Planet Golf News for Tuesday, March 4, 2025

New York nabs final TGL playoff spot; Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods out | Scottie Scheffler favorited by oddsmakers for another Bay Hill cardigan | LIV Golf's Anthony Kim gets "in some golf" with golf influencer with 836k Instagram followers

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PGN News Team
March 04, 2025

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

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Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

If you had Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods making deep playoff runs on your inaugural TGL bingo card, well, you can go ahead and rip that thing up. In a twist that probably wasn’t in the script, neither of golf’s biggest names will be involved in the playoffs. Instead, it’s the Los Angeles Golf Club, led by Sahith Theegala and Collin Morikawa, taking the No. 1 seed after a dramatic comeback over The Bay Golf Club. Meanwhile, New York Golf Club played spoiler to Boston Common, ensuring that McIlroy’s squad—and Woods’ Jupiter Links GC—will be watching from the sidelines. The playoffs are now set, with L.A. taking on New York and The Bay facing Atlanta Drive. If the regular season taught us anything, it’s that momentum swings faster than a weekend hacker’s emotions, so expect more chaos ahead.

Speaking of staying power, 3M clearly isn’t going anywhere. The sticky-note and tape giant has extended its sponsorship of the PGA Tour’s 3M Open through 2030, ensuring that TPC Twin Cities in Minnesota remains a summer golf staple. Considering the current trend of sponsors pulling out faster than a bunker rake in a pro-am, this commitment is a big win for the PGA Tour. Jhonattan Vegas, the defending champ, will return in 2025, but let’s be real—this tournament’s biggest achievement might just be keeping its title sponsor locked in for another five years.

Over at Bay Hill, the Arnold Palmer Invitational is gearing up to host 38 of the world’s top 40 players. Scottie Scheffler enters as the betting favorite, and honestly, at this point, he might be the betting favorite for everything from the Masters to your local club championship. Notably missing from the field? Tiger Woods (shocker), Jordan Spieth (wrist issues), and Rickie Fowler, who didn’t even get an invite. Ouch. Bay Hill has also made a sneaky little change to its par-3 17th hole, replacing a giant bunker with thick rough. Players now have to deal with the potential of an awkward, club-twisting lie instead of a straightforward sand save. Ah yes, the joy of golf.

Meanwhile, the Puerto Rico Open will once again serve as the PGA Tour’s alternate event, where players just outside the elite tier will battle for a smaller purse but valuable FedExCup points. Defending champ Brice Garnett will return, but a lot of eyes will be on popular golf YouTuber Wesley Bryan, who continues his quest to prove he’s more than just a trick-shot artist. Over in China, the Blue Bay LPGA is back with its stunning coastal views and a strong field, including defending champ Bailey Tardy and a large Chinese contingent. The event, played on a long, windy track, is a rare no-cut tournament, so even if a player has a rough start, they can’t just pack their bags and fly home early. Fun times.

In the world of golf’s rebel circuit, LIV Golf Hong Kong is back for its second year, with Abraham Ancer hoping to defend his title against a field that includes Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks Koepka. Anthony Kim, the mythical figure who vanished from golf for over a decade, is also back in action, now spending time with influencer Rick Shiels as part of LIV’s latest attempt to win over social media. Kim’s results so far? Mixed. But let’s be honest—most people are still trying to wrap their heads around the fact that he’s playing golf at all.

Elsewhere, the Joburg Open in South Africa will give players a chance to punch their ticket to The Open Championship, while the Korn Ferry Tour’s Astara Chile Classic will see rising stars try to earn their way to the big leagues. Laurie Canter is set to become the first former LIV golfer to make a PGA Tour start, which should stir up some drama, while Fred Couples continues to roll his eyes at the idea of LIV players waltzing back onto the PGA Tour. Couples’ stance? “I go, bye-bye.” We assume that’s directed at any LIV player hoping for a smooth transition back to Tour life.

Finally, in the “kids these days” department, Joe Highsmith became the fourth golfer born in the 2000s to win on the PGA Tour, joining the likes of Akshay Bhatia, Tom Kim, and Nick Dunlap. The young guns are taking over, and with programs like PGA Tour University Accelerated giving amateurs a direct path to the Tour, the talent pipeline looks stronger than ever.

Between playoff drama, tournament shakeups, and equipment tweaks (yes, Ping just dropped a sand-busting club called the BunkR, because why not?), golf is keeping things interesting. Buckle up, because March is shaping up to be a wild ride.

Today’s Top Golf News 

TGL results, playoffs: Los Angeles Golf Club wins regular season, No. 1 seed as Rory McIlroy's team eliminated

Los Angeles Golf Club secured the regular-season title and the No. 1 seed in the TGL playoffs with a comeback victory over The Bay Golf Club, while New York Golf Club defeated Boston Common Golf, eliminating Rory McIlroy's team from playoff contention. The playoffs will see Los Angeles face New York in the first round, while The Bay will compete against Atlanta Drive in the other semifinal. Both matches showcased intense competition, with Los Angeles overcoming a 3-0 deficit and New York utilizing an effective hammer strategy to clinch their win, ultimately setting up an exciting playoff scenario.

3M extends sponsorship of PGA Tour event through 2030

3M has extended its title sponsorship of the PGA Tour's 3M Open through 2030, highlighting its strong partnership with the tournament since its inception in 2019. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan expressed excitement for the continued collaboration, emphasizing the engagement of Minnesota's passionate fan base. The 2025 3M Open is set to take place from July 24-27 at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, with defending champion Jhonattan Vegas. 3M CEO Bill Brown reinforced the tournament's role in fostering community and showcasing 3M's innovations, while the event remains a significant part of the PGA Tour's FedExCup regular season.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

LAGC beats Bay to secure top playoff seed in TGL

TGL - PGA Tour - SoFi Stadium - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

In last night’s TGL matches at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Los Angeles Golf Club secured the regular-season title with a thrilling 5-3 comeback victory over The Bay Golf Club. The match started with The Bay taking an early 3-0 lead, but Los Angeles rallied back, with Sahith Theegala playing a crucial role by chipping in from off the green on the 12th hole to take the lead. The momentum shift began when Min Woo Lee made a costly error on the 10th hole, hitting his second shot into a penalty area and gifting two points to Los Angeles.

In the other match of the evening, New York Golf Club defeated Boston Common Golf 10-6, confirming Boston's early exit from playoff contention. This result also eliminated Tiger Woods' Jupiter Links GC from the playoffs, regardless of their performance in tonight’s match against Atlanta.

The playoff picture is now set, with Los Angeles Golf Club facing New York Golf Club in one semifinal, while The Bay Golf Club, despite losing their undefeated status, will take on Atlanta Drive in the other semifinal as the No. 2 seed. Last night's results showcased the unpredictable nature of team golf, with momentum swings and clutch performances determining the outcomes. Players expressed mixed emotions, highlighting the unique pressures and dynamics of competing in a team format in this innovative golf league.

Los Angeles GC bounces back to defeat The Bay in TGL Match 13, secures first seed in playoffs

Los Angeles Golf Club staged a remarkable comeback from a 3-0 deficit to defeat The Bay Golf Club 5-3, securing the top seed in the SoFi Cup playoffs. Key performances from Collin Morikawa, Sahith Theegala, and Tommy Fleetwood fueled the victory, setting up a semifinal matchup between The Bay and Atlanta Drive.

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy's teams miss inaugural TGL playoffs. Will Woods play finale?

The inaugural TGL playoffs will proceed without Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, as their teams failed to qualify. New York Golf Club secured the final playoff spot by defeating Boston Common, while both Woods' Jupiter Links GC and McIlroy's Boston Common ended their seasons without making the playoffs. Despite his team's elimination, Woods will still participate in a regular season finale against Atlanta Drive. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Golf Club clinched the No. 1 seed for the playoffs after a narrow victory over The Bay Golf Club.

The First Look: Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard

Arnold Palmer Invitational - PGA Tour - Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge - Orlando, FL

The 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational, a prestigious PGA Tour event, is set to take place from March 6-9 at Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge in Orlando, Florida. This signature tournament, featuring a $20 million purse, will bring together the world's top golfers to compete on the challenging 7,466-yard par-72 course.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who is also the current world No. 1, enters as the favorite with odds of +320. He'll face stiff competition from other top-ranked players, including Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Ludvig Aberg. Notably, Schauffele is making his return to the Tour after being sidelined with a rib injury since the season opener.

The tournament promises to be a thrilling event, with 38 of the world's top 40 players scheduled to compete. The field includes a mix of proven champions and rising stars, all vying for the 700 FedEx Cup points awarded to the winner. The Bay Hill course is known for its tight fairways and water hazards, presenting a true test of skill and strategy for the players.

5 Big Names Missing The Arnold Palmer Invitational

The Arnold Palmer Invitational is set to take place at Bay Hill, featuring a prestigious field of top golfers including defending champion Scottie Scheffler and former champions Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele. However, several big names will be missing from the tournament, including Jordan Spieth, who is still recovering from wrist surgery, Rickie Fowler, who has not received an invitation this year, and Tiger Woods, who withdrew due to personal reasons. Additionally, players like Jake Knapp and Nicolai Hojgaard narrowly missed qualifying, highlighting the competitive nature of the PGA Tour and the challenges faced by even the most skilled golfers.

Bay Hill has made a noticeable change on one of its closing holes

Bay Hill has made significant changes to the par-3 17th hole, replacing the large beach bunker with thick rough, altering the challenge for players. The redesign, part of a 2009 renovation for Arnold Palmer's 80th birthday, aimed to make the green appear smaller from the tee. The new layout, now listed at 221 yards, is expected to make tee shots more intimidating, especially with water replacing the former bunker. Golfers like Jason Day acknowledge that while the rough presents a different challenge, it may be easier to play from than the previous bunker, which demanded precise shots to avoid difficult recoveries.

Xander Schauffele to return at Arnold Palmer Invitational

Xander Schauffele will return to competition at the Arnold Palmer Invitational after recovering from a rib cage injury, aiming to be fully fit for the season's second half. He previously won the 2024 PGA Championship and the Open Championship.

The First Look: Puerto Rico Open

Puerto Rico Open - PGA Tour - Grand Reserve Country Club - Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

The 2025 Puerto Rico Open, marking its 17th edition, will take place from March 6 to March 9 at the Grand Reserve Golf Club in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. This PGA Tour event serves as an alternate tournament to the Arnold Palmer Invitational, offering an opportunity for rising stars and lower-ranked players to compete for a $4 million prize purse and 300 FedEx Cup points. The winner will earn $720,000. The field includes 132 players, featuring four Puerto Rican golfers—Chris Nido, Reinaldo Simoni, Gustavo Rangel, and Kelvin Hernández—alongside notable names like defending champion Brice Garnett and promising talents such as Michael Thorbjornsen and Karl Vilips.

The event will follow a 72-hole stroke-play format with a cut after the second round, allowing only the top 65 players and ties to advance. Since its inception in 2008, the Puerto Rico Open has been a platform for showcasing talent while contributing over $4.2 million to local charities.

The First Look: Puerto Rico Open

The Puerto Rico Open is set to take place at the Grand Reserve Golf Club, marking its 17th edition and an opportunity for players to earn valuable FedExCup points early in the season. The event will feature a diverse field, including defending champion Brice Garnett, popular YouTube content creator Wesley Bryan, and a mix of PGA TOUR rookies and seasoned players. Notable storylines include the competition occurring opposite the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the implications for the upcoming RBC Heritage. With the course layout adjusted for 2025, the tournament promises a challenging test for all participants.

These four golfers advanced to the Puerto Rico Open from the final Monday qualifier

The final Monday qualifier for the Puerto Rico Open took place at Wellington National Golf Club in Florida, where Connor Creasy secured his spot with an impressive 9-under 63, outperforming Chris Korte by two shots. Dawson Jones and Maxwell Sear also advanced with 6-under 66s, while notable players such as Ted Potter Jr. and John Augenstein failed to qualify. This event marks a continued reduction in the number of Monday qualifiers on the PGA Tour, with seven tournaments eliminating them in 2026 as part of a move to decrease field sizes, transitioning to 120 or 132 players for upcoming events.

Blue Bay LPGA - Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course - Hainan Island, China

The Blue Bay LPGA is set to take place from March 6 to 9, 2025, at the Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course on Hainan Island, China. This prestigious event on the LPGA Tour, which boasts a $2.5 million purse, will feature some of the world's top female golfers. The tournament is held at a stunning coastal venue designed by Mark Hollinger, offering a challenging tropical links-style course with firm paspalum grass, scenic views of Lingshui Bay, and strategically placed bunkers and water hazards.

The Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course has hosted the event since 2014, with a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The course spans 7,555 yards and demands precision due to its windy conditions and unique layout. The tournament attracts an international field of competitors, including several of the top-ranked players in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings. Defending champion Bailey Tardy will return after her breakthrough victory in 2024.

Located in LingShui County near Clear Water Bay, the venue is complemented by luxury accommodations such as the Westin Blue Bay Resort. With its picturesque setting and competitive field, the Blue Bay LPGA promises an exciting showcase of elite golf on one of Asia's premier courses.

Field Breakdown: 2025 Blue Bay LPGA

The 2025 Blue Bay LPGA is taking place in the People’s Republic of China, featuring top athletes such as Ruoning Yin and Minjee Lee, along with 14 rookies from the Epson Tour. The tournament includes past champions like Bailey Tardy and Gaby Lopez, as well as recent LPGA winners like A Lim Kim. Among the players are eight from the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings top 25 and a notable contingent of 32 competitors from China. Additionally, five players received sponsor exemptions to participate in the event.

Five Things to Know About the 2025 Blue Bay LPGA

The 2025 Blue Bay LPGA marks the third and final stop of the LPGA Tour's spring swing through Asia, taking place at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course in China, where 108 players will compete for a prize pool of $2.5 million in a no-cut event. Notable competitors include Jeeno Thitikul, who is experiencing a strong season, and defending champion Bailey Tardy, returning after her breakthrough victory last year. The tournament also features five sponsor exemptions, including LPGA veteran Sandra Gal and 20 members from the Chinese Golf Association, highlighting the event's significance in promoting both international talent and local participation. Following the Blue Bay LPGA, the Tour will take a two-week break before resuming in the United States.

Cologuard Classic - PGA Tour Champions - La Paloma Country Club - Tucson, AZ

The 2025 Cologuard Classic, part of the PGA TOUR Champions, will take place from March 2 to March 9 at the La Paloma Country Club in Tucson, Arizona. This prestigious event features a 78-player field competing over three days (March 7–9) in a no-cut format for a $2.2 million purse, with $330,000 and 330,000 Charles Schwab Cup points awarded to the winner. The tournament is hosted by the Tucson Conquistadores and emphasizes raising awareness for colorectal cancer while supporting youth sports in Southern Arizona.

The event week includes Pro-Am tournaments on March 5 and 6, giving amateur golfers the chance to play alongside PGA TOUR Champions legends. Fans can also enjoy concerts, such as performances by Vanilla Ice and Koe Wetzel, and other activities like the opening ceremony featuring an F-16 flyover. The competition itself unfolds on the Jack Nicklaus-designed course at La Paloma Country Club, offering spectators an up-close view of some of golf’s greatest players. Beyond golf, proceeds from the tournament benefit local charities and organizations focused on cancer advocacy and youth programs.

Tucson's Cologuard Classic field as good as it gets

The Cologuard Classic is set to take place at La Paloma Country Club in Tucson from March 7-9, featuring a lineup of prominent golfers, including Steve Stricker, Ernie Els, and Jim Furyk. Jasmin Mejia, a participant from the Phoenix area, shared her personal connection to the event, highlighting her mother's battle with colon cancer. The tournament not only showcases top talent but also emphasizes the importance of cancer awareness, with initiatives like donations for birdies made on the 15th hole to support cancer survivors. The excitement surrounding the event is palpable, as local enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the competition.

LIV Golf Hong Kong - LIV - Hong Kong Golf Club - Fanling, Hong Kong

The LIV Golf Hong Kong 2025 tournament is set to take place from March 7 to March 9 at the historic Hong Kong Golf Club in Fanling. This marks the second consecutive year the event will be hosted at this venue, following its successful debut in 2024. The competition features a 54-hole individual stroke play format, with 54 players divided into 13 teams of four, along with two wildcard entries. The total prize pool is $25 million, with $20 million allocated for individual competitors and $5 million for team performances.

Defending champion Abraham Ancer will return to the course where he triumphed last year after a dramatic playoff against Cameron Smith and Paul Casey. Top players such as Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Brooks Koepka are also set to compete, adding to the excitement. The event will use the same composite layout as the Hong Kong Open, a par-70 course measuring 6,711 yards that demands precision and strategic play. Notable challenges include the ninth hole, a 493-yard par-4, which was among the toughest in last year’s tournament.

The tournament will feature shotgun starts each day, beginning at 12:15 PM local time on Friday and Saturday, and slightly later at 12:35 PM on Sunday.

LIV Golf's Anthony Kim gets "in some golf" with golf influencer with 836k Instagram followers

Anthony Kim recently announced a collaboration with golf influencer Rick Shiels, sharing the news on Instagram on March 3, 2025. Kim, who is set to compete in the LIV Golf Hong Kong tournament starting March 7, shared glimpses of their golf session together, expressing enjoyment in the experience. Shiels, a prominent golf content creator with a significant following, has become an official brand ambassador for LIV Golf as part of a multi-year partnership aimed at enhancing fan engagement. Kim, a three-time PGA Tour winner, has been adjusting to his return to professional golf after a 12-year hiatus, with mixed results in his recent LIV events.

Joburg Open - DP World Tour - Houghton Golf Club - Johannesburg, South Africa

The 2025 Joburg Open, part of the DP World Tour, is set to take place at the Houghton Golf Club in Johannesburg, South Africa, from March 6 to March 9. This tournament marks the final stop of the tour's International Swing and offers a purse of $1.1 million, with the winner expected to take home $190,000. Houghton Golf Club, a par-70 course stretching 7,227 yards, is known for its tree-lined fairways, undulating terrain, and high-altitude conditions that allow the ball to travel farther. The course has a rich history, having hosted several prestigious events like the South African Open and the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

The Joburg Open has traditionally been dominated by South African players, with ten of its sixteen editions won by locals. Notable past champions include Charl Schwartzel and Richard Sterne, both two-time winners. However, defending champion Dean Burmester will not participate this year due to a scheduling conflict with LIV Golf Hong Kong. The field still features strong contenders such as Dylan Naidoo, who recently won the Investec South African Open Championship, as well as other rising South African talents like Jacques Kruyswijk and Shaun Norris. International players will also compete for valuable Race to Dubai and Ryder Cup points, with 3,000 points available for the winner.

The tournament is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and serves as an Open Championship qualifying event, offering top finishers a chance to secure a spot in one of golf's most prestigious majors. With its competitive field and challenging course layout, the Joburg Open promises an exciting conclusion to this segment of the tour.

Astara Chile Classic pres. by Scotiabank - Korn Ferry Tour - Prince of Wales Country Club - Santiago, Chile

The Astara Chile Classic presented by Scotiabank is an upcoming Korn Ferry Tour event scheduled to take place from March 6-9, 2025, at the Prince of Wales Country Club in Santiago, Chile. This tournament marks the conclusion of the Korn Ferry Tour's international events for the season and is the fifth time the Prince of Wales Country Club has hosted the event. The field will consist of 156 players, including six Chilean golfers and all five winners from the current Korn Ferry Tour season. The winner will receive 500 points towards the Korn Ferry Tour Points List and $180,000 from the $1 million purse. The event has a history of producing notable winners, with PGA TOUR champions Adam Hadwin and Kevin Kisner among its past victors. The Prince of Wales Country Club, established in 1925 and named after the then Prince of Wales Edward VIII, has become one of South America's premier golf institutions. This tournament is an important stop on the Korn Ferry Tour, often serving as a stepping stone for players aiming to secure their PGA TOUR cards.

Upcoming: The Masters Tournament (April 7 - 13, 2025)

Masters 2025: Here's everybody in the field (so far) at Augusta National

The Masters tournament in 2025 is shaping up with 92 players expected to compete, including special invitees Nicolai Hojgaard and Joaquin Niemann, alongside recent winners Justin Hastings and Joe Highsmith. Two qualification criteria remain open for players to secure their spots, with winners from upcoming PGA Tour events and the top 50 on the Official World Golf Ranking being eligible. The list of participants is currently in alphabetical order, featuring notable names such as Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm, while some past champions are not expected to play this year.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Joe Highsmith's Scotty Cameron putter was hot. Here's how to get one

Joe Highsmith achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first golfer to make a PGA Tour cut on the number and win the same week, largely attributed to his exceptional performance with a Tour-only Scotty Cameron 009M Circle T putter. Despite a rocky start on the greens, Highsmith excelled during the weekend, making an impressive 231 feet of putts and securing his first PGA Tour title with consecutive rounds of 64 at PGA National. The 009M model, known for its classic shape and modernized features, is highly sought after, often found on the secondary market for $5,000 or more. For those looking for similar options, the new Studio Style line from Scotty Cameron offers various retail alternatives, including customizable options and innovative features that enhance performance and feel.

Ping Scottsdale putters: 5 things to know

Ping has introduced the 2025 Scottsdale line of putters, featuring nine models that utilize innovative technology inspired by the running shoe industry. Central to this new line is a lightweight PEBAX elastomer insert designed to enhance distance control and consistency, along with large face-insert cavities to improve stability. Each putter comes with an exclusive SuperStroke grip, and a new WebFit Putter app has been launched to help players find the best model for their game. With a focus on game improvement, the lineup includes various stroke types and unique alignment aids, ensuring a model is available for every player. The putters are available for pre-order at a price of $270, with retail availability set for March 27.

Ping trying to make getting out of the sand easier with the new BunkR

Ping has introduced the BunkR, a new club designed to assist golfers in escaping from sand bunkers more easily. Unlike traditional lob wedges, the BunkR features a super wide sole and a high degree of bounce, making it more forgiving for players, especially beginners. With a loft of 64 degrees, it allows golfers to hit bunker shots using a standard chipping motion rather than the more complex techniques typically required. The BunkR is available for pre-order and is priced at $195, set to reach retail on March 27, 2025.

Overheard in the Club House

Caddie Joe LaCava IV follows in famous father's footsteps, caddies for first PGA Tour win

Joe LaCava Jr., son of veteran caddie Joe LaCava, caddied for Joe Highsmith's first PGA Tour win at the 2025 Cognizant Classic, where Highsmith shot a bogey-free 64. Their successful partnership began in the fall on the Korn Ferry Tour, leading to a turnaround in Highsmith's performance. LaCava Jr. follows in his father's footsteps, who has a storied career in caddying, including working with Tiger Woods and winning the Masters.

Does LPGA star Lydia Ko need five different majors to claim career grand slam? It depends

Lydia Ko, having won three different majors, aims for a career grand slam by winning the U.S. Women's Open and KPMG Women's PGA. The LPGA recognizes a grand slam as winning four different majors, while Ko believes it should be five. Achieving this would further solidify her legacy in women's golf.

Laurie Canter Set To Become First Former LIV Golfer To Make PGA Tour Start

Laurie Canter is set to become the first former LIV golfer to compete in a PGA Tour event at The Players Championship after completing his one-year exclusion period. He has recently achieved notable success on the DP World Tour, including a win at the European Open and a second-place finish at the South African Open, which improved his world ranking and secured his invitation to the PGA Tour event.

'I go, bye-bye': Fred Couples skeptical how LIV pros would rejoin PGA Tour

Fred Couples expressed skepticism about how LIV Golf players would reintegrate into the PGA Tour, particularly regarding the potential impact on existing players and events. While acknowledging that Brooks Koepka desires to return, Couples raised concerns about fitting additional players into elevated events with limited fields. He reflected on the challenges of accommodating former LIV players and the implications for those already on the Tour. Couples has been critical of LIV Golf, questioning its format and funding, and emphasized the PGA Tour's ongoing success in developing new talent amidst the ongoing negotiations with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund.

Cognizant champ is the fourth golfer born in the 2000s to win on the PGA Tour

Joe Highsmith recently became the fourth golfer born in the 2000s to win on the PGA Tour, following notable achievements by Akshay Bhatia, Tom Kim, and Nick Dunlap. Highsmith won the 2025 Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches after making the cut and posting impressive scores over the weekend. Bhatia, who turned pro at 17, secured his first victory at the 2023 Barracuda Championship and later won the 2024 Valero Texas Open. Tom Kim made headlines as the first golfer from the 2000s to win on the Tour, with a remarkable comeback at the 2022 Wyndham Championship. Nick Dunlap, notable for being the first amateur since Phil Mickelson to win a PGA Tour event, also won as a professional within the same season, showcasing a remarkable rise among young golfers in the sport.

Luke Clanton's rise further evidence of PGA Tour's best move in LIV conflict

Luke Clanton's recent success on the PGA Tour highlights the effectiveness of the PGA Tour University Accelerated program, which aims to provide a direct pathway for top amateur golfers to transition to the professional circuit. Clanton, a standout junior from Florida State, secured his PGA Tour card after impressive performances, including five top-15 finishes in 11 starts. His achievement underscores the PGA Tour's strategy to retain emerging talent and counter the allure of LIV Golf, as seen with other players like Ludvig Aberg, who have also benefited from these changes. The program is designed to prevent a talent drain to rival leagues and has proven successful in fostering the next generation of golf stars.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

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Latest FedExCup Standings

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UPCOMING TOURS

PGA TOUR Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire PGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LIV Golf Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LIV Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LPGA Tour Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LPGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

TGL Schedule 2025

View the latest match schedule for TGL presented by SoFi, including times, dates and broadcast partners.

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