Koepka’s suspension, Pereira’s retirement, McIlroy’s club list, Müller’s swing tips, and Williams’ golf classic. The year-end Back Nine.
Scottie Scheffler is just one title away from completing the career Grand Slam. With wins at the Masters, PGA Championship, and The Open in 2024, only the U.S. Open remains. The next opportunity? June 2025 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. Given his dominance on the PGA Tour, many believe it’s only a matter of time before Scheffler joins the elite group of Grand Slam winners: Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen. Bookmakers already have him as the favorite for all four majors in 2026.
Bennett Scheffler: A Grand Slam by Proxy?
While Scottie’s path to golf immortality seems inevitable, Golf Digest playfully posed a different question: When will Bennett Scheffler, Scottie’s young son, complete his own version of the Grand Slam? Of course, not as a player — he’s not even two years old yet. But as a spectator, Bennett has already witnessed two major wins in 2024. He missed the 2024 Masters due to his mom’s pregnancy but was present for the PGA and The Open. If Scottie keeps winning, Bennett could be present for all four majors by 2026 — a Grand Slam of memories before his third birthday.
Koepka’s Return, Pereira’s Exit
Brooks Koepka may be eligible to return to the PGA Tour in August 2026, pending reapplication after serving a one-year suspension post-LIV Golf. Taylor Gooch will captain Smash GC in his place. Meanwhile, Mito Pereira has announced his retirement from professional golf at age 30, choosing to focus on family life in Chile. Sergio Garcia, on the other hand, has extended his LIV Golf contract and added Luis Masaveu to his all-Spanish Fireballs GC team.
McIlroy’s Club Memberships and Other Year-End Highlights
Rory McIlroy is a member of 18 golf clubs worldwide, including Holywood GC, Royal & Ancient St Andrews, and the exclusive Seminole GC — where he also covers the membership for his father. Other year-end highlights include Thomas Müller giving golf swing lessons during a basketball game, NFL safety Julian Love gifting luxury golf gear to teammates, and TaylorMade’s annual holiday commercial. And to wrap it all up, Robin Williams’ legendary take on the origins of golf reminds us to laugh and enjoy the game in 2026.