The year in golf was marked by emotional turning points, personal stories, and powerful scenes both on and off the course.
Tag: live-highlight-tours
The DP World Tour continues in South Africa, while PGA and LPGA stars unite in Florida. Golf on TV covers all the live action.
The last big question before the 2025 Ryder Cup has been answered: Keegan Bradley has awarded his six wildcards. The US team is now complete – and the option of a playing captain is off the table. After his victory in the Travelers Championship, many had hoped for a comeback as playing captain – the first since Arnold Palmer in 1963 – but Bradley has now put an end to the speculation. Bradley will remain on the sidelines, not on the pitch. He is now focusing fully on his role as conductor. “It broke my heart not to play, but I was chosen as captain,” he explained – and left the field to the players who have earned their place.
Ryder Cup 2025: Bradley relies on a mix of veterans and newcomers
Bradley first picked two familiar names for the wildcards. Justin Thomas, who is making his fourth Ryder Cup appearance, is, according to Bradley, “the heartbeat of our team” and someone who was “born to play Ryder Cup”. Collin Morikawa also gets the nod again. This will be his third participation and the captain made it clear: “He will do everything he can to help our team win.” Both players are firmly anchored in the US team and are expected to lead their younger colleagues.
Ben Griffin is a Ryder Cup rookie who will be playing in the Ryder Cup for the first time. For him, it is “the greatest honor of his career”, as he said himself. Cameron Young also gets a place after establishing himself with consistent results in recent years. Patrick Cantlay returns, a player who has long since established himself as an integral part of the team with his calm, analytical manner. Third appearance, solid form, reliable in team formats – a logical pick for Bradley. Sam Burns rounds off the sextet, for him it is his second appearance and first in front of a home crowd.
The seeding list is set: These six are automatic qualifyers
The six picks fit into a framework that already stood through the automatic qualifiers. Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English and Bryson DeChambeau had already secured their places. Scheffler leads the team as the world number one, while Spaun brings the tailwind of his US Open victory with him. Schauffele, Henley, English and DeChambeau round off the line-up. Bradley made it clear that he consciously made the decision against himself: “There was a moment when I would have put myself in the team. But the others have earned their place.” That ends the debate about him – and Team USA is ready for the Ryder Cup in Bethpage.
Golf legend Phil Mickelson, 55, delivered an early highlight at the The Open Championship 2025 in Royal Portrush. In the first round, he played from a bunker on the par-3 3rd hole, hit the flagstick, and watched the ball drop straight into the cup. The moment showcased Mickelson’s legendary short game and salvaged par early in the tournament.
His tee shot had landed in the greenside bunker, and his second attempt didn’t make it out. But with his third shot, he worked his magic. The video captures Mickelson’s reaction: a mix of surprise and joy as he lifts his arms in celebration.
The Open Championship 2025: A “Masterclass” at the 2025 British Open
A short game masterclass. Mickelson holes out from the sand. pic.twitter.com/hEX1brav4i
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2025
Darren Clarke created one of those unforgettable moments at The Open Championship 2025. On the iconic 17th hole at Royal Portrush, the Northern Irishman holed out directly from the rough — chip-in, birdie, and a roar from the grandstands. Clarke had found trouble off the tee, ending up in the native area and then the rough, still about 26 yards from the pin. But then, magic: the ball dropped straight into the hole — a clean three on the scorecard.
The 56-year-old from County Tyrone received what’s rarely heard in Portrush: a true home-course advantage. The Open Championship 2025 brought Clarke back to familiar territory, and just like in 2019, when the Open returned to his home region, he delivered another moment to remember.
Darren Clarke: A “Moment of Magic” at the The Open Championship 2025
Keeping the home crowds happy. Darren Clarke with a moment of magic. pic.twitter.com/Jkzp60CXFt
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2025
Royal Portrush is ready for the final major of the year – and the LIV Golf League has never been more strongly represented. A total of 19 players from the alternative tour’s roster are in the field for the 2025 British Open. That’s more than at any previous major since the league’s founding in 2022. The classic links course in Northern Ireland will thus become the biggest sporting meeting ground of the two golf worlds.
It’s The Open 🏆
— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) July 15, 2025
19 LIV Golf League players have descended on Royal Portrush for the final major of 2025 🙌#TheOpen pic.twitter.com/BuzVn9wmDX
Three Qualify the Hard Way – The Rest by Class and Legacy
Dean Burmester, Lucas Herbert, and Lee Westwood had to go through the grind of the final qualifiers – and each earned their spot with top performances. For 52-year-old Westwood, this marks his first British Open appearance since 2022. The other 16 LIV players qualified via rankings, past Open performances, or previous major success. Among them are household names in the golf world: Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, and Brooks Koepka – all with extensive major championship experience.
Former Open Champions Return for the 2025 British Open
The LIV lineup for the 2025 British Open includes four former winners of the Claret Jug: Cameron Smith (2022), Henrik Stenson (2016), Phil Mickelson (2013), and Louis Oosthuizen (2010). While none of them won under the LIV banner, they all bring valuable experience on true links courses. Stenson and Mickelson once delivered one of the greatest Open duels of all time – and now join the largest LIV contingent ever seen at a major. Royal Portrush will not be unfamiliar territory: Koepka finished fourth here in 2019, Reed was tenth, and Rahm and Smith both finished T20.
Several LIV players have also impressed in the current major season. Jon Rahm finished all three previous majors inside the top 15. Bryson DeChambeau was runner-up at the PGA Championship, and Tyrrell Hatton came fourth at the US Open. The 2025 British Open thus showcases not only seasoned names but also recent top form.
Young, in Form – and Right in the Middle of It
Among the many veterans are also players just beginning to hit their stride. Tom McKibbin, the 22-year-old local hero from Northern Ireland, has posted back-to-back top-5 finishes in LIV events – and his home course is only an hour’s drive from Portrush. Joaquin Niemann leads the LIV season standings and arrives brimming with confidence. Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, and Lucas Herbert have also recently posted impressive rounds.
List of LIV Golfers at the 2025 British Open
- Dean Burmester (England)
- John Catlin (USA)
- Bryson DeChambeau (USA)
- Sergio Garcia (Spain)
- Tyrrell Hatton (England)
- Lucas Herbert (South Africa)
- Dustin Johnson (USA)
- Brooks Koepka (USA)
- Jason Kokrak (USA)
- Tom McKibbin (Northern Ireland)
- Phil Mickelson (USA)
- Joaquin Niemann (Chile)
- Louis Oosthuizen (USA)
- Carlos Ortiz (Mexico)
- Patrick Reed (USA)
- Jon Rahm (Spain)
- Cameron Smith (Australia)
- Henrik Stenson (Sweden)
- Lee Westwood (England)
When Rory McIlroy walked the fairways of Royal Portrush at 7 a.m. on Monday morning, he was awake – but barely rested. The plan: head out early, before the course filled up, before the buzz kicked in.
“I got about four hours of sleep, so I’m looking forward to taking a nap after this,” said McIlroy. “I just wanted to get out early, sort of beat the rush, beat the crowd, and do my work with not a lot of people around.”
The place is familiar to him, but much has changed – not only on the course, but within himself. “Yeah, it means an awful lot,” McIlroy said when asked what it was like to return. “It’s weird, it doesn’t feel like six years has passed since 2019. I think it’s amazing that Portrush has this opportunity so soon after the last Open to host again.”
Returning with a Green Jacket in the bag and clarity in his mindset, McIlroy revealed: “When I was looking at the calendar for 2025, this was the tournament that was probably, I don’t know, circled, even more so than the Masters for different reasons.”
He’s been waiting for this one. pic.twitter.com/Va6ZK5FJx0
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 14, 2025
Back Where It All Began: Rory McIlroy Returns to The Open
It’s McIlroy’s first Open at Portrush since his difficult home appearance in 2019. Then, the expectations were immense – and the start rough. “I think I remember the ovation I got on the first tee on Thursday and not being prepared for it or not being ready for how I was going to feel,” McIlroy recalled. “Then the golf on Thursday feels like a bit of a blur. I try to forget that part of it.” But one image stands out: “I remember the run on Friday… I hit a 6-iron into the 14th, second shot, and I remember the roar from the crowd… walking up to that green and getting a standing ovation. It was really special.” This time, he’s determined to do things differently: “I think in ’19 I probably tried to isolate, and I think it’s better for everyone if I embrace it… not try to shy away from it or hide away from it, and I think that’ll make for a better experience for everyone involved.”
From Carnoustie to Royal Portrush.
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 13, 2025
The Open and Rory. Then, now and always. pic.twitter.com/XWHXPmJKCs
Goals After the Masters – What Comes After the Summit?
The win at the Masters in April was historic. Grand Slam complete. And then? “I’ve done something that I’ve told everyone that I wanted to do, but then it’s like I still feel like I have a lot more to give,” McIlroy said. “I probably just didn’t give myself enough time to let it all sink in.” He added: “That’s the nature of professional golf. They do a very good job of keeping you on the hamster wheel, and you feel like it’s hard to get off at times.” But recent results helped: “It’s been an amazing year. The fact that I’m here at Portrush with the green jacket… I want to win this golf tournament, and I feel like I’m very capable of doing that.”
Early Start, Clear Mind
Just hours after the Genesis Scottish Open, McIlroy arrived in Portrush. At dawn, he was on the first tee. “What I noticed about this golf course today… I have a real appreciation for how well bunkered it is off the tee,” McIlroy said. “There’s always one bunker or another bunker in play.” He also pointed out the sloping greens: “The greens are quite slopey here for a links golf course… you’re having to play two feet of break.” And the evolution of his playing style? “I think when I shot that 61 when I was 16, I had a little bit of a clue of what I was doing, but I certainly didn’t have as much of an understanding of the game or of my game as I do now.”
What counts now is readiness – and the will to go all the way:
“I want to do my best this week to enjoy everything that comes my way… But at the same time, I want to win this golf tournament.”
Rory McIlroys Pressekonferenz in Royal Portrush der Open
Familiar turf for Rory McIlroy.
Watch his press conference in full. pic.twitter.com/aBgS5xEFaa — The Open (@TheOpen) July 14, 2025
Shane Lowry is back in front of the microphones at Royal Portrush. Same place, new chapter. In 2019, he lifted the Claret Jug here — a record-breaking performance and unforgettable scenes. Now, for the British Open 2025, he’s brought those memories along — but he’s intentionally leaving them out of the equation. “What I did was very special, and to walk down the 18th hole with a six-shot lead, I’m probably never going to do that again so I’m not going to try and replicate that this week,” Lowry said. “I just need to get my head down on Thursday morning and get after it and see what happens.” The grandstands are back, the grass is tighter, the expectations higher — but Shane Lowry is staying grounded. No myth, just a golf course. “No matter what I done then, it doesn’t give me any God-given right to do anything special this week.”
Returning to the links.
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 13, 2025
@ShaneLowryGolf has arrived at Royal Portrush for The 153rd Open.pic.twitter.com/GdsBOadSh2
Lowry on the British Open 2025: The Worse It Feels, the Better It Plays?
Lowry doesn’t shy away from mental games — including with himself. “How am I feeling? I’m feeling great the last two days, so that’s not great,” he laughed. “I’ve had a great week of practice. I just need to play shit for the next couple of days, and I’ll be all right.”
He knows from experience that things can click when they feel off. “Go back to 2019 here, I had a meltdown on the Wednesday because I thought I wasn’t going to go out and play well, but then that focuses me in a little bit more.”
Working with coach Neil Manchip and sports psychologist Bob Rotella, Lowry focuses on keeping expectations in check. “If I can keep my complacency away and my expectation down, that’s when I’m at my best.”
Home Turf Over Scotland
His preparation this year was different. “I do feel like I played too much golf in the lead-up to the U.S. Open. I played 9 of 11 weeks, and I feel like that really got to me. When the going got tough, I wasn’t there for it mentally, and that’s my own fault.”
So instead of Scotland, he chose the familiar rhythm of home. “In the last two weeks I’ve played Portmarnock, The Island, Baltray, Waterville, Hogs Head and Adare Manor… The weather was almost too good — that was the issue.” Being back home helped: “I haven’t been home to Ireland since Christmas as well, so I’ve been home for the last three weeks… I kind of feel like a little bit rejuvenated and ready to go again.”
His take on the season? “I’ve given myself a couple of chances to win, which I’m very disappointed that I didn’t… No matter how well you’re playing the season, if you don’t have a win beside your name at least once, you don’t really class it as been very good.”
Between Rory and Home-Crowd Pressure
Lowry and Rory McIlroy — more than just colleagues: “We have become quite close over the last number of years… I certainly feel like I’ve learned a lot from his work ethic and how I apply myself to the game now.”
And that iconic first-tee moment from 2019? “I reckon that first tee that morning in 2019 was the most nervous I’ve ever been… Rory didn’t do that. I remember talking to him… and he did put a lot of pressure on himself… I’m sure he’s not going to do that this week.”
What do they want now? “All we want to do is give ourselves a chance come the weekend, and if you give yourself a chance, you never know what could happen.”
Memories, Yes — Repeats, No
His face now appears on a mural near the club — but it’s not something that inflates his ego. “I’m happy I have to drive the other way. I don’t have to drive past it every day.”
And about the honour: “Honestly, I’m just myself. Day-to-day, I just happen to be okay at golf and lucky enough that I got to achieve some pretty cool things.”
Little trip to Portrush to check it out before @TheOpen. Course is looking great and everything ready for a big week. ☘️ pic.twitter.com/stclcCmjde
— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) June 29, 2025
Lowry on the course: “I think it’s perfect right now. I think it’s ready for a great week of golf… I forgot how well-bunkered it is.”
What the weather will do? Nobody knows. But for Lowry, there’s no pressure to repeat the past — only opportunity. “I feel like I’m a better golfer than I was in 2019. I am a better golfer than I was in 2019. But it doesn’t mean I’m going to go out and win by seven this year instead of six. It’s just golf.”
Fortunate is he who gets his affairs in order early. Take Ryder Cup Europe Ltd., for example. Captain Luke Donald now has a full 22-month term to prepare for the away match in the U.S. at the end of September—compared to just 14 months before Rome 2023, due to Henrik Stenson’s LIV Golf exit. That went pretty well nonetheless. Edoardo “The Brain” Molinari is back on board as vice-captain, bringing his statistical expertise to the table. Rory McIlroy, who’s famously on a quest for motivation and his personal Mount Everest, has crossed the career Grand Slam off his list—but winning the Ryder Cup on American soil remains high on his wish list, alongside lifting the Claret Jug at home. So far, so good for Team Europe.
Most consistent American behind Scheffler
Things look far less organized for the hosts. Apart from Scottie Scheffler, the stars and stripes are running a little flat—players like Schauffele and Morikawa have yet to hit full throttle. The most consistent performer behind the world number one? A certain Keegan Bradley: major champion, eight-time PGA Tour winner, a man with experience and plenty of electrifying energy. Based on current form, he’d be a lock for the U.S. team heading into the home match this September at the infamous Black Course in Bethpage State Park.
The only problem? Bradley has been tapped to serve as team captain. But his win at the Travelers Championship last Sunday has opened Pandora’s box. Ever since, a lively debate has erupted in the U.S. golf world: should there be a Ryder Cup comeback for the playing captain? Columns, podcasts, and social media are bursting with hot takes and opinions—a clear sign of the uncertainty facing Team USA. Despite the home advantage and the individual brilliance on paper, there’s growing doubt whether they can truly embrace the role of favorites at Bethpage Black.
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Keegan’s Conflict: He Just Wants to Play
The last time a playing captain led Team USA was in 1963, when none other than Arnold “The King” Palmer—aged 34—guided the Stars and Stripes to a dominant 23–9 victory over what was then a purely British side featuring Peter Alliss and Christy O’Connor Sr. That squad was captained by Scotsman John Fallon, and the venue was the Atlanta Athletic Club—known today as East Lake.
Now, over six decades later, the idea of a playing captain has resurfaced—and not without irony.
Keegan Bradley, by his own account, has always just wanted to play. After being snubbed by Zach Johnson for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, the 2011 PGA Champion sat at home in bitter disappointment, his bags packed and hopes dashed. The upside? He avoided a third Ryder Cup defeat, having already lost in 2012 and 2014. But the sting of rejection lingered—until the PGA of America unexpectedly tapped him as captain for the 2025 home match just outside New York. A surprising move, widely seen as a last-minute solution.
“We want you to be the first playing captain since Arnie.”
Originally, Tiger Woods was the frontrunner for the role. The PGA of America even brought in John Wood as team manager to ease the load. But the superstar hesitated—and eventually declined. Bradley wasn’t Plan B; he was a contingency pick. And the powers that be knew exactly how to sweeten the deal. “Keegan, we want you to be the first playing captain since Arnie,” PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh reportedly told him over the phone. Bradley himself shared that anecdote during his Travelers Championship winner’s press conference.
“My whole life every year I was out here I wanted to play on the Ryder Cup team, and then this would be the first year where maybe I didn’t want to. I just wanted to be the captain and, of course, you know, this is what happens. But we’ll see. I’m going to do whatever I think is best for the team. Whether that’s me on the team — this certainly changes a lot of things. I was never going to play on the team unless I had won a tournament and so that’s changed, but we’ll see.” Keegan Bradley
The question of a dual role has been simmering ever since his appointment. After all, at 39, Bradley is the youngest U.S. captain since Palmer’s 1963 appearance. So far, Captain Keegan has consistently played it down, insisting he wouldn’t “waste a captain’s pick” on himself—and would only consider playing if he qualifies automatically.
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“Carefully weigh what’s best for the team”
Bradley’s second Travelers win, following his 2023 triumph, has changed the game—and he admits it himself. Now ranked seventh in the world and ninth in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings, he said: “This changes the story a little bit. I never would’ve considered playing if I hadn’t won. Now I have to very carefully weigh what’s best for the team.”
At this point, the decision seems rather straightforward: come the evening of September 25, Bradley should name himself to the Friday morning fourball session—right after delivering his opening speech. Since 2022, he’s racked up four PGA Tour wins, making him America’s number two behind Scottie Scheffler (with 12). None of the other top-12 in the Ryder Cup points standings come close to matching that form.
Scheffler, for all his brilliance, doesn’t carry the vocal, emotional leadership qualities often needed in the team room. That role might better suit someone like Bryson DeChambeau—or, perhaps more fittingly, Bradley himself, whose fire and spirit have long defined him.
At least two rookies, little depth
Then there’s the depth issue. As it stands, U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun and Russell Henley (ranked third and fourth in Ryder Cup standings) are all but locked in, meaning two likely rookies will tee it up at Bethpage. The second half of the rankings is even more concerning, with names like Ben Griffin, Harris English, or Maverick McNealy currently in qualifying position.
Of course, much can change over the coming weeks. But if Team USA wants to counter Luke Donald’s blue-and-gold squad—led by Rory McIlroy and packed with gritty characters like Tyrrell Hatton, Shane Lowry, and Jon Rahm—then Bradley may need to look beyond the top 13 when it comes to his captain’s picks. Right now, that would mean players like Patrick Cantlay (14), Sam Burns (15), Cameron Young (17), or Tony Finau (19). But let’s be honest: there’s a reason they’re that far down the list.
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Unrealistic and Absurd: Woods as a Ceremonial Figurehead
With a bit of humor, the current situation could be labeled “Keegan’s Conflict.” But in reality, it’s a classic dilemma—one that naturally gives rise to a flood of creative solutions. One charming, albeit utterly unrealistic and borderline absurd scenario? That Bradley does all the heavy lifting in the lead-up to Bethpage, only to hand over the reins to Tiger Woods as a sort of chef de mission—someone who would soak up all the media attention while Bradley quietly focuses on pairings and tee times. It would be a slap in the face for Bradley—and let’s be honest, Woods isn’t going to settle for playing the ceremonial mascot.
A far more likely outcome is that the vice captains take on more responsibility. Veterans like Jim Furyk or Brandt Snedeker could handle public-facing duties and media obligations on-site, giving Bradley space to concentrate on strategy and team dynamics. After all, not all vice captain slots have been filled yet—who knows what cards Team USA still has up its sleeve, especially if Bradley does end up playing and needs someone to step in more prominently.
That said, Bradley has firmly ruled out any kind of abdication:
“I’m definitely staying on as captain. I’m not stepping down or anything like that. I’ve already put too much work into this.”
It’s about the 12 best players …
At the end of the day, the Ryder Cup entourage is large enough—and clearly defined. Most of the logistical and strategic groundwork happens long before the first tee shot. The captain’s job is to oversee, coordinate, and ultimately make the right calls. But his most important task by far? Choosing the twelve best players. Seen that way, the Keegan Bradley situation may already be decided.
Participating in a major tournament like the U.S. Open is considered a career milestone. But behind the scenes, many players face a less visible opponent: the cost. For many professionals, especially those outside the top 50 a major appearance is far from a financial guarantee.
To even make the U.S. Open field, numerous players must battle through two stages of qualifying. American pro James Nicholas documented his expenses for the 2025 edition on Instagram. His total outlay including qualifying fees, flights, accommodation, meals, and caddie fees amounted to $7,220. Although Nicholas made the cut and finished T61, earning just under $43,500, his net profit only came after all expenses were deducted – solid, but far from guaranteed.
James Nicholas: U.S. Open 2025 Income and Expenses
| Category | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Prize Money (T61) | 43,455 |
| Local Qualifying Entry Fee | 200 |
| Travel to Local Qualifier | 450 |
| Final Qualifying Entry Fee | 100 |
| Flight to Final Qualifier | 580 |
| Hotel Final Qualifier | 350 |
| Flight to U.S. Open | 505 |
| Food on Site | 325 |
| Locker Room Tip | 150 |
| Merchandise | 250 |
| Caddie Base Fee | 2,500 |
| Caddie Bonus | 3,500 |
| Total Expenses | 7,220 |
| Net Profit | 34,894 |
Caddie expenses often weigh most heavily. Many players agree to flat daily rates plus performance bonuses—typically around ten percent of the winnings. Living costs, such as rental cars, lodging, and meals, add up quickly if not covered by sponsors or the tournament itself. Missing the cut can easily result in thousands of dollars lost. Fortunately for Nicholas, making the cut in his first major meant a respectable net profit of about $35,000.
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J.J. Spaun Wins the U.S. Open – But Faces Massive Taxes
With his victory at the 2025 U.S. Open, J.J. Spaun achieved a career-defining moment and claimed a winner’s check worth approximately $4.3 million. A phenomenal sporting and financial success, but one with hidden costs. According to “GolfWRX”, Spaun will owe about $1.7 million in federal and state taxes based on current U.S. tax codes. On top of that, his caddie, Mark Carens, is expected to receive a customary 10% share, roughly $430,000. That leaves Spaun with an estimated net payout of $2.58 million. Still a great return, but far less than the headline number.