What an incredibly special day December 13, 2024, was for Rickie Fowler. For two reasons! It was the last time that his on-course partner, Lexi Thompson, would be opening the 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational before retiring as a full-time golfer on the LPGA Tour. Secondly, he turned 36. Thompson made his birthday extra special.
As both of them were all set to tee off on Friday at the Tiburon Golf Club, she brought him an orange cake. You know what that means for the 6X PGA Tour champion. The crowd sang happy birthday for him, making the day all the more memorable. Before he embarks on yet another year of golfing excellence, here are the top five moments from his professional career that stood out:
1. 2023 Rocket Mortgage victory
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Rickie Fowler bagged his fifth PGA Tour victory at the 2019 Waste Management Phoenix Open in February by defeating Branden Grace with a stroke lead. It had been four long years since he could clinch the trophy the next time, until the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic when the PGA Tour Pro finally made a much-awaited comeback.
On Sunday, he began the round with an already established lead and solidified his stance by ceasing an impressive round of three birdies in the first seven holes. He hit the approach to the final hole to 3 feet and made the finishing putt before he holed a 12-footer on the same green. The putt that finally turned the tables for him. Before this, he was tied with Adam Hadwin and Colin Morikawa on the seventeenth hole.
“It’s hard to really put it all into words,” Fowler said afterward while holding his daughter Maya. “Obviously a lot of good stuff this year, and I’ve been playing some really good golf, so I knew it was just a matter of time with how I’ve been playing. I’ve had a couple of tough weekends where I had a chance. Winning is great, but there is a lot more to life than that.”
2. 2017 Hero World Challenge supremacy
The 2017 Hero World Challenge will forever remain etched in the hearts of every golf fan for being one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the sport. Rickie Fowler demonstrated an exceptional turnaround; he won the tournament by defeating Scottie Scheffler with a staggering four-stroke lead. He began the round by trailing behind seven strokes on Sunday.
USA Today via Reuters Jun 18, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Rickie Fowler stands on the eleventh tee during the final round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Los Angeles Country Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
Well, honestly, his chances of clinching the trophy looked rather thin. But he had to show his resurgence at Albany that year. In the front nine, he ended up carding a round of eight birdies and took over the tournament completely. And on the back nine, he finished with a course record of 61 to finally seal the runaway victory in the Bahamas.
3. 2015 PLAYERS Championship
One of the most memorable moments in Rickie Fowler’s golf career came at the 2015 PLAYERS Championship, held at the iconic TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. Known as one of golf’s fifth major tournaments due to its prestige and challenging course, it marked a pivotal moment for Fowler and his rise in the sport.
Fowler entered the final round of the tournament four strokes behind the leader, Sergio García, and was facing a formidable challenge. However, in typical Fowler fashion, he stayed calm and focused, managing to put together a thrilling final round. He shot a 67, including a clutch birdie on the 17th hole, the famous Island Green, which is often one of the most nerve-wracking holes in golf.
The drama continued down to the 18th hole, where Fowler’s steady play and nerves of steel saw him tie for the lead with Kevin Kisner and Sergio García. The three players went into a sudden-death playoff, and Fowler’s poise shone through. On the par-3 17th, Fowler hit a beautiful tee shot and managed to par the hole, while the other two faltered, ultimately giving Fowler his first PLAYERS Championship win.
4. Welcoming his two daughters
More than being a golfer, Rickie Fowler enjoys being a girl dad, at least that’s what he says. It is his ‘main job.’ Rickie Fowler and Allison Fowler shared the news of their first child in the summer of 2021. They shared a photo of the baby bump as Allison posed on the beach. “Reservation for November…Fowler party of 3,” Rickie wrote in his post. “Coming in November… @rickiefowler might find himself a little outnumbered,” Allison quipped on her account.
They finally welcomed baby Maya Fowler on November 18, 2021, and the couple could not be any more thrilled. Well, his job was doubled this year in August. Fowler announced the news on August 10 in the morning on Instagram, as Nellie joined her older sister Maya in what is now a family of four. “My family!! Right where I’m supposed to be,” Fowler wrote on Instagram. “Welcome to the crew, Nellie.”
5. 2023 Grant Thornton Invitational fan moment
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
At the 2023 Grant Thornton Invitational, Rickie Fowler invited a young fan onto the course to play a putting round together. PGA Tour shared the video and wrote,
“Dream come true. @RickieFowler brought a young fan inside the ropes for a putting competition at last year’s @GTInvitational.” This act of kindness highlights just how generous Fowler is, and it’s no surprise that fans adore him.
Even though Rickie Fowler has been having a not-so-good run this season, the PGA Tour pro remains a fan favorite! What are your thoughts on the 6X champion? Let us know in the comments section below!

The overall golf experience has been hindered since 2022. since LIV’s inception. There has been a rift between the PGA Tour and LIV as the two are just poles apart. The only time we see golfers from both leagues competing (not all though) is at the majors. Now, nobody is saying to allow the golfers to compete fully in the other league, but hey, some more tournaments of the best golfers competing together could not hurt. This is exactly what golfers are highlighting!
In a recent post on SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio, Lucas Glover shared his thoughts on “Should LIV golfers be allowed into Signature Events?” The short answer, per Glover, was YES! Glover shared that the signature event is a top-of-the-line event, and since many top talents like Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm are in LIV Golf, it does not quite provide fair competition at the Tour. Involving these big entities would obviously benefit the PGA Tour.
Sharing more on it, he said, “If we’re going to have a for-profit money-making organization, then we’re going to need those guys. And golf needs them too. At the end of the day, golf needs them.” He even said, “The best player in the world needs to be playing. But that shouldn’t limit only them.” Talking more about the benefits of having a strong field, Glover shared that limiting the players to 70-80 would “limit the drama and limit the overall competition.”He focused on expressing how more players could be beneficial for the fans and for the tournaments as well.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Earlier when the PGA Tour shared the solution to the slow play issue on the field, Lucas Glover criticized the move. “It’s terrible,” Glover told Golfweek. “And then hiding behind pace of play, I think challenges our intelligence. They think we’re stupid.” Instead of cutting fields, Glover suggested the Tour should tell players to play fast; “Tell us to play faster, or just say you’re trying to appease six guys and make them happy so they don’t go somewhere else and play golf.”
Glover’s criticism is not limited to the pace of play issue; he also aims at the Tour’s leadership, led by Commissioner Jay Monahan. “The fact that the PGA Tour is hiding behind the guise of slow play to change these field sizes… that’s complete cr-p,” Glover said. “Tour players, yes, you do affect the people you are playing with and the people behind you. That’s a selfish act. So, speed up.”
Everyone wants golf to be unified
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The distress between the two leagues has caused a huge experiential loss for the fans. The only tournaments where most of the top players from both leagues can be seen are the Majors. Everyone, including the players and fans, is vouching for the unification. Other than fans, sharing their views on social media platforms. Players like Rory McIlroy have also shared similar implementations. According to the news shared by the Guardian, McIlroy felt fear of golf being “fractured forever.” Even the chief executive of the DP World Tour, Keith Pelley shared that the unification is inevitable. He shared with the Sunday Times, “Whether it be in six months, a year, two years or 10 years, I think people are coming to the realization that a collective product is in the best interest of global golf.”
Now, as stated by Pelley, it is inevitable but is not going to happen anytime soon. There is a long road to cover before we see players from different leagues at one event. Coming to the signature events, a total of 8 events took place this season, which only featured the top performers of the PGA Tour. The same participation format will be followed for the 2025 season. The names could change, but they would only be limited to the PGA Tour. Do you expect LIV Golf players to participate in signature events as per Lucas Glover’s opinion? Does limited participation hamper the golfing experience according to you? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Jessica Korda made her first appearance on the Smylie Show and left a major impact on the fans. The 31-year-old has been heavily involved on the course even before the 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational began. She has been casting interviews, bringing exclusive content, and having a good time at the Tiburón Golf Club.
However, her appearance on the Smylie Show a few hours ago has raised many questions in the golf community. The topic of conversation has been the lack of viewership for women’s golf as compared to men’s golf. “It’s about the respect,” stated Korda as she pointed out how the LPGA Tour events have seen dynamic financial growth with nearly all events getting a lot of endorsements. However, fans are not giving them the same respect as men’s golf events are receiving.
Now, another LPGA Tour pro has raised her concerns about the issue as she shared her views recently. The person in question is the 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational leader Patty Tavatanakit. Tavatanakit and Jake Knapp had a splendid first round with a score of -14 going into the second day of the event.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
However, during the event, Tavatanakit and Knapp had a round of quick questions with the journalists. That’s when they were asked why such crossover events are important for the game of golf. Tavatanakit replied, “Like we work hard. If anything, like no offense, like just as hard if not harder than you guys,” pointing at Knapp before the latter agreed to the statement.
The LPGA Tour pro continued, ” That’s why I feel like a lot of us, like we take golf as like a part of us and just to watch the guys play, they don’t really have that tie to like them as a person.” She further added, “So I feel like, yeah, like we pour our hearts into the sport and just want to be recognized more and I feel like this event, like Grant Thornton Invitational, is just a great way to expose our love to the game and our hard work and everything.” Elaborating on how important it is for her and her fellow LPGA Tour pros to get noticed in such events, Tavatanakit stated, “Like we’re so dedicated to our job and we just want to do good and be as good as them, too.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Grant Thornton Invitational (@grantthorntoninv)
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
There is no doubt that the LPGA Tour pros are giving it their all and not just their male counterparts. Hence, they deserve so much more respect than right now. But why have such questions been raised more often recently? Let’s see what has changed in the past few months.
The LPGA Tour gets a reality check
The 2024 season for the LPGA Tour was quite amazing with higher viewership and a few record sponsorships. Things would have stayed that way and gradually grown bigger over the years. However, the events at the 2024 Annika driven by Gainbridge at the Pelican gave the LPGA Tour a taste of reality. While the pro version of the tournament was still quite successful and got a lot of viewership, the Pro-Am event is what gained the most attention.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
One major reason behind that was the involvement of Caitlin Clark, the WNBA star who has had a major influence in women’s sports ever since she turned pro. The young starlet was paired with Nelly Korda and Annika Sorenstam for the event, but it was the golf pros who were left in awe of Clark. In fact, the world no. 1 was also quoted saying “How amazing of an influence she is just for sports was really cool to see firsthand today.” This situation also raised some questions about how the LPGA Tour can attract this kind of attention without needing the assistance of such mega-star cross-sport events.
What do you think women’s golf can do to gain the same level of respect and viewership as men’s golf? Share your views in the comments section.

The controversy between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour is far from done, but there is good news for the fans with a step closer to unification. After the arrival of LIV Golf, the players were divided and only a handful of events featured players from both leagues. But not anymore, as ‘The Showdown’ will bring in the best of LIV Golf and the PGA Tour to the fans. Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy (PGA Tour) as a team will be playing against Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka (LIV Golf).
Apart from the negotiations going on between the leagues regarding the merger, this is a step closer to seeing the top players teeing off together at the same event. Thanks to all the efforts made by Rory McIlroy, as his persistent approach to get the media release to play at ‘The Showdown’. Though this is the first edition, only four players will be part of this event. However, this great start could bring in change for centuries.
Irrespective of the restriction and broadcasting rights issue for the PGA players, fans can get live coverage at TNT Sports on December 17, 2024. The event will take place at the Shadow Creek Golf Club in Las Vegas. However, the teeing time has not been updated till now, but will soon be shared. As per the rumors, the event will take place early afternoon local time.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
via Imago Image Credits: IMAGO
With the similar format of the Masters Tournament, it will be a delight for the fans to watch their favorite players. The event will follow a match-play format over 18 holes. Unlike stroke play, match play is different to score and play. The teams will compete against each other and the winner of that hole will take a point. With high hopes for this match, Brooks Koepka talking about it shared, “I think this is a great showcase for bringing the two tours a bit together and I think we’re going to do [more] next year.” This could truly get the leagues closer. Moreover, the match has a whopping prize pot to offer along with a huge fanbase eager to see the two league players tee off.
The prize pot for The Showdown 2024
The best of LIV Golf and the PGA Tour featuring the Match is long-awaited for the fans. But what’s more interesting is the prize pot that the event has. Expecting a huge prize pot at bigger events was not new but for the first edition of ‘The Showdown’, $10 million is massive. In addition to it, the prize money will be entirely in cryptocurrency, unlike the other tournaments.
The winner will be getting the multi-million-dollar prize in CRO, the token of Crypto.com, which is the official sponsor of the match. The prize money exceeds most of the PGA Tour events. Fans waited to see this for a long time, and now just await it with just weeks to go. Who are you supporting for ‘The Showdown’? Can this match bring the merger deal closer to an end? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Jake Knapp is undoubtedly the rising golf star who’s got everyone talking. But behind every great athlete is a supportive family, and Knapp’s is no exception. His parents, Robert and Jennifer, have been his biggest fans from day one, cheering him on at every tournament and encouraging him to chase his dreams. Not many know but the golfer grew up in Costa Mesa, California and Knapp’s love for the sport was nurtured by his family, particularly his father, who was an avid golfer himself.
As Knapp’s career has taken off, his parents have been there every step of the way and it’s only fair we learn about them as the golfer reaches more highs in his life.
Jake Knapp’s support system
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The Knapp family is a tight-knit one and I don’t say that lightly. They live in Scottsdale, Arizona, with Knapp and his sibling, Ryan. As the young star continues to rise, his family remains his rock. They’re always there to offer support even on the busiest days and that’s how Knapp knows he can count on them no matter what.
Oh, did I mention that Robert runs a busy real estate business, while Jennifer works as a wedding coordinator and event organizer? Yes, Knapp’s parents are full-time workers but no matter how hectic their schedules get, they always make time for their son.
Knapp often talks about how much his loved ones mean to him and I’m sure you all have heard him. His recent win at the Mexican Open was proof enough of how much his family means to him. What? You don’t know what happened? Well, the golfer dedicated the win as a beautiful tribute to his late grandfather, Gordon, who passed away last year.
Gordon Bowley was his great-maternal grandfather and was also a well-known figure in the golf scene, which further proves that the athletic nature runs in the family. So, I guess it’s safe to say that the apple really didn’t fall that far from the tree. The golf genes have worked their wonders, and Knapp’s well on his way to becoming one of the most successful golfers of his generation.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bob Knapp (@bobknappca)
But what about Knapp’s parent’s relationship with each other? Well, I don’t want to say much but it sure feels like a fairy tale.
Robert Knapp is setting the standard
Robert Knapp’s love for his wife Jennifer is the kind that makes you believe in fairy tales. This adorable couple has been together for 35 incredible years, and their love just keeps getting stronger. (Warning: This relationship may set the bar pretty high.) So let’s start shall we?
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
For starters, to celebrate their milestone anniversary in 2023, Robert shared a breathtakingly romantic vintage photo of the two of them stealing a kiss in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The picture is pure magic capturing the essence of their enduring love and the youthfulness of the 90s.
And what’s even more adorable was Robert’s caption. “35 years goes by in the blink of an eye! So glad you’ve kept my eyes wide open to all that is good in life! Happy Anniversary Jennifer! Always remember.” Want to say a big awww, don’t you? Well, so did I! But don’t run out of your awwws just yet because this is just the beginning. Robert’s love for Jennifer isn’t just a nostalgic feeling; it’s a living, breathing thing that grows stronger with each passing day, and you’ll know how soon enough.
On Jennifer’s recent birthday, Robert took to social media to express his admiration and love for her. His message was equally funny and loving, “Happy Birthday to my amazing wife Jennifer Knapp! Now, as you celebrate the umpteenth anniversary of your 29th birthday, I just wish I was still your guy.” What followed was a beautifully honest message that showed just how much Robert adores Jennifer. He talked about how she lights up when their grandson Clark, Ryan’s son, walks into the room (yes, he’s a bit jealous, but only in the best way possible!).
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
“I can see the way you light up when he walks into the room. I see those little looks you give each other. I’ve seen you sharing special quiet moments together,” as he wrapped up his message, Robert slipped in a playful jab about Clark being the new man in Jennifer’s life. It was a lighthearted tease that spoke volumes about the love and joy that filled their family. “A man has to know when it’s time to step aside. But always know that you will always be my one and only…unless Clark is around.”
Now, we all know why Knapp is such a force on and off the course, I mean look at his foundation. So, what do you think about the golfer’s parents? Let us know in the comment section below!

Self-admittedly, John Greco may not have the natural talent and ‘pedigree’ to be a PGA Tour player, but he certainly has the passion and spirit to make it. After years of struggles, the 30-year-old golfer may have booked his place into the big leagues. The next few hours will determine whether he finally makes it or not.
For now, Greco is going to enter the last day of the Final Stage at T4 and has set himself up to earn a PGA Tour card. If the Rochester local is able to maintain his position at the end of the day, he, along with 3 other promising talents, will receive their PGA Tour cards.
John Greco, who goes by @champagnejohnnie, spoke about his journey so far in an Instagram post shared by @kornferrytour and @pgatour. The carousel included an interview with Greco as he started the conversation by talking about his experience in the Q-School so far.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
“I had a lot of fun. Honestly, I think a lot of people probably were stressing yesterday, but I mean, you know you’re playing Final Stage Q-School and it’s blowing 40 and everybody’s falling apart. That sounds like fun to me,” Greco said as he spoke about the environment in the Final Stage event. Talking about his struggles at the beginning, he further stated how he had tried a few sports as a junior as golf fell on the costlier spectrum for his family.
He also mentioned, “Thankfully, like we had Youth on Course once I found that in high school, that was a big part of being able to play more golf consistently,” while indicating how his father originally felt about one round of golf being so expensive that he could only afford to visit there once a month.
Discussing his initial days in golf, John Greco said, “I remember after my freshman year of high school, I literally had like these beginner clubs, like they were half hybrids,” as he shared how he worked a job in the summer to buy better clubs. Presumably, a big fan of the GOAT, Tiger Woods, he mentioned how he could “spot the Tiger Woods Victory Red blades with the Tiger Woods logo on it because Tiger’s the man,” while stating that he was only 15 at that time.
Recollecting how he made up his mind to pursue golf, he said, “And that’s when also I saw Tiger Woods in the U.S. Open at Pebble. So that was probably like; probably from then was when I was like, ‘okay, golf’s it, golf’s it, I want to do that.” Coming back to the struggles, Greco mentioned how despite all the hard work his parents did, pursuing a career in golf was just very expensive. He also talked about how they were not in the loop of the options they had available to get discounts for junior players and it was too late by the time they learned about it.
He then went on to give a glimpse of his skill set as he said, “I don’t have the pedigree that plenty of other guys have,” while discussing how, at this stage, everyone was given an equal opportunity, and that allowed Greco to shine after years of hard work.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Korn Ferry Tour (@kornferrytour)
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
So what is actually going on in the Final Stage event of the Q-School qualifications? Let’s find out.
What will John Greco need to do to confirm his qualification?
After three rounds of the event, John Greco is sitting at -3, 3 strokes behind the top of the table. The board is led by Matthew Riedel who has had a great tournament with all round below par. He is tied with Alistair Docherty at the top. Docherty started the event with a score of 1-over par 71 but has since hit 66 and 67 in the following rounds to match Riedel’s score.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
When we compare that to John Greco’s rounds, he ended the first two days on par, however, three birdies on Saturday helped him climb up the leaderboard to T4. If Greco is able to replicate his performance from round 3, then there is no doubt that he will get his PGA Tour card by the end of the day.
Do you think John Greco will be able to achieve his dream and join the 2025 PGA Tour season? Share your views in the comments section.

Everyone has their eyes on the exciting contests at the Final Stage event of the PGA Tour’s Q-School qualification. As Jay Monahan & Co. look for the next star to come through Q-School, the players themselves are excited to get an opportunity to win their PGA Tour cards.
However, the PGA Tour cards are not the only aspect they will be eager to grab. The Final Stage event also has a purse of $510,000. So, how will this prize money be distributed among the top players on the leaderboard? Let’s find out.
PGA Tour’s Q-School Final Stage winnings
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
As mentioned before, the total prize money up for grabs in the Final Stage of the Q-School event is $510,000. The winnings are supposed to be distributed among the top 45 pros who are participating in the tournament.
As stated in the PGA Tour Q-School Rules & Regulations, the winner of the event will bag $50,000 with a PGA Tour card. The promotion will also be offered to other players ranked from 1 to 5, including all those who are tied at the 5th position. Here’s the entire list of the prize distribution:
Position Winnings 1 $50,000 2 $36,000 3 $28,000 4 $24,000 5 $22,000 6 $20,000 7 $18,000 8 $16,000 9 $14,000 10 $12,000 11 $10,000 12 $10,000 13 $10,000 14 $10,000 15 $10,000 16 $9,000 17 $9,000 18 $9,000 19 $9,000 20 $9,000 21 $8,000 22 $8,000 23 $8,000 24 $8,000 25 $8,000 26 $7,500 27 $7,500 28 $7,500 29 $7,500 30 $7,500 31 $7,000 32 $7,000 33 $7,000 34 $7,000 35 $7,000 36 $6,500 37 $6,500 38 $6,500 39 $6,500 40 $6,500 41 $6,000 42 $6,000 43 $6,000 44 $6,000 45 $6,000
As we write this, Lanto Griffin stands at the top of the table and is in line to bag the $50,000. He is being closely chased by Hayden Buckley and Takumi Kanaya. This is quite a different board from round 3 which ended with Matthew Riedel at the top. Riedel is currently placed at T4.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Korn Ferry Tour (@kornferrytour)
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
However, players who have not made it to the top 5 will still have tournament qualifications that they can fight for. Let’s learn about the membership given to them.
Outside the top 5 finishers
As stated in the Rules & Regulations document of the 2024 PGA TOUR Q-School, players listed from 6 to 30 and ties will be eligible for Korn Ferry Tour qualification. Even those who finish from 30 to 40 and ties will be allotted membership cards to the Korn Ferry Tour based as Second Stage Medalists (and ties) pursuant. Even the pros who finish outside of the top 40 ranked have an outside chance of making it to the Korn Ferry Tour 2025 season based on a conditional status.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Moreover, the PGA Tour Americas qualification is also up for grabs for those players who could not make it to the top 40 of the table. This will allow them to earn vital points and grow their OWGR scores to earn qualification for higher-level tours in the next few seasons. Looks like all the players involved in the tournament have something to play for one way or another. This might change in 2026 once the new field size policy is implemented. So it might be the last opportunity for many aspiring Q-School pros to have a better shot at making it to the big leagues.

One of the names celebrated in legendary golf performances is a 61-year-old man who played the game well. He then went on a ridiculous run in 2004, shocking the golf fraternity. If you haven’t figured it out yet, here’s another hint: his name means “victory” in Hindi, which fits perfectly with his golfing legacy.
We are talking about Vijay Singh! The PGA Tour pro surprised fans and competitors with his three major championships and 34 tour wins. One of his best years was 2004, a season forgotten by many today. As podcast host Kelvin Van Valkenburg said, “We barely talk about it!” Interestingly, the NLU podcast recently explored Singh’s exciting performance at the 2004 Buick Open, where he stunned everyone, including the golf legend Tiger Woods.
During the tournament, Singh was paired with John Daly, the OG bad boy recognized for his bold personality. As Daly stepped onto the greens, the crowd went crazy, cheering intensely for Daly. Whereas, Singh got only polite applause. “It was noisy, and the crowd was all for him,” Singh reflected in an interview. He even joked with Daly, asking if he’d somehow paid the fans to cheer so loudly.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
But you know what? The more noise there was, the calmer Singh became. “I’m just growing up, I guess, and handling the pressure better,” he said, appreciating his reaction that day. And, in true Singh fashion, he teased Daly as they teed off, confidently stating, “Daly, I know you’re fine with it, but I’m gonna kick your a** today!”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vijay Singh (@vijaysinghgolf)
As the showdown kicked off, Daly was on fire. He started strong, racking up five birdies and an eagle in the first round, finishing with a score of 70. Meanwhile, Singh was in the zone too, carding an impressive 63. When it came to the fourth round, things heated up. And guess what? Singh went on to win the tournament with a 5-under 67, beating John Daly by just one stroke!
That marked his fourth victory of 2004 and the 19th of his career on the PGA Tour, finishing with a remarkable total of 23-under 265. Daly, hoping for multiple wins that year, ended just a stroke behind after shooting a solid 66 but unfortunately bogeyed the 18th hole. After clinching the title, Singh shared, “John put a lot of pressure on me early. I\’ve never had that kind of a battle.” Meanwhile, Daly also mentioned, “It was a great match. We were in it all the way. I was either 1-up, or he was 1-up.”
His opponent friend even confessed how Singh had politely said during the third round, “Maybe I shouldn’t have said that. You know it’s not very ego… very… nobody does that,” referring to his kick your a** reaction. Truly a sign of good sportsmanship! Tiger Woods, who was also in the mix, finished third with a 66, as well. A frustrated Woods expressed, “To play that well and not win is frustrating.”
Singh’s 2004 season was remarkable by winning nine tournaments, including the PGA Championship, and dethroning Woods as the number one golfer. But what made his game so strong?
Singh’s swings surpassed Tiger Woods after an interesting John Daly battle
Singh led the PGA Tour in multiple stat categories, including the best scoring average, total birdies (484), par-4 scoring, and strokes gained/off the tee. He was also second in greens during regulation with a 73.03% success rate. During an interview, Singh revealed the secret sauce behind all of it.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
“One of the main things I wanted to improve from 2003 was my consistency with the driver,” he said. To achieve this, he made a crucial adjustment to his swing, shortening his backswing for better control. This allowed him to maintain a consistent swing shape, crucial for accuracy. Singh explained, “I hit my best shots when my club goes back and comes through on the same plane.”
via Imago DORAL, FL – MARCH 11: Vijay Singh of Fiji hits shots on the practice range during the first round of the World Golf Championships-CA Championship at Doral Golf Resort and Spa on March 11, 2010 in Doral, Florida. (Photo by Stan Badz/PGA TOUR)
He used a clever practice technique by placing a shaft in the ground at an angle and laying another shaft along his target line. This helped him practice swinging with every club while keeping the club just above the angled shaft.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
He also paid close attention to his clubface position at the top of the backswing to avoid missing shots to the left. But Singh’s success wasn’t limited to driving. He excelled with his short irons, too! He emphasized the importance of proper alignment, stating, “I worked a lot on my alignment—being off even slightly is the difference between a makeable birdie and a good two-putt.”
His approach allowed him to maximize his precise iron play, a strategy amateur golfers can learn from. In fact, he stressed that knowing your carry distance is crucial, especially for amateurs. So, if you look to elevate your golf game, consider integrating Singh’s tips!

Among all the chaos, if there is one thing that the golf community is excited about, it is the launch of TGL. After facing several setbacks, the league created by Tiger Woods, and Rory McIlroy, will finally kick start on January 7, 2025. The event presented by SoFi is a new golf league, combining advanced technology with teams of top players from the PGA TOUR for two-hour weekly competitions in prime time. While all the pros are excited to be a part of the events, they are also worried about being able to fit it in within their already tight schedules.
Max Homa, Tom Kim, and Kevin Kisner are members of Tiger Woods’s Jupiter Links GC TGL team. Ahead of the 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational, Tom Kim, who is teamed up with Jeeno Thitikul was asked about his expectations from the league and if it was difficult with the already exhausting PGA Tour schedule. To this, he said, “I think it’s a very, very different dynamic. I think it’s very good for the game because a lot of us, golf tournament-wise, a lot of us are spread out, so you’ll have a really good group go out in the morning and you’ll have another group go out in the afternoon, so they kind of have to be there the whole day. With this format, it’s two, three hours, I think.”
All matches will be played at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, a state-of-the-art venue with a capacity of 1,600 spectators. This nearly 250,000-square-foot facility will feature a 75-foot apex and a large plaza area for pre-match festivities. The innovative golf course within the SoFi Center will incorporate advanced technology and cover an area roughly the size of a football field. The players will not only be in the same room but will also have a live audience just like basketball or soccer. “I think it’s going to be really cool for us players because it’s more of a team event. This is an individual sport, so to be more inside a team environment is going to be really cool,” said Kim.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
View this post on Instagram A post shared by PGA TOUR (@pgatour)
However, most of the matches are scheduled for Mondays and Tuesdays and the general golf tournaments go from Thursday to Sunday. So this might become a little difficult. “If it’s not the weeks that we’re playing, it’s really easy, but some of the events where it might be an elevated event, you have to go all the way to Florida to play, it is difficult, it’s not easy. I think it’s our job as players to figure that out.” The TGL will be hosted in almost 2 months, which makes it quite a spread-out and long golf tournament. However, given that it is Tiger Woods hosting the event, who is one of the greatest golfers of all time, Kim plans to take inspiration from him. “Try to use that mentality to try to use everything to my advantage,” concluded the 22 YO.
However, Tom Kim is not the only one who is trying to figure out a way around TGL. As it turns out, other pros are as clueless as him, but they are all equally excited.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Rickie Fowler shares his thoughts on TGL
In the pre-tournament conference of the same event, even Rickie Fowler was asked, “What are kind of your expectations? Do you have any idea what this whole thing is going to be like?” about TGL. Rickie Fowler expressed excitement about the TGL, stating, “I’m looking forward to it. In a way, we don’t fully know what to expect until it really gets going.” He further elaborated, “It’s brand new, something that’s never been done before. It’s going to be a lot on the players to help provide entertainment. At the end of the day, it’s all about having a good time and creating something entertaining.”
However, when talking about what was the true mentality of the players, he also added that it does not really have to be good golf, but they hope it is since they will not be playing on a real golf course, and it is a completely new concept. Golf has always been an outdoor sport, and making it indoors is a completely new concept. “The atmosphere that will be in there with I think there’s about 1500 people, super intimate and very close. Hopefully, no one gets hit from a bunker shot because they’re close enough,” as he showed concerns about the entire setup.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
However, it is needless to say that all of them are excited, a little nervous, and concerned yes, but where’s the fun without a little change? What are your thoughts on TGL? Let us know in the comments section below!

In the lists of golfing legendary performances, certain seasons that stand out have one more name added to them! Yes, it’s Scottie Scheffler’s 2024 season that has generated a fierce debate among fans and golf enthusiasts. One enthusiast is the NLU podcast host, Kelvin Van Valkenburg. While ESPN called Scottie’s performance this year “unequivocally one of golf’s greatest seasons.” The Associated Press declared it was “the greatest year since Tiger Woods‘s 2006 season.” The New York Times wondered if it was “a top-five season of all time.” But the NLU host has a different opinion.
In the 933rd episode of the No Laying Up Podcast, Valkenburg pointed out that while everyone’s been going crazy about Scottie Scheffler’s incredible 2024 season, another legendary golfer’s achievements have been overlooked. He was talking about the nine-time winner in the 2004 season, Vijay Singh! The 41-year-old Fijian golfer won 9 PGA Tour events, with 18 top-10 finishes in just 29 starts in 2004. And how can we forget his record-breaking $10,905,166 earnings? That’s not it, though!
His scoring average of 68.65 was the best on tour. He led the tour in birdies with an impressive 509. But what’s truly remarkable is Singh’s consistency. He made cuts in 28 out of 29 events, a feat that’s almost unheard of. It’s as if he was playing a different game altogether. One where he was the only one who knew the rules. In 2004, he didn’t just compete; he dominated in a way that left even the most seasoned golf experts scratching their heads.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
But, as Valkenburg says, “We barely talk about it!” And we agree, the 41-year-old overtook Tiger Woods as the world’s number one golfer. But everyone is busy comparing how Scheffler’s performance was similar to one of Tiger Woods’s best seasons. That’s exactly what Van Valkenburg’s theory explained.
He asks, “Has any season of golf ever been as underappreciated as Vijay Singh’s 2004 run?” Pointing out that Vijay Singh’s 2004 season has been grossly underappreciated. And he’s right! It’s been 20 years since Singh’s incredible season, and yet, it’s barely mentioned in conversations about the greatest golf seasons of all time.
But why is that? Van Valkenburg thinks it’s because everyone’s too busy comparing Scheffler’s season to Tiger Woods’ dominant years. He says, “Everyone jumped right to Tiger’s 2000 season or his 2006 season when trying to draw comparisons.” And that’s sad, as Singh’s 2004 season was truly remarkable. Singh won nine times in 2004, including the PGA Championship. That’s twice more than Scheffler won this year depending on how you view the Olympic gold medal he captured in France. But while golf enthusiasts make assumptions about Scotties’s 2024 season, let’s see what he thinks of it.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Scottie Scheffler responds to his comparison with his childhood idol
Scheffler maintains his modesty and groundedness despite his achievements and is compared with his childhood hero. In response to a similar question, Scheffler stated at Sawgrass in March, “I mean, the guy stands alone, I think, in our game.” “I’ve tied him in the Players Championships, and this is my ninth tournament victory to date.” He acknowledged that he still has a long way to go before he can match the greatest of all time in golf, saying, “But aside from that, I have 14 more majors and 70-some PGA Tour events to catch up on.” Scheffler’s modest remark demonstrates that he never gets ahead of himself. He always shows respect for his community elders and heroes.
USA Today via Reuters Jun 11, 2024; Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA; Scottie Scheffler speaks to the media during a press conference at the U.S. Open golf tournament at Pinehurst No. 2. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
He responded, “I’m not really sure how to assess it,” when asked to consider his exceptional year. It’s simply been a lot of fun and weird. I truly appreciate it. The family man continued, “I can’t wait to meet my family.”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
While everyone expressed their amazement at Scottie Scheffler’s performance, do you not think that golfers like Vijay Singh deserve the same kind of recognition? Let us know in the comments below!

The 2024 season has been a roller coaster ride for the golf world. With the chaos in the $8 billion, ending to a ray of hope for the fans, and the updated changes that have been made in the leagues, it might have been a pretty disastrous one. but the players have made it all memorable by breaking several records. From Lydia Ko being inducted to the Hall of Fame, to Nelly Korda and Scottie Scheffler relentlessly staying on the top spot throughout the year, it has been a great game to witness. Here are the top 3 moments from the 2024 golf season, which will remain etched in the hearts of the community.
Scottie Scheffler’s historic win at the Olympics
The World No. 1 has had an exceptional season this year, one of the best so far. He not only managed to bag seven PGA Tour victories but also made America proud by bagging the gold medal at the Paris Olympics in August. He scored a course-record-tying 62 at Le Golf National, but that was not what stood out. He entered the final round of four shots behind leaders Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele. Despite carding a solid three-under on the front nine, he found himself seven shots back after Rahm surged to a 20-under lead midway through the round. However, his momentum stalled as he struggled on the back nine, finishing with four bogeys and a double. However, six birdies in the back nine, which included four consecutive ones, was what everyone went gaga.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
via Reuters Paris 2024 Olympics – Golf – Men’s Round 4 – Le Golf National, Guyancourt, France – August 04, 2024. Scottie Scheffler of the U.S. reacts. REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
Even he got emotional and broke down into tears as he stood at the medal stand. “Mostly we were just trying to stay patient,” Scheffler said in that familiar tone that makes it sound like he’s taking out the garbage when what he’s really doing is landing a fighter jet on an aircraft carrier in a typhoon. “When I saw that Rahm had gotten to 20, I kind of changed a little bit mentally to just really try to do my best to move my way up the leaderboard. I didn’t even really know if I was in contention or not. I was just trying to do my best to make some birdies and start moving up and maybe get a medal or something like that. And I was fortunate to execute some shots there down the stretch.”
Nelly Korda’s ninth career victory on the LPGA Tour
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Nelly Korda closed with an eagle-birdie finish on the final two holes at Bradenton Country Club to tie Lydia Ko at 11-under in regulation at the LPGA Drive On Championship. The two then went to a two-hole playoff, where Korda triumphed over Ko in her hometown of Bradenton, Fla., securing her ninth career LPGA Tour victory. It was Korda’s first win since claiming the 2022 ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican in Belleair, Florida. The Rolex World No. 1 player ended up grabbing a whopping $262,500 after scoring three rounds of sixties and a 74 in the final round. This was the beginning of the amazing career that she began this year and was the first victory of the five consecutive victories that she had in the first four months.
Bryson DeChambeau’s epic win at the 2024 US Open
Four years later, Bryson DeChambeau finally managed to bag his second Major victory, and how! He scored a 71 in the final round, which aggregated his score to a 6-under, and the LIV Golfer ended up defeating Rory McIlroy by a sneaky one-stroke. Well, all thanks to the bunker shot on the eighteenth hole that he carded from 55 yards. He knocked the ball four feet for the par putt. That was what gave him the extra shot he needed, saving him from going through a playoff. The bunker shot was truly remarkable, with statistician Lou Stagner pointing out on Sunday night that tour pros only manage to get that close from that distance just 1.7% of the time—an even more impressive feat considering it came on the final hole of the U.S. Open.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Well, the 2024 season might be over, but one showdown still remains. Some of the best LPGA Tour and PGA Tour will be paired together to play a team match at the Tiburon Golf Club for the 2024 Grant Thornton Invitational. It is set to begin in a few hours on Friday, and will sure give out some amazing moments too. Which was your favorite moment of the 2024 season? Let us know in the comments section below!

Jordan Spieth will face an uphill battle in 2025, but he will do so with his health at 100%. Speaking to SiriusXM PGA Tour radio this week, the three-time major champion confirmed there is no longer any pain in his left wrist following offseason surgery to repair a nerve injury that has been nagging him for over a year.

Open Extended Reactions
A modern version of The Skins Game is returning to Thanksgiving week.
Pro Shop, the new golf media company led by

The world of professional golf is filled with talented athletes, each with their own unique story and rivalry. From the greens of Augusta to the links of Scotland, golf’s greatest competitors have clashed in epic battles of skill and willpower. But one rivalry, in particular, has stood the test of time, pitting two of golf’s all-time greats against each other in a battle for supremacy.
In the latest video by No Laying Up Podcast on YouTube, the focus shifts to the intriguing dynamic between Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh, two golfing legends who have had their fair share of memorable encounters. Tiger Woods initially downplayed Vijay Singh’s accomplishment of beating him by four shots and surpassing him on the PGA Tour money list. Woods casually dismissed the feat, pointing out that he, not Singh, had been voted the 2003 Player of the Year by his peers. Woods emphasized that anyone would rather have the Player of the Year honors than the money title, and confidently stated, “If it were important to me, I’d play 25 to 30 events every year.” However, as Singh continued to impress on the golf course, Woods’s tone began to shift. Singh’s incredible rally in New Orleans, where he came from behind to win with a 25-ft birdie putt, left Woods sounding almost reverent.
Woods acknowledged that Singh should get all the respect in the world for his consistent game and ability to contend in every tournament he played in. Woods even went so far as to say, “VJ certainly should get all the respect in the world because he’s worked at his game to a level where he’s consistent and he’s able to pretty much contend in every tournament he plays in.” Woods’s change in tune was striking, as he transformed from dismissive to admiring. He seemed to finally recognize Singh as a formidable rival, and his praise was a testament to Singh’s hard work and dedication to his craft. As it turned out, Singh’s best golf was yet to come, and Woods’s newfound respect for him was well-deserved. Woods even acknowledged his own mortality, saying, “Every street comes to an end, that’s just a fact of life.” The rivalry between the two golfers was heating up, and the golf world was taking notice.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
via Reuters Golf – The 152nd Open Championship – Royal Troon Golf Club, Troon, Scotland, Britain – July 18, 2024 Tiger Woods of the U.S. on the 18th green during the first round REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
But this wasn’t the only instance where the two golfers clashed. In fact, Singh had previously taken a jab at Woods, showcasing the tense rivalry between them.
Vijay Singh once took a jab at Tiger Woods
The 2002 Skins Game was a pivotal moment in the rivalry between Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh. During a crucial shot, a spectator’s camera clicked, breaking the silence and disturbing Woods’ concentration. Steve Williams, Woods’ caddie at the time, took matters into his own hands and tossed the camera into a pond on the golf course. While Williams received criticism for his actions, Singh was quick to chime in, saying, “If my caddie did that, I’d make him fish it out of the lake.” Singh felt that Williams’ actions were unjustified and that Woods’s caddie didn’t give him the right to take the law into his own hands.
Singh’s comments were a subtle jab at Woods, implying that he should have taken more control of the situation and reprimanded his caddie. Singh’s words highlighted the tension between the two golfers, with Singh clearly taking issue with Woods’ team’s behavior. The incident may have been a minor blip on the radar, but it spoke to the larger rivalry between Woods and Singh, with Singh always looking for ways to one-up his nemesis. As Singh said, “Just because he’s Tiger Woods’ caddie doesn’t give him the right to do that” – a sentiment that summed up the competitive spirit between the two golfing greats.

Rory McIlroy’s plans to team up with Scottie Scheffler for “The Showdown” against LIV Golfers Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau were initially met with hesitation by the PGA TOUR. But after some behind-the-scenes negotiations, the PGA TOUR finally granted McIlroy a media release to participate in the event. It’s clear that McIlroy was determined to make this happen, and his persistence eventually paid off.
McIlroy recently revealed that it took “a few conversations” to get the PGA TOUR on board with his plans. But in a surprising twist, the PGA TOUR has just announced that it’s bringing back the “Skins Game” for the first time since 2008 – and it’s also introducing its own version of “The Showdown” in 2025, per the latest tweet by NUCLR Golf,! This move is clearly a response to the growing popularity of LIV Golf and its high-profile exhibition matches. The PGA TOUR is looking to capitalize on the success of “The Showdown” concept and provide its fans with a unique and exciting viewing experience.
“The PGA TOUR is bringing back the ‘Skins Game’ for the first time since 2008. It will be produced in collaboration with @chadmumm and Pro Shop Studios. The event will take place next Thanksgiving with details still TBD”, read the post. The PGA TOUR’s new event is still in the works, with details yet to be announced. But one thing’s for sure – the introduction of this new event is going to heat up the rivalry between the PGA TOUR and LIV Golf. Fans are already eagerly anticipating the showdown, and it’s clear that the PGA TOUR is pulling out all the stops to make this event a success.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
With the “Skins Game” making a comeback and “The Showdown” getting a PGA TOUR spinoff, 2025 is shaping up to be an epic year for golf fans. But do you know the upcoming event is not something new? Yes, the “Skins game’ is pretty historical.
History of the ‘Skins Game’
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The Skins Game, a cornerstone of golf’s former “silly season,” is making a comeback. The event, which debuted in 1983 with legends Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson, and Gary Player, was held over Thanksgiving weekend in the California desert. The format was simple: a “skin” was awarded to the player who won each hole, with the prize money increasing as the match progressed. Fred Couples became synonymous with the event, winning nearly $4.5 million in 11 appearances and bringing a laid-back personality that fit the casual contest.
After a 15-year hiatus, the PGA Tour is reviving the Skins Game in partnership with Pro Shop and Propagate Content. The new iteration promises a “retro-modern” twist to engage today’s sports fans. Chris Wandell, the PGA Tour’s senior vice president of media, expressed excitement about reimagining the iconic event. With the details still being worked out, including the cast, format, and creative approach, golf fans can look forward to a fresh take on a beloved tradition.

The pay-for-play conversation ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is not quieting down anytime soon. Following reports that the PGA of America was considering paying U.S. Ryder Cup team members $400,000 each for the biennial event — set to take place outside New York City this fall — 12 former U.S. Ryder Cup captains sent a letter to the organization coming out against the plan.

New initiatives for the PGA Tour can be seen in the past, which have changed the dynamics of the game in terms of its online presence. Nowadays, with the increasing number of professional golfers who turned into a part-time influencer. The fans benefit from the content that goes into the life of a pro golfer. With the vast audience each influencer and brand is catering to, the game has benefitted from an increase in viewership and overall stats.
In recent days, The PGA Tour has witnessed the opportunity to partner with influencers and golf-centric internet sensations. With consideration to it, the creator council was formed where the partnered big names of the internet world will be inside the ropes to observe the game and be in the discussion at the PGA meeting. These discussions will help in getting a new perspective on the game and overcoming the shortcomings of the league for reaching out to the masses.
With some of the prominent names, including Paige Spiranac, Roger Steele, and Tisha Alyn and famous channels like Bob Does Sports, Bryan Bros Golf, Fore Play, and No Laying Up, were the only ones during the formation of the creator council. The names list could grow as the main objective of this council is to include influencers and brands centric on golf. However, this partnership with the influencers will be a great opportunity for fans as they will hear directly from their favorite influencers from the course.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
In a recent post shared by the ‘foreplaypod’ the video briefly shared how things would change after the partnership and the formation of the council. The videos showcased Samuel Riggs, Trent Ryan and Frankie Borelli sharing their thoughts about the new partnership and becoming a member of the council.
Talking on the video, Frankie Borelli shared, “Yeah, I mean it’s been a long road with the PGA Tour. I think that what you’re alluding to is that we’re on the Creator Council alongside other creators in the YouTube golf space.” He even appreciated how good it is to partner. Additionally, he shared how earlier influencers were not allowed at the course to cover the event and had to get approval from 17 odd people to share any content that was associated with the league.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fore Play (@foreplaypod)
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Taking the conversation forward, Samuel Riggs even shared, “There were times when we were banned from the events”. He even shared how he was disappointed and thought would never work with this group (PGA Tour). But now that they have joined the council, there is an enormous opportunity for both the creators and the PGA Tour. However, the fundamental question is still unanswered about how the creators will contribute to the journey.
How the creator council will benefit the creators?
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The partnership with various creators and brands would give a great opportunity for everyone who wanted to speak, cover events, and share about the game. Now, with the creator council, every member will be allowed to cover the events while being inside the ropes. Even in addition to that, the members will have the opportunity to meet with the PGA team and be a part of the discussion sharing their inputs on improvements. However, there is still no clarity on how things will go further with the partnership, or will the creators get enough freedom to share their insights. Even Trent Ryan shared about it in the video saying, “I look at it in very simple terms. It’s another win for the internet. Our voice and the voice of the other people on the council clearly have gotten large enough that they were like we want to have this voice in the room when we make these decisions.”
As it is just the beginning of the new initiative, many things will unfold as we move further with the 2025 season. It would be interesting to see how creators will be valued at the PGA Tour events. But will they be an equal shareholder in the decision-making discussion? There is still doubt about it. What are your thoughts on this? Will creators get the authority to implement some decisions? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Jay Monahan has been the talk of the golf world—the 2026 new changes to begin with, which were followed by the Par-3 participation restriction. Well, one thing is for sure: even if his interests are in the best place, these are practices neither the golf community nor the pros appreciate. And before they could think of ending this season peacefully., one stint garnered a ton of backlash.
The PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry kick-started a few hours ago at the Dye’s Valley Course. The first round has already concluded, and it was a rather interesting watch. Corey Shaun shot an exceptional round of 61, with nine birdies. This included three consecutive ones in the front nine and five consecutive ones in the back nine. As good as Scottie Scheffler in the 2024 Hero World Challenge, right? He is currently at a whopping 9-under, with a five-stroke lead from Ricky Werenski. However, there has been no coverage of it by the PGA Tour.
Taking to this, the official X account of the Monday Q Info reported sarcastically, “I promise I’m just going to focus on the positive this week. But not a single tweet about Q-school from the main PGA Tour account. One of the greatest rounds in Q-school history was just shot… and nothing.”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The Sawgrass Country Club is tough. The average score on the course is known to be over par, and to be able to score such an impressive score is indeed praiseworthy. As per the tweet, one can argue the PGA Tour only focuses on the golfers who bring in the fame and money and since the names at the Q-school are lesser known, they did not cover it. Had it been a big name, it would have already been all over the news. “If you invest nothing in telling the ‘nobody” story, it’s easy to say that no one cares and they should shrink the tour.” With its 2026 changes, the Tour was already accused of not giving proper weightage to Q-School and reducing the Tour cards via this route to just 5.
And well, once again, the Jay Monahan-led Tour has managed to upset the golf community with their actions. Well, this is not something new anymore.
The golf community accuses the PGA Tour of not caring for the Q-School
A modern version of The Skins Game is set to return during Thanksgiving week. On Thursday, Pro Shop, the new golf media company led by Full Swing executive producer Chad Mumm, announced a partnership with the PGA Tour to bring back The Skins Game for the first time since 2008. The event will take place on Black Friday after Thanksgiving in 2025, marking a new initiative by the PGA Tour to showcase its top players in a fresh, non-traditional format. While the major details of the event are still missing, it is all over the internet, and, well, an exceptional round like the Q-School has no spot. Taking to this, one of them mocked, “Yeah, but they are posting about the 2025 skins game.”.
Tiger Woods has been a golfing brand since the 2000s. Even though his game has been drastically dropping for the last few years, whatever reasons they might be, the fans are still following him. Take the Masters, for example. He finished last on the leaderboard, and yet the entire crowd was following him, instead of the newer players, who performed better. Well, this is because of the reliance on one particular source rather than bringing on new names. Well, Tiger Woods too was once upon a time a new name, and had he not been marketed, he would not have been such a big name.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Taking to this, people left comments like, “The PGA Tour is really bad at bringing their product to market. For years they could rely on Tiger, and I think the people that brought it to market at one time have retired, and their knowledge has been lost. Golf has so much storytelling potential, and they just can’t see that.” One of them even wrote, “What others and the tour don’t realize is that one day that ‘nobody” will be the guy/gal that will take their respective tours by storm, and the powers that be will finally understand 😴.”.
In 2024, the PGA Tour introduced a new Creator Council as part of an initiative to engage with fans and enhance the fan experience through digital and social media platforms. The creators involved in the panel will have the opportunity to collaborate with the PGA Tour to develop content that resonates with fans on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more. By leveraging the power of social media, the Creator Council aims to enhance the sport’s visibility, promote new talent, and grow the game beyond traditional broadcast audiences.
The PGA Tour announced the formation of the Creator Council on December 6, 2024. The council consists of ten influential content creators who will collaborate closely with the Tour’s media, marketing, and communications teams to develop content strategies and enhance fan engagement. This move comes at a crucial time, as the PGA Tour has struggled to maintain fan interest following the fallout from the rift and delays related to the merger. Taking to this, one of them suggested, “What a great round for Corey Shaun! Cannot believe PGAT isn’t all over this. Thanks for getting this out.” While another simply wrote, “They don’t care about this event.”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
What are your thoughts on the news coverage of the PGA Tour? Let us know in the comments section below!

Scottie Scheffler might have been the Player of the Year, but he wasn’t the man of the hour yesterday. How can you when you have a months-old toddler who takes all the limelight on himself? The world no. 1 golfer and his wife brought their 10-month-old baby to the media room. And guess what? Bennet seems to have acquired a taste for shiny trophies and mementos, just like his dad.
In a recently released video by the PGA Tour, Bennet is seen going for the Jack Nicklaus Award as Scheffler holds the trophy in front of him. Of course, he wants to take a bite of it. Just like he wanted to take a bite of his dad’s cap after he had won the Hero World Challenge. And then world no. 1 puts the award down on the floor, trying to see if Bennet still crawls towards it.
And, of course, the toddler does. Meredith jokingly quipped, “Man, you’re really making him work for it.” And Scottie Scheffler did. Bennet crawled towards the trophy, and the golfer joked, “Atta boy!” You can watch the clip here.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
View this post on Instagram A post shared by PGA TOUR (@pgatour)
The Schefflers are quickly becoming the Tour’s no. 1 family. Bennett is the 2x Masters winner’s first child and ever since his birth, he has been stealing limelight from his champion of a father. Fans love to watch the three together. Last time, when Meredith brought Bennet to the Travelers Championship, fans were as enthusiastic as they were now.
Fans go gaga over Scottie Scheffler’s son
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Is Bennet Scheffler predestined to lift the trophy one day? Surely, it’s too early to predict. But netizens did engage in some good-natured speculations. While a few of them think this is the most obvious mark of a future champion, others found a not-so-surprising reason for Bennet to get attracted to the Tour of the Year trophy.
“That’s a future champ there and his dad,” one of the fans wrote. Some were already rooting for a father-son outing at the PNC Championship. Even if Scottie Scheffler’s son indeed picks golf, like Tiger Woods’s son did, it’s still a good decade before these two might tee off together. One of the fans went a step further and wrote, “He’ll be breaking 80 before we know it…”
That, or he might have just thought it was chocolate. “He thinks it’s (sic!) chocolate,” joked one fan. The color of the trophy can surely make a toddler think it’s chocolate.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Should the PGA Tour provide more glimpses into the golfers’ personal and private lives? More wholesome videos like these? From the comments, it seems there is evidence of that. “I love when you guys show the family side of the golfers; it really brings a lot to the table. And all your other content is awesome as well.” A second person added, “Family of the year right there.” It’s fair to say that Scheffler & Meredith have become the next ‘Jack & Barbara’ of the Tour. Fans love them and their newest member of the family.

Have we already seen the last of Tiger Woods on the PGA Tour? As he sat down for a press conference before the 2024 Hero World Challenge, the journalists were eager to know if the GOAT would play in the tournament. Fans would have also had their fingers crossed hoping to get a positive update from the man himself.
Unfortunately, that might be a no, as Tiger Woods confirmed that he would not partake in the tournament. What’s even more damning is that Woods suggested that he is not sure if he will ever be able to compete at the same level he did before 2021. Answering a journalist during the 2024 Hero World Challenge press conference, he said, “My commitments going forward for once a month, yeah I could say that all over again but I truly don’t know.”
Yes, Tiger Woods’s days might be numbered. In fact, they might have already passed by without a hint. Along with that Woods’s plans of playing at least one event in a month might have also gone down the drain.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
However, on the brighter side, Tiger Woods and Charlie Woods‘s participation in the 2024 PNC Championship was confirmed a few hours ago. That still left a question in @Daniel_Rapaport’s mind as they suggested, “A reminder of just how different golf-cart golf is from PGA Tour competition. In semi-related news, on Dec. 30 Tiger is just *one year* away from being Champions Tour eligible.” on their X account. This tweet was in response to the confirmation of Team Woods’s fifth PNC Championship participation next week as posted by the official handle of the PGA Tour, @PGATOUR.
While fans will be excited to learn that the 82x PGA Tour winner is coming back to the course, they must also face the reality of what Tiger Woods has already come to terms with. He is getting old and his body is not able to adapt to the stress as well as it used to all those years ago. Seems like it has been a century since fans saw the legend lift a trophy, and it might take another century for them to accept the fact that he can’t win another.
Unless Woods moves to the senior PGA Tour. Following the path of fellow legends like Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods can complete his trophy cabinet by winning the U.S. Senior Open. Whether it is a year from now or further down the line, Mr. T will have to start the journey on that path anyway. And if his health doesn’t improve, maybe playing ‘golf-cart golf’ might not seem such a bad idea by the end of 2025. Especially, if the fire of dominating the course and winning trophies still burns in him.
Woods will get the taste of using a golf cart during events at the 2024 PNC Championship. If things go well, we might see him gradually progress towards the PGA Tour Champions sooner than he anticipated, considering it offers a similar environment. Woods has previously spoken about using the golf cart at the Senior Tour. In an article titled “Tiger Woods II” by Golfweek a couple of years ago, Woods was asked if he would take the golf cart early in the PGA Tour if Jay Monahan & co. allow it, to which he said, “No, I’m not ready. I want to follow in the same footsteps as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Bernhard Langer.” The GOAT further added, “I’ve got three more years, where I get the little buggy and be out there with Fred (Couples). But until then no buggy.”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
A lot of seniors have already mentioned how they will be looking forward to competing with Tiger Woods in the PGA Tour Champions. Let’s see what they had to say.
Champions await Tiger Woods’s arrival
December 30, 2025, will mark the day when Tiger Woods celebrates his 50th birthday. Along with that, he can also expect calls from several former adversaries who would be eager to reignite their rivalry with the GOAT. The first legend in the lineup might be Padraig Harrington. The intense battle with the two at the 2009 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational was a sight for sore eyes. Woods and Harrington fought tooth and nail till the very end before the 16th hole triple bogey in the final round by the latter let the 5X Masters Tournament winner grab the lead and capture the title. Tiger Woods has also talked about joining the Champions Tour a few times as well. In an interview for Golfweek back in July 2024, Harrington confirmed that his dialogue had received a response from Woods as the latter said, “I can’t wait to beat you on the Champions Tour” in a friendly confrontation with the former.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Rocco Mediate has also stated how the PGA Tour Champions is a lot “quieter.” He further added “I like it noisy. I like more people.” He mentioned how “I can’t wait,” for his 2008 U.S. Open rival to finally join the senior league and bring along the audience with him. Other legendary rivals that might thrive having Tiger Woods around are Vijay Singh, John Daly, and Ernie Els.
Do you think Tiger Woods will join the PGA Tour Champions in 2026 or will he wait a few more years? Share your views in the comments section.

Joel Dahmen doesn’t play with Scottie Scheffler that very often. The limited field Signature event sort of put a bar on Dahmen’s entry. The one-time PGA Tour winner misses his ‘chatty’ friend, though, and he still likes to ‘give him crap all the time on the greens.’ Dahmen, himself, hasn’t had his greatest season on the greens.
Only one top-ten this year certainly is not at par with Dahmen’s caliber. And this is where Scheffler’s genius becomes more apparent. As Dahmen said in the Golf’s Subpar podcast it’s not very hard to hit a ball in the rough or just flush it into the water. It’s not very hard at all to card 37 or 38 on the front or back nine. But Scheffler avoids that altogether on most days.
Scheffler ranks 2nd in bogey avoidance this year, behind Xander Schauffele. Joel Dahmen dubbed it the ‘best season since the Tiger [Woods] era,’ which most likely won’t be debated. The 37-year-old went on to add, “The competition is so deep now and the courses he’s doing on… He’s playing the best of the hardest courses every week.”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
via Reuters Paris 2024 Olympics – Golf – Men’s Round 1 – Le Golf National, Guyancourt, France – August 01, 2024. Scottie Scheffler of the U.S. in action. REUTERS/Matthew Childs
Scottie Scheffler comes out on the greens, be it the Masters or the Hero World Challenge, he is on his ruthless self. Dahmen, as a PGA Tour pro himself, knows how hard that is. After this season ended, he went to Hilsburg, and then to Vegas. Dahmen has also spent some time on TPI, fine-tuning his chipping. Scheffler, meanwhile, arrived at the Bahamas and walked with a victory by six strokes. Dahmen explained, “It’s obviously a testament to how good he is, but it’s a testament to his mind.”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The World No.1 was asked about it. His response was short and as Scheffler-like as you can think. He treats every week the same. Masters, US Open, or Valero Texas Open, the name, the purse, and the field make no difference to him. “How do you do that!” a baffled Joel Dahmen exclaimed in the podcast. The answer is anyone’s guess. Scheffler is a mental beast who likes to win every tournament he plays.
Scottie Scheffler’s mind is a fortress
Joel Dahmen’s question would perhaps be better answered by Scheffler’s caddie, Ted Scott. He has seen him up close and knows how fiercely competitive his boss is. The Dallas resident is as competitive in a ‘friendly’ ping pong match or a water polo match as he is on the greens at Augusta National. Scott knows he can bounce off ideas with Scheffler. And even if one of them is wrong, and his client is in a tough spot, Scheffler is strong enough to bounce back.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
“When you are working for a guy like Scottie Scheffler, it’s like literally the best strategy – the logical strategy – is you can talk to him about anything because he is so tough mentally. I mean, he is a mental giant,” Scott said a few weeks back in a podcast. If there is any secret sauce to Scheffler’s success, it’s his mind. Just like another world no.1 in golf whose event he won a few days ago.

Fans always have their favorite athletes at the top, irrespective of how they have performed during the season. Something similar has happened between the two American professional golfers, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele. Both pros have had a great 2024 season with record-setting stats. On one side, Schauffele won two majors, including the Open and the PGA Championship. He won it in the same year, a decade after Rory McIlroy’s 2014 win.
On the other hand, the world No. 1, with his exceptional year, won 8 events, including the Masters Tournament. For the 2024 PGA Tour Player of the Year, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Xander Schauffele were nominated. However, fans and fellow professionals shared preferences by praising their favorites for the particular season. Following on to it, during a recent podcast at GOLF’s Subpar, Joel Dahmen was seen praising Scheffler for his spectacular year.
While praising the world no. 1, he compared his season to the Tiger Woods era. For this, he said during the podcast, “It’s the best season since Tiger era”, adding, “Xander had an unbelievable year obviously winning two majors but like every single week Scottie is on the leaderboard.” Continuing it, he shared how the competition in today’s time is so deep and how Scottie Scheffler has been playing the hardest and the best courses with consistent finishes.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Following the season’s conclusion, Scottie Scheffler was awarded the PGA Tour Player of the Year. He joined the list with the most consecutive wins, along with Tiger Woods, by winning it for the third straight year. This recognition is chosen based on the votes of the members, which were in favor of Scheffler with 91% votes. However, even after the majority votes, fans were seen debating for their favorite players on social media.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
How were fans supporting Xander Schauffele and Scottie Scheffler on social media?
Fans were seen supporting Schauffele and Scheffler even after the Player of the Year title. One of the posts on X shared how shocking it is for them. In the comments section, other users have also joined, sharing their take on this. One of the users shared two polls where he asked fellow users about their pick for the player of the year, which showed unique stats.
After Schauffele’s win in The Open, the poll had 49% votes for Xander Schauffele’s side. However, this changed totally after Scheffler won the Olympics. The stats were 90% on Scheffler’s side, while only 10% voted for Schauffele. Even other users commented with “Recount! Recount!,” while some shared shocked GIFs. It seems fans were not expecting this result even after an exceptional season of Scottie Scheffler.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
What are your thoughts on the 2024 PGA Tour Player of the Year title? Who was your pick for this season? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Scottie Scheffler was overcome with emotion as he accepted his third consecutive Jack Nicklaus Award for PGA TOUR Player of the Year. The honor, voted on by his peers, was the perfect culmination of an incredible season that included seven wins, an Olympic gold medal, and the coveted FedExCup. As he stood on stage, clutching his award, Scheffler’s eyes welled up with tears, and his voice cracked with emotion. “It’s an amazing honor,” he said, his words filled with gratitude per the latest Player Of The Year interview. “To get the votes of my peers is always something that’s very special and something that’s pretty rare.” The recognition from his fellow golfers meant the world to Scheffler, and he was visibly moved by the acknowledgment.
However, the evening was bittersweet, as Scheffler and the golf community mourned the tragic passing of beloved golf writer Jeff Babineau. The news of Babineau’s passing had sent shockwaves through the golf world, and Scheffler took a moment to pay tribute to the respected journalist. “Thoughts and prayers go out to Jeff and his family,” Scheffler said, his voice filled with empathy. “Jeff’s a great guy, we always enjoyed the time we got to spend with him.” Babineau was more than just a golf writer; he was a cherished member of the golf community, and his loss was deeply felt by all who knew him. As Scheffler spoke, his words reflected the somber mood of the evening, and the celebration of his achievement was tempered by the sadness of Babineau’s passing.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Scheffler’s humility and graciousness shone through, as he acknowledged the honor and expressed his gratitude to his peers. His emotional acceptance speech was a testament to his character, and it was clear that the award was not just a recognition of his golfing prowess, but also a tribute to his dedication, hard work, and commitment to the sport. As Scheffler walked off stage, his award in hand, he was met with a standing ovation, and the applause was not just for his golfing achievements, but also for the kind of person he is.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
via Getty MONTREAL, QUEBEC – SEPTEMBER 24: Scottie Scheffler of the U.S. Team walks from the ninth green prior to the 2024 Presidents Cup at The Royal Montreal Golf Club on September 24, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)
Many don’t know that Scheffler has made quite the history with his latest feat.
Scottie Scheffler matched Tiger Woods after winning the 2024 PGA Tour Player of the Year
Scottie Scheffler has etched his name in golf history, matching Tiger Woods’s incredible feat of winning the PGA Tour Player of the Year award three consecutive times. The 28-year-old American world number one was overwhelmed with support from his peers, receiving 91% of the vote. Scheffler’s remarkable season included seven title wins, including his second Masters title at Augusta National in April. While Rory McIlroy has also won the award three times, Scheffler and Woods are the only two players to have achieved this impressive feat three years in a row.
Scheffler was humble in his acceptance, acknowledging the inevitable comparisons to golf legend Tiger Woods. “There’s really only one Tiger – that’s just kind of it,” he said with a smile. While his Masters victory was a highlight of the season, Scheffler revealed that his most memorable moments came during his gold medal victory at the Paris Olympics. “The way that Teddy (caddie Teddy Scott) and I kind of finished off that tournament was pretty cool,” he said, reflecting on the thrilling experience. As Scheffler continues to make his mark on the golf world, one thing is clear: he’s forging his own path to greatness, and his name will be remembered for generations to come.

When you watch Scottie Scheffler play, his footwork tells you that his swing and balance are all over the place.
Yet, he hits the ball on a rope and rarely misses the center of the club face. It seems impossible, but Scheffler is the best player in the world despite his feet saying otherwise.
He also took home his third straight Player of the Year honor this week, matching Tiger Woods as the only player to accomplish this feat. Nine wins, a Green Jacket, and a Gold Medal in Paris made it a no-brainer for Scheffler to win this award again, as 91% of the PGA Tour membership selected him as the Player of the Year.
His historic season featured many marquee moments, but one that sticks out is his Sunday charge at TPC Sawgrass, where he stormed back to win The Players by one. He shot a final round 64 that day, coming from five back to finish one stroke ahead of Brian Harman, Xander Schauffele, and Wyndham Clark. His victory also marked the first time a player won back-to-back Players titles.
But earlier that week, during the second round, Scheffler’s tee shot on the short par-4 12th made quite the rounds on social media.
Patrick McDonald of CBS Sports posted the below screenshot of Scheffler’s swing. Look at where his feet are. Then, look at the trajectory of the ball flight.
It’s stunning:
This should be the new logo of the players if Scottie goes back to back https://t.co/XtbikCsflQ — Josh Segal (@Josh_Segal8) March 15, 2024
Josh Segal then quote-tweeted this screenshot, saying, “This should be the new logo of the Players if Scottie goes back-to-back.”
Scheffler did just that, leading Taylor Ryan, a talented member of the PGA Tour’s social media team, to create an updated Players Championship logo with the ‘Scheffler Shuffle.’
The tour then printed this new logo on T-shirts for sale at PGA Tour Superstores. The back of the shirt includes a list of Scheffler’s 2024 accolades.
How it started vs how it’s going pic.twitter.com/2WcXVhI2U4 — Taylor Ryan (@taylormryan_) December 11, 2024
Best of all, the proceeds from these shirts benefit the Behind Every Door organization, a Dallas-based charity that is very near and dear to Scheffler’s heart. Behind Every Door provides opportunities for underserved individuals to “reach their God-given potential” while helping to improve their lives.
Scheffler has tremendously strong faith. He and his caddy, Ted Scott, participate in a Bible study almost every week on tour, and his good friend Sam Burns is also a member of that group.
But this new shirt ties in all the tremendous attributes that make Scheffler the man he is. It truly encapsulates what he is all about.
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.

The world of professional golf is a complex and ever-changing landscape. With millions of fans worldwide, the sport is a beloved institution that transcends borders and cultures. From the lush greens of Augusta National to the sun-kissed fairways of Pebble Beach, golf’s iconic courses are woven into the very fabric of the sport. As the PGA Tour continues to evolve, golf enthusiasts are eagerly watching to see how the organization’s decisions will shape the future of the game.
In the latest episode of Golf’s Subpar on YouTube, Joel Dahmen expressed his worries about the PGA Tour’s future. “We’re the only professional organization in sports that’s shrinking,” he said, highlighting the Tour’s decision to reduce its membership to 100 cards. Dahmen has never been one to mince words, and his thoughts on the PGA Tour’s recent changes are no exception. Speaking on the Subpar podcast, Dahmen shared his skepticism about the Tour’s decision to reduce field sizes and the number of tour cards handed out each year. But what really got him going was the idea that these changes are being made mainly to address the issue of slow play.
“Don’t challenge my intelligence by saying it’s a pace of play problem,” Dahmen said, referencing a comment made by Lucas Glover. “They had the pace of play problems at the Bahamas with 20 people on the ground. So it’s not that.” Dahmen’s frustration with the Tour’s approach to the pace of play is palpable. He acknowledges that slow play is an issue, but he doesn’t think reducing the number of players on tour is the solution. Instead, he believes the Tour should focus on finding ways to make the game more sustainable for its players. “You can finish 60th on the Korn Ferry and barely make money after traveling, especially if you have a family out there,” he pointed out.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
USA Today via Reuters Jun 17, 2022; Brookline, Massachusetts, USA; Joel Dahmen lines up a putt on the seventh green during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Dahmen’s comments are a reminder that the PGA Tour’s decisions have real-world consequences for its players and that sometimes, the simplest solutions aren’t always the best ones. That being said, did you know Dahmen recently had the opportunity to polish his skills under the guidance of none other than Scottie Scheffler?
Joel Dahmen says Scoffie Scheffler’s 2024 season is the “best since Tiger Woods’s era”
Joel Dahmen has had the pleasure of watching Scottie Scheffler’s incredible golfing skills up close, even though they don’t play together often due to the limited field Signature events. Despite not having his best season, with only one top-ten finish, Dahmen can’t help but admire Scheffler’s genius on the greens. As he shared on the Golf’s Subpar podcast, “It’s not very hard to hit a ball in the rough or just flush it into the water… But Scottie avoids that altogether on most days.” Dahmen even went so far as to call Scheffler’s season the “best season since the Tiger [Woods] era,” a testament to his remarkable skill and mental toughness.
Dahmen’s own struggles on the greens have given him a deeper appreciation for Scheffler’s abilities. After the season ended, Dahmen took time to fine-tune his chipping at TPI, while Scheffler went on to win the Hero World Challenge by six strokes. As Dahmen observed, “It’s obviously a testament to how good he is, but it’s a testament to his mind.” Scheffler’s mental approach to the game is something that Dahmen can’t help but marvel at, wondering aloud, “How do you do that!” Despite his own challenges, Dahmen’s admiration for Scheffler’s skills and mental toughness is clear, and he’s not alone in recognizing the World No. 1’s incredible talent as we’re sure you all also love him.

Fans have been highly interested in knowing about the lives of professional golfers. For example, Bryson DeChambeau’s splendid success with his YouTube channel showcases what goes inside the professional golfer’s life. There have been many instances where other golfers have shared about their lives, which have always been received with delight from the fanbase. However, there have always been two sides to the story, which we see in the comments section. And that is what Michael Kim has experienced with his social media post.
The shining bright life that all fans think of professional golfers is just one side of the story. As a fan, we get to see what players are earning and how much they have earned throughout the season or in their careers. But, with the shocking revelation by Michael Kim, fans were both amazed and angry with the post. In a recent post on X, Kim shared his traveling and stay expenses for the season 2024. As per the photo shared by him, his expenses sum was around $92,698.
Now, with that much amount as expenses, fans were amazed by the cost that professionals have to bear just to be at the tournament. While the post even mentioned that it included minimum business class and no private jet travel. However, the majority of the fans were seen asking about why he was complaining about it.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Now 6 days after the post, he posted another Q&A, where a fan asked him if he was aware of how his traveling expenses post had received. Clarifying this, Kim stated, “Idk, people thought i was complaining which I wasn’t intending it to sound that way. People like inside the ropes type stuff which is why I posted it and i thought some might like it”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
If this post was posted before 2022 would have been a pure shock for fans and golf enthusiasts. However, now that the PGA Tour offers a base pay program, this shouldn’t be a concern.
How much money does a PGA Tour player make as compared to expenses?
Before 2022, the case was different as the players will have to make the cut for events in the PGA and have to be among the top to increase purse value. If they failed to do so, their earnings would be less, and they wouldn’t be paid enough to even cover their traveling expenses.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Ben Griffin, a PGA Tour player who once left the game due to a loss of motivation and credit card bills. He shared during a TikTok video about his expenses per event which was $5000 approx. and how important it was to make a cut in the tournaments. Struggling with this pressure, he decided to quit as a pro and got back to a desk job.
However, things have changed now with the base pay program introduced in 2022-23 as the players will get assured $500,000 each year. Additionally, for lower-rank players or missed-cut players, the PGA offers a reimbursement of $5000 to make up their expenses. However, there is still a vast gap between players who are in the top ranking and those who are at the bottom. Will this difference ever be reduced? How can the PGA Tour offer better opportunities to lower-rank players? What do you think about it? Share your insights with us in the comments section below.

The PGA Tour’s Player of the Year award is a huge deal in the golf world, and this year’s winner is no surprise, Scottie Scheffler has taken home the coveted Jack Nicklaus Award for the third year in a row! As the 2024 season wrapped up, everyone was wondering who would be crowned the best of the best, and Scheffler’s impressive track record made him a clear frontrunner. With seven PGA TOUR event wins, a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, and the season-long FedExCup title under his belt, Scheffler’s dominance on the tour is undeniable.
What’s really interesting, though, is just how decisively Scheffler won the award – he took home a whopping 91% of the vote! That’s a pretty staggering margin, especially when you consider that Xander Schauffele, a two-time major winner in 2024, only managed to snag less than 10% of the vote. It’s clear that Scheffler’s consistency and skill on the course have earned him a ton of respect from his peers and the golf community at large. But it’s also worth wondering how the voting process works, and what factors contribute to such a lopsided result.
Despite the questions surrounding the voting process, one thing is clear: Scottie Scheffler is an incredible golfer who deserves all the accolades he’s receiving. His third consecutive Player of the Year award is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural talent. As one of the world’s top golfers, Scheffler continues to inspire and awe fans around the globe – and we can’t wait to see what he does next!
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
However, as much as the fans are excited, they can’t help but be shocked that Xander Schauffele, despite his impressive two-major win season, was almost completely overlooked in the voting process.
Netizens left shocked after the latest data on the Player Of The Year Award
Golf fans are not playing blind when it comes to who they want to vote and with this year’s vote percentage its pretty clear who they like the most. Or as one fan put it, “Zero players would want Scottie’s year over Xander. Xander isn’t as well liked”, while the other said, “Crazy. The majors are the only tourney all the best players play together. Those should outweigh everything else”. Well, while it is controversial to say that Scottie Scheffler had a better year than Xander Schauffele – the numbers and accolades seem to agree. Both American golfers had incredible 2024 seasons, with Schauffele winning two majors, including the Open and the PGA Championship, while Scheffler, the world No. 1, won an impressive eight events, including the Masters Tournament.
“Unreal, 2 majors used to be a lock”, said one fan while the other said, “I am a bit surprised at how lopsided it was over Xander Schauffele” and well, Scheffler did had a remarkable year but so did Schauffele. Fellow golfer Joel Dahmen praised Scheffler’s season as the “best season since Tiger era”, but he also added “Xander had an unbelievable year obviously winning two majors but like every single week Scottie is on the leaderboard”, and further emphasizing Scheffler’s consistency by saying “the competition is so deep, and Scottie’s playing the hardest and the best courses with consistent finishes”.
Unarugbly, Scheffler was indeed in his best form this year but is that enough reason to justify the lack of votes on Schauffele’s end? Or as this fan likes to put it, “Scottie was deserving no doubt but really thought Xander would get more votes than he did”. What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below!
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad

Jordan Spieth’s career has been a rollercoaster of incredible highs and tough lows. After bursting onto the scene with 11 PGA Tour wins and three majors by 2017, he hit a rough patch, going four years without a victory. But Spieth’s grit and determination brought him back, with a win at the 2021 Valero Texas Open and another at the 2022 RBC Heritage. Now, as of 2023, he’s proven he’s still a force in golf, chasing more majors and reminding everyone why he’s one of the game’s brightest stars.
In the latest episode of Golf’s Subpar on YouTube, USA pro golfer Michael Kim shared his thoughts on the Player Advisory Council (PAC) and its potential impact on a player’s game. Kim mentioned that being on the board can be detrimental to a player’s performance, saying “If you check their (PAC members) FedEx Cup rankings on the years these guys were on the board and not on the board… it’s not going to be the most beneficial thing to your game.”
He also shared an example of how hectic it is to be a PAC member, citing Adam Scott’s experience with a 2-3 hour board call after a round of golf. Scott reportedly told Kim, “It’s the last thing I would want to do after a round. It’s a legit job.” Kim’s comments have sparked speculation about whether Jordan Spieth’s involvement with the PAC contributed to his dip in form. Spieth joined the board in 2018, the same year his hot streak ended, and later became the chairman.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
USA Today via Reuters Jun 10, 2024; Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA; Jordan Spieth looks over the 10th green during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament at Pinehurst No. 2. Mandatory Credit: Katie Goodale-USA TODAY Sports
Spieth’s time as chairman of the PGA Tour’s Player Advisory Council (PAC) may have contributed to the challenges he’s faced on the course in recent years. While it’s impossible to know for sure, some, like Kim, believe that the added stress and pressure of the role might have played a part. As Kim explained, “These guys are actually spending a lot of time in meetings, having conversations about improving the PGA Tour.” Balancing such responsibilities alongside competing at the highest level of golf is no easy task, and it may have impacted Spieth’s focus and performance.
Camilo Villegas elected Chairman of PGA Tour’s Player Advisory Council
Now, the PGA Tour has announced a new leader to take on this demanding role. Camilo Villegas has been elected as the new chairman of the PAC, replacing Spieth starting January 1, 2025. Villegas, a 42-year-old Colombian golfer with five career wins, joined the PAC board last month and secured the position over Kevin Streelman in a vote by his fellow players. As chairman, Villegas will work closely with the tour’s board and Commissioner Jay Monahan to address key issues affecting the league.
Villegas takes on this role at a critical time for the PGA Tour. Negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the Strategic Sports Group for private-equity investment remain unresolved, despite a framework agreement being reached in June. Tensions have grown as PIF resumes efforts to recruit players, creating uncertainty and division within professional golf. Experts suggest it could take one to two years to achieve unity, even if an agreement is finalized. With Villegas stepping into the spotlight, the PAC’s leadership faces immense challenges ahead, navigating these complexities while working to secure a stable and successful future for the PGA Tour.

The Producers Guild of America is out with the first nominees for its 2025 PGA Awards. Documentaries are first on the docket, with six films vying in the Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion Pictures.
Up for the award are Gaucho Gaucho, Mediha, Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa,
Porcelain War, Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story and We Will Dance Again. The guild notes that all six films are in the process of being vetted for individual producer eligibility.
The 37th PGA Awards ceremony is set for Saturday, February 8, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. Nominations for Theatrical Motion Pictures, Animated Motion Pictures, Television Series/Specials and Streamed or Televised Motion Pictures will be revealed Friday, January 10. The Sports, Children’s and Short Form lists arrive Friday, December 13.
The Producers Guild Awards honors excellence in motion picture, TV and emerging-media productions as well as people shaping the producing profession. Chris Meledandri will receive the 2025 David O. Selznick Achievement Award, and Dana Walden is set for the PGA’s Milestone Award.
Watch on Deadline
RELATED: The 2025 Oscars: Everything We Know So Far About The Nominations, Ceremony, Date & Host
The PGA’s marquee film honor, the Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures, long has been considered a strong prognosticator for the Best Picture Oscar, with 16 of the past 21 winners going on to triumph at the Academy Awards. Last awards season followed the trend as the PGA honored Oppenheimer, setting the gilded stage for the Christopher Nolan film’s its Oscar triumph two weeks later.
Here are the documentary nominees for the 36th annual PGA Awards; clink on the links for more info on each film:
Gaucho Gaucho
Mediha
Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa
Porcelain War
Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story
We Will Dance Again

The Producers Guild of America 2025 nominees for Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion Picture award include “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story,” “Gaucho Gaucho,” “Mediha,” “Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa,” “Porcelain War” and “We Will Dance Again.”
Winners will be announced at the PGA Awards on Feb. 8 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.
“Super/Man” was named among the top five documentaries of the year by NBR and is a nominee for the Cinema Eye Honors. “Porcelain War,” about the challenges faced by artists in Ukraine, won the Sundance Grand Jury documentary prize. “Mountain Queen,” about a single mother who is a mountain climber, won the TIFF People’s Choice audience award for documentary. “Gaucho Gaucho,” from the filmmakers of “The Truffle Hunters,” is nominated for an Indie Spirit documentary award. “Mediha” won the grand jury prize at Doc NYC, while “We Will Dance Again,” about the Supernova Music Festival massacre, won two awards at the Documentary Edge festival.
Last year’s winning producers were Lauren Domino, Matthew Heineman and Joedan Okun for “American Symphony,” the story of musician Jon Batiste’s journey composing a symphony while his wife went through cancer treatment.
Popular on Variety
Nominees for sports, children’s and short form television will be announced Friday, while nominees for theatrical motion picture, animated motion picture, television series/specials and televised/streamed motion pictures will be announced Jan. 10. The PGA honorees this year include Chris Meledandri with the David O. Selznick Achievement Award and Dana Walden with the Milestone Award.
The 2025 Producers Guild Awards Event Chairs are Mike Farah and Joe Farrell, with Anchor Street Collective producing and Jody Lambert, Lauren Cortizo and Matt Oberg writing. Branden Chapman is executive producer, and Carleen Cappelletti is co-executive producer.

And the bombshell has dropped! The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia is in advanced talks to acquire a significant stake in the PGA Tour’s commercial arm. This move has the potential to send shockwaves through the golf world, and insiders are buzzing with excitement. According to sources, PIF is eyeing a roughly 6% stake in PGA Tour Enterprises, which could be a major coup for the Saudi Arabian investment fund.
The deal, if it goes through, could value PGA Tour Enterprises at a staggering $12 billion, matching the terms of a previous investment by Strategic Sports Group (SSG). That’s a whopping valuation that underscores the enormous potential of the PGA Tour’s commercial arm. While the terms are still being finalized and regulatory approval is pending, this potential partnership could have major implications for the future of golf. It’s a development that’s being closely watched by golf fans, investors, and insiders alike, and it’s anyone’s guess what the ultimate outcome will be.
As news of the potential deal spreads, fans are expressing their views on the latest update, and among them are some well-known golf personalities. The golf world is abuzz with speculation about what this deal could mean for the future of the sport. One thing’s for sure, though – this is a story that’s going to be huge, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on it as it unfolds.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
With the potential for massive investment and a new era of cooperation between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, this deal could be the start of something big, at least that’s what some the people in the golf community believe, while others, well not so much.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Netizens react to the latest update in the PGA Tour- PIF merger
For instance, SBJ’s Josh Carpenter wrote, “This PIF “deal” was never going to be as sexy as people wanted it to be. There is no merger. LIV is not going away. Any deal would just likely mean that they’ve figured out a way for players to cross over.” At the same time, many fans were concerned over the numbers. “6% is lower than the 11% originally slated”, said one fan while the other said something completely in contrast, “A 6% stake to buy instant TV coverage is brilliant.”
Well, here’s the thing, the reported deal between Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and PGA Tour Enterprises is more of a strategic move than a game-changing merger. According to Bloomberg, the PIF is nearing a deal to acquire a 6% stake in PGA Tour Enterprises, valuing the company at around $12 billion. While this may signal a truce in the ongoing battle between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, it’s not a merger, and LIV Golf isn’t going anywhere. Instead, the deal, which is still subject to regulatory approval, likely means that the two sides have figured out a way for players to cross over between the two tours, marking a more collaborative approach after three years of conflict.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
While another fan expressed their frustration over the whole situation, “18 months and still no answers… PIF owns Liv Golf, is taking a minority stake in the PGA tour, is still negotiating with the DP World Tour.. sounds confusing.” Another fan put out the same argument and wrote, “It’s taken them 18 months to come up with that 😂😂”, taking a jab at the stakeholders and well, it is quite fair. It was June 6, 2023, that marked a pivotal moment in the golf world, as news broke of a proposed merger between LIV Golf, the PGA Tour, and the European Tour. On that day, the three organizations announced plans to combine their commercial rights into a new for-profit venture, backed by the Public Investment Fund.
This bombshell revelation sent shockwaves through the golf community, sparking widespread speculation about the potential implications of such a merger. And now with such underwhelming outcomes, the fans are bound to be disappointed. What are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comment section below!

There’s been a lot of speculation about the future of golf, with many wondering what’s next for the sport. Well, it looks like we might be getting some answers soon. , two of the biggest stars in the golf world, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau have been dropping some hints about what’s to come. And let’s just say that it’s got a lot of people excited.
A potential showdown between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has been rumored for a while now, and it looks like it might actually happen. Per the latest tweet by Matt Vincenzi, Koepka and DeChambeau have confirmed that there’s a real possibility of a “Ryder Cup-style” match between the two tours in 2025. “🚨Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau just told me that next year we may get a LIV vs. PGA Tour Ryder Cup style match”, read his tweet on X. This would be a massive deal, pitting the best golfers in the world against each other in a battle for bragging rights.
The potential matchups would be incredible, and it’s likely that legendary golfers like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson would be at the helm, leading their respective teams into battle. The timing of this announcement couldn’t be more perfect, with the latest iteration of The Match set to pit the PGA Tour against LIV Golf in a thrilling showdown. With Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler set to take on Koepka and DeChambeau, this could be the perfect opportunity to drum up excitement and attract new fans to the game.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
As golf viewership continues to experience a slump, this innovative approach could be just what the sport needs to get back on track. And always fans are super excited for this one as well!
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Netizens are pumped for the new potential chapter in PGA-Tour and LIV Golf’s future
Well, golf fans are known to be skeptical of things, and rightly so, given the sport’s rich history and tradition. For instance, when the Match between Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler set to take on Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau was announced, many fans were initially hesitant, wondering if it would live up to the hype. But as the event drew closer, and the excitement began to build, even the most skeptical of fans couldn’t help but get caught up in the anticipation. Now one would have expected the same reaction to the Ryder Cup thing as well, but as it turns out fans are pretty excited.
“Oh yes!”, wrote one fan while the other said, “We’ve been begging for this 🙌🏼”. See now, while fans did want the LIV Golfers to be part of the Ryder Cup team, it wasn’t official for them to join the tournament until this year when the PGA of America announced that LIV Golf players are indeed eligible to compete in both the PGA Championship and the U.S. Ryder Cup teams going forward. This decision clears the way for LIV golfers like reigning U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau to join the U.S. team, and it’s consistent with the past two years, where LIV Golf players have competed in the PGA Championship.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
“Brilliant idea”, said another fan, and well, frankly it is. Ryder Cup is already a house of excitement and you’re saying we can see everyone’s favorite LIV golfers as well. Sign us up! “That would be cool”, said one fan while the other said, “That’s what we’ve been wanting!” Well, while there is no doubt that it would be absolutely cool to see a unified golf tour, nothing has been confirmed yet. But what is confirmed is the upcoming “Match” between Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau, representing LIV Golf, and Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, representing the PGA Tour. Ahead of this highly anticipated event, Koepka and DeChambeau have been heaping praise on each other, with Koepka describing DeChambeau as “quirky, opinionated, but very passionate, very driven, and very hard-working”, while DeChambeau has been complimentary of Koepka’s work ethic, noting that they share similar practice routines. So are you excited? Let us know in the comment section below!

The PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) are close to striking a deal, according to a Bloomberg Business report.
The two sides have tried to reach an agreement for almost 18 months now, but this deal will likely see the PIF acquire a 6-percent stake in the PGA Tour’s new for-profit entity, PGA Tour Enterprises. This investment could value PGA Tour Enterprises at about $12 billion, as the PIF would likely match the influx of cash the tour received from the Strategic Sports Group (SSG) earlier in the year. SSG is a group of sports owners and billionaires that committed $1.5 billion to the tour in February. The SSG plans to inject an additional $1.5 billion into the tour’s new commercial arm in the coming years, thus bringing its total investment to $3 billion.
But what does this all mean for the structure of professional golf?
LIV Golf, bankrolled by the PIF, will not go anywhere soon. The PIF has invested billions into LIV, and some of its teams are now striking sponsorship deals. That has allowed the PIF to receive some return on their initial $1 billion-plus investment.
LIV also hired a new CEO to replace the contentious Greg Norman and continues to schedule events all over the world for 2025 and beyond. The league also boasts the likes of Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and reigning U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, four of the most popular players on the planet.
One must assume this investment will include a crossover between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf players. The tour’s television ratings had a brutal year in 2024, perhaps due to LIV poaching so many stars over recent years. Even Scottie Scheffler’s dominance could not help the tour see a year-over-year increase from 2023 to 2024. Plus, YouTube Golf and the amateur game have never been stronger. Amateur players would rather play the game than watch the biggest stars compete in events. YouTube has allowed content creators—like DeChambeau—to produce unique videos that viewers can watch at all hours of the day at their convenience. Live PGA Tour golf does not have that.
Perhaps LIV golfers will receive amnesty, thus paving the way for them to play in some marquee PGA Tour events. Rahm has said he misses playing at Torrey Pines and TPC Scottsdale each year. His return to those events would give each of them a much-needed boost. Maybe DeChambeau plays at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where he stunned the golf world in 2021 with his otherworldly drive over the big lake on the par-5 6th hole. But the crux of this issue is how LIV players will be received. Some left hastily, while others on the PGA Tour threw barbs their way too. And yet, it seems the animosity between the two sides has softened in recent months, thus paving the way for some form of reunification. Still, the tour should not completely open its arms toward LIV players, considering they helped threaten the PGA Tour’s existence. They should also not be eligible to receive any part of the PGA Tour’s new equity program since they received millions to join LIV in the first place.
Instead, the PGA Tour should allow LIV players to compete in four PGA Tour events per year. Four events with LIV golfers would allow golf fans to see the world’s best compete side-by-side more often—a 100% increase of the reality now, as PGA Tour and LIV pros play in the four majors together, not including a few DP World Tour events.
Speaking of the DP World Tour, PGA Tour pros should be able to jump over to LIV and play a few events there too—not unlike how Rory McIlroy and Billy Horschel play sporadically on the DP World Tour throughout the fall season.
Perhaps LIV will backload its calendar in the future as well. Staging events across the globe in the fall could give international players plenty of opportunity to play while the PGA Tour is more or less amid its offseason. Plus, the fall does not bode well for pro golf in the United States. Fans are entrenched by the NFL, college football, baseball’s postseason, and the beginning of the NBA, NHL, and college basketball seasons during this time.
No matter what happens, the agreement between the PIF and the PGA Tour will not be as substantial as many might have guessed. It’s simply an investment that will give the PIF a seat at the table among the tour—its ultimate goal when LIV first launched. All the PIF has wanted to do is try to diversify its $700 billion assets and investment portfolio among sports entities across the globe. They have done just that, championing the definition of “sportswashing,” all while sending pro golf into a fractured period of time.
At least golf seems to be coming back together ever so slightly.
Jack Milko is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough for more golf coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @jack_milko as well.

The world of golf is abuzz with the latest news as many popular creators, including Paige Spiranac and No Laying Up, have joined the PGA Tour’s new Creator Council. The announcement has sparked excitement and skepticism, with many wondering what this new role entails and what it means for the future of golf coverage. But amidst all the hype, one important detail has been largely overlooked, the creators aren’t getting paid for their involvement.
In the latest episode of No Laying Up on YouTube, the hosts shed some light on what it means to be part of the Creator Council. “We’re not getting paid for it,” one of the hosts revealed. “It’s very low stakes.” Another host added, “I don’t feel like it doesn’t mean we’re not going to be critical… We’re not trading access for like good PR or anything like that.” As for what they hope to achieve through their involvement, one host noted, “I want to help like I have ideas for the tour, ways that you could make it easier for us to cover the game, which hopefully will help grow the PGA Tour’s audience.”
Despite the lack of financial compensation, the creators seem enthusiastic about the opportunity to provide feedback and help shape the future of golf coverage. As part of the Creator Council, they’ll be working closely with the PGA Tour to identify new ways to engage fans and grow the sport. While it remains to be seen what concrete changes will come out of this collaboration, one thing is clear: these creators are committed to speaking their minds and pushing the sport forward, even if it doesn’t come with a paycheck.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Paige Spiranac reflected on her remarkable journey, which began when she went viral in 2015, catapulting her social media presence and paving the way for golf content creators. Over the past nine years, she had shared her passion for the game with millions and was proud of the path she had forged in golf, as well as the growth of the industry, which had grown to boast numerous talented creators united by a common goal. She had felt honored to be part of the prestigious Creator Council and was excited to have contributed to the growth of the game.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
via Imago July 8, 2022, Stateline, Nevada, U.S: Golf personality/model/influencer, PAIGE SPIRANAC, tees off from the first hole during the American Century Championship at the Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada, on Friday, July 8, 2022. Stateline U.S. – ZUMAb130 20220708_zap_b130_070 Copyright: xTracyxBarbutesx
Many even believe that the latest step by the PGA Tour will help attract a new generation and make them fans of the sport.
Is the PGA Tour Creator Council a new era of fan engagement?
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The PGA Tour has taken a significant step in its efforts to grow its next generation of fans with the launch of its new Creator Council. This advisory group, comprised of popular golf content creators such as Paige Spiranac, Bryan Bros Golf, and No Laying Up, will provide valuable insights and feedback on how the Tour can better engage with fans who consume golf content on social media and YouTube. As Andy Weitz, the PGA Tour’s chief marketing and communications officer, explains, “The question then began, if we have a platform that creators want to come and participate on in that manner…can we develop a more persistent relationship, a dialogue, an ongoing opportunity to learn from them.”
The Creator Council will meet monthly to discuss initiatives such as the Creator Classic, a nine-hole tournament featuring top golf content creators, as well as broader strategies for fan engagement, collaborative content opportunities, and event enhancements. Weitz emphasizes that the Council is “a forum to have these discussions” and ensures that the Tour is “having an open-door, rotating approach” to understanding the needs and sentiments of its fans. By leveraging the expertise and influence of these creators, the PGA Tour hopes to tap into the growing demographic of young, digitally-savvy golf fans and build a stronger connection with them.

Open Extended Reactions
World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler, whose seven victories on tour this past season were the most since Tiger Woods in 2007, won the Jack Nicklaus Award as PGA Tour Player of the Year.
Scheffler, who captured a second green jacket at the Masters, a gold medal at the Paris Olympics and a FedEx Cup title, is the first golfer since Woods (2005 to ’07) to win the honor in three consecutive seasons.

Scottie Scheffler has been named the winner of a third straight Jack Nicklaus Award cementing him as the 2024 PGA Tour Player of the Year. The Tour announced Scheffler’s selection on Tuesday as he joins Tiger Woods as the only golfers to claim the honor in three consecutive years.
Scheffler is also just the third golfer to be named Player of the Year three times in his career joining Woods (11 times) and Rory McIlroy (three). Woods claimed five straight Player of the Year honors from 1999 to 2003 and again won three straight from 2005-07.
Scheffler is the ninth player to win the FedEx Cup and the Player of the Year in the same season since the FedEx Cup era began in 2007.

The PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund reached an agreement for the PIF to invest more than a billion dollars into the Tour’s commercial arm, finalizing a pact that the two sides first announced back in 2023.
The Wall Street Journal reported that the PIF will invest $1.5 million in PGA Tour Enterprises while taking a minority stake.
The minority stake will be roughly six percent, which would put it in line with the terms of an investment into PGA Tour Enterprises by Strategic Sports Group, according to Bloomberg.
3 Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA Tour and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund walk on course during day one of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2024. Getty Images
The PIF Investment, according to Bloomberg, could value PGA Tour Enterprises around $12 billion.
While the two sides have reportedly come to an agreement, it still would need to clear regulatory approval and the deal is in front of the Justice Department, according to the Wall Street Journal.
With the incoming change of presidential administration, hope is high that regulators will green-light any deal between the two sides and end the long-running battle between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.
The sides had shockingly announced they reached the framework of an agreement in June 2023 that would unite them.
The once-rival parties had until the end of 2023 to finalize a full deal, but as the calendar changed to 2024, no agreement ever came to fruition.
The PGA Tour and PIF had come to an agreement, per the Wall Street Journal, but federal regulators complicated things.
3 Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA Tour and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund embrace during day one of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship 2024 Getty Images
President-elect Donald Trump – a noted golf fan – has been vocal about wanting to see the two sides come to an agreement and said during the election that it would take him “the better part of 15 minutes to get that deal done.”
Since winning the 2024 presidential race, Trump has been seen golfing with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the head of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, was with Trump at a UFC event in New York City last month.
The new reports on Tuesday did not indicate whether the sides had agreed to new scheduling that would allow golfers to compete in tournaments in both leagues.
3 President-elect Donald Trump on the driving range as he played at Trump National in Bedminster before the weekend’s LIV Golf Tournament. Chris Pedota / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Last month, Bloomberg reported that the PIF had been considering a deal with the DP World Tour that would allow LIV Golf players access or membership on the DP World Tour.
That reported deal would be separate from the one with the PGA Tour, which does have a strategic alliance with the European tour.