Will LIV Golf earn OWGR points soon? Plus McIlroy’s ambitions, Donald’s thanks, and Couples’ new look. The Back Nine.
After a career-defining 2025, Rory McIlroy isn’t resting on his laurels. The 36-year-old capped off the year with a Masters win, completing the career Grand Slam, an Irish Open victory, and a Ryder Cup triumph on foreign soil. Named Sports Personality of the Year, McIlroy declared, “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.”
He’s eyeing an eighth Race to Dubai title, which would tie Colin Montgomerie’s Order of Merit record. “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 fight in Miami, where Paul suffered a double jaw fracture. Naturally, McIlroy fielded questions there too.
OWGR and LIV: ‘There’s a Chance’
The LIV Golf League is renewing efforts to gain Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) recognition. Trevor Immelman, chair of the OWGR board since April, revealed ongoing discussions with LIV CEO Scott O’Neil. “We’re working closely with Scott and the board to find a solution. I think there’s a chance,” said Immelman. LIV plans to shift to 72-hole events and expand its field, aligning more with traditional tour standards. “The OWGR is a meritocracy,” Immelman emphasized. “You earn your place and fight to keep it. That’s been a key part of our talks with LIV.”
Team of the Year: Luke Donald’s Gratitude
McIlroy’s SPOTY win broke a long-standing drought for golf since Nick Faldo’s 1989 honor. Adding to the celebration, Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup team was named Team of the Year for their 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 expressing thanks on behalf of the squad.
More Headlines from the Back Nine
Esther Henseleit married her caddie and fiancé Reece Phillips in South Tyrol, joined by fellow golfers Polly Mack, Sophia Popov, and Nanna Koerstz Madsen. Fred Couples, the 1992 Masters champ, became a brand ambassador for trendy golf label Malbon, joining Charley Hull and Jason Day. The PGA Tour announced Cadillac as title sponsor for the 2026 Cadillac Championship at Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods’ irons from his historic “Tiger Slam” fetched $5.1 million at auction. And finally, a WWII grenade found at Royal Liverpool was safely detonated—just another week in golf.