The upcoming year 2026 holds a lot of promise and uncertainty for the golf world. As the sport continues to evolve with innovative formats and new tournaments, players and fans alike are preparing for what could be an incredible season or, perhaps, a challenging one.
Golf journalist Peter Finch offers a heartfelt reflection on what has been a rollercoaster year in the world of golf. From unexpected challenges to remarkable moments, Finch’s insights provide a thoughtful look back at a season that tested players and fans alike.
If you want to stay active during the winter and not put your clubs away until spring, there are a few important rules and tips to follow—besides dressing appropriately. We’ve summarized the key points for winter golf.
During the colder months, golf course grounds are often wet, muddy, or even snow-covered. To protect the course while still allowing fair play, clubs may implement special rules like preferred lies.
This rule can be applied from November through March, allowing players to move the ball within a specified distance—usually one scorecard length—on closely mown areas, without getting closer to the hole. Always check with your club to see if this rule is in effect.
When preferred lies are allowed, players must mark the ball before lifting it and may clean it before placing it back. Incorrect application can lead to a two-stroke penalty or loss of hole. If the ball is embedded—partially below the surface in its own pitch mark—free relief is permitted in the general area, excluding bunkers, greens, penalty areas, and tee boxes.
If preferred lies are not allowed, clubs may still permit cleaning the ball. In that case, the ball can be marked, lifted, cleaned, and returned to the exact same spot.
If snow is present but the course remains open, players face unique conditions. Snow and natural ice can be treated either as loose impediments or temporary water, at the player’s discretion. If treated as loose impediments, they may be removed without moving the ball. If the ball moves, it must be replaced and a penalty stroke is assessed. Failure to replace it results in an additional penalty.
If snow is considered temporary water, relief may be taken at the nearest snow-free spot that offers full relief. This applies to the general area and greens. In bunkers, relief outside the bunker incurs a penalty stroke.
Always check
Tiger Woods makes his first appearance on the putting green after surgery, sharing putting tips with fans at the Hero World Challenge.
The putter may be the most important club in the bag—40% of all shots happen on the green.
Fancourt Golf Resort features three Gary Player courses, luxury accommodations and natural beauty in South Africa’s Garden Route.
The practice rounds before the start of the first major of the golf year are usually accompanied by countless spectators. The players are free to decide whether and how they take part in the practice rounds, but most of them logically take the opportunity to sound out the course once again before the Masters Tournament begins. As Augusta National, perhaps the most exclusive club in the world, is not always playable for everyone, even for the professionals, very few miss out on the chance of a dress rehearsal. And towards the end of the round, a special appetiser awaits that the players won’t miss, even without spectators.
The highlight of the dress rehearsal is the 16th hole. Here the players traditionally try to let the ball flit over the pond of the almost 160 metre long par-3 and then get up the bank onto the green. Martin Kaymer achieved an extraordinary feat in 2012: it felt like 25 taps over the pond and then in it goes! A hole in one of the “once in a lifetime” variety – and the crowd goes wild.
Jon Rahm performed this feat in November 2020 without a spectator – but the video went around the world.
.@JonRahmpga‘s skipping ace from the perspective of Masters champion, @PReedGolf. #themasters pic.twitter.com/S9pILNIMi0
— The Masters (@TheMasters) November 11, 2020
The fact that Rahm and Martin Kaymer have mastered such a shot is not surprising. But the question is how you can take an extra ten from your flight partner in the next round if you do the same to Martin Kaymer – well, perhaps at least as well. Kelly Rohrbach and Blair O’Neal show you how to do it in the GolfDigest service.
So: long iron or hybrid – the main thing is low loft – then open up the stance and the clubface a little and, most importantly, hit the ball first. Balls that are hit fat rarely make it over the water. A flat punch swing does the rest and before you know it, the reward is secured in the clubhouse.
Bryson DeChambeau explains the science behind it. The ball has to hit the water at an angle of around 30°, he explains. His theory: the spin of the ball creates a higher water density under the ball than above it. If the ball hits the water with enough force, it will then orientate itself in the direction of the lower water pressure and bounce back up.
Even a superstar like Tiger Woods has to adapt with increasing age and all kinds of health problems. In a short video on GolfDigest’s X-Channel (formerly Twitter), the now 49-year-old explains how he manages a consistent draw off the tee despite dwindling mobility. Tiger achieves the right-left curve (for right-handers) by adjusting the target line and the feeling of closing the shoulders slightly compared to the target.
Tiger Woods on how he hits a draw. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/iBvv1Ycvnm
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) February 24, 2025
In October, Luke Donald made his way to Sea Island for a video session featuring the Mizuno Pro 245 iron. Little did he know, this gathering would actually mark a turning point. Following the shoot, Luke expressed interest in acquiring a full set of the 245’s, a decision influenced not only by the allure of extra distance but also by the comprehensive package offered by these irons. Of particular importance was the control over trajectory, a test the 245’s passed with flying colors. Luke’s choice to opt for the most forgiving model made quite an impression, especially considering his initial reservations. It was a moment captured on film, marking the beginning of a notable journey with the Mizuno Pro irons.
Two weeks ago, Bryson DeChambeau underwent surgery on his left hand, and now he’s back on the golf course. But even “The Hulk” has not made a miraculous recovery after this short time, but uses an unusual technique to hit a few balls despite his handicap. On the video platform TikTok, he presents his attempts at a one-armed golf swing – with success, mind you. As unusual as it may seem at first, the exercise makes perfect sense.
First, DeChambeau posted a video from the driving range on Monday. You can see (of course) a drive of the longhitter, including the spin of the club after the shot.
But that was not the end of the story for DeChambeau. Together with former NFL kicker Josh Scobee, they went out for a round of golf and there, too, DeChambeau showed that you can also make up a few yards with just your right hand. His teammate’s comment: “No big deal, just Bryson DeChambeau hitting the ball one-handed past our group.”
Regardless of whether it is forced or voluntary, it makes sense to play one-handed strokes from time to time. Due to the lack of support from the second hand, the muscle groups are used more during the stroke and the swing movement occurs more consciously. In addition, the stability in the core of the body is strengthened and due to the higher strain on the muscles, the strength training for more length is also included. To train on the range with this technique you don’t need any special equipment, just a golf club and a few balls.
To start, it should be a short iron. With this iron, you first make a few practice swings with the right hand and focus especially on the movement of the shoulders, hips and back. A little tip: For more control over the club, you can grip a little lower than usual. Then follow up with a few strokes with the ball, keeping the unused hand on the hip or back. Repeat with the left hand before hitting a few balls with both hands and the normal golf grip.