LIV Golf eyes OWGR points, McIlroy reflects on 2025, and Couples joins Malbon. The Back Nine.
Rory McIlroy has capped off what he calls the best year of his professional golf career by being named BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year. With a Masters win completing his career Grand Slam, a victory at the Irish Open, and a Ryder Cup triumph on foreign soil, the 36-year-old isn’t resting on his laurels. “I don’t know what I’ll do in 2026 to top this, but I’ll try. There’s still a lot more to achieve,” McIlroy said. One goal? Matching Colin Montgomerie’s record with an eighth Race to Dubai title. “I still feel I have a few good years ahead. Knock on wood, I’ve stayed injury-free. And the drive to improve is still there.”
Just a day later, McIlroy was spotted ringside in Miami at the Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul fight, which ended with Paul suffering a double jaw fracture. Naturally, McIlroy was asked for his thoughts there as well.
Whether McIlroy will spend the holidays in Florida or at his new home in England’s Wentworth Estates remains unclear. What is certain: he’ll debut with Boston Common in the second season of the TGL on January 2. McIlroy confirmed that Michael Thorbjornsen will serve as a substitute for the team, which includes Keegan Bradley, Adam Scott, and Hideki Matsuyama. “Hideki will be in Japan and Adam in Australia, so Michael will join Keegan and me for our first match.”
OWGR and LIV: ‘There’s a Chance’
The LIV Golf League is making another push for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. Trevor Immelman, who chairs the OWGR board, revealed ongoing discussions with LIV CEO Scott O’Neil. “We’re working closely to find a solution, and I think there’s a chance,” Immelman said. LIV plans to expand its field and shift to 72-hole events. “The OWGR is about meritocracy. You have to earn and defend your place on a tour. That’s been a key part of my talks with Scott.”
Team of the Year: Donald’s Gratitude
In addition to McIlroy’s individual honor, the European Ryder Cup team, captained by Luke Donald, was named Team of the Year at the SPOTY awards. McIlroy accepted the award alongside teammate Tommy Fleetwood, while others sent their thanks via social media. Donald expressed his appreciation on behalf of the squad.
Fred Couples Joins Malbon
Fred “Boom Boom” Couples, the 1992 Masters champion known for his smooth swing, is the latest ambassador for trendy golf brand Malbon, joining Charley Hull and Jason Day. A perfect match of style and legacy?
Cadillac Returns as PGA Tour Sponsor
The PGA Tour has announced Cadillac as the title sponsor for the Cadillac Championship, a new Signature Event to be held April 27–May 3, 2026, at