Will LIV Golf earn OWGR points soon? Plus McIlroy’s ambitions, Donald’s thanks, Henseleit’s wedding, and Couples’ new look.
After a career-defining season in 2025, Rory McIlroy shows no signs of slowing down. Crowned Sports Personality of the Year following a Masters win, career Grand Slam completion, Irish Open victory, and Ryder Cup triumph, the 36-year-old remains hungry. “I don’t know what I’ll do in 2026 to top this, but I’ll try. There’s still a lot more to achieve,” McIlroy said. One target: tying Colin Montgomerie’s record with an eighth Race to Dubai title. “I still feel I have a few good years ahead. Thankfully, I’ve stayed injury-free, and the drive to improve is still there.”
Just a day later, McIlroy appeared ringside at the Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul boxing match in Miami, where Paul suffered a double jaw fracture. McIlroy, ever the media magnet, was again in the spotlight.
Looking ahead, McIlroy will debut with Boston Common in the second season of the TGL on January 2. He confirmed Michael Thorbjornsen will join as a substitute for Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama, who will be abroad. “Hideki will be in Japan, Adam in Australia, so Michael will team up with Keegan and me,” McIlroy explained.
OWGR and LIV Golf: ‘There’s a Chance’
The LIV Golf League is intensifying efforts to gain Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. Trevor Immelman, OWGR chairman since April, revealed ongoing discussions with LIV CEO Scott O’Neil. “We’re working closely to find a solution. I think there’s a chance,” said Immelman. LIV plans to expand its field and shift to 72-hole events. “OWGR is a meritocracy. You earn your place and fight to keep it. That’s what we’ve been communicating to LIV,” Immelman added.
Luke Donald’s Team of the Year Thanks
McIlroy’s SPOTY win broke a golf drought since Nick Faldo in 1989. Adding to the celebration, Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup squad was named Team of the Year for their away win at Bethpage Black. McIlroy lifted two trophies that night, joined by teammate Tommy Fleetwood. The rest of the team chimed in via social media, with captain Donald offering thanks on behalf of the squad.
More Headlines: Weddings, Fashion, and Auctions
Esther Henseleit married fiancé and caddie Reece Phillips in South Tyrol, with fellow golfers Polly Mack, Sophia Popov, and Nanna Koerstz Madsen in attendance. Meanwhile, Fred Couples became the latest ambassador for trendy golf brand Malbon, joining Charley Hull and Jason Day.
In other news, the PGA Tour announced Cadillac as title sponsor for the 2026 Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral. The move marks another major event hosted at a Trump-owned venue, following the