Will LIV Golf earn OWGR points soon? Plus McIlroy’s goals, Donald’s thanks, Henseleit’s wedding and Couples’ new look.
Rory McIlroy capped off a historic 2025 with a Masters win, completing the career Grand Slam, and a Ryder Cup victory on foreign soil. But the 36-year-old isn’t resting on his laurels. “I don’t know what I’ll do in 2026 to top this, but I’m going to try. There’s still a lot more to achieve,” McIlroy said after being named BBC Sports Personality of the Year. One goal? Matching Colin Montgomerie’s record of eight Order of Merit titles. “I still feel like I have a few good years left. Knock on wood, I’ve stayed injury-free. The motivation 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. Naturally, McIlroy fielded questions there too.
OWGR and LIV Golf: ‘There’s a Chance’
The LIV Golf League is renewing its push for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. Trevor Immelman, chair of the OWGR board 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 is reportedly moving to 72-hole events and expanding its field. “The OWGR is merit-based. You earn your place and fight to keep it. That’s been a key part of our talks with LIV,” Immelman added.
McIlroy and Team Europe Honored
McIlroy broke a long-standing curse by becoming the first golfer since Nick Faldo in 1989 to win BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year. He also shared the Team of the Year award with Luke Donald’s victorious Ryder Cup squad. While most teammates joined virtually, Tommy Fleetwood was present in person. Captain Donald expressed gratitude on social media.
More Headlines: Weddings, Fashion, and Big Deals
Esther Henseleit tied the knot with fiancé and caddie Reece Phillips in South Tyrol, joined by fellow golfers Polly Mack, Sophia Popov, and Nanna Koerstz Madsen. Meanwhile, Fred Couples became the latest ambassador for trendy golfwear brand Malbon, joining Charley Hull and Jason Day.
In major business news, the PGA Tour announced Cadillac as the title sponsor for the 2026 Cadillac Championship, a Signature Event to be held at Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster. The move marks another high-profile partnership between pro golf and Donald Trump’s course portfolio.
And in the world of memorabilia, the iron set Tiger Woods used during his legendary Tiger Slam fetched a record $5.1 million at auction—complete with pristine strike marks.
Finally, a controlled detonation was carried out at Royal Liverpool after a WWII grenade was discovered on the course. Stay safe out there—and happy holidays!