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OWGR: Jon Rahm out of Top 50

(Foto: Getty)
(Foto: Getty)

The Genesis Invitational caused some movement in the top 10 of the world rankings. At the top of the world golf rankings, Scottie Scheffler unsurprisingly remains in first place, followed by Xander Schauffele in second, while Rory McIlroy missed out on catching up with Schauffele thanks to a mediocre weekend performance. Ludvig Aberg’s win sees him move up from 6th to 4th place, while Collin Morikawa and Hideki Matsuyama both drop one place as a result. Places 7 to 10 include Wyndham Clark, Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Thomas, who improved from 11th to 9th with a top finish at Torrey Pines, and Tommy Fleetwood, who moved up from 12th to the top 10. Thomas is back in the world’s top 10 for the first time since the spring of 2023.

Further down, Jon Rahm drops out of the top 50 in the world rankings for the first time since 2017. Since his switch to LIV in December 2023, he has missed out on quite a few world ranking points and is ranked 52nd this week. Interestingly, team-mate Hatton, who switched at a similar time, is still successfully holding his own in the top 10 thanks to his excellent record on the DP World Tour, including two victories.

See the complete Official World Golf Ranking here

How the OWGR works

The World Golf Ranking lists all professional golfers who have collected world ranking points. It refers to the last two years. Points collected more than two years ago expire at the end of the corresponding calendar week. The player who has the best points average in relation to the number of tournaments played is at the top of the world golf ranking list and not necessarily the player who has collected the most points in absolute terms (points collected: number of tournaments played). The maximum number of tournaments included in the World Golf Ranking is 52. If a player plays more in the relevant scoring period, the last 52 results are counted. The minimum divisor is 40. How many points are awarded for the World Golf Ranking for a tournament depends on the strength of the field taking part.

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Panorama

The Tough Reality Behind the Dream of the PGA Tour

Golf professional and coach Alex Romo breaks down the financial reality of mini tour golf in a social media video. (Source: Instagram @alexromogolf)

The road to the PGA Tour is paved with talent, dedication, and financial risk. For many aspiring professionals, mini tours provide a proving ground, but as Alex Romo recently highlighted, they come with a steep price—and no guarantees.

$2,500 Upfront – and No Promises

Reaching the PGA Tour is a long and costly journey. Most players start on mini tours—small, regional circuits designed to give professionals competitive experience. Unlike the PGA Tour, however, these events offer no guaranteed income. Players pay entry fees, cover travel expenses, and hope to play well enough to turn a profit.

Golf professional Alex Romo recently shared the financial breakdown of a week on the Asher Tour: a $1,350 entry fee, $600 for accommodations, $280 for gas, $60 for golf balls, and $200 for food. That totals roughly $2,500 before hitting a single shot.

For players who fail to make the cut, the financial loss is immediate. There are no appearance fees, no safety nets—just the reality of professional golf at an unforgiving level.

Breaking Even Requires Elite Play

Even for those who make the cut, turning a profit is far from guaranteed. At the event Romo analyzed, tournament winner Michael Feagles finished at 16-under par over three rounds, earning $20,000. A strong payday, but the numbers below him tell a different story.

To break even, a player needed to finish at least seventh, which required shooting 10-under par. Romo pointed out that a scratch golfer—typically considered elite at the amateur level—would average around 75 on this course. To contend, a player needed to perform at the level of a +6.3 handicap, just shy of Scottie Scheffler’s +7.5.

On the PGA Tour, that kind of golf is worth millions. On a mini tour, finishing seventh merely covers expenses. Those who barely made the cut but finished near the bottom saw little return. The last-place finisher after the cut earned just $600—well below the $2,500 needed to break even.

No Clear Path to the PGA Tour

Unlike the Korn Ferry Tour or international development tours, mini tours do not offer Official World Golf Ranking points or direct promotion pathways. Instead, they serve as testing grounds—players who consistently perform well may attract sponsor interest or receive exemptions into higher-level events. But success on a mini tour does not guarantee a PGA Tour opportunity.

For Romo, this particular event ended with a missed cut by three strokes. His 72.5 scoring average translated to a +2.5 handicap—a strong showing on a demanding course. But without making the cut, there was no prize money. And without prize money, the $2,500 investment became just another expense in the pursuit of a bigger dream.

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PGA Tour Tee Times: Scottie Scheffler with defending champion Matsuyama

Tee Times at the Genesis Invitational on the PGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)
Tee Times at the Genesis Invitational on the PGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)

The Genesis Invitational will take place at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California, USA under host Tiger Woods. As part of the PGA Tour, the tournament offers a par of 72 and features a prize fund of $20,000,000. The defending champion is Hideki Matsuyama. Broadcasting begins Thursday and Friday at 3:15 PM, Saturday at 5:00 PM, and Sunday at 4:30 PM on Sky.

PGA Tour Tee Times for Highlight Players at Genesis Invitational

Wyndham Clark begins his tournament with fellow Americans Tony Finau and Justin Thomas. They tee off at 10:03 in the first round and at 11:09 in the second round.

Rory McIlroy is grouped with Viktor Hovland from Norway and Adam Scott from Australia. They start at 10:14 for the first round and at 11:20 in the second round.

Jordan Spieth, who received a tournament invite, pairs with Thomas Detry from Belgium and Ludvig Aberg from Sweden. Spieth’s tee times are 11:09 in the first round and 10:03 in the second round.

Scottie Scheffler joins defending champion Hideki Matsuyama from Japan and Collin Morikawa, another American. They begin at 11:20 in the first round and continue at 10:14 for the following round.

Keegan Bradley plays alongside Cameron Davis from Australia and Sungjae Im from South Korea. Their start times are 10:47 in the first round and 09:41 in the second round.

Round Time Player Teammate 1 Teammate 2
1 10:03 Wyndham Clark Tony Finau Justin Thomas
1 10:14 Rory McIlroy (GBR) Viktor Hovland (NOR) Adam Scott (AUS)
1 10:47 Keegan Bradley Cameron Davis (AUS) Sungjae Im (KOR)
1 11:09 Jordan Spieth Thomas Detry (BEL) Ludvig Aberg (SWE)
1 11:20 Scottie Scheffler Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) Collin Morikawa
2 09:41 Keegan Bradley Cameron Davis (AUS) Sungjae Im (KOR)
2 10:03 Jordan Spieth Thomas Detry (BEL) Ludvig Aberg (SWE)
2 10:14 Scottie Scheffler Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) Collin Morikawa
2 11:09 Wyndham Clark Tony Finau Justin Thomas
2 11:20 Rory McIlroy (GBR) Viktor Hovland (NOR) Adam Scott (AUS)
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Highlights Tours

PGA Tour: Tiger Woods Withdraws from Genesis Invitational

Just days after confirming his participation, Tiger Woods has withdrawn from the PGA Tour event. (Photo: Getty)

Tiger Woods will not be teeing it up at this week’s Genesis Invitational. The 15-time major champion made the decision to withdraw, citing the recent passing of his mother, Kultida Woods, who died last week. His anticipated return to official PGA Tour competition at Torrey Pines—his first since the 2024 Open Championship—will have to wait.

“I’m Just Not Ready”

Woods had signaled his intent to return to the PGA Tour at the Genesis Invitational, marking a significant step in his comeback following his latest back surgery. The 48-year-old, who had spent much of the past year recovering, had gradually reintroduced himself to competition through select exhibition events late last year.

However, the emotional toll of his mother’s passing proved too much. Three days after confirming his participation, Woods reversed course, explaining that he simply isn’t ready to compete.

“I planned to tee it up this week, but I’m just not ready,” Woods said in a statement on X. “I did my best to prepare, knowing it’s what my Mom would have wanted, but I’m still processing her loss.”

A Tribute to Kultida Woods

Throughout his career, Woods has often credited his mother for her unwavering support. Kultida Woods was a fixture at many of his most significant triumphs, a quiet but resolute presence in the background. Her influence was profound, and Woods has frequently described her as his “biggest fan and greatest supporter.”

“It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Woods wrote in a statement. “My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable. She was quick with the needle and a laugh. 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.”

The Wait for Woods’ Return Continues

The Genesis Invitational was expected to mark Woods’ first official PGA Tour start since the 2024 Open Championship. After undergoing yet another back surgery in September, Woods had made only limited appearances, notably alongside his son Charlie at the PNC Championship in December. His participation at Torrey Pines was eagerly anticipated, with fans and tournament organizers alike hopeful for a competitive return.

Woods’ health has been a persistent storyline in recent years, including last year’s Genesis Invitational, where he withdrew during the second round due to illness. This year, with the tournament relocated from Riviera Country Club to Torrey Pines due to California wildfires, Woods would have been returning to one of his most iconic venues—the site of his legendary 2008 U.S. Open victory on a broken leg. However, for now, golf takes a backseat.

A New Opportunity in the Field

With Woods’ withdrawal, his spot in the Genesis Invitational field will be filled by Jake Knapp, who now has an unexpected chance to compete at Torrey Pines. Meanwhile, Woods has expressed hope that he may still make an appearance at the event later in the week, albeit in a non-playing capacity.

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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
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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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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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Scottie Scheffler’s Ravioli Fiasco: A Golf Star, a Wine Glass, and Surgery

Scottie Scheffler’s season starts with a delay—an unusual accident puts the World No. 1 on the sidelines. (Photo: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler has probably faced plenty of challenges on his way to the top of the world rankings and the PGA Tour. But this past Christmas, he was bested by an unexpected foe: homemade ravioli. An improvised kitchen tool, a shattered wine glass, and suddenly, the best golfer in the world found himself out of action.

Scottie Scheffler and the Festive Faux Pas

A holiday tradition that begins in the kitchen and ends in the operating room is certainly not an everyday occurrence for a world-class golfer. But that’s exactly what happened to Scottie Scheffler when he attempted to make homemade ravioli. Lacking a rolling pin, he opted for a wine glass instead. One wrong move, the glass shattered, and the World No. 1’s hand came down on the jagged stem. The result: a deep laceration, surgery, and Rory McIlroy’s dry remark: “I think he made enough money to hire a chef. Like, why are you cooking yourself?”

From the Operating Table Back to the PGA Tour

For Scheffler, the forced break didn’t just mean missing tournaments—most notably The Sentry and The American Express—but also an unusual predicament: no driving range sessions, no full-scale gym workouts. “It was frustrating to be sitting at home, not being able to play golf, but we got some good time at home just us three. It’s pretty rare for me to be at home throughout the day without really having much to do. I couldn’t really work out at first, there wasn’t really a whole lot I could do, so it was nice uninterrupted time for us at home. But it was definitely still frustrating watching golf on TV and not being able to play,” he admitted. While he managed to do some exercises with his left hand, actual golf swings were off the table for the time being. “I’ve heard nothing but horror stories since this happened about wine glasses, so be careful,”Scheffler said with a grin in his first public appearance after the injury.

Now, he is preparing for his comeback at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, one of the season’s prestigious Signature Events. And as for Rory McIlroy’s suggestion? Scottie Scheffler had the perfect response:

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Tee Times for Rory McIlroy’s Seaon Opener

The Tee Times for the PGA-Elite at Pebble Beach. (Photo: Getty)

The PGA Tour tee times for the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am have been officially announced – and with them, anticipation is building for one of the most historic tournaments in golf. From February 6 to 9, the world’s best golfers will gather at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California to compete in the second Signature Event of the season. With a prize purse of $20 million and $3.6 million for the winner, the tournament is a true heavyweight on the tour schedule. Defending champion Wyndham Clark will also be returning.

TV coverage begins on Thursday and Friday at 5:45 PM, on Saturday at 5:30 PM, and on Sunday at 5:00 PM on Sky.

The PGA Tour Tee Times

Patrick Cantlay takes to Spyglass Hill Links at 06:53, accompanied by Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre. He’ll continue his tournament run with a 09:53 start at Pebble Beach.

Sahith Theegala is set to launch his tournament at 07:06 on Pebble Beach Golf Links, teeing off alongside Wyndham Clark. The pair will then take on Spyglass Hill Links at 10:06 for round two.

Rory McIlroy kicks off his first round at 08:48, joined by Sweden’s rising star Ludvig Åberg on Spyglass Hill Links. He’ll return to action for round two at 09:53 on the picturesque Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Collin Morikawa is pairing up with South Korea’s Tom Kim. They take on Spyglass Hill Links at 08:35 for their opening round, before shifting to Pebble Beach at 09:40 for round two.

Scottie Scheffler is set to begin his tournament at 09:01 on Spyglass Hill Links, pairing up with Brian Harman. He’ll then tackle his second round at 10:06 on Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Tommy Fleetwood takes to Spyglass Hill Links at 09:14, alongside Keegan Bradley from the USA. Their second round sees them moving to Pebble Beach for a 10:19 tee time.

Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, a dynamic duo from the USA, bring their skills to Spyglass Hill Links at 09:27 for their first round, then shift gears for their second round at 10:32 on Pebble Beach.

Viktor Hovland teams up with Rickie Fowler for an exciting start at 10:32 on Pebble Beach Golf Links, before heading over to Spyglass Hill Links for round two at 09:27.

Player(s)Round 1Round 2
Patrick Cantlay, Robert MacIntyre06:53 (SH)09:53 (PB)
Sahith Theegala, Wyndham Clark07:06 (PB)10:06 (SH)
Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Åberg08:48 (SH)09:53 (PB)
Collin Morikawa, Tom Kim08:35 (SH)09:40 (PB)
Scottie Scheffler, Brian Harman09:01 (SH)10:06 (PB)
Tommy Fleetwood, Keegan Bradley09:14 (SH)10:19 (PB)
Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth09:27 (SH)10:32 (PB)
Viktor Hovland, Rickie Fowler10:32 (PB)09:27 (SH)

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Live Panorama

TGL: Atlanta Drive Makes a Statement Against New York

Wrap-up at the TGL match between Atlanta Drive GC and New York GC. (Photo: X/@TGL)
Wrap-up at the TGL match between Atlanta Drive GC and New York GC. (Photo: X/@TGL)

The third match day of the TGL brought a new match and a new record in the still young history of the league. Atlanta Drive GC, led by Justin Thomas, Billy Horschel and Patrick Cantlay, beat New York Golf Club 4-0 at the SoFi Centre in Palm Beach Gardens. This was the first shutout victory in the young history of TGL.

TGL: Atlanta Drive Takes Early Command

Atlanta controlled the action right from the start. Even in the ‘triples’ format, in which all three players on the team take it in turns to hit, the team’s dominance prevailed. The very first hole set the tone for the entire match. Cameron Young’s tee shot landed out of bounds and Atlanta Drive took the opportunity to take the lead with a solid par. In contrast, New York continued to struggle with accuracy on the greens in the triples session.
Justin Thomas established himself as the driving force behind Atlanta Drive GC. The two-time major winner holed a 7-metre putt on the fourth hole to take a 2-0 lead into the individual matches.

Justin Thomas Leads Atlanta to a Perfect Debut

Atlanta Drive followed up in the individual matches. Justin Thomas defeated Young with a birdie on the tenth hole, while Billy Horschel scored against Matt Fitzpatrick after the latter landed in the water and then in two bunkers. Thomas went one better with another long putt on the 13th hole and finally secured Atlanta’s historic shutout – and didn’t even have to resort to the strategic ‘hammer’ option to secure the 4-0 win.

Preview to the Upcoming Challenges

With this win, Atlanta Drive moves to the top of the SoFi Cup standings and now prepares for a doubleheader on 17 February against Los Angeles GC and The Bay Golf Club. New York Golf Club, on the other hand, with two losses under their belt, will take on Jupiter Links GC in an attempt to salvage their season.