Today in Golf

We break down Round 3 of the WM Phoenix Open as Hideki Matsuyama eyes a third title and officials crack down on unruly content creators.WM PHOENIX OPENHideki Matsuyama sits alone at 13-under, looking to secure a historic "hat trick" of wins in the desert. He is holding off a jammed leaderboard at 12-under that includes Maverick McNealy and Ryo Hisatsune, who managed a miraculous chip-in on the 17th after finding the water.Matsuyama drained a massive 47-foot birdie on the 14th, noting later that the chaotic energy of the crowd actually helped his ball striking.Scottie Scheffler (-8) kept his 66-event cut streak alive thanks to a gravity-defying break where his ball stayed perched on a rock wall on 15, prompting him to admit, "That is not right."THE BAN HAMMERThe tournament took a hard stand against "nuisance influencers" by issuing a lifetime ban to YouTuber Jack Doherty. He was threatened with arrest after paying a fan to scream during Mackenzie Hughes’ backswing, sparking relief across the golf world.Smylie Kaufman weighed in on the chaos via Twitter with a volunteer offer regarding Doherty: "I’d like to give him a swirlie."Rickie Fowler offered genuine advice for fans wanting to avoid the circus, telling spectators to camp out on holes 3-8 for a better view of the action.Quick HitsKoepka’s mallet putter experiment fails • Spieth implodes on 17 • The "Reverse Mulligan" showdown Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We break down the Japanese leaderboard takeover at the WM Phoenix Open, Scottie Scheffler’s shocking mortality, and the equipment changes plaguing a "terrified" Brooks Koepka.JAPANESE TAKEOVERRookie Ryo Hisatsune leads the pack at 11-under after a stellar 63, but the story of the day is Hideki Matsuyama. The former champion went "nuclear" late, setting up a fascinating Master vs. Student weekend showdown in the desert.The Run: Matsuyama birdied six consecutive holes to vault into solo second at 10-under.The Fix: Hisatsune credits a new putting grip for his sudden surge to the top.SCOTTIE STUMBLES & BROOKS BLINKSScottie Scheffler looked human for the first time in ages, shooting a shocking 73 to snap his historic sub-par streak due to uncharacteristic flubbed chips. Meanwhile, Brooks Koepka made a desperate switch from his blade to a Spider mallet.The Quote: Koepka admitted he’s been "terrified" of putting for two years while sitting outside the cut line.The Olive Branch: Despite the struggles, Scheffler went on record welcoming LIV competitors back to the Tour.PARTY HOLE CHAOS & OFF-COURSE DRAMAThe People’s Open delivered the viral goods: Joel Dahmen chipped in wearing a Seahawks helmet on 16, and Cameron Young played off a concrete cart path. But the drama wasn't just on the grass—we dig into Wesley Bryan’s suspension and denied meeting with Jay Monahan.Shot of the Day: Sahith Theegala’s electric bunker hole-out sent the crowd into a frenzy.Social Beef: Dylan Wu took to social media to criticize the Tour’s handling of alternate spots.Quick HitsCam Davis’s near-ace on 17 • Si Woo Kim fires a 62 • Fitzpatrick ties back-nine record Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday, February 6th, 2026, we break down the irony of Scottie’s water ball in Phoenix, the "Free Wesley" saga, and Patrick Reed’s master plan to regain a PGA Tour card.PHOENIX CHAOS & THE FREE WESLEY MOVEMENTScottie Scheffler (T45) commits the ultimate irony, drowning his drive on the par-5 15th just 24 hours after explicitly warning the media that a "left center" shot ends up wet. Meanwhile, Brooks Koepka benches the blade for a mallet in a move we’re calling the "Scheffler Effect."Leader Chris Gotterup (-8) is just trying to "embrace the madness" in Scottsdale.The "Free Wesley" saga turns cold as the Tour rejects a meeting request from Bryan’s wife, leaving him asking, "Why can't we talk on the phone for ten or fifteen minutes?"REED’S 4D CHESS & RIYADH RUMBLINGSPatrick Reed opens with a 65 at the Qatar Masters, exploiting a loophole to chase a Top 10 Race to Dubai finish—and a potential PGA Tour card—while Pat Perez sits suspended.Talor Gooch leads LIV Riyadh at -10 after nearly jarring it on the 17th.Jon Rahm (-9) is playing well, but his body language suggests he is *not* a fan of the new "top ten only" OWGR restrictions.Quick HitsTiger eyes the '26 Senior Open • Nelly Korda’s Hall of Fame math • David Puig’s miracle recovery Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We break down the OWGR’s controversial decision to finally award LIV Golf ranking points, recap a wild Round 1 in Riyadh, and preview the vibes at the WM Phoenix Open.LIV GOLF & OWGR NEWSThe OWGR officially recognizes LIV for the 2026 season, but the new "Small Field Tournament" classification restricts points to only the top 10 finishers.Jon Rahm slammed the ruling as "unprecedented," criticizing the lack of parity compared to the Hero World Challenge.Peter Uihlein pulled off a miracle hook shot around a palm tree to share the Round 1 lead in Riyadh.WM PHOENIX OPEN PREVIEWThe party starts in Scottsdale as Scottie Scheffler jokes he’s eating with plastic silverware to avoid injury while welcoming Brooks Koepka back to the fold.Justin Thomas shared an emotional moment on the 13th green with shark attack survivor Lulu Gribbin, calling her putt "dead center."Brooks Koepka and Travis Kelce teamed up for a high-energy Pro-Am pairing.Quick HitsBryson tests illegal prototype driver • Phil Mickelson WD for family health • Apple Sports adds golf scores • Harrington’s 500th start Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We break down the "Reverse Exodus" as Patrick Reed leaves LIV for the DP World Tour, analyze the league’s controversial new OWGR status, and preview Scottie Scheffler’s historic chase at the WM Phoenix Open.LIV GOLF / THE SHIFTThe landscape fractures again as LIV Golf finally secures OWGR points for the Riyadh opener, but with a strict "Top 10 only" caveat. Meanwhile, Patrick Reed headlines the "Reverse Exodus," officially departing for the DP World Tour, while Bryson DeChambeau voices frustration over the pivot to 72-hole tournaments.Quote: "We didn't sign up to play for seventy-two." — Bryson DeChambeau.The Human Element: Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour at Torrey Pines was filled with anxiety, as he admitted to being "terrified of being exiled" following a T56 finish.TIGER, TGL & THE COLISEUMTiger Woods is ruling with an iron fist in the TGL, threatening to cut Kevin Kisner from Jupiter Links for poor play, even as his own rehab is limited to short irons. Looking ahead, the tour descends on TPC Scottsdale where Scottie Scheffler eyes a legendary three-peat.Quote: Harris English on the players returning from LIV: "The grass is not greener."Fun Fact: To handle the chaotic logistics of LIV’s Night Golf in Riyadh, Byeong Hun An is utilizing AI to generate optimized sleep schedules.Quick HitsPhil Mickelson & Lee Westwood withdraw from Riyadh • LIV field expands to 57 players • Koepka returns to the Phoenix Open Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We break down Justin Rose’s emotional triumph at Torrey Pines, the rocky return of LIV stars to the PGA Tour, and the internal drama fracturing the breakaway league.PGA TOUR: ROSE’S LOYALTY & KOEPKA’S STRUGGLEJustin Rose silences the doubters with a historic 23-under victory at Torrey Pines. At 45, Rose validated his decision to reject a rumored $60M LIV offer, choosing to honor his "childhood self" over the paycheck.Brooks Koepka finishes T56 in his return after paying a $5M fine, admitting he came back for his son, Crew.The Human Angle: An emotional full circle: Rose gifted the signed 18th hole flag to caddie Mark "Fooch" Fulcher, closing the loop on their 2019 win when Fooch was hospitalized.LIV GOLF: INTERNAL FRICTION & DEPARTURESThe league faces an identity crisis as Patrick Reed departs for the DP World Tour to find a "dogfight," while Bryson DeChambeau publicly slams the shift to 72-hole events, clashing with Jon Rahm’s support for the format change.Quote: Bryson DeChambeau on the format shift: "We didn't sign up to play for seventy-two."The Human Angle: Phil Mickelson is stepping away from the Riyadh launch to attend to a family health matter involving his wife, Amy.LPGA & PREVIEWS: SHORTENED ROUNDS & PHOENIX CHAOSControversy erupts on the LPGA as Nelly Korda wins a shortened 54-hole event. Annika Sorenstam blasted the decision calling conditions "fair as anything," while Danielle Kang took to social media to voice the locker room's frustration.Stat: Scottie Scheffler opens as the +190 favorite for the WM Phoenix Open.Fun Fact: Brooks Koepka had a desperate Saturday night putting session at the Scotty Cameron Studio before heading to the chaos of the 16th hole at TPC Scottsdale.Quick HitsLIV uses Tiger & Rory in controversial promos • Ollie Schniederjans subs for Phil • Jordan Spieth needs a bounce-back Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We break down Justin Rose’s historic wire-to-wire victory at the 2026 Farmers Insurance Open, Brooks Koepka’s complicated return to Tour, and the viral moments defining the week at Torrey Pines.ROSE BLOOMS AGAINJustin Rose turns back the clock with a wire-to-wire masterclass, posting a final round 70 to finish at 23-under par and shattering the tournament scoring record previously held by Tiger Woods and George Burns.The Declaration: "I’m targeting a playing role, not a captaincy." — Rose on his 2027 Ryder Cup ambitions.The Spark: The emotional reunion with longtime caddie Mark "Fooch" Fulcher seems to be the catalyst for what Rose calls his career’s "Indian Summer."THE REVERSE EXODUSBrooks Koepka’s highly anticipated return ends in a T56 finish defined by a bizarre statistical split: elite ball-striking plagued by a dead-last putting performance that forced a four-hour Saturday night emergency session at the Scotty Cameron Studio.The Vibe: Despite the flatstick struggles, the fans welcomed "The Tank" back with open arms.THE B-FLIGHT BATTLEWhile Pierceson Coody, Si Woo Kim, and Ryo Hisatsune fought for second, Joel Dahmen secured crucial reshuffle points despite a Sunday slide and a viral quip about his strategy to catch the leader.Quote of the Week: "I need him to miss his alarm clock." — Joel Dahmen on Justin Rose.Fashion Statement: Kris Ventura provided the visual of the week, rolling up his khakis to play from a water hazard—while keeping his FootJoys on.Quick HitsJake Knapp’s furious finish for solo 5th • Michael Brennan’s heartbreaking self-reported DQ • Tony Finau eagles 18 for his daughter’s birthday • Sahith Theegala makes his 100th cut • On to the WM Phoenix Open Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this February 1st, 2026 episode, we break down Justin Rose’s commanding Saturday at the Farmers Insurance Open, Joel Dahmen’s chase, and the absolute chaos of Brooks Koepka's round on the South Course.ROSE IN COMMANDJustin Rose is turning back the clock at Torrey Pines, sitting at 21-under with a massive six-shot lead. We analyze his strategy of "respectful aggression" and why coach Mark Blackburn believes this is Rose's best swing since 2022.He is chasing his 13th career title at the age of 45.Rose had to mentally reset after seeing "NC NC NC" on the leaderboard, forcing himself to keep the pedal down rather than coast.THE CHASE PACK & KOEPKA CHAOSJoel Dahmen sits solo second at 15-under, riding the momentum of a three-eagle Friday and a solid Saturday 68. Meanwhile, we dissect the "Brooks Koepka experience"—from hitting a recovery shot off a concrete cart path to losing 3.5 strokes on the Poa annua greens.Johnson Wagner failed to recreate the cart path shot, but Brooks claims he’s "fallen back in love with the game."Despite the scorecard volatility, Koepka shared a viral moment with his son, Crew.SUNDAY SIDEBARSSahith Theegala celebrates his 100th made cut with custom family t-shirts, while Stephan Jaeger made a rare mid-tournament switch to a cross-handed grip to shoot the low round of the day (65).Scottie Scheffler officially holds the longest active cut streak record (65) following Xander Schauffele's exit.Quick HitsChris Gotterup’s near-albatross on 13 • Seamus Power falls to 74 • Ryo Hisatsune & Si Woo Kim lurking at T3 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We break down the first two rounds of the Farmers Insurance Open, featuring Justin Rose’s vintage dominance and a bizarre broadcast controversy surrounding Brooks Koepka’s resume.FARMERS INSURANCE OPENJustin Rose turns back the clock at Torrey Pines, firing a 62 on the North and 65 on the South to reach a staggering 17-under par. He holds a four-shot lead over a resurgent Seamus Power, who has finally solved a two-year back injury.Rose went 29 holes without a bogey, noting his "process is fantastic" despite a late bunker slip-up.Joel Dahmen provided the statistical absurdity of the week, carding three eagles during his second round on the North Course.BROADCAST DRAMA & TOUR NEWSThe commentary booth sparked outrage by claiming Brooks Koepka has been "away from the game" for three years, seemingly ignoring his major championship and LIV victories. Koepka scraped by to make the cut on the number (-3).Amidst the noise, Koepka offered a candid soundbite about simply wanting to be "loved by the fans."Rumors swirl regarding Patrick Reed eyeing a PGA Tour return in September, while Justin Lower battles for his card with his wife 34 weeks pregnant with twins.Quick HitsWoodland’s slam dunk hole-out • Rookie DQ’d for green reading materials • Lanto’s "Koepka Rule" joke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We break down the start of the "Reverse Exodus" as Brooks Koepka calls Tiger for advice before his PGA Tour return and Patrick Reed leaves the Four Aces to chase the grind.THE HOMECOMINGBrooks Koepka officially returned to the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open, shooting a 1-over 73. Despite the "Homecoming" hype video, he admitted to feeling "sheepish" and revealed he bypassed Tour leadership to seek advice directly from Tiger Woods.Quote: Koepka on calling Tiger: "He’s someone I’ve relied on in the past."The Ripple Effect: Koepka’s return expanded the field size, luckily allowing Lanto Griffin a spot in the tournament.THE GRIND & THE LOSSESPatrick Reed has officially left the Four Aces, citing a desire to return to the "grind and the dogfight" while currently playing in Bahrain. Elsewhere, reports surface of LIV Golf facing a $500 million loss on international events alongside rumors of a massive extension for Bryson DeChambeau.The Motivation: Reed cited a heartbreaking moment with his daughter regarding travel as a key reason for the shift.The Rumor Mill: Whispers suggest Bryson is looking at a $500-$700 million extension offer.TORREY PINES & SUSPENSIONSJustin Lower fired a 63 to take the lead at the Farmers Insurance Open amidst the chaos of "dual defending champions" Harris English and Ludvig Aberg. We contrast the superstars' welcome back with the indefinite suspension of Wesley Bryan for his "The Duels" YouTube event.Life Event: Leader Justin Lower is currently expecting twins.The Conflict: Bryan expressed frustration that the Tour flatly denied his request for a meeting regarding the suspension.Quick HitsLIV’s quiet Rolex partnership • Nicolas Colsaerts joins the booth • Jason Day & Max Greyserman in the mix Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On January 29th, 2026, the landscape shifts as Patrick Reed officially departs LIV Golf to grind his way back to the PGA Tour, while Brooks Koepka faces massive financial penalties and a hostile locker room at Torrey Pines.THE REVERSE EXODUSPatrick Reed becomes the face of the "Reverse Exodus," releasing a statement about being a "traditionalist" as he exits LIV, though the Returning Member Program forces him to play the DP World Tour until the 2027 season.Unlike Koepka, Reed does not have immediate eligibility, highlighting the specific mechanics and tiered system of the new truce.With wife Justine by his side, Reed prepares for a European detour, aiming to regain full PGA Tour status the hard way.KOEPKA’S COSTLY RETURNBrooks Koepka tees it up at the Farmers Insurance Open after CEO Brian Rolapp reveals the staggering cost of return: a $5 million donation and a 5-year ban from the Player Equity Program, potentially costing Koepka up to $85 million.The atmosphere at Torrey Pines is icy; Wyndham Clark claims returnees are trying to "eat their cake," Hideki Matsuyama demands transparency, and a reporter snaps at Koepka regarding his major struggles: "You are the one who shoots it."In a twist of power dynamics, Koepka bypassed the Commissioner to consult Tiger Woods directly, securing the legend's endorsement for his comeback.TOUR NOTES & TGL DRAMANelly Korda puts the new Women’s TGL format on blast, labeling the segregated league structure a "huge and unbelievable miss" for the women's game.Xander Schauffele returns to action as the betting favorite and a new father to son Victor, while the tournament committee expands the field to 147 players just to accommodate Koepka.LIV Golf quietly secures a hospitality-only partnership with Rolex, keeping the branding subtle but the money flowing.Quick HitsHal Sutton endorses Makefield Putters • "Course Record" hydration check • Featured Group: Koepka, Aberg, Homa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We break down the seismic shift of Brooks Koepka returning to the PGA Tour at Torrey Pines, the personal heartbreak driving his exit from LIV, and the steep financial penalties he accepted to come back.THE RETURN OF BROOKSBrooks Koepka is officially back at the Farmers Insurance Open, a move spurred not by money, but by family. After a tragic miscarriage in late 2025, Koepka realized the global LIV schedule was unsustainable, leading him to bypass the Commissioner and call Tiger Woods directly to broker his return.The Cost: The "Returning Member Program" is brutal—a mandatory $5 million donation and a ban from the Player Equity Program estimated to cost Koepka $50-85 million.The Angle: This wasn't a business decision; it was a husband prioritizing his wife, Jena Sims, over the rebel tour's demands.SCHEFFLER’S REIGN & RORY’S WARNINGWhile headlines focus on Brooks, Scottie Scheffler continues his "rinse and repeat" dominance. We analyze Rory McIlroy’s comments on the cracks forming at LIV and his concerns regarding the rumored condensed PGA Tour season running from the Super Bowl to August.The Quote: Jason Day didn't mince words regarding the World No. 1, admitting that Scheffler is currently putting up "Tiger-ish numbers."Fun Fact: A Binghamton bar owner is currently eating nothing but Wendy's chili for a month after losing a bet against Scheffler’s win streak.FARMERS PREVIEW & LIV PANICIt is the final year of Farmers' sponsorship at Torrey Pines, and Xander Schauffele (+1300) enters as the betting favorite. Meanwhile, LIV Golf is scrambling to stop the bleeding, reportedly offering Bryson DeChambeau a massive extension to keep him from following Brooks.The Number: LIV is reportedly floating a $500 million contract extension to lock down Bryson.Quick HitsKoepka grouped with Homa & Aberg • Jeeno Thitikul takes World No. 1 • Lottie Woad's rookie rise • Rory's schedule concerns Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We break down Patrick Reed’s shocking "free agent" admission following his Dubai victory, the specific financial terms of Brooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour, and Scottie Scheffler’s historic run to $100 million in earnings.THE DUBAI DRAMAFresh off a win at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Patrick Reed drops a bombshell that he is currently a "free agent" without a finalized LIV contract, creating a stark contrast to the ongoing fine standoff involving Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton.Quote: "Go ahead and win early and that will take care of the fines."The Angle: Reed is willingly paying his fines to play, flipping the script on the Legion XIII holdouts.BROOKS IS BACKBrooks Koepka makes his PGA Tour return at the Farmers Insurance Open under the new "Returning Member Program," which includes field expansions at Torrey Pines and Phoenix to ensure no qualified players are displaced by his entry.The Cost: As reported by Dan Rapaport, the return fee includes a $5 million charitable donation and a five-year ban on equity eligibility.The Logistics: Field sizes are being physically altered just to accommodate the returning superstar.SCHEFFLER’S DOMINANCEScottie Scheffler secures his 20th career victory, officially crossing the $100 million on-course earnings mark and cementing a run of form that has peers running out of superlatives.Quote: Jason Day compares the current run to "Tiger-ish numbers."The Gear: A technical look at the "Frankenstein" TaylorMade Qi4D 7-wood powering his long game.Quick HitsLIV Golf pivots to 72 holes for OWGR push • Rory McIlroy’s retirement gift to Ganesh Mangathil • Stewart Cink wins on Champions Tour • PXG’s mainstream debut • Xander’s odds at Torrey Pines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On January 26th, 2026, Scottie Scheffler dominates The American Express to secure his 20th career victory and lifetime membership, cementing his place alongside Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.THE AMERICAN EXPRESSScottie Scheffler cards a final-round 66 to lock up his 20th PGA Tour title, becoming the third-fastest player to reach the milestone (151 starts) and crossing the $100 million earnings threshold.He joins Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus as the only players with 20 wins and four majors before age 30, admitting to feeling some "rust" despite the historic "relief."Even a double bogey into the water on the "Alcatraz" 17th couldn't stop him, as early daggers on the 4th and 12th built an insurmountable lead.THE TEENAGE DREAM18-year-old sensation Blades Brown falls from contention with a Sunday 74, finishing T18 and just missing the auto-qualifier for the Farmers Insurance Open after eight straight days of golf."It was insane." — Brown reflects on the week, specifically praising Scheffler’s underrated short game and spin control.A double bogey on the 5th derailed his momentum, but the high schooler proved he belongs on the big stage.SUNDAY MOVERS & SHAKERSJason Day fires a closing 64 to secure his 100th career Top 10 finish, leading a T2 pack that included Ryan Gerard, Matt McCarty, and Andrew Putnam.Si Woo Kim’s title hopes vanish in a bunker on the 8th hole, leading to a T6 finish, while Wyndham Clark and Rickie Fowler fade over the weekend.Will Zalatoris credits new putting coach Blair Phillips for his resurgence, closing with a 64 to build momentum for the West Coast swing.Quick HitsScheffler adds Qi4D 7-wood • Lifetime Membership unlocked • Zalatoris finds his stroke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On January 25th, 2026, a high schooler chases 59 to tie the World No. 1 while the amateur landscape fractures over a forfeited trip to Augusta.THE AMERICAN EXPRESSThe "changing of the guard" narrative accelerates as 18-year-old Blades Brown shoots a 60 at the Nicklaus Tournament Course, overcoming chaotic travel from the Bahamas to tie Scottie Scheffler for the lead at 17-under.Scheffler warns that young players lack "scar tissue," but Brown counters that he is there to "take notes" rather than feel fear.Despite the historic performance, Brown fueled his run with a Panda Express dinner and heartbreakingly missed a 7-footer for the magic number.GLOBAL FRACTURESMichael La Sasso forfeits a coveted Masters exemption to join Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC, sparking a fierce debate between Graeme McDowell and Dan Rapaport on meritocracy versus financial security.Patrick Reed leads the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at 14-under and extends an olive branch to Rory McIlroy regarding "Tee Gate," confirming he will pay fines to maintain DP World Tour access.Rory sits 11 shots back, using a Manchester United analogy to explain his current form.LEGENDS & LEGACIESSpeculation mounts regarding Tiger Woods joining the Champions Tour after Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey pointed out the Insperity logo on Tiger's sleeve and the allure of using a cart.We honor the passing of 90-year-old John Brodie, the only athlete to win an NFL MVP and a Senior Tour event (1991 Security Pacific Senior Classic).Quick HitsAnthony Kim’s return • Cleeks GC roster overhaul • Bob Parsons’ PXG hologram • Andrew Putnam’s missed 59 bid Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We break down the strong evidence for Tiger Woods’ cart-assisted return in May, debate Jon Rahm’s questionable "Clutch" award, and recap a record-breaking start at The American Express.TIGER WATCHRumors are swirling that Tiger Woods is eyeing a debut at the Insperity Invitational this May. The key factor? The Champions Tour allows carts, a necessity for his back. It’s the specific loophole that could finally bring the Big Cat back to competition.Quote: Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey fueled the fire: "I’m hearing he’s going to play... he can ride in a cart."The Angle: It’s not just about the golf; it’s about seeing Tiger compete without the physical toll of walking 72 holes.LIV GOLF UPDATESThe LIV Showcase awards raised eyebrows as Jon Rahm took home "Clutch Player of the Year" despite zero wins, overshadowing MVP Joaquin Niemann’s five victories. Meanwhile, the league pivots to South Korea, rebranding Ironheads GC to the "Korean Golf Club" and signing An Byeong-hun.Quote: Danny Lee on the rebrand celebration: "We are going to be spraying Soju instead of Champagne."The Vibe: Dustin Johnson remains the king of unbothered, reacting to Brooks Koepka’s departure with a classic "I do not really care."ON THE COURSE & IN THE LABScottie Scheffler is already in mid-season form, firing a record-breaking opening round 63 at The American Express. He’s joined atop the leaderboard by Jason Day, who is finding success with his unique new Avoda irons.Tech Talk: The PGA Merchandise Show revealed the "Genius Ball" microchip and Cobra's new 3D-printed irons.Fun Fact: For the drinker with a golfing problem, the "Shot Putt" flask driver was the standout novelty item of the week.Quick HitsLPGA hires Dude Perfect exec • DJ unbothered by Brooks • Min Woo Lee’s "Wolf of Wall Street" energy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Friday, January 23rd, we break down Rory McIlroy’s declaration that the merger is dead, the massive price tag on Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour return, and the sneaker politics shaking up LIV Golf.RORY CALLS IT OFFFrom the Dubai Desert Classic, Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott have signaled the end of "Solution A," claiming a peaceful merger is impossible because the necessary concessions would leave every party involved feeling like a loser.Quote: Rory challenges Rahm and Hatton on Ryder Cup fines: "We also said that we would pay to play... There are two guys that can prove it."The Angle: The stark realization that after years of negotiation, the only path forward might be total separation rather than unity.THE $90 MILLION RETURNThe PGA Tour’s aggressive 2026 "Where The Best Belong" campaign features a returning Brooks Koepka, but his comeback comes with a staggering financial penalty structured by Tiger Woods and Brian Rolapp.The Number: Koepka faces an estimated $90 million entry fee via the Returning Member Program.The Irony: The Tour is using the very defector they are heavily fining as the face of their new marketing push.SNEAKER WARSHarold Varner III departs Dustin Johnson’s 4Aces for Talor Gooch’s Smash GC, a move dictated not by performance, but by a clash of corporate titans.The Conflict: It’s DJ’s Under Armour contract vs. HV3’s loyalty to Michael Jordan.Fun Fact: In modern golf, shoe deals are now dictating team alliances more than friendships.Quick HitsTiger Woods spotted with Insperity logo hints at Champions Tour debut • Scottie Scheffler reaches 50% of Tiger’s weeks at World No. 1 • Bubba Watson’s Richard Mille superstition • Adam Schenk’s ball lands in a fan’s cocktail • McDowell vs. Kim on meritocracy pathways Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Wednesday, January 21st, 2026, we break down an amateur star forfeiting Augusta for LIV money, the locker room split over Brooks Koepka’s return, and legends begging for starts.THE HYFLYERS' NEWEST RECRUITOle Miss senior Michael La Sasso shocks the amateur world by turning pro to join Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers GC, a move that costs him his exemption into the 2026 Masters.While Akshay Bhatia rejected a similar deal, Ole Miss coach Chris Malloy calls La Sasso's financial offer a "no brainer."We discuss the heavy emotional toll of trading a drive down Magnolia Lane for guaranteed cash.A FRACTURED LOCKER ROOMBrooks Koepka’s return to the PGA Tour has exposed a deep divide between loyalists and pragmatists regarding the reintegration of LIV stars.Wyndham Clark doesn't hold back, claiming Koepka "got a cake and even ate it," while Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry welcome the competitive boost.The debate centers on whether the "ecosystem" needs big names more than it needs to punish defectors.LEGENDS ON THE BUBBLEThe ruthless meritocracy of the new Tour model leaves superstars Adam Scott and Jordan Spieth on the outside looking in, forcing them to rely on sponsor invites for Signature Events.Adam Scott offers a humble perspective on missing the Top 50, admitting he simply needs to "play better."A look at how the new system threatens to leave fan favorites behind if the results aren't there.TIGER TURNS 50Tiger Woods is out of The American Express as he continues to recover from October back surgery, noting he is currently limited to hitting short irons.Despite not playing, he takes on a mic'd up strategy role for tonight's TGL match.Spotted: Tiger embracing his new era with an "Old Guys Rule" shirt for his 50th birthday.Quick HitsWTGL signs Jeeno & Lydia (but no Nelly) • Gotterup credits Florida move for Sony win • Scheffler’s AmEx struggles • Vijay’s "Yass Method" fitness • Lily Muni He & Alex Albon engaged Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 episode, we break down the shifting leverage in the golf world and preview a high-stakes American Express in La Quinta following the cancellation of The Sentry.THE LEVERAGE WARSBryson DeChambeau is reportedly demanding a four-year, $500 million extension with LIV Golf, while Patrick Reed has surprisingly reversed course to call the PGA Tour the "premier place to play" despite his ineligibility for the Returning Member Program.Quote: Bryson on his leverage: "I could just as easily play golf on YouTube."The Angle: Greg Norman is now claiming personal credit for Tiger and Rory’s PIP earnings, asking "how much did you make?" in a fiery new interview.THE AMERICAN EXPRESS PREVIEWWith the Maui water crisis cancelling The Sentry, La Quinta feels like the true season opener; Scottie Scheffler makes his 2026 debut, though looming 2027 schedule changes threaten to wipe this historic event off the calendar entirely.Quote: Jason Day on the World No. 1: It takes "Tiger Woods 2000" to beat Scheffler.The Gear: Day is in the field with bizarre Avoda "curved-face" irons, proving the tinkerer never sleeps.Quick HitsWTGL signs Nelly Korda & Jeeno Thitikul • Tiger testing the Bridgestone VS Black Proto ball • LIV stops paying DP World Tour fines Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We break down Davis Riley’s wind-swept victory at the Sony Open, the internal battle over LIV’s format change, and the massive price tag on Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour return.SONY OPENDavis Riley battled 35 mph gusts to secure a two-stroke victory at Waialae, surviving conditions that turned greens into glass. It wasn't just golf; it was survival mode as the winds wreaked havoc on the field.Runner-up Chris Gotterup on the mental strain: "You stand over a three-footer and the wind is oscillating the ball... it’s just torture."At 62 years old, Vijay Singh finished T32, dusting stars like Morikawa and Bradley, prompting Phil Mickelson to tweet: "The man simply does not know how to stop grinding."LIV GOLF & PGA POLITICSA "civil war" is brewing at LIV as CEO Scott O’Neil pushes for a 72-hole format in 2026 to chase OWGR points. While Rahm and DeChambeau support the shift, Bubba Watson is leading the "Team 54" resistance.Rory McIlroy on the potential format change: "If they go to 72 holes, it’s just an admission that they are having a massive identity crisis."Brooks Koepka is officially back on the PGA Tour via the Returning Member Program, a move costing him a $5M donation and up to $90M in forfeited equity.THE AMERICAN EXPRESS PREVIEWWith The Sentry cancelled, all eyes turn to La Quinta for the true season kickoff. Scottie Scheffler makes his 2026 debut alongside Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay at The American Express.The Tour is rolling out a new AWS AI partnership to try and claw back viewership from the NFL playoffs.Quick HitsJon Rahm & Cam Smith reject PGA return • The Sentry cancellation fallout • *Super Battle Golf* nostalgia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.