Category: Pro Golf

LIV Golf Going Away (After 2026?)

In the words of LIV CEO Scott O’Neil:  Even though the 2026 season for LIV Golf continues as planned, “the long-term viability beyond this year is in question.” That’s a short answer for the potential uncertainty that lies ahead for golf’s hot sensation with hefty payouts and all kinds of seasonal flexibility designed with pro players in mind.

Designed to be wild ride like the Phoenix Open on steroids, LIV Golf came in with a bang. They swooped up some key players and made some big promises about what they were going do (and what they were definitely not going to do). That made it a big deal for guys like Lefty and Brooks, even some guys who had lingered on the lower end of the PGA Tour.

Nowadays, I’m just as mixed up about who’s who and what’s what in LIV Golf as the roster of players lined up to tee off in Mexico City this past weekend.

What we do know is that if top-ranked pros like John Rahm return to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf suspensions might be placed upon them. Imagine the impact of a one-year suspension from the PGA Tour for pro golfers. Loss of endorsement deals and sponsorships? How do you plan to pay for coaching and training, even that wellness coach and nutritionist, who have contributed to your recent success? It could hurt a few careers which do not have opportunities in the broadcast booth or with any type of Golf Channel specials or Netflix golf documentary series in mind.

In the meantime, as I tried to watch the final round of LIV Golf from Mexico City, I somehow lost interest before John Rahm had a chance to tee off. There was some great golf being played. Bubba Watson made an impressive reading of the green with a roundabout putt on his first hole of the day, while some of the approach shots to the greens opened doors to potential birdies and even eagles.

And I think that might be it. . .

While I do not care for the PGA’s tendency to overdo its restructuring of holes and fairways as if they’re seeking to make par near-impossible, I can see where the LIV Golf course seemed almost “too easy” for some of these pros to navigate. The mystery of the challenge seemed lost as I observed guys master holes that they might have conquered after their initial rounds and some decent practice rounds.

It didn’t seem like they were really facing the pinnacle of pro challenges in the form of course design. In fact, I watched on golfer almost mirror his performance on a single hole from the prior day (same club, same shot, similar hole placement, etc.).

We just finished witnessing a historic PGA Masters Tournament as golf fans. We don’t see that Rory 100% of the time. We got a glimpse of him last week. We won’t get that type of story on the LIV Golf broadcasts. LIV Golf doesn’t have the attachment of a storied legacy like Augusta to compete with the PGA.

So is LIV Golf going away after 2026?

We don’t have any real answers to that yet. We’re still having too much fun with the 2026 tour in play. Right now, as far as we all know, it is a lot of talk with very little substance to go with it. No decisions have been made. No changes have been implemented. It’s just the buzz of the business right now.

Read the April 15th ESPN article from Mark Schlabach available online.

Also, check out Joel Beall’s article on LIV Golf’s finances and future for www.golfdigest.com.

Rory Goes Back to Back at Augusta

Only four people have done it.

Tiger.

Nick Faldo.

Jack Nicklaus.

And now. . . Rory McIlroy.

Aside from the Southern charm and the pageantry of the Masters, Rory faced a challenge many kept buzzing about all the way through the final hole.

Plenty of folks second-guessed Rory. They felt like he was losing his grip. They saw him as one of the guys who had passed his prime.

Greatness will always be met with some form of criticism. It attracts naysayers and haters alike.

Now, as Rory makes his victory lap amid the PGA superstars, you can only imagine what will be said next.

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San Diego’s Torrey Pines Hosts the Kickoff of Another Golf Season

It usually comes right after the NFL playoff games have settled down into the 2 opposing teams set for the Super Bowl showdown. It’s like the first weekend in February. It usually takes place on the West Coast. It happens right in Southern California. It takes place in San Diego, and it symbolizes the initiation of another golf season with the famous Farmers Insurance Open as part of the West Coast Swing.

Justin Rose tackled Torrey Pines like man on a mission. He set a course and tournament record on Day 2, marking a stellar 36-hole lead. He fought throughout the tournament to hold onto his lead and keep his opponents at a safe distance.

It happened at Torrey Pines and you barely caught a whiff of it . . .

  • PGA Tour rookie Michael Brennan found himself disqualified from the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines following his first round after “non-permitted green-reading materials” were discovered in his caddie’s possession.
  • PGA Tour legend Brooks Koepka returned after his stint with Liv Golf. Koepka made the cut for the tourney, but hung around the lower end of the leaderboard all weekend.

Now that Torrey Pines has since some pro action this golf season, let’s see what else is in store for these pros on tour.

Super Bowl Showdown: Pats vs Seahawks

Super Bowl Sunday is going down with the Patriots taking on the Seahawks. Have a safe and enjoy the game and good times, maybe even a round of golf if you can sneak it in before you have to fire up the grill for the day.

Happy Gilmore 2 Movie Review: A Golf Fan’s Take on the Sequel with a Wild Swing

Golf movies are a rare breed, and when a sequel to the cult classic Happy Gilmore tees off, fans like me can’t help but get excited. Happy Gilmore 2 brings back the wild, slapstick energy of the original, while giving golf lovers plenty of inside jokes and nods to the sport’s quirks. But does it live up to the legacy of not just Happy Gilmore, but also golf comedy legends like Caddyshack and Tin Cup? Let’s break it down.

Headed back to the Green for Another Swing

The original Happy Gilmore (1996) was a game-changer for golf movies. Adam Sandler’s portrayal of the hockey-player-turned-golfer brought a new audience to the sport, blending outrageous comedy with surprisingly heartfelt moments. In Happy Gilmore 2, Sandler reprises his role, now as a washed-up pro facing a new generation of golfers and a fresh set of challenges. The film cleverly references iconic moments from the first movie—yes, the infamous “Happy swing” is back, and so is the rivalry with Shooter McGavin, who’s now a golf commentator with a grudge.

Comedy on Par with the Classics

Golf comedies have a high bar to clear. Caddyshack set the standard with its irreverent humor and unforgettable characters, while Tin Cup gave us a more nuanced, romantic take on the sport. Happy Gilmore 2 leans into the absurd, much like its predecessor, but also pays homage to these classics. There are subtle nods to Caddyshack’s gopher and even a cameo from a certain “Cinderella story” groundskeeper. The film’s humor is broad but lands well, especially for fans who appreciate the lighter side of golf.

For the Love of the Game

What makes Happy Gilmore 2 stand out is its genuine affection for golf. The movie pokes fun at the sport’s traditions—think stuffy country clubs and over-the-top sponsorships—but also celebrates the passion and camaraderie that make golf special. There are plenty of Easter eggs for golf fans, from references to real-life PGA stars to inside jokes about the frustrations of putting.

Final Thoughts: Is This Sequel Worth the Watch?

If you loved the original Happy Gilmore, the sequel is a must-watch. It’s not as groundbreaking as the first, but it delivers laughs, nostalgia, and a heartfelt message about perseverance and loving the game. For golf fans, it’s a fun ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously—much like Caddyshack and Tin Cup before it.

Whether you’re a scratch golfer or just enjoy a good sports comedy, Happy Gilmore 2 is a worthy addition to the golf movie canon. Grab your clubs (and maybe a hockey stick), and get ready for another wild round.

Happy Gilmore: A Golf Fan’s View on Comedy, Chaos, and Cult Classics

Golf movies are a rare breed, and as a lifelong fan of the sport, I’ve watched them all—from the irreverent laughs of Caddyshack to the heartfelt drama of Tin Cup. But when it comes to pure, unfiltered fun, Happy Gilmore stands in a league of its own. Released in 1996, this Adam Sandler classic isn’t just a comedy—it’s a love letter to golf’s quirks, frustrations, and unexpected joys.

Taking a Wild Swing at Golf Tradition

Happy Gilmore flips the script on the traditional golf movie. Instead of a seasoned pro or a struggling underdog, we get Happy, a failed hockey player with a temper and a slapshot swing. His journey from the ice rink to the fairway is as chaotic as it is hilarious. For golf fans, watching Happy’s unconventional approach—smashing drives, trash-talking opponents, and even wrestling with an alligator—feels both sacrilegious and oddly satisfying.

A Golf Comedy Hitting a Sweet Spot

What sets Happy Gilmore apart is its willingness to poke fun at golf’s stuffy reputation. The film’s humor is broad, but it’s also packed with inside jokes for those who know the game. From the iconic “Happy swing” to the infamous brawl with Bob Barker, every scene is a reminder that golf doesn’t always have to be serious.

This comedic approach echoes the spirit of Caddyshack, another golf classic that lampooned the sport’s upper-crust image. Both films feature outrageous characters—think Shooter McGavin versus Judge Smails—and memorable one-liners that have become part of golf’s pop culture lexicon. Yet, while Caddyshack leans into absurdity, Happy Gilmore grounds its comedy in the relatable frustrations every golfer faces: missed putts, impossible lies, and the pressure of the big shot.

Discover Goodness on the Green

Beneath the slapstick, Happy Gilmore has genuine heart. Happy’s quest to save his grandmother’s house gives the story emotional stakes, much like Roy McAvoy’s pursuit of redemption in Tin Cup. Both films remind us that golf is more than a game—it’s about perseverance, passion, and finding your own way to win.

As a golf fan, I appreciate how Happy Gilmore celebrates the sport’s accessibility. You don’t have to be born into privilege or play by the book to fall in love with golf. Sometimes, all it takes is a wild swing and a lot of heart.

Why Golf Fans Love Happy Gilmore

Nearly three decades later, Happy Gilmore remains a favorite among golfers and movie buffs alike. Its influence is everywhere—from fans mimicking Happy’s swing at driving ranges to pros referencing the film in interviews. Like Caddyshack and Tin Cup, it’s a movie that understands golf’s unique blend of agony and ecstasy.

If you’re a golf fan looking for a film that captures the sport’s spirit with a side of laughter, Happy Gilmore is a must-watch. It’s not just a comedy—it’s a celebration of everything that makes golf maddening, magical, and endlessly entertaining.

AIG Women’s Open Final Results

Japan’s Yamashita led all golfers most of the tournament with consistent bogey-free golf. She wasn’t big on distance. She didn’t lay out any high-powered drives to speak of at all. Round by round, she played consistently and steadily.

We can’t say the same for the competition.

England’s Georgia Hall finished 1 under par on Sunday. Her comeback is still in the works. Hall remains one of the top LPGA players when it comes to tournament top finishers.

Japan’s Takeda finished the tournament with a 71 for the final round. Her 7 under was not enough to compete with Yamashita’s dominating position on the leaderboard at 12 under at that time.

It appeared that both A.L. Kim and Charlie Hull were Yamashita’s top competitors.

A.L. Kim was all over the course off the tee. She could have used some of Yamashita’s top scrambling abilities to recover from a few of those tee shots landing in the rough. Nevertheless, she could not finish the final round any better than 1 over par, ending up tied for 4th with Takeda.

Rock Bottom Golf Triple Feature Sale!

Hull tried her best to rev up the engine down the final round’s stretch but it just did not work out for her. She had 2 bogeys leading up to the final hole, narrowing her chances of chasing down Yamashita. At that rate, Hull was depending more on a mistake on Yamashita’s part than a great play on her own end.

It never went down that way.

Yamashita proved why big time players grab a lead and hold onto it relentlessly on the leaderboard. She offered no place for any of her competitors to break into the lead. She was composed. She was consistent. She was the epitome of a top player in the lead on display.

Congratulations to Miyu Yamashita!

Former No. 1 Amateur wins Women’s Scottish Open in Her Pro Debut

Not many amateurs make an impression when competing with the professionals. Lottie Woad left a lasting impression last year as an amateur. However, playing as pro makes a major difference, especially when it comes to expectations and pressure.

When it came to the 2025 Women’s Scottish Open, Lottie Woad did not disappoint on any level during any round in her professional debut on LPGA Tour.


Lottie Woad, a former No. 1 amateur in the world, stepped up at the Women’s Scottish Open to take home the victory and prize money. The English phenom took on Dundonald Links and did not let off the gas until she was raising the trophy to symbolize her first victory on the LPGA Tour.

This victory should more than proved she’s ready for the pressure of the professional game. Her final round of 68 led to her finishing the tourney at 21 under par. That was enough to clear secure her first professional victory while competing with Nelly Korda and other top LPGA pros. This victory marks Wood’s start and makes an impressive statement about what she plans to do on the LPGA Tour this year.

What else can we expect from this English golfer who has snagged the attention of women’s golf for the moment?

She should focus on staying on top of her game throughout this initial pro season. Even if she doesn’t kill another tournament like she did this one, she can remain relevant. It’s best that she not go dark or end up in some dark place due to depression and disappointment from the onslaught of public pressure .

Hideki Matsuyama Wins the FedEx St Jude Against the Odds

When we think about beating the odds, we usually think about stuff that we could easily hurdle and conquer. For most of us weekend golfers, that might include a golf ball neatly dropped into a gopher hole just off the fairway or a pack of geese trampling your golf ball on an otherwise-smooth green. We usually don’t think of the stuff that requires a little extra boost of energy and internal strength.

Hideki Matsuyama wasn’t facing those types of odds on his way to winning the FedEx St. Jude Championship this past week.

Prior to the major golf event, Matsuyama, his caddie, and his coach were all robbed at a London airport. Oddly enough, this resulted in both Matsuyma’s caddie and coach losing their passports and being forced to return to Japan to have them reissued to them.

Matsuyama was headed to Memphis on his own. Neither his regular caddie or long-term coach would be there with him.

And what does he do?

He wins that golf tournament with his caddie or coach. He won the tournament by making a birdie on each of the 2 final holes of the tournament. After having recently won the bronze medal in Olympic golf in Paris, Matsuyama looks like he is in full swing again. At this rate, I can’t wait to see what else a player like Matsuyama can do in the future.

Scottie Scheffler on a Wild Win Streak in the PGA

Scottie Scheffler is on a hot streak. While he’s not quite doing what Nelly Korda is doing in the LPGA, Scheffler is making a statement among the top golfers in the PGA. By winning 4 of his last 5 starts, Scheffler has positioned himself as the man to beat for 2024 at this point in the season.

The battle for the RBC Heritage plaid jacket saw Scheffler fend off some serious competitors like Patrick Cantlay and Wyndham Clark, even Sahith Theegala who edged up to second place at 16 under. This win allowed Scheffler to earn another $3,600,000 on top of having recently won the Masters Tournament.

What’s next for Scheffler?

Who’s to say? Just like we saw Joel Dahmen say on ‘Full Swing’ via Netflix, “It’s so hard to win a golf tournament.” Let’s not overlook the feat that Scheffler just pulled off.

We got caught up and swept away by watching the drama play out as we saw UConn winning back-to-back NCAA championships during March Madness. That’s a feat that few colleges achieve.

Yet, what Scottie Scheffler is doing in 2024 is phenomenal and shows us how focused a pro golfer has to be to wipe out a slate of golfers hitting at 14 under or beyond. He’s doing that kind of stuff and I’m just trying to stay consistent enough to break 90 again and again.

Nelly Korda Wins Seri Pak Championship

I had my hope set on seeing Ruoning Yin defend her title through the final round at Fir Hills, but that fell by the wayside on Sunday as Nelly Korda nabbed the $300,000 prize for herself at the end of the day. Yin’s failure to retain the lead through 18 holes on Saturday became her own downfall for defending her title. This left the title open for anyone to take advantage and dominate.

It took a playoff against UCLA alumnus Ryann O’Toole to give Korda her second win for 2024. Also, this win marks the tenth LPGA Tour title victory in Korda’s career. Including the $300,000 purse from this win, Korda has earned $586,716 in 2024 with 2 victories and 2 top 10 finishes. Yin paid a dear price for not retaining her solo lead on Saturday’s round 3, ending the tournament with tied for 8th and taking home $48,011 on top of finishing the final round 1 over at 72.

It’s still early for the ladies in the LPGA. I can’t wait to see what happens as we go into the summer months. Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson have yet to break out from the pack in the chase for CME Globe points. This latest victory places Korda in first place just ahead of Ko who is in second with Henderson trailing behind at 5th place. There’s still plenty of golf to play in 2024,