Tag: PGA Tour

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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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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

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: McIlroy Headlines Star-Studded Field in Houston

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

As the PGA Tour shifts from the Florida Swing to Texas, all eyes turn to Memorial Park Golf Course for the Texas Children’s Houston Open. The par-70 layout in the heart of Houston hosts one of the spring season’s key stops, offering a $9.5 million purse and a competitive field that includes defending champion Stephan Jaeger and world number one Scottie Scheffler. And Rory McIlroy returns to the event for the first time in over a decade.

PGA Tour Tee Times: The British Players

Danny Willett, representing England, starts his first round at 7:42 AM with Trey Mullinax from the USA and Mac Meissner also from the USA. For the second round, they will tee off at 12:52 PM.

Rory McIlroy opens his Houston campaign at 7:53 AM on Thursday alongside Americans Maverick McNealy and Wyndham Clark, with the same trio set to tee off again at 1:03 PM on Friday.

Harry Hall of England will tee off his first round at 8:37 AM with Mackenzie Hughes from Canada and Chris Gotterup from the USA. Their second-round tee time is at 1:47 PM.

Matt Wallace, also from England, starts at 1:25 PM for the first round with Gary Woodland from the USA and Matt McCarty from the USA. His second round will begin at 8:15 AM.

Aaron Rai from England tees at 1:36 PM with Adam Svensson from Canada and Seamus Power from Ireland. His second round is scheduled for 8:26 AM.

Paul Waring of England begins his first round at 2:31 PM alongside Jeremy Paul from Germany and Noah Kent from the USA. The second round will be at 9:21 AM.

Round Time Player Nationality Playing Partners
Round 1 7:42 AM Danny Willett ENG Trey Mullinax (USA), Mac Meissner (USA)
Round 1 7:53 AM Rory McIlroy NIR Maverick McNealy (USA), Wyndham Clark (USA)
Round 1 8:37 AM Harry Hall ENG Mackenzie Hughes (CAN), Chris Gotterup (USA)
Round 1 1:25 PM Matt Wallace ENG Gary Woodland (USA), Matt McCarty (USA)
Round 1 1:36 PM Aaron Rai ENG Adam Svensson (CAN), Seamus Power (IRL)
Round 1 2:31 PM Paul Waring ENG Jeremy Paul (GER), Noah Kent (USA)
Round 2 8:15 AM Matt Wallace ENG Gary Woodland (USA), Matt McCarty (USA)
Round 2 8:26 AM Aaron Rai ENG Adam Svensson (CAN), Seamus Power (IRL)
Round 2 9:21 AM Paul Waring ENG Jeremy Paul (GER), Noah Kent (USA)
Round 2 12:52 PM Danny Willett ENG Trey Mullinax (USA), Mac Meissner (USA)
Round 2 1:03 PM Rory McIlroy NIR Maverick McNealy (USA), Wyndham Clark (USA)
Round 2 1:47 PM Harry Hall ENG Mackenzie Hughes (CAN), Chris Gotterup (USA)

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PGA Tour

Players Championship 2025: High Prize Money for Rory McIlroy

The prize money at the Players Championship 2025. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy wins one of the most prestigious titles on the PGA Tour—along with an unprecedented prize purse. A staggering $25 million was up for grabs at the Players Championship 2025 at TPC Sawgrass, making it the richest regular-season tournament on the circuit. McIlroy will walk away with an eye-watering $4.5 million, while the runner-up collects $2.725 million and the third-place finisher $1.725 million. Even a top-10 finish secures a payout of at least $681,250, and those finishing as far back as 40th place will still pocket a six-figure sum.

Prize money at the Players Championship has increased dramatically over the years. When Jack Nicklaus won the inaugural event in 1974, he pocketed just $50,000. Today, that amount wouldn’t rank inside the top 40.

As always, the tournament is contested on the iconic Players Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. The layout is best known for its signature par-3 17th hole, where the island green has played a decisive role in countless finishes.

Check Out the Full Leaderboard of the Players Championship 2025

FedExCup Points and Career Incentives

Beyond the massive prize money, 750 FedExCup points are on offer for the winner, a boost in the season-long race to the Tour Championship. Before the tournament Sepp Straka sat atop the standings, but a strong performance in Sawgrass could dramatically shake up the leaderboard.

Victory at The Players also comes with long-term perks: a five-year PGA Tour exemption, a guaranteed spot in all four majors for the next three years, and an invitation to The Sentry, where the year’s tournament winners kick off the new season. The champion also claims 80 Official World Golf Ranking points, just 20 points shy of what the four major winners will receive this year.

FinishPlayerPrize Money
1Rory McIlroy$4,500,000
2JJ Spaun$2,725,000
T3Tom Hoge$1,325,000
T3Akshay Bhatia$1,325,000
T3Lucas Glover$1,325,000
T6Danny Walker$843,750
T6Corey Conners$843,750
T6Bud Cauley$843,750
9Robert MacIntyre$731,250
T10Collin Morikawa$656,250
T10Davis Thompson$656,250
T12Patrick Cantlay$556,250
T12Jake Knapp$556,250
T14Aaron Rai$418,750
T14Denny McCarthy$418,750
T14Tommy Fleetwood$418,750
T14Sam Ryder$418,750
T14Sepp Straka$418,750
T14Alex Smalley$418,750
T20Shane Lowry$240,250
T20Ryan Fox$240,250
T20Keegan Bradley$240,250
T20Joe Highsmith$240,250
T20Matt McCarty$240,250
T20Daniel Berger$240,250
T20Scottie Scheffler$240,250
T20Min Woo Lee$240,250
T20Max McGreevy$240,250
T20Stephan Jaeger$240,250
T30Russell Henley$163,750
T30Harris English$163,750
T30Will Zalatoris$163,750
T33Rico Hoey$136,250
T33Kurt Kitayama$136,250
T33Justin Thomas$136,250
T33Taylor Moore$136,250
T33J.T. Poston$136,250
T38Si Woo Kim$111,250
T38Justin Lower$111,250
T38Davis Riley$111,250
T38Taylor Pendrith$111,250
T42Hayden Springer$81,688
T42Matt Kuchar$81,688
T42Billy Horschel$81,688
T42Jesper Svensson$81,688
T42Mac Meissner$81,688
T42Tom Kim$81,688
T42Chris Kirk$81,688
T42Ryan Gerard$81,688
T50Beau Hossler$63,500
T50Jacob Bridgeman$63,500
T52Byeong Hun An$60,750
T52Sahith Theegala$60,750
T54Matthieu Pavon$58,250
T54Carson Young$58,250
T54Charley Hoffman$58,250
T54Camilo Villegas$58,250
T54Joel Dahmen$58,250
59Jordan Spieth$56,750
60Jhonattan Vegas$56,250
T61Trey Mullinax$54,500
T61Cameron Young$54,500
T61Sungjae Im$54,500
T61Will Chandler$54,500
T61Chandler Phillips$54,500
T61Austin Eckroat$54,500
67Emiliano Grillo$52,750
68Isaiah Salinda$52,250
T69Sami Valimaki$51,500
T69C.T. Pan$51,500
71Rickie Fowler$50,750
72Xander Schauffele$50,250
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PGA Tour

Who’s the Favorite to Claim the Players Championship 2025?

Players Championship 2025: Who's the Favorite to Win? (Photos: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler has dominated the Players Championship for the past two years. In 2025, he has the opportunity to make history as the first player to win three consecutive titles at TPC Sawgrass. But with a strong field set to challenge him, can anyone break his stranglehold on the tournament?

Scottie Scheffler: The Quest for a Historic Three-Peat

For the past two years, TPC Sawgrass has belonged to Scottie Scheffler. He cruised to a five-shot victory in 2023 and followed it up with a 20-under-par performance in 2024 to successfully defend his title. Now, he stands on the brink of a historic three-peat. However, unlike previous years, Scheffler enters without a win this season. His results—third at the Genesis Invitational and a top-10 at Pebble Beach—suggest he’s close, but not quite at his dominant best. A win at The Players would mark his first title of 2025—and reinforce his standing as the player to beat at Sawgrass.

Rory McIlroy: The Prime Contender?

Few players boast the pedigree of Rory McIlroy at The Players Championship. A past champion in 2019, the Northern Irishman knows how to navigate TPC Sawgrass under pressure. Recent course modifications—extended yardages and thicker rough—could play to his strengths, as he remains one of the best tee-to-green players on Tour. If anyone is poised to disrupt Scheffler’s reign, it’s McIlroy.

Collin Morikawa & Ludvig Åberg: The Next Generation

Collin Morikawa enters The Players in excellent form, though he has yet to secure a win. Yet, in 2025, he has found himself in the frustrating position of being consistently close, but not quite over the line. Runner-up finishes at Maui and Bay Hill, the best ball-striker on Tour this season – if he can close out a tournament, Sawgrass could be the breakthrough moment.

On the other hand, Ludvig Åberg is no longer just a promising young talent—he’s a serious contender. The Swede finished eighth in his Players Championship debut last year and has already claimed a PGA Tour victory in 2025. With expectations now higher than ever, the question remains: Can Åberg handle the heat over four grueling rounds?

Schauffele’s Window of Opportunity

Xander Schauffele has been close to lifting the Players Championship trophy before. He finished second in 2024, missing out by a single shot, and also recorded a runner-up finish in 2018. His consistency is undeniable – he currently holds the longest active made-cut streak on the PGA Tour – but the question remains whether he can finally turn those near-misses into a victory.

Sepp Straka: The Dark Horse

He may not attract as many headlines, but Sepp Straka has quietly built an impressive resume. A winner at the American Express Championship earlier this season, and a fifth-place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational propelled him into the world’s top 15. Could he be the dark horse to watch at Sawgrass?

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PGA Tour

Players Championship Tee Times: The World’s Top Three in One Group

The Players Championship Tee Times. (Photo: Getty)

When the best golfers in the world arrive in Florida, one thing is certain: It’s time for the Players Championship. TPC Sawgrass is set for four days of elite competition, with a $25 million purse, a world-class field, and a course that challenges even the greatest players. Scottie Scheffler has the chance to make history by becoming the first golfer to win three consecutive Players Championship titles. However, with Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele in his group, the tournament will be anything but a walk in the park.

Players Championship Tee Times: McIlroy, Scheffler & Schauffele in One Group

The Players Championship is contested on one of the toughest courses in the world – the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Tight fairways, deep bunkers, and lightning-fast greens test every aspect of a golfer’s game. And then there’s the 17th hole, the legendary island green that delivers high drama year after year. A perfect shot can shift momentum, while a mistake can end title hopes. In 2024, the course has been lengthened by nearly 70 yards, making the challenge even greater.

The tee times for the opening round have been released, and one grouping stands out: Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele will play together. The trio will tee off at 1:29 PM on Thursday from the first hole, followed by an early start at 8:24 AM on Friday from the 10th tee. And by the time they reach the 17th, nerves could be running high.

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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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Top Tours

What had to be proven: Trump is involved in the PIF deal

President Donald Trump. (Image: getty)
US President Donald Trump. (Image: getty)

Last week, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and Player Director Adam Scott were in Washington to talk to US President Donald Trump about the planned involvement of the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund PIF as a minority investor in the new PGA Tour Enterprises venture. Since the announcement of the framework agreement by Monahan and PIF boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan in June 2023, negotiations have been very slow and complicated, not least due to the expected objections from the previously Democrat-dominated US Department of Justice and the antitrust authority based there. The Donald, on the other hand (“The best players in the world should also play on a joint tour”), had already been touting in his full-bodied manner before his re-election that he would wrap up the deal within 15 minutes.

“When the leader of the free world spends his time playing golf, I am very happy. This game is important. It conveys values that this world needs more of at the moment. It brings us together and connects us with each other.”

Scott O’Neil, new CEO of LIV Golf, in an interview with Al Arabiya News

The Gulf Post has already pointed out several times that Trump’s relations with the Saudis and with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally, as well as the Republican dictate in the US government bodies, should be very conducive to an agreement. This is exactly what will happen. “We have asked the President to commit himself for the good of the sport, the country and all countries involved,” reads a statement issued by Monahan, Scott and Tiger Woods – also a player director. “We are grateful that his leadership has brought us closer to a final agreement and paved the way for the reunification of men’s professional golf.” That sounds like a very deep kowtow to the White House. And Scott O’Neil’s statement is better left uncommented …

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Uncategorized

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: 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)