Tag: PGA Tour

Categories
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.

Categories
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 …

Categories
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
Categories
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)

Categories
Top Tours

Rory McIlroy: Clear Message to Tom McKibbin – “I Wouldn’t Make That Decision”

Rory McIlroy shares his perspective on Tom McKibbin’s potential move to LIV Golf. (Photo: DP World Tour)

Rory McIlroy and Tom McKibbin – two golfers from the small Holywood Golf Club in Northern Ireland, whose careers could not be more contrasting. While McIlroy has established himself as one of golf’s all-time greats, McKibbin is still carving his path. Now, at just 22, McKibbin faces a pivotal choice: a possible move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour.

“He’s Giving Up A Lot To Not Really Benefit That Much”

“I’ve known Tom since he was, I don’t know, 10 or 11 years old. As soon as he got the offer, he rang me,” McIlroy said ahead of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

This call was unsurprising, as McIlroy has long served as a mentor to McKibbin. “We had a really good conversation, and I’ve talked to him multiple times over the course of December to sort of get a feel of what he was thinking and what he was going to do,” he added. McIlroy didn’t hold back: “I told him that if I were in your shoes, I would make a different choice than the one you’re thinking of making.”

McIlroy’s advice to his compatriot was unequivocal. For him, the drawbacks of switching outweigh the benefits. He highlighted McKibbin’s promising career trajectory and the potential he sees in him.

“I think working so hard to get your tour card in the States, which he really did to achieve that goal last year, was a big achievement. I think what he’s potentially sacrificing and giving up—with access to majors or a potential Ryder Cup spot, depending on how he would play—wouldn’t be worth it,” McIlroy emphasized.

A Career at a Crossroads

Despite his strong opinions, McIlroy made it clear that he didn’t intend to pressure McKibbin into any decision. “I’m not in his shoes. He’s a grown man at this point and can make his own decisions. All I can do is try to give him my perspective,” McIlroy said. Still, he admitted he’d be personally disappointed if McKibbin joined LIV Golf: “I think we all see the potential that he has, and I definitely think he can be a top-10 player in the world. But obviously his ranking won’t show that for the next couple years if he makes one decision over another.”

McIlroy’s LIV Golf Stance Remains Firm

While McKibbin reflects on his future, McIlroy is focusing on his game. As the defending champion of the Dubai Desert Classic, McIlroy is aiming for his third consecutive victory at the event, held at the venue of his first professional win in 2009.

Yet, LIV Golf continues to cast a shadow over the tournament. “What I would say is, there is still a ton of money to be made on the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour,” McIlroy remarked. “But at the same time, I feel like he’s giving up a lot to not really benefit that much, you know.”

Whether McKibbin will ultimately choose LIV Golf remains to be seen. But McIlroy leaves no doubt about his own stance: “At the end of the day, he has to make his own decision, and when he does, whatever way that goes, I’m always going to be a fan of his,” McIlroy said. “I’m always going to try to help him in whatever way that I can.”

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Scottie Scheffler still out of action

Scottie Scheffler still injured. (Image: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler still injured. (Image: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler, who already missed the PGA Tour’s first tournament of the year with The Sentry, is also withdrawing from the American Express, he announced on Instagram on Monday.

PGA Tour: Scottie Scheffler withdraws from American Express

“After consulting with my medical team, I have made the decision to withdraw from the American Express tournament next week to give my injury more time to heal,” Scheffler said on Instagram.

Scheffler had injured himself on Christmas Day while cooking Christmas dinner on broken glass and had to have surgery on his right hand to remove small pieces of glass. Following the injury, Scheffler’s manager Blake Smith spoke of a recovery period of “three to four weeks”. While Scheffer withdrew from The Sentry, he was still targeting The American Express to start the year at that point.

Instead, the two-time Masters winner is taking some more time to heal and has the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the second signature event of the year, as his next target. It takes place from January 30 to February 2. After an absolute 2024 season in which he earned the title of “Player of the Year” for the third time in a row, it remains to be seen whether Scheffler can continue his dominance on the tour.

Categories
PGA Tour

Scottie Scheffler Withdraws from Season Opener

Scottie Scheffler during the third round of “The Sentry” 2024 in Maui, Hawaii. (Image: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler during the third round of “The Sentry” 2024 in Maui, Hawaii. (Image: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler misses the PGA Tour season opener in Hawaii. The 28-year-old suffered an injury to his right palm while preparing dinner on Dec. 25. Scheffler’s manager, Blake Smith, said in a statement released Friday: “On Christmas Day while preparing dinner, Scottie sustained a puncture wound to the palm of his right hand from a broken glass. Small glass fragments remained in the palm which required surgery. He has been told that he should be back to 100 percent in three to four weeks. Unfortunately, he will have to withdraw from The Sentry.”

The US American will therefore not be able to compete at “The Sentry” in Hawaii, the season opener. The tournament takes place from January 2 to 5 on Maui, a Hawaiian island. The venue is the “Plantation Course at Kapalua” (par 73). Scheffler’s next planned tournament is “The American Express” from January 16 to 19, according to his manager Blake Smith.

Scottie Scheffler and his historic season

Scottie Scheffler has had a memorable 2024 season. He won seven official PGA Tour tournaments, including the US Masters and the Players Championship, where he became the first player ever to successfully defend the title. In August, he won Olympic gold and shed tears at the award ceremony afterwards. Scheffler was also successful in team competitions in 2024. With Team USA, he defeated Team International by 18 1/2 to 11 1/2 points at the Presidents Cup in Canada at the end of September.

As a logical consequence of all this success, Scheffler was voted Player of the Year on the PGA Tour (Jack Nicklaus Award) for the third time in a row. He is also the first player since Tiger Woods in 2009 to spend an entire year at the top of the world rankings.

Categories
Panorama

A Golf Year in Review 2024: The Emotional Highlights

The 2024 Golf Year in Review: Moments That Moved the Golf World. (Photos: Getty)

Golf in 2024 was marked not only by outstanding performances on the course but also by moments off the greens that highlighted the human side of the sport. From personal milestones to emotional victories, this year was filled with stories that went beyond birdies and bogeys.

An Alpine Fairytale Wedding: Martin Kaymer’s Personal Highlight

Martin Kaymer turned Castle Elmau in the Bavarian Alps into a picturesque venue for love and camaraderie. Celebrating with his wife Irene Scholz, Kaymer hosted a festive wedding ceremony two years after their private vows. Their son Sam, born in early 2022, took part in the festivities, carrying the rings in a touching moment. Fellow golfers, including Adrian Meronk, shared glimpses of the joyous occasion.

A Painful Loss: Grayson Murray’s Absence Felt Deeply

On May 25, 2024, the golf world was stunned by the tragic news of Grayson Murray’s passing. The 30-year-old, who had celebrated victory at the Sony Open earlier in the year, took his own life after a long struggle with mental health challenges.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan remarked, “We lost not only a talented golfer but also a unique individual. The Tour is like a family, and this loss affects us all deeply.”

Olympic Gold: Scottie Scheffler Reaches a Career Pinnacle

The Olympic golf event at Le Golf National became the stage for an intense final. Scottie Scheffler secured the gold medal with a flawless 62 in the last round, clinching the title with a decisive birdie on the 17th hole.

During the medal ceremony, Scheffler tearfully sang the U.S. national anthem as the flag was raised.

Bernhard Langer’s Final Curtain in Europe

Bernhard Langer, the German golf legend, bid farewell to European tournaments in 2024. Despite an Achilles tendon injury that nearly ended his season, the 66-year-old returned to compete in the BMW International Open, his last major European event.

The crowd honored Langer with standing ovations, acknowledging a career that spanned decades. Teeing off with Martin Kaymer and Marcel Siem, Langer reflected on the changes in the game, joking, “The courses are getting longer, and I’m getting shorter.”

Rory McIlroy: US Open of Missed Opportunities

The US Open 2024 at Pinehurst was supposed to be Rory McIlroy’s long-awaited breakthrough, nearly a decade after his last major victory. With a two-shot lead over the final five holes, everything seemed to be going according to plan. But the drama unfolded: two short putts, missed at the 16th and 18th holes, cost McIlroy the title. McIlroy left the course without comment and withdrew from public life for several weeks. Later, he admitted, “It was a tough day, probably the hardest of my career.”

Bryson DeChambeau: Major Win and a Path Back to the Fans’ Hearts

While McIlroy faltered down the stretch, it was Bryson DeChambeau who emerged as the hero at Pinehurst. With a spectacular bunker shot on the 18th hole, which he later called “the shot of my life,” DeChambeau secured his second US Open title after his 2020 triumph. The victory was not only a sporting milestone but also marked a remarkable image transformation.

Once considered a polarizing figure, particularly due to his involvement in the LIV Golf controversy, DeChambeau showed a new side in 2024. In his post-win press conference, he dedicated the victory to his late father and golf legend Payne Stewart, who won the US Open at the same venue in 1999. “I wanted to do it for them,” he said, tears in his eyes.

His behavior on and off the course noticeably shifted. He engaged more with fans and earned praise for his emotional display. The US Open victory thus became both a sporting and personal triumph, symbolizing the evolution of a player committed to change.

A Rising Star: Robert MacIntyre Triumphs in Canada

The RBC Canadian Open 2024 was a breakthrough moment for Robert MacIntyre. The Scotsman demonstrated nerves of steel on a tense final day to secure his first victory on the PGA Tour.

It was not just the sporting achievement that made the story special. His father served as his caddie and shared the defining moment with him. “This is a dream I’ve shared with my dad since childhood,” said an emotional MacIntyre.

Team Spirit and Karaoke: McIlroy and Lowry Win in New Orleans

At the Zurich Classic, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry showcased the power of friendship on the course. With a playoff victory, the Irish duo clinched the title, proving how much fun golf can be as a team. “Winning with Shane by my side was something special. We’ve known each other for over 20 years – it makes this success even more meaningful.”

The fun didn’t stop on the course: after their victory, McIlroy and Lowry celebrated with gusto, surprising fans with a karaoke rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Images of the singing duo with their WWE-inspired championship belts went viral, making their win one of the year’s most entertaining moments.

Categories
LIV Tour PGA Tour

PGA destroys LIV Golf: A showdown at Shadow Creek

The Showdown: Brooks Koepka and DeChambeau (LIV) against Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy (PGA) (Photo: Getty)
The Showdown: Brooks Koepka and DeChambeau (LIV) against Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy (PGA) (Photo: Getty)

It was billed as a clash of giants, but in the end the “showdown” between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour at Shadow Creek turned out to be a one-sided affair. Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy (PGA Tour) gave their opponents Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka (LIV Golf) no chance and showed who currently has the upper hand in professional golf.

Rory McIlroy’s: A picture-book eagle putt

Scheffler and McIlroy made it clear from the very first minute that they had arrived as favorites. Rory McIlroy, who was on top form right from the start, provided the highlight of the evening with an eagle putt over 12 meters on the fourth hole. “Rory’s start was important for our team,” said Scheffler, praising his partner. This gave the PGA stars an unassailable lead early on.

Rusty and outclassed: LIV remains without a chance

DeChambeau and Koepka, who had not competed since the end of the LIV season in September, looked visibly rusty and were unable to counter the pressure from their opponents.

The format of the match was divided into three segments: a six-hole four-ball match, a six-hole four-ball match and singles matches over the last six holes. Despite the different formats, the LIV players were not in the lead in any of the matches. In the four-ball, they were already hopelessly behind after just four holes, and Koepka also sealed the loss of points in the foursome with a three-putt bogey on the last hole.

The singles matches on the last six holes finally decided the outcome: McIlroy and Scheffler won confidently, and the match ended on the 16th hole – before the spectators even got to see the famous par-3 17th hole at Shadow Creek.

DeChambeau, who wore an oversized jacket against the chilly evening air during the match, was nevertheless combative: “I’d love to get another opportunity,” said DeChambeau. “It was a bit of a pillow fight for us.”

Scheffler and McIlroy’s victory earned them 5 million dollars each in cryptocurrency and capped off a successful year for both players. Scheffler had previously won in the Bahamas, while McIlroy had won the European Tour final in Dubai.

Categories
Panorama

Scottie Scheffler and the Spirit of Christmas: Money in Golf is Just a Bonus

Scottie Scheffler’s Hero World Challenge win brings Christmas cheer with triumph, faith, and heartfelt giving for a greater cause. (Photos: Getty)

Title defense? Check. Ninth victory of the year? Check. Another million dollars earned? Check. The opening story in this section rightfully belongs to Scottie Scheffler, who dominated the Hero World Challenge 2024 for most of the tournament—using a newfound claw grip for short putts, no less.

 
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an
 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von PGA TOUR (@pgatour)

This sets the perfect stage for what the 28-year-old shared in his media appearance before the event. When journalists pressed him for details on his conversations with the inactive host, Tiger Woods, during the Pro-Am, Scheffler was in a playful mood. “I think most of the time we just talk about money and how the purses need to be bigger,” he joked. “Today we really grinded on the Ryder Cup and how it’s just such BS that we’ve never gotten paid. Tiger was really frustrated, he feels like he hasn’t made enough money in his career. I feel the same way, I feel like last year I didn’t get paid enough for what I did. Mostly that, just a bunch of griping.”

 
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an
 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Golf Digest (@golfdigest)

The laughter wasn’t necessary to signal that Scheffler wasn’t being serious. Yet, when it came to the topic of money later, the devout Christian and good-hearted Texan turned reflective—and honest. “As far as I’m concerned, I don’t play golf for money. I’ve been playing golf my whole life for free and the money’s just a bonus. If somebody wants to pay us to come out here and play golf, that’s great, I’m not going to say no to it. I’m going to do the best I can in my community to steward that money well.”

It sounded like a Christmas sermon on the true values of the game and a tribute to its “Spirit of the Game.” Amid the greed often seen in professional golf and the obsession with money, one is inclined to believe the modest and grounded world No. 1. After his latest triumph in the Bahamas, Scheffler surpassed $30 million in prize money for the year.

A prime example of his humility is his trusty old GMC Yukon XL, which he’s driven since 2012 and is now auctioning off for pediatric cancer care. The arrival of baby Bennett prompted the realization: “I definitely drove it for too long,” Scheffler told Golfweek. Incidentally, the first bid of over $50,000 for the GMC came from CBS broadcasting legend Jim Nantz.

 
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an
 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Golf Digest (@golfdigest)