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LIV Tour

McKibbin and his LIV movement: Pragmatists or pioneers of the contemporary spirit?

Tom McKibbin at the Porsche European Open. (Image: getty)
Tom McKibbin at the Porsche European Open. (Image: getty)

Tom McKibbin is probably the best known of the six new additions to the LIV Golf League 2025. With 292,500 dollars for a tie for 15th place, the Northern Irishman only collected around 50,000 dollars less at the season opener than for winning the Porsche European Open 2023 on the DP World Tour. And there will probably be a share of the team success in Riyadh anyway, which will earn Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII three million dollars. McKibbin’s move to the competitive circuit is therefore likely to have already paid off, for which he even threw Rory McIlroy’s advice to the wind. The two share the same home club, Holywood GC near Belfast, and the four-time major winner – a millennial by the way – had advised his young colleague to work his way up the DP World Tour and make a go of it on the PGA Tour, for which McKibbin qualified last year: “If I were you, I’d make a different decision to the one you’re thinking of making. It would be a waste of your enormous potential.”

McKibbin on missing out: “I am not in these Majors anyway”

But McKibbin didn’t care and chose the penuncle. Of course, if he was offered such prospects – why not take them? The Northern Irishman is just the latest in a series of young players to follow the call of fast money: Money first, what’s the rocky road to the majors or team competitions like the Ryder Cup compared to that. McKibbin’s mantra in this regard could not be more pragmatic and is as telling as it is significant: “I’m not in these majors at the moment anyway, so it doesn’t bother me too much.” He was number 106 in the world when he switched sides, but now there are no more OWGR points for the time being. And the appointment to the GB&I team for the Team Cup 2025, i.e. the nomination to the extended circle of European Ryder Cuppers, doesn’t seem to have triggered a surge of ambition either: Profession instead of vocation, the path of least resistance and work-life balance instead of competitive toughness and perseverance. And that at the age of 22. Oh, right, McKibbin has an excuse for that too: “I made this decision because I’m young. It [LIV] is something completely different; something that probably appeals to more people my age.”

For some, this fulfills every cliché that is often attributed to Generation Z and the attitude of these so-called millennial children towards challenges. For example, the management consultant and lawyer Susanne Nickel, who wrote a book in 2024 entitled “Verzogen, verweichlicht, verletzt” (Spoiled, effeminate, hurt) and defines Gen Z as the product of an affluent society that tends to overprotect and lacks discipline, motivation and resilience. So, if the Zoomers determine the zeitgeist, McKibbin would be a “model boy”.

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Panorama

Outlook on golf development: “Golf is still in great health”

(Photo: Paola Andrea/ Unsplash)
(Photo: Paola Andrea/ Unsplash)

While the number of rounds played in the first three quarters of 2024 decreased compared to 2023, the figures for the fourth quarter reflect a different trend: in the period from October to December, the average number of rounds played in the UK rose by 17%. As a report by Sporting Insights shows, more golf was played on British courses at the end of 2024 than in the same period the previous year. The statistics allow conclusions to be drawn about how the popularity of golf is developing globally. Sporting Insights has been recording all rounds played on commercial golf courses on the British mainland since 2000.

Golf development: Optimism despite slight decline

“Upon publishing the half-year figures last year, we suggested that a lot of underlying indicators for growth were still strong. After a Q3 that was effectively flat against 2023 and now a strong Q4, we still feel that analysis holds,” said John Bushell, joint MD of Sporting Insights.

Play was particularly high in the north of England: There, the increase was 30%.The southern and northern regions of the UK saw a slight increase over 2023 throughout the year. As a result, despite the decline in the first three quarters, the average number of rounds played for the year fell by just 2% nationally, and is slightly higher than 2022 levels. There were also more average tee times used in 2024 than in 2023.

Sporting Insights believes that assessment of golf’s popularity falling back to pre-pandemic levels is exaggerated. According to Bushnell, the results show that the supposed decline in popularity has been overestimated: “As fashionable as it can be to put golf down, the truth is that the sport has demonstrated now over multiple years a sustained boost in participation, especially female participation, and in the total amount of play. Key metrics don’t get much more key than that.”

Difficulties due to rising costs

Nevertheless, there are challenges, as Bushnell acknowledged: “Golf is not immune to economic pressures affecting discretionary spending, and we know that many clubs are also feeling the pinch of rising operational costs, which will be a theme of 2025 and beyond. However, the bottom line is that golf does appear to have become a critical part of so many people’s lives that it is so far weathering the economic storm, at least as far as appetite to step up to the tee goes. […] Golf is still in great health and we are positive for 2025.”

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LIV Tour

US Open awards starting places to LIV golfers

US Open exemption for LIV Golfers. (Photo: Getty)
US Open exemption for LIV Golfers. (Photo: Getty)

Until now, LIV golfers could only qualify directly for the biggest tournaments of the year via the world ranking, unless they had already qualified for majors through past successes. Without world ranking points, however, this becomes more and more difficult, which is why the USGA now provides a full exemption for a LIV golfer at the US Open 2025.

US Open introduces qualification criteria for LIV golfers

Already this year, a place in the field will be awarded to the best LIV golfer who has not yet qualified for the US Open at Oakmont Country Club and is in the top 3 of the LIV Golf individual rankings (as of 19 May 2025). In addition, the top 10 in the LIV Golf individual rankings (as of 7 April 2025) will receive a place in local qualifying for the major tournament and can therefore also qualify.

In 2026, there will additionally be a direct starting place for the best, not yet qualified LIV Golf player from the top 3 of the 2025 final ranking, as well as places for local qualifying based on the top 10 of the final ranking.

‘The USGA continues to evaluate the opportunities that exist to e“The USGA continues to evaluate the pathways that exist to ensure those playing their best have the opportunity to compete in our national championship,” said John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer. “Consistent with our historical approach, we continuously evaluate talent levels on professional tours and in amateur events, which has led us to add a new exemption category.”

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil is delighted by the news. “We’re pleased that the USGA has formally created a new exemption for LIV Golf players to compete in the U.S. Open and appreciate Mike Whan’s leadership and commitment to growing the game of golf. Every golf fan in the world longs to see the greatest players in the world competing on golf’s biggest stages at the majors.

The US Open is the first major tournament to follow this path. The PGA Championship has extended a special invitation to LIV golfer Joaquin Niemann, as it did in 2024.

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Uncategorized

PGA Tour Tee Times: Scheffler and Home in top flight for the party event

Scheffler's and Homa's tee times for the PGA Tour Phoenix Open 2025. (Image: Getty)
Scheffler's and Homa's tee times for the PGA Tour Phoenix Open 2025. (Image: Getty)

The WM Phoenix Open is held at TPC Scottsdale (Stadium Course) in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. This tournament is part of the PGA Tour and offers a total prize money of $9,200,000. The course has a par of 71, and the defending champion is Nick Taylor. 

All tee times for the Phoenix Open 2025

PGA Tour Tee Times

Justin Thomas begins his first round at 7:53 AM alongside Nick Dunlap (USA) and Luke Clanton (USA). For his second round, the trio tees off at 12:33 PM.

Jordan Spieth, another prominent name, starts his first round at 8:04 AM, playing with Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) and Nick Taylor (CAN). Their second round is scheduled for 12:44 PM.

Max Homa starts at 12:44 PM, playing alongside Scottie Scheffler (USA) and Joohyung Kim (KOR). They begin their second round at 8:04 AM.

Rickie Fowler takes his first tee at 12:55 PM, accompanied by Billy Horschel (USA) and Sahith Theegala (USA). Their second round initiation is at 8:15 AM.

Daniel Berger joins his partners Thomas Detry (BEL) and Mac Meissner (USA) for the first round at 1:39 PM, and they continue the second round at 8:59 AM.

Round Time Player 1 Player 2 Player 3
1 07:53 Justin Thomas Nick Dunlap Luke Clanton
1 08:04 Jordan Spieth Hideki Matsuyama Nick Taylor
1 12:44 Max Homa Scottie Scheffler Joohyung Kim
1 12:55 Rickie Fowler Billy Horschel Sahith Theegala
1 13:39 Daniel Berger Thomas Detry Mac Meissner
2 08:04 Max Homa Scottie Scheffler Joohyung Kim
2 08:15 Rickie Fowler Billy Horschel Sahith Theegala
2 08:59 Daniel Berger Thomas Detry Mac Meissner
2 12:33 Justin Thomas Nick Dunlap Luke Clanton
2 12:44 Jordan Spieth Hideki Matsuyama Nick Taylor
Categories
Panorama

Mourning in the Woods household: Mother Tida passes away at the age of 80

Tiger Woods mother died at age 80. (Image: Getty)
Tiger Woods mother died at age 80. (Image: Getty)

At the age of 80, the mother of golf legend Tiger Woods passed away on Tuesday, February 4. The world star made the announcement in a statement via his social media channels. Born in Thailand, she was an important pillar for Woods and is also said to have been the origin of the legendary “Sunday-Red” shirt. Most recently, she attended the TGL match in her adopted home of South Florida last week.

Touching statement from Tiger Woods

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning. My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable. She was quick with the needle and a laugh,” Woods said in a social media statement. “She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible. She was loved by so many,  but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie. Thank you all for your support, prayers and privacy at this difficult time for me and my family. Love you Mom.”

Tida, as she was often called, is said to have been a major influence on Tiger’s career. She always demanded respect and sporting behavior from him. “ She’s a very tough, tough old lady, very demanding… I love her so much, but she was tough,” Tiger said about his mother in an interview with USA Today in 2017. She was also the driving force behind Tiger’s red shirts on finals days. “Mom thought being a Capricorn that my power color was red, so I wore red as a junior golfer and I won some tournaments,” Tiger Woods said at the launch last year of the Sun Day Red brand. “I go to a university that is red — Stanford is red. We wore red on the final day of every single tournament, and then every single tournament I’ve played as a professional I’ve worn red. It’s just become synonymous with me.”

Kultida met Earl Woods in the 1960s during the Vietnam War as a soldier in the US Army when they were both stationed in Thailand. Tida followed Earl to New York, where they married. They moved to California and in 1975 Eldrick Tont Woods, who would later make golf history as Tiger, was born. Her husband Earl died in May 2006.

TGL holds a minute’s silence for Tida

Tiger’s mother was also remembered at yesterday’s TGL event. Just a few hours after the news broke, fans and golf stars held a moment of silence for Tida at the SoFi Center. Afterwards, ESPN TGL presenter Matt Barrie addressed the audience: “Sad news today in the golf world as everyone here at TGL, TMRW Sports and ESPN is remembering Tida Woods, the mother of Tiger Woods, who died this morning at the age of 80. Tida was a towering figure in Tiger’s life, someone he described as ‘a force of nature all her own.’ Prior to the match tonight here at SoFi Center, we held a moment of silence honoring Tida Woods, who was so instrumental in Tiger’s life and his success. Throughout his amateur career as a young phenom in California and through his major championships and even here at TGL, the very league her son co-founded, she was here to support him. Last week, in fact, last Monday, Tida was ever present here at SoFi Center, cheering on Tiger, who got the win. Our thoughts and prayers with Tiger, Charlie and Sam and everyone for the loss of Tida Woods. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Co-host Scott Van Pelt also had his say and shared a little insight into his encounter with Tida on the golf course. “Getting to know her was such a treat,” Van Pelt said. “We developed a little tradition through the years, on Sundays of majors. I’d see her, as her son teed off — she was in red, always, of course — and she’d ask me, ‘What do you think, Scott?’

“I’d say, ‘Well, Tida, I think your saw is going to do what you taught him to do.’ She’d always smile and say, ‘We’ll see.’ And then we did.”

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Shane Lowry’s ball hits Volunteer

Shane Lowry at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. (Photo: Getty)
Shane Lowry at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. (Photo: Getty)

In the final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am on Sunday, an incident in the leading flight caused a brief moment of shock: Shane Lowry hit a ball that then struck a volunteer.

Lowry slightly misjudged his tee shot on hole 15 of the legendary Pebble Beach Golf Links and missed the fairway on the right-hand side. A volunteer was standing there and the ball hit him on the left shoulder in flight. He fell to the ground, but fortunately remained uninjured: CBS reporters announced shortly afterwards that the volunteer was fine and in good health.

Shane Lowry’s behaviour criticised

The incident caused a lot of discussion on social media. The particular misfortune of the volunteer, who was in the wrong place at exactly the wrong time, was summarised by a comment on X: “Wow… that’s like getting struck by lightning. What are the odds? He’s all by himself too”.

Sky Sports commentator Andrew Coltart criticised Shane Lowry for not warning the volunteer loudly: “Didn’t hear him shout ‘fore’. We need to be hearing players shout ‘fore’.” But some fans on X defended Lowry: “That volunteer was irresponsible. He should have been looking at the ball or standing further in the rough. There’s no reason for him to be standing that close to the fairway”. One suggestion from the community was: “I’ll never understand why the spotters in the landing areas aren’t given hard hats with sponsor logo??!! Perfect opportunity for volunteer safety and good pr for sponsor!!!”

Another volunteer who was on site at Pebble Beach posted in the comments and confirmed that the person concerned was fine, but that he would still be feeling the pain the next day. It is also said that the volunteer received a medal from a PGA rules official.

Shane Lowry went into the final round in a tie for second place and played for the title in the final flight together with Rory McIlroy and Sepp Straka. Lowry finished the tournament in second place behind McIlroy with a round of 68 (-4).

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Uncategorized

PGA Tour Tests New Measures to Tackle Slow Play

Starting in 2025, laser rangefinders will be tested at select PGA Tour events. (Photo: Getty)

Slow play has been a persistent issue on the PGA Tour, drawing criticism from players, fans, and broadcasters alike. In response, the Tour is set to implement and test a series of changes. Rangefinders will be introduced at select tournaments in 2025, field sizes will be trimmed starting in 2026, and enforcement of pace-of-play rules will become more visible. A shot clock—long considered unrealistic in professional golf—now appears to be a legitimate option under discussion.

Rangefinders: A Faster Path to the Yardage

For years, officials have debated ways to keep rounds moving. Now, the PGA Tour is taking a decisive step by allowing distance-measuring devices on a trial basis in 2025.

The logic is straightforward: rangefinders provide exact yardages instantly, eliminating the need for caddies to pace off distances or consult yardage books. According to Gary Young, Senior Vice President of Rules & Competitions, early testing on the Korn Ferry Tour and PGA Tour Champions showed promising results. “It’s been tested on the Korn Ferry (Tour) level. It’s been tested for a full year at the PGA TOUR Champions level. Why not?” Young stated.

The introduction of rangefinders could be one of the most impactful changes in recent years. While purists argue that it alters the traditional role of the caddie, supporters believe it could significantly improve pace of play without compromising strategy.

More Transparency on Slow Play

For years, the PGA Tour has tracked shot times, but those numbers have remained behind closed doors. Now, discussions are underway to make that data public—an unprecedented shift that could reshape how slow play is addressed.

Chief Competitions Officer Tyler Dennis acknowledges that slow play isn’t solely about individual shot times. Factors such as field size, course setup, and weather conditions all contribute. However, publishing pace-of-play statistics could put additional pressure on the slowest players and encourage self-regulation among the field.

Additionally, the enforcement of slow-play penalties has been largely opaque. Historically, warnings and fines have been issued privately, with little public disclosure. That could soon change, as more voices within the game push for greater accountability—similar to how penalties are handled in other professional sports.

A Shot Clock on the PGA Tour?

One of the most debated proposals is the introduction of a shot clock—a concept once deemed incompatible with professional golf. The TGL, the new high-tech league led by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, has already implemented a 40-second timer, complete with a pulsating heartbeat sound to add urgency. Players like Rickie Fowler and Matt Fitzpatrick have voiced support for bringing a similar system to the PGA Tour.

 
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Dottie Pepper, former LPGA star and current broadcaster, recently summarized the issue in an interview with The New York Times in one word: “Respect.” Respect for fellow players, for fans, and for the broader audience who endure slow rounds week after week.

Smaller Fields, More Flow

While some proposed measures remain in the trial phase, one significant change is already confirmed: smaller field sizes at select tournaments starting in 2026. The Players Championship, for instance, will see its field reduced from 144 to 120 players.

The reasoning is clear—fewer players mean fewer groups on the course, allowing for wider gaps between tee times. This could provide tournament officials with more flexibility to monitor pace of play and enforce penalties when necessary.

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Uncategorized

DeChambeau’s Indian Sojourn: Expanding Horizons and Forging Connections

The two-time U.S. Open champion made a strategic stop on the Asian Tour. (Photo: Getty)

Bryson DeChambeau’s latest venture beyond familiar fairways may not have ended with silverware, but his visit to India for the International Series India was a triumph in more ways than one. The two-time U.S. Open champion finished runner-up to fellow American Ollie Schniederjans at the season-opening event of the Asian Tour’s flagship series, held from Thursday to Saturday at the DLF Golf and Country Club near Delhi. While a four-stroke deficit meant DeChambeau fell just short of victory, his presence alone made history—never before had a reigning major champion teed it up on Indian soil. And he wasn’t alone. Flanked by his Crushers teammates and fellow LIV Golf stars like Joaquin Niemann—who shared third place with Abraham Ancer—DeChambeau’s participation underscored a broader narrative: the global expansion of professional golf.

From the outset, all attention was on DeChambeau, and he did not disappoint. He thrilled spectators with his power game, reinforced LIV Golf’s branding, and in doing so, shone a light on an untapped market that the PGA Tour continues to overlook. With marquee names such as Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth showing little appetite for long-haul commitments, DeChambeau seized the opportunity. His investment in the region is no mere afterthought—his recruitment of Indian standout Anirban Lahiri to the Crushers speaks to a calculated effort to leverage local connections and fan engagement.

Speaking to the platform “Flushingitgolf,” the 31-year-old encapsulated his broader ambitions: “It’s going to be so much fun. But it’s more than just golf [in India], it’s about creating relationships. What’s wonderful about the game of golf is that you can create and develop relationships and inspire new fans all around the globe. That’s a really great thing. A sentiment that many in the sport would do well to embrace.

Beyond his on-course exploits, DeChambeau’s approach to personal branding and fan engagement sets him apart. In an era where golf media is evolving—balancing tradition with innovative platforms like TGL and the rapid growth of social content—DeChambeau has carved out a unique niche. His digital presence is no accident. YouTube influencer Joe Pompliano recently revealed that DeChambeau has funneled $1 million into his channel and employs a dedicated team to produce high-quality content. “Am I making money off of it right now? No, I’m not. That’s the cool part though, I hope that people see them doing it because there is a genuine interest in growing the game golf,” DeChambeau insists. And, for once, it’s easy to take him at his word.

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LIV Tour

LIV Golf: Tom McKibbin transfers – teams for 2025 are set

Tom McKibbin joins LIV Golf. (Image: Getty)
Tom McKibbin joins LIV Golf. (Image: Getty)

Tom McKibbin is joining the Jon Rahm-led Legion XIII team and will play golf at LIV Golf in 2025. The transfer of the 22-year-old Northern Irishman, who is considered a close friend of Rory McIlroy, had already been expected and has now been officially confirmed. Like McIlroy, McKibbin comes from Holywood Golf Club in Northern Ireland. McKibbin had not commented on the first rumors regarding a move to LIV, which emerged at the beginning of January. He secured a PGA Tour card for the first time last season in 2024, but is now forgoing it in favor of his start at LIV. In response to the rumors, McIlroy explained at a press conference that he had spoken to McKibbin on the phone and clearly advised him against the switch.

Jon Rahm personally announces in an Instagram post that McKibbin will complete his team in the 2025 LIV season and welcomes him:

The LIV season starts next week from February 6 to 8 at the Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia, where 13 teams will compete with four players each. There have been several changes in the run-up to the event: back in December 2024, it was announced that Dane Frederik Kjettrup would be joining the Cleeks GC managed by Martin Kaymer, while Spaniard Luis Masaveu was announced as a new member of the Fireballs GC under team captain Sergio Garcia.

The complete overview of the LIV teams

Team Player
4Aces GC
  • Dustin Johnson (USA), Captain
  • Thomas Pieters (Belgium)
  • Adrian Meronk (Poland)
  • Harold Varner III (USA)
Cleeks GC
  • Martin Kaymer (Germany), Captain
  • Richard Bland (England)
  • Patrick Reed (USA)
  • Frederik Kjettrup (Denmark)
Crushers GC
  • Bryson DeChambeau (USA) Captain
  • Paul Casey (England)
  • Charles Howell III (USA)
  • Anirban Lahiri (India)
Fireballs GC
  • Sergio Garcia (Spain), Captain
  • Abraham Ancer (Mexico)
  • Luis Masaveu (Spain)
  • David Puig (Spain)
HyFlyers GC
  • Phil Mickelson (USA), Captain
  • Andy Ogletree (USA)
  • Brendan Steele (USA)
  • Cameron Tringale (USA)
Iron Heads GC
  • Kevin Na (USA), Captain
  • Jinichiro Kozuma (Japan)
  • Yubin Jang (South Korea)
  • Danny Lee (New Zeeland)
Legion XIII
  • Jon Rahm (Spain), Captain
  • Tyrrell Hatton (England)
  • Caleb Surratt (USA)
  • Tom McKibbin (Northern Ireland)
Majesticks GC
  • Ian Poulter (England), Captain
  • Henrik Stenson (Sweden), Captain
  • Lee Westwood (England), Captain
  • Sam Horsfield (England)
RangeGoats GC
  • Bubba Watson (USA), Captain
  • Ben Campbell (New Zeeland)
  • Peter Uihlein (USA)
  • Matthew Wolff (USA)
Ripper GC
  • Cameron Smith (Australia), Captain
  • Lucas Herbert (Australia)
  • Matt Jones (Australia)
  • Marc Leishman (Australia)
Smash GC
  • Brooks Koepka (USA), Captain
  • Talor Gooch (USA)
  • Jason Kokrak (USA)
  • Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland)
Stinger GC
  • Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa), Captain
  • Dean Burmester (South Africa)
  • Branden Grace (South Africa)
  • Charl Schwartzel (South Africa)
Torque GC
  • Joaquin Niemann (Chile), Captain
  • Sebastian Munoz (Columbia)
  • Carlos Ortiz (Mexico)
  • Mito Pereira (Chile)
Wild Card Players
  • Anthony Kim (USA)
  • Max Lee (Taiwan)
Categories
Professionals

Rory McIlroy: “Three goals for the rest of my career”

Rory McIlroy on his career goals. (Photo: Getty)
Rory McIlroy on his career goals. (Photo: Getty)

In an interview with BBC Sport, Rory McIlroy spoke about the big goals he has set himself for his golf career: “Winning the Masters, winning an Olympic medal and winning another away Ryder Cup, they are my three goals for the rest of my career,” said McIlroy. While the possibility of an Olympic medal will not become a reality again until 2028, he could realise victories at the Masters and the Ryder Cup as early as this year.

The desire for the green jacket

Rory McIlroy is still missing the Masters for the Grand Slam. The four-time major winner won the US Open in 2011, the PGA Championship in 2012 and 2014 and added another major victory in 2014 with the British Open.

Despite significant recent successes, such as the FedEx Cup victory in 2022, and his consistent presence as one of the best players in the world for over a decade, his last major win was several years ago. In 2024, victory at the US Open seemed within reach, but McIlroy finished a close second to Bryson DeChambeau. This year, he has resolved to play fewer tournaments and concentrate fully on the majors: “All of my practice, all of my prep, even the tournaments that I’m playing, it’s all geared towards being ready for those four events”, said McIlroy.

At the start of each year, his focus is on a single week in April – the week when the Masters takes place at Augusta National Golf Club and offers him another chance to finally secure that long-awaited green jacket. This year, the Masters will be held from 10 to 13 April. A win at the Masters would give McIlroy the Grand Slam and cement his status as one of the best golfers of all time.

He also has his sights firmly set on the US Open at Oakmont Country Club and the British Open, which will be held in his home country of Northern Ireland this year: “I’ve realised that all I can control is myself. What’s right for me right now is to fully focus on myself and to get the best out of myself and get back to winning the biggest tournaments in the world.”

The away Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup will take place on the Bethpage Black Course in New York in autumn 2025. After the European team achieved a clear victory in Rome in 2023, it will do everything in its power to defend the Ryder Cup in 2025. However, history shows that it is extremely difficult to win a Ryder Cup on foreign soil. In 2012, the European team managed to do so with Rory McIlroy after trailing by four points – a comeback that became known as the ‘Miracle of Medinah’. The American team has not won in Europe for over 30 years. McIlroy describes winning a Ryder Cup away from home as “one of the greatest achievements in the game right now”.

Under the leadership of captain Luke Donald, the European team will do everything in its power to triumph again in 2025. “It’s a very strong American team, a very partisan crowd. But we’ve got a wonderful captain and we’re going to have a wonderful team and we’re relishing the challenge”, said McIlroy.

This text was written on the basis of information from BBC Sport.