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PGA Tour

Rory McIlroy skips Jack Nicklaus’ signature event – Nicklaus “surprised”

Jack Nicklaus and Rory McIlroy at the 2023 Memorial Tournament. (Photo: Getty)
Jack Nicklaus and Rory McIlroy at the 2023 Memorial Tournament. (Photo: Getty)

Almost the entire elite of the PGA Tour will be competing in this week’s Memorial Tournament presented by Workday in Muirfield Village. However, one particularly prominent name is missing from the list of participants: Rory McIlroy has opted out of the signature event organized by Jack Nicklaus. The tournament host is surprised that McIlroy did not inform him in advance, but does not hold it against the Northern Irishman.

Jack Nicklaus: “It’s just his call”

Rory McIlroy recently realigned his tournament calendar: Less focus on the USA, but more starts at national Open tournaments around the globe. As he has committed to the Canadian Open next week, followed by the US Open, McIlroy is taking a break from the Memorial Tournament. It is already the third signature event of the season that he has skipped. Instead, he has played a number of tournaments with a rather weaker field of participants, giving them additional attention and is now making more international appearances.

Rory McIlroy on global tour: his 2025 schedule

Jack Nicklaus, host of the Memorial Tournament, self-confessed Rory fan and long-time supporter of the Northern Irishman, only found out about his withdrawal in the middle of last week. As he admitted at the pre-tournament press conference, he was a little caught off guard by the news: ““Yeah, it surprised me,” Nicklaus said. “But guys have got schedules and got things they do. And I haven’t talked to him for him to tell me why or why not. It’s just his call.”

Even though Nicklaus would have been delighted to welcome McIlroy to Muirfield Village, he was understanding: “I don’t hold anything against Rory for that. He did what he likes to play. I know he likes to play so many in a row. He likes to play the week before a U.S. Open. And so he, that’s what he’s doing. So, you know, I really don’t have a comment on it. It’s very difficult, very difficult. I mean, I’m a big Rory fan, I always have been. I’m sure that I will remain that way. I just, I was a little surprised, yes.”

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Professionals

Rory McIlroy’s global tour: What his 2025 tournament schedule looks like

Rory McIlroy's global schedule. (Photo: Getty)
Rory McIlroy's global schedule. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy spoke big words about a more global future for golf at the start of 2024 – now he is putting his money where his mouth is. His tournament calendar for 2025 looks much more international than in previous years. The Northern Irishman wants to play less in the USA and focus more on tournaments that have fallen into oblivion for many professionals, especially national Opens with a long history.

Rory McIlroy: From Oakmont to Portrush

Right at the start of the summer, the first of several national championships gets underway: Rory McIlroy plays the Canadian Open, followed by the U.S. Open in Oakmont as the third major. The Travelers Championship in Connecticut is then on the agenda before things get more international – the Scottish Open on traditional links soil, followed by the Open Championship in July. However, the tournament at Royal Portrush is closer to a home game than almost any other.

This will be followed by the hot phase of the FedEx Cup play-offs in the USA. It remains to be seen whether Rory McIlroy will play all three stages. He already hinted in advance that he might miss the first event in Memphis. After that, his focus will clearly shift back towards Europe and Asia.

Finale in Asia and Australia?

September takes McIlroy to the Irish Open at the K Club – another building block in his “National Open” strategy. The flagship event of the DP World Tour, the BMW PGA Championship in Wentworth, follows immediately afterwards. After that, he will probably be part of the European Ryder Cup team. And then comes a special highlight: McIlroy’s first participation in the DP World India Championship in New Delhi – a completely new tournament that will be held for the first time in 2025.

The DP World Tour Playoffs will follow in November and December – and then another National Open date: the Australian Open at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Rory McIlroy returns to a place where he has not played for over a decade – this time with a two-year contract in his pocket. The tournaments in India and Australia are part of the “Back 9” phase of the DP World Tour and lead directly to the final in Dubai, which McIlroy also plans to play in.

Rory McIlroy’s schedule moving forward: National Open National Open (Oakmont 😉) Travelers National Open (His national) Open Championship FedEx Playoffs National Open (Irish) DPWT Flagship Ryder Cup India Championship (brand new) DPWT Playoffs National Open (Aussie) — Sean Zak (@Sean_Zak) May 21, 2025

Categories
Ladies Tours

Craig Kessler elected as new LPGA Commissioner

(Photo: LPGA)
(Photo: LPGA)

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced today that its Board of Directors has elected Craig Kessler as the organization’s 10th Commissioner.

The appointment comes during the LPGA’s landmark 75th anniversary season, marking a pivotal moment of global growth and opportunity for one of the most enduring and respected leaders in women’s professional sports worldwide.

Craig Kessler becomes 10th LPGA Commissioner

Kessler was selected following a rigorous and comprehensive global search, led by the LPGA Board’s Search Committee and shaped by input from LPGA Tour athletes, partners, staff and key stakeholders.

“We set out to find a transformational leader with a deep appreciation for the LPGA’s legacy and a clear vision of what’s possible for our future,” said John B. Veihmeyer, Chair of the LPGA Board of Directors. “Craig is an inspiring and engaging leader, who brings a unique mix of executive leadership experience, deep relationships in the golf industry, and a genuine commitment to elevating women and girls through golf. The LPGA has never been more dynamic – and Craig is exactly the right leader to drive its next era of growth and impact.”

Kessler brings a broad and impressive range of experiences across sports, business, private equity and entrepreneurship. Most recently, he served as Chief Operating Officer of the PGA of America, where he oversaw all operations of the 30,000-member organization, including its non-profit foundation. He previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Buff City Soap, a fast-growing experiential retail company that expanded from 100 to 260 stores under his leadership. Earlier in his career, Kessler also served as Chief Operating Officer at Topgolf, where he helped scale the company’s groundbreaking blend of sports, entertainment and technology.

In addition to his executive roles, Kessler brings board-level experience with the National Golf Foundation, UT Southwestern hospital system, and the Dallas Mavericks Advisory Board. He began his career at McKinsey & Company and went on to leadership positions at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR) and Providence Equity Partners. His track record includes evaluating investments and working alongside management teams to improve company performance – skills he now brings to one of the world’s premier women’s sports organizations.

“The LPGA stands at the intersection of world-class competition and global impact,” said Kessler, incoming LPGA Commissioner. “From young girls who are picking up a club for the first time, to the LPGA Professionals helping teach this great game to people around the world, to the incredible athletes competing on Tour—the LPGA is driving the future of golf. I’m honored to join this powerful movement and eager to help build what comes next—together.”

“This isn’t just about leading a sports organization – it’s about redefining what’s possible,” Kessler added. “This role is deeply personal to me – not just as a professional opportunity, but as a chance to make a difference in the world and create new opportunities for others. Golf changes lives. I believe in the LPGA’s mission, its members and its momentum. I can’t wait to get started.”

Kessler will officially step into the role on July 15, succeeding Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who stepped down in January 2025. Liz Moore will continue as Interim Commissioner until that time. Veihmeyer added, “Liz has done an exceptional job in the interim role, and we look forward to the many important contributions she will continue to make to the LPGA in the future.”

(Text provided by LPGA)

Categories
Uncategorized

Golf diplomacy: Ernie Els and Retief Goosen visit at The White House

Ernie Els and Retief Goosen visit the White House, showcasing golf diplomacy. Source: Getty

Ernie Els and Retief Goosen visited the White House, showcasing the power of golf diplomacy.

Continue reading “Golf diplomacy: Ernie Els and Retief Goosen visit at The White House”
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Live

DP World Tour Tee Times: Jamie Donaldson at the Soudal Open

The DP World Tour Tee Times of the English Players. (Photo: Getty)

Following the season’s second major, the DP World Tour returns to European soil to usher in the eagerly awaited European Swing. First up: the Soudal Open, hosted once again by the prestigious Rinkven International Golf Club near Antwerp. The historic par-71 course, among Belgium’s finest, will see players vie for a prize fund of $2.75 million. Defending champion Nacho Elvira of Spain is back to protect his title. Coverage begins daily at 1:00 PM (CET) on Sky Sports and DAZN.

DP World Tour Tee Times

Scott Jamieson will be one of the first players out on Thursday morning, teeing off at 07:30 from Tee 1. The Scotsman is paired with England’s Matthew Southgate and Jayden Trey Schaper of South Africa. His second round begins on Friday at 12:30 from Tee 10.

Ewen Ferguson, another Scottish contender, opens his tournament ten minutes later at 07:50 from Tee 1. He plays alongside Daniel Hillier (New Zealand) and Lev Grinberg. Ferguson returns to the course on Friday at 12:50, this time from Tee 10.

Calum Hill, who’s been steadily building form in recent months, starts at 08:40 on Thursday from Tee 1. He’s joined by South African Brandon Stone and Germany’s Yannik Paul. Their second round begins at 13:40 on Friday from Tee 10.

Representing Wales, Jamie Donaldson tees off Thursday afternoon at 13:40 from Tee 1. The veteran is grouped with England’s Callum Shinkwin and American Troy Merritt — a trio with plenty of international experience. Donaldson’s Friday round starts at 08:40 from Tee 10.

Grant Forrest, also flying the flag for Scotland, is among the later starters on Thursday. He begins at 14:30 from Tee 1, alongside Italy’s Francesco Laporta and Jordan Gumberg from the USA. The group returns to action on Friday morning at 09:30 from Tee 10.

RoundTimePlayerNationalityPartners
107:30Scott JamiesonScotlandMatthew Southgate (ENG), Jayden Trey Schaper (RSA)
107:50Ewen FergusonScotlandDaniel Hillier (NZL), Lev Grinberg
108:40Calum HillScotlandBrandon Stone (RSA), Yannik Paul (GER)
212:30Scott JamiesonScotlandMatthew Southgate (ENG), Jayden Trey Schaper (RSA)
212:50Ewen FergusonScotlandDaniel Hillier (NZL), Lev Grinberg
213:40Calum HillScotlandBrandon Stone (RSA), Yannik Paul (GER)
113:40Jamie DonaldsonWalesCallum Shinkwin (ENG), Troy Merritt (USA)
114:30Grant ForrestScotlandFrancesco Laporta (ITA), Jordan Gumberg (USA)
208:40Jamie DonaldsonWalesCallum Shinkwin (ENG), Troy Merritt (USA)
209:30Grant ForrestScotlandFrancesco Laporta (ITA), Jordan Gumberg (USA)
Categories
Live

DP World Tour Tee Times: Sean Crocker and More in Belgium

The DP World Tour Tee Times of the American Players. (Photo: Getty)

After the season’s second major, the DP World Tour heads back to European soil to kick off the much-anticipated European Swing. Leading the way is the Soudal Open, once again taking place at the renowned Rinkven International Golf Club near Antwerp. This historic par-71 layout—one of Belgium’s premier courses—sets the stage as players compete for a $2.75 million prize purse. Spain’s Nacho Elvira returns to defend his title. Daily coverage starts at 1:00 PM (CET) on Sky Sports and DAZN.

DP World Tour Tee Times for American Players

Sean Crocker begins his campaign in Belgium on Thursday at 9:00 AM from Tee 1. The American is paired with Ugo Coussaud of France and fellow Englishman Dan Bradbury. Their second round is set for Friday at 2:00 PM, this time from Tee 10.

Brandon Wu, another American in the field, will look to find early rhythm as he tees off Thursday at 9:20 AM from Tee 1, alongside Wil Besseling (Netherlands) and Loris Maquet. Wu’s group returns on Friday at 2:20 PM from Tee 10.

Johannes Veerman opens his tournament on Thursday afternoon at 12:40 PM, starting from Tee 1. He joins Dylan Naidoo (South Africa) and Pablo Larrazábal (Spain) in what promises to be a dynamic group. Their second round gets underway early Friday morning at 7:40 AM from Tee 10.

Veteran Troy Merritt will take on the Rinkven layout starting Thursday at 1:40 PM from Tee 1, paired with South Africa’s Dylan Frittelli and Spain’s Adrian Otaegui. Merritt’s Friday tee time is scheduled for 8:40 AM from Tee 10.

Lucas Bjerregaard (DEN) welcomes Corey Shaun of the U.S. to a group that also features England’s Marcus Armitage. Their first tee time is Thursday at 2:00 PM from Tee 1, with the second round following Friday morning at 9:00 AM from Tee 10.

RoundTimePlayerNationalityPartnersNationality
109:00 AMSean CrockerUSAUgo Coussaud, Dan BradburyFRA, ENG
202:00 PMSean CrockerUSAUgo Coussaud, Dan BradburyFRA, ENG
109:20 AMBrandon WuUSAWil Besseling, Loris MaquetNED, BEL
202:20 PMBrandon WuUSAWil Besseling, Loris MaquetNED, BEL
112:40 PMJohannes VeermanUSADylan Naidoo, Pablo LarrazábalRSA, ESP
207:40 AMJohannes VeermanUSADylan Naidoo, Pablo LarrazábalRSA, ESP
101:40 PMTroy MerrittUSADylan Frittelli, Adrian OtaeguiRSA, ESP
208:40 AMTroy MerrittUSADylan Frittelli, Adrian OtaeguiRSA, ESP
102:00 PMCorey ShaunUSALucas Bjerregaard, Marcus ArmitageDEN, ENG
209:00 AMCorey ShaunUSALucas Bjerregaard, Marcus ArmitageDEN, ENG
Categories
Live

Tiger Woods’ TGL Expands: Detroit Joins League with Motor City Golf Club

Detroit will join Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TGL as the league’s newest team. (Photo: Getty)

The TGL is growing – and its latest addition comes from a city with a deep-rooted sports legacy: Detroit. Starting in 2027, the Motor City Golf Club will tee it up as the seventh team in the tech-fueled golf league. Until now, the franchises have only entailed major metropolitan hubs like New York, Los Angeles, and Boston. And now, Detroit brings the Midwest into the fold.

NFL Power Meets Next-Gen Golf

Backed by an ownership group steeped in pro sports pedigree, the Motor City Golf Club enters the TGL with serious muscle. Leading the charge is the Hamp family, long-time stakeholders in the NFL’s Detroit Lions. Michael and Peter Hamp, along with Kevin Kelleher and investment firm Middle West Partners, are at the forefront of the project. They’re joined by high-profile names such as Rob Walton, owner of the Denver Broncos, and a dynamic group of investors from the tech, sports, and business worlds.

While TGL matches are played in a specialized indoor arena and not in each franchise’s hometown, the Detroit team is built to reflect the spirit and sports culture of the city. This isn’t just a golf team—it’s a symbol of Motor City pride.

New Name, Familiar Format

Motor City Golf Club becomes the seventh team in the TGL lineup, joining Atlanta Drive GC, Boston Common Golf, Jupiter Links GC, Los Angeles Golf Club, New York Golf Club, and The Bay Golf Club. The league’s fast-paced format remains unchanged: three out of four PGA Tour players per team compete in each match, battling over 15 holes that blend high-tech driving simulations with real short-game play. Each event wraps in under two hours and is broadcast live on ESPN, complete with a roaring arena crowd.

What’s Next for Detroit’s Franchise?

Following the successful inaugural 2025 season — where Atlanta Drive GC clinched the first-ever TGL title — and an upcoming second season in 2026, Detroit will officially take to the tee in year three.

As for the player roster, branding, or team logo? That’s still under wraps. Details are expected in the coming months, but insiders say the choice of Detroit was no coincidence. With its deep sporting roots, engaged fanbase, and media-savvy market, the city was a natural fit for TGL’s first expansion move.

Categories
Rules

Golf rules: This rule would have saved Phil Mickelson

This Golf Rule Could Have Saved Phil Mickelson. (Photo: Getty)
This Golf Rule Could Have Saved Phil Mickelson. (Photo: Getty)

A great example from the USGA drives the point home: Imagine a ball putted from the green into a bunker. Rule 18.1 helps players escape seemingly hopeless situations—instead of struggling in the sand, they can take a one-stroke penalty and replay from the original spot. This flexible rule offers more solutions than many amateurs and even pros realize.

Golf Rules as a Safety Net in Tough Spots

Every golfer knows the frustration of a seemingly safe putt that rolls tragically into a bunker. But the rules don’t force you into a risky bunker shot—Rule 18.1 provides a smarter alternative. With just a one-stroke penalty, you can replay from where you last played. The best part? This rule applies anywhere—fairway, green, or rough.

As the USGA example shows, when faced with a bad bunker lie, retreating to the green is often the wiser move. Instead of gambling on an unpredictable sand shot, this rule turns disasters into manageable situations. Sometimes, a penalty stroke is a small price to pay for a safer outcome. This intentional flexibility saves players from countless tricky scenarios and highlights the strategic depth of golf.

Rule 18.1

“At any time, a player may take stroke-and-distance relief by adding one penalty stroke and playing the original ball or another ball from where the previous stroke was made. The player always has this stroke-and-distance relief option: No matter where the player’s ball is on the course, and even when a Rule requires the player to take relief in a certain way or to play a ball from a certain place. Once the player puts another ball in play under penalty of stroke and distance: The original ball is no longer in play and must not be played. This is true even if the original ball is then found on the course before the end of the three-minute search time.”

Flexibility Over Rigidity – The Spirit of Golf Rules

Many golfers underestimate the player-friendly nature of the rules—the principle of “play the ball as it lies” isn’t set in stone. Rule 18.1 proves it perfectly: Whether it’s a lost ball, out-of-bounds, or a botched putt like in the USGA video, restarting with a penalty stroke always provides an escape route.

Phil Mickelson’s four bunker shots at the 2025 PGA Championship are proof—even pros sometimes overlook this tactical advantage. Had he used Rule 18.1, taking a penalty to replay from his previous spot, the outcome might have been far better. A clear example of how this rule can turn disaster into control.

Categories
Highlights Tours

Scottie Scheffler: Calm and collected victory at the 2025 PGA Championship

Scottie Scheffler wins the 2025 PGA Championship. (Photo: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler wins the 2025 PGA Championship. (Photo: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler wins his third major victory at the 2025 PGA Championship. The world No. 1 remained as calm and composed as he is known to be, even when Jon Rahm squeezed into the shared lead. But while Rahm missed crucial chances, Scheffler was unfazed and brought the title home.

Scottie Scheffler wins the 2025 PGA Championship

Scheffler opened all doors for his competitors. Drive after drive went too far left and missed the fairways. His lead, which was three strokes at the start of the final round, shrank. But Jon Rahm was the only one of his competitors who was able to take advantage of this. While Noren, Poston and Riley made mistakes themselves, Rahm holed three times for birdie in four holes and played himself into the shared lead.

But the Spaniard missed important opportunities on the second nine. He missed the birdie putt on 12 and 13, and at the same time Scheffler took the lead again with a birdie on the 10th. But Scheffler was unable to pull away, missing a birdie chance on the 11th hole. Rahm took a risk on the 15th to take advantage with a powerful eagle putt, but the putt went wide of the hole, leaving him a long back putt for birdie, which he was unable to convert.

In the end, Schefffler had the stronger nerves and played the back nine in his controlled manner. He holed out to win a shot on the 14th hole, despite landing in the bunker after his tee shot, earned himself a perfect birdie chance on the par-5 15th hole and a five-shot lead as Jon Rahm’s game collapsed on the green mile. After a bogey on the 16th, Rahm’s tee shot on the 17th, the toughest hole of the day, ended up in the water. The double bogey took him out of the race completely and Scheffler was able to make his own way through the Green Mile without any worries.

He also mastered the last three challenging holes with aplomb. When his tee shot on the 18th went off to the right, Scheffler was able to calmly allow himself an intermediate shot back onto the fairway, land on the green with the third and win easily despite a bogey.

Scottie Scheffler is FIRED UP after winning the PGA Championship. pic.twitter.com/wNFxHMNZaC — Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) May 18, 2025

Scheffler wins by five strokes ahead of Harris English, Davis Riley and Bryson DeChambeau. It is DeChambeau’s fifth top-six finish in the last six major tournaments. “It didn’t seem to go my way all week and I’m pretty disappointed. But this gives me fire in my belly and will make me fight even harder to win the US Open again this year.” There he will defend his title from 2024.

Jon Rahm is only tied eighth after a second double bogey on 18.

On the lower ranks of the PGA Championship

Rory McIlroy maintains his tied 47th place in the final round. He closes the weekend and the PGA Championship with a round of 72. He had an inconsistent round on Sunday and was on the spot, not what we are used to seeing from him at Quail Hollow.

Categories
Highlights Tours

PGA Championship 2025: Volunteer goes fishing for Rory McIlroy’s ball

A volunteer at the PGA Championship 2025 gives his all to secure the Grand Slam winner's ball. (Photo: Screenshot X/ @Golf.com)
A volunteer at the PGA Championship 2025 gives his all to secure the Grand Slam winner's ball. (Photo: Screenshot X/ @Golf.com)

At the PGA Championship 2025, a volunteer secured himself a very special souvenir. But he gave it his all – and made for some bizarrely funny pictures.

View all live scores for the PGA Championship 2025

On hole 14, a 300-metre par 4, Rory McIlroy attacked the green with his tee shot. But his drive was a little too far to the left and landed in the water hazard. McIlroy dropped and finished the hole with a bogey.

But a volunteer kept a close eye on the Northern Irishman’s ball. As soon as he had holed out and made his way to the next hole, the volunteer crawled belly-up to the water, leaned far down and fished with his arm for the valuable trophy. After just a few seconds, he was apparently successful, put the ball in his trouser pocket and walked away as if nothing had happened. The action made for bizarre video footage, which promptly made the rounds on social media.

This volunteer had to go back for Rory’s water ball. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/oAkYuEZHtx — GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) May 18, 2025