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PGA Tour

World Golf Ranking: Rory McIlroy on his way to Nr. 1?

Rory McIlroy is closing the gap on Scottie Scheffler in the World Golf Ranking. (Photos: Getty)
Rory McIlroy is closing the gap on Scottie Scheffler in the World Golf Ranking. (Photos: Getty)

For a long time, nothing has changed at the top of the world golf rankings: one name has been there for 95 weeks – Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler’s exceptional season in 2024 gave him a huge lead in the OWGR ranking. He was the undisputed leader and for a long time it looked as if no one could even come close to challenging him. But with his victory at the Players Championship 2025 and the title at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February of this year, Rory McIlroy is getting closer and closer – and it actually seems possible now that he could overtake Scheffler and take back the top spot.

World Golf Ranking: Rory McIlroy is gaining ground on Scottie Scheffler

Mathematically, McIlroy could become the world number one again in just one month: if he wins both the Masters and the RBC Heritage and Scheffler performs poorly at both tournaments, McIlroy could soon call himself the best player in the world again.

The Northern Irishman has already announced that he will play in the Houston Open (March 27-30) before the Masters. But even a victory there would not be enough to take the top spot in the world rankings with a Masters victory – there are not enough world ranking points for that. In addition, Rory McIlroy is increasing his lead in the Ryder Cup qualification list: he is well ahead of Tyrrell Hatton in second place among the first-qualified players.

The top 10 of the world ranking otherwise remained stable after the Players Championship, with the exception of Tommy Fleetwood, who rose one place to 9th place, and Justin Thomas, who fell to 10th place.

See the complete World Golf Ranking
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PGA Tour

Players Championship 2025: High Prize Money for Rory McIlroy

The prize money at the Players Championship 2025. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy wins one of the most prestigious titles on the PGA Tour—along with an unprecedented prize purse. A staggering $25 million was up for grabs at the Players Championship 2025 at TPC Sawgrass, making it the richest regular-season tournament on the circuit. McIlroy will walk away with an eye-watering $4.5 million, while the runner-up collects $2.725 million and the third-place finisher $1.725 million. Even a top-10 finish secures a payout of at least $681,250, and those finishing as far back as 40th place will still pocket a six-figure sum.

Prize money at the Players Championship has increased dramatically over the years. When Jack Nicklaus won the inaugural event in 1974, he pocketed just $50,000. Today, that amount wouldn’t rank inside the top 40.

As always, the tournament is contested on the iconic Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. The layout is best known for its signature par-3 17th hole, where the island green has played a decisive role in countless finishes.

Check Out the Full Leaderboard of the Players Championship 2025

FedExCup Points and Career Incentives

Beyond the massive prize money, 750 FedExCup points are on offer for the winner, a boost in the season-long race to the Tour Championship. Before the tournament Sepp Straka sat atop the standings, but a strong performance in Sawgrass could dramatically shake up the leaderboard.

Victory at The Players also comes with long-term perks: a five-year PGA Tour exemption, a guaranteed spot in all four majors for the next three years, and an invitation to The Sentry, where the year’s tournament winners kick off the new season. The champion also claims 80 Official World Golf Ranking points, just 20 points shy of what the four major winners will receive this year.

FinishPlayerPrize Money
1Rory McIlroy$4,500,000
2JJ Spaun$2,725,000
T3Tom Hoge$1,325,000
T3Akshay Bhatia$1,325,000
T3Lucas Glover$1,325,000
T6Danny Walker$843,750
T6Corey Conners$843,750
T6Bud Cauley$843,750
9Robert MacIntyre$731,250
T10Collin Morikawa$656,250
T10Davis Thompson$656,250
T12Patrick Cantlay$556,250
T12Jake Knapp$556,250
T14Aaron Rai$418,750
T14Denny McCarthy$418,750
T14Tommy Fleetwood$418,750
T14Sam Ryder$418,750
T14Sepp Straka$418,750
T14Alex Smalley$418,750
T20Shane Lowry$240,250
T20Ryan Fox$240,250
T20Keegan Bradley$240,250
T20Joe Highsmith$240,250
T20Matt McCarty$240,250
T20Daniel Berger$240,250
T20Scottie Scheffler$240,250
T20Min Woo Lee$240,250
T20Max McGreevy$240,250
T20Stephan Jaeger$240,250
T30Russell Henley$163,750
T30Harris English$163,750
T30Will Zalatoris$163,750
T33Rico Hoey$136,250
T33Kurt Kitayama$136,250
T33Justin Thomas$136,250
T33Taylor Moore$136,250
T33J.T. Poston$136,250
T38Si Woo Kim$111,250
T38Justin Lower$111,250
T38Davis Riley$111,250
T38Taylor Pendrith$111,250
T42Hayden Springer$81,688
T42Matt Kuchar$81,688
T42Billy Horschel$81,688
T42Jesper Svensson$81,688
T42Mac Meissner$81,688
T42Tom Kim$81,688
T42Chris Kirk$81,688
T42Ryan Gerard$81,688
T50Beau Hossler$63,500
T50Jacob Bridgeman$63,500
T52Byeong Hun An$60,750
T52Sahith Theegala$60,750
T54Matthieu Pavon$58,250
T54Carson Young$58,250
T54Charley Hoffman$58,250
T54Camilo Villegas$58,250
T54Joel Dahmen$58,250
59Jordan Spieth$56,750
60Jhonattan Vegas$56,250
T61Trey Mullinax$54,500
T61Cameron Young$54,500
T61Sungjae Im$54,500
T61Will Chandler$54,500
T61Chandler Phillips$54,500
T61Austin Eckroat$54,500
67Emiliano Grillo$52,750
68Isaiah Salinda$52,250
T69Sami Valimaki$51,500
T69C.T. Pan$51,500
71Rickie Fowler$50,750
72Xander Schauffele$50,250
Categories
Rules Training

Rules of Golf: PGA Tour Pro steps on other player’s ball – what now?

Bud Cauley and Lucas Glover played together in the final round of the Players Championship. (Photos: Getty)
Bud Cauley and Lucas Glover played together in the final round of the Players Championship. (Photos: Getty)

It was an eventful final day at TPC Sawgrass: in addition to the four-hour thunderstorm interruption and the postponement of the crucial playoff to Monday, another curious situation on Sunday of the Players Championship 2025 caused a stir: Bud Cauley, who had started in the final flight with Lucas Glover and J.J. Spaun, accidentally stepped on his fellow player Lucas Glover’s ball. But what do the rules of golf say about this?

Rules of Golf: Misstep without consequences

Cauley was distracted by the action on the nearby 17th hole, where Rory McIlroy was about to tee off. The iconic par-3 with the island green has already provided plenty of drama, so it is understandable that Cauley also wanted to watch McIlroy’s approach from close up. However, he did not pay attention to what was directly in front of him – and soon buried the ball with his foot.

The scene is unusual, but the rules of golf in this case are clear: 

“If it is known or virtually certain that an outside influence (including another player in stroke play or another ball) lifted or moved a player’s ball at rest, there is no penalty, and the ball must be replaced on its original spot (which if not known must be estimated)” (Rule 9.6).

So the action had no consequences for either Lucas Glover or Bud Cauley – the ball was allowed to be put back in its original position without penalty.

Different regulations depending on the cause of the movement

An important distinction concerns the cause of the movement: if the ball is moved by natural forces such as wind or water, it may not be replaced; instead, it must be played from its new position as it lies. Slightly different rules apply on the green: if the ball has already been picked up and replaced and then moves again it must always be replaced, regardless of the cause.

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Panorama

Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump: New Golf Power Couple?

Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump: New Romance in Florida? (Photos: Getty)

Tiger Woods is making headlines once again, and this time, it has nothing to do with his game on the course. The 15-time major champion is rumored to be in a relationship with Vanessa Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr. Reports suggest that they have been seeing each other for several months.

Rumors Surrounding Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump

Woods is no stranger to the public eye—whether for his triumphs on the golf course or his personal life. Now, his name is back in the spotlight, and this time, it’s not about birdies or bogeys. According to reports from DailyMail and People Magazine, Woods has been linked to Vanessa Trump, the former wife of Donald Trump Jr. The two reportedly live just 20 minutes apart in Florida and have been spotted together on multiple occasions, including at golf tournaments. However, no official confirmation has been made. Insiders claim the pair is taking things slowly and prefers to keep their relationship private for now.

Vanessa Trump, who divorced Donald Trump Jr. in 2018 after 12 years of marriage, has largely stayed out of the public eye since. Woods, on the other hand, has had several high-profile romances, most recently with Erica Herman. Now, it seems he and Vanessa Trump may be more than just acquaintances.

A Shared Connection Through Golf

One thing the two certainly have in common is a deep connection to golf. Vanessa’s daughter, Kai, is an aspiring golfer who is set to play for the University of Miami. Meanwhile, Woods’ children, Sam and Charlie, have grown up around the sport and even attend the same school as Kai.

According to DailyMail, Woods and Trump have been spending significant time together, particularly at Woods’ estate on Jupiter Island. While they are not living together, Vanessa is said to be a frequent visitor. The couple has chosen to keep a low public profile—for now.

On-Course Challenges for Woods

While his personal life is making waves, Woods is facing setbacks in his professional career. Just recently, news broke that he has suffered an Achilles injury, putting his hopes for the Masters in jeopardy. This comes as another blow after he had been gearing up for yet another comeback.

Adding to his challenges, Woods is dealing with a significant personal loss. In early February, his mother, Kultida, passed away at the age of 81. Woods has often credited her as his greatest supporter and a key influence in his career.

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PGA Tour Uncategorized

Double ace on the 17th hole and a dip in the water

One ace, one jump (Photo: Twitter@PGATour)
One ace, one jump (Photo: Twitter@PGATour)

The excitement ahead of the 51st edition of the Players Championship could hardly be greater. Even before the “fifth major” officially begins at the TPC Sawgrass in Florida, two hole-in-ones on the legendary 17th hole cause a stir – one by a tournament debutant, the other by a caddie.

Premiere ace for Tosti and a dip into the water

The 28-year-old Alejandro Tosti experiences an unforgettable start to his first Players Championship. On Wednesday afternoon, during his practice round, the Argentinian hits a 52-degree wedge from 121 meters. The ball lands behind the flag, rolls back – and disappears into the hole! Tosti’s joy is boundless, and he keeps his promise: He jumps into the water full of enthusiasm. The crowd roared as he resurfaced and raised his arms; his caddie helped him out of the pond and they hugged on the lawn. It was the first hole-in-one of his career – and he was also making his debut at the Players Championship.

“I’ve been telling people that if I make it in the hole on 17, I’m going in the water, so I had to 100% go in the water, and I was so happy, and really cool to have that moment today.”

First ace in the history of the Caddie Challenge

But Tosti wasn’t the only one with an ace on the day. JJ Jakovac, Collin Morikawa’s caddie, made history when he hit the first hole-in-one in the 26-year history of the Caddie Challenge. His pitching wedge shot spun smoothly back towards the hole and triggered a real celebration. Never before had a caddie managed to hit an ace on this legendary hole.


The Caddie Challenge is a firm Players Championship tradition. Every year, the caddies swap their usual role for a moment and compete on the par-3 17th hole themselves.

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PGA Tour

Tiger Woods likely to miss Masters due to injury

Tiger Woods at the 2024 Masters in Augusta. (Photo: Getty)
Tiger Woods at the 2024 Masters in Augusta. (Photo: Getty)

Tiger Woods will in all likelihood not be taking part in this year’s Masters Tournament. The reason for this is an injury that he sustained while training at home – a torn Achilles tendon.

“As I began to ramp up my own training and practice at home, I felt a sharp pain in my left Achilles, which was deemed to be ruptured,” the 49-year-old said in a message on Instagram and X.

The minimally-invasive surgery took place on Tuesday morning at the Hospital for Special Surgery in West Palm Beach, Florida. “The surgery went smoothly, and we expect a full recovery,” said the attending doctor, Dr. Charlton Stucken.

Tiger Woods: Comeback delayed by multiple setbacks

Woods is now at home and focused on recovery. Although he has not shared his plans concerning the Masters, it is considered unlikely that he will take part in the first major of the year, which begins in just over four weeks. The traditional tournament at Augusta National Golf Club will be held for the 89th time in April – Tiger Woods has won it five times, most recently in 2019.

It has been eight months since his last appearance in an official PGA Tour tournament. He played the British Open at Royal Troon in July. Since then, his tour comeback has been postponed again and again for various reasons. A return to the Masters seemed realistic, but now it has receded into the distance. With the injury to his Achilles tendon, Woods’ comeback remains uncertain.

The 15-time major champion has a long history of injuries: In April 2023, he competed in the Masters but had to withdraw during the third round. In the same month, he underwent surgery on his right ankle for post-traumatic arthritis, a result of his serious car accident in 2021. In September 2024, he had surgery on his lower back due to spasms and pain. Woods has been struggling with back problems on and off since 2014.

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PGA Tour

Who’s the Favorite to Claim the Players Championship 2025?

Players Championship 2025: Who's the Favorite to Win? (Photos: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler has dominated the Players Championship for the past two years. In 2025, he has the opportunity to make history as the first player to win three consecutive titles at TPC Sawgrass. But with a strong field set to challenge him, can anyone break his stranglehold on the tournament?

Scottie Scheffler: The Quest for a Historic Three-Peat

For the past two years, TPC Sawgrass has belonged to Scottie Scheffler. He cruised to a five-shot victory in 2023 and followed it up with a 20-under-par performance in 2024 to successfully defend his title. Now, he stands on the brink of a historic three-peat. However, unlike previous years, Scheffler enters without a win this season. His results—third at the Genesis Invitational and a top-10 at Pebble Beach—suggest he’s close, but not quite at his dominant best. A win at The Players would mark his first title of 2025—and reinforce his standing as the player to beat at Sawgrass.

Rory McIlroy: The Prime Contender?

Few players boast the pedigree of Rory McIlroy at The Players Championship. A past champion in 2019, the Northern Irishman knows how to navigate TPC Sawgrass under pressure. Recent course modifications—extended yardages and thicker rough—could play to his strengths, as he remains one of the best tee-to-green players on Tour. If anyone is poised to disrupt Scheffler’s reign, it’s McIlroy.

Collin Morikawa & Ludvig Åberg: The Next Generation

Collin Morikawa enters The Players in excellent form, though he has yet to secure a win. Yet, in 2025, he has found himself in the frustrating position of being consistently close, but not quite over the line. Runner-up finishes at Maui and Bay Hill, the best ball-striker on Tour this season – if he can close out a tournament, Sawgrass could be the breakthrough moment.

On the other hand, Ludvig Åberg is no longer just a promising young talent—he’s a serious contender. The Swede finished eighth in his Players Championship debut last year and has already claimed a PGA Tour victory in 2025. With expectations now higher than ever, the question remains: Can Åberg handle the heat over four grueling rounds?

Schauffele’s Window of Opportunity

Xander Schauffele has been close to lifting the Players Championship trophy before. He finished second in 2024, missing out by a single shot, and also recorded a runner-up finish in 2018. His consistency is undeniable – he currently holds the longest active made-cut streak on the PGA Tour – but the question remains whether he can finally turn those near-misses into a victory.

Sepp Straka: The Dark Horse

He may not attract as many headlines, but Sepp Straka has quietly built an impressive resume. A winner at the American Express Championship earlier this season, and a fifth-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational propelled him into the world’s top 15. Could he be the dark horse to watch at Sawgrass?

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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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Live

Golf World Ranking: Russell Henley Leaps Into Top 10

Russell Henley moves uo into the Top 10 of the World Golf Ranking. (Photo: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler continues to dominate as the top player in the Official World Golf Ranking, holding firm at No. 1. Right behind him, Xander Schauffele remains steady at No. 3, showing no change from the previous week as he cements his place among the elite.

See the complete Official World Golf Ranking here

Golf World Ranking: Ranking Changes for Top American Golfers

Collin Morikawa edges up from No. 5 to No. 4, continuing his steady rise with consistently strong performances. Russell Henley makes one of the biggest leaps of the week, climbing from No. 14 to No. 7, a testament to his recent form. On the other hand, Wyndham Clark slips slightly from No. 7 to No. 8, while Justin Thomas follows suit, dropping from No. 8 to No. 9.

Shifts Within the Top 10

Scottie Scheffler remains untouchable at the top, setting the standard for consistency. Rory McIlroy stays firm at No. 2, while Russell Henley’s big jump shakes up the rankings. Ludvig Åberg drops one spot to No. 5, while Tommy Fleetwood holds steady at No. 10. Hideki Matsuyama remains locked in at No. 6, keeping his position among the world’s best.

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Live

Golf World Rankings: Tyrrell Hatton Slips Out Of The Top 10

Tyrrell Hatton drops out of the Top 10 of the World Golf Ranking. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy maintains his position at No. 2 in the latest Official World Golf Ranking, continuing to chase Scottie Scheffler at the top. Tommy Fleetwood also remains steady at No. 10, holding his ground in the Top 10 of the World.

See the complete Official World Golf Ranking here

Golf World Ranking: British Players on the Move

There’s been a shake-up for some of Britain’s top players. Tyrrell Hatton slips from No. 9 to No. 12, losing some ground after holding a spot in the top 10. Robert MacIntyre, however, climbs one position to No. 18, inching closer to the world’s best. Aaron Rai also takes a step forward, moving from No. 25 to No. 24 as he continues his steady rise.

Top 10 of the World

At the top, Scottie Scheffler remains untouchable at No. 1, but the real movement happens just below him. Russell Henley makes a statement by leaping from No. 14 to No. 7 after his win on the PGA Tour, marking one of the biggest jumps of the week. Collin Morikawa also gains ground, edging from No. 5 to No. 4, while Ludvig Åberg slips back to No. 5. Further down, Wyndham Clark drops from No. 7 to No. 8, and Justin Thomas slides to No. 9.

Name Placement Previous Week
Rory McIlroy 2 2
Tommy Fleetwood 10 10
Tyrrell Hatton 12 9
Robert MacIntyre 18 19
Aaron Rai 24 25