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PGA Tour

Rory McIlroy cracks 100 million in prize money – hunt for Tiger Woods begins

Rory McIlroy passes the 100 million dollar mark in prize money and reaches a new career milestone. (Photo: Getty)
Rory McIlroy passes the 100 million dollar mark in prize money and reaches a new career milestone. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy has reached another milestone in his impressive career: the Northern Irishman is only the second player in the history of the PGA Tour to pass the 100 million dollar mark in official prize money. Only Tiger Woods was able to break this mark before him. But how did McIlroy achieve this historic success, and can he even overtake Woods in the coming years?

Rory McIlroy’s recent successes bring crucial millions

A decisive factor in McIlroy’s financial success was his victory at the 2025 Players Championship. In a nerve-wracking play-off, he secured the title and the prize money of 4.5 million dollars from a total pool of 25 million US dollars.

Another lucrative highlight was his triumph at the 2024 DP World Tour Championship. With a final score of 15 under par and a flawless final round, McIlroy secured the prize money of 3 million dollars and further increased his financial cushion.

How prize money is transforming golf

McIlroy’s monetary success is not just a personal triumph, but also an indicator of the increasing commercialization of golf. Increasing sponsorship deals, growing media coverage and higher prize money have made the PGA Tour one of the most lucrative sports leagues in the world in recent decades.

McIlroy already topped the European Tour’s money list in 2018 after finishing in a tie for second place at the Open Championship. This took him over the €35 million mark in prize money on the European Tour.

Can McIlroy overtake Tiger Woods?

Despite McIlroy’s impressive financial record, Tiger Woods remains unrivaled with over 120 million dollars in official PGA Tour prize money. However, the rising prize money and McIlroy’s consistent performance could make the race for the number one spot in the money rankings exciting in the coming years.

At 35, McIlroy is at a stage where many golfers reach their financial peaks. If he continues to strategically participate in tournaments that pay out large prize money, he could actually catch up with Woods in the next few years.

McIlroy as a giant of golf

Rory McIlroy has played his way into the exclusive league of golf millionaires through a combination of sporting ability, strategic tournament planning and economic foresight. The coming years will show whether he can break Tiger Woods’ 120 million dollar mark. But one thing is certain: McIlroy is not just a top golfer – he is a brand in his own right.

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LIV Tour

Brooks Koepka tells it like it really is: LIV is “behind where we should be’

Brooks Koepka talks about LIV Golf. (Photo: Getty)
Brooks Koepka talks about LIV Golf. (Photo: Getty)

Admission: While the LIV Golf League likes to indulge in superlatives, there are some protagonists on the competition circuit who take a very realistic view of the construct. Brooks Koepka, for example, who, as usual, doesn’t mince his words and clearly states that the LIV has not developed as desired. ‘Look we’re four years in, it’s just getting its feet wet and figuring out what direction they want it to go,’ said the five-time major winner on “The Joe Pomp Show” hosted by Joe Pompliano, an entrepreneur and investor who likes to get involved in the business of opinion-making in golf. Koepka admitted during the interview: ‘We are behind, to be quite fair. Behind where we should be. From bringing sponsors in to hitting the international market and the US market.”

Brooks Koepka: LIV Golf behind expectations

But it’s fun, it’s evolving, technologies evolving, and look its just golf at the end of the day, and you got to make it more fun and entertaining and the attention span that the younger generation has isnt as long as everyone sitting on the couch watching golf for five six hours.

“You have to be able to innovate and create different things – thats what we’re trying to do, TGL’s doing the same thing – its just a matter of putting a good product out in front of people and at the end of the day if you put good golf in front of people they are going to want to watch it.

Brooks Koepka

The 34-year-old obviously combines this with a side blow against the previous LIV impresario Greg Norman, even if he does not mention his name. But criticism resonates when Koepka places his hopes in the new CEO Scott O’Neil: ‘Obviously, there’s been a lot of change and hires of people within LIV, and I think Scott’s a great guy, and he can lead LIV to where it needs to be and where I think it should be’

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Player deliberately hinders leading flight

(Screenshot: Instagram/@Skratch)
(Screenshot: Instagram/@Skratch)

Alejandro Tosti started together with Min Woo Lee and Ryan Fox in the final flight of the PGA Tour’s Houston Open, but seemed very unhappy with his two playing partners.

Tosti clashed with Ryan Fox on the very first hole when Tosti took his time to drop his ball, reported course reporter Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay. A few holes later, however, the situation turned around: Min Woo Lee’s tee shot on hole 8, a par-5, landed under a bush. After the ball was found, it took Lee seven minutes to play it after considering various options, including hitting the ball on his knees. In the end, he decided to declare the ball unplayable. It took the flight a total of 30 minutes to complete just this one hole.

Tosti: Slow play in protest

Tosti then appeared to complain to a rules official about Lee’s pace of play. However, when no consequences followed, the Argentinian took matters into his own hands and seemingly deliberately played slowly to hold off the final flight and Lee, who was fighting for victory. A video from the broadcast shows Tosti just stepping on the fairway while Lee had almost reached his ball. At this point, Tosti himself was seven shots behind Lee at the top, with no chance of victory.

PGA Tour: Scheffler und McIlroy in Top 10 bei Min Woo Lees Sieg
 
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‘I don’t know what’s going on, but Tosti plays at his own pace,’ Mackay described the scene. ‘Sometimes it’s normal. Sometimes it’s glacially slow. But on this particular hole, he’s decided to really take his time, and he’s holding up play in this last group.’

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Golfshoes

Duca Del Cosma Brings New Energy to the Fairways

Duca Del Cosma presents its new Spring/Summer 2025 golf shoe collection. (Photos: Duca Del Cosma)

For the upcoming 2025 season, Duca Del Cosma is stepping up its game — literally and figuratively. The Italian golf fashion brand has unveiled its Spring/Summer collection, combining new designs with technical upgrades aiming to make a difference where it matters: on the fairways.

At the heart of the new line-up are two innovative outsole concepts, alongside a revamped insole designed to keep golfers comfortable from the first tee to the 18th green. Whether you prefer classic looks or modern flair, Duca Del Cosma’s latest drop promises something for everyone.

Duca Del Cosma: Two Sole Designs, One Goal

At the core of the collection are the Airplay ROMA and Airplay MILANO outsoles. The ROMA sole leans towards a sporty profile, while the MILANO design carries a more traditional look. According to Duca Del Cosma, both models are built around one key feature: a lighter feel. The brand states the new models are up to 15 percent lighter than their predecessors, achieved through a recycled EVA midsole and a nylon shank designed to add stability during the swing.

A total of 38 new designs — available for both women and men — combined with two new outsole concepts. (Photo: Duca Del Cosma)

Enhanced Insole Technology for Comfort and Support

In addition to the new outsole designs, Duca Del Cosma introduces the INSITE® ARCHRELIEF® insole across its 2025 range. This insole is developed to support the foot arch, minimize pressure points, and improve overall foot stability. It is featured in 32 different models for women and men. The insole material is made from 50 percent plant-based content, stated as part of Duca Del Cosma’s commitment to more sustainable production processes.

Expanded Women’s Collection: Style Meets Performance

For women, the Spring/Summer 2025 line offers an even broader variety of styles, from athletic to classic. The sneaker-inspired LATINA model is equipped with the ROMA sole and a microfiber upper, while the TUSCANIA shoe features the traditional MILANO sole. Bold colors like Knockout Pink and Mint Green are part of the lineup, providing options for golfers looking to make a statement. The new CORTONA model pairs strong color accents with a sporty design and stable performance features.

Classic Style Meets Modern Comfort in Men’s Range

The men’s lineup also focuses on diversity. The athletic FORO model combines modern materials with the new ROMA outsole and advanced insole technology. The updated DAVANTI 2 builds on the previous model and, according to Duca Del Cosma, incorporates feedback from European Tour player Joost Luiten. For those who prefer a more classic look, the DANDY LEGGERO and DAVINCI LEGGERO models offer leather uppers, the MILANO sole, and understated color options.

(This article was created using materials provided by Duca Del Cosma.)

Categories
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.

Categories
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.’

Categories
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

Categories
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)

Categories
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.

Categories
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)