Rory McIlroy secures victory in the PGA Tour’s Player Impact Program 2023 and receives a bonus of 15 million US dollars. He takes over from Tiger Woods, who has won the title in recent years. Woods is in second place this year and will receive prize money of 12 million US dollars.
Player Impact Program: Rory McIlroy walks away with 15 million US dollars
The Player Impact Program was introduced in 2020/21 to reward players who generate the most positive interest for the PGA Tour through their media presence. Various criteria are measured: Internet searches, number of news articles, visibility of sponsor logos on TV, general awareness and social media impact. McIlroy came out on top of the top 20 based on these criteria this year, with a total prize money of 100 million US dollars distributed among them. “The scoring model for the program is intended to be as objective as possible with the goal of quantifying the impact each player has on the PGA Tour,” Jason Gore, the Tour’s executive vice president and chief player officer, wrote in a memo.
Rory McIlroy recently attracted attention in the golf world with his withdrawal from the PGA Tour Politics Committee and the postponement of the start of the TGL League, which he founded with Tiger Woods, by one year. His commitment to the PGA Tour and his success on the course continue to make him the face of the Tour, especially when competing against the up-and-coming LIV Tour. In addition to McIlroy’s sporting achievements, his victory in the Player Impact Program now also recognizes his positive impact on awareness and interest in golf.
The top 20 of the Player Impact Program is as follows:
14 tournaments are on the 2024 LIV Golf League tournament calendar. (Photo: Getty)
LIV Golf enters its third round: After the tour was launched in 2022, the third season will begin in 2024. The league recently announced the locations where the 54-hole tournaments will take place next year. From Mexico to Australia and Saudi Arabia, the tour players will travel around the world. While not all the venues have been confirmed yet, it is certain that there will be 14 tournaments at which the players will compete for an individual and team championship.
LIV Golf: old acquaintances and new courses
The new schedule was published at the insistence of LIV player Brooks Koepka. On social media, the reigning Major winner was impatient about the scheduling of next year’s tournaments. But even after the dates have been published, players and fans will have to be patient. Not all venues have been confirmed yet. In addition to the venues, the exact dates for the season finals are still open.
2/2-4: LIV Mayakoba — El Cameleon Country Club
2/8-10: LIV Las Vegas — Las Vegas Country Club
3/1-3: LIV Saudi Arabia — TBD
3/8-10: LIV Hong Kong — Hong Kong Golf Club
4/5-7: LIV “USA” — Location and course TBD
4/26-28: LIV Adelaide — The Grange Golf Club
5/3-5: LIV Singapore — The Serapong Golf Club
6/7-9: LIV Houston — The Golf Club of Houston
6/21-23: LIV Nashville — The Grove Golf Club
7/12-14: LIV Andalucia — Real Club Valderrama
7/25-28: LIV UK: Staffordshire — JCB Golf and Country Club
8/16-19: LIV Greenbrier — The Old White Course at the Greenbrier
Date, Course and Location TBD: LIV Golf Individual Championships
Date, Course and Location TBD: LIV Golf Team Championships
“LIV Golf is the truly global golf league that the sport and its fans deserve,” said LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman. “We’re thrilled to announce an exciting slate of events that reflects our commitment to bringing world-class players and premier competition to new and repeat markets every year. Launching a new league is a massive undertaking, and we’re full steam ahead building off our incredibly successful first full season in 2023. Our goal has always been to create a worldwide league that inspires progress and attracts new fans to the sport that we love. LIV Golf is stronger than ever, and next season will accomplish that goal and more.”
A look at the schedule
In addition to the courses already familiar to LIV players, such as the Old White Course in Greenbrier or the Grange Golf Club in Australia, there are some new venues on the schedule. In February, for example, the tour will make a guest appearance at the Las Vegas Country Club in the middle of Las Vegas – on the same weekend as the Super Bowl, the final game of the National Football League. The courses on which the LIV tournaments will take place in Saudi Arabia and the USA have not yet been decided. The latter venue should be particularly interesting for the players, as it is the last tournament before the first Major of the year just one week before the Masters 2024.
It is also notable that this is the first schedule that has no connection to Trump Golf. In the first two seasons, the league repeatedly played on courses owned by the former president – as things stand, the tour will not be visiting any of Donald Trump’s well-known courses next year.
Saudi Arabia, the home of the LIV Golf League, has found its place in the schedule at the start of the season. Following the recent uproar over Saudi Arabia as the venue for the team final, which was ultimately played in Miami, the LIV players will travel to Saudi Arabia in March next year. This date overlaps with the traditional Saudi International, which shows the league’s efforts to reduce the travel burden for its players in 2024.
Untouchable Scottie Scheffler remains number one in the World Golf Ranking. (Photo: Getty)
The current World Golf Ranking reveals USA’s Scottie Scheffler retaining the top spot, followed closely by Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy. This makes Scheffler the highest-ranking American player. Trailing him, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, and Max Homa respectively hold the 5th, 6th, and 7th positions in the global ranking.
Performances of other American Players in the World Golf Ranking
Further down the World Golf Ranking, Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark secure the 9th and 10th spots, thus making up the six top-performing American players.
As Collin Morikawa and Jordan Spieth fall down one spot they lose touch to the Top 10.
European Players in the Top 3 of the World Golf Ranking
Meanwhile, Spain’s Jon Rahm stays strong at the third place, ensuring that Europe has a robust representation in the top three of the World Golf Ranking.
The World Golf Ranking of the remaining players in the coveted top 10 reveals no significant shifts. England’s Viktor Hovland continues to hold the fourth spot, and completing the top ten, we see an interesting mix of nationalities setting themselves apart on the international stage, showcasing exemplary skills and tenacity throughout the rankings.
Scandinavian tournament winners Ludvig Aberg and Nicolai Hojgaard climb the rankings
The Danish youngster Nicolai Hojgaard won the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and moves up 20 ranks from 70th to claim a spot in the Top 50.
The PGA Tour title went to Swedish Ryder-Cup-Star Ludvig Aberg, who climbs from 53rd to 32nd.
Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Wallace share the 2nd place at the DP World Tour Championship. (Photo: Getty)
As the DP World Tour played its final tournament in Dubai many UK players were in action once again. Especially Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Wallace make their mark and climb in the World Golf Ranking.
Examining the Shifts in the World Golf Ranking: Top UK Players make their mark
Focus falls on Britain, Wales, and Scotland’s leading golfers: Rory McIlory, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, and Justin Rose. McIlory and Fitzpatrick maintain the 2nd and 8th positions respectively with the Northern Irish golfer painting an especially consistent streak atop the World Golf Ranking. Tyrrell Hatton, on the other hand, stays steady in the 12th position.
As Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Wallace both tied for second place at the DP World Tour Championship, both players climb the ranking. While Fleetwood jumps from 15th to 13th and heads for the Top 10, Wallace climbs from 87th to 68th.
Scandinavian tournament winners Ludvig Aberg and Nicolai Hojgaard climb the rankings
Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Wallace both were beaten in the DP World Tour Championship by the Danish youngster Nicolai Hojgaard, who moves up 20 ranks from 70th to claim a spot in the Top 50.
The PGA Tour title went to Swedish Ryder-Cup-Star Ludvig Aberg, who climbs from 53rd to 32nd.
World Golf Ranking: Top Three Standing Firm
Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm continue to dominate the top three spots in the World Golf Ranking, respectively. Their sustained performances keep them firmly planted within the top three ranks.
In the Top 10 there are no changes. Matt Fitzpatrick holds his place at 8th, reflecting consistency amongst the top British players in the World Golf Ranking. Meanwhile, Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark, both from the USA, continue to hold their 9th and 10th positions, respectively, rounding off the top ten players of golf in the week of this updated World Golf Ranking.
As we continue to follow the ever-changing patterns of the World Golf Ranking, it becomes clear that the golfing world is a dynamic platform for global athletes to showcase their skills. The constant shifts in the top and middle tiers of the ranking demonstrate the fierce competition and the ever-changing dynamic of golf prototypes worldwide. It’s a testament to the malleability and diversity of professional golf and its players – trends that keep the audience coming back week after week, making golf an exciting sport to follow. For now, we watch, wait, and witness as the golfing world continues to spin on its competitive axis, every swing, every putt, and every victory offering a chance for a new headline within the World Golf Ranking.
While Dustin Johnson's 4Aces are still in search for a new player, Bubba Watson's roster is already complete. (Photo: Getty)
The first transfer period in the history of golf is entering the hot phase – free agency. In this phase, teams with open roster spots can sign unsigned players from the Lock Zone and Open Zone. Players from the Lock Zone have completed the previous season in positions 1-24 and are therefore guaranteed a place in the coming season. These players can voluntarily become free agents and negotiate a new contract. Open Zone players who finished the season in 25th-44th place are automatically free agents and must sign a new contract. At the moment, ten roster spots are still vacant – four of the 12 teams are already complete. 4Aces GC captain Dustin Johnson among others is still in search for a new player.
LIV Golf: An overview of free agency
The situation in the second phase of the LIV Golf transfer period for the individual teams is explained below.
The overview of the current LIV Golf rosters. (Photo: LIV Golf)
4Aces GC
The 2022 LIV Golf Team Champions have one roster spot available with Pat Perez no longer under contract after finishing 28th in the points list, leaving Captain Dustin Johnson with the decision to either re-sign Perez or look for another player. Peter Uihlein, who joined the team from Smash GC last offseason, secured and accepted a contract extension with the 4Aces after his 12th place finish in this year’s Individual Standings. Rounding out the formidable squad is Patrick Reed, who finished 6th.
Cleeks GC
Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks have two open roster spots after Bernd Wiesberger and Graeme McDowell finished 41st and 42nd respectively in the Individual Standing and are now free agents. Kaymer remains as captain, receiving exempt status despite finishing in the Drop Zone (45th or below). Richard Bland re-signed with the Cleeks after his late-season surge locked up a spot with a 20th place finish.
Crushers GC
The reigning 2023 Team Champions, led by Captain Bryson DeChambeau, will return their entire roster. Anirban Lahiri, the team’s only player with an expiring contract, accepted his extension offer after finishing 11th in the Individual Standings. Charles Howell III, the winner of LIV Golf Mayakoba, finished 10th while Paul Casey remains under contract after finishing 35th.
Fireballs GC
Sergio Garcia’s Fireballs have one open roster spot after Carlos Ortiz, who finished 15th in the Individual Standings, opted for free agency after declining a contract extension offer. Abraham Ancer and Eugenio Chacarra, each under contract for at least one more season, finished in 26th and 32nd respectively.
Hyflyers GC
Phil Mickelson’s team has one open spot after James Piot was relegated after finishing 47th in the Drop Zone. Both Cameron Tringale (16th) and Brendan Steele (19th) are under contract and will return. Mickelson will look to add a player through free agency or the draft.
Iron Heads GC
Captain Kevin Na will add at least one new player due to Sihwan Kim’s relegation. Scott Vincent played his way into the Lock Zone in the regular-season finale in Jeddah and accepted his extension offer. Danny Lee, winner of LIV Golf Tucson, is under contract for next season.
Majesticks GC
Co-captains Ian Poulter, Henrik Stenson and Lee Westwood return, as does Sam Horsfield, who rejoined the lineup late in the season following an injury and remains under contract.
RangeGoats GC
Captain Bubba Watson’s decision to acquire Talor Gooch last offseason proved successful after Gooch hoisted the 2023 Individual Championship trophy. The addition of Gooch helped the RangeGoats finish runners-up at this year’s Team Championship in Miami. Watson’s lineup is set as both Harold Varner III (7th) and Thomas Pieters (33rd) are under contract.
Ripper GC
With Matt Jones (37th) now a free agent and Jediah Morgan (46th) relegated, Captain Cameron Smith has the option to either re-sign Jones or look to add two new players via free agency or the draft. Marc Leishman, who completes the team, finished 18th in the 2023 Individual Standings.
Smash GC
Captain Brooks Koepka has one open roster spot following Chase Koepka’s relegation while Jason Kokrak (23rd) and Matt Wolff (27th) are under contract for another season.
Stinger GC
Captain Louis Oosthuizen’s team is set with Branden Grace (9th), Dean Burmester (14th) and Charl Schwartzel (38th) under contract.
Torque GC
Four-time tournament champions and third-place finishers at this year’s Team Championship, Joaquin Niemann’s Torque has one open roster spot heading into this offseason. Mito Pereira (8th) and Sebastian Muñoz (11th) secured their spots for next year while David Puig is a free agent, having finished 31st in this year’s Individual Standings. Thus, Niemann will look to add one player via free agency or the draft
LIV Golf: The remainder of the transfer period
Free agency will conclude when four league roster spots remain. These open spots are reserved for the winner of The International Series 2023 Rankings – claimed by Andy Ogletree this past weekend in Hong Kong – and the top three finishers from LIV Golf Promotions, which will be staged December 8-10 at the iconic Abu Dhabi Golf Club in United Arab Emirates. Following the qualifying tournament, the league will host the LIV Golf Draft through which these players will be drafted onto the remaining teams that have an open spot on their roster.
Additionally, to support opportunities for teams to strengthen their rosters once the season has begun, a mid-season trading window will take place in 2024 (exact dates to be announced) where teams and players will be free to negotiate trades as well as extensions to their existing contracts if a player is in the last year of his contract.
Hae Ran Ryu has won the LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year Award. (Source: Getty)
Hae Ran Ryu clinched the prestigious Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Award for 2023 on the LPGA Tour. This honor comes on the heels of her impressive tie for 12th place at The Annika last week. Heading into the CME Group Tour Championship, Ryu has amassed a total of 893 points, holding an insurmountable 274-point lead over Grace Kim in the Rookie standings.
Hae Ran Ryu is your 2023 Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year ‼️?
She clinched the honor after finishing T12 at @theANNIKAlpga ?
Ryu’s inaugural season on the LPGA Tour has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by six top-10 finishes, including a noteworthy victory at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. Among her achievements are a solo third at the Mizuho Americas Open and a solo fourth at the Cognizant Founders Cup. She also notched her best result in a major tournament, finishing eighth at the US Women’s Open.
“I’m honored to receive the Rookie of the Year Award and join the prestigious list of past winners. This year has been unforgettable, and I take pride in what I’ve accomplished on the LPGA Tour,” expressed Ryu. “I’m forever grateful to my team and fans for their unwavering support in my debut season, and I eagerly anticipate closing out the year at the CME Group Tour Championship.”
The 22-year-old has already earned over $1.5 million this season, securing the 15th spot on the Official Money List for the year.
Successful Transition from Amateur Glory
Before making her mark on the LPGA Tour, Ryu participated in six Tour events, securing top-15 finishes at the 2020 US Women’s Open (T13) and the 2021 BMW Ladies Championship (T7). Her journey to success includes five victories on the KLPGA, where she claimed the Rookie of the Year title in 2020. As an amateur, Ryu won the Korean Women’s Amateur in 2018 and showcased her skills at events like the World Junior Girls Championship in 2016 and 2017, the Asian Games in 2018, and the Patsy Hankins Trophy in 2018.
The climax of Ryu’s rookie season will be marked by the presentation of the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Award at the 2023 Rolex LPGA Awards ceremony on Thursday, November 16, at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida, during the week of the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship.
Since its inception in 1962, the Louise Suggs Rolex Rookie of the Year Award has become a harbinger of golfing greatness. Twelve past winners, including legends like Annika Sorenstam, Se Ri Pak, and Lorena Ochoa, have ascended to the hallowed halls of the LPGA Hall of Fame or the World Golf Hall of Fame. Hae Ran Ryu now adds her name to this illustrious list, etching her place in the annals of golf history.
Golf will continue to be a trend in 2023. This is shown by figures from Sporting Insight. (Source: Getty)
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, golf has experienced a remarkable upswing, with an increasing number of enthusiasts taking up the sport. This surge is reflected in the rising frequency of golf rounds played, as highlighted in a report by Sporting Insights. Remarkably, well into the third quarter of 2023—over three years since the pandemic’s onset—the numbers of rounds played remain consistently high.
Up to 55 percent More Golf Rounds than 2019
Despite a sluggish start to the year, golf rounds played in the UK in 2023 continue to surpass pre-pandemic figures. Only January of the first nine months of the year saw a decline compared to 2019. September emerged as the strongest month of the quarter, showing a significant increase of 55 percent compared to 2019 and a ten percent boost from 2022. Although the growth rate has moderated since the immediate post-pandemic period, the overall trend remains mildly positive. Quarterly golf rounds played in the UK increased by five percent compared to the third quarter of 2022, contributing to a year-end total three percent higher than 2022. The current average of 2,910 rounds played per golf course per month translates to an additional 646 rounds per golf course per month, equivalent to approximately 21 extra players per day.
More rounds of golf are still being played in the UK than before the pandemic. (Source: Sporting Insight)
Congratulations to all involved in the sport for the robust and consistent growth in playing frequency. Special commendation goes to the clubs and their teams, successfully engaging and inspiring golfers across all skill levels. The upward trajectory of golf extends beyond the playing field, benefiting professional golf as well. Major golf tournaments on the island have witnessed a significant surge in ticket sales compared to previous years.
Rory McIlroy remains in second place leading the UK-Players. Fitzpatrick loses his 7th spot to Max Homa. (Photos: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler remains the leading player in the World Golf Ranking. The best UK-Player is Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, who is unchallenged in second place in the rankings.
The subsequent group of UK players sees a shuffle in the World Golf Ranking. While England’s Tyrrell Hatton rises to the 12th spot putting pressure on the Top Ten, Matt Fitzpatrick loses his 7th spot to Max Homa, who won the Nedbank Golf Challenge on the DP World Tour in South Africa.
Tommy Fleetwood remains steady at the 15th spot. The next UK Player in the Ranking is Shane Lowry at the 35th spot.
The Power of Three: Top of the World Golf Ranking
Back at the forefront of the World Golf Ranking, Spain’s Jon Rahm at 3rd consolidates his reputation as a true golf titan. He joins Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy in the foremost trio.
The World Golf Ranking is no stranger to twists and shifts in the top 10. From America, Max Homa’s upward swing garners him the 7th position, showcasing an evident advancement compared to last week. However, Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark from the USA hold their spots, sitting comfortably at 9th and 10th respectively.
Scottie Scheffler remains at the Top. Max Homa brings movement to the Top 10. (Photos: Getty)
In the current World Golf Ranking, American Scottie Scheffler continues to firmly hold the first place, followed by Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy in second. The next three slots are filled by Spain’s Jon Rahm, Norway’s Viktor Hovland, and once again an American, Patrick Cantlay.
World Golf Ranking: Americans dominating the Top 10
The battle among Americans on the World Golf Ranking continues with Xander Schauffele in sixth place. With Max Homa climbing one spot to seventh there finally is movement in the Top 10 after a long time. As a result, Matt Fitzpatrick falls to eighth place. Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark round out the top ten, placing ninth and tenth, without a change from previous week.
Top Positions & Movements in The World Golf Ranking
Topping the World Golf Ranking is Scottie Scheffler, steadfast at number one. Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland maintains his second position while Spain’s Jon Rahm fixed at third. These players continue their impressive performance, dominating the top spots of the ranking.
Max Homa catches up with the two Americans in front of him with his victory at the Nedbank Golf Challenge on the DP World Tour in South Africa. The American golfers are thus increasing the pressure on the European block, which is breathing down Scottie Scheffler’s neck.
The World Golf Ranking warrants close attention as it paints the current picture of world golf, signaling who’s up, who’s down, and the ones to watch in forthcoming tournaments.
Biggest tournaments in Great Britain and Ireland in 2023 have seen strong increases in ticket sales and spectator numbers compared to pre-pandemic levels (Source: DP World Tour)
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, golf has experienced a surge in popularity, attracting an increasing number of enthusiasts. This trend seems to extend its positive influence to professional golf as well. According to a report from the DP World Tour, R&A, and Ladies European Tour, major golf tournaments in the UK and Ireland in 2023 have witnessed a significant boost in popularity, marked by increased ticket sales and higher attendance numbers.
DP World Tour with 43 percent higher income from ticket sales
The report focuses on the most prominent golf tournaments in the UK and Ireland, highlighting the DP World Tour’s remarkable achievement. In 2023, the DP World Tour managed to increase its revenue from ticket sales by an impressive 43%, compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Notably, the four major tournaments (excluding Majors) showed substantial increases. The BMW PGA Championship saw a 41% rise in revenue compared to 2019, while the Genesis Scottish Open more than doubled its ticket sales revenue. Overall attendance for the four events, including the BMW PGA Championship, Genesis Scottish Open, Horizon Irish Open, and Betfred British Masters, exhibited a slight upward trend, with nearly 300,000 attendees – around 30,000 more than the previous year. The Ladies European Tour also reported modest increases in audience numbers, with a 20% rise at the KPMG Irish Open in late August.
Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the DP World Tour, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Golf is gaining popularity and attracting a more diverse audience. The numbers confirm this, and the biggest events of the DP World Tour in the UK and Ireland have never been more popular. We are witnessing a similar trend in our historic national Opens across Europe. The natural outdoor appeal of golf led people to try the sport at a record pace in 2020, and the DP World Tour is now reaping the benefits. Golfers of all ages want to witness the world’s best players showcasing their skills, and we are focused on ensuring that our audience experience meets their expectations.”
Record Year for the British Open
The pinnacle of golf in the UK, the British Open, also celebrated significant success. Since 2019, all tournament days have been sold out, and the 151st Open in 2023 recorded a 30% increase in attendance compared to the previous edition at Royal Liverpool in 2014. The growing popularity of the tournament led to the introduction of a ticket lottery in 2022 to accommodate the surging demand.
