The deadline for the merger between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has passed without a binding agreement. The involvement of Fenway Sports Group has added complexity to the discussions, and the role of LIV Golf, backed by the Saudi regime, remains uncertain. The future of professional golf and the position of key figures like Jay Monahan and Greg Norman are also in question. The sport is in a state of flux as it navigates these challenges. [Guardian US]

This article predicts the winners of the major golf championships in 2024. For the Masters, Cameron Young and Scottie Scheffler are favored. Viktor Hovland and Bryson DeChambeau are predicted to win the PGA Championship. Will Zalatoris and Viktor Hovland are expected to perform well in the U.S. Open, while Min Woo Lee and Brooks Koepka are favored for the Open Championship. [cbssprots.com]

This article ranks the top 20 potential breakout stars in professional golf for 2024. The criteria include players who have not cracked the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking, have not won on major tours, and are 25 years old or younger. The top 10 candidates are listed, including Taichi Kho, Parker Coody, Norman Xiong, Gordon Sargent, Adrien Dumont de Chassart, Chris Gotterup, Jacob Bridgeman, Casey Jarvis, Alex Fitzpatrick, and Pierceson Coody. [nbcsports.com]

The article discusses nine players in the PGA TOUR who are expected to make significant progress in 2024. The author highlights the potential of these players and suggests reading the full story on Apple News or the publisher's website for the best reading experience. {PGA Tour]

The PGA Tour's 2024 season is set to begin with The Sentry in Hawaii, featuring a loaded field of top players. However, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm will not be participating in the tournament. The event has expanded eligibility to include players who finished in the top 50 of the FedEx Cup rankings in 2023. The tournament will showcase 59 of the 60 eligible players, with Viktor Hovland, the 2023 FedEx Cup champion, among the participants. [golfdigest.com]

In 2023, the biggest moment in golf was the PGA Tour agreeing to forge a future with Saudi Arabia, which came as a shock to many. Jay Monahan and Yasir Al-Rumayyan appeared together on CNBC to announce the deal, catching most golfers by surprise. The news sparked a strange and eventful day in the history of the PGA Tour. [golf.com]

This article pays tribute to several individuals in the golf world who passed away in 2023. Notable figures include Betsy Rawls, a legendary LPGA player, and other influential golfers, instructors, officials, and administrators who made significant contributions to the sport. Each individual is remembered for their impact on the game and their lasting legacy. [golfdigest.com]

As Rory McIlroy enters the 2024 PGA Tour season, he is playing the best golf of his career but has yet to win a major championship. Despite this, his underlying stats suggest he is performing at his peak. To replicate his past success, he needs to continue his current performance and stay emotionally invested. While there are critiques of his recent major performances, he has consistently given himself a chance to win. With his high floor and motivation, McIlroy remains one of the greats in golf and has the potential to add more major championships to his name. [cbssports.com]

Jon Rahm has been awarded the Golfweek Male Player of the Year for 2023. Rahm had an impressive season with four wins, two runner-up finishes, and 13 top 25s on the PGA Tour. He also performed well at the Ryder Cup, going 2-0-2 for Team Europe. Viktor Hovland and Brooks Koepka received honorable mentions for their performances throughout the year. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

On Tiger Woods' 48th birthday, here are 48 facts and stats to celebrate his career. From his estimated net worth of $1.1 billion to his 82 PGA Tour victories, 15 major championships, and numerous records, Tiger Woods has left an indelible mark on the world of golf. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Jon Rahm predicts that Viktor Hovland will be the next World No. 1 in golf based on his impressive performance in 2023, including three wins and a strong showing in the Ryder Cup. Hovland's improvement in his short game and course management has been key to his success. [golf.com]

In this interview, Patrick Cantlay discusses his role in the PGA Tour, his peers' support, and the controversy surrounding the Ryder Cup. Cantlay emphasizes the collaborative nature of the board meetings and praises Tiger Woods for his leadership. He also addresses the defense he received from fellow players and denies the allegations of controlling the Tour. Cantlay clarifies the events of the Ryder Cup, stating that there was no divide in the team room and that the hat incident was simply a matter of personal comfort. He reflects on the intense atmosphere of the Ryder Cup and the support he received from his caddie and teammates. Cantlay concludes by highlighting the importance of his wedding and the perspective it brings to his life. [golf.com]

Ludvig Aberg, a rising star in professional golf, explains why he rejected recruitment attempts from LIV Golf and chose to compete on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour instead. Despite the financial offer, Aberg saw red flags and didn't want to burn bridges. He values competition and playing against the best players, appreciating the history and prestige of the PGA Tour. With a PGA Tour card and a win under his belt, Aberg's future looks promising. [golf.com]

Lilia Vu had a remarkable 2023 season on the LPGA Tour, winning four tournaments and earning the Rolex Player of the Year honors. After a challenging start to her career, Vu found her footing in 2021 and continued to excel in 2022. In 2023, she secured her first LPGA Tour victory at the Honda LPGA Thailand, followed by wins at The Chevron Championship, the AIG Women's Open, and The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican. Her consistent performance throughout the season led her to become the top-ranked player in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings and ultimately win the Rolex Player of the Year award. [lpga.com]

Alison Lee, a two-time Ladies European Tour winner, was awarded the Pechanga Athlete on Another Level award for her outstanding achievements in sportsmanship and athleticism. Lee set a 54-hole scoring record and served as a role model to young athletes. The award was presented by Michelle Wie West and Chloe Kim. Lee has had a successful career with 21 top-10 results and earnings of $3,850,842. [lpga.com]

This article ranks the top five players who have won exactly two major championships in their careers. The list includes Dustin Johnson, Ben Crenshaw, Bernhard Langer, Johnny Miller, and Greg Norman. It highlights their achievements and notable moments in major tournaments. [sbnation.com]

Harold Varner III, a member of LIV Golf's 4 Aces team, was arrested for Driving While Impaired in North Carolina. His blood alcohol content was twice the legal limit, and he was released on bond. This is his first DWI offense, and he has a court date scheduled for January 19. [golf.com]

According to a report, LIV Golf's revenue for 2023 is under £100 million, while Jon Rahm's contract with LIV Golf is said to be six times bigger than the league's revenue. Despite the significant investment from the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, LIV Golf still lags behind the PGA Tour in terms of commercial success. [mirror.co.uk]

Rickie Fowler and Shane Lowry have joined the field for The American Express PGA Tour event in La Quinta, California. The event will feature top-ranked players such as Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, and Xander Schauffele. Fowler, a fan favorite, returned to the winner's circle in 2023 after a four-year drought. Lowry, the 2019 British Open winner, will be making his debut in the tournament. [gollweek.usatoday.com]

The golf tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics will have 120 competitors, with 60 athletes in each category. The host country, France, is guaranteed two quota spots, and the remaining spots will be determined by the Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR). Ranking points are awarded based on athletes' performances in applicable tournaments over a two-year period. The top 15 athletes on the OGR will secure their Olympic quota places, with a maximum of four athletes per NOC. The remaining athletes will be selected based on their OGR ranking until a total of 59 athletes is reached, including continental places. [apple.news]

The new changes to the World Handicap System for 2024 include a new way to handle nine-hole rounds, allowing scores to count for handicap purposes at more courses, and the continuation of the playing conditions calculation (PCC) to adjust scores based on course conditions. These updates aim to provide more flexibility and accuracy in calculating handicaps. [golfdigest.com]

Golf expert Ben Coley provides his betting tips for the 2024 men's majors, including selections like Will Zalatoris for the Masters and Min Woo Lee for the US Open. The article also discusses the course conditions, player records, and potential outcomes for each major tournament. [sportinglife.com]

The R&A and USGA are implementing a golf ball rollback to curb hitting distances. The new proposals include changes to the manufacturing and testing of golf balls, with a focus on swing speed, spin rate, and launch angle. The rollback is expected to reduce driving distances for professional and amateur golfers, with the greatest impact on the longest hitters. The official implementation for elite players is set for January 2028, with existing conforming balls eligible for recreational golfers until January 2030. The decision comes after a comprehensive examination of distance in the game and concerns about sustainability, course integrity, and skill diversity. The reaction to the rollback has been mixed, with players, commentators, and manufacturers expressing differing opinions. [todays-golfer.com]

This document highlights the 18 most controversial moments in golf in 2023, including incidents such as a fan sabotaging Mardy Fish at a celebrity event, Lydia Ko being hit with seven penalty strokes, and the LIV Golf controversy involving the PGA Tour and Saudi funding. Other notable moments include Paul Azinger being dropped by NBC, Patrick Reed's teegate and treegate incidents, and the decision to roll back the golf ball for professionals and recreational golfers. [golf.com]

The Ryder Cup in 2023 was marked by controversy and chippy behavior. Team USA started off with a big deficit and faced controversies surrounding celebrations and pay disputes. Team Europe ultimately won the tournament, but the memorable moments of questionable behavior overshadowed the event. [golf.com]

Grove Williams won the Boys 13-18 title in the Ford Picard Christmas Classic golf tournament, while Margaret Olson won the Girls 13-18 age group. Will Miller won the Boys 12-and-under division. Evan and Chris Eassy won the adult-child portion of the tournament. The tournament honors the memories of Henry Picard and Frank Ford Sr., two South Carolina golf greats. [postandcourier.com]

The 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass, known as the "Island Green," is famous for claiming over a million golf balls in its surrounding waters. Originally a sandpit dilemma, Pete Dye's wife, Alice Dye, suggested the concept of an island green, turning it into one of golf's most unforgettable holes. It tests skill, strategy, and nerve, attracting thousands of golfers each year. Are you up for the challenge? [si.com]

Adam Scott, the Australian professional golfer, has accepted a seat on the PGA Tour Policy Board, despite his reservations about being involved in decision-making groups in the past. With the voices of elite players carrying more weight than ever before, Scott believes he can contribute as a voice of reason and help shape the future of the tour. Alongside his commitment to golf, Scott values privacy for himself and his family and avoids social media. He looks forward to the upcoming season and aims to achieve more in his career, building on his 15 PGA Tour wins and his 2013 Masters victory.[linksmagazine.com]

The Wang family achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first golfers to play all 30 TPC golf courses over a span of 16 years. Starting in 2007 at TPC Scottsdale and finishing at TPC Danzante Bay Golf Resort in Baja, Mexico, the family celebrated their accomplishment with champagne and a plaque. After completing this goal, the Wangs are now considering their next golfing adventure. [golfdigest.com]

The article highlights the biggest golf events on the 2024 calendar. It mentions the LIV Golf Mayakoba, Players Championship, men's major championships (Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, Open Championship), World Golf Hall of Fame Induction, Dustin Johnson's 40th birthday, Olympics (men's and women's competition), AIG Women's Open, Solheim Cup, and Presidents Cup as the key events to look forward to in 2024. [apple.news]

Recreational players are advised to incorporate a lower-loft chip using a 9-iron around the green, as it can make the game easier and improve consistency. Using a short stroke with a lower-lofted club provides predictability and can lead to lower scores. [golf.com]

If you're struggling with slicing the ball in golf, fixing your over-the-top tendencies can help. This article provides tips from GOLF Top 100 Teacher Jonathan Yarwood on how to change your weight shift to fix the issue and improve your swing. [golf.com]

This article ranks the top 5 most difficult golf courses in the Western United States. The list includes Riviera Country Club, Spyglass Hill Golf Course, Pebble Beach Golf Links, Torrey Pines Golf Course (South Course), and The Olympic Club (Lake Course). Each course is described in terms of its challenges and notable features. [sbnation.com]

This article highlights the 12 golf courses that the staff at GOLF.com is excited to play in 2024. The list includes courses like The Park at West Palm Beach, Pinehurst No. 10, Bethpage Black, St. Andrews Old Course, Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley, and others. Each staff member shares their personal reasons for wanting to play these courses and their expectations for the experience. [golf.com]

For a $50,000 golf holiday, Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese and Italy4Golf offer an extravagant five-night experience in Rome, Tuscany, and Puglia. The trip includes playing golf with a Ryder Cup winner at Marco Simone Golf Club, visits to Villa Medici and Avignonesi winery, and rounds at Royal Golf La Bagnaia and San Domenico Golf. The package includes private transfers, city tours, tastings, and daily breakfast. [bunkered.co.uk]

Titleist is introducing the new Vokey Design SM10 wedges to the PGA Tour, following the release of the SM9 wedges in January 2022. The SM10 wedges, featuring different sole grinds, will be showcased at The Sentry tournament in Hawaii. The exact differences between the SM10 and SM9 wedges are unclear, but based on past releases, they are expected to be unveiled at the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando starting on January 23. [sports.yahoo.com]

The biggest golf equipment story of 2023 was the resurgence of long putters, specifically the Odyssey Versa Jailbird putter, popularized by Rickie Fowler. This trend gained momentum after other professional golfers, such as Wyndham Clark, found success with similar putter builds. The demand for these putters led to limited-edition releases and crashed websites. Additionally, the broomstick method, exemplified by Lucas Glover using L.A.B. Golf's Mezz.1 Max putter, also gained popularity. These trends indicate a major comeback for longer counterbalance and broomstick putters. [golf.com]

Costco has disrupted the traditional new year release schedule in the golf industry by launching the Kirkland Signature Players Irons and an adjustable driver at significantly lower prices than typical sets. The irons and driver quickly sold out, but a restock is expected. Costco's golf equipment has gained a cult following, and this move is expected to further enhance its reputation. [hypebeast.com]

This mini net from Mini Pro is a perfect addition to your at-home golf practice area. It can be installed in various locations and is rust-proof. The net gently rolls the ball back to you after each shot and comes with additional accessories such as a side net railing, pro turf, rubber tees, and sandbags. Available in different sizes, this net is hand-sewn and made in the USA. Combine it with a Bushnell Golf launch monitor for more advanced analysis of your shots. [golf.com]

This article discusses five signs that indicate the need for a new golf bag. The signs include a fading hip pad, worn dividers, running out of room and club crowding, broken zips, and wonky legs. The article provides insights on each sign and suggests upgrading to a bag that offers more durability, storage space, and functionality. [golfmonthly.com]

Learned gear advice from the pros in 2023: use lead tape on irons for better feel, experiment with long putters, consider higher-lofted fairway woods for longer courses, and embrace bounce on wedges. [golf.com]

This article discusses ways to increase distance off the tee in golf. It emphasizes the importance of clubhead speed and optimizing launch conditions, such as angle of attack and spin. It also suggests working with a professional and considering equipment adjustments to improve distance. [golf.com]

This article highlights a home in Vail, Colorado, offering stunning views of the golf course and easy access to skiing. The spacious 5-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom home features amenities such as a stone fireplace, wrap-around deck, and new hardwood floors. Additionally, buyers have the opportunity to purchase a full membership to the exclusive Vail Mountain Club. The home is currently listed for $17,900,000 through Sotheby's. [golfweek.usatoday.com]