As discussions continue between the PGA Tour and the proposed LIV Golf league, professional golfer Graeme McDowell remains optimistic about the future of the sport. With the potential for new opportunities and changes on the horizon, McDowell is excited about what’s to come.
In a recent interview, McDowell expressed his confidence in the resilience of golf and the ability of the sport to adapt and evolve. He believes that the ongoing talks between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf could lead to exciting developments that benefit both players and fans.
McDowell’s positive outlook serves as a reminder that even in times of uncertainty, there is always room for growth and innovation in the world of golf. As negotiations continue, players and fans alike can look forward to a future that is full of possibilities.
Stay tuned for more updates on the PGA Tour-LIV Golf talks and the potential impact on the world of golf. Graeme McDowell’s upbeat attitude is a testament to the bright future that lies ahead for the sport.
Added one more, “Dressing like John Fetterman should not be an option for professional golfers on the tour. Frankly, it should not be an option for any golfers playing at Pebble Beach.”
Day entered the day seven strokes back of leader Sepp Straka – the crowded leader board also features Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, Tom Kim, Lucas Glover and Cam Davis.
Jason Day hits his second shot on the fourth hole during the final round of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am.(Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)
The former World No. 1 has one win within the last seven years, taking home the 2023 Byron Nelson – he won eight events from February 2015 through May of the next year, including the PGA Championship and Players Championship.
PGA star Jason Day caused a social media uproar at Pebble Beach when he showed up to practice in a pair of baggy sweatpants, sparking comparisons to Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman’s signature style.
Day, known for his sleek and polished on-course attire, surprised fans and fellow players alike with his casual and laid-back look. The contrast between his usual crisp polo shirts and slacks and the oversized sweats left many wondering if this was a new fashion statement or simply a one-time deviation from the norm.
The comparison to Fetterman, who is often seen sporting work boots, cargo shorts, and a simple t-shirt, was not lost on Twitter users. Some joked that Day must be taking style tips from the politician, while others praised him for breaking away from the traditional golf attire and embracing a more relaxed approach.
Regardless of the reason behind Day’s fashion choice, one thing is for sure – he certainly got people talking. Only time will tell if this was a one-time experiment or the beginning of a new trend on the PGA Tour.
Rory McIlroy is cutting down the number of times he will play in 2025—and for the sport’s health, he feels the PGA Tour should do the same.
“I think 47 or 50 tournaments a year is definitely too many,” the 35-year-old said Tuesday ahead of his season debut at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Ratings and interest in the sport appears to be waning. The first reason could be that the professional game is fractured, and McIlroy said that he “would like to think that something happens pretty soon” regarding the framework agreement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. However, there have been other initiatives to drive viewership in golf, such as the TGL and YouTube influencers.
But it has created a saturated golf landscape.
“I think (the golf ecosystem) already has been diminished,” McIlroy said. “I would say yeah, look, the one thing about TGL’s only going to last two months. You get this sort of big burst of it in January, February and a little bit of March, then it’s done. It’s gone for 10 months basically. I would say that is hopefully somewhat additive to the ecosystem.
“YouTube is like golf entertainment-adjacent, whatever. Those guys are killing it. They found a niche and it’s really cool and it serves a purpose for a lot of people.”
McIlroy, though, sees the pros and cons of all these forms of golf.
“Look, I would much rather sit down and watch real golfers play real tournaments and that’s just my opinion,” the Northern Irishman said. “That to me is more entertaining. But I understand that other people want something different and that’s totally fine as well.
“I think there’s space for all of this. Yeah, I can see when the golf consumer might get a little fatigued of everything that’s sort of available to them. So to scale it back a little bit and maybe have a little more scarcity in some of the stuff that we do, like the NFL, I think mightn’t be a bad thing.”
Even with several stars playing on LIV, McIlroy believes “the majority of probably the best players in the world are still” on the PGA Tour. Therefore, aside from playing less, he’s aware of other suggestions to improve the product, such as playing classic venues, speeding up the pace of play and more engagement with the fans, which Justin Thomas has lobbied for.
But that likely won’t happen overnight. So if people don’t want to watch what the sport currently has to offer, McIlroy is fine with that.
“There’s a lot of things about golf that are very different than other sports, but I think that’s what makes it unique,” the four-time major champion said. “I don’t think we should try to dumb down golf to appeal to more people.
“Golf is golf at the end of the day. It’s been this way for hundreds of years. I really like the way golf is and I think a lot of other people do, too, but I still understand the critiques of how the entertainment product could get better. It’s a multifaceted thing and I think pace of play is one thing. Player accessibility and all that, that’s what we’re talking about, but it takes a while to put that sort of ball into motion.
“These are all the things that have been getting kicked around. But like first and foremost we’re professional golfers, we want to go out there and shoot the best score possible that we can and try to beat each other. Hopefully, people find that entertaining, and if not, then I don’t know what to tell them.”
Rory McIlroy, one of the top golfers in the world, recently made a suggestion that has sparked some debate among golf fans and professionals. In a recent interview, McIlroy expressed his belief that the PGA Tour should consider playing fewer events in order to preserve the integrity of the sport in what he called a “diminished” golf ecosystem.
McIlroy pointed out that the current schedule of events, with tournaments taking place nearly every week throughout the year, can be exhausting for players and may lead to a decrease in the overall quality of play. He argued that by reducing the number of events, players would have more time to rest and prepare for the tournaments they do play in, ultimately leading to better performances on the course.
While some may see McIlroy’s suggestion as controversial, others have supported his stance, noting that a more condensed schedule could help to increase the prestige of each individual event and create more excitement for fans.
As the PGA Tour continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of professional golf, it will be interesting to see if McIlroy’s idea gains traction and leads to any changes in the schedule. In the meantime, fans can look forward to watching McIlroy and other top players compete in the many events on the PGA Tour calendar.
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Rory McIlroy, PGA Tour, golf ecosystem, professional golf, tournament schedule, player perspective, golf industry, competitive balance, scheduling concerns
Lucas Glover has had a tremendous career as a professional golfer with 6 PGA Tour titles. The 2009 U.S. Open Championship winner almost managed to get back-to-back PGA Tour wins in late 2024. The 45-year-old has been on a fine run despite failing to win a title. He has been performing extremely well and that has helped him maintain his position in the top 60 of the OWGR rankings.
Throughout this time, there have been a few people in his life who have always had his back. One of them is his wife; Krista Glover. The two have been married since 2012 and Krista has been supporting her husband through all the ups and downs of his career.
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Another support channel for Lucas Glover is his on-course partner, Tommy Lamb. Lamb has been caddying for Glover for some time now. He was there when the PGA Tour pro won two titles in the same year in 2023 for the first time in his career.
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Glover’s biggest fans, supporters, and motivators are certainly his two children. His daughter, Lucille was born in 2013 and is 11 years old right now. Glover’s son Lucas Jr. was born in 2015 and is nearly 10 years old in 2025.
Lucas Glover is a professional golfer on the PGA Tour who has had a successful career with multiple wins under his belt. Behind every successful athlete, there are often support pillars that help them navigate the ups and downs of their career. In Lucas Glover’s case, his wife, caddie, and other key figures play important roles in his life.
First and foremost, Lucas Glover’s wife, Krista Glover, is a constant source of support and encouragement for him. She is not only his partner in life but also his biggest cheerleader on and off the golf course. Krista is often seen supporting Lucas at tournaments, and her unwavering belief in his abilities undoubtedly fuels his success.
Additionally, Lucas Glover’s caddie plays a crucial role in his performance on the course. A caddie’s responsibilities go beyond carrying the player’s bag and providing yardages; they also serve as a sounding board, strategist, and source of motivation. Glover’s caddie, Don Cooper, has been by his side for several years and has undoubtedly played a significant role in his success.
Beyond his wife and caddie, Lucas Glover also relies on a team of coaches, trainers, and mental coaches to help him perform at his best. These individuals work behind the scenes to ensure that Glover is physically and mentally prepared to compete at the highest level.
In conclusion, Lucas Glover’s support system is a crucial component of his success as a professional golfer. From his wife and caddie to his team of coaches and trainers, these individuals play vital roles in helping him navigate the challenges of the PGA Tour and achieve his goals. Their unwavering support and guidance undoubtedly contribute to Glover’s continued success on the course.
Golf isn’t just about patience and precision—it’s about making the right choices. The grip, the swing, the putts that roll just right—it all comes down to the gear you trust. Just ask former World No.1 Justin Rose, who’s worked with some of the biggest names in the game. Remember his 10-club deal with Honma during his World No.1 run? Or his time with TaylorMade, a brand beloved by golfers everywhere? Rose has tested it all. But heading into this season, he’s sticking with Titleist in his bag.
Now here is the thing, his last win came way back in 2019 at the Farmers Insurance Open. Yes, it’s been a long time. But with a fresh start and his reliable Titleist setup, maybe—just maybe—this is the year he turns it around. Let’s see where the equipment in his bag takes him this season.
Justin Rose has a Titleist-dominated bag
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Justin Rose’s bag is all about Titleist these days. Sure, he’s tested out a bunch of different brands over the years, but right now, he’s all in with Titleist. He uses GT3 driver from Titleist, paired with a Project X HZRDUS Black 60 TX shaft. This setup costs around $874, and it’s perfect for someone like Rose who loves low spin, precision, and being able to shape his shots. Now, while he trusts Titleist the most, TaylorMade is still part of the mix. He’s got two TaylorMade M6 fairway woods (a 15° three wood and an 18° five wood), which are a bit older but still going strong thanks to TwistFace tech, helping him straighten out those mishits. At $249.99 each, they’re a solid choice for him.
When it comes to irons, Rose has been with Titleist since 2024, using a mix of T100 (4-5) irons and 620 MB (6-PW), all with KBS Tour C-Taper shafts. It’s a combo that gives him the perfect balance of forgiveness and the ability to shape his shots. This set will run you about $1,163.75, but for a player like Rose, it’s all about getting that ideal mix for his game.
That covers his long game, but when it comes to his short game, his equipment is just as good.
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What equipment does Justin Rose use for his final shots?
When it comes to his short game, Justin Rose has got some serious tools in his bag. For wedges, he uses Titleist Vokey SM9 Wedges (52°) with a KBS Tour C-Taper shaft and a 56° with a KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 shaft. He also carries a Vokey SM10 (60°) with a Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 125 shaft. This setup costs around $159.88 and is all about giving Rose precision, spin control, and versatility—exactly what you need around the greens. The SM9 and SM10 wedges are pretty much the go-to for pros when it comes to spin control, grind options, and smooth turf interaction.
For putting, Rose sticks with the Titleist Scotty Cameron T-5 putter at $429.98. It’s made for players like him who like a solid mix of stability and that classic blade feel. While we don’t know too much about the Phantom X 5, we do know it’s a near-face balanced model with a precision-milled 303 stainless steel face. The aluminum sole plate and stainless steel sole weights make it one of the best mallet putters out there.
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And when it comes to the ball, Rose is using the Titleist Pro V1 Left Dot. Titleist says it’s made for players who want a more penetrating trajectory and lower spin off the tee, but still get that sweet feel and greenside control. At $49.99 per dozen, it’s the ball that can do it all.
With all this gear in his bag, do you think Justin Rose has what it takes to get back to the winner’s circle this year? Let us know in the comments!
Justin Rose WITB January 2025: PGA Tour Pro’s Golfing Essentials Unraveled
As one of the top players on the PGA Tour, Justin Rose’s bag is always filled with top-of-the-line equipment to help him perform at his best. Let’s take a closer look at what’s in Justin Rose’s bag for January 2025.
Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus
Rose recently made the switch to the TaylorMade Stealth Plus driver, which offers him increased distance and forgiveness off the tee. With its sleek design and advanced technology, this driver has quickly become a favorite among Tour pros.
Fairway Woods: TaylorMade Stealth
In addition to his driver, Rose also carries the TaylorMade Stealth fairway woods in his bag. These clubs provide him with versatility and precision on longer approach shots, allowing him to attack the pin with confidence.
Irons: TaylorMade P7MB
Rose’s iron game is one of the best on Tour, and his TaylorMade P7MB irons play a big role in his success. These muscle-back irons offer a classic look and feel, while still providing the performance and control that Rose needs to compete at the highest level.
Wedges: TaylorMade MG3
When it comes to his short game, Rose relies on the TaylorMade MG3 wedges to get up and down from around the green. These wedges offer him the spin and control he needs to make precise shots in tight situations.
Putter: Axis1 Rose Proto
One of the most unique clubs in Rose’s bag is his Axis1 Rose Proto putter. This custom-designed putter features a unique hosel design that helps him maintain a consistent putting stroke, resulting in more made putts on the greens.
Overall, Justin Rose’s bag is filled with top-quality equipment that helps him perform at his best on the PGA Tour. With the right tools in hand, Rose is always a contender to win tournaments and showcase his skills on the course.
Lucas Glover sounds off on PGA Tour pace-of-play problem with 9 fixes
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — Lucas Glover was bored on an airplane not long ago so he wrote down a list of ways to speed up play on the PGA Tour. On Wednesday, he shared that list during an episode of The Lucas Glover Show on SiriusXM PGA Tour Radio. Glover, alongside his co-hosts Mac Barnhardt and Taylor Zarzour. Glover has been outspoken about the Tour’s snail pace and how pace of play was used as an excuse to reduce Tour cards from 125 to 100 starting next season.
“Some of these seem small. Some of them seem big,” said Glover. “But I do think they are legitimate options that (a) should have been done before we cut 25 cards and (b) need to be done in the future no matter how many people play because PGA Tour players are just slow. We know this.”
Let’s take a look at Glover’s list:
Course markings: “Every sprinkler head should be marked, not by a Tour caddie that’s walking the course on Monday. This should be up to the Tour or the tournament, so that a caddie that gets in a weird spot or a player that gets in a weird spot isn’t hunting for yardage. That takes time.”
Distance-measuring devices: “They can only help. Not everyone will use them all the time but it sure would help given the option.”
Bunker rakers: “Every group needs a raker. Just like the Open Championship. Have someone in each group rake the bunkers. Proper caddies take a lot of time and do an unbelievable job, as they should and as they need to, but it can cause backups.”
Nohonorary observers: “Tour’s not going to like this but: honorary observers. Honorary observers are a couple people that the Tour puts in a group to walk inside of the ropes that probably work for the sponsor or are a guest of the sponsor. Guess what? They get in the way. They don’t know where to walk off of the greens, they don’t know where to stand. A lot of times the group behind is waiting on them.”
Scrap sign bearers: “Everybody’s got a phone, everybody has leaderboard access…. you don’t need sign bearers anymore. The feature is nice and it gives the kids a cool experience but they get in the way because they don’t know where to walk.They stand in the fairway and the group behind has to wait for them to walk ahead – give those same kids a tutorial on raking and let them be the rakers. Still have the kids there.”
Ban Aim Point: “Statistically, [Aim Point] hasn’t helped anybody make more putts since its inception on the PGA Tour. Statistics have borne that out. It’s also kind of rude to be up near the hole, stomping around figuring out where the break is in your feet. It needs to be banned. It takes forever.”
Eliminate golf carts: “There are way too many golf carts on the golf course during play. Easily, the number one reason players back off golf shots is because a golf cart is going by or a golf cart stopping. And usually, it’s for a good reason, they’re bringing water to put in coolers or they’re shuttling people. But there’s got to be a way to eliminate some of the carts. … the No. 1 reason a golf pro will back off a shot is a golf cart on the PGA Tour, I would almost guarantee it.”
Drop circles: “Every obstruction should have a simple drop circle. If you’re up against [an obstruction] or it’s in the way, drop [the ball] in the nearest designated area.”
Learn the rules: “This one is courtesy of Barnhardt, not Glover, but he said he’s guilty of this. “I’m so scared to mess up,” Glover said.Zarzour dubbed this the best “Get off my lawn” segment in the Show’s history and he’ll get no argument here. What do you think of Glover’s ideas to improve pace of play?
Lucas Glover, a PGA Tour professional, recently spoke out about the ongoing issue of slow pace of play on the Tour. In a candid interview, Glover identified nine key fixes that he believes could help improve the pace of play and make the game more enjoyable for both players and fans.
1. Enforce stricter penalties for slow play: Glover suggests implementing harsher penalties, such as shot penalties or fines, for players who consistently take too long to hit their shots.
2. Implement a shot clock: Glover proposes using a shot clock system similar to what is used in other sports, where players have a set amount of time to hit their shots.
3. Increase marshal presence on the course: Glover believes having more marshals on the course to monitor pace of play and enforce rules would help speed up play.
4. Penalize players for excessive practice swings: Glover suggests penalizing players who take too many practice swings before hitting their shots.
5. Encourage ready golf: Glover advocates for players to be ready to hit their shots when it is their turn, rather than waiting for others to go first.
6. Improve course setup: Glover believes that course setup can play a significant role in pace of play, and that courses should be designed with pace of play in mind.
7. Educate players on pace of play: Glover suggests providing players with education and training on the importance of maintaining a good pace of play.
8. Use technology to monitor pace of play: Glover recommends using technology, such as GPS trackers or shot tracking devices, to monitor and improve pace of play.
9. Involve fans in pace of play efforts: Glover believes that engaging fans in efforts to improve pace of play, such as through social media campaigns or on-course signage, could help raise awareness and create a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Glover’s suggestions offer a comprehensive approach to addressing the pace of play problem on the PGA Tour, and could help create a more efficient and enjoyable experience for players and fans alike.
Changes are a-comin’ to the PGA Tour. Here’s what the Tour had to say about the 5 biggest.
Luke Walker | Getty Images
On Wednesday at Pebble Beach, several PGA Tour executives met with a group of reporters — including our James Colgan and Dylan Dethier — to answer questions about changes coming to the PGA Tour. For months the Tour has been surveying golf fans for its “Fan Forward” initiative and now, they said, they’re ready to act. So what are they doing in what they called an “inflection year”? The Tour broke it into four categories. Dethier and Colgan run through their biggest takeaways below.
1. “Broadcast enhancements”
Dylan Dethier, GOLF senior writer: James, my biggest takeaway here was that the Tour at least knows your complaints about the broadcast. They know you hate how many commercials there are. They know you’re bored by tap-in putts. They know you like mic’d up conversations between players and caddies. (That one led to a laugh when Jordan Spieth was asked about it a few minutes after our meeting ended. “That was not directed at me. I think we have enough of that,” he said.) They know, in short, that you want to see more golf shots and more action. They also mentioned risk-reward shots and “consequential” golf shots — plus cut-line watch.
So now what? Now it sounds like they’ll try to change things for the better. Already they said they’ve practiced re-cutting broadcasts from 2024 using this research. It looks different. But I think it’s fair that we believe it when we see it — especially when it comes to the commercial load. What was your biggest learning here?
James Colgan, GOLF news and features editor: Well Dylan, I’ll say first that I’m impressed by the Tour’s thoroughness here. After an offseason dominated by headlines about drooping TV ratings and existential angst, the Tour enters 2025 with its largest-ever self-scouting report. More than 50,000 people responded to the “Fan Forward” survey, and (as a survey respondent I can confirm) no shortage of those answers involved potential fixes for TV.
Here’s the good news: The PGA Tour is proactively trying to fix golf on television in ways that will feel noticeable to fans at home. PGA Tour CMO Andy Weitz said the Tour is leaving no stone unturned in finding possible solutions, including literally focus-group testing various edits of pro golf tournament broadcasts to see which shot cadences resonate with fans. Based on what we heard, I think we’ll see leaner and faster PGA Tour telecasts in 2025 and beyond, with the possibility that sponsors could look to subtler forms of advertisement, marginally cutting down on the commercial load.
“I talked about sponsors being open to opportunities to be more additive to the broadcast,” Weitz said. “We’ve seen in recent years examples of that, where our partners have said, ‘We don’t want to interrupt.’ We understand that consumer behavior is changing, and that’s another place where we think we can test in ways that bring more live golf to our fans.”
The problem is that the big issues with the PGA Tour on TV might not be fixable with a survey or a shift on the margins. The PGA Tour’s TV rights make more than $700 million per year because networks get 18 minutes of ads per hour. The Tour is betting that a better 42 minutes of golf per hour will make the fans at home happier. And maybe they’re right – CBS’s transition into new leadership 4 years ago revolutionized their telecast and the public perception of it. But we haven’t seen enough proof (yet) that these fixes amount to more than a new coat of paint on a condemned building.
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Dethier: Okay, here we’re mostly talking about slow play — and honestly this is where this Q&A session directed most of its time and energy. A few highlights:
— Rulings really clog things up. The Tour intends to make more “virtual rulings” or at least get officials on the scene faster using its video review center back at Tour HQ in Florida.
— They’re going to test out rangefinders (distance-measuring devices, to get technical) beginning this year. Whether that’ll speed things up remains something of an open question, but Tour officials said they’re going to collect data at some upcoming events. The Zurich Classic was suggested as one example, but they didn’t get specific.
— There are just too many people on the golf course for things to flow. One quote that stood out: “slower players have been allowed to hide.” Next year’s reduced field sizes should help, as should their increased data collection.
— The Tour is finally considering naming and shaming. They know how long it takes every player on Tour to hit each type of shot. They’ve been handing out fines behind closed doors. And they’ve met with slow-play offenders to try to help them speed things up. But one tweak they’re considering is sharing that data publicly in the interest of greater transparency (and, theoretically, peer pressure).
James, what am I missing?
Colgan: You’re missing the biggest buzzword of our whole Wednesday: Average Stroke Time! The Tour said it has been secretly keeping this data for more than a decade now, but is considering opening up the books for the world to see the sport’s fastest and slowest players. Tour exec Tyler Dennis pointed out a few times that such transparency would bring the Tour “into line” with its sports league siblings.
Distance Measuring Devices (or, as literally everyone else in the world calls them, rangefinders) are an interesting pace of play solution, but as our pal Max Greyserman pointed out on the range, your golf is only faster with them “if you know how to subtract.” A worthy exercise, but I’m dubious of a silver bullet fix here.
As for the issue of enforcement, Dennis also said that fines and other punishments have been handed out “behind the scenes” over the last several years. I’m not sure I’d expect that to change under the new world order. I think the Tour hopes that between a more frenetic TV product and marginally faster/slimmer tournaments, golf fans will get what they need without needing to further offend the Tour’s players.
(An aside: I’m obsessed with the Video Review Center — and yes I’m giving it the title-case treatment. It’s actually sort of insane that it took a $95 million production studio for the Tour to have a virtual command center for rulings, but I’m glad it exists.)
Dethier: I’m not really sure what we learned about this but they did reference Justin Thomas’ letter to fellow players about guys raising their hands to help out when it comes to the broadcast. They also mentioned that for young viewers, someone’s “on-course persona” is incredibly important in forming a connection with fans. I know, I know — you could have told them that. But while the idea of walk-and-talks might connect a viewer to a player, having a player wear his heart on his sleeve is probably a simpler way to get to the same spot.
What else, James?
Colgan: Dylan, I was actually kinda shocked by this information. According to the Tour, in the all-important 18-34 demo, golf fans listed their three most important factors in assessing fandom as 1. On-course personality 2. Off-course personality and 3. Competitive success. In other words, young sports fans care more about entertainment than they do about winning.
The Tour is investing heavily in outlets that incentivize player personality (the TGL), but it’s a walking paradox for a corporate monolith like the Tour to own the means of player distribution. Young sports fans are almost universally allergic to the kind of image-conscious, overly sanitized content likely to be well-received within Tour HQ.
Rawness and realness would go a long way in reaching this audience, but there’s only so much the Tour’s (excellent) player content team can do. This strikes me as one area where the Tour should be open to outside help.
4. “On-site experience”
Dethier: Did we hear anything about on-site experience upgrades? I’m not being snarky here, James. I’m just not sure we really tackled this one.
Colgan: Yeah, only briefly touched on, but the universal agreement among the PGA Tour brass was that the competition is best with great players at great venues. As for whether the Tour would be willing to adopt the USGA and R&A’s forthcoming golf ball rollback that could allow it to attend new, great venues? The Tour’s higher-ups sidestepped the question.
“We’ve been closely collaborating with the USGA to understand it,” Dennis said. “That’s something that our board is keenly focused on, and we’re in the process of finalizing that analysis.”
5. “Format changes”
Dethier: I’m adding a fifth category because even though they didn’t specifically lay things out this way, this one seemed significant. James, the Tour Championship format could change very literally this year. It sounds like it could change dramatically, too. We’re talking match-play, bracket-style, big money. The data (I am now sick of that phrase) was clear that viewers want “consequential play” and that the competition “needs meaning” but that getting there still has to be an entertaining process. In other words, the idea of crowning the most deserving year-end champion may give way to a more entertaining finale.
Andy Weitz reiterated commissioner Jay Monahan’s statement from last month that “everything is on the table” and it does sound like they’ll continue to evaluate other formats and compositions. But for now the Tour Championship seems like the big one. James, is this a good thing? Are there other changes coming?
Colgan: Man, I think it’s a great thing. And I think the best piece of it is what Weitz said at the very end, which is that if there is universal agreement between the board and the players, a change to the Tour Championship could arrive as soon as this year. Expediency! Alignment! This is the kind of PGA Tour we’ve been looking for the last half-decade.
I like the idea of seeing Ryder Cup-style team golf at least once on the Tour calendar before the Ryder and Presidents Cups each year. I like the idea of match play-style competition to crown a season-ending champ. Golf is so much more than 72 holes of strokeplay, and the Tour finally seems to be recognizing that.
As for Weitz’s point about the Tour Championship needing “consequential play,” I’m with him! The Eagles might be about to win the Super Bowl with the third-easiest SoS and a cupcake walk through the NFC — does that make them unworthy champions? How about the Florida Panthers of 2023, who were NHL runners-up despite getting into the playoffs on a Wild Card spot?
The answer is no. Sometimes fluky stuff happens and the best competitors don’t win, but that doesn’t make a sport bad, or a playoff system flawed.
Dylan Dethier
Golf.com Editor
Dylan Dethier is a senior writer for GOLF Magazine/GOLF.com. The Williamstown, Mass. native joined GOLF in 2017 after two years scuffling on the mini-tours. Dethier is a graduate of Williams College, where he majored in English, and he’s the author of 18 in America, which details the year he spent as an 18-year-old living from his car and playing a round of golf in every state.
James Colgan
Golf.com Editor
James Colgan is a news and features editor at GOLF, writing stories for the website and magazine. He manages the Hot Mic, GOLF’s media vertical, and utilizes his on-camera experience across the brand’s platforms. Prior to joining GOLF, James graduated from Syracuse University, during which time he was a caddie scholarship recipient (and astute looper) on Long Island, where he is from. He can be reached at james.colgan@golf.com.
The PGA Tour recently announced that big changes are on the horizon for the sport of golf. These changes are set to revolutionize the way the game is played and experienced by fans. Here’s a breakdown of what these changes mean for players and spectators alike:
1. Premier Golf League: The PGA Tour has hinted at the possibility of a new Premier Golf League that would feature some of the biggest names in the sport competing in a series of high-stakes tournaments. This league could provide a new level of excitement and competition for both players and fans.
2. Schedule restructuring: The PGA Tour is looking to revamp its schedule to create a more streamlined and cohesive season for players. This could mean changes to the timing and format of tournaments, as well as a more balanced schedule throughout the year.
3. Fan engagement: The PGA Tour is focused on enhancing the fan experience, both on and off the course. This could include new technologies, interactive experiences, and more opportunities for fans to connect with their favorite players.
4. Sustainability initiatives: In an effort to become more environmentally conscious, the PGA Tour is exploring ways to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability within the sport. This could include initiatives such as using eco-friendly materials, implementing recycling programs, and reducing water usage on courses.
Overall, these changes are aimed at modernizing and elevating the game of golf to new heights. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and fan engagement, the PGA Tour is setting the stage for an exciting future for the sport. Stay tuned for more updates as these changes unfold.
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Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy will be consistent favorites in PGA Tour Signature Events in … [+] 2025. Eight Tournaments, dates, top player performances & odds with information you can bet on. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)
PGA TOUR
The second Signature Event of the year on the PGA Tour is the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in beautiful Malibu. Scottie Scheffler makes his 2025 tournament debut after winning seven tournaments last year including four Signature Events. There are eight Signature Events in 2025 with limited-fields featuring top players with increased prize money ($20 million) and FedExCup points (700 points to the winner).
New in 2025, each Signature Event following The Sentry has a minimum field size of 72. If necessary, tournaments use an alternate list from the next available player(s) in the Aon Next 10 standings.
The Sentry, Jan. 2-5: Plantation Course at Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii – Winner Hideki Matsuyama
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Jan. 30-Feb. 2: Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, CA. Defending champion Wyndham Clark
The Genesis Invitational, Feb. 13-16: Torrey Pines South Course, San Diego, CA. Defending champion Hideki Matsuyama (at Riviera CC)
Arnold Palmer Invitational, March 6-9: Bay Hill Club, Orlando, FL. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler
RBC Heritage, April 17-20: Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, SC. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler
Truist Championship, May 8-11: The Philadelphia Cricket Club (Wissahickon Course), Philadelphia, PA. Defending champion Rory McIlroy (Quail Hollow, previous Wells Fargo Championship)
The Memorial Tournament, May 29-June 1: Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, OH. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler
Travelers Championship, June 19-22: TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, CT. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler
The Genesis Invitational, the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Memorial Tournament will have a 36-hole cut to the top 50 and ties as well as anyone within 10 shots of the lead. Those three “player hosted” signature events including Tiger Woods at the Genesis and Jack Nicklaus at the The Memorial, will payout a larger portion of the prize pool to the winner – $4 million.
Penn Entertainment, the operator of ESPN BET, is launching a live betting stream on PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+. The ESPN BET branded stream will provide key data, insights and live betting analysis during coverage of six marquee FedExCup events across the 2025 PGA TOUR season, including three Signature Events.
ESPN BET joins FanDuel as an official betting operator of the PGA Tour. FanDuel is the official golf odds provider for the tour’s official app and website, and the pair collaborate through social media and digital channels primarily, with FanDuel advertising odds on PGA Tour official accounts.
Top Players And Performances
The FedExCup Standings and Official World Golf Ranking will change each week, and some players will move into Signature Event fields as they move up towards the top 30-50 in the standings.
Here are some of the top golfers to watch in the Signature Events with past performances and top players odds from last year’s events (updated odds week of tournament), courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook and their house rules for golf. You’ll be able to compare players odds from last year to this year and review data golf live tournament strokes gained stats.
Additional performance charts will be added in the weeks and months ahead along with data provided by GolfStats for the final four Signature Events plus other previews, stats and golf odds from FanDuel Sportsbook.
AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
+450: Scottie Scheffler (+800 last year) – T6 (2024)
+1100: Rory McIlroy (+800 last yr) – T66 (2024)
+1200: Colin Morikawa (+2000 last yr) – T14 (2024)
+1400: Justin Thomas (+2200 last yr) – T6 (2024)
+1800: Patrick Cantlay (+2000 last yr) – T11 (2024), T4, T3, T11
+1800: Ludvig Aberg (+3000 last yr) – 2nd (2024)
+2000: Hideki Matsuyama (+8000 last yr) – T71 (2024)
+2500: Sungjae Im (+4000 last yr) – T66 (2024)
+2800: Tommy Fleetwood (+3500 last yr) – T31 (2024)
+3300: Jason Day (+5500 last yr) – T6 (2024), T24, T7, 4, T4, T2
+3500: Wyndham Clark (+6000 last yr) – Winner (2024), T18
+3500: Sam Burns (+4000 last yr) – T10 (2024)
+4000: Beau Hossler (+6000 last yr) – T14 (2024), T11, T3
+4500: Shane Lowry – 5x prior to 2020, best T14
+5000: Tom Kim (+6000 last yr) – T37 (2024)
+5000: Maverick McNealy – T39 (2024), T33, 2, T5
+5000: Corey Conners (+10000+ last yr) – T31 (2024)
+5000: Taylor Pendrith – T7 (2023)
+5000: Keegan Bradley (+8000 last yr) – T11 (2024)
+5000: Sepp Straka – T23 (2024)
+5000: Will Zalatoris – T55 (2021)
+5000: Viktor Hovland (+1200 last yr) – T58 (2024), T13
+5500: Russell Henley (+5500 last yr) – T58 (2024)
+6000: Tony Finau (+4000 last yr) – T47 (2024)
+6000: Jordan Spieth – T39 (2024), T63, 2, T3, T9
+8000: Max Homa (+1600 last yr) – T66 (2024), T7, T14, T10
Recent champions of the Pebble Beach Pro-Am include Wyndham Clark (2024), Justin Rose (2023), Tom Hoge (2022), Daniel Berger (2021) and Nick Taylor (2020).
Matt Fitzpatrick (+4000 last yr) – Cut (2024), T5, T30
Nicolai Højgaard (+5500 last yr) – T39
Tom Kim (+5500 last yr) – T44 (2024), T45
Nick Taylor – DNS (2024), T20, T33
Jordan Spieth (+2800 last yr) – DQ (2024)
Tiger Woods (+15000 last yr) Withdrew (2024)
Recent champions of The Genesis Invitational include Hideki Matsuyama (2024), Jon Rahm (2023), Joaquín Niemann (2022), Max Homa (2021), Adam Scott (2020).
Jordan Spieth (+2200 last yr) – T30 (2024), T4, T4
Sepp Straka (> 10000 last yr) – T57 (2024)
Harris English (+5500 last yr) – T21 (2024), T2, T26, T9
Nick Taylor (> +10000) – T12 (2024)
Tom Kim – T30 (2024), T34
Matt Fitzpatrick (+3500 last yr) – Cut (2024)
Byeong Hun An (+4500 last yr) – T8 (2024), T43, T56, T10, T14
Min Woo Lee (+4000 last yr) – T44 (2024)
RBC Heritage
Scottie Scheffler (+450 last year) – Win (2024)
Rory McIlory (+1200 last yr) – T33 (2024)
Xander Schauffele (+1200 last yr) – T18 (2024)
Justin Thomas (+4500 last year) – T5 (2024)
Patrick Cantlay (+1600 last yr) – T3 (2024)
Collin Morikawa (+1800 last yr) – T9 (2024)
Ludvig Aberg (+1400 last yr) – 10th (2024)
Sungjae Im (+8000 last yr) – T12 (2024)
Recent champions of the RBC Heritage include Scottie Scheffler (2024), Matt Fitzpatrick (2023), Jordan Spieth (2022), Stuart Cink (2021), Webb Simpson (2020).
Truist Championship
Rory McIlroy (+650 last year) – Win (2024)
Xander Schauffele (+900 last yr) – 2nd (2024)
Scottie Scheffler (DNS, 2024)
Collin Morikawa (+2500 last yr) – T16 (2024)
Justin Thomas (+2500 last yr) T21 (2024)
Sungjae Im (+6000 last yr) – T4 (2024)
Jason Day (+5000 last yr) – T4 (2024)
Sepp Straka (+5500 last yr) – T8 (2024)
Max Homa (+2200 last yr) – T8 (2024)
Russell Henley (+ ) – T8 (2024)
Burns (+3500 last yr) – T13 (2024)
Corey Conners (+6000 last yr) – T13 (2024)
Tommy Fleetwood (+2800 last yr) – T12 (2024)
Recent champions of the Truist Championship include Rory McIlroy (2024, 2021), Wyndham Clark (2023), Max Homa (2022, 2019).
Scottie Scheffler plays his shot on the 18th hole during the 2024 final round of the Memorial … [+] Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club, hosted by Jack Nicklaus in Dublin, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The Memorial Tournament
Scottie Scheffler (+360 last year) – Win (2024)
Rory McIlroy (+850 last yr) – T15 (2024)
Collin Morikawa (+1400 last yr) – 2nd (2024)
Xander Schauffele (+1200 last yr) – T8 (2024)
Ludvig Aberg (+2200 last yr) – T5 (2024)
Sepp Straka (+7000 last yr) – T5 (2024)
Sungjae Im (+6000 last yr) – T8 (2024)
Hideki Matsuyama (+4500 last yr) – T8 (2024)
Tony Finau (+6500 last yr) – T8 (2024)
Sahith Theegala (+5500 last yr) – T15 (2024)
Sam Burns (+5500 last yr) – T15 (2024)
Viktor Hovland (+1800 last yr) – T15 (2024)
Billy Horschel (+7000 last yr) – T15 (2024)
Si Woo Kim (+6000 last yr) – T15 (2024)
Tommy Fleetwood (+3500 last yr) – T20 (2024)
Corey Conners (+5500) – T20 (2024)
Recent champions of The Memorial Tournament include Scottie Scheffler (2024), Viktor Hovland (2023), Billy Horschel (2022), Patrick Cantlay (2021, 2019), Jon Rahm (2020).
Travelers Championship
Scottie Scheffler (+360 last year) – Win (2024)
Xander Schauffele (+700 last yr) – T13 (2024)
Collin Morikawa (+1200 last yr) – T13 (2024)
Tom Kim (+4000 last yr) – 2nd (2024 playoff)
Sungjae Im (+5000 last yr) – T3 (2024)
Justin Thomas (+4500 last yr) – T5 (2024)
Patrick Cantlay (+2000 last yr) – T5 (2024)
Tony Finau (+3300 last yr) – T5 (2024)
Wyndham Clark (+7500 last yr) – T9 ( 2024)
Cameron Young (+8000 last yr) – T9 (2024)
Shane Lowry (+8000 last yr) – T9 (2024)
Brian Harman (+4500 last yr) – T9 (2024)
Tommy Fleetwood (+3000 last yr) – T15 (2024)
Recent champions of the Travelers Championship include Scottie Scheffler (2024), Keegan Bradley (2023), Xander Schauffele (2022), Harris English (2021), Dustin Johnson (2020).
More golf and betting news, odds, stats and memorable moments with inspiring stories ahead. That includes in the top-tier tournaments and Signature Events plus the four major championships and The Players Championship, which is next month in March ahead of the Masters Tournament April 10-13 where the top players shoot for a Green Jacket. Watch each week as the PGA pros fire for more birdies and biggest prize pools in the Signature Events, and fans shoot for more fairways and greens in pursuit of profit while watching and wagering on golf.
The 2025 PGA Tour season is in full swing, with several signature events already underway and top players showcasing their skills on the course. Let’s take a look at some of the key tournaments and the odds of the top players performing well.
The Masters: The first major of the year, the Masters, is always a highly anticipated event. With players like defending champion Jon Rahm, world number one Collin Morikawa, and rising star Viktor Hovland in the field, the competition is expected to be fierce. The odds of these top players performing well are looking good, with Rahm and Morikawa both listed as favorites to win.
The U.S. Open: The U.S. Open is known for its challenging courses and tough conditions, making it a true test of a player’s skills. This year, players like Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Xander Schauffele are expected to be contenders for the title. The odds of these top players performing well are looking promising, with McIlroy and Thomas both listed as strong contenders.
The Open Championship: The oldest major championship in golf, The Open Championship, is always a fan-favorite event. With players like Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and Jordan Spieth in the field, the competition is expected to be intense. The odds of these top players performing well are looking good, with Johnson and Koepka both listed as favorites to win.
The FedEx Cup Playoffs: The FedEx Cup Playoffs are the culmination of the PGA Tour season, with the top players competing for the ultimate prize. With players like Tony Finau, Patrick Cantlay, and Cameron Smith vying for the title, the competition is expected to be fierce. The odds of these top players performing well are looking promising, with Cantlay and Smith both listed as favorites to win.
Overall, the 2025 PGA Tour season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with top players showcasing their skills and competing in some of the most prestigious events in golf. Stay tuned for more updates and coverage of the top players and their performances throughout the season.
PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. — It took only six holes for Rory McIlroy to make a splash in his season debut on the PGA Tour.
Playing in Thursday’s first round of the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, McIlroy aced the par-3 15th hole at Spyglass Hill Golf Course. With just 119 yards to the hole, the world No. 3 sawed off a wedge and flew the ball straight into the cup, rattling the flagstick on its way down.
“It’s such an elevated tee that the ball’s in the air and you know it’s on line but you don’t know whether to say go or sit or spin or release or whatever,” McIlroy said. “It’s sort of weird, you’re looking at it and you’re sort of watching where it might land on the green, and the thing just disappears.”
It was the second career ace on the PGA Tour for McIlroy, who made his first during the first round of the 2023 Travelers Championship.
“Honestly, it was lucky, I don’t see many balls nowadays go straight in the hole and stay in the hole,” McIlroy said of Thursday’s ace. “Pretty fortunate because it could have come out and went back in the water or do anything. It was a good swing, good wedge shot.”
The hole-in-one pushed McIlroy — who started his round on the 10th hole — to 3-under through six holes and near the top of the leaderboard in the early stages of the tournament. He finished his round with three birdies in his final four holes for a 6-under 66 and sits two shots back of Russell Henley‘s lead.
Prior to this week, McIlroy had not played on the PGA Tour since the Tour Championship in early September. He won once on tour in 2024 and finished second to Bryson DeChambeau at the US Open.
McIlroy said Thursday he played more golf, mostly socially, than usual between the end of the 2024 season and the beginning of this one, which has helped him feel more ready than usual at this point in the year.
“I’m maybe not searching as much,” he said. “I stayed pretty busy in that October period where I did a lot of swing work. Then I also played quite a lot of golf in December, which I don’t usually play, so I felt like that kept me a little more sharp.”
The last player to ace the 15th hole at Spyglass was Justin Rose in 2023. He went on to win the tournament.
Just hours after McIlroy made his ace, Shane Lowry followed suit and made an ace of his own on Pebble Beach’s iconic par-3 7th hole. The hole was playing 113 yards Thursday and Lowry’s ball landed short of the hole and spun right into it, sending Lowry and his playing partners into celebration.
As pointed out by golf statistician Justin Ray, Lowry — who also shot 66 on Thursday — now has three career aces on tour — at TPC Sawgrass’s 17th hole, Augusta National’s 16th hole and now Pebble’s 7th.
Rory McIlroy aces 15th hole at Spyglass Hill in PGA Tour return
In a stunning display of skill and precision, Rory McIlroy hit a hole-in-one on the 15th hole at Spyglass Hill during his PGA Tour return. The crowd erupted in cheers as the ball sailed through the air and landed directly in the cup, securing McIlroy an eagle on the challenging par-3 hole.
McIlroy’s ace was a highlight of his round, showcasing his mastery of the game and reaffirming his status as one of the top golfers in the world. The moment was captured on camera and quickly went viral on social media, with fans and fellow players alike praising McIlroy’s incredible shot.
After a brief celebration, McIlroy continued his round with confidence and poise, finishing the day with a solid score and setting himself up for a strong performance in the tournament. His ace on the 15th hole will surely be remembered as one of the standout moments of the event, further solidifying McIlroy’s place in golfing history.
Up next is the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, an event known for having to deal with pretty much all the possible elements Mother Nature can dish out.
In 2024, the final round was postponed to Monday and then canceled altogether Sunday night after a full day of high winds with more expected at the Monterey Peninsula. Wyndham Clark, the 54-hole leader, was declared the winner and while he did come back to the golf course Monday to collect his trophy and take some pictures, most of the images that people saw in the days that followed were of debris strewn about and trees knocked over.
It was the first time the tournament was shortened since 2009 when Dustin Johnson was the victor.
Weather forecast for 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
So how are things looking for 2025?
The PGA Tour released its weather forecast for the week and Thursday’s first round should have mostly cloudy skies and zero percent chance of rain. Come the weekend, though, and it’s looking like a 20 percent chance of rain all three days.
Good news on the wind, though, as it appears that it shouldn’t be anything like it was a year ago, with nothing more than 15 MPH gusts.
Low wind, slight chance of rain? We’ll take it.
The 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am is just around the corner, and golf fans are eagerly awaiting the action on the iconic Pebble Beach Golf Links. But what can players and spectators expect in terms of weather for this year’s tournament?
According to the latest forecast, the weather for the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am looks to be picture-perfect for golf. With sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-60s to low 70s throughout the tournament, players can expect ideal conditions for their rounds. Light breezes coming off the Pacific Ocean will provide a refreshing sea breeze, adding an extra challenge for players as they navigate the famous coastal course.
While the weather at Pebble Beach can be unpredictable at times, it looks like Mother Nature is smiling down on this year’s event. So grab your sunscreen and your favorite golf hat, because it’s shaping up to be a beautiful week of golf at one of the most stunning courses in the world. Don’t miss out on the action and tune in to see some of the best golfers in the world compete in the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am!
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