This week in golf had a bit of everything. Players leaving. Players returning. Rules being enforced exactly as written. And a reminder that whenever the sport promises clarity, it usually delivers another committee meeting instead.
|
|
👀 A missed opportunity in plain sight
Nelly Korda called the decision not to launch a mixed gender indoor league alongside the men’s TGL an “unbelievable miss”, arguing it could have been truly transformative for the game. Golf has instead chosen a separate women’s competition, which is clear progress, but leaves a much bigger opportunity untouched for now.
|
|
🌹 Rose leads as Koepka returns
Justin Rose set the early pace at the Farmers Insurance Open with a 10 under 62, reminding everyone that elite form does not disappear with age. The bigger subplot was Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour return after leaving LIV, drawing strong fan support despite a quiet opening round.
|
|
📊 Leaderboard update
PGA Tour ➜ Farmers Insurance Open (USA)
Leader after Round 1 at -10: 🇬🇧 Justin Rose 2nd at -9: 🇺🇸 Justin Lower
LPGA Tour ➜ Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions (USA)
Leader in Round 2 at -7: 🇯🇵 Nasa Hataoka T2 at -6: 🇹🇭 Chantana Wannasaen, 🇬🇧 Lottie Woad and 🇰🇷 Amy Yang
DP World Tour ➜ Bahrain Championship (Bahrain)
Leader at -16: 🇬🇧 Calum Hill 2nd at -12: 🇩🇪 Freddy Schott |
|
🔄 Reed leaves LIV for PGA Tour
Patrick Reed has confirmed he is leaving LIV Golf and returning to the PGA Tour, adding further momentum to golf’s shifting power balance. While Reed will not be eligible immediately, his decision increases pressure on LIV as questions grow over whether more high-profile exits could follow.
|
|
⚖️ TaylorMade vs Callaway head to court
TaylorMade has filed a lawsuit accusing Callaway of misleading consumers by using UV light demos to imply performance flaws in rival golf balls. TaylorMade says the visual differences are purely cosmetic, while Callaway maintains the test is relevant, setting up a very public fight over how equipment is marketed, not how it actually performs.
|
|
⚠️ Zero tolerance on green reading
Michael Brennan was disqualified from the Farmers Insurance Open after opening with a 2 under 70 for violating rules on green reading materials. The decision underlines how strictly the PGA Tour is enforcing Model Local Rule G 11, where repeat breaches now carry immediate disqualification.
|
|
📈 LIV tightens the screws for 2026
LIV Golf has announced major structural changes for 2026, including points for every player, more guaranteed roster spots and increased team prize money. The updates are designed to emphasize performance and turnover as LIV continues pushing for legitimacy with the Official World Golf Ranking.
|
|
🆕 New players joining LIV for 2026
LIV Golf has confirmed its incoming class for 2026, adding depth and global reach as competition tightens. New additions include Thomas Detry, Victor Perez, Laurie Canter, Ben An, Scott Vincent and other international signings as the league reshapes its roster.
|
|
That’s the week in golf. Power shifting. Rules tightening. Tours adjusting in real time. The game keeps moving, even when the direction is not always clear.
Spotted something we missed or have a view worth sharing? Hit reply and send it over. We read every note.
Team Zire
|