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PGA Tour

PGA Championship: How LIV Golfers Join Quail Hollow’s Strong Field

Bryson DeChambeau Leads LIV Charge at PGA Championship as McKibbin, Puig Join Elite Quail Hollow Field (Photo: Getty)
Bryson DeChambeau Leads LIV Charge at PGA Championship as McKibbin, Puig Join Elite Quail Hollow Field (Photo: Getty)

The PGA Championship 2025 promises one of the strongest fields of the year and now two more LIV Golf players have joined. Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin and Spain’s David Puig have received late invitations to the major at Quail Hollow, increasing LIV’s presence amid ongoing debates about world ranking points and qualification criteria.

PGA Championship: Golf’s Deepest Major Field?

The PGA Championship is renowned for its inclusivity. While the Masters maintains strict entry limits, the PGA of America traditionally invites nearly all top-100 players, unless they qualify otherwise. Since LIV events offer no world ranking points, stars like Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka rely on past major wins or special exemptions. Others, such as Joaquín Niemann, depend on invitations despite consistent LIV performances.

Tom McKibbin: Northern Ireland’s Rising LIV Star

Tom McKibbin could have played on the PGA Tour after securing his card via a strong 18th-place finish in the 2024 DP World Tour Race to Dubai. Despite warnings from Rory McIlroy, the 22-year-old joined LIV Golf, where he now plays for Jon Rahm’s Legion XIII.

Currently ranked 115th in the world, which is too low for automatic PGA Championship qualification, McKibbin’s steady LIV performances, including a team win in LIV’s season opener in Saudi Arabia, convinced the PGA of America to extend an invite. Legion XIII confirmed his participation via social media on Tuesday.

David Puig: Spain’s Bold College-to-LIV Prospect

David Puig jumped straight from college to LIV Golf. The 23-year-old sits 20th in LIV’s individual standings and recently impressed with a T4 at the Bahrain Championship on the DP World Tour.

Yet Puig’s world ranking slipped to 107th, typically insufficient for PGA Championship entry. Like McKibbin, he earned a late invitation, a golden opportunity to compete against golf’s elite and chase crucial ranking points.

LIV Stars at the PGA Championship

Beyond McKibbin and Puig, marquee LIV players like Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, and Cameron Smith will tee off at Quail Hollow. These major champions remain world-class despite LIV’s ranking-points drought.

All eyes are on DeChambeau as a potential contender, while veterans like Martin Kaymer, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, and Patrick Reed add experience. Rising talents like Niemann, Dean Burmester, and Eugenio Chacarra round out the field. Even Richard Bland, Laurie Canter, and McKibbin underscore LIV’s depth. For all, the PGA Championship is a chance to chase glory and global legitimacy.

LIV’s World Ranking Dilemma

The PGA Championship highlights LIV players’ qualification hurdles. Without ranking points on their tour, majors and sporadic DP World/Asian Tour starts are their only paths to climb the standings.

Niemann secured a U.S. Open spot via LIV’s performance, aided by a new rule granting starts to three top unqualified LIV players. For McKibbin and Puig, Quail Hollow offers a critical opportunity to play their way up the rankings.

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Live PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: Rory McIlroy and More Set for Truist Championship

The tee times for the Truist Championship have been set. When will McIlroy and Co. tee off? (Photo: Getty)
The tee times for the Truist Championship have been set. When will McIlroy and Co. tee off? (Photo: Getty)

The Truist Championship, part of the PGA Tour, takes place at The Philadelphia Cricket Club’s Wissahickon Course in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. With a par of 70, the event offers a $20 million prize pool. Reigning champion Rory McIlroy will defend his title.

See all Tee Times here

PGA Tour Tee Times for UK Players at Truist Championship

Robert MacIntyre, hailing from Scotland, will join the field for the Truist Championship. MacIntyre begins Round 1 on Thursday at 11:20 AM alongside Davis Thompson from the USA and Denny McCarthy, also of the USA. For Round 2 on Friday, this group will tee off at 12:26 PM.

Aaron Rai, representing England, will start his Truist Championship campaign on Thursday at 11:53 AM. He partners with Austin Eckroat from the USA and Will Zalatoris, also of the USA. In the second round, Rai and his fellow players have a start time of 12:59 PM.

Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, the defending champion, is set to play in the company of Tommy Fleetwood from England and Justin Thomas from the USA. Their first-round tee time is 12:26 PM on Thursday, while for the second round, they will commence at 11:20 AM on Friday.

Justin Rose, another English golfer, shares his tee time with Shane Lowry from Ireland and Keegan Bradley from the USA. They begin Round 1 at 12:26 PM on Thursday and their second-round start is set for 11:20 AM on Friday.

Matthew Fitzpatrick, representing England, will tackle the first round at 12:59 PM. Alongside him are Thomas Detry from Belgium and Christiaan Bezuidenhout from South Africa. On Friday, Round 2 for this group is scheduled to begin at 11:53 AM.

Player Name Nationality Round Tee Time Flight Partner
Robert MacIntyre Scotland 1 11:20 AM Davis Thompson, USA; Denny McCarthy, USA
Aaron Rai England 1 11:53 AM Austin Eckroat, USA; Will Zalatoris, USA
Rory McIlroy Northern Ireland 1 12:26 PM Tommy Fleetwood, England; Justin Thomas, USA
Justin Rose England 1 12:26 PM Shane Lowry, Ireland; Keegan Bradley, USA
Matthew Fitzpatrick England 1 12:59 PM Thomas Detry, Belgium; Christiaan Bezuidenhout, South Africa
Robert MacIntyre Scotland 2 12:26 PM Davis Thompson, USA; Denny McCarthy, USA
Aaron Rai England 2 12:59 PM Austin Eckroat, USA; Will Zalatoris, USA
Rory McIlroy Northern Ireland 2 11:20 AM Tommy Fleetwood, England; Justin Thomas, USA
Justin Rose England 2 11:20 AM Shane Lowry, Ireland; Keegan Bradley, USA
Matthew Fitzpatrick England 2 11:53 AM Thomas Detry, Belgium; Christiaan Bezuidenhout, South Africa
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Live

PGA Tour Tee Times: Jordan Spieth Set for Action in Texas

PGA Tour Tee Times: Jordan Spieth in Texas. (Photo: Getty)

The PGA Tour heads to McKinney, Texas, this week for the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, hosted at TPC Craig Ranch. With a Par-71 layout and nearly $10 million in prize money, the stage is set for a packed leaderboard and plenty of scoring. Local favorite Jordan Spieth, comeback stories like Will Zalatoris and Gary Woodland, and emerging contenders like Jake Knapp and Karl Vilips headline the PGA Tour Tee Times.

The PGA Tour Tee Times

Scotland’s Martin Laird is back in the field this week at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson and will open his tournament alongside American Beau Hossler and Germany’s Matti Schmid. Their first round gets underway Thursday at 1:17 PM local time off the 10th tee. The trio returns for Friday’s second round at 12:00 PM from the same tee.

For Jordan Spieth, this week is more than just another start — it’s a home game. The Dallas native begins his campaign Thursday at 12:33 PM off the 1st tee, grouped with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and South Korea’s Si Woo Kim. It’s one of the featured groups of the day and promises early leaderboard movement. On Friday, they flip to Tee 10 at 7:23 AM

Will Zalatoris continues his steady return to full competition after a long injury layoff. He’s paired with Ben Griffin, fresh off a breakthrough win at last week’s Zurich Classic team event, and Byeong Hun An. They tee off Thursday at 7:23 AM from Tee 10, with a Friday turnaround to Tee 1 at 12:33 PM.

Jake Knapp has already made noise this season with a maiden PGA Tour win and enters the CJ Cup Byron Nelson with rising expectations. He tees off Thursday at 12:55 PM from Tee 1 in a group that includes Brian Campbell and Sam Burns — the latter a proven closer on tour. Knapp’s second round begins Friday at 7:45 AM from Tee 10.

PlayerNationalityRound 1 Tee TimeRound 1 TeeRound 2 Tee TimeRound 2 TeeCo-Players
Martin LairdSCO1:17 PM10th12:00 PM10thBeau Hossler (USA), Matti Schmid (GER)
Jordan SpiethUSA12:33 PM1st7:23 AM10thScottie Scheffler (USA), Si Woo Kim (KOR)
Will ZalatorisUSA7:23 AM10th12:33 PM1stBen Griffin (USA), Byeong Hun An (KOR)
Jake KnappUSA12:55 PM1st7:45 AM10thBrian Campbell (USA), Sam Burns (USA)
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PGA Tour

Record Crowds Expected at Royal Portrush for 153rd Open Championship

The British Open at Royal Portrush expects record breaking crowd. (Photo: Getty)

Royal Portrush is set to make history once again. The R&A announced that it expects a staggering 278,000 fans to descend on the famed links this July for the 153rd Open Championship — a figure that would make it one of the most attended Opens of all time.

The turnout will mark the largest sporting event ever staged in Northern Ireland, with an estimated economic impact of £213 million. Ticket demand has been unprecedented, with over one million applications submitted. Only the 150th Open at St Andrews in 2022 — which drew 290,000 spectators — has attracted a larger crowd.

Lowry and McIlroy Set for Homecoming Battle

Portrush last hosted The Open in 2019, when Shane Lowry thrilled the home crowds with a commanding six-shot victory, drawing a then-record 237,750 fans over four days. Six years later, anticipation is reaching a fever pitch as Lowry prepares for a potential showdown with fellow fan favorite Rory McIlroy — fresh off his long-awaited Masters triumph and the favorite to capture more major glory in 2025.

 
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Panorama

McIlroy Family Expanding Roots with New Home at Wentworth Estate

New family home for the McIlroy Family. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy’s life, both on and off the course, has long been a source of fascination for the sporting world. His victories, setbacks, outspoken nature, and commitment to the game consistently draw the spotlight. Recent weeks have been no different, as media attention intensified following McIlroy’s appearance at the Masters — not just for his performance, but for his movements beyond Augusta’s fairways.

One stop on McIlroy’s post-Masters itinerary brought him home to Northern Ireland, where he reunited with his parents, Rosie and Gerry, in Holywood. The visit served as a celebration, compensating for their absence at Augusta as they prepared for a relocation of their own.

McIlroy Lays New Foundations at Wentworth Estate

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, construction is well underway on a significant new project for the McIlroy family: a home in England’s prestigious Wentworth Estate, just outside London. The development, situated near the storied Wentworth Club — host venue for the BMW PGA Championship — signals a new chapter for McIlroy, his wife Erica Stoll, and their young daughter, Poppy. Reports suggest the move was motivated in part by a desire for a fresh start for the couple.

“It’s not every day you get to fulfil one of your lifelong goals and dreams,” McIlroy reflected during the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. “We first went to London with Erica and Poppy to see our new home that we’re building and we made the trip over to Belfast to see a few other people that are important to us. Just to be with them, to be with Erica and Poppy and my mum and dad.”

Artist from Ireland. Found a home for my Rory McIlroy painting, donated the piece to Holywood Golf Club this week, Rory’s home course. Hopefully he gets the chance to see the portrait the next time he plays a round there 👍 byu/mikesartwrks ingolf
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PGA Tour

PGA Tour Pro on Suspension: “It’s Been an Emotional Rollercoaster”

Suspended over a LIV-linked event, Wesley Bryan addresses fans directly on YouTube—with reflection, respect, and resolve. (Photo: Youtube@Bryan Bros Golf)

For most of his career, Wesley Bryan has been as comfortable in front of a camera as he is over a wedge shot. Trick shots, Tour wins, YouTube content — he’s built a name straddling the line between entertainer and elite athlete. But now, the PGA Tour veteran finds himself at the center of a different kind of story: one where the future of golf collides head-on with its rules of the past.

The PGA Tour suspended Bryan following his appearance at “The Duels: Miami,” a LIV Golf-adjacent creator event. The response? A 3-minute YouTube video, shot from a golf cart, layered with gratitude, introspection, and an unmistakable undercurrent of defiance.

“It’s Been an Emotional Rollercoaster”

In the video, Bryan isn’t teeing off or goofing around with influencers. He’s seated quietly in a golf cart, speaking directly to his audience — not as a content creator, not as a PGA Tour player, but as someone genuinely trying to make sense of where golf is headed.

“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster,” he admits early in the video. The PGA Tour had suspended him for playing in an event connected to LIV — without securing a mandatory release. But instead of firing back, Bryan starts with something unexpected: gratitude.

He thanks the Tour. For the tournaments. For the platform. For the eight years of opportunities. It’s a tone that’s disarming — reflective rather than reactive. There’s no hint of rage. Only a desire to explain.

YouTube, LIV, and a Grey Area in the Rulebook

To understand the controversy, it helps to understand the event. “The Duels: Miami” wasn’t a traditional tournament. It wasn’t sanctioned, it wasn’t ranked, and it wasn’t played for a seven-figure purse. It was a content shoot — part challenge, part entertainment — streamed on YouTube, not broadcast on national television.

Bryan played alongside YouTubers and major champions alike, all of it captured on Grant Horvat’s channel. The problem? The PGA Tour’s policy requires players to seek permission before appearing in non-Tour events, particularly those linked to LIV Golf. Bryan didn’t — because, as he sees it, it wasn’t a competitive event at all.

For Bryan, YouTube isn’t a hobby. It’s a career lane that has grown up alongside his Tour life — one he’s cultivated for over a decade. It’s also part of a larger shift in golf, where Gen Z fans are just as likely to follow Grant Horvat or Rick Shiels as they are to tune into CBS on a Sunday.

“The Rule Was Not Meant To Cover Content Creation On Youtube”

Bryan makes it clear: this isn’t about defiance. It’s about definitions. He respects the PGA Tour, and he’s not looking to blow up the rulebook — but he is questioning whether the rules have kept up with the game.

“I want to be clear. I do respect the authorities that are in place at the tour, but because of the ambiguity and the rules and regulations that were written I do, a as a member of the PGA Tour, have a right to appeal their decision,” he says. “I don’t feel like when the rule was written, that it was meant to cover content creation on YouTube, I feel like it was meant to cover organized professional high-level golf events. And with that being said, I plan on carrying out my right to appeal.”

So, he’s appealing. Not to win an argument, but to seek clarity — for himself, for other content creators in golf, and for the next generation of players who might find themselves walking the same line between entertainment and elite sport.

What happens next will likely be decided behind closed doors. But the bigger question — how golf defines itself in the digital age — is one that’s far from settled.

Watch the full video here:

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PGA Tour

Rules of Golf: Wrong ball played – Pro disqualifies himself

(Photo: Getty)
(Photo: Getty)

A small mistake with big consequences: At the Corales Puntacana Championship, a breach of the rules was Ben Crane’s undoing. After making a mistake at the PGA Tour event, he disqualified himself.

On hole 8 of the third round in the Dominican Republic, the ball supposedly landed in the water after the tee shot. Crane then played a second ball from the tee, which came to rest near the penalty area. Once there, however, the American found two balls. His first ball had not landed in the water but hit the rocks and bounced back onto the course. Crane made a mistake in identifying the ball and inadvertently continued to play his first ball. As the second ball was already in play, this was illegal. It was not until the following hole that Crane discovered scratches on his ball caused by the impact with the rocks and realized his mistake.

Rules of golf: Wrong ball played

The Rules of Golf state that, as a rule, a hole must be played with one ball from start to finish. Rule 6.3b states: “If the player’s original ball has not been found and the player put another ball in play to take stroke-and-distance relief or as allowed under a Rule that applies when it is known or virtually certain what happened to the ball: The player must continue playing with the substituted ball, and the player must not play the original ball even if it is found on the course before the end of the three-minute search time.”

If a player continues to play with the original ball, this is regarded as playing the wrong ball. According to Rule 6.3c(1), a player is obliged to correct a mistake before teeing off on the next hole. It states: “If the player does not correct the mistake before making a stroke to begin another hole or, for the final hole of the round, before returning their scorecard, the player is disqualified.”


Ben Crane addressed the public after the incident via his X account and described the situation from his perspective. He explained how the mistake came about and why he decided to take the consequences in the form of self-disqualification. His honest account and the decision to hold himself accountable were widely appreciated in the golf community.

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PGA Tour

Rory McIlroy cracks 100 million in prize money – hunt for Tiger Woods begins

Rory McIlroy passes the 100 million dollar mark in prize money and reaches a new career milestone. (Photo: Getty)
Rory McIlroy passes the 100 million dollar mark in prize money and reaches a new career milestone. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy has reached another milestone in his impressive career: the Northern Irishman is only the second player in the history of the PGA Tour to pass the 100 million dollar mark in official prize money. Only Tiger Woods was able to break this mark before him. But how did McIlroy achieve this historic success, and can he even overtake Woods in the coming years?

Rory McIlroy’s recent successes bring crucial millions

A decisive factor in McIlroy’s financial success was his victory at the 2025 Players Championship. In a nerve-wracking play-off, he secured the title and the prize money of 4.5 million dollars from a total pool of 25 million US dollars.

Another lucrative highlight was his triumph at the 2024 DP World Tour Championship. With a final score of 15 under par and a flawless final round, McIlroy secured the prize money of 3 million dollars and further increased his financial cushion.

How prize money is transforming golf

McIlroy’s monetary success is not just a personal triumph, but also an indicator of the increasing commercialization of golf. Increasing sponsorship deals, growing media coverage and higher prize money have made the PGA Tour one of the most lucrative sports leagues in the world in recent decades.

McIlroy already topped the European Tour’s money list in 2018 after finishing in a tie for second place at the Open Championship. This took him over the €35 million mark in prize money on the European Tour.

Can McIlroy overtake Tiger Woods?

Despite McIlroy’s impressive financial record, Tiger Woods remains unrivaled with over 120 million dollars in official PGA Tour prize money. However, the rising prize money and McIlroy’s consistent performance could make the race for the number one spot in the money rankings exciting in the coming years.

At 35, McIlroy is at a stage where many golfers reach their financial peaks. If he continues to strategically participate in tournaments that pay out large prize money, he could actually catch up with Woods in the next few years.

McIlroy as a giant of golf

Rory McIlroy has played his way into the exclusive league of golf millionaires through a combination of sporting ability, strategic tournament planning and economic foresight. The coming years will show whether he can break Tiger Woods’ 120 million dollar mark. But one thing is certain: McIlroy is not just a top golfer – he is a brand in his own right.

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Highlights Tours

Masters 2025 Tickets: The Price of the Augusta Dream

The tickets for the US Masters 2025 are among the most coveted in golf (Photo: Getty)

When it comes to iconic sporting events, few can rival the allure of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Since its inaugural edition in 1934, the Masters has grown into one of golf’s four Major championships, attracting not only the world’s finest players but also a parade of celebrities, business magnates, and die-hard fans. The tournament’s tradition, the unique atmosphere, and the symbolic Green Jacket make it a dream for many fans. Unsurprisingly, demand for tickets is immense.

Masters 2025: A Golden Ticket for the Lucky Few

Every year, only a limited number of tickets are made available to the general public, and many fans find themselves empty-handed in their quest to witness the Masters in person. Official ticket prices are, by sporting standards, relatively moderate: Practice Round tickets (Monday to Wednesday) are priced at $100 per day, while Tournament Round tickets (Thursday to Sunday) cost $140 per day.

How to Get Tickets?

Most of these tickets are allocated through a lottery system run by Augusta National via the official Masters website. For the 2025 tournament, the application period took place in summer 2024. The exact number of available tickets is a closely guarded secret, making it difficult to gauge one’s chances of success.

If You’re Buying Now, Be Ready to Pay a Premium

For those who missed out in the lottery, the secondary market is the only remaining — and very expensive — option. According to Golf.com, platforms like StubHub and Viagogo list Practice Round tickets at around $1,500 per day. A full four-day tournament pass costs approximately $6,800. Tickets for the Final Round on Sunday are available from $1,800 upwards. Depending on demand, prices on these platforms can fluctuate dramatically, often reaching astronomical levels.

Buyer Beware: Risks of the Secondary Market

It’s important to note that reselling Masters tickets is officially prohibited. Any tickets acquired on the secondary market may be invalidated by tournament officials. Fans tempted to buy should exercise extreme caution and ensure they’re dealing with a reputable seller to avoid falling victim to scams.

Are There Any Alternatives to Experience the Masters in Augusta?

There are, but they come with their own hurdles:

Patron Badges

The coveted “Patron Badges” are effectively lifetime passes to the Masters — and beyond priceless. These badges are typically passed down within families and rarely change hands. On the open market, they’re virtually impossible to obtain.

Hospitality Packages

Several travel and hospitality providers offer premium Masters packages, which include tournament tickets, luxury accommodations, private transportation, and VIP access to exclusive areas of Augusta National. However, these packages command a hefty price tag — often running into the tens of thousands of dollars. Anyone considering this route should only book through verified, official partners.

Looking Ahead: Plan Early for Masters 2026

For fans hoping to secure a spot at Augusta in 2026, the lottery will reopen from June 1 to June 20, 2025. Early planning is key, as demand continues to climb year after year. It’s also worth exploring hospitality options and offers from official partners to maximize your chances of making that dream trip to Augusta a reality.

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: Rickie Fowler Joins Star-Studded Houston Open

The PGA Tour Tee Times of the American Contingent. (Photo: Getty)

The PGA Tour rolls into Texas this week for the Texas Children’s Houston Open, hosted at the ever-challenging Memorial Park Golf Course. With a par-70 layout and a purse of $9.5 million, this event is no mere warm-up—it’s a serious proving ground, especially with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and defending champion Stephan Jaeger headlining a stacked field.

PGA Tour Tee Times: Americans in Action

Lanto Griffin will take to the course at 12:30 in the first round, playing alongside Chad Ramey and France’s Victor Perez. Their second round starts at 07:20. ​

Patrick Rodgers is set to begin his first round at 12:52 with compatriots Nate Lashley and Patrick Fishburn. They will tee off for the second round at 07:42. ​

The spotlight shines brightly on Rickie Fowler, who tees it up on Thursday at 13:03 alongside Scottie Scheffler and Sungjae Im. They’ll head out early on Friday at 07:53.

Tony Finau is paired with Germany’s Stephan Jaeger and Belgium’s Thomas Detry, teeing off at 13:14 for the first round. Their second round begins at 08:04.

Round Time Player 1 Player 2 Player 3
1 12:30 Lanto Griffin Chad Ramey Victor Perez
1 12:52 Patrick Rodgers Nate Lashley Patrick Fishburn
1 13:03 Rickie Fowler Scottie Scheffler Sungjae Im
1 13:14 Tony Finau Stephan Jaeger Thomas Detry
2 07:20 Lanto Griffin Chad Ramey Victor Perez
2 07:42 Patrick Rodgers Nate Lashley Patrick Fishburn
2 07:53 Rickie Fowler Scottie Scheffler Sungjae Im
2 08:04 Tony Finau Stephan Jaeger Thomas Detry