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PGA Tour

Michael Kim: “It’s Honestly a Bit of a Dog Eat Dog World”

Image: Getty
Image: Getty

Professional golfer Michael Kim is known for sharing insider information from the world of professional golf with his followers on social media. This time, the 31-year-old writes about contact with player agents, experiences, rumors and the different types of agencies. “When you’re first out of college and a really good player, agents will reach out to you directly to you or your head coach showing interest. […] It’s tricky, they’re really good salesman and unless you’ve known them thru someone else, you’re not sure who to trust. You can find MANY examples of agents stealing from the player and/or many shady deals”, wrote Michael Kim.

Offers made to players already under contract

Kim went on to tweet: “It’s honestly a bit of a dog eat dog world. I’ve heard rumors where players were going to sign with an agent and all of a sudden a different agent shows up with a really good deal with a company and the player ended up signing with the new agent for the deal. Some of the shadier ones will come up to a player even though he’s under contract promising a better deal or throw in a line or two to try and create doubt.”

Big or small agency?

In another tweet, Michael Kim describes the decision from a player’s perspective: “As a player, you have to decide what size of agency you want to sign with. Bigger agency with lots of names like Wasserman, or a smaller agency. Bigger agencies already have established connections and thru their bigger players, can even get certain deals or even exemptions into events. But the downside is, because of their big crop of players, in a way you’re all competing for the same pie within the agency. If I know the same level of player within the agency gets a new deal, you can be left wondering, why didn’t I get that deal? A smaller agency, you don’t have to worry about that kind of stuff but also know that in general, the agent isn’t going to have the same amount of power or sway within the industry. You can be the big fish and know that all the big deals might come thru you.”

In his last two tweets on this topic, Kim writes about his personal preferences and experiences.

Note: This is of course one player’s opinion and therefore not an immediate general conclusion, as well as possibly not 100 percent reality. When it comes to contact with agents right after the end of a college career, Kim is certainly a good example. Michael Kim was honored with the Jack Nicklaus Award and the Haskins Award during his amateur career – both famous awards for the player of the year in American college golf. This is likely to have aroused the interest of some player agencies.

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Highlights Tours LIV Tour PGA Tour

Solheim Cup Seven Times More Popular than Rahm’s Double Victory

The teams were supported by thousands of fans on site and behind the screens. (Photo: Getty)
The teams were supported by thousands of fans on site and behind the screens. (Photo: Getty)

A look at the viewing figures for last week’s golf TV broadcasts shows that the women’s events were by far the most popular with golf fans. The Solheim Cup was a highlight in the women’s tournament calendar that dominated the TV landscape. Neither the LIV Golf League nor the PGA Tour aroused anywhere near as much interest.

Solheim Cup 2024 dominated the ratings

Compared to the last Solheim Cup, which took place in Spain in 2022, the ratings increased significantly in this year’s edition, according to Josh Carpenter from Sports Business Journal. The singles matches on Sunday in particular sparked interest behind the screens, with an average of 657,000 viewers watching on NBC on the final day, more than twice as many viewers as the previous edition of the continental competition. On Saturday, the ratings were similarly high with 634,000 viewers. The figures were particularly pleasing in view of the fact that the Cup fell on the second Sunday of the National Football League. As the Cup finished in the early afternoon in the Eastern time zone, the events did not overlap for the most part.

LIV Golf and PGA Tour put in the shade

The season finale in the individual rankings of the LIV Golf League took place at the same time as the Solheim Cup. Also one of the highlights of the year, it didn’t stand a chance against the women’s competition. Although Jon Rahm won the tournament in Chicago and thus also the season title, the tournament attracted far less attention with only around 89,000 spectators. On Saturday there were still 134,000 spectators.

However, the PGA Tour received the least attention, with just 69,000 spectators. The Procore Championship was the first event of the Fall Series, which was watched by only around a tenth of the spectators who were rooting for the ladies.

The figures for the Solheim Cup are particularly pleasing in terms of viewing figures throughout the year. The declining ratings were notable throughout the PGA Tour season and were underscored by double-digit declines for all three FedEx Cup Playoff events, according to Sports Media Watch. The Tour Championship saw a 13 percent drop in viewership, while the FedEx St. Jude Championship was down 31 percent and the BMW Championship was down 19 percent.

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Live

PGA Tour Tee Times: Danny Willett at the Procore Championship

PGA Tour Tee Times for UK Players at the Procore Championship. (Source: Getty)
PGA Tour Tee Times for UK Players at the Procore Championship. (Source: Getty)

The PGA Tour Tee Times for the upcoming Procore Championship in Napa, California, USA, are set. The tournament will be held at the Silverado Resort (North Course) with a Par of 72 and a prize fund of $6,000,000. The PGA Tour event will be televised on Sky with the following schedule: Thursday at 19:00, Saturday and Sunday at 00:30, and Monday at 00:00. The current titleholder of the tournament is Sahith Theegala.

PGA Tour Tee Times for the Procore Championship

Danny Willett, representing England, will start his first round at 07:00 alongside Nick Watney from the USA and Chesson Hadley from the USA. In the second round, they will tee off at 12:05.

Russell Knox, from Scotland, will tee off at 08:17 for his first round with Kevin Chappell (USA) and Martin Trainer (FRA). His second-round tee time is 13:22.

Martin Laird, also from Scotland, starts his first round at 08:17 with Ryan Palmer from the USA and Matthias Schmid from Germany. Their second-round start time is set for 13:22.

Ben Taylor, representing England, will start his first round at 08:06 and will be grouped with Wesley Bryan (USA) and Hayden Buckley (USA). Their second-round start time is 13:11.

Callum Tarren, from England, will tee off at 08:28 for his first round with Zac Blair from the USA and Brandon Wu from the USA. Their second-round tee time is 13:33.

Player First Round Tee Time Second Round Tee Time Playing Partners
Danny Willett (ENG) 07:00 12:05 Nick Watney (USA), Chesson Hadley (USA)
Russell Knox (SCO) 08:17 13:22 Kevin Chappell (USA), Martin Trainer (FRA)
Martin Laird (SCO) 08:17 13:22 Ryan Palmer (USA), Matthias Schmid (GER)
Ben Taylor (ENG) 08:06 13:11 Wesley Bryan (USA), Hayden Buckley (USA)
Callum Tarren (ENG) 08:28 13:33 Zac Blair (USA), Brandon Wu (USA)
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Live

PGA Tour Tee Times: Defending Champion Plays With Clark and Homa

Sahith Theegala, Wyndham Clark and Max Homa tee it off together on the PGA Tour in Napa. (Source: Getty)
Sahith Theegala, Wyndham Clark and Max Homa tee it off together on the PGA Tour in Napa. (Source: Getty)

The PGA Tour Tee Times for the Procore Championship at the Silverado Resort (North Course) in Napa, California, USA, are set. This tournament, part of the PGA Tour, will be played on a Par 72 course with a total prize purse of $6,000,000. Defending champion Sahith Theegala will be looking to defend his title.

PGA Tour Tee Times for American Golfers

Stewart Cink will be teeing off at 7:55 AM in the first round and 1:00 PM in the second round. He will be playing alongside Lucas Glover from the USA and Matt Kuchar, also from the USA. Keep an eye on these PGA Tour Tee Times for crucial moments.

Harris English starts his first round at 7:44 AM and his second at 12:49 PM, accompanied by fellow Americans Chad Ramey and Adam Schenk. Be sure to follow these PGA Tour Tee Times as they unfold.

Kevin Kisner will commence his first round at 7:55 AM and his second round at 1:00 PM. He will be joined by Andrew Putnam and Keith Mitchell, both also from the USA. Keep these PGA Tour Tee Times in mind for upcoming action.

Brandt Snedeker is scheduled to start his first round at 1:00 PM, followed by his second round at 7:55 AM. His playing partners will be Camilo Villegas from Colombia and Chris Gotterup from the USA. Don’t miss these key PGA Tour Tee Times.

Sahith Theegala will be teeing off the first round at 07:44 AM and the second round at 12:49 PM. His group includes Wyndham Clark and Max Homa both from the USA.

Player First Round Tee Time Second Round Tee Time Playing Partners
Stewart Cink 7:55 AM 1:00 PM Lucas Glover (USA), Matt Kuchar (USA)
Harris English 7:44 AM 12:49 PM Chad Ramey (USA), Adam Schenk (USA)
Kevin Kisner 7:55 AM 1:00 PM Andrew Putnam (USA), Keith Mitchell (USA)
Brandt Snedeker 1:00 PM 7:55 AM Camilo Villegas (Colombia), Chris Gotterup (USA)
Sahith Theegala 7:44 AM 12:49 PM Wyndham Clark (USA), Max Homa (USA)
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PGA Tour

FedExCup Fall Explained – Excitement and Opportunities on the PGA Tour

Fans can expect plenty of excitement and drama during the Fall Season on the PGA Tour. (Source: Getty)

The FedExCup Fall Series on the PGA Tour promises more drama and tension than ever, as players compete in top-tier events to secure their PGA Tour status. The fall tournaments offer winners the same benefits as regular-season events – including a two-year PGA Tour exemption, 500 FedExCup points, and entry into prestigious tournaments like The Players, The Sentry, and the Majors that invite PGA Tour winners.

FedExCup Fall: Fight for PGA Tour Status and Signature Events

The FedExCup Fall is also the time when the 125 spots for full-field events are up for grabs, along with a coveted place in The Players tournament for the following season. After the conclusion of the FedExCup Playoffs, players who are ranked 51st and below in the FedExCup standings continue to compete for points in the fall. They begin this stretch with all the points they’ve accumulated during the regular season and the first FedExCup Playoffs event, the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Additionally, the top 10 players on the FedExCup points list at the end of the fall, who have not yet qualified for the Signature Events, will have a chance to participate in the two Signature Events following the season opener. This allows rising stars to test themselves against the best players.

Those ranked 51st to 70th in the FedExCup standings at the start of the fall have already secured their Top 125 eligibility for the following year but are competing for spots in the first two Signature Events. Players ranked 71st and above can earn one of 10 available spots in these Signature Events, while also fighting to remain in the Top 125 of the FedExCup standings by the end of the fall season. Players who finish between 126th and 150th on the final points list will gain conditional status for the 2024 PGA Tour season. Any player outside the Top 125 will have the opportunity to improve or regain their Tour status through PGA Tour Q-School.

FedExCup Fall Schedule Overview

DateTournamentGolf CourseLocationPurse
Sept. 12-15Procore ChampionshipSilverado Resort (North Course)Napa, CA, USA$6,000,000
Sept. 26-29Presidents CupRoyal Montreal GC (Blue)Montreal, Quebec, CAN–
Oct. 3-6Sanderson Farms ChampionshipThe Country Club of JacksonJackson, MS, USA$7,600,000
Oct. 10-13Black Desert ChampionshipBlack Desert Resort Golf CourseIvins, UT, USA$7,500,000
Oct. 17-20Shriners Children’s OpenTPC SummerlinLas Vegas, NV, USA$7,000,000
Oct. 24-27ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIPAccordia GolfChiba, JPN$8,500,000
Nov. 7-10World Wide Technology ChampionshipEl Cardonal at DiamanteLos Cabos, MEX$7,200,000
Nov. 14-17Butterfield Bermuda ChampionshipPort Royal Golf CourseSouthampton, BER$6,900,000
Nov. 21-24The RSM ClassicSea Island Golf Club (Seaside)St. Simons Island, GA, USA$8,000,000
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Panorama

Rory McIlroy to Shorten Tournament Schedule: “It’s Been a Long Season”

Rory McIlroy plans to cut back on his tournament schedule in the 2025 season. The Northern Irishman talks about a "U.S. Open hangover." (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy has announced plans to significantly reduce his tournament schedule beginning in 2025. The Northern Irish golf star revealed that he intends to participate in only 18 to 20 tournaments per year. McIlroy shared this decision following the conclusion of the Tour Championship in Atlanta, where he finished in ninth place.

He described this season as particularly challenging, especially after hitting a “wall” following the U.S. Open and still feeling the lingering effects of that intense stretch. “It’s been a long season, and I’m going to just have to think about trying to build in a few extra breaks here and there next year and going forward because I felt like I hit a bit of a wall sort of post-U.S. Open, and still feel a little bit of that hangover,” McIlroy explained in a post-tournament interview in Atlanta.

Rory McIlroy to Adjust 2025 Season Planning

The golf professional, who has regularly competed in over 20 tournaments per season in recent years, emphasized that the current season has pushed him to his limits. In the past, the PGA Tour star would typically participate in about 22 events a year, but this number is no longer sustainable given his current life circumstances. I’m usually sort of like a 22 sort of person. But again, that was when I was sort of in my 20s and didn’t have the responsibilities that I do now,” McIlroy said. As a result, he plans to limit his tournament participation to 18 to 20 events in the coming years.

This decision follows an especially dense tournament schedule. Over the past eight weeks, McIlroy has competed in six major events, including the Olympic Games in Paris and the British Open. This intense period, combined with his appearances in all three FedEx Cup Playoffs, has left him physically and mentally exhausted, according to McIlroy.

Future Outlook and Upcoming Tournaments

Although Rory McIlroy intends to reduce his tournament calendar in the future, he still faces several important tasks this season. He will compete in the Irish Open and the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship before concluding the DP World Tour season with two final events in Dubai in November. McIlroy currently leads the Race to Dubai standings on the DP World Tour and will aim to finish the season strong before implementing his planned reduction in tournament appearances.

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Professionals

Jordan Spieth Hopes for Comeback After Successful Operation

Jordan Spieth's surgery was successful. (Source: Getty)
Jordan Spieth's surgery was successful. (Source: Getty)

Recently, we reported that Jordan Spieth would be using his early season exit to undergo surgery on his left wrist. Now, the three-time major winner has shared via social media that the operation went as planned and that he is on the road to recovery. “I had procedure on my left wrist last week, as I had mentioned was the plan. The operation went smoothly and I’m grateful for the exceptional medical team and support of Annie and my family. Focused on rest and rehab, and I look forward to returning to golf healthy and prepared for 2025,” Spieth wrote on X.

Jordan Spieth Hopes for a Swift Comeback

Despite the successful procedure, Spieth still has a long road ahead. The wrist is crucial for a golfer, and in Spieth’s case, his left wrist has been troubling him for some time. This has also been reflected in his performances, which have been rather inconsistent in recent years. Spieth’s last PGA Tour win came 28 months ago at the RBC Heritage in Harbour Town. Since then, his career has seen highs and lows: a fourth-place finish at the 2023 Masters, another near-win at the RBC, but also 14 missed cuts and a disqualification have marked his recent journey. Notably, his swing has changed – his clubface is now much more closed at the top of his backswing than it was during his peak in 2015. Experts like Brandel Chamblee expressed surprise at this change as golf.com reports.

Spieth’s ongoing issues with his left arm and wrist trace back to an injury in 2018 when he fractured a bone in his left hand, an injury he admits he never fully addressed. In May 2023, Spieth had to withdraw from the Byron Nelson tournament in his hometown of Dallas due to acute wrist pain. Although he competed in the PGA Championship at Oak Hill a week later, he wasn’t fully recovered. More setbacks followed in October of that year after the Ryder Cup when Spieth re-injured his wrist – this time while lifting a toaster at home. After several tests, doctors finally diagnosed ulnar nerve damage, providing him with much-needed clarity regarding his condition. “I believe that if I stay on top of this, I can structurally do what’s necessary to play my best golf again,” Spieth said optimistically at the time.

Now, after the successful surgery, the Texan begins the long journey back to his best form. It will be interesting to see how Spieth performs in 2025.

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PGA Tour

Tour Championship: What the Players Earned at the Season Finale

A year for the history books: Scottie Scheffler rakes in record prize money. (Source: Getty)
A year for the history books: Scottie Scheffler rakes in record prize money. (Source: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler’s 2024 season was one of the most successful of all time. The 28-year-old American put on a dazzling finish at this year’s Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club, securing not only the title but also the highest prize money ever paid out on the PGA Tour. With a final round of four under par and a total score of 30 under par over the week, Scheffler left his competitors far behind. This victory marked Scheffler’s seventh triumph of the 2024 season, a feat unmatched since Tiger Woods in 2007.

The Leaderboard of the Tour Championship

Record Prize Money for Scottie Scheffler

For his victory at the Tour Championship, Scheffler received prize money of an incredible 25 million US dollars – the largest single prize money in the history of the PGA Tour. In total, the Texan has earned almost 62.3 million dollars from tournaments this season, which is also a record.

The total prize money for the 2024 Tour Championship amounted to an impressive 100 million US dollars, an increase of 25 million US dollars compared to the previous year. The prize money for the winner alone increased by 7 million US dollars compared to the last two seasons. In addition to Scheffler, other players also managed to earn considerable sums this season. Xander Schauffele, for example, who collected almost 20 million US dollars thanks to two major victories, as well as Rory McIlroy, Hideki Matsuyama and Wyndham Clark, who all took home more than eight-figure sums. Even players who “only” finished in the top 5 at the season finale were able to enjoy bonus money of at least 5 million US dollars. And seven-figure sums were guaranteed for the top 12. All 30 participants in the tournament received at least half a million US dollars just for qualifying.

The Prize Money at the Tour Championship

Position Player Score Earnings
1 Scottie Scheffler -30 $25,000,000
2 Collin Morikawa -26 $12,500,000
3 Sahith Theegala -24 $7,500,000
T4 Russell Henley -19 $4,833,333
T4 Adam Scott -19 $4,833,333
T4 Xander Schauffele -19 $4,833,333
7 Sungjae Im -18 $2,750,000
8 Wyndham Clark -17 $2,250,000
T9 Rory McIlroy -16 $1,608,333
T9 Hideki Matsuyama -16 $1,608,333
T9 Shane Lowry -16 $1,608,333
T12 Viktor Hovland -15 $1,000,000
T12 Sam Burns -15 $1,000,000
T14 Justin Thomas -14 $905,000
T14 Taylor Pendrith -14 $905,000
16 Ludvig Aberg -12 $795,000
T17 Robert MacIntyre -11 $755,000
T17 Matthieu Pavon -11 $755,000
T17 Patrick Cantlay -11 $755,000
20 Tommy Fleetwood -10 $715,000
T21 Keegan Bradley -8 $660,000
T21 Byeong Hun An -8 $660,000
T23 Billy Horschel -6 $615,000
T23 Aaron Rai -6 $615,000
T23 Tony Finau -6 $615,000
26 Akshay Bhatia -5 $590,000
T27 Chris Kirk -3 $575,000
T27 Sepp Straka -3 $575,000
T29 Christiaan Bezuidenhout 3 $555,000
T29 Tom Hoge 3 $555,000
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Live

Watch: PGA Tour highlights from round 3 of the TOUR Championship

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 30: Scottie Scheffler of the United States reacts to a missed birdie putt on the 12th green during the second round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on August 30, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The TOUR Championship, part of the PGA Tour, is currently being held in Atlanta, Georgia, at the East Lake Golf Club. This prestigious event boasts a prize pool of $25 million. The tournament has reached its final round, and today’s action has provided a clear view of the players contending for the top spots.

Scottie Scheffler from the USA leads the leaderboard with a total score of 197, having recorded a daily score of -5. Close behind in second place is Collin Morikawa, also from the USA, with a total score of 196 and a daily score of -4. Sahith Theegala, another American, stands in third place, having scored 199 in total with a daily score of -5. Xander Schauffele, also hailing from the USA, is positioned fourth with a total score of 205 and no change in his daily score, maintaining par. Sharing fifth place are Wyndham Clark from the USA and Adam Scott from Australia, both with a total score of 202 and 201 respectively, each recording a daily score of -3.

Today’s standout performances came from Shane Lowry of Ireland and Viktor Hovland of Norway, each finishing with a daily score of -6. Collin Morikawa from the USA also had an impressive round, recording a daily score of -4.

The TOUR Championship Highlights can be seen in a compilation video of today’s round, capturing pivotal moments from the final day of this key event in the PGA Tour Highlights series. As the final round concludes, attention turns to the eventual winner of this significant tournament.

With a grand prize on the line, the tension at East Lake Golf Club is palpable as players navigate the last holes of this championship course. The TOUR Championship Highlights serve as a testament to the skill and determination demonstrated by these top golfers in pursuit of victory.

show TOUR Championship Leaderboard

TOUR Championship: The PGA Tour round 3 highlights

About the PGA Tour

The PGA Tour is the largest American professional golf tour. There are 36 tournaments on the tour’s schedule this season. The tournaments mainly take place in the USA, but there are also some international venues over the course of the season. The signature events introduced in 2023 offer higher prize money and a smaller field of participants. There will be a total of eight of these events in the 2024 season. The four Majors and the Players Championship are also part of the PGA Tour. At the end of the tours season, the 70 best players in the FedEx Cup season rankings will play in a three-tournament play-off for overall tour victory and an extra 18 million dollars in prize money.

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Live

Watch: PGA Tour highlights from round 2 of the TOUR Championship

The TOUR Championship, part of the PGA Tour, is being held at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. The tournament’s prize money totals $25 million. Round 4 concluded with Scottie Scheffler leading the leaderboard with a total score of 131 and a daily score of -5, positioning him at a total of -21. Collin Morikawa is in second place with a total score of 129 and the best daily score of -8, resulting in a total of -17. Xander Schauffele holds the third position with a total score of 134, achieving a daily score of -7 to bring his total to -16.

In a tie for fourth place are Sahith Theegala, Wyndham Clark, and Adam Scott. Both Theegala and Scott recorded a total score of 133 with daily scores of -5 and -4, respectively, making their total scores -12. Wyndham Clark has a total score of 134 and a daily score of -4, also bringing his total score to -12.

The three players who recorded the best daily scores are Collin Morikawa with -8, Xander Schauffele with -7, and Scottie Scheffler and Sahith Theegala both with -5.

For those interested in watching the best moments of today’s play, a video compilation of the highlights from Round 4 is available, showcasing PGA Tour highlights. The TOUR Championship highlights provide an in-depth review of the thrilling finishes and remarkable performances from the players, as they vie for the prestigious title at the East Lake Golf Club.

show TOUR Championship Leaderboard

TOUR Championship: The PGA Tour round 2 highlights

About the PGA Tour

The PGA Tour is the largest American professional golf tour. There are 36 tournaments on the tour’s schedule this season. The tournaments mainly take place in the USA, but there are also some international venues over the course of the season. The signature events introduced in 2023 offer higher prize money and a smaller field of participants. There will be a total of eight of these events in the 2024 season. The four Majors and the Players Championship are also part of the PGA Tour. At the end of the tours season, the 70 best players in the FedEx Cup season rankings will play in a three-tournament play-off for overall tour victory and an extra 18 million dollars in prize money.