The ISPS Handa Australian Open features a mixed format where men's and women's fields compete together for equal prize money. While Golf Australia views the format as a success, PGA of Australia chairman Ian Baker-Finch believes it diminishes both events, advocating for separate tournaments to attract the best players. He expresses concerns about scheduling conflicts with the LPGA Tour, making it challenging for top female golfers to participate fully. The event will have alternating groups of men and women in each round, culminating at Kingston Heath Golf Club.

Lexi Thompson expressed frustration over the LPGA's decision to split tee boxes during her final round at the CME Group Tour Championship, impacting her farewell on the 18th hole. This decision, driven by TV broadcast scheduling with NBC, highlighted ongoing issues regarding pace of play and TV exposure in the LPGA. The situation raises broader questions about how the tour manages its relationship with television partners and the implications for the visibility of women's golf.

Adrian Otaegui, a five-time DP World Tour winner, has changed his nationality from Spain to the United Arab Emirates, ending his chances of playing in the Ryder Cup. Otaegui, who has lived in the UAE for 13 years, aims to represent the country globally and inspire young Emirati golfers. His decision follows a ban from the DP World Tour for participating in LIV events, and he will now work with the UAE Golf Federation to develop golf in the region. His first event representing the UAE will be the Nedbank Challenge in South Africa from December 5-8.

Billionaire investor Steve Cohen expresses optimism about a potential deal between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) to reunite players after the emergence of LIV Golf. Despite complexities, Cohen believes progress is being made, aiming to heal fractures in men's golf. Previous challenges include reintegrating LIV players currently suspended from the PGA Tour, but recent interactions between PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan suggest thawing relations. Other industry figures also anticipate a resolution within six months.

Four PGA Tour players have been nominated for the 2024 Arnold Palmer Award for Rookie of the Year: Nick Dunlap, Max Greyserman, Jake Knapp, and Matthieu Pavon. Dunlap stands out for winning both as an amateur and a professional in the same season, while Greyserman achieved three runner-up finishes. Knapp secured a win at the Mexico Open, and Pavon was the only rookie to qualify for the TOUR Championship. Voting for the award is open until December 4, with the winner announced before the year's end.

Golf needs to better engage with brands like Malbon to effectively promote inclusivity and growth in the sport. The criticism faced by players like Jason Day for their attire highlights the ongoing resistance to non-traditional golf clothing, which can deter new players. Malbon emphasizes that comfort should take precedence over strict dress codes, arguing that attire does not affect performance. The negative reactions to Day's clothing during high-profile events like The Masters could discourage potential golfers, contradicting the sport's stated goals of diversification and outreach. Malbon believes that embracing a more relaxed approach to golf fashion is essential for attracting a broader audience.

L.A.B. Golf has been forced to abandon the term "broomstick" for its putters due to a trademark claim by Callaway, which trademarked the term in 2018. In response, L.A.B. will use "sweeper" instead. The situation raises questions about the validity of trademarking common terms in the industry. While Callaway asserts its legal rights, L.A.B. is considering its options but prefers to avoid legal disputes, opting for a creative name change instead.

In 2024, Jeeno Thitikul earned over $6 million, making her the LPGA's top money winner and placing her 15th on the PGA Tour's money list, surpassing several notable golfers. She won twice and had 12 top-10 finishes in 17 events. Her earnings exceeded those of 27 PGA Tour winners, highlighting her impressive performance in comparison to her peers.

Billy Horschel expressed excitement over the TGL stadium, a purpose-built arena for the tech-infused golf league starting in January. He praised the setup, highlighting a large screen, and noted that the league will feature six teams and multiple matchups at the SoFi Center in Florida. Horschel's team, Atlanta Drive GC, will compete against Xander Schauffele's New York Golf Club on January 21, with live coverage on ESPN.

Ian Poulter criticized the DP World Tour for favoritism towards Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton amid the LIV Golf controversy. He highlighted the unfair treatment of LIV players, noting Rahm's successful appeal against a $1 million fine that allowed him to continue competing. Despite being eligible for more DP World Tour events, Rahm only played in three, focusing instead on qualifying for the Ryder Cup, where he currently ranks 10th in the standings.

Adrian Otaegui, a 32-year-old golfer, has shifted his focus from pursuing a spot on the Ryder Cup team to representing the UAE in 2025 after being let go by LIV Golf. This decision makes him ineligible for the Ryder Cup but increases his chances of participating in the Olympic Games. Otaegui plans to continue competing in the DP World Tour while aiming to improve his performance and rankings in the upcoming season.

Sergio Garcia is willing to pay hefty fines imposed by the DP World Tour to qualify for the Ryder Cup, while Ian Poulter criticizes the absurdity of such costs, suggesting it could total £1.4 million just for the chance to participate. European golfers face penalties while American players are reportedly compensated $400,000 for their participation, raising questions about fairness in the tournament's structure. Despite the financial burdens, many golfers express that playing in the Ryder Cup is a privilege worth the cost.

Former NHL enforcer Paul Bissonnette was involved in a bar fight with seven drunk golfers in Scottsdale, Arizona. Despite being outnumbered, Bissonnette managed to handle the situation with minimal injuries, highlighting the disparity in physicality between golfers and a professional hockey player. The incident raises questions about the image of golfers as athletes, as they struggled to make an impact against Bissonnette. Overall, the situation reflects poorly on the golfers involved, while Bissonnette's well-being is a relief to his fans.

Adrian Otaegui, a professional golfer, has switched his nationality from Spain to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in pursuit of an Olympic medal. Having lived in the UAE for 13 years and holding a golden passport, Otaegui aims to inspire younger Emirati golfers and contribute to the growth of golf in the country. The UAE Olympic Committee and Emirates Golf Federation have confirmed his new representation, marking a significant step for both Otaegui and UAE golf.

Salisbury University launched its inaugural golf team in the fall of 2024, marking a significant step in the university's athletic development. Head coach Dalton Deardorff, who has a long-standing passion for golf, was instrumental in establishing the program. The team, comprised of players from the existing club team and new recruits, aims to build a successful legacy in Division III athletics. Players like Emma Wivell and Parker Pruitt express pride in being part of the first team, fostering a close-knit community. As they prepare for their spring season, the team is focused on achieving their first wins and elevating the program's status in collegiate golf.

Xander Schauffele, part of New York's new TGL golf team, expressed excitement about representing New York sports, contrasting it with the laid-back West Coast mentality. He acknowledged the passion of New York fans and emphasized the high stakes of sports in the city. His comments, along with those of teammate Cameron Young, are likely to resonate well with local sports enthusiasts.

The article discusses the differing treatment of LIV Golf players by the DP World Tour, highlighting Ian Poulter's comments on the fines imposed on veteran golfers like Sergio Garcia compared to younger players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. Poulter suggests that the Tour's actions are financially motivated, as they benefit from the return of high-profile players while imposing significant fines on others. He questions the fairness of the DP World Tour's policies and the apparent double standards in their enforcement.

Joel Dahmen's journey on the PGA Tour has been marked by personal challenges, including cancer diagnoses in his family. After a tense final round at the RSM Classic, he secured his PGA Tour card for another year, finishing at No. 124 in the FedEx Cup standings. Dahmen expressed the emotional weight of the moment, reflecting on the camaraderie and experiences shared with fellow players and their families. With upcoming changes to the tour reducing the number of full cards available, Dahmen acknowledges the increasing difficulty of maintaining his position and looks forward to the next season.

Nine LPGA veterans, including Lexi Thompson and Brittany Lincicome, have announced their retirements from full competition, with Thompson indicating she may play selectively in the future. Other notable retirements include major champions So Yeon Ryu and I.K. Kim. In the PGA Tour, Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele are leading nominees for player of the year, while Nelly Korda was named LPGA player of the year. The USGA has nominated Kevin Hammer as its next president, and several players celebrated personal milestones and achievements during the season.

Professional golfer Olivia Schmidt and others are urging the LPGA Tour to change its gender participation policy to better protect female golfers. Schmidt expressed her concerns about competing against trans women and emphasized the need for fair competition. The LPGA is reviewing its guidelines and plans to announce updates for the 2025 season, while Schmidt and her peers advocate for inclusivity that prioritizes women's opportunities in the sport.

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

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

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