This week in golf was a study in contrasts. Stars questioning the system. Rules shaping outcomes. Quiet changes with loud consequences. The sport keeps evolving in real time, even when the direction feels anything but settled.
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👀 The ripple effect nobody’s talking about
With Official World Golf Ranking points now confirmed for LIV events, some players are already rethinking how aggressively they play Sundays. T8 vs T15 suddenly matters, which means points add up, majors come back into play, and we should expect fewer all-out “send it” moments and more measured, conservative closes this season.
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🤔 An awkward start to a new era
The LPGA’s 2026 season opened with confusion as the Tournament of Champions was shortened to 54 holes due to cold weather, a decision that left fans and players puzzled after celebrities played while the pros did not. Nelly Korda won without hitting a Sunday shot, and new commissioner Craig Kessler later apologized for how the call was made and communicated, admitting trust was tested and promising clearer decisions and faster communication going forward.
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📊 Leaderboard update
PGA Tour ➜ Phoenix Open (USA)
Leader after Round 2 at -8: 🇺🇸 Chris Gotterup T2 at -6: 🇬🇧 Matthew Fitzpatrick, 🇺🇸 Sam Stevens
DP World Tour ➜ Qatar Masters (Qatar)
Leader after Round 2 at -12: 🇺🇸 Patrick Reed 2nd at -11: 🇸🇪 Jens Lagergren T3 at -10: 🇳🇿 Daniel Hillier, 🇿🇦 Richard Sterne
LIV Golf ➜ Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)
T1 after Round 2 at -10: 🇧🇪 Thomas Detry, 🇺🇸 Talor Gooch, 🇺🇸 Peter Uihlein
Asian Tour ➜ Philippine Golf Championship (Philippines)
T1 after Round 2 at -5: 🇰🇷 Cho Woongrae, 🇦🇺 Travis Smyth, 🇹🇭 Sarawut Vongchaisit, 🇰🇷 Wang Jeung-hun |
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👀 LIV’s biggest star sounds unconvinced
Bryson DeChambeau remains committed to LIV for 2026, but his comments are raising eyebrows. In a recent interview, he criticized LIV’s shift from 54 to 72 holes, saying it is not what players signed up for and admitting it has caused him to rethink things. With other stars already leaving, Bryson stopping short of backing LIV beyond this season is a big red flag for the league.
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⛳️ Kelce steals the show
Three time Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce nearly made an ace on the iconic 16th hole at the WM Phoenix Open, sticking his tee shot just a few feet from the pin and sending the crowd into chaos. It was a reminder that celebrity moments still hit different when they happen inside one of golf’s loudest arenas.
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🧪 Sergio goes underground
Sergio Garcia has made a surprise gear switch ahead of the 2026 LIV season, replacing his TaylorMade TP5 with a new golf ball from Underground Golf, an invite-only brand founded by Mark Wahlberg and partners. The ball remains largely a mystery, but Garcia says it is the most excited he has been about equipment in years, adding another layer of intrigue as he puts it in play on LIV and heads toward Augusta.
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🧬 Another quiet gear move
After Sergio’s surprise switch, Ben Griffin is also changing things up, debuting an unreleased Maxfli Tour X LS golf ball this week. Early signs point to slightly lower launch, reduced spin and a softer feel, a logical tweak for a player with plenty of speed and height already. In firm, windy conditions like TPC Scottsdale, it could be a small change with a big payoff.
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That’s the week in golf. The game keeps evolving, sometimes faster than the conversations around it.
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Team Zire
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