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Highlights Tours

Masters 2025 Tickets: The Price of the Augusta Dream

The tickets for the US Masters 2025 are among the most coveted in golf (Photo: Getty)

When it comes to iconic sporting events, few can rival the allure of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Since its inaugural edition in 1934, the Masters has grown into one of golf’s four Major championships, attracting not only the world’s finest players but also a parade of celebrities, business magnates, and die-hard fans. The tournament’s tradition, the unique atmosphere, and the symbolic Green Jacket make it a dream for many fans. Unsurprisingly, demand for tickets is immense.

Masters 2025: A Golden Ticket for the Lucky Few

Every year, only a limited number of tickets are made available to the general public, and many fans find themselves empty-handed in their quest to witness the Masters in person. Official ticket prices are, by sporting standards, relatively moderate: Practice Round tickets (Monday to Wednesday) are priced at $100 per day, while Tournament Round tickets (Thursday to Sunday) cost $140 per day.

How to Get Tickets?

Most of these tickets are allocated through a lottery system run by Augusta National via the official Masters website. For the 2025 tournament, the application period took place in summer 2024. The exact number of available tickets is a closely guarded secret, making it difficult to gauge one’s chances of success.

If You’re Buying Now, Be Ready to Pay a Premium

For those who missed out in the lottery, the secondary market is the only remaining — and very expensive — option. According to Golf.com, platforms like StubHub and Viagogo list Practice Round tickets at around $1,500 per day. A full four-day tournament pass costs approximately $6,800. Tickets for the Final Round on Sunday are available from $1,800 upwards. Depending on demand, prices on these platforms can fluctuate dramatically, often reaching astronomical levels.

Buyer Beware: Risks of the Secondary Market

It’s important to note that reselling Masters tickets is officially prohibited. Any tickets acquired on the secondary market may be invalidated by tournament officials. Fans tempted to buy should exercise extreme caution and ensure they’re dealing with a reputable seller to avoid falling victim to scams.

Are There Any Alternatives to Experience the Masters in Augusta?

There are, but they come with their own hurdles:

Patron Badges

The coveted “Patron Badges” are effectively lifetime passes to the Masters — and beyond priceless. These badges are typically passed down within families and rarely change hands. On the open market, they’re virtually impossible to obtain.

Hospitality Packages

Several travel and hospitality providers offer premium Masters packages, which include tournament tickets, luxury accommodations, private transportation, and VIP access to exclusive areas of Augusta National. However, these packages command a hefty price tag — often running into the tens of thousands of dollars. Anyone considering this route should only book through verified, official partners.

Looking Ahead: Plan Early for Masters 2026

For fans hoping to secure a spot at Augusta in 2026, the lottery will reopen from June 1 to June 20, 2025. Early planning is key, as demand continues to climb year after year. It’s also worth exploring hospitality options and offers from official partners to maximize your chances of making that dream trip to Augusta a reality.

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Highlights Tours

The Masters: Rory McIlroy plays practice round in Augusta

Rory McIlroy play practice round in Augusta ahead of The Masters tournament 2025. (Photo: Getty)
Rory McIlroy play practice round in Augusta ahead of The Masters tournament 2025. (Photo: Getty)

For Rory McIlroy, this week is all about preparing for the Masters 2025. The week began for him with a practice round at Augusta National on Monday and his start at the Houston Open is also a strategy to get into top form and finally secure the Green Jacket.

Rory McIlroy on a practice round at Augusta National

‘It’s nice for me to play a practice round without people around and it sort of takes the pressure off the week for me,’ said McIlroy, who took his time to look round Augusta National Golf Club. In addition to the usual benefits of a practice round, this appointment also served to explore possible changes as a result of the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. In September 2024, the storm caused devastating damage in the south-east of the USA and the community of Augusta and Augusta National Golf Club were also affected. The impact on the venue of the Masters was largely limited to a few fallen trees and the resulting damage to the golf course, while the surrounding population was significantly more affected.

Four greens had been redone, McIlroy reported of his findings, including that of the 16th fairway, where two of the trees had fallen. ‘The loss of a few trees is definitely noticeable but in terms of, they’ve had to redo that green [the 16th], it’s exactly the same as what it was,’ said the Northern Irishman. ‘The hole will play – apart from a few less shadows on the green late in the day because of the trees that were lost – pretty much the same.’

Rory McIlroy’s Masters preparation

McIlroy used the two weeks of privacy before the first major to familiarise himself with the course again in peace, as there is always a lot of hustle and bustle during the week of the tournament. ‘There are a lot of obligations, there are big commitments whether it be from media or the par-three tournament on Wednesday, so I just like to get up there and feel like I’m not rushed on the Tuesday, Wednesday the week of the tournament.’ In the past, McIlroy has tried a number of strategies to optimise his preparation, including avoiding as much of the pre-tournament hustle and bustle as possible. There were years when he avoided events such as the Par 3 Contest as well as participating in tournaments shortly before the Major. He seems to be taking a different approach this year, as his start at the Houston Open two weeks before the Masters shows.

But even though this week should help him to optimise his game, he is not just thinking about the Masters. ‘It’s not as if I’m playing here this week and thinking about two weeks’ time. I’m here, I’m in the present, I’m trying to do my best this week and trying to win this golf tournament.’

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: Rickie Fowler Joins Star-Studded Houston Open

The PGA Tour Tee Times of the American Contingent. (Photo: Getty)

The PGA Tour rolls into Texas this week for the Texas Children’s Houston Open, hosted at the ever-challenging Memorial Park Golf Course. With a par-70 layout and a purse of $9.5 million, this event is no mere warm-up—it’s a serious proving ground, especially with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and defending champion Stephan Jaeger headlining a stacked field.

PGA Tour Tee Times: Americans in Action

Lanto Griffin will take to the course at 12:30 in the first round, playing alongside Chad Ramey and France’s Victor Perez. Their second round starts at 07:20. ​

Patrick Rodgers is set to begin his first round at 12:52 with compatriots Nate Lashley and Patrick Fishburn. They will tee off for the second round at 07:42. ​

The spotlight shines brightly on Rickie Fowler, who tees it up on Thursday at 13:03 alongside Scottie Scheffler and Sungjae Im. They’ll head out early on Friday at 07:53.

Tony Finau is paired with Germany’s Stephan Jaeger and Belgium’s Thomas Detry, teeing off at 13:14 for the first round. Their second round begins at 08:04.

Round Time Player 1 Player 2 Player 3
1 12:30 Lanto Griffin Chad Ramey Victor Perez
1 12:52 Patrick Rodgers Nate Lashley Patrick Fishburn
1 13:03 Rickie Fowler Scottie Scheffler Sungjae Im
1 13:14 Tony Finau Stephan Jaeger Thomas Detry
2 07:20 Lanto Griffin Chad Ramey Victor Perez
2 07:42 Patrick Rodgers Nate Lashley Patrick Fishburn
2 07:53 Rickie Fowler Scottie Scheffler Sungjae Im
2 08:04 Tony Finau Stephan Jaeger Thomas Detry

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: McIlroy Headlines Star-Studded Field in Houston

The PGA Tour Tee Times of the British Contingent. (Photo: Getty)

As the PGA Tour shifts from the Florida Swing to Texas, all eyes turn to Memorial Park Golf Course for the Texas Children’s Houston Open. The par-70 layout in the heart of Houston hosts one of the spring season’s key stops, offering a $9.5 million purse and a competitive field that includes defending champion Stephan Jaeger and world number one Scottie Scheffler. And Rory McIlroy returns to the event for the first time in over a decade.

PGA Tour Tee Times: The British Players

Danny Willett, representing England, starts his first round at 7:42 AM with Trey Mullinax from the USA and Mac Meissner also from the USA. For the second round, they will tee off at 12:52 PM.

Rory McIlroy opens his Houston campaign at 7:53 AM on Thursday alongside Americans Maverick McNealy and Wyndham Clark, with the same trio set to tee off again at 1:03 PM on Friday.

Harry Hall of England will tee off his first round at 8:37 AM with Mackenzie Hughes from Canada and Chris Gotterup from the USA. Their second-round tee time is at 1:47 PM.

Matt Wallace, also from England, starts at 1:25 PM for the first round with Gary Woodland from the USA and Matt McCarty from the USA. His second round will begin at 8:15 AM.

Aaron Rai from England tees at 1:36 PM with Adam Svensson from Canada and Seamus Power from Ireland. His second round is scheduled for 8:26 AM.

Paul Waring of England begins his first round at 2:31 PM alongside Jeremy Paul from Germany and Noah Kent from the USA. The second round will be at 9:21 AM.

Round Time Player Nationality Playing Partners
Round 1 7:42 AM Danny Willett ENG Trey Mullinax (USA), Mac Meissner (USA)
Round 1 7:53 AM Rory McIlroy NIR Maverick McNealy (USA), Wyndham Clark (USA)
Round 1 8:37 AM Harry Hall ENG Mackenzie Hughes (CAN), Chris Gotterup (USA)
Round 1 1:25 PM Matt Wallace ENG Gary Woodland (USA), Matt McCarty (USA)
Round 1 1:36 PM Aaron Rai ENG Adam Svensson (CAN), Seamus Power (IRL)
Round 1 2:31 PM Paul Waring ENG Jeremy Paul (GER), Noah Kent (USA)
Round 2 8:15 AM Matt Wallace ENG Gary Woodland (USA), Matt McCarty (USA)
Round 2 8:26 AM Aaron Rai ENG Adam Svensson (CAN), Seamus Power (IRL)
Round 2 9:21 AM Paul Waring ENG Jeremy Paul (GER), Noah Kent (USA)
Round 2 12:52 PM Danny Willett ENG Trey Mullinax (USA), Mac Meissner (USA)
Round 2 1:03 PM Rory McIlroy NIR Maverick McNealy (USA), Wyndham Clark (USA)
Round 2 1:47 PM Harry Hall ENG Mackenzie Hughes (CAN), Chris Gotterup (USA)

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Panorama

Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump: “Love is in the Air…”

Tiger Woods confirms romance with Vanessa Trump. (Photo: X@Tiger Woods)

Tiger Woods has made his relationship with Vanessa Trump (47) official. The former wife of Donald Trump Jr. and onetime daughter-in-law of the 45th and 47th President of the United States confirmed the romance via a springtime post on social media platform X. The post began with a telling line: “Love is in the air…”

While the new couple made headlines off the course, their children were in the spotlight on it – though with mixed results. At the prestigious Sage Valley Invitational in Graniteville, South Carolina, one of the premier junior events in American golf, both Charlie Woods and Kai Trump were in the field.

Charlie Woods finished tied for 25th out of 36 players in his age group – a modest result for the 15-year-old son of the golf legend. Kai Trump, granddaughter of the former president, finished 24th and last in her division.

The overall boys’ title went to 16-year-old Miles Russell, widely regarded as one of the brightest rising stars in U.S. golf. Russell has already teed it up twice on the PGA Tour and, in 2024, made history as the youngest player ever to make the cut on the Korn Ferry Tour.

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Equipment

WITB Viktor Hovland: The Norwegian Returns to the Winner’s Circle

Viktor Hovland wins in Florida. (Photo: Getty)

Viktor Hovland is back in style. At the 2025 Valspar Championship, the Norwegian staged a dramatic finish, carding three birdies over his final five holes to secure his seventh PGA Tour title—and his first since winning the FedExCup in 2023. His equipment? A trusted blend of Ping, a new power-packed TaylorMade fairway wood, and familiar Titleist tools.

Driver: Still Trusting the Ping G425 LST

When it comes to the big stick, Hovland sticks with what works. The Ping G425 LST driver, set at 9 degrees, continues to offer him consistent distance and control off the tee. The “LST” stands for Low Spin Technology, and it delivers a strong combination of accuracy and power. Hovland has long favored this model, and it once again proved reliable on the tight fairways of Innisbrook’s Copperhead Course.

(Image: Ping)

New Addition: TaylorMade SIM Ti 3-Wood

One of the fresh additions to Hovland’s bag is the TaylorMade SIM Ti 3-wood. Set at 15 degrees, this titanium-built fairway wood features a hefty 80-gram V-shaped sole weight designed to reduce turf interaction and generate more clubhead speed. It’s a potent weapon both off the tee and from the fairway—perfect for aggressive play on longer holes.

(Image: TaylorMade)

Long Game Tools: Titleist Utility and Classic Ping Irons

Complementing his long game setup is the Titleist U505 utility iron, which Hovland continues to rely on in the 3-iron slot. This driving iron is known for its solid feel, high launch, and precision—ideal for controlled tee shots and approach play where hybrids might deliver too little spin.

(Image: Titleist)

From 4-iron through pitching wedge, Hovland remains loyal to the Ping i210 irons, a 2018 classic. These players’ irons pair a compact muscle-back look in the shorter irons with a thinner, more responsive face in the longer irons. It’s a setup that’s served him well over the years—and continues to do so on tour.

(Image: Ping)

Short Game Update: Ping s159 Wedges

For his wedge play, Hovland has recently transitioned to the Ping s159 wedges in 50° and 56°, both with the versatile S grind. Released in 2024, the s159 line boasts sharper grooves, optimized spin, and a buttery-soft feel—ideal for a variety of conditions around the green.

(Image: Ping)

Completing his wedge setup is a familiar piece: the Ping Glide 2.0 lob wedge at 60° with a T grind, allowing Hovland to get creative with delicate shots and challenging lies close to the pin.

(Image: Ping)

On the Greens: Trusting the Ping PLD Prototype

On the putting surface, Hovland continues to roll with his Ping PLD DS72 prototype—the same model he wielded with confidence during his FedExCup run. Its milled face and copper finish make it both a performer and a standout in the bag. On Sunday’s back nine, it once again proved its worth.

(Image: Ping)

The Ball: Titleist Pro V1

Hovland rounds out his setup with the Titleist Pro V1. Known for its slightly flatter flight and consistent spin profile, the Pro V1 delivers in all phases—especially in the short game, where its soft feel and responsive touch give Hovland the control he needs.

(Image: Titleist)
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Uncategorized

The Masters 2025: Scheffler serves up ‘Scottie Style’

Scottie Scheffler's champions dinner for The Masters 2025. (Photo: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler's champions dinner for The Masters 2025. (Photo: Getty)

World number one Scottie Scheffler is hosting the traditional Champions Dinner in the run-up to the US Masters 2025 for the second time this year. After his victory in 2022, he already had the honour of designing the exclusive menu once. This time too, he is staying true to his Texan style, with small but personalised adjustments.

The dinner, which traditionally takes place on the Tuesday evening of Masters week in the clubhouse at Augusta National, is reserved for former Green Jacket winners. ‘It’s more or less the same as two years ago,’ explained Scheffler. ‘My favourite dishes haven’t changed too much, but there are a few nostalgic elements.’

Scheffler’s menu for the Champions Dinner of the The Masters 2025

The starters consist of ‘Scottie style’ cheeseburger sliders – a signature dish where the fries are placed directly on the burger. ‘I always put fries on my burger, that’s ‘Scottie style’ for me. My favourite burger joint has thin patties with cheese between the layers. I then take some of the melted cheese, throw in the fries and enjoy it. It’s just great.’ Alongside the burger, there are firework prawns with sweet Thai chilli and Sriracha mayo.

New on the menu: ‘Papa Scheff’s’ legendary meatballs

One new addition is the replacement of the tortilla soup with ‘Papa Scheff’s Meatball and Ravioli Bites’ – a tribute to his father. ‘Papa Chef is my father,’ explained Scheffler. ‘His meatballs were legendary when we were growing up. Every time he made them, we were all beside ourselves with excitement. I thought it would be a nice idea to put them on the menu this year, and the ravioli complements it perfectly.’

The first course remains hearty: Texan chilli with cheddar cheese, jalapeños and corn chips – inspired by his coach Randy, whose recipe serves as the basis. ‘My coach makes the best chilli. So they try to use his recipe as inspiration.’
Main course options include Texas ribeye steak or redfish, accompanied by savoury sides such as family-style mac and cheese, corn with jalapeño cream, Brussels sprouts with soy glaze and roasted sweet potatoes with chipotle lime. Guests can also look forward to tequila and bourbon – a real Texan finish.

For dessert there is a warm chocolate chip skillet cookie with vanilla ice cream.

The Masters Champions Dinner – The dinner of legends

The Champions Dinner goes back to Ben Hogan, who created it in 1952. Each defending champion puts together their own menu and often adds a personal touch. While Scottie Scheffler stays true to his Texan style, previous champions have brought culinary diversity to Augusta. Jon Rahm focused on Spanish cuisine in 2023 with tapas, tomahawk steak and basque cheesecake. The year before, Hideki Matsuyama served a Japanese-inspired menu with Wagyu beef, sushi and traditional specialities. In 2020, Tiger Woods combined a selection of sushi, steak fajitas and churros for dessert. Patrick Reed opted for Caesar salad, cowboy ribeye steak and mac & cheese in 2018, while Jordan Spieth brought Texan flavours to the table in 2016 with BBQ ribs, steak and warm apple pie.

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Uncategorized

Angela Stanford Named Captain for 2026 U.S. Solheim Cup Team

Angela Stanford will be Solheim Cup captain for Team USA at the 2026 Solheim Cup. (Photo: Getty)
Angela Stanford will be Solheim Cup captain for Team USA at the 2026 Solheim Cup. (Photo: Getty)

After three turns as an assistant captain, Angela Stanford will take the helm of her first U.S. Solheim Cup Team in 2026. Stanford, a six-time veteran of the American squad, will captain the top 12 American female golfers as they represent their country at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, from Sept. 11-13, 2026.

Solheim Cup 2026: Angela Stanford will be captain

“I’m extremely grateful to be named the next American captain for the Solheim Cup and join a list of my heroes in the game. I’ve always believed that I represent more than myself on the LPGA Tour, and there is no greater honor than representing your country,” said Stanford. “I consider this the pinnacle of my career, and I’m looking forward to leading our players to the Netherlands in 2026.

“Angela Stanford will certainly be a wonderful captain for the U.S. Team at the 2026 Solheim Cup,” said Interim LPGA Commissioner Liz Moore. “Angela has always been a spark on and off the course, a true leader and a dedicated partner to her teammates. It’s now her time to take the helm of the U.S. Team, and I have no doubt that she will lead her squad to a successful week in the Netherlands.”

Stanford retired in 2024 after a 23-year LPGA Tour career. She has seven LPGA Tour victories, earning her first major title at the 2018 Amundi Evian Championship in her 18th season on Tour. Stanford has also won the 2023 and 2024 Senior LPGA Championships.

She competed in 98 consecutive major championships from 2002 to 2024, second only to Jack Nicklaus for consecutive majors played in professional golf.

Stanford has competed in six Solheim Cups, representing the USA in 2003, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015. In 2015, Stanford earned the winning point for the U.S. Team with her 2-and-1 victory over Suzann Pettersen. She then served as an assistant captain in 2021 under Captain Pat Hurst, and again in 2023 and 2024 under Captain Stacy Lewis.

Prior to joining the LPGA Tour, Stanford was a four-year All-American at Texas Christian University, where she won nine collegiate tournaments. She is a 2000 TCU graduate with a degree in Speech Communications and is enshrined in the Texas Golf Hall of Fame and the TCU Athletics Hall of Fame.

Off the course, Stanford runs the Angela Stanford Foundation, which provides scholarships to kids in her native Texas whose families have fallen victim to breast cancer. Stanford works in honor of her mother, Nan, who battled the disease for 13 years before her death in 2022.

Information on ticket options and prices for the 2026 Solheim Cup is available at www.solheimcup2026.golf. Anna Nordqvist was recently announced as captain for the 2026 European Solheim Cup Team.

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Apparel Equipment

How to master golf course style with smart fashion choices

Photo: Chervò
Photo: Chervò

Golf has always been synonymous with elegance, tradition, and precision—not just in technique but also in style. A well-curated golf wardrobe balances performance, comfort, and aesthetics, ensuring that players feel as confident in their attire as they do in their swing. But what does it take to truly elevate your golf course style? Here’s how to make smart fashion choices that blend timeless sophistication with modern trends.

Tips for more style on the golf course

1. The power of smart basics

Every golfer’s wardrobe should be built on a foundation of smart basics—pieces that offer versatility, comfort, and a refined look. A well-fitted polo shirt in classic shades like navy, white, or soft pastels is a timeless essential, while tailored trousers or performance shorts ensure a sleek silhouette. Investing in high-quality, breathable fabrics with moisture-wicking technology enhances both comfort and elegance, allowing for ease of movement throughout the game.

Photo: Chervò

2. Layering with style and function

Mastering golf fashion means being prepared for shifting weather conditions. A lightweight windproof vest or a sleek quarter-zip sweater in a neutral tone can add sophistication while keeping you warm without restricting your swing. Advanced fabric technologies, such as Windlock® for wind protection and Sunblock® for UV shielding, ensure that style never compromises performance.

Photo: Chervò

3. Making a statement with trendy pieces

While classic golf attire remains a staple, incorporating trend forward elements can set you apart. Patterned polos, bold yet refined prints, and vibrant accents allow golfers to showcase personality while maintaining an elevated look. The latest trend sees an infusion of vintage looks into stylish golf wear, blending tradition with a fresh, contemporary aesthetic.

Photo: Chervò

4. The color palette that works every time

Timeless hues like blue, white, beige, and Chervò’s iconic green remain dominant, offering an effortlessly elegant look. Complementing these with soft blues and earth tones creates a polished and adaptable wardrobe that transitions seamlessly from the fairway to the clubhouse. The key is finding the perfect balance between neutrals and pops of color that reflect confidence and sophistication.

Photo: Chervò

5. Accessories that elevate the look

A well-chosen accessory can make all the difference. A structured cap, a leather belt, or a sleek pair of golf shoes can refine the overall outfit without being overpowering. Opting for performance sunglasses or UV-protective gear adds both practicality and flair, ensuring you stay protected while looking sharp.

Photo: Chervò

6. The ultimate blend of performance and elegance

Modern golf fashion is about merging technical innovation with timeless style. Leading brands like Chervò have mastered this balance, offering apparel that embodies sophistication while integrating cutting-edge technology for performance enhancement. With designs that fuse Italian excellence with advanced functionality, Chervò continues to set the benchmark for fashion forward golfers in Germany and beyond.

Photo: Chervò

Final thoughts

Dressing well on the golf course is about more than just style—it’s about confidence, comfort, and respect for the game. By making smart fashion choices, from well-tailored basics to trend-conscious statement pieces, golfers can create a wardrobe that is both stylish and performance-ready. Whether embracing classic refinement or experimenting with modern prints, the key is to find a look that embodies both elegance and functionality. For those looking to refine their golf wardrobe with trendsetting yet timeless pieces, Chervò remains a leading name in premium golf fashion—where performance meets Italian elegance on and off the course.

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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