracture. McIlroy also confirmed that Michael Thorbjornsen will join his TGL team Boston Common as a substitute for Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama, who will be overseas during the January 2 season opener.
OWGR and LIV: ‘There’s a Chance’
LIV Golf continues its push for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. Trevor Immelman, chair of the OWGR board, revealed ongoing discussions with LIV CEO Scott O’Neil. “We’re working closely to find a solution. I think there’s a chance,” Immelman said. LIV plans to expand its field and switch to 72-hole events, aligning more with traditional tour standards. “It’s about meritocracy,” Immelman emphasized. “You earn your place and fight to keep it. That’s what we’re helping LIV understand.”
Team of the Year: Donald’s Gratitude
Golf made a strong showing at the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year awards. Alongside McIlroy’s individual honor, Team Europe’s Ryder Cup squad, led by Luke Donald, was named Team of the Year. McIlroy accepted the award with teammate Tommy Fleetwood, while others joined in via social media. Donald shared his thanks online, celebrating the team’s away win at Bethpage Black.
More Highlights: Weddings, Style, and Sponsorships
Esther Henseleit married her fiancé and caddie Reece Phillips in the Italian Alps, with fellow pros Polly Mack, Sophia Popov, and Nanna Koerstz Madsen in attendance. Meanwhile, Fred Couples joined Malbon Golf as a brand ambassador, joining Charley Hull and Jason Day in repping the trendy streetwear label.
In a major sponsorship move, Cadillac was announced as title sponsor for the 2026 Cadillac Championship, a PGA Tour Signature Event at Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster course. The decision marks another high-profile event at a Trump-owned venue, following similar moves by the DP World Tour.
And in golf memorabilia news, the iron set used by Tiger